Contractor Advantage March / April 2016

MARCH / APRIL 2016

MORE THAN JUST GLASS STROKES OF GENIUS COOL TOOL REVIEW

Columns Inside On the Jobsite Design Talk Leaders in the Limelight What’s Trending

CONTRACTOR ADVANTAGE

MARCH / APRIL 2016

1

LOOKS GOOD. WORKS HARDER.

Contemporary Series Cedar At Steel-Craft, we overengineer every part of our garage doors to ensure they work hard from the inside out. That’s because we know you want a door that doesn’t just look good – but performs even better.

Contemporary Industrial Series

Therm-O-Dor Series

THE DOOR WITH MORE. For a complete list of products and specs, visit Steel-Craft.ca 2

MARCH / APRIL 2016

CONTRACTOR ADVANTAGE

Elite Series Walnut

Esteem Series Black

Castle Building Centres Group Ltd. is a Canadian member-owned, Lumber, Building Materials and Hardware buying group representing over 300 member locations across Canada.

Contractor Advantage Magazine is the exclusive publication of Castle Building Centres Group Ltd. featuring quality Castle vendor brands available at Castle Building Centres locations.

Visit castle.ca to find a Castle location in your area.

Editorial Director Castle Castle Building Centres Group Ltd. Jennifer Mercieca Publisher - JAD Media Group Inc. Dan Alexander Managing Editor Teresa Christine Art Director Aram Stamboulian Contributors Teresa Christine Lisa Gordon Melissa Campeau Nestor E. Arellano

Advertising Inquiries Jennifer Mercieca Director of Communications Castle Building Centres Group Ltd. 905-564-3307 jmercieca@castle.ca

MARCH / APRIL 2016 Volume 21 Issue 2

Material Contact Susan Brook Vendor Marketing Coordinator Castle Building Centres Group Ltd. 905-564-3307 sbrook@castle.ca Published and designed exclusively for Castle Building Centres Group Ltd.

by JAD Media Group Inc. About Contractor Advantage

CONTRACTOR ADVANTAGE

MARCH / APRIL 2016

3

Contributors

Lisa Gordon

Melissa Campeau

Nestor Arellano

Lisa Gordon is a freelance writer who has created customized content for association and trade publications for more than 15 years. She is also the full-time editor of a Canadian aviation magazine and lives near Brantford, Ont.

Melissa Campeau is a Toronto-based journalist who regularly contributes to such publications as Yardstick, the OUR HOMES series of magazines, Mortgage Journal, Financial Post and National Post. She lives in Toronto with her husband, six-year-old son and one-year-old puppy. Daily living in a “quirky” century house with an active first-grader and an accidentally destructive 50-lb dog means you’ll often find tradespeople and contractors on hand, as well.

Nestor Arellano is a Toronto-based journalist who has written extensively about the Canadian construction industry for Contractor Advantage, Rough Construction and Ideas Magazine for more than eight years.

Throughout his career, Nestor has also covered the workplace health and safety, foodservice and hospitality, technology, as well as the defence and military procurement industries.

Elliot J. Rotfarb, MBA, CPA, CA, CIRP

Evan Hackel

Brief & Associates Inc. has been in the business of helping individuals and small to medium-sized businesses in Toronto and Eastern Ontario with their financial problems for over 30 years.

Evan Hackel is the CEO of Tortal Training, an executive coach, speaker and author of Ingaging Leadership: A New Approach to Leading that Builds Excellence and Organizational Success.

Tortal Training specializes in developing interactive eLearning solutions to make effective training easier by specializing in engagement. As CEO, Evan promotes the Ingagement philosophy, which has helped countless organizations create a culture of partnership and common purpose to drive success. For more information on Evan Hackel, or to purchase his book please visit www.Tortal.net.

Vicki Formosa Vicki Formosa is the Content Writer for eCompliance, a leading software solution for protecting your workforce and your business. eCompliance’s mobile‐first solution connects at‐risk employees with head office, generating safety dashboards that management can use to make faster, fact‐based decisions.

4

MARCH / APRIL 2016

CONTRACTOR ADVANTAGE

Contributors

What’s Inside?

7 News & Notes

Housing Market Assessment; National Report from Coast to Coast

9 What’s Trending

Taking the Mystery Out of Training Millennials

21 On the Jobsite

Top 5 Tips for Improving Jobsite Safety

12

More Than Just Glass From creative colours to decorative grills to energy efficient materials, modern windows are as unique as the customers who order them.

33 Supplier Spotlight

Global Windows & Doors

35 Money Matters

The Facts on Tax; 4 Simple Tips to Keep You on Top

44 Product Platform

Premium Products from Owl, Spectrum & GAF

48 Leaders in the Limelight

24

Strokes of Genius What’s new, what’s innovative and what’s trending in the world of paint.

Groupe Materiaux Godin A True Success Story

51 Tech Talk

From the Box to the Site; Contractor App Tools for iPhone

52 Design Talk

Simply Paint

38

Cool Tool Review We spoke with four tool experts to weigh in on spring’s coolest home reno power tools.

On the Cover Photo courtesy of JELD-WEN Windows & Doors

Contents

CONTRACTOR ADVANTAGE

MARCH / APRIL 2016

5

You know it never, ever just stays in the bath.

New ESSENTIEL vinyl composite flooring is sturdier, stronger and more waterproof than ever. It’s now available in seven different ultra durable finishes from natural stone to hardwood. With the glueless easy click “5G Lock Technology”, the plank and tile formats make quick work of any room. Even in the ones that see more of the traveling duck.

For more information about Essentiel, contact us at taigabuilding.com Innovation, from product to distribution, makes us leaders in the category. Whatever it takes.

6

MARCH / APRIL 2016

CONTRACTOR ADVANTAGE

News & Notes

Housing Market Assessment; National Report from Coast to Coast Editorial Courtesy of Canada Martgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC)

For almost 70 years, the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) has been Canada's national housing agency offering objective research and information on the status of the housing market in Canada.

In mid-January, the CMHC published its quarterly Housing Market Assessment (HMA) evaluating the market conditions in 15 Census Metropolitan Areas (CMAs) of Canada. The HMA analytical framework is designed to assess housing market conditions by taking into consideration the economic, financial and demographic drivers of housing markets. The use of multiple indicators of housing conditions, which incorporate various data sources and price measures, provides a robust picture of overall housing market conditions.

The overall findings based on the framework, was that there is weak evidence of problematic conditions at the national level. House prices remain higher than levels consistent with personal disposable income, population growth and other factors signifying a moderate overvaluation is still observed.

