Home Builder Developer - Interior Renovation and Design

The Elk Grove school district is performing a slew of repairs and upgrades to campuses this summer.

Projects include repairing roofs and installing all-weather track and field facilities. School officials also plan to open two elementary schools next month.

District facilities officials delivered an update on the projects to the Elk Grove school board at their June 13 meeting.

They also announced that the district gained $84.2 million last month during the first sale of their new Measure M bond. Bank of America Merrill Lynch was awarded the winning bid for the Measure M bond. Voters approved the $476 million general obligation bond last November to repair and modernize the districts aging schools.

District officials are still aiming to place the tax levy for property owners within the district at $38 per $100,000 of a propertys assessed value.

Weve had a lot of work since the success of Measure M and quite frankly its been non-stop, the districts facilities superintendent Rob Pierce told the board.

On the districts drawing board over the next 10 years are $360 million in campus modernization projects and $100 million in projects requested by stakeholders.

At the top of the projects are roof repairs at eight schools that are scheduled to be finished this summer. Affected schools include Valley, Laguna Creek, and Sheldon high schools as well as two buildings each at Elk Grove and Foulks Ranch elementary schools.

This winters storms reportedly caused roof leak problems. Pierce mentioned that many rooftops went unrepaired for years due to deferred maintenance funds from the state.

I know those arent the most feel-good projects in the world but I promise you when you have a leaky roof and the building is not secure it can cause a lot of other issues, he said.

District officials also plan to spend state funds from Proposition 39 to help fund the roof repairs as well as to install new heating and air conditioning systems this year. They are aiming to complete Prop 39 energy projects at 26 schools, according to a district staff report.

Also on tap are all-weather track and field facilities for Florin, Franklin, Laguna Creek, Pleasant Grove, and Valley high schools. Plans are to begin construction next month and finish before soccer season begins in early November. These facilities will be funded by Measure M; the district staff did not have total project cost, as of press time.

Pierce mentioned that shade structures were the most popular amenities requested from parents. His staff plans to install those structures at more than 30 campuses next year.

The district will hold grand openings for McGarvey Elementary School in Rancho Cordova on July 11 and Zehnder Ranch Elementary School in Elk Grove on July 13.

Continued here:
School district's Measure M projects underway - Elk Grove Citizen

June 21, 2017 by Bjorn Sturmberg, The Conversation Getting your strata committee to agree to solar panels is tricky, but it can be done. Credit: Stucco

While there are now more solar panels in Australia than people, the many Australians who live in apartments have largely been locked out of this solar revolution by a minefield of red tape and potentially uninformed strata committees.

In the face of these challenges, Stucco, a small co-operative housing block in Sydney, embarked on a mission to take back the power. Hopefully their experiences can serve as a guide to how other apartment-dwellers can more readily go solar.

From an energy perspective, Stucco was a typical apartment block: each of its eight units had its own connection to the grid and was free to choose its own retailer, but was severely impeded from choosing to supply itself with on-site renewable energy.

Things changed in late 2015 when the co-op was awarded an Innovation Grant from the City of Sydney with a view to becoming the first apartment block in Australia to be equipped with solar and batteries.

A central part of Stucco's plan was to share the locally produced renewable energy by converting the building into an "embedded network", whereby the building has a single grid connection and manages the metering and billing of units internally.

Such a conversion seemed like an ideal solution for solar on apartments, but turned into an ideological battle with the electricity regulator that took months and hundreds of hours of pro bono legal support to resolve.

In this way the Stucco project grew to embody the struggle at the heart of the Australian electricity market: a battle between choice and control, between current regulations that mandate consumers to choose between incumbent retailers, and the public's aspirations for green self-sufficiency.

A chicken and egg problem

Embedded networks have been around for decades. Yet if the Australian Energy Regulator had its way, they would be banned as soon as possible.

The reason for this is that they inhibit consumers' choice of retailer: consumers are forced to buy their electricity from the building's embedded network management company, which may exploit its monopoly power.

Yet it doesn't have to be this way. At least one company in Germany allows apartment residents to buy power either from their preferred grid retailer or from the building's solar-powered embedded network. This business model relies on Germany's smart meter standards that ensure all market participants can access the data they require.

