Contractor Advantage July/Aug 2013 by Annex Business Media

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JULY/AUGUST 2013

CONTRACTOR ADVANTAGE

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CA N A DA’ S M AG A Z I N E F O R P R O F E S S I O N A L C O N T R AC T O R S

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CONTENTS

Features

Cost-effective beauty / 18 The modern desire to turn even more basically built homes into objects of singular beauty is great.

Anchors away / 24 A new wave of homeowners are demanding custom-built waterside structures.

Cottage builds / 30 Todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s cottagers are looking for more modern conveniences than ever before.

Inside

NEWS WATCH / 4 May housing starts NEW PRODUCTS / 7 New and improved products BUSINESS STRATEGIES / 10 Delegating discussion SMART MONEY / 12 Understanding the federal budget ECONOMICS 101 / 14 Strategic content marketing LEARNING CURVE / 17 Renovating by the book July/Aug 2013 Vol. 20 No. 4

Editorial Director Castle Building Centres Group Ltd. Jennifer Mercieca Managing Editor Paul Barker Art Director Mark Ryan

Castle Building Centres Group Ltd., with building supply outlets in every province, is Canadaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s leading supplier of lumber and building materials to professional contractors, builders and renovators. Publications Mail Agreement #40006677 Return undeliverable Canadian Addresses to: 100 Milverton Drive, Suite 400 Mississauga, Ont. L5R 4H1

Contributors Jen Alsip Nestor E. Arellano Lawrence Cummer Victoria Downing Stefan Dubowski Paul Rhodes David Chilton Saggers John G. Smith

Superior exteriors / 36 Homeowners want their decks, patios and balconies to be built to last and easy to maintain.

Raising the roof / 40 High-quality roofing projects begin with the right material choices.

Solid foundations / 44 Building a solid foundation is certainly no job for an amateur. Advertising Enquiries Vendors whose products are carried in Castle Building Centres stores have the opportunity to advertise in

Contractor Advantage

For more information or to reserve space in the next issue, contact: Jennifer Mercieca Director of Communications Phone: 905-564-3307 Fax: 905-564-6592 E-mail: jmercieca@castle.ca

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NEWS WATCH

May housing starts virtually unchanged from previous month Housing starts in Canada were trending at 182,756 units in May compared to 182,971 in April, according to Canada Mortgage and Housing Corp. (CMHC). The trend is a six-month moving average of the monthly seasonally adjusted annual rates (SAAR) of housing starts. “The trend in total housing starts was essentially unchanged in May as gains in the multiple starts segment partly offset the moderation in activity that was observed in previous months, especially in Atlantic Canada and Ontario,” said Mathieu Labarge, deputy chief economist at CMHC. “As a result, the trend in housing activity remains close to its historical average and is in-line with estimates of household formation.” CMHC uses the trend measure as a complement to the monthly SAAR of housing starts to account for considerable swings in monthly estimates and obtain a more complete picture of the state of the housing market. In some situations analyzing only SAAR data can be misleading in some markets, as they are largely driven by the multiples segment of the

IKO Industries goes interactive with launch of new website

markets which can be quite volatile from one month to the next, it says. The standalone monthly SAAR was 200,178 units in May, an increase from 175,922 in April. The SAAR of urban starts increased by 14.6% in May to 177,234 units, led by a 22.2% rise in multiple urban starts to 114,346 units. Single urban starts increased by 3% to 62,888 units in May. May’s seasonally adjusted annual rates of urban starts increased in Atlantic Canada and Ontario, and were essentially unchanged in the Prairies. Urban starts decreased in British Columbia and Quebec.

Lafarge Canada now a national sponsor of the CaGBC Lafarge Canada Inc. has become a Silver National Sponsor of the Canada Green Building Council (CaGBC) for 2013. As part of this sponsorship, Lafarge Canada was also the Post-Gala VIP Reception sponsor for the 2013 CaGBC National Conference and Expo, which took place at the Vancouver Convention Centre from June 4-6. Speaking on behalf of Lafarge Canada Inc., Eastern Canada President and Chief Executive Officer Bob Cartmel said “being a sustainable partner in the communities where we live, work and raise our families is part of our core values. 4

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“The CaGBC sponsorship program is exactly in line with our mission of building better cities that offer more housing, are more compact, are durable, better connected and more beautiful, along with sustainable infrastructures that support our communities, such as roads, bridges and transportation links.” The CaGBC works closely with organizations that are involved in the design, construction and operation of buildings and homes in an effort to make every building sustainable and durable. The council also administers the LEED green building rating system in Canada.

CONTRACTOR ADVANTAGE

Roofing materials manufacturer IKO recently launched a new and enhanced version of its company website. “We wanted it to become a destination and resource for the markets and channels we serve,” said Carol Perkins, the company’s director of marketing. “The needs of homeowners, contractors and distributors are distinctly different.” “Technology is changing the way we all communicate. Our new marketing program recognizes this. Step one was to make our website more interactive and accessible on the go. Along with special tools like our RoofViewer shingle selector and distributor/contractor locators, our new site features instructional videos and iPad apps.” As an example, contractors and consumers can now click on the Idea & Learning Center for access to a library of instructional videos, product information, installation tips and even safety checklists for what to do “after the storm.” Contractors and distributors will have technical specs and material safety data sheets at their fingertips, as well as videos and online seminars on topics ranging from installation advice to business-building strategies. Meanwhile, consumers will discover a glossary of roofing terms to make them feel more comfortable dealing with contractors plus tips on what to look for and ask to ensure they are dealing with an ethical and reputable roofing professional.

Introducing the new Solar Powered “Fresh Air” Skylight

The Solar Powered “Fresh Air” Skylight features a solar panel that captures any available daylight and uses it to recharge a highly efficient, fully concealed, battery powered operator and control system. This remote controlled solar powered skylight installs just like our other VELUX skylights and requires no wiring, making for an easy and cost effective installation. Call us today for more information: Toll free: 1 800-888-3589 www.velux.ca

PRODUCT SHOWCASE

Building Blocks

Innovative Products for Today’s Renovators AUTOREWIND CABLE REELS MEET DIFFERENT RENOVATION NEEDS

Task Tools recently released five models of its Task by Designcord Autorewind cable reels to meet the electrical cable needs of a variety of contractor tasks. The 52’ Jobsite Autorewind Cable Reel with 12 AWG (Heavy Duty) Cable is heavy enough to stay put while the cord extends and features IP44 socket protection against water and dust, an impact resistant outer shell, and aluminum armour for on-the-job durability. The 12 AWG heavy duty cable is rated for 20 amps and 2500 watts. This model also contains a sturdy frame for multiangle use and a reciprocating rewind guide to prevent jams. The 30’ and 50’ Workshop Autorewind Cable Reel with 16 AWG (Light Duty) cable models contain sturdy handles and convenient auto-rewind mechanism. Both offer fixed sockets to give flexibility to unwind and rewind without unplugging devices, which allow contractors to move around their work area with ease. Roller guides and vented cases allow the cables to self-clean when rewinding by letting dirt and water escape. The 50’ version contains an extendable integrated ladder hook.

Meanwhile, the 20’ Household Autorewind Cable Reel with 16 AWG (Light Duty) Cable offers greater reach, the same fixed socket design for winding without unplugging devices and a stylish horizontal design. Finally, the 10’ Compact Autorewind Cable Reel with 16 AWG (Light Duty) Cable combines features of larger autorewind reels into one compact unit. A patented fixed socket design allows winding without unplugging devices. All models feature on/off switch with overcurrent protection and resettable overheating protection and are CSA compliance. Further information is available at www.task-tools.com.

In the Castle 50th Anniversary issue on p. 59, a Valued Vendor Partner profile was included for Velux Canada Inc. The contact information included was incorrect. Below is the correct vendor profile including the Velux website address and toll-free number. We apologize for the error.

VELUX Canada Inc. VELUX Canada is the market leader in the manufacturing of skylights, Sun Tunnels, and roof windows. Only the VELUX No Leak Skylight™ includes 3 layers of water protection for a worry-free installation. Available throughout Canada, our skylights and roof windows are complemented by a complete range of blinds, electronic accessories, and shades. This year alone, VELUX Canada has introduced the New Solar Powered Venting Skylight, a full range of solutions for flat roofs and expanded our colour blind collection to include more than 90 options. With industry leading technology, superior customer service and the best warranty on the market, VELUX offers the best experience in natural lighting. www.velux.ca 1-800-888-3589 CONTRACTOR ADVANTAGE

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PRODUCT SHOWCASE

IKO ADDS PALETTE OF NEW COLOURS TO CAMBRIDGE HD SHINGLE LINE

To satisfy the demands of homeowners spending more time outdoors, IKO Industries has released a palette of colours for its Cambridge HD (short for “high definition”) line of architectural laminated asphalt shingles. The new colours can help roofs to better blend in or stand out, the company says. IKO’s Nature Accents series come in five colours: Glacier, Appalachian, Pacific Rim, Sedona and Biscayne. Each colour is meant to evoke the parks and landscapes for which they were named and add curb appeal to any style home, from rustic to urban and traditional to modern. Cambridge HD uses a heavyweight fiberglass mat, coated with a special bitumen compound, to provide long-lasting protection of the roof. “Until now, shingles were only manufactured in gradations of the same basic colors,” says Carol Perkins, director of marketing at IKO. “A roof can dominate a home’s visual expanse by as much as 60%. Now that homeowners are spending so much of their time outdoors, the roof is becoming a canvass to express their individual style.” Further information is available at www.iko.com.