The HMA points to strong overall evidence of problematic conditions in Calgary, Saskatoon, and Regina due to the detection of overvaluation and overbuilding. Low oil prices are impacting Alberta and Saskatchewan, weakening demographic and economic fundamentals such as migration, employment, and income, which are in turn affecting housing markets.

News & Notes

In Toronto, overall strong evidence of problematic conditions reflects a combination of price acceleration and overvaluation. There appears to also be the potential emergence of overbuilding in Toronto due to the high number of condominium units under construction. Inventory management therefore continues to be necessary to make sure that these condominium units under construction do not remain unsold upon completion.

In Winnipeg, the evidence of problematic conditions has been lowered from strong to moderate. This is due to the evidence of overvaluation being reduced with improving economic and demographic fundamentals.

Additional information on the report and the results for the 15 CMAs is available at www.cmhc.ca/hma. The next Housing Market Assessment report is scheduled to be released on April 27, 2016.

As Canada’s authority on housing, CMHC continually works to increase the amount of available data and analysis on the housing market. CMHC also provides reliable, impartial and up-to-date housing market reports, analysis and knowledge to support and assist consumers and the housing industry in making informed decisions.

Source: CMHC

CONTRACTOR ADVANTAGE

MARCH / APRIL 2016

7

TYPAR® Weather Protection System

© 2016 Avintiv.

Reputations are built on the jobsite.

Get the facts about superior performance that proves as strong in the lab as it does in the field.

Building Wraps Flashings & Fasteners Construction Tape

8

MARCH / APRIL 2016

CONTRACTOR ADVANTAGE

More pros than ever are making TYPAR® Building Wraps their go-to choice. That’s because our products don’t just surpass high standards in lab testing, but prove their real performance on the job under true, tough conditions. From superior tear strength, to the ideal balance of breathability and water holdout, to a lifetime warranty—the facts back TYPAR. Find our Top 10 Reasons, expert FAQs and more at typar.com.

What’s Trending

What’s Trending

Taking the Mystery Out of Training Millennials Written by Evan Hackel CEO of Tortal Training

In today’s business landscape, the question that training professionals hear most often is undoubtedly, “What are the most effective ways to train millennials?”

To training professionals who were born before 1980—the year when the first millennials were born—the question can seem mysterious and complex. We look at millennials and see a group of young people who seem addicted to texting on their phones, who sometimes seem skeptical about the lessons we want to teach them, and who are prone to changing jobs frequently.

That’s what we see, or what we think we see. But do those rough observations really reflect who millennials are? Do they offer useful insights on how millennials should be trained?

The answer is, not really. So, let’s decode the millennial mindset more strategically and see what we can learn about how to train them effectively.

Meet the Millennial Cohort The so-called millennial generation (also called “Generation Y”) includes people born between 1980 and 1998. Many

What’s Trending

older millennials, now in their early to mid-30s, are already established in their careers. Chances are that a number of them are already working throughout the ranks of your organization. They have already taken part in your training, maybe even designed parts of your training, and chances are very good that you already understand their learning preferences better than you expect. Another factor to consider is that some of the millennials who work for you are currently training your other millennials. So while you think you don’t know or understand them at all, you probably do.

Key Traits of Younger Millennials Let’s focus on younger working millennials—those born between about 1990 and 1995. Chances are they are the group that is causing you to feel the most uncertainty regarding training. Millennials born between those years are the younger workers who might be applying for their first “real” post-college jobs with your organization right now. They’re young and fresh-faced. If you’re a generation or two older than they are, it could be that you’ve hit some roadblocks when creating training programs that work well for them.

CONTRACTOR ADVANTAGE

MARCH / APRIL 2016

9

Although generalizations tend to be flawed, here are some attitudes that training professionals have found to be shared by significant members of this cohort.

• An entrepreneurial mindset – They want to stake out a business identity and space for themselves, even in larger companies.

• Risk tolerance - Many are self-confident, able to take risks, and willing to help their employers take chances too.

• A love of technology - They tend to be highly mobile and like to access information and training on smartphones and tablets.

• Social consciousness - They tend to be compassionate and respond positively to working for companies that embrace and support social causes and “do good in the world.”

• Openness - Many welcome being part of diverse workforces. Furthermore, they are more welcoming of alternative lifestyles than preceding generations were.

• Career mobility – Your assumptions that millennials are job-hoppers could be correct. Many do not hesitate to change jobs as a way to achieve personal goals and success.

Critical Steps to Take when Training Millennials Here are some ways to make your training more compelling and effective with younger millennial workers: • Deliver lessons and modules in short “digestible” chunks that millennials can absorb quickly. They are generally fast-moving and can tune out as soon as training seems irrelevant.

10

MARCH / APRIL 2016

CONTRACTOR ADVANTAGE

• Use animations, videos and other moving images to deliver key concepts. They often work better than words or text to convey important take-away concepts to millennials.

• Deliver training on platforms that millennials prefer and already use, including smartphones and tablets. Remember, millennials grew up using mobile devices.

• Ask for their ideas and suggestions before and during training, because millennials think like entrepreneurs, value autonomy, and like to shape the content of their jobs.

• Express your company values in your training. You can explain, for example, that your organization is trying not just to generate profits, but to support employees and do good in the world. When younger millennials see that their work supports those objectives, they are more likely to believe in company leaders and initiatives—and more likely to experience levels of satisfaction that make them want to continue working for you in the long term.

Remember that Training Fundamentals Still Apply Don’t let the fact that you are training millennials worry you. Even though they may differ in some ways from your other trainees, the fundamental principles of all good training still apply. That means knowing who your trainees are and what they do, understanding the results that you want to achieve, identifying metrics to measure before and after training and delivering it in empowering and interesting ways. No matter who you are training, those principles still apply. So be brave about training your millennial newcomers, go out, and get the job done.

What’s Trending

bpcan.com

PROTECT YOUR HOME AND YOUR FAMILY BY INSISTING ON A BP WEATHER-TITE™ ROOF. WE’ VE K EPT ONE S T EP AHE AD OF T HE WE AT HER FOR OVER A CEN T URY.

MA D E IN C AN ADA, BY C A NA DI A NS, FOR CA NA DI A N W EATH ER .