We currently find ourselves in a standoff. The regulator is waiting on companies to offer solar powered embedded networks that include retail competition, while companies are waiting on the regulator to create an accessible playing field that would make such services viable.

The recently released Finkel Report touches on this by recommending a "review of the regulation of individual power systems and microgrids".

Stucco's bespoke solution

In the absence of such a solution, Stucco made a unique agreement with the regulator: the co-op committed to cover fully the costs of installing a grid meter for any unit whose occupant wishes to exit the embedded network in the future.

Such a commitment was feasible because Stucco's residents, as co-op members, have direct input into the management of the network including controlling prices (that are mandated to be cheaper than any grid offer). But it is difficult to image regular strata committees accepting such liabilities.

Embedded networks are therefore not the best general solution for retrofitting solar on apartments, at least not under current regulations. This is unfortunate because they represent the best utilisation of an apartment block's solar resource (Stucco's system provides more than 75% of the building's electricity) and are therefore increasingly being adopted by developers.

Advice for apartments

The good news for residents of existing apartments is that there are easier routes to installing solar. The even better news is that the cost of solar systems has plummeted (and continues to do so), while retail rates continue to skyrocket, so much so that body corporates are reporting rates of return of 15-20% on their solar investments.

The recommended options for apartments are epitomised by the old adage "keep it simple". They fall into two categories: a single solar system to power the common area, or multiple smaller systems powering individual units. Which of these is best suited to a particular apartment depends primarily on the building's size (as a proxy for its energy demand).

For buildings with 1 square metre of sunny roof space per 2m of floor space (typically blocks up three stories high), it is worth installing a solar system for each unit, as these will typically be well matched to unit's consumption.

Taller buildings (with less sunshine per apartment) are better off installing a single system for the common area, particularly if this contains power-hungry elements such as elevators or heating and cooling systems.

But here's the crux: no apartment can install solar without the political support of its strata committee. While this hurdle has historically tripped up many initiatives, increased public awareness has created a groundswell of support. Plus you may need fewer votes than you think.

To improve the chances of overcoming this barrier I have put together a solar-powered apartment pitch deck, available here.

While this article focuses on solar, it is important to remember that the first priority for any building should be to improve energy efficiency, by installing items such as LED lights, modern appliances, and insulation and draft proofing. For advice on these opportunities see the City of Sydney's Smart Green Apartments website and the Smart Blocks website.

Lastly, adding batteries to an apartment solar system creates extra challenges, for instance fire-prevention planning. But it allows for far greater energy independence and resilience, and a chance to join the future of distributed energy currently being enjoyed by so many of Australia's non-strata householders.

Explore further: UAE's first solar-powered gas station opens in Dubai

This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article.

A government oil company in the United Arab Emirates says it has opened the country's first solar-powered gas station in Dubai.

A new estimate from the U.S. government shows that California met its goal to produce about half the state's electricity from renewable sources for three hours on March 11.

Solar power can cover up to 40 percent of the electricity needs of a typical Belgian household. Going beyond that level becomes really expensive: using batteries coupled with solar panels would be twice as expensive as using ...

Rising electricity prices have become a fact of life in Australia and are likely to be so for a few years to come.

For a country with so much sunlight, some might think Australia has been slow to adapt its electricity generation mix to include solar power. One of the main reasons for this is solar intermittency.

In order to determine where bed bug outbreaks are occurring and the best way to prevent and control infestations, entomologists examined 2,372 apartments in New Jersey and looked at factors such as the age, race, and gender ...

A telecom company in the Netherlands has teamed up with the country's traffic safety authority to develop a bicycle lock that also blocks its mobile network, in a move aimed at protecting young riders who regularly pedal ...

A data analytics firm that worked on the Republican campaign of Donald Trump exposed personal information belonging to some 198 million Americans, or nearly every eligible registered voter, security researchers said Monday.

Researchers at UC Santa Barbara professor Yasamin Mostofi's lab have given the first demonstration of three-dimensional imaging of objects through walls using ordinary wireless signal. The technique, which involves two drones ...

From "The Jetsons" to "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang", flying cars have long captured the imagination.