FAST2K FENCE POST BACKFILL ELIMINATES NEED FOR CONCRETE

Fast 2K Fence Post Backfill by Chemque is a highstrength alternative to concrete during the installation of fence posts. Based on the same technology used to install utility poles for more than 15 years, a single bag of Fast 2K sets a 4x4 Post in an 8” by 3’ hole replacing two 50 lb. bags of concrete mix. The fill mixes in 30 seconds without the need of water, expands to fill the post hole and sets in minutes after being poured. A typical fence job with 16 posts (4x4) will require only 16 bags or approximately 32 lbs. of Fast 2K replacing almost 1 ton of concrete mix, the company says. By using this backfill, installers can reduce labour costs, as well as cut time spent on loading and unloading heavy concrete bags, preparing the concrete and waiting for it to cure. According to the company, Fast2K is ideal for all types of posts including metal fences, gates, signs, mailboxes, trellises and can be used during the winter. A demonstration video and product calculator can be found at www.fast2k.com. CONTRACTOR ADVANTAGE

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BUSINESS STRATEGIES

Delegating Discussion

Morale rises as employees become more skilled and involved in the running of the company. BY VICTORIA DOWNING

a higher hourly wage. Effective delegation increases employee retention. Your pool for ideas becomes larger as everyone begins to think of ways to do tasks more efficiently. Why then is delegating so difficult? In most cases, it comes down to trust that your employee will be able to perform well. The issue of trust becomes even more important when your reputation or your personal income is closely linked to the results, but you can delegate without risking too much. Control the limits until you feel comfortable that your employee can handle more complex tasks. Start slowly and

Victoria Downing is president of Remodelers Advantage Inc. and is a leading authority in the remodeling industry. She has authored and co-authored several industry books, including The Remodelerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Marketing PowerPak. She can be reached at victoria@remodelersadvantage.com or by phone at 301 490-5620 ext. 105. 10

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make the right preparations, and you can be a master at delegating to a team that is enthusiastically participating in the success of the organization. On the other hand, when done poorly, delegation can take a great deal more of your time to correct the problems that occur. Employees can find themselves spending a longer time to accomplish a task because of lack of know-how, experience, or information. Stress levels and interpersonal conflict among the staff or with you may increase when tasks, accountability or expectations are unclear. In addition, delegating the wrong tasks or too many tasks can convince your employees that they should expect to be involved in all decisions and that any decisions you make alone is autocratic and unfair, which breed resentment and distrust. To avoid that, here are some steps to consider when beginning your delegation journey.

PHOTO: THINKSTOCK IMAGES

elegating work and responsibility to others is one of the most difficult parts of growing and managing a business. Most business owners do not like to cede control. After all, being in control of your own destiny was one of the reasons you went into business for yourself. Still, if you are going to grow your company, take control of your life, and create an energized, enthusiastic team of employees, you must become a great delegator. There are many advantages to delegating effectively. For you, it means more time to address other important strategic issues within the company such as budgeting, financial forecasting, long range planning, human resource issues, marketing, or to simply take a much needed vacation. Also, by allowing others to take on tasks about which they are interested, and maybe even passionate about, you might find that your employee can do them better than you. Your employees also see wonderful benefits. They grow in abilities and gain confidence. The more confident that you and the employees feel about their abilities, the more you can delegate. This adds to their value within the company, allowing you to reward them with a more valuable compensation package. Morale rises as employees become more skilled and involved in the running of the company, making them less likely to leave your company for something as simple as

BUSINESS STRATEGIES When should you delegate?

A basic rule of thumb: delegate before you have to. Sometimes, when managers have time to do work themselves, they do, even though the work could and should be delegated. This results in two problems. First, delegation becomes simply a method for relieving the manager’s workload and stress. A primary reason for delegating is forgotten, that of training their employees to be thinking, responsible, contributing team members. Also, employees then feel like pressure valves for managers and not really valued. Second, when delegation occurs only under pressure, there is no time for training. In order to make this work, you have to take the time to provide needed information, answer questions and make sure that they understand the results that are expected. Without this, workers’ mistakes and failures increase, and managers are tempted to take the tasks back in order to ensure quality.

What you should delegate

First, look at your routine activities. Which of those could be delegated to someone else? Are there simple administrative tasks that could easily be pushed down to others on the staff? If so, do it now. If delegating more advanced tasks, ask yourself, “Will my employee’s capabilities be expanded by this assignment?” This should be a central reason to delegate tasks. Never underestimate a person’s potential, delegate slightly more than you think the person is capable of handling. You will be pleasantly surprised more often than not. Delegation can quickly get a bad name in a work team if it is viewed as a way for the boss to get rid of the tedious work. Be consistent and delegate a mix of chores including those that you enjoy taking on as well as others you may find to be a chore. The standard thinking is to delegate those things you hate, but some ex-

perts take the contrary view. Delegating a few things that you love will keep you interested in the progress and successes of your employee. The highest level managerial and leadership duties should never be delegated, such as creating the long-range vision for the company, hiring your key department managers, performance appraisals for management, disciplinary actions for those key managers, financial management and strategic planning. Should your employees have some option in whether or not they accept the delegation? You certainly cannot always do it, but getting buy-in from the employee will definitely increase commitment to the project. Like most management skills, delegation can be learned with weeks or months of practice. In the next issue we will discuss how to choose the right person to delegate to and what type of authority to give them.

liv Outdoor provides the wide range of premium deck and fence products to help create your backyard oasis and enjoy your outdoor living space it its fullest. Deckortators Railing Systems can add an air of distinction and uniqueness that enhances your deck, appearing like wrought iron but without the high cost or maintenance needs. TigerClaw and Camo Hidden Deck Fasteners allows for an unblemished deck surface and adds life to your deck, while the Invisirail glass rail system provides you with the view you worked so hard to create – completely free of obstructions. For more on Liv Outdoor’s extensive line of premium deck and fence products visit www.livoutdoor.com or speak with your local Castle Building Centre’s representative.

Build a Better deck

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SMART MONEY

Understanding The Federal Budget The most recent edition contains numerous proposals that can affect a contractor’s personal tax situation and goals for the coming years.

“ ”

BY PAUL RHODES

he most recent federal Budget was released on March 21. The government’s stated goals behind the budget are the improvement in employment and economic performance, while also bringing the federal budget back into balance by the 2015/16 fiscal year. Now that everyone has had time to digest the overview that was delivered, this article will bring together the points delivered in the Budget that may be of most relevance to the business owner in the construction industry. Note; however, that many of these items are proposals only, with the details of how they will be delivered subject to change. Under the new Building Canada plan, the Budget pledged more than $53.5 billion in support of local and economic infrastructure projects in cooperation with provinces, territories and municipalities. The plan will cover ten years, starting with the 2014-2015 year. The new investments will focus on projects that promote productivity and economic growth, such as highways and public transit, and will also include publicprivate partnerships. The Budget proposes the creation of the Canada Job Grant, which will provide $15,000 or more per person, including a maximum federal contribution of $5,000 and matching contributions from the provinces/territories and the employer. Businesses with a plan to train unemployed or underemployed Canadians for

Under the new Building Canada plan, the Budget

pledged more than $53.5 billion in support of local and economic infrastructure projects in coopera-

tion with provinces, territories and municipalities.

an existing or better job will be eligible to apply for the grant. Once the details have been negotiated with the provinces and territories some benefit to the industry should be felt given the lack of skilled trades people. Specifically highlighted in the Budget are the expected shortage of engineers and construction workers. The Capital Gains Exemption (CGE), which was the subject of a previous article in this space, allows a deduction against taxable capital gains realized on sale of qualifying property. The amount of the deduction is 50% of the capital gains exemption for the year of disposition. For a sale of shares the individual must be selling shares of a Qualifying Small Business Corporation, which requires several technical conditions to be met. The Budget has increased the lifetime capital gains exemption from the current $750,000 to $800,000. The increase in the limit is to be effective for 2014 and subsequent taxation years and will be

Paul Rhodes is a partner at Soberman LLP. His professional experience includes providing assurance and advisory counsel to a number of clients in construction, manufacturing, real estate and internal audit engagements. Paul is a member of the Toronto Construction Association. 12

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indexed for inflation for years after 2014. The accelerated capital cost allowance (tax deductible depreciation) for certain capital assets has been extended. For any companies with manufacturing and processing activities, the Budget proposes to extend the 50% capital cost allowance deduction by two years so the beneficial tax deduction will apply to 2014 and 2015. The half year CCA rule, which has not previously been applied to the deduction, will be applied to deductions for assets acquired in 2014 and 2015. Therefore if an asset is acquired for $100 and available for use in 2014 the CCA deduction for tax in that year will be $25 (calculated as $100 x ½ for the half year rule x 50%). Personal tax rates payable on certain dividends have been increased. The dividends affected are referred to as “non-eligible” dividends, which include dividends paid out of retained earnings that have been taxed at beneficial tax rates (such as the reduced small business rates). For any company paying such dividends, the federal tax rate payable by individuals receiving them (assuming the individual is in the top federal tax bracket) has increased from 19.6% to 21.2% for any dividends paid after 2013. Prior to the Budget, paying dividends as opposed

“ ” SMART MONEY

to salary to the shareholder resulted in a saving of tax. This Budget proposal is intended to reduce that tax saving. This increase in tax on dividends may provide an incentive to pay dividends to shareholders during 2013 instead of waiting until 2014 in order to avoid the additional tax cost. There are other factors to consider. For example the expected level of the shareholder’s total income and the combined federal and provincial/territorial marginal tax rates at which the dividend will be taxed. The shareholder may also have no need for additional income personally. If the shareholder has no need for the additional income for the foreseeable future (over and above the current income withdrawn from the company) the benefit of leaving the income in the company and deferring the additional personal level of tax payable may outweigh this tax saving in the short term.