+ 1 BP EAVE PROTECTORS: Gripgard – Weathertex® 2 BP UNDERLAYMENTS: BP lined asphalt felts – BP Deckgard – BP Suredeck 3 BP STARTER STRIP SHINGLES 4 BP ARCHITECTURAL and CLASSIC 3-TAB SHINGLES 5 BP HIP & RIDGE: BP Accu-Ridge* – BP 3-tab shingles

SOLID SEALANT BAND PATTERNED SEALANT BAND

BREAKTHROUGH SHINGLE TECHNOLOGY Thanks to BP patented hurricane-resistant Weather-Tite™ technology with 2 sealant bands that lock out water and wind-driven rain, BP Mystique laminate shingles offer superior protection with 5 the added-value of an enhanced wind warranty. It’s the ultimate in leak protection that guarantees your 2 peace of mind.

EASTERN TECHNOLOGY

* Available only in Western Canada

4

1

3

MYSTIQUE 42

CONTRACTOR ADVANTAGE

MARCH / APRIL 2016

11

MORE THAN JUST GLASS

From creative colours to decorative grills to energy efficient materials, modern windows are as unique as the customers who order them.

Written by Lisa Gordon

12

MARCH / APRIL 2016

CONTRACTOR ADVANTAGE

Few components of the building envelope can change the appearance of a home—both inside and out—like new windows. While the appearance of a window reflects the personality of a home, modern windows also serve a more utilitarian purpose, admitting light and fresh air while working hard to retain heat in the winter, and repel it in the summer.

There’s also no denying that while new windows offer tremendous aesthetic and performance upgrades to a home, they also represent a major investment for the homeowner. With all the choices that must be made along the way, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. That’s where a knowledgeable contractor becomes an essential part of the process.

“Contractors need to first understand the primary motivation for replacing the windows or doors; then, they can meet the primary need while also addressing any alternate requirements,” advised Laura K. Fisher, Director of Marketing at JELD-WEN of Canada. “For consumers who are primarily driven by aesthetic priority, contractors will want to focus on design elements; the aesthetic features of a window and the substrate that is used. For those concerned about performance, they really want to focus on glass and the operating style of the unit, choosing those that offer the greatest performance ratings.”

Style Selection JELD-WEN, a global company with nine primary locations in Canada, offers a full range of window styles, including casement, slider, awning, picture, fixed-sash, bow, bay, and specialty units.

Fisher said that while people usually have a vision of their new windows in mind, they often forget there are functional considerations involved in choosing a window style. “For example, a casement window opens like

Photo courtesy of JELD-WEN Windows & Doors

CONTRACTOR ADVANTAGE

MARCH / APRIL 2016

13

a door with a side hinge and it gives maximum ventilation,” she explained.

“So, that’s a good selection if they want to catch the evening breeze in the sunroom. Whereas an awning window, for example, opens horizontally, just like an awning on a patio. They’re great for smaller spaces and you can keep them open in inclement weather.”

Fisher said homeowners must think about possible obstructions as well.

A casement window that opens onto a back deck or walkway is probably not the best choice—in that case, a stationary or sliding unit may be more appropriate.

And, if energy performance is a homeowner’s main motivator, contractors may want to suggest mixing in some fixed-sash or picture windows, noted Fisher. “They are the tightest sealing units because they don’t open at all.”

Material Considerations The most popular material used in window frame construction today is

vinyl. Durable and relatively affordable, it’s the number one choice of Canadian homeowners and contractors from coast to coast.

“Most of the windows we sell, probably 95 per cent, are PVC vinyl,” said John Arsenault, Director of Sales with Kohltech in Debert, N.S. Founded 38 years ago, Kohltech employs about 400 people in Canada, and operates a second location in Edmonton, Alta.

“Vinyl is the preferred material in most parts of the country because of cost,” he continued. “The corners can be welded to make a more solid frame, and it’s virtually maintenance free—that’s the biggest selling feature of vinyl.”

Arsenault said Kohltech is also working with its suppliers to develop window frames made from fibreglass-strengthened PVC, which would result in an even stronger framework.

For customers who prefer the more classic look of wood, Kohltech offers a “heritage style” wood-vinyl hybrid window, which is simply a vinyl win-

dow with a wood-clad interior. The vinyl exterior eliminates the need for the tedious scraping and repainting associated with the maintenance of older wooden windows.

JELD-WEN also sells a range of natural wood windows, with or without exterior aluminum cladding.

Fisher explained these are treated with AuraLast, the company’s proprietary water-based, vacuum pressure wood treatment process that penetrates the wood from surface to core, providing full protection against rot and water damage. “People who really like the rich elegance of wood can have it,” she said. “This allows contractors to confidently present wood windows as a viable substrate option.”

Customizing Your Look Once operating styles and materials are selected, it’s time for the fun part: choosing a personalized look that will make a house feel like a home.

According to Tracy Nadiger, Director of Marketing at All Weather Windows,

Photo courtesy of Kohltech

14

MARCH / APRIL 2016

CONTRACTOR ADVANTAGE

Feature Story: More than Just Glass

Put our

EXPERTISE to work.

Our windows are crafted for style and engineered for performance. Let’s work together to give homeowners the best of both worlds.

Eye-catching custom window shape for style.

Low-E glass for enhanced performance.

There is a reason JELD-WEN is the go-to brand for so many experienced professionals.

Visit your local Castle Building Centre to get started on your next project.

CONTRACTOR ADVANTAGE

MARCH / APRIL 2016

15

Photo courtesy of All Weather Windows

today’s choices are anything but black and white.

“I think comfort is big and has been for a while, so energy efficiency is important,” said Nadiger. “But, I also think colour is a big thing we’re seeing more and more. Vinyl windows used to be mostly white in colour, but now you see black on the exterior and even colours on the interior. Sable, pebble, and earthy tones are popular for the exterior.”

Established in 1978, All Weather Windows operates from Ontario west to B.C., including nine distribution centres, three manufacturing plants, and a commercial division. The company sticks to producing vinyl win-

16

MARCH / APRIL 2016

CONTRACTOR ADVANTAGE

dows, but offers a number of aesthetic options designed to dress them up.

“We offer over 50 colours in aluminum clad, in both standard and premium shades,” explained Nadiger.

“We also offer Renolit acrylic foil, with five colour options for the exterior right now.”

She said window preferences—and even door trends—are often geographically driven. “For instance, coloured doors are seen more in Southern Alberta, Ontario, and B.C., with Saskatchewan and Manitoba being more traditional. Tri-pane windows are prevalent in the Prairies, and there is growing interest in them in Ontario.

Generally, we’re getting requests for

much bigger windows than we’ve seen in the past. That becomes a challenge because of thermal properties—the bigger the window gets, the more its performance changes, and they require more strength and support to build them properly.”