Your next doctor could very well be a bot. And bots, or automated programs, are likely to play a key role in finding cures for some of the most difficult-to-treat diseases and conditions.

The long range of airborne drones helps them perform critical tasks in the skies. Now MIT spinout Open Water Power (OWP) aims to greatly improve the range of unpiloted underwater vehicles (UUVs), helping them better perform ...

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Get in on the ground floorhow apartments can join the solar boom - Phys.Org

Pompano Beach, FL - Maintaining the beauty and functionality of a home takes a lot of time, money, and concerted effort. For this to happen, one has to engage in some form of remodeling at one point or another depending on what area needs improvement. It is imperative to have all remodeling work done by a team of professionals. Years of experiences have given Pompano Beach Home Remodeling Services the immense expertise needed to remodel an entire home or just selected rooms. Following great customer feedback and satisfaction, the company has just announced the addition of more skilled contractors to their team of kitchen and bathroom remodeling experts, enabling them to take on and complete more home renovations in 2017. The expansion is geared towards ensuring high quality and reliable services for all of the companys clients.

The full-service Pompano Beach home contractors can competently undertake the remodeling of homes, whether it has been battered by extreme weather elements, has been worn out, or one just wants to spruce it up in anticipation of a potential sale in the real estate market. According to the companys spokesman, Kyle, If you are looking for a qualified team of professionals for home restoration services in Pompano Beach, we are here to serve you. We are dedicated to going above and beyond your remodeling needs and expectations. He further reassures everyone, Our bathroom redesign team has immense knowledge of the local styles and will design a bathroom that will make your home feel like new while our team of expert kitchen designers can provide suggestions on how to make your kitchen feel more spacious. The result is a home designed to keep the needs and preferences of the client, using the highest quality material, in check.

Pompano Beach Home Remodeling Services is built on a strong foundation of ethics, timeliness, integrity, and decades of experience. Using licensed and insured building experts, the company offers a selection of services including but not limited to the following: Home renovation, Home remodeling, and Home restoration.

These services include front entrance remodeling, driveway restoration, gazebo building, house addition, and exterior home remodeling. As the leading curb appeal contractors in Pompano Beach, Pompano Beach Home Remodeling Service has the know-how to give a home the ultimate enviable grand entrance. With the companys addition of the Pompano Beach Kitchen Remodeling and bathroom remodeling services, these turnkey home remodeling/home renovations experts can now live up to their promise of turning over a fully remodeled home to their clients.

From kitchen remodeling in Pompano Beach to bathroom remodeling in Pompano Beach, these building contractors have nailed the art of home renovations while adhering to safe industry standards. Give a Pompano Beach Home Remodeling Services a call at 954- 880- 3180 or email them at pompanohomeremodeling@gmail.com to learn more about their home renovation services and for a free estimate after a consultation. Visit their website at http://www.homeremodelingpompano.com/ for more information. Their office is located at 2601 NE 9th ter, Pompano Beach FL, 3306.

Media Contact Company Name: Pompano Beach Home Remodeling Services Contact Person: Kyle Email: pompanohomeremodeling@gmail.com Phone: 954- 880- 3180 Address:2601 NE 9th ter City: Pompano Beach State: Florida Country: United States Website: http://www.homeremodelingpompano.com/

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Pompano Beach Home Remodeling Services - Digital Journal

We are thrilled to be honored with this prestigious award. This award represents our continued commitment to quality and customer service.

Ashburn, Virginia (PRWEB) June 21, 2017

Collins Tile and Stone has won a Angies List Super Service Provider Award for the seventh consecutive year. The Super Service Award is given annually to the top 5% of qualifying businesses on Angies List based on consumer reviews.

Companies must maintain an A grade average for the entire 12 month review period to be considered for the Super Service Award. They must also pass a criminal background check and fully comply with Angies Lists operational guidelines. Winners are provided with award badges on their online profile. Companies are reevaluated every year based on their performance.

We are thrilled to be honored with this prestigious award. said Buck Collins, Founder and President of Collins Tile and Stone. This award represents our continued commitment to quality and customer service.

Collins Tile and Stone is a family owned business located in Northern Virginia. They specialize in full kitchen and bathroom remodeling. The Super Service Provider Award reflects the companys continued dedication to their clients. Collins Tile and Stone has received the award every year since 2010.