If you find your claims for GST/HST refunds being delayed or if you receive a request from Canada Revenue Agency for business information you

should consult with your independent accountant.

The Budget has also proposed that the Minister of National Revenue have the authority to withhold GST/HST refund claims until such time as the claimant provides all prescribed business identification information. If you find your claims for GST/HST refunds being delayed or if you receive a request from Canada Revenue Agency for business information you should consult with your independent accountant. Any business owner in the industry con-

sidering the effect of the Budget on their business and personal tax situation and on their plans for coming years should review their circumstances with their professional advisor: the present is always a good time to ensure that your plan is still effective in meeting your goals.

This article has been prepared for general information. Specific professional advice should be obtained prior to the implementation of any suggestion contained.

YOU SAID, “IT WOULD BE PERFECT IF IT HAD A TROPICAL FINISH.” WE SAID, “CONSIDER IT DONE.” Now TrexTranscend® comes in new tropical hardwood finishes. And it still nails the details that made it #1 in its category. Like a 25-year limited fade and stain warranty, scratch-resistant finish, and the eco-appeal of 95% recycled material. All nicely topped off with a new integrated lighting. The TrexTranscend® decking and railing system.

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ECONOMICS 101

Strategic Content Marketing This critical piece of a sound search engine optimization strategy allows a firm to focus in on user intent. BY JEN ALSIP

Jen Alsip is the content marketing manager for Volume 9, Inc., which creates custom search marketing campaigns. Drawing on 11 years of experience in Internet marketing, she helps put together strategies for her clients to improve their outreach and personalize the information they are putting out on the Internet. For more information, visit www.volume9inc.com. 14

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these personas within your target audience has very different interests and will respond to specific content. Someone who is younger with pre-school kids may be looking for more engaging content, whereas an older working woman with teens may be more responsive to the technical information you can provide. Therefore, identify the various personas within your target audience so you can reach and engage each group.

Create a targeted and consistent blog. The purpose of your blog should be to connect with and engage readers by providing value to them through relevant content. After all, when readers like the information you provide, they are more apt to return to your site and ultimately purchase what you offer. The key is being able to provide usable content for all the personas you have identified. Staying with the “women age 35-50 with kids” example, you may write a narrative blog entitled “The Best Toy I Ever Purchased” to reach the stay-at-home mom persona, and the next day you may write a technical blog entitled “The Safest

PHOTO: THINKSTOCK IMAGES

nline marketing and search engine optimization or SEO used to be all about banner ads, paid link building, email campaigns, and payper-click. While they are still used, to be truly relevant to today’s consumer, you must add strategic content marketing to the mix. SEO refers to anything Internet-related that is based on organic results. In other words, it is when someone goes to their favorite search engine and types in a keyword or phrase related to what you offer, and your company or product appears naturally in the results. Making sure which takes a little more time but yields your information is visible in the search is great results. important and plays a huge role in the art In order to fully leverage your content of communicating with your customers marketing activities, follow these three without “selling” them. It is about creat- simple steps. ing fresh, relevant, and unique content through your blog and social media that Identify personas for your reaches your ideal customers and enables target audience. you to earn a presence in the SEO space. You likely have a target audience for your For any business, content marketing products and services, and often the audiis one of the most important online ac- ence is quite broad, such as “women age tivities to enhance their SEO ranking. 35-50 who have kids” or “Baby Boomers” Unfortunately, many are not fully utiliz- or “men age 18-40 who like sports.” While ing it because they lack an understanding there are certain characteristics that go of the concept, impact, and necessity of across the entire target audience, there content marketing. As a result, companies are also many subsets of people (called frequently get stuck in the old way of do- personas) within the target. ing SEO, which entailed writing keyword For example, using the “women age heavy content tailored for search engines, 35-50 who have kids” target audience, versus the new way of doing SEO, which you could have specific personas of is writing engaging content for the read- “married, working mom,” “stay-at-home ers. It is about focusing on user intent, mom,” “single, working mom,” etc. Each of

ECONOMICS 101 Way to Clean Electronic Toys” to reach the working mom persona. Each blog would have a different tone based on the persona you are targeting. In addition to providing relevant content, being consistent in your blogging activity is important. Whether you post something daily, three times a week, or four times a month will depend on the topic and your readers. The key is keeping your schedule consistent — doing the same number of posts every week. Posting a blog every day for a month and then not doing anything for two months can hurt your SEO efforts.

Concentrate on engaging your audience Engaging your audience means getting them to share your information with others via their social media channels, comment on your blog posts to create conversations, or click to your marketing pages to learn more and ultimately make a purchase decision. It is about getting your readers to take some sort of action without pressuring them to do so. Today’s readers do not want to feel pressured to do anything, so the engagement needs to be natural. Even the search engines have changed their search algorithms to make the results more innate based on what a user would naturally do. Therefore, putting a link within your blog post to a page on your site that is related to a product you are talking about is totally fine and recommended. Someone would naturally click on that page since they are reading a post about the topic, but putting in eight different links with optimized anchor text that either all go to the same page or to one specific product is the epitome of putting pressure on a reader. Additionally, when you keep the focus on engagement and categorize your blog posts correctly, your posts can show when someone is looking at your products. In other words, if someone is shopping and comes across your product, they can see that you wrote a blog post about the product and click on it to learn more information, which can then influence their buying decision.

Make Content Marketing Work for You Content marketing is a way to expand your reach, build relevancy in the search engines to gain traffic and visibility, and convert readers into buyers. Realize, though, that content marketing is just

one piece of having a winning online marketing strategy. No single technique or strategy will make your business profitable; however, when you combine content marketing with all the other online and offline marketing activities you do, you will soon realize the success and profits you deserve.

New Summerside Steel Shingles.

Strength, beauty and aﬀordable protection for your home. SummersideTM Steel Shingles are designed to outlast and outperform traditional roofing materials. They are precision engineered from 28 gauge steel with a double embossed finish, so they're stronger than most other steel shingle roofing systems. The unique four way interlocking system allows for quick installation and tightens on all four sides to resist wind uplift and heavy snow loads. Ask for SummersideTM Steel Shingles at your local Castle Building Centre.

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Built in – remote controlled LED lighting system to bring your deck to life … at night!

3 color & brightness settings

regalideas.com

Regal Ideas Inc., a leading manufacturer of “do it yourself” aluminum railing and fence systems, has introduced an innovative new line of LED lighting products. Unlike traditional deck and railing lighting products currently sold in the marketplace that are single point focused, Regal’s system is designed to add lighting and ambience to the entire perimeter of the railing and deck and is operated by remote control that offers different colour and brightness choices.

Regal can be reached at 604-952-4290 for more information on the new LED lighting system and other products.

LEARNING CURVE

Renovating By The Book A renovator’s go-to guide receives an update and nine popular international codes become available for e-readers. RENOVATION 4TH EDITION: COMPLETELY REVISED AND UPDATED The Taunton Press While home renovation remains a hot market, today’s homeowners are wiser. Their renovation projects now focus on spending more cautiously, increasing energy conservation, and creating spaces that they can live in longer. In response to these changes, The Taunton Press has released Renovation 4th Edition: Completely Revised and Updated by Michael Litchfield. A much sought-after home renovation resource for more than 30 years, Renovation 4th Edition provides expert acumen for a new generation. Its 614 pages contain revised chapters on planning; doors, windows and skylights; electrical wiring; and energy conservation; with illustrations that are crisp and informative. Its more than 1,000 photos were selected from more than 40,000 that the author has taken over the years.

When it comes to home renovation, there is no substitute for experience. As such, Renovation 4th Edition contains the collective wisdom of hundreds of contractors, architects and tradespeople who shared their first-hand experience with Litchfield as he interviewed and photographed them on job sites across North America. As a founding editor of Fine Homebuilding magazine and a home renovator himself, Litchfield was able to record lifetimes of practical, field-tested solutions, and trade secrets from the cream of these top building professionals. Renovation 4th Edition is written in a down-to-earth conversational style that is clear and easy to understand. Both first-time renovators and professionals who want to supplement their knowledge of specific trades will find it invaluable. The reference guide reflects the new realities of planning carefully, spending wisely, maximizing space and building durably.