Grills that are inserted between panes of glass and simulated divided light (SDL), framing placed on the outside of the glass are popular, although less seems to be more these days. “They’re not as busy anymore,” said Nadiger.

A Word About Glass When it comes to saving energy, “you want to think hard about the glass,

Feature Story: More than Just Glass

Just another case of window envy.

With good looks and available state-ofthe-art features like our leak-free V-Weld technology, it’s no wonder our windows attract attention.

Visit allweatherwindows.com to learn more about our Canadian-made windows and doors.

CONTRACTOR ADVANTAGE

MARCH / APRIL 2016

17

18

MARCH / APRIL 2016

CONTRACTOR ADVANTAGE

Photo courtesy of JELD-WEN Windows & Doors

because that’s the most critical element in terms of performance,” said JELDWEN’s Fisher.

Tri-pane, or triple-glazed, windows can help reduce what’s called the U factor, which is a measure of how much heat escapes the home in winter conditions. On the flip side, low-e coatings can cut the amount of ultraviolet and infrared light allowed inside, as well as reflecting back some of the summer sun to reduce solar heat gain.

Although it’s perhaps not the most critical factor, contractors should also explain “visible transmittance” to their clients—this is simply the amount of light transmitted through glass.

More coatings on the window surface translate into less natural light being admitted, although differences here are sometimes hard to distinguish with the naked eye.

Minding the Bottom Line New windows are a big purchase. Once clients have been educated on available window styles, materials, and aesthetic options, it’s time to get down to cost.

For those on a tight budget, there are ways to make a big splash without breaking the bank.

For example, colour options and embellishments can be selected for highly visible front windows, while less costly

white units can be used elsewhere in the home. A casement over the kitchen sink may be a good investment in terms of easier operation and maximum air flow.

In some cases, contractors will need to help their customers spread the project over several years—that means it’s extremely important to choose timeless styles and colours that will always be available.

In the end, no matter what window is chosen, it will be worthless unless it’s installed properly. Buyers are advised to spend the time, do the research, and hire a professional.

Photo courtesy of Kohltech

Feature Story: More than Just Glass

CONTRACTOR ADVANTAGE

MARCH / APRIL 2016

19

On the Jobsite

Top 5 Tips for Improving Jobsite Safety Written by Vicki Formosa Content Writer at eCompliance

To ensure that you have a truly safe jobsite, workplace safety needs to be a top priority. Working for eCompliance, a health and safety software company, I often discuss ways in which workplace safety can be improved. Taken from conversations with thousands of safety leaders operating across multiple industries, here are my top 5 tips for creating a safer jobsite.

2. Have Formal Comprehensive Training and Emergency Procedures in Place

1. Ensure Management Buy-In

3. Create a Culture of Regular and Open Communication

Management buy-in is the most important element for a safer jobsite. When a jobsite manager is committed to creating a better safety program, their workers are motivated to follow the necessary procedures and policies. Management must lead by example and demonstrate that safety is their top priority in order for employees to follow suit.

On the Jobsite

Companies need to go beyond training to improve jobsite safety. Employers must ensure that their employees truly understand their training and know their role and responsibilities – both for regular operations and in cases of emergency.

Having a platform for discussion amongst employees and management is essential in creating a strong safety culture.

Weekly safety meetings or ‘toolbox talks’ act as a platform for open dialogue. Management can address pressing issues or changes in policy and employees can express any

CONTRACTOR ADVANTAGE

MARCH / APRIL 2016

21

concerns. This helps to increase worker engagement in the safety program which will have positive effects on jobsite safety.

4. Meet Industry Safety Standards Safety performance is becoming increasingly important to major project owners and developers. Construction companies are being required to meet specific industry safety standards when bidding on projects. For example, British Columbia, Alberta and Ontario’s major construction buyers require COR™ as a health and safety prequalification for specified contracts. These safety standards not only open the doors to contracts but they also present an opportunity to re-evaluate and improve your safety program.

5. Invest in the Tools Necessary for Success Creating a safer jobsite is about communicating, training, meeting certain standards and having the right tools.

22

MARCH / APRIL 2016

CONTRACTOR ADVANTAGE

Tools, such as safety software, can improve the speed and ease of sharing safety information throughout the organization. It gives management the information needed to make important safety decisions and report on important KPIs without the added administrative work.

Whether you’re working on a new construction site or re-modeling a home, following these 5 tips can help improve jobsite safety.

Vicki Formosa is the Content Writer for eCompliance, a leading software solution for protecting your workforce and your business. eCompliance’s mobile‐first solution connects at‐risk employees with head office, generating safety dashboards that management can use to make faster, fact‐based decisions.

With eCompliance, management and executives have a 360 degree real‐time view on safety performance so they can proactively protect employees, reduce corporate risk, and use improved safety performance as a competitive advantage.

On the Jobsite

PVC Trim: It’s all we do.

The VERSATEX product line is designed with the builder in mind.

We bring innovations to the industry (like pre-mitred column wraps, vented soffit systems, and one-piece corners) while delivering versatility, durability, and premium esthetics.

versatex.com DISTRIBUTED BY:

CONTRACTOR ADVANTAGE

MARCH / APRIL 2016

23

STROKES OF GENIUS

What’s new, what’s innovative and what’s trending in the world of paint.

Written by Melissa Campeau

24

MARCH / APRIL 2016

CONTRACTOR ADVANTAGE

Photo courtesy of PPG Architectural Coatings

CONTRACTOR 25 MARCH / APRIL ADVANTAGE 2016 CONTRACTOR MARCH / APRIL ADVANTAGE 2016 25

It’s no secret that painting is one of the simplest and most cost-effective ways to transform a home. With a gallon or two of inspiration, you can create a Zen retreat, make a small room seem airy, introduce drama or create a backdrop for fun. The possibilities are just about endless.

Lately, innovative paint manufacturers have been making it even more appealing to pick up a brush, thanks to greener products and improved usability. Designers, too, are finding ingenious ways to express personal style with a dash of colour, here and there.

To help inspire, we’ve collected some of the biggest trends and freshest ideas from industry experts, highlighting what’s new and what’s interesting when it comes to paint.

Eco-Evolution It’s not a new trend, but both businesses and consumers continue to demand eco-friendly paints for workplaces and homes. In the early days of paints with low levels of volatile organic com-

pounds (VOCs), going green meant compromising when it came to the quality of the paint, the selection of colours, or both. Or companies would create low- or no-VOC paints, only to add VOC-laden colourants to the base.