Collins Tile and Stone has received a number of certifications and awards since opening in 2008. Additionally, the company is 1 of 42 contractors in the country to be named as a Five Star Contractor by the National Tile Contractors Association (NTCA).

About Angies List Angies List is an online home services directory. Angies List allows members to read and publish reviews of local businesses and contractors. Angies List members provide ratings and reviews on the work and service provided by listed companies. Ratings are given on an A to F scale.

About Collins Tile and Stone Collins Tile and Stone is a Northern Virginia based bathroom and kitchen remodeling company. They offer full bathroom and kitchen remodeling services including radiant heated floors, steam showers and accent walls. Collins Tile and Stones tile installers are certified by the Ceramic Tile Education Foundation. The company is committed to providing exceptional customer service.

For more information about Collins Tile and Stone, please visit https://collinstileandstone.com.

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Collins Tile and Stone Wins Angie's List 2016 Super Service Provider Award - PR Web (press release)

The new office building sits outside of the flood zone on the opposite side of Concord Avenue from the marina.

By Matt Lobosco |

MIDDLETOWN After years of fighting to recover from Super Storm Sandy, the Leonardo boating community took a huge step in its recovery from the storm.

On Saturday, June 10, officials from the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) joined boaters, local officials and summer visitors to celebrate National Marina Day by unveiling the marinas new office building. The day-long event began with a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the building and included kayak tours, and craft and food vendors.

Open since 1963, Leonardo State Marina is one of New Jerseys six state marinas. The 17-acre facility along the shores of Sandy Hook Bay provides 176 berths for boaters as well as numerous educational programs for young people during the summer. However, several structures which provided services crucial to the operation of the marina were completely destroyed by Sandy, including its garage, its office, and its public restrooms.

Now the marina has a brand new building to provide virtually all the services lost from the storm. Along with restoring office space for the marina staff, the building provides new showers, bathrooms, a lobby area and a multipurpose room including a kitchenette, tables and chairs.

The one-story structure stands across from the marina on the other side of Concord Avenue, which runs the length of the harbor.

(Left to right) Robert DeCotiis of Master Consulting Engineers, Ed Mulvane of the Department of Property Management and Construction, Ron Sebring of Ronald A. Sebring Associates, LLC, Monmouth County Freeholder Serena DiMaso, DEP Assistant Commissioner Rich Boornazian and Superintendent of Parks and Forestry Maggie Mitchell gather to cut the ribbon to signify the official opening of the new office building.

This marina has been here for years. If you took a ride up the coast here, the boats all got lifted up and corralled and a lot of them were out of the water. This place was devastated, said Richard Boornazian, DEP assistant commissioner. We think this is a vibrant community. So its not only a service, its an amenity to have this marina here. This is a great boating community and we want to keep it here.

Boornazian said he was at the marina two days after the storm and could not believe the devastation. He emphasized his excitement over the hard work of the staff and the enthusiasm of the community for getting the office built. For as destructive as Sandy was, the staff and the town saw this as an opportunity to make the marina even better.

Maggie Mitchell, superintendent of the parks and forestry division of the DEP, shared Boornazians outlook. Opening this building and getting this open benefits everyone in the community, she said.

Ronald Sebring, owner of Ronald A. Sebring Associates, LLC and creator of the blueprint for architecture of the office building, echoed the feelings of the marina staff about the opportunity brought on by this project. He said he believed the facilities that existed prior to Sandy had many issues that were essentially being covered with Band-Aids. Sebring said the facilities in my mind needed updating and Sandy brought an opportunity to fix those issues.

Perhaps the new building can serve as a small silver lining in what has been a difficult recovery from Sandy. After five years of looking for a source of stimulation and excitement, the Leonardo community appears galvanized by the construction of the marinas new office building.

This is a great community. I love the way things turned out. This building will last for a very long time, Boornazian said.

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Leonardo Marina Shows Off Its New Office Building - The Two River Times

Construction of the $450 million, 32-story Northwestern Mutual Tower and Commons is now substantially complete, the company said today.

The Northwestern Mutual Tower and Commons office building in downtown Milwaukee.