INTERNATIONAL CODE COUNCIL 2012 I-CODES Cengage Learning Delmar, part of Cengage Learning, has announced the expansion of its line of eBooks detailing popular codes published by the International Code Council (ICC), making nine of the most recent international codes available via convenient, compact e-reader devices. The codes developed by the ICC, referred to as the I-Codes, are a set of coordinated building safety and fire prevention codes that benefit public safety and support the industry’s need for a single standard. Professionals working in the building industry now have digital access to this code information directly on their Amazon Kindle, Barnes and Noble Nook or compatible reading device. The portability of these devices will allow for building trades professionals to have these important code reference materials on-hand at all times on the job. The following 2012 I-Codes eBooks are available: • 2012 International Residential Code • 2012 International Building Code

• 2012 International Fire Code • 2012 International Plumbing Code • 2012 International Mechanical Code • 2012 International Fuel Gas Code • 2012 International Energy Conservation Code • 2012 International Swimming Pool Code • 2012 International Green Construction Code These titles add to seven made available by Cengage last year: the 2009 International Residential Code; 2009 International Building Code; 2009 International Fire Code; 2009 International Plumbing Code; 2009 International Mechanical Code; 2009 International Fuel Gas Code and 2009 International Energy Conservation Code. The ICC, a membership association dedicated to building safety and fire prevention, develops the codes used to construct residential and commercial buildings including homes and schools. It publishes updates to its I-Code series every three years. Both books are currently available from www.amazon.ca and www. chapters.indigo.ca. CONTRACTOR ADVANTAGE

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FEATURE

JULY/AUGUST 2013

CONTRACTOR ADVANTAGE

beauty FEATURE

COST-EFFECTIVE

There are ways to doing more impressive work with less budget. BY LAWRENCE CUMMER

PHOTO: NOVISTONE

hen it comes to home aesthetics, contractors know the drill: homeowners want it all, big, bold and beautiful, but all too often at the lowest price possible. An insurmountable challenge in the past, new material and product options help today’s contractors find ways to make it work when tight budgets and big dreams inevitably collide. The modern desire to turn even more basically built homes into objects of singular beauty is great, says Gary Coleman, national accounts manager at CanWel Building Materials in Brampton, Ont. Bored with the same carbon-copy box as their neighbours, homeowners want something that shows better and displays their unique personalities. The challenge, though, is always the same. “When people think about retrofitting their home and updating it, they always have a number in mind,” Coleman says. “At the end of the day, too often, it ends up costing far more than the number they imagined.” If that occurs, the end result is not just an unhappy customer, but even the threat of legal action if the scope of work was not clearly spelled out. Overcoming this age-old dilemma requires that contractors help homeowners focus on what is truly important to them and the look they are trying to achieve,

says Stephanie Brown, sales manager of kitchens and baths at Barrie, Ont.-based building products manufacturer and distributor CanSave. “Work with them to help them prioritize,” Brown says, adding that contractors can still make an impressive splash on a tight budget, with a bit of juggling and by creating what she calls “visual focal points. “Is it going to be a great big range, or the countertops? Then maybe you do suggest they spend a little more on that, but cut back on other areas.” A strong line of communications is essential so that homeowners understand how and why the budget is being used and spent. “You don’t want to spend half their money on a countertop and then find yourself, as some do, over budget three-quarters of the way through the job,” says Brown. “Part of the discussion around prioritizing also needs to be future planning, and being honest and realistic.” Discuss the nice-to-have elements that can be saved for later renovations, since this not only frees up budget for the necessary big purchases, but also generates future business opportunities. Brown reiterates that the key to creating a successful visual impact with limited funds is to find those areas outside the big eye-catching focal points where costs can be cut. She and other product experts share a few. CONTRACTOR ADVANTAGE

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FEATURE

Roofing and cladding

JULY/AUGUST 2013

“More and more homeowners are looking for a product that provides a nice visual, but it must be affordable, lowmaintenance and easy to install.” Coleman similarly recommends Fusion Stone, distributed by CanWel, to give homeowners that desired effect of masonry. This thin stone is installed with stainless steel clips and screws and creates an outstanding appearance, he says.

Outdoor structures ends up, in a lot of cases, being less than a regular three-tab shingle.” For homeowners wanting the highclass look of masonry but not the highpriced cost of hiring masons, Novik Inc. offers polymer cladding that affordably creates the architectural look of stone. Marie-Lin Gaudreau, Novik’s director of marketing says the new Novistone DS has the look and feel of a dry-stack stone wall, and is appropriate for both outdoor and indoor decors. “The stone look is very trendy right now, but if you turn to masonry it is more expensive, and is going to require a few installers due to the weight,” she says. Gaudreau says that because Novistone DS is polymerbased it is low maintenance, providing further value beyond its attractiveness.

CONTRACTOR ADVANTAGE

Far from eliminating work for the contractor, DIY-type products can be a significant advantage when attempting to provide great value at a low cost, says Jeff Morrison, national accounts manager at Goodfellow Inc. “The whole concept of value engineering comes from the contractor having the right product. When looking at DIY products, that is right in the wheelhouse of value engineering and where savings really come in.” Turning to DIY products like Yardistry structures offered by Goodfellow (see also p. 39), allow contractors to offer a fair margin while still delivering solid results, Morrison says. Importantly it improves the bottom line, and frees up contractor’s time and attention to be placed on other areas to enhance.

PHOTO: BP ROOFING

The roof is one of those focal points in a beautiful high-impact home, says Coleman. “Standing on the curb and looking at a house, the largest part is the roof.” Today, a small additional investment when replacing roof shingles can go a long way. Coleman suggests roofing contractors recommend architectural-profile laminated shingles over traditional threetab shingles if they want to give homes a significant appearance boost and save homeowners money over time. “For an extra few hundred dollars, they are better to go with an architectural laminated shingle that really pops off the roof and says, wow,” he says. It is more than just aesthetics. Architectural laminated shingles provide longer life and better peace of mind, Coleman says. As opposed to the 20 year life of traditional shingles, these last more than 35 years. He says premium architectural laminated shingles would cost a maximum of 20-25% more than a typical three-tab varieties, adding at most $500 to $650 in material costs to an average job before any mark-up or premium the contractor can charge on installation. “If you did a cost analysis and amortize it over the life of the roof, the cost

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PHOTO: NOVISTONE, BP ROOFING

The Yardistry line of products includes everything from fences and screens, to gates, entry arbours, pergolas and other structures. For great looking decks built with reasonable costs, Coleman points to composite decking options for their ability to stay beautiful. “The composite products available today, compared with what were available a few years ago, are a whole lot different in terms of performance and look.” Again, like architectural laminated shingles, while composite decking options may have a small premium associated with them compared to natural wood, the savings experienced over the life of the deck cannot be ignored. “Anyone who has treated lumber once or twice in their lifetime understands that after three or four years of sitting out in the sun it just does not look as good,” says Coleman. “For a little bit more per square foot you have something, with composite decking, that is virtually maintenance free and will basically last forever.”

Kitchens and baths Since kitchens and bathrooms are two of the places that tend to guarantee a return on investment in property value, they are often the first looked at for flashy upgrades. Here, thoughtfully planning that kitchen renovation is critical. “There are countless ways to save on just about everything,” says Brown. One sure-fire technique is to have fewer, but more optimally placed draw-

ers. Instead of having cabinet drawers everywhere, Brown says a few in all the right spots can maximize storage space while minimizing cabinetry costs. As materials go, she notes that while everyone loves the look of a big wooden door with a painted-white finish, this visual effect can be gained from a lessexpensive thermofoil. “It is a similar look, but a huge savings.” For bathroom improvements, Brown recommends the same well-planned and highly-prioritized approach, but cautions heavily against risking cheap materials. . “While thinking of aesthetics in the bathroom, contractors need to really keep an eye on the quality of the products you do not see,” she says. “If you put a cheap faucet — both in quality and price — into the kitchen and it leaks a little bit, the homeowner may lose one cabinet or wreck a countertop. If you put in a bad shower pan, and it cracks, the homeowner might not even know until the floor is nearly giving away.” The value and return of investment from quality products sometimes needs to be explained to homeowners. A little bit more spent on the right product makes a big difference “They can pay really little today for something that looks good, or they can pay just a little bit more for something that, in 10 years, still looks stunning,” she says. “The good thing is that you don't have to pay a ton of money for good quality anymore.”

The Power of Product Knowledge Contractors must ensure that in the quest to bring homeowners affordable options, there is still a focus on quality. That is where an in-depth knowledge of products and options becomes almost as important as the technical ability needed to install them. To stay in the know and ensure top quality, experts suggest: • Research warranties – Ensure the manufacturer stands behind their product. • Look at product availability – Deals on a “truckload” of end-ofthe-line products can make future add-ons difficult. • Use social media – Many product reviews are shared on the Internet today. • L everage your dealer – Your local independent lumber yard is a “go to” for product knowledge. Attend breakfasts or show days they host where new products are presented. • Attend events – Trade shows and similar industry events present a great opportunity to keep up on trends.