Now, though, many brands offer their full palette (paint plus colourant) in low- or no-VOC options, with zero sacrifice required in terms of choice or quality. Many of those brands meet the requirements not only of government regulations about VOC claims, but also of a collection of independent third-party organizations offering certification. PPG Paints Pure Performance line, for example, “is designed to meet the criteria of these organizations and national VOC rules,” says Dan Passinault, Associate Director, Innovation, Products and Execution of PPG Architectural Coatings.

Some brands have a long history of commitment to greening, as well.

“Laurentide Paint was the first paint manufacturer in Canada to use colourants free of VOCs in all company

products,” says Patrick Houle, interim Sales Supervisor for Laurentide Paint. What’s more, VOC-free quality can even exceed conventional paint.

Colourants used by Laurentide in VOC-free paints, “have demonstrated superior technical efficacy when compared with conventional colourants,” says Hule.

For those truly committed to the environment, there’s also an option to pair no-VOC paints with eco-friendly tools. Out of the U.K., Down to Earth Rollers by Harris, are crafted with a biodegradable handle made of 65% cornstarch. Purdy Professional Painting Tools, based in Organ, use recycled or biodegradable materials to make brushes and roller covers in their Eco Pro series. And, Home Strip Eco Solutions paint remover tackles lead-, oil- and water-based paints, stain and varnishes without all the toxic mess.

Wash ‘n’ Wear No matter how eco-friendly, a paint isn’t practical if it can’t be washed.

Photo courtesy of PPG Architectural Coatings

26

MARCH / APRIL 2016

CONTRACTOR ADVANTAGE

Feature Story: Strokes of Genius

Colour

INSPIRATION Add some colour to your life and be inspired with Castlegard indoor and outdoor paints and stains.

Castlegard products can be found exclusively at your local Castle Building Centres location.

For Castle locations go to castle.ca

CONTRACTOR ADVANTAGE

MARCH / APRIL 2016

27

START PAINTING Castlegard has everything you need to start painting including a premium line quality paintware.

Whether professional or DIY Castlegard has the painting accessories you need to get the job done.

Exclusively at Castle Building Centres locations.

Visit www.castle.ca to find a Castle near you.

28

MARCH / APRIL 2016

CONTRACTOR ADVANTAGE

Photo courtesy of PPG Architectural Coatings

Luckily, new formulations mean even the greenest of paints can be user-friendly, as well. Many brands have evolved their VOC-free lines to the point where they’re as washable and useable as any paint from 20 years ago.

PPG, for example, has made innovative strides in this area: “The VOC-free colourants in our paints can be used with all paint bases for enhanced wear and washability,” says Hule.

Another trend to note is the increasing availability of eggshell finishes for kitchens, bathrooms and other messy, moist areas. Not too long ago washable walls in kitchens, bathrooms and elsewhere meant builders had to use a paint with a high-shine finish. Many brands, though, now offer eggshell versions of their colours in highly washable and durable formulas.

Feature Story: Strokes of Genius

Primed and Ready One of the toughest things about painting is the patience required to prepare a space for a coat of colour.

Much of that prep time is devoted to priming. The good news, though, is the growing crop of hybrid paints, featuring paint and primer in one, designed to save a great deal of time and effort. The best of the bunch do both jobs well: the primer still covers and offers paint something to adhere to, and the paint still provides its promised colour and finish.

“From a consumer perspective the most popular trend has been to favour products that are paint and primer in one,” says Passinault. “Since this product category came out a few years ago, today’s paint and primer products have incorporated additional features

to make the painting process easier and the results longer lasting,” says Passinault. PPG Paints Manor Hall line, for example, has added greater stain-repelling ability to its formula, to keep walls looking fresh-painted for longer.

Easy Does It Technicians have also been tinkering with latex paint’s ability to self-level.

For a long while, oil-based paint had significantly better “flow,” giving it the upper hand when it came to hiding imperfections and creating flawless finishes. But advances in latex paints have erased that advantage. Even challenging projects like painting kitchen cabinets can be done well with a good brand’s latex formula specially designed for cabinetry, leaving a highgloss, factory-quality finish.

CONTRACTOR ADVANTAGE

MARCH / APRIL 2016

29

Advances in formulations also mean, when good quality paints are involved, that more of the product ends up where it should be — on the wall — rather than on the floor or in a painter’s hair.

Consistency plays a role in this, and in the ability to create a perfect finish. “A quality much appreciated by contractors is that our paints have just the right consistency—not too thin, not too thick—so they allow for invisible touch ups,” says Houle.

Putting the “Fun” in Function Technological advances with paint have also led to some serious fun, as well. Move over chalkboard paint; here comes the dry erase trend. Brands such as Smarter Surfaces and IdeaPaint have created products that transform regular walls into dry-erase boards, to make brainstorming boards in offices,

seasonal murals in living rooms, and giant creative canvases in kids’ rooms.

Keeping it Light and Bright Play figures prominently in recent design trends, too. “Some designers are using tinted blacks — deep charcoal shades — in the inset of coffered ceilings, in contrast to the white grid moulding patters,” says Janine May, Colour and Design Marketing Consultant for Laurentide and PARA Paints.

It’s an unexpected take on the classic black-and-white floor tile, but done overhead for a modern twist.

Also noticed lately: playful treatments to the insides of closet doors.

“For example, the front of a closet door would be painted white to match all the existing doors and trim, but when you open the door the other side is a blaze of dynamic, exciting, colour,” suggests

May. Another twist on this trend, says May, is the use of metallic paint on the inside of shelves or drawers. “It gives an interesting two-toned effect,” says May. “It looks so cool — very midcentury modern.”

Best Tool in the Belt When painting, whether the idea is to inject some fun, create a flawless finish or use the healthiest products available, there’s a long — and growing — list of options. Paint has come a long way in the past few decades, and continuing innovation will likely mean even more user-friendly advances in the next while. The result? There’s really no design tool more affordable, versatile or transformative as a can or two of well-chosen paint.

Photo courtesy of Laurentide Paint

30

MARCH / APRIL 2016

CONTRACTOR ADVANTAGE

Feature Story: Strokes of Genius

Trending Tones for 2016 Here’s what some of the leading paint brands are forecasting for the year ahead. The general feeling is warmth so tones that are deep and nurturing can help emphasize any space of the home as an inviting and peaceful retreat.