Which means most construction is done, even inside, the company said.

Previously the building was under the control of the general contractor team of Gilbane and C.G. Schmidt. Now it is under the control of Northwestern Mutual.

The 1.1 million-square-foot building on the companys corporate headquarters campus in downtown Milwaukee is scheduled to open for business on Aug. 21.

Now we have the keys and we can shift our focus to getting the building ready for occupancy in late August, the company said. Teams that take care of the building and serve our employees (like building operations, security, cleaning, and restaurant personnel) are now working inside learning the building and becoming familiar with new equipment.

The general employee population wont be allowed inside until the building officially opens on Aug. 21.

Construction of the $450 million, 32-story Northwestern Mutual Tower and Commons is now substantially complete, the company said today.

The Northwestern Mutual Tower and Commons office building in downtown Milwaukee.

Which means most construction is done, even inside, the company said.

Previously the building was under the control of the general contractor team of Gilbane and C.G. Schmidt. Now it is under the control of Northwestern Mutual.

The 1.1 million-square-foot building on the companys corporate headquarters campus in downtown Milwaukee is scheduled to open for business on Aug. 21.

Now we have the keys and we can shift our focus to getting the building ready for occupancy in late August, the company said. Teams that take care of the building and serve our employees (like building operations, security, cleaning, and restaurant personnel) are now working inside learning the building and becoming familiar with new equipment.

The general employee population wont be allowed inside until the building officially opens on Aug. 21.

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Northwestern Mutual Tower and Commons construction substantially complete - BizTimes.com (Milwaukee)

Private equity fund Rockpoint Group has secured $117 million towards converting their Meatpacking District office project, records filed with the city show.

Two mortgages totaling $117 million and backed by the lots where Rockpoint owns the leaseholdfour parcels at 412-419 West 14th Streetwere recorded in public records today. Prolific construction lender Bank of the Ozarks provided the funds.

A construction loan of $63 million and a $54 million project loan, which would cover ancillary costs associated with construction, closed earlier this month.

Rockpoint is planning a140,000-square-foot, four-story boutique office building on the site, according to previous reporting from The Real Deal. The project requires approval from the Landmarks Preservation Commission, TRD said.

The planned project recently signedBermuda-based insurance firm Argo Group to a 48,000-square-foot deal, as Crains New York Business first reported.

The project will use the address 413 West 14th Street, and Argo plans to relocate by the third quarter of this year, CBRE, Argos leasing representatives, have told Commercial Observer.

No one with Rockpoint was immediately available to respond to inquiries. A Bank of the Ozarks representative did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

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Rockpoint Secures Construction Funds For 14th Street Boutique Office Project - Commercial Observer

The McKinney City Council approved an assignment agreement with Playful Building One, LLC, that paves the way for Playful Corp. to move forward with its new headquarters office building in downtown McKinney.

McKinney-based Playful Corp. is an independent studio founded in 2013 that is thedeveloper of the Luckys Tale franchise and Creativerse. Playful CEO Paul Bettner previously was the founder and CEO of Newtoy, the creator ofthe highly successful gameWords with Friends, which was also based in McKinney.Playful currently has partnerships with Microsoft, GameStop and Sony.

Based on the assignment agreement, Playful will construct a minimum of 45,000 square feet of Class A office building and 125 surface parking spaces adjacent to the luxury apartment and mixed-use building currently under construction at the corner of Davis and Chestnut Streets.According to current designs by Playful, the company is planning to construct a minimum of 53,000 square feet of office space, larger than the 45,000 square feet laid out in the agreement. The parking associated with this building will be available to the public on nights and weekends.

We are thrilled Playful has chosen to remain in historic downtown and to build their headquarters here, said Mayor George Fuller. The company offers high-quality jobs in the entertainment industry, and to have a young and energetic company like Playful in downtown continues to add to the rich diversity of our business landscape.

In February 2016, the City Council approved a Chapter 380 incentive agreement with Columbus Realty Partners for a two-phased development of the former Collin County courthouse site.The assignment agreement approved by City Council on Tuesday provides the citys consent to assign the phase two incentives and construction obligations to Playful, which will be constructing the office building.