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PHOTO: THINKSTOCK IMAGES

FEATURE

JULY/AUGUST 2013

CONTRACTOR ADVANTAGE

Anchors away FEATURE

A new wave of homeowners are demanding custom-built docks that contain the same type of amenities now found on a backyard deck. BY NESTOR E. ARELLANO

PHOTO: THINKSTOCK IMAGES

here are still plenty of simple and sparse docks floating around; however, DIY television shows have created an emphasis on personal style and multi-purpose features, and turned the tide towards docks that play dual roles as water craft garages and outdoor entertainment areas. Custom bars, refrigerators and even hot tubs are making a big splash these days aboard more and more marine docks. Docks have been transformed from mere structures to tie a boat to or a launching pad for cannon ball dives into the water, to the focal point of a cottage’s lakeside view. Experts advise contractors catch a ride on the wave. “The trend offers builders excellent upsell opportunities, bigger and higher paying projects and a chance to have fun and be more creative,” says Guy Baril, business development manager for Marcel Baril Ltd., a distributor of floating dock products based in Quebec and Ontario. While large residential docks and even boathouses have been around for decades, the last five years have seen a growing number of “dressed up” shoreline structures even among smaller docks, he says. Roger Gainer, owner of Docks and Decks Unlimited Inc. in Sudbury, Ont., makes his living building docks and decks, can attest to this. Over the years, it is as if we have been taking entertaining out of the house, first to the backyard deck and now out to the water’s edge, he says. “Almost all the amenities you can see on a deck are now being installed on the dock,” according to Gainer. “People want CONTRACTOR ADVANTAGE

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cozy seating benches, barbecue areas, bars, electrical lines for mood lighting, refrigerator, lines for showers, sinks and Jacuzzis. We recently built a gazebo on a dock.” The idea is to match the accessories with the owner’s needs. For example cool green lighting underneath the dock frame is not just for effect. For an avid fisher it also serves as illumination for nighttime fishing.

In union with the water Regardless of how far they may be from the house, docks are not stand alone structures. Their very presence in the water affects the ecosystem of plants and aquatic creatures. Well before even the first plank of wood is measured and sawed, contractors need to ensure that clients have secured the necessary permits to build or repair any structure on the shoreline or water. Contractors can also avoid project delays and fines by being aware of provisions of the Fisheries Act and other legislation that cover dock construction. Violators of the act may even be required to cover the cost of restoring the habitat at the site or to fulfill court ordered remedies, according to the Fisheries and Oceans Canada (FOC) website. Generally, according to the FOC, solid docks made from concrete or steel sheeting will not be approved because they are vulnerable to ice damage, can cause stagnant water and destroy fish habitat. When cutting, staining, painting or sealing planks, make sure it is done well away from the water so that the water is not contaminated. Creosote treated wood should never be used near or in the water. The FOC recommends using untreated cedar or hemlock timbers for structures below the average annual high water mark. When submerged, “these timbers will last a lifetime,” but not contaminate the water, the FOC says.

or when less movement of the deck is desired. Floating docks consists mainly of a deck with a number of floatation blocks or tubes underneath the frame to keep them buoyant and anchors all around to keep them from moving. These docks rise and fall with the water level and can be pulled out of the water when needed. Many structures incorporate elements of both stationary and floating docks. Some designs will have a fixed structure that is hinged to a floating deck. Some floating docks will also have one or more

pilings driven beside it to limit the movement caused by boat wakes. Recommended decking materials include cedar, pressure treated wood, aluminum and composite products from recycled wood fibre and polyethylene, Baril says. Marine grade pressure treated wood is still the most popular dock material because of their ability to withstand the ravages of the elements and relative cheap price, but composite products are catching fast, he says. An 8’x20’ dock made with pressure

PHOTO: DOCKS AND DECKS

Dock types Docks come in many shapes and sizes, but they basically boil down to three types: stationary, floating and a combination of the two. Stationary docks have a deck elevated above the normal water level on wood or steel pilings or legs that rest on the lake bed. They are cross-braced for stability. These docks are ideal for locations where water levels do not frequently change CONTRACTOR ADVANTAGE

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treated wood costs around $2,800, but it also needs to be sealed or stained every year to protect it from water damage. A composite dock of the same dimension will likely costs three times as much, but will require less maintenance, according to Gainer. “In the last three years I have seen a growing demand for composites,” he says. “They were below the radar before, but now they make up 10% of my business.” Fiberon outdoor composite surfaces are among the more popular decking materials for docks, according to Jacques Brossard, product specialist at Goodfellow Inc., a wood products wholesaler and distributor. “Fiberon stands up to water and the elements, it is sustainable because it is recyclable and it is finished like real wood,” says Brossard. “The product is lowmaintenance and easy to clean.” Another advantage Fiberon has over real wood is that it does not splinter, Brossard adds. A cross between treated wood and composite is the Dex-N-Dox line of decking material, says Brian Brett, communication specialist for GemThane. “The product is a furniture-grade eastern white pine substrate, pre-coated with a marine grade polymer to protect it from water and the freeze-and-thaw cycles of the Canadian environment,” says Brett. “It comes in several colours and tints that show off the grain of the wood.” The lightness of aluminum makes it ideal for floating and semi-fixed docks that 28

JULY/AUGUST 2013

have to be pulled out of the water, according to Gainer; however, apart from being twice as expensive as composite, many people just cannot get over the material’s disadvantages especially when used on docks. “They can be powder coated or painted but over time the finish chips,” he says. “In cold weather aluminum gets cold and it gets pretty hot in the summer.” Modular docks offer a form of flexibility that can be hard to achieve. They consist of a high-density polyethylene resin blocks, that literally serve as building blocks for the dock. The blocks are filled with foam to make them float, and are held together with bolts and fasteners to form a floating dock of almost any shape imaginable. Like a child playing with Lego blocks, the owner can change the shape of the dock anytime. When finished and properly anchored, modular docks can be used as entertainment docks or swimming platforms. Powered watercraft can even be driven over the durable surface when the dock is being used as a floating lift. A 100-square foot modular dock can cost anywhere from $1,800 to about $4,000. Unfortunately, the only look available is a plastic industrial one.

Make it last forever The deck and underside of a dock should be periodically inspected for damage or signs of deterioration so that repairs can be made immediately before the situation gets worse. Cedar and hemlock may be impervi-

CONTRACTOR ADVANTAGE

ous to water damage, but other woods will need re-sealing or re-staining at least once a year. Owners should also pay attention to the condition of dock legs and floaters, according to Doreen Vienneau, general sales manager at Downeast Plastics Inc. The Cap-Pele, N.B.-based company manufactures expanded polystyrene (EPS) buoys and dock floaters. “Many floaters are made of foam that can be pecked by creatures like ducks or turtles,” she says. “The floaters can be covered with plastic or wrapped in chicken wire for added protection.” To avoid damage from boats slamming or scraping the dock, she suggests installing PVC or foam bumpers on the sides of the dock. Ice can wreak havoc on a dock that has been left to the elements. The pressure of frozen water is strong enough to lift even the sturdiest pile from lake beds and moving ice can sheer off dock legs or even crush the whole dock. Some people erect vertical piles in the proximity of the deck to divert ice flow. Others use deicers, which are pailsized motors with propellers. They are hung underwater alongside the dock. The machine pulls up warmer water from the bottom to the surface to prevent ice from forming around the dock. “Docks can be substantial investments,” says Vienneau. “When properly and regularly maintained, a dock can provide its owner with enjoyment and functionality for up to 20 years or more.”

PHOTO: DOCKS AND DECKS

FEATURE

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FEATURE

COTTAGE

Today’s cottagers are looking for more modern conveniences than ever before, complete with entertainment systems and gourmet kitchens. BY JOHN G. SMITH

lanning a construction project can be tricky at the best of times, but Bob Newnham of Infinity Fine Homes in Lindsay, Ont. refers to a job that illustrates the unusual challenges that can emerge in cottage country. 30

JULY/AUGUST 2013

Every trip to the building site involved nothing less than a 40-minute boat ride. “We had to stage stuff really carefully, and line up suppliers so we could have three or four delivery trucks arrive at the same time,” he recalls. All the building products had to come on wrapped skids that could be quickly

CONTRACTOR ADVANTAGE

loaded onto a 120’ barge, which crews dubbed “the aircraft carrier”. “Due to the logistics and the staging and the barging, people should be aware of the fact a typical island job will cost them 25% more and probably take 25% more time,” he says. Most experienced cottage contractors can share war stories about the damage caused by wildlife, the need to blast away hundreds of tons of granite to clear room for foundations, and ever-changing restrictions on exactly where they can build. They refer to subcontractors who disappear into the wilderness during hunting season. Transportation-related issues simply top the list. Setting aside building sites that can be accessed by water alone, many trips involve winding dirt and gravel routes that can barely be described as roads. Depending on the time of year, the journeys can be a challenge for a family’s ATV let alone any heavy equipment or trailers full of supplies. “Some of the places we work, the access is absolutely nuts, like ‘Why would you build a house here?’’ laughs Newnham. “Most people up here have a fourwheel-drive pickup truck. Some of the lumber companies have even four-wheeldrive boom vehicles. You cannot take a two-wheel-drive panel van, especially in the winter,” agrees Dave Nodwell of Dave Nodwell Muskoka Contracting. To compound matters, seasonal road restrictions in the rural areas often limit

PHOTO: INFINITY FINE HOMES INC.