SICO At SICO Paint, the year ahead is all about the lustre and comfort of yellow gold. The brand’s colour of the year, Buckwheat Yellow, is a throwback to 1970s glam, and a nod to the warmth of sun-kissed wheat fields. Soothing, muted bright tones mark the brand’s “Voyage” collection, with Natural Green, Cobalt Shadow indigo, Norwegian Spruce teal, Tomato Peel red, Ancient Lava grey and Shiatsu sand.

PPG Paints PPG Paints named Paradise Found — a soft, muted green with an earthy edge — its colour of the year, and part of its “Knight’s Watch” group of colours. Strong greys Shining Armor and Swirling Smoke, are part of the collection, as well as browns Sautéed Mushroom, Olive Wood and Antiquity. Reds in the collection —Burgundy Wine and Ruby Lips — are equally serious and safe. Blue shades, Annapolis Blue and Hacienda Talavera, plus green Night Watch, round out the collection.

DULUX At DULUX, experts named Bear Run the colour of the year. It’s an ethereal blue that suggests calm and peacefulness, and part of the brand’s soothing 2016 palette. The collection of pastels is misty and comforting, and more natural and pigment-infused than the shades of the 1980s.

Included in the collection: Coral Flower, dusty rose shade Peppermint Pink, pale brown Museworthy, Pastel Sage, muted yellow Newborn and gentle grey Silver Trophy.

Laurentide Laurentide’s palette for the year mixes vibrant colour and neutrals. The “Venture” group of paints reflects the look and feel of a coastal setting, with aquatic hues like Summer Breeze, plus soft shell tones and whitewashed finishes. The “Vitality” group is a nod to the masters from centuries ago, with rich golds and bronzes alongside vibrant Couture Red and Berlin Blue. The “Authenticity” group of colours celebrates the traditional and homemade with natural-feeling shades such as Denim Blue and Agen Plum, and the “Ecology” collection features a mix of shades, such as Earthen Red and Khaki Grey, to complement both interior and exterior surroundings.

Photo courtesy of PPG Architectural Coatings

Feature Story: Strokes of Genius

CONTRACTOR ADVANTAGE

MARCH / APRIL 2016

31

9 MOST POPULAR

Join us for a colourful evening to get inspiration, tips, projects, and the latest colour trends to transform your home with colour. Discover our Colour of the Year and see the most popular design styles in home decor today.

TH

EV

OI

CE

OF

CO

LO U

R® is a

reg ist ere dt

rad

em ar k

of P

PG

Ar ch ite c

tur

al F

ini sh es ,

Inc .P

PG

PA I

NT

S™ is a

tra de ma rk

of P

PG

Ind us tr

ies O

hio , In c.

DESIGN STYLES

Tuesday April 19th, 2016

7pm – 9pm

DOORS OPEN AT 6:30

Limited seating so be sure to come early and reserve your spot!

ADMISSION: $10

All proceeds go to The Journey Room South Shore Regional Hospital

Attendees will receive a Voice of Colour Trends Bag; Valued at over $50!

32

MARCH / APRIL 2016 PICTURES, CONTRACTOR ADVANTAGE BRING PILLOWS

BEST WESTERN BRIDGEWATER 527 HIGHWAY 10 EXIT 12, BRIDGEWATER, NS B4V 7P4, CANADA RSVP AND TICKET PURCHASES: Nova Scotia Building Supplies Adminstration Office Alvina Theriault-Bennett

FAWN CHANG PPG NATIONAL COLOUR & DESIGN CONSULTANT

Call: 1-902-624-8328 Email: alvina@castlensbs.com

™

AND FABRICS FOR ONE ON ONE CONSULTATIONS AFTER THE PRESENTATION Supplier Spotlight

Supplier Spotlight Photo courtesy of Global Windows & Doors

Global Windows & Doors Written by Teresa Christine Managing Editor at JAD Media Group Inc.

Global Windows and Doors located in Richibucto, New Brunswick was founded in 1999 by Scott Targett. Scott and his team of window and door professionals and have been serving Atlantic Canada for over 15 years. Global is a leading manufacturer of energy efficient residential and light commercial windows and doors. Their modern manufacturing facility produces a complete line of window and exterior door products. Their dealer network spans across Atlantic Canada with locations in every province.

The team at Global Windows and Doors is committed to their industry partners, valued employees and their loyal customers. This commitment is referred to as “Global Care” and is in the heart of everything they do as a responsible manufacturer and community partner. In fact, their mission is to be the “Partner of Choice” be it customer, supplier or

Supplier Spotlight

employee. Integrity, honesty, respect and quality are the pillars of their continued success.

Learn more about Global by following them on Facebook and Twitter or visit their website at www.globalwindows.ca to find design tips, inspirational photos and useful resources. www.globalwindows.ca

CONTRACTOR ADVANTAGE

MARCH / APRIL 2016

33

PROLUXE . ™

Proven. Perfect.

For that flawless, signature finish, you need SIKKENS® ProLuxe Wood Finishes. These proven formulas continue to be preferred by the finest craftsmen, who will settle for nothing less than perfection.

34

MARCH / APRIL 2016

CONTRACTOR ADVANTAGE

Demand the trusted original: Sikkens ProLuxe finishes. perfectwoodstains.ca A product of PPG Architectural Coatings.

Cetol and Sikkens are registered trademarks of AkzoNobel.

ProLuxe is a trademark of PPG Architectural Finishes, Inc. The PPG Logo is a registered trademark of PPG Industries Ohio, Inc. © 2016 PPG Industries, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Money Matters

The Facts On Tax; 4 Simple Tips To Keep You On Top Written by Elliot J. Rotfarb, MBA, CPA, CA, CIRP Co-Owner, Brief & Associates Inc.

As June approaches, so too does the income tax filing deadline for individuals/small business owners. For most small business owners, staying on top of your taxes may seem overwhelming.

This process can be made easy and pain-free when included as part of your daily operations. With proper time and attention, you will be prepared to file on time and be able to spot any possible issues before getting offside with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA).

Here are four simple tips to keep your small business on top of your taxes and avoid getting into trouble with CRA:

Money Matters

1. Don't Miss Deadlines – File Your Taxes on Time!

2. Keep Your Paperwork and Records Organized

Know the deadlines that apply to you and your business. Along with filing your annual personal income tax return, there are other filing and payment deadlines to be aware of, such as for HST and payroll. One source of confusion is the deadline for personal income taxes. The filing deadline for a self-employed individual is June 15th, but if you have a tax liability owing it should be paid by April 30th to avoid interest charges accruing.