The uniqueness of historic downtown and the fact that we are embedded in this community is huge for our company, said Bettner. Most cities are trying to replicate this feeling with urban centers that promote live, work play. McKinney is the authentic version of that sentiment and we hope this development continues to enhance and extend that legacy.

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McKinney approves agreement with Playful Corp. for HQ - Star Local Media

DAVENPORT, Ia. (KWQC) - Kathleen and Rick Thomas have lived in their Davenport home for 20 years and try to keep up with ongoing maintenance projects and improvements. The couple said they choose one project to complete each year and this year decided to replace old and broken windows.

"We had broken glass so we had to put plastic and tape over it," Kathleen said. "We have another window in the basement that has come loose for whatever reason, it's just kind of sitting in the frame."

Over the last year bubble wrap has protected the broken window, but Kathleen said hot and cold air still draft through depending on the season. In February the couple said they signed a $1,400 contract with Tri-State Siding and Windows to replace the old ones. At that time, the they paid 50 percent. According to the contract, it takes 6-8 weeks for materials to arrive and another five days for installation. After that time period had passed, Kathleen said she tried to contact the company multiple times with little or no response.

"[I was] frustrated that I couldn't get any response from anyone and I called the office at one point and nobody was ever at the office," Kathleen said. "I left messages and finally I left a message with the office and the cell phone of the owner."

Kathleen said she called the company 25 times and received one phone call and a text message saying installation would be delayed. After multiple phone calls the couple reached out to TV6 for assistance. TV6 was able to make contact with Tri-State Windows and Siding. Owner, Andrew Sallee blames lack of communication, weather and a backlog of orders for the delay.

"We apologize this is not our normal way of business and I understand as a homeowner that their home is their largest investment," Sallee said. "That customer is our reputation and we dropped the ball on communication and we are going to fix that."

When TV6 approached Sallee he pledged to install the Thomas' windows by Wednesday free of charge. Sallee said he is on the customer's side and is in the process of making changes to internal operations to avoid having another order neglected. Meantime, the Thomas' said they are both weary and anxious for installation.

"Let's just get it done I am not going to complain to them, just get it done that's all we want."

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Davenport homeowners waiting on windows ordered four months ago - KWQC-TV6

This press release was orginally distributed by SBWire

King of Prussia, PA -- (SBWIRE) -- 06/19/2017 -- Summer is here, which means the weather is getting warmer. The warmer weather presents the perfect opportunity for any homeowner to get to home improvement projects that were put off during the winter. Anyone looking for reliable roofers in West Chester, PA should look no further than the experienced team at G. Cannon Roofing and Siding.

First impressions are important, and G. Cannon Roofing and Siding can help homeowners' roofs appeal to guests and neighbors. For every project they work on, they use attention to detail, and quality products and craftsmanship.

Protecting a home from Mother Nature is key, and that is why installing a new roof is a stellar option this summer. G. Cannon Roofing and Siding can help make a home look beautiful, as well as make sure it can stand up to elements. There are many different choices for homeowners to pick from, such as asphalt, wood, tile, metal, composite and much more.

Whether someone is looking for a brand new roof or wants to rehab their current one, G. Cannon Roofing and Siding has a full-service crew that can handle anything thrown their way. They go beyond the basics, which is why they are replacing other companies roofs in a few years, not the other way around. On top of giving homeowners a new quality roof with quick installation, G. Cannon Roofing and Siding also provides extended warranties and great customer service.

The clear choice for roofers in Springfield, PA is G. Cannon Roofing and Siding. Anyone interested in their services should call 484-653-5800 or visit http://cannonroofingandsiding.com/.

About G. Cannon Roofing and Siding G. Cannon Roofing and Siding performs roofing installations, maintenance and repairs throughout Southeastern, PA. The company won the 2012 GAF Training Excellence Award for their intensive training process for all employees. By continuously upgrading their materials and industry knowledge, G. Cannon Roofing and Siding provides the most reliable service in the area.

For more information, visit http://www.cannonroofingandsiding.com.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.sbwire.com/press-releases/g-cannon-roofing-and-siding-can-install-new-roofs-this-summer-822463.htm

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G. Cannon Roofing and Siding Can Install New Roofs This Summer - Digital Journal