BUILDS

FEATURE

when heavy equipment can move at all. Concrete trucks are often parked between March and May, notes Blayne Hutchins of Attainable Solutions, a general contractor based in Huntsville, Ont. Of course, this is when contractors enjoy a road of any sort. The best landing area for a barge may be nowhere near the preferred building site on an island, observes Randy Burke of Evergreen Home and Cottage, with offices in Lindsay and Orillia, Ont. “The preferred building site could have a very sharp drop off in front of it. It could be rocky. It could be shallow.” It could also require crews to make a path. Hutchins, meanwhile, refers to the challenge created by clients with wateraccessed sites who want work to begin after the Labour Day weekend. This can leave crews scrambling to complete jobs in two or three months before the ice begins to form. It is why the staging of building materials is particularly important in the remote areas. “It takes a tremendous amount of communication between lead hands on job sites and the office so we can get the materials ordered,” Newnham says, noting how supplies often need to sit at a building centre for one or two weeks before a site can be accessed. In the best-case scenarios, his team likes to park intermodal containers on site to store materials. “The project sites are so CONTRACTOR ADVANTAGE

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isolated there is a huge issue with materials vanishing,” he says, referring to thefts. “Distances have forced us to become technologically advanced,” he adds. Infinity Fine Homes crews are equipped with iPhones, iPads and laptops. When a text message arrives, they might just need to hike out to the highest point on a property for Internet reception. “When we get out to the island jobs,” he says, “you can be completely out of cell coverage. That can be frustrating.”

PHOTO: INFINITY FINE HOMES INC.

Building restrictions Then there is a matter of understanding exactly where cottages can be constructed on a property in the first place. Many cottagers are shocked by the limits of what can be done at the water’s edge, especially if they have lived around structures built long before such guidelines were established. “We do a lot of work on the lakes, and every township has different rules and regulations, and it takes a lot of time to get all the approvals sorted out,” Hutchins says. “They are really trying to limit the extent that development impacts natural vegetation.” It is a reality that can put planners at odds with the visions of individual cottage owners. A property

with a healthy 300’ of shoreline may still allow for a mere 50’ to be developed for docks, boathouses or other amenities. Burke refers to permits required by an array of governing bodies from the Trent-Severn Waterway to the Ontario Ministry of the Environment. To compound matters, customers who need a minor variance on a lot may find that the related Committee of Adjustment meetings are far more infrequent than those held in urban areas. “People often will think they can get something going in six to eight weeks where sometimes it can take six to eight months,” he says. Conservations authorities can introduce another bureaucratic hurdle. In one

recent project, Newnham was working with a customer who wanted to build on a property that was identified as part of a flood plain because it was located 20’ above the mean water level of Balsam Lake. It did not seem to matter that Balsam Lake is at the summit of the Trent Severn Waterway. “How can the highest point in North America raise 20’?” he asks. Meanwhile, health departments can introduce their own restrictions on septic systems, using formulas, which calculate the capacity required for a five-person home, giving little thought to the fact that the seasonal cottage will be occupied just half the year. Height restrictions along a shoreline can require some creative designs when

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The cottage look Beyond the site-related details, contractors are often working with different finishes in the cottage settings when compared to urban work. “Everybody wants the cottage feel and it varies from traditional surveyed builds because people want wood and roughsawn lumber,” Nodwell says. Others want to opt for the natural look of cedar rather than pressure-treated lumber. Many spindles around a deck, meanwhile, are replaced with glass inserts to maximize the view. “It is all about the view at the lake and being able to access the water.” Still, the visions have evolved. Today’s cottagers are looking for more modern conveniences than ever before, complete with entertainment systems and gourmet kitchens. Hutchins has even seen more customers move to contemporary styles for the structures themselves, includ-

ing floor-to-ceiling glass, flat roofs and commercial-style interiors. The drywall returns right into the windows without any trim. Other shifts in demands can be linked to demographics. Nodwell, for example, refers to aging baby boomers looking for larger living spaces that can accommodate extended families and grandchildren. Structural trends are making a difference of their own. Burke has seen the wider use of Insulated Concrete Forms (ICF) since the systems offer an affordable way to double living space. “It’s conducive to a difficult site because the blocks can be hand-bombed into a site if you need to, and the concrete can be pumped.” In contrast, a typical plywood form will require the services of a crane, which may not be able to reach the excavated site. It all requires some added planning, but that is a reality for this cottage industry.

PHOTO: INFINITY FINE HOMES INC.

building a two-storey boathouse with living space, he adds. “You have to design the roof in such a fashion that you still have room to stand up inside but still get a boat underneath it.” It is not the only way that plans for renovations can be a challenge. Many aging cottages were, to put it mildly, built using questionable building standards. “You are asked to put a Band-Aid on a situation where, down the road, it is going to haunt everyone,” Hutchins says, referring to some initial calls about renovating a structure rather than building from scratch. In reality, a few careful conversations may show that clients are simply interested in saving specific features. As fond as they are of the cottage that grandpa built with 2x4s on 2’ centres, they will often accept a new structure if it can include a few prized features such as an old fireplace or doorframe marked with the heights of growing kids. In one project, Newnham hired finish carpenters to rebuild several hand-made sliding windows and include those in a new screen porch. “Clients are very, very conscious of flora and fauna around the place,” he adds, referring to other features which need to be protected. “We have gone to extreme measures to try to save many trees. We do not just go in and clear cut.” The challenge is that there are limits to how well rock shrapnel can be controlled during a blasting operation. Mesh, plywood and fencing all need to be carefully placed. Customers also need to be prepared for the added costs.

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FEATURE

SUPERIOR

EXTERIORS Homeowners want their decks, patios and balconies to be built to last and easy to maintain. New products enable contractors to deliver. BY STEFAN DUBOWSKI

Trex Available in a range of colours and finishes, the deck-and-rail system from Trex Company Inc. consists of material made from recycled plastics and wood fibre, so it is durable: the plastic components protect the wood from moisture and insect damage while 36

JULY/AUGUST 2013

CONTRACTOR ADVANTAGE

PHOTO: THINKSTOCK IMAGES

ontractors used to make a decent living by building basic decks, fences and other exterior structures. It is a different story today. Contractors need to build outdoor structures that meet customers’ heightened expectations for style and durability to really to turn a solid profit. Fashion and function are both important. Clients no longer view decks and patios as outdoor areas to be used only occasionally. Customers consider these exterior spaces to be additional “rooms” to be enjoyed whenever the weather allows. Homeowners want their backyards and balconies to be as stylish as their living rooms and dens. Clients also want outdoor structures that are as easy as possible to care for. Building-industry insiders say that with Canada’s aging population, many property owners want to avoid the expense, time and effort involved in maintaining decks, fences and pergolas. Contractors increasingly require building materials that are designed to look good, last for years and help reduce maintenance. In response, building-materials companies now offer products such as the composite wood-plastic Trex deck system and PVC Endeck boards, which stand up to wear, tear and weather better than other options do. When customers demand that their outdoor structures are built with wood, cedar remains the number-one choice. Meanwhile, modular building systems such as Yardistry help contractors create unique outdoor structures quickly, which can contribute to builders’ bottom lines.

FEATURE

the wood guards the plastic from UV damage. It is also environmentally friendly, containing no toxic chemicals or preservatives. “Trex has a colour warranty and, unlike wood, it doesn’t have to be re-stained or sanded,” says Chris Jones, vice-president of allied products at Taiga Building Products Ltd., which supplies the Trex system. Contractors need not learn any new tricks or purchase unusual tools to install Trex decks. “You can use pretty much the same tools as you would to install wood, but because of the way it is made, it is more weather resistant,” Jones says. He adds; however, that Trex boards are heavier than wood, so they may be more difficult to work with under certain circumstances. Also, Trex boards are not structural, so builders should ensure that the spans between joists are no greater than 16”. All of the Trex composite products offer a natural look that closely mimics wood. The material provides excellent traction, even when wet.

PHOTO: TREX IMAGES

The Trex system includes these options: • Transcend: With a 25-year warranty, it is available in eight high-end colours such as the new Tiki Torch, a shade inspired by the deep hues found in tropical wood species. •E nhance: This board comes in two colours (Clam Shell grey and Beach Dune brown) and offers a 20-year warranty. • Reveal: An aluminum railing that is powder coated for colourfade resistance. Resilient deck products are becoming more popular as customer priorities shift, Jones says. More than ever, customers are willing to spend extra for durable materials. After all, Canadian summers are short; clients would rather spend time enjoying their decks and patios than sanding and re-staining them. CONTRACTOR ADVANTAGE

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Endeck

Paint faster with Purdy’s dual roll-off bucket

A quality paint job puts the finishing touch on outdoor structures, but it also takes time. Chop the workload with Purdy’s new dual roll-off bucket. Designed with input from professional painters, this two-sided bucket can be used by two painters at once, saving time on paint jobs. The bucket features a new grid pattern that lets painters load their rollers more quickly and thoroughly, necessitating fewer trips between the bucket and the job area. The product also has paint gallon markings and holes for installing caster wheels. Purdy says the strong handle is guaranteed not to disconnect from the bucket, preventing disastrous spills.

Another deck board option, Endeck is made from PVC. This product from Enduris Inc. does not rot, warp or colour-fade over time the way wood can, although its double-sided wood-grain embossing gives the material a natural look and feel. According to the manufacturer, wood decks can cost as much as $1,500 to $3,000 over and above their original cost every five years for sanding, staining and repairs. Endeck requires no such maintenance, so even though the boards are more expensive, structures are less costly in the long run. Dan Plouffe, president and owner of National Forest Products Ltd., the London, Ont.-based supplier of Endeck, says property owners can use water from a garden hose to clean off the material. Meanwhile, common household cleansers and a cloth take care of grease and bird droppings. The colour is guaranteed for 20 or 30 years, depending on the hue. Do resilient deck products like Endeck and Trex portend the end for the wood market in the outdoor structures sector? Not a chance, Plouffe says. In fact, his company’s cedar board sells faster than Endeck, and that will likely continue for the next few years. “Some people still like wood,” he says. “Ultimately, many customers feel that nothing compares to the real thing.” According to the Western Red Cedar Lumber Association, cedar presents numerous benefits that manmade materials cannot match. For example, cedar can be cooler underfoot than composite deck material, because wood generally breathes better than composites do, allowing heat to escape more easily. What is more, cedar is naturally resistant to rot and insects. This wood also contains natural preservatives that help protect the material from harsh weather. For many clients, cedar exhibits a natural beauty that is difficult to match with manmade materials.