Have a system in place to stay organized including having easily accessible records. Organization is key to efficient recordkeeping and will ensure all expenses that could be used to reduce your tax balance are included. To save time, there are various software and apps available to help keep you on top of administrative work and to store your records electronically.

CONTRACTOR ADVANTAGE

MARCH / APRIL 2016

35

3. Manage your cash flows wisely Throughout the year, put money aside for remittance to CRA. In general, employees of a company or organization typically have various payroll taxes withheld from each paycheck; however, a self-employed person (or independent contractor) is responsible to submit any taxes payable directly to CRA. The same goes for HST; while you collect HST on your invoices, you may have to remit a large portion of that HST to CRA at some point in the future.

4. You don’t know what you don’t know When it comes to accounting and taxes most of us are out of our element. One

36

MARCH / APRIL 2016

CONTRACTOR ADVANTAGE

of the best things you can do is to work with a bookkeeper or accountant. With some guidance and ongoing oversight, you will be able to stay on top of your taxes throughout the year and do as much (or as little) of the accounting work yourself. Investing in doing your taxes correctly the first time, can save you thousands of dollars later in taxes, interest and penalties.

As Licensed Insolvency Trustees we frequently see the fallout where contractors and other tradespeople have failed to give attention to the above points. If you’ve missed tax deadlines or you are behind on your payments to CRA or your creditors, our best advice is to consult with a debt professional

right away. Regardless of the size of your business, we can help you find an immediate solution to get you back on track.

Brief & Associates Inc. is a Licensed Insolvency Trustee firm in Ontario that has been helping individuals and small to medium sized businesses overcome debt problems since 1980.

Money Matters

CONTRACTOR ADVANTAGE

MARCH / APRIL 2016

37

38

MARCH / APRIL 2016

CONTRACTOR ADVANTAGE

COOL TOOL REVIEW Written by By Nestor E. Arellano

Photo courtesy of Dewalt

CONTRACTOR 39 MARCH / APRIL ADVANTAGE 2016 CONTRACTOR MARCH / APRIL ADVANTAGE 2016 39

Picking the right power tool has never been more difficult. The sheer choice of corded and cordless products in the market today is enough to induce a system overload on any professional contractor or weekend workshop warrior.

For this reason, we spoke with four tool experts to weigh in on spring’s coolest home reno power tools.

The Furniture Maker From Monday to Friday, Stephen Blain works as a Commercialization Manager for professional tools at Stanley Black and Decker GTS Group.

On weekends, you are likely to find Blain in his workshop fashioning furniture for family and friends.

“I just enjoy working out designs on wood like pine, wenge, and birds eye maple,” says Blain.

He favours Dewalt’s DCF887D2 brushless ¼” impact driver. Traditional power drivers rotate the bit to drill in a fastener. By contrast, impact drivers generate more force by delivering a strong, sudden rotational and downward force to the drill bit.

Dewalt’s 20V Max XR Lith-Ion battery powers the DCF887D2’s brushless motor.

Older power tools use direct current motors with elements called brushes.

The technology is economical to manufacture but it limits the speed of the motors, creates sparking, and makes the motor heat up fast.

Newer brushless motors employ a fixed armature and solid-state circuits instead of brushes. This produces a higher torque per power ratio, reduces electronic interference and produces less noise.

Blain likes the DCF887D2 because it has a three-speed setting (1,000, 2,800 and 3,250 rpm). This makes it ideal for precision applications.

The DCF887DR has three LED lights around the chuck to help users clearly see what they are working on.

Another favourite of Blain is Dewalt’s DCS361M1, cordless 20V Max miter saw.

“Cordless means you do not have to worry about tripping over any power cord,” he says. “I was helping a friend

do some renos on his condo and it was very easy to move because it weighed only 30 lbs.”

The 20-volt battery also provides on average, 182 cuts of 2”x4” pine or 275 cuts of 3 ¼” pine baseboard.

The Professional Woodworker Tools have been a way of life for Keith Potts. Apart from being a professional woodworker and cabinetmaker, he is also the National Trainer for Techtronic Industries, a manufacturer and marketer of power tools.

“The Milwaukee M18 Fuel ½” hammer drill/driver and the M18 Fuel ¼” hex impact driver are on the top of my list,” Potts declares. “They are the smallest and most powerful in the industry. The hammer/driver and hex impact driver have 1,200 and 1,800 in-lbs. of peak torque, respectively.”

Hammer drills combine the rotary action of a drill with short, rapid hammering thrusts for quicker drilling.

The hammer drill/driver weighs 13.12 lbs., while the hex impact driver weighs 8.5 lbs. Their small size makes

Photos courtesy of Dewalt

40

MARCH / APRIL 2016

CONTRACTOR ADVANTAGE

Feature Story: Cool Tool Review

Photos courtesy of Makita

both 18-volt tools ideal for use in tight spaces.

The hex driver has three fastening modes with a drive control feature that is great for people in the HVAC trade because it regulates power to prevent fasteners heads from shearing off. Both tools are equipped with Milwaukee’s Redlink Plus that prevents the tools from overcharging, overheating and over-discharging.

Potts also favours the M18 Fuel Sawzall reciprocating saw. It has all the features of Milwaukee’s corded Sawzall but comes with the added convenience of a cordless tool.

“The M18 Fuel Sawzall has a 1-1/8” stroke which makes demolition work fast and easy,” says Potts. “It also incorporates Milwaukee’s anti-vibe feature which lessens machine vibration which

Feature Story: Cool Tool Review

makes for less fatigue and safer working in the field.”

The Deck Builder Venkatesh Rao, the Ontario Regional Sales and Service Manager for Makita Canada, likes to help friends put up drywall and build decks during the spring and summer months.

One of his favourite all-around drilling/driving tools is the Makita DFS452Z drywall screwdriver. It is an 18-volt cordless tool with a brushless motor with special features, which Rao likes very much.

“With other tools, users resort to taping the trigger to keep the motor running,” he explains. “This keeps your finger from getting tired but eats up a lot of power and makes a lot of noise. The DFS452Z uses Makita’s

Push Drive technology which only starts the motor when the drill bit engages the fastener.”

For heavier jobs like drilling through concrete or building decks, Rao prefers something with more torque. His tool of choice is the Makita DHP481Z 1/2” cordless hammer drill.

The 5.9 lbs.-tool has a two-speed motor (550 rpm on low and 2,100 rpm on high) powered by an 18-volt battery.

“The hammer action makes for faster drilling even through concrete,” according to Rao. “I was helping a friend build a trailer deck and each hole just took seconds.”