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CONTRACTOR ADVANTAGE

PHOTO: PURDY

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Safeguarding outdoor structures

As customers increasingly view outdoor areas as extensions of the home, they invest in outdoor furnishings such as comfortable couches, lounge chairs and dining tables, that they want to protect from theft. Lock and latch makers have stepped up to give homeowners some peace of mind. Stanley Hardware, for instance, has latches, hinges and locks made with engineered polymers suitable for gate and security applications. These systems are difficult to break and corrosion resistant, making them ideal for outdoor use. A few examples from Stanley’s product portfolio:

PHOTO: YARDISTRY

Yardistry That said, a growing number of clients want outdoor structures to be built as quickly as possible. To help contractors meet the need for speed, Waterloo, Ont.based Yardistry Ltd. offers a modular system of cedar screens, structures and fences, protected with a factory-applied, water-based stain. Designed to last about 20 years, Yardistry’s connectable components (including toppers, beam ends, posts, rails and panels) enable contractors to quickly create solutions to help define yard areas, highlight yard features or create private spaces. The product is strong and easy to install, with an offset dado and half-lap lattice construction, plus a simple clickand-lock connector system. The pieces come from the factory in a Cape Cod grey, but contractors can stain or paint them to suit the client’s style. Yardistry vice-president Ron Krochuk says builders would have to spend more than twice as much to build from scratch components that are comparable to his company’s products. In addition to the modular components, Yardistry offers software that helps builders draft projects and develop materials lists. (Contractors who already use Google SketchUp or AutoCAD for design can download the Yardistry design library to those programs.) Yardistry is a member of the Solowave Design Inc. family of companies, which includes the Big Backyard line of children’s playhouses and play systems. According to Krochuk, Yardistry stems from the same philosophy that drives the rest of the Solowave organization: outdoor structures need to be

strong, long-lasting and easy to build. After all, when it comes to Canadian yards, “we don’t get enough time out there,” he says. “We want to enjoy it.” Yardistry’s components, along with the innovative Endeck and Trex deck products, mean that contractors can build durable, easy-to-maintain outdoor structures quickly. Customers can get out there and enjoy their yards faster, and builders can get on with the next profit-making project as soon as possible. At the same time, when clients specify wood as the construction material of choice, it is good to know that cedar has specific properties that give outdoor structures strength and beauty.

• MagnaLatch is a key-lockable top pull that is easy to install and horizontally and vertically adjustable. It features permanent magnets for reliable closure. • TruClose is a self-closing gate hinge with alignment ridges to ensure proper positioning for metal gates. This product will not rust, bind, sag or stain. • LokkLatch Deluxe is a dual-access gate latch that locks and unlocks from both sides of the gate. Its dual six-pin lock can be rekeyed to match other household locks. Installation requires drilling just one hole through the fence post.

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Raising the Roof High-quality roofing projects begin with the right material choices.

omeowners seldom give much thought to the roof over their heads until something goes wrong. The concerns might emerge after noticing the curling edges on a few shingles, the exposed areas of a roof’s deck, or water stains on the ceiling. No matter what drives the project, important choices have to be made, and an installer’s work will involve more than shingles alone. “Your shingle is only part of the system,” explains Malcolm Orr, national accounts manager for IKO/CRC. The roof 40

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trusses and deck need to be in sound condition before any shingle is attached. Eaves, valleys and skylights should have an ice and water membrane to protect against ice dams and water, and an underlayment is recommended to protect the exposed deck. Proper cap shingles top everything off. The system even needs the chance to breathe. Shingles on a poorly ventilated roof can blister, curl or age prematurely, while its roof deck can begin to rot because of unwanted condensation. The improving insulation in today’s building envelopes can compound the problem by retaining heat. The answer here comes in

CONTRACTOR ADVANTAGE

the form of the National Building Code requirements which demand a square foot of ventilation for every 300 square feet of insulated ceiling space, evenly dividing the vents between the lower level and the roof ridge. (Cathedral ceilings will require twice that square footage.) Of course, product choices will make a difference of their own. Unlike traditional organic shingles that were saturated in asphalt and then coated in weathering asphalt, today’s fibreglass mat products are simply coated with weathering asphalt on the top, bottom and sides. “You are working with a mat that is

PHOTO: BUILDING PRODUCTS OF CANADA CORP.

BY JOHN G. SMITH

FEATURE

“ Your shingle is only part of the system.”

much more consistent in terms of thickness and construction,” Orr adds, referring to improvements that have been introduced. Still, the amount of asphalt applied to a shingle can make a difference between good, better and best options. “The amount of asphalt applied to the shingle is what gives you that long term ‘weatherability’,” he explains.

Laminate leaders Laminate shingles dominate most of today’s choices, with varied depths that deliver a cedar-shake-like appearance, and there is another advantage. Unlike traditional three-tab shingles which need

to be carefully lined up against a chalk line to ensure an appealing look, the laminate shingles will hide slight shifts in one direction or another. One of the biggest changes in the products has come in the form of broader warranty coverage. “Prior to 2011, the different models of shingles had different warranties,” says Building Products of Canada’s roofing product manager, Gilles Landry. Traditional three-tab shingles were covered for anywhere from 20 to 30 years; laminate shingle warranties ranged from 30 to 35 years; lifetime warranties were limited to premium designs. “In 2011 the industry, and I mean everyone in the industry, changed that and gave lifetime warranty on all laminate products,” he says. As broadly accepted as the changes were, there are still differences. Some

- Malcolm Orr, IKO/CRC manufacturers limit lifetime warranties to single detached homes like a typical bungalow or cottage, offering pro-rated coverage over 40 years. “If you sell the house, this disappears,” Landry says. Others extend the support to apartment buildings and townhomes. Some warranties on manufacturing defects also cover the full cost of the products for longer periods of time, before gradually pro-rating the available payments. The differences in product choices do not end there. Orr, for example, stresses how three bundles of IKO Cambridge or CRC Biltmore shingles will cover a full square (100 square feet). Bundles of competing shingles can cover smaller areas, potentially requiring more shingles to be purchased or wasted, depending on the size of the roof. Landry makes the case for physically larger products. Building Products of

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make another difference. “All of our laminate shingles have a white nail line applied to the face of the shingle. When the nail is driven through that point, it mechanically secures both pieces of the laminated shingle to the deck,” Orr says. The nailing becomes particularly important when working on a steep 18:12 or 21:12 mansard-style roof, requiring careful placement along the nailing strip. “If installers are not careful enough ... the back side of the laminate shingle can actually fall off,” Landry says. Cold weather projects present their own unique needs. Buttons of sealant on a shingle will not activate at sub-zero temperatures, leading to the need for extra plastic cement or SPS-modified plastic cement.

Canada’s Everest and Mystique laminate shingles measure 42” x 14”, as much as 16% larger than some competitive offerings and covering more space with each sheet. It may not make a difference when working on a shed, but could speed up a project when working on a larger area. The company is also differentiating its products with new Weather-Tite offerings which include a second strip of sealant across the top of the shingle, helping them to hold tight in higher winds. The result can withstand wind speeds of 150 miles per hour (240 kilometres per hour). Underneath the shingles, traditional roofing felt is gradually losing ground to synthetic alternatives. While a roll of roofing felt covers about 432 square feet and weighs around 36 lbs., a roll of synthetic underlayment can cover 1,000 square feet and weigh a mere 25 lbs. An added advantage of some synthetic products is that they can be left exposed for up to six months when fastened in place using nails with plastic heads and washers. “It will shed most rainwater and will not wrinkle or distort,” Orr says. In contrast, roofing felt can wrinkle or buckle when exposed to moisture or sun, and these lumps can telegraph through to the surface of the shingle. 42

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Of course, some builders continue to install roofs without any underlayment at all. “In new construction, there is very little underlayment being applied,” Landry admits. It is a matter of economics. Someone involved in tract housing may be saving $300 per roof, which can make a real difference when building 1,000 houses. The problem is that this shortcut can lead to future costs. The roof deck is completely exposed if a shingle blows away. “There are a lot of nasty consequences,” he says. It is not the only way the contractors can make a difference by using purposemanufactured products. A three-tab shingle that has been trimmed and flipped upside down is no alternative for a proper row of starter shingles. The buttons of adhesive on a flipped shingle will be above the bottom edge of the roof, where they would be most effective. Installation techniques will make a difference of their own. Each side of a home, for example, should use shingles selected from the same batch since granules can be pushed in place at different angles during the manufacturing process, leading to variations in colours. The location of individual nails can

CONTRACTOR ADVANTAGE

Steel shingles offer another long-lasting option. “Baby boomers are looking at it and saying, ‘This is the last roof I am going to do,’” says Tom Main, Vicwest’s territory manager for central Ontario. “They are not going to buy shingles again.” These products have actually been around for a century, and the old stamped designs can still be found on aging farmhouses that were last roofed in the 1920s or ’30s. Today’s versions simply offer added benefits in the form of coatings that deliver added protection from UV rays and heat. Stone-coated options, developed just after World War II and modeled after the rooftops on camouflaged bunkers, offer the same benefits with more of an organic look. “There are definitely people that do not like a painted roof,” Main says, suggesting buyers may balk at the look of what they perceive to be a commercial product. According to the Canadian Sheet Steel Building Institute, steel products can withstand 120 mph (190 km/h) winds and other threats like termites. There is no danger of frost-related damage, either, because the shingles are not porous. As heavy as it may sound, a steel shingle also weighs about half as much as its asphalt counterpart. There are still differences between one product line and the next. Heavier gauges of steel are more forgiving and can be handled without the worry of bending. Installers will find the projects to be very similar to working with asphalt shingles, although there are some different tools to bring to the job. These shingles are

PHOTO: BUILDING PRODUCTS OF CANADA CORP.