The framing and subflooring specialist Russ Buckerfield, President of power stapling and nailing tool specialist Rapid Nail, has worked with tools for more than 30 years.

CONTRACTOR ADVANTAGE

MARCH / APRIL 2016

41

Among his favourite tools is the Pam Professional P13KDE Autofeed Screw System.

“This is a contractor tough, autofeed screw system that is durable and easy to use right out of the box,” according to Buckerfield. “It is for underlay, subfloor, and exterior decking and drywall applications.”

The auto feed tool, which drives 1” to 3” fasteners, attaches to a 20” extension and Milwaukee 2500 rpm corded motor. With the motor and screw belt

feed, the gadget has the appearance of a mean looking submachine gun.

But Buckerfield swears the P13KDE Autofeed Screw System “is quiet to use and has the most consistent countersink in the industry.”

The IMLi325XP Impulse cordless framing nailer from Paslode is powerful and yet pretty light, according to Buckerfield.

The tool weighs 7.25 lbs. and its non-slip grip makes it comfortable to handle and reduces fatigue. The tool

is compact enough to fit between 16” studs, joists and roof trusses.

“It has 15% more driving power and better performance in driving 3 ¼” nails through hard and frozen lumber than most nailers of comparable size,” says. “The 7.4- volt Li-ion battery also means 50% more run time for up to 9,000 nails per charge.”

Even with just a two-minute quick charge, the IMLi325XP can drive up to 200 nails.

Photo courtesy of Milwaukee

42

MARCH / APRIL 2016

CONTRACTOR ADVANTAGE

Feature Story: Cool Tool Review

Premium Roofing Products · Limited Lifetime1 Architectural Shingles

Colour featured: Appalachian

· Peace-of-mind for the homeowner · Ease of installation · Upsell opportunities · Seven beautiful, high-definition colour blends

1

Tear-Resistant, Reinforced Woven Band

Provides fastening strength over a greater surface area of the shingle, helping to prevent nail heads from pulling through the shingle in high winds.

Battles the Elements, Protects Against Inclement Weather 2

1

3

2

3

4

5 4

5

6 1-1/4”

6

Release Tape

Prevents shingles from sticking together in the bundle.

Algae Block2

Ceramic copper coated granules. This built-in algae resistance inhibits algae growth, which can cause unsightly black stains on your roof.

Fastlock Adhesive

5 strips of our tough laminating adhesive are used in the construction of the Dynasty shingle.

Fastlock Sealant

Our modified bitumen sealant strip is formulated to be thick and aggressive to promote a strong bond and extraordinary performance with radiant heat from the sun.

ArmourZone™

Dual nailing lines, top and bottom, 1-1/4” apart, guide installers to Dynasty shingles’ wider nailing surface for correct nail placement. Nails applied in this area ensure fastening power for proper product performance.

For additional information on our full line of premium roofing products please call: 1-855-IKO-ROOF (1-855-456-7663) or visit our website at roofingelevated.com.

Canadian Owned and Operated

Feature Story: Insulation Innovations

¹See Limited Warranty at www.iko.com for complete terms, conditions, restrictions, and application requirements.

2 This article contains a preservative to inhibit discoloration by algae.

CONTRACTOR ADVANTAGE MARCH / APRIL 2016

43

©Copyright 02/16 · MR3A002

PRODUCT PLATFORM

Latest & greatest products available at local Castle Building Centres

Now you can have all the rich, natural beauty of wood, without the time-consuming maintenance of a semi-transparent shade with Maibec Natural Tones siding. This cutting-edge

technology and carefully-selected stains, which includes a unique two-coat finish process combines the proven UV protection of a solid stain with the natural charm of a semi-transparent stain.

Fundy Bay Brown (brushed)

Meadow Grege (brushed)

Sunkissed Beige (brushed)

Fundy Bay Brown (textured)

Meadow Grege (textured)

Sunkissed Beige (textured)

Distributed by:

44

MARCH / APRIL 2016

CONTRACTOR ADVANTAGE

Product Platform

Product Platform

From your laundry machine to your TV, high tech appliances and gadgets are commonplace in your home, but what about the front door?

For years, locksets have been making huge strides in technological innovations to increase security and ease of use. Now, with many different types of high tech locksets available to homeowners, the days of a simple deadbolt and key are behind us.

“Many of the new options for high tech door hardware can make your home more secure, yet easier for you and your family to access,” said Steve Kolobaric, of Weiser. “Soon your key chain could be a thing of the past, with cars, and now your front door, not requiring a key any longer. All you need is your smart phone and a finger to open some of the newest, and most secure, locksets on the market.”

The Weiser Kevo gives homeown-

Product Platform

ers the ability to unlock the door with their smartphone and a simple touch. The lockset even lets you send electronic keys to family, friends and service people as well as receive notifications whenever a user enters or exits the door. If you don’t have a smart phone, the Kevo comes with a small fob, which acts as the lockset’s identification device. The Kevo also has a traditional keyhole so you can still use a key as a backup.

Another high tech solution for your front door is the Weiser SmartCode Touch or Powerbolt 2, which lets you use a traditional key, or the built in number pad. With a few button presses you can enter your house without fumbling for a key or worrying about losing it.

Visit www.weiserlock.com for more information.

CONTRACTOR ADVANTAGE

MARCH / APRIL 2016

45

When it came to creating the industry’s most authentic wood shake-look shingle, we knew we had to deliver nothing less than all the remarkable, natural beauty of genuine hand-split wood shakes. But we didn’t stop there.

Not only did we ensure that this innovative shingle would provide all the top performance you’d expect — we also enhanced its dimensionality.

We’re proud to say that no other triple-layer asphalt shingle matches the thickness of our premium Glenwood™ Shingles. You can see the difference for yourself; there’s simply no comparison. For the ultimate in depth and dimension for your roof — and the most realistic wood-shake look that a shingle can provide — you need search no further.

Glenwood™ Shingles. A bold, beautiful departure from the rest.

46

MARCH / APRIL 2016

CONTRACTOR ADVANTAGE

Adobe Clay

Autumn Harvest

Chelsea Gray

Dusky Gray

Golden Prarie

Weathered Wood

Product Platform

DEWALTÂŽ expands its offering of professional-grade battery-powered Outdoor Power Equipment with the launch of a new 40V MAX* Brushless Backpack Blower to the existing 40V MAX* system from DEWALT. The 40V MAX* Brushless Backpack Blower generates up to 450 cubic feet per minute (