Steel resolve

screwed in place using typical Number 9 wood screws with ¼” heads instead of nailing, while the shingles lock together like vinyl siding and hide the strips of fasteners underneath. Purpose-made shears that look like paper cutters, or turboshears which attach to a cordless drill, will lead to easier cuts. Lighter gauge vertical rib formed roofing, typically about 30” wide, can be attached over strapping installed at 16” centres, using 1x4s on top of existing shingles or 2x4s on newly constructed roof decks. Heavier options may require 20” to 24” centres. An isometric water shield should also be installed around the gable, eves, and up the valleys, with the rest of the roof covered in a synthetic underlayment, Main adds. Since the shingles will conform to the roof just like their asphalt counterparts, any uneven surfaces should be repaired for a pleasing look. “The trims make or break a job,” he says, referring to the importance of neat cuts in the valleys. Vicwest can also customize the flashing using different details. “It is not a cookie cutter world out there,” Main says. “There are always unique roofs that need unique solutions.” CONTRACTOR ADVANTAGE

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FEATURE

SOLID FOUNDATIONS Foundations are best left to forming professionals, but IFCs can allow contractors’ framing crews to build basement foundations instead of subcontracting them out. BY DAVID CHILTON SAGGERS

JULY/AUGUST 2013

CONTRACTOR ADVANTAGE

PHOTO: LOGIX

uilding a solid foundation, whether it is an investment portfolio or the structure on which an investor’s house sits, is certainly no job for an amateur and would challenge even the most skilled DIY enthusiast. A standard, poured concrete residential foundation requires the skills found by professionals in the forming business, says Ross Monsour, director of marketing for the Ready Mixed Concrete Association of Ontario and a member of the Standing Committee on Part 9 of the National Building Code. Even using insulated concrete forms, which use fasteners to “snap” together like children’s plastic building kits, would be a challenge, he adds. “You still need to know what’s going on with concrete because you have to be able to level them. You have to make sure they are braced properly.” An advanced amateur, if he took a manufacturer’s seminar might be able to put together an ICF foundation, Monsour allows, but even then levelling, making sure the construction is square and so on requires keen attention to detail. “If you mess up the foundation then everything

FEATURE and some, such as clay can be very difficult to work with. There are also water tables to take into account, and “a whole bunch of other issues.” One of those other issues is energy efficiency. These days, says Monsour, energy codes dictate what gets used to build a foundation, whether it is poured, uses ICFs or concrete blocks. Andy Lennox, vice-president of marketing for Logix Insulated Concrete Forms in Toronto and Minden, Ont., says the ICF foundation represents high quality. Basement’s with an ICF foundation feel like any other room in the house, rather than having the colder or musty atmosphere typically found. As for the energy efficiencies of an ICF foundation, Lennox says they turn in a thermal performance that is typically rated at an R25 value, and with his firm’s Platinum series that goes up to R28. Interior slide-in panels can add a further R8, Lennox says. Beyond these admittedly important energy considerations, Lennox is also, understandably, bullish about the ease with which contractors can use ICFs. “I think one of the primary advantages of ICFs is that your own framing crew can build an ICF basement instead of subbing that work out,” he says. “There are an awful lot of sub-benefits that fall from that. First of all, if you’re not subbing it out you’re just generating more margin for yourself. “As an employer you are keeping your

Design Talk Paul Hargest is president of the Canadian Concrete Masonry Producers Association in Cambridge, Ont., and president of Boehmers, the concrete block company based in Kitchener, Ont. CA: The CCMPA says using concrete blocks in foundations is environmentally friendly. How so? PH: In the manufacturing of concrete block, producers put into them a material called slag. That constitutes a placement in Portland cement of up to 25% to 30%, so when you use that instead of a straight Portland you have a 30% reduction in CO2 emissions because you’re not manufacturing Portland cement. Slag is a byproduct of the steel industry. As well, some producers are using recyclable aggregates and other materials.

PHOTO: THINKSTOCK IMAGES

that follows after that can be messed up,” he says. “You can give someone a do-ityourself kit but that doesn’t mean they can do it.” There are about half-a-dozen key elements to building a basement, Monsour says, and in the field most of them are done wrong. Some of them are the concrete being stripped too soon, which means it does not reach optimum strength; backfill is replaced too early and is sometimes frozen, so when it thaws there are gaps against the wall; and, on occasion contractors will “water up” the concrete to get it to flow further which diminishes its durability. Rather than water up the concrete, Monsour suggests an admixture called a “super plasticizer” which improves flow around the forms being used. It lasts about 45 minutes, and has no impact on the concrete itself. Another admixture Monsour mentions is one that works on waterproofing. It works like this: if there is a crack in the concrete it crystalizes to fill that crack, although it will not work if the crack is too big. This admixture is more usually used in commercial and industrial buildings, because it is rather expensive to buy and use on residential foundations. On balance, Monsour suggests foundations are best left to the professionals. Contractors know the areas they work in, and know how to get the best out of them, he says. There are soils to consider,

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(The interview was edited for length and clarity.)

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crew busier. As a business you are less dependent on anyone else’s schedule; you’re not waiting for the forming contractor to come in, and you have complete control over the quality of the foundation. It is going to waterproof as opposed to damp proof. There is going to be fewer chances of callbacks or any carry-in claims or anything like that.” Lennox says the elements of an ICF foundation and one that is poured are very similar: they will need steel reinforcement; they must be made damp proof or waterproof; they will have to be insulated; they require a vapour barrier. Further, he says, if the conventional basement is finished to the same level as the ICF one, then the ICF basement is the less expensive of the two. “If it is apples to apples comparisons ICF will be the most efficient way to build that level of basement,” Lennox says. As for the evolution of ICFs, Lennox says he does not think that there is any issue with the strength of the fasteners that hold the concrete forms themselves; after all, he notes, 25-story buildings are put up using ICFs so they are certainly strong enough for a residential basement. The real issue is whether they will get any cheaper, Lennox says. It may be that as ICFs become more popular there may be economies of scale, he says, and there could also be advances in thermal performance. What his firm wants to do is make ICFs faster, easier and more convenient to build foundations and indeed entire structures with. To that end, Logix has developed easy-to-use new estimating and engineering software. “Let’s say a builder is building a foundation and he has got a certain amount of backfill and he needs to know how much steel reinforcement bar to put in the basement, at what interval should he put the vertical and at what interval should he put the horizontal,” Lennox says. It used to be that the contractor had to go to an engineer to answer that question, he adds. Now Logix’ software will supply the answer. That is an excellent step forward, but even so building a foundation, on balance, is still better left to professionals.

PHOTO: LOGIX

CA: Block prevents heat loss and is thus energy efficient. How does it stack up against other materials used in foundations? PH: We have twice the thermal capacity, not R value, but thermal capacity of conventional concrete, simply because we have the cores in our product or air space in the middle so that allows a foundation not only to be warmer because you don’t get the thermal loss going through the whole mass like you do in concrete. It also allows the foundation to be dryer, because you get some air movement in those cores. You get guaranteed strength because they are manufactured and are left in the yard. When they are placed on the job site they meet a minimum requirement of 15 Mpa (megapascals, the measurement of the compressive strength of concrete.) CA: So they do well against ICFs? PH: The advantage of concrete block versus an ICF is that you know the structural integrity of it because you can see it. With an ICF you do not know if you have honeycombing in your wall, so you are getting your house on top of what you are assuming is a full solid wall, which may not be the case. Also, there are no materials to burn with a concrete block foundation. You can insulate to the outside, put your water membrane on the outside, and the block would be a finished wall if you wanted it to be. CA: What is ease of use like for the average contractor building with block? Is it a sophisticated job? PH: It is not a sophisticated job. In fact, we promote it as a great spot to train apprentice masons. It is pretty well straight runs. Generally it can be an 8” or 20 cm block, so very few specials are required when you’re manufacturing an 8” or 20 cm foundation. Most houses have 8” walls today. We have also versatility in block design in the step-downs for the turrets. It is a lot easier to manufacture a masonry foundation in a custom home than it is with one poured with concrete. CA: H ow does the cost of concrete block compare with other foundation materials? PH: I would say that we would be slightly higher than concrete, but the benefits of blocks far outweigh the extra cost.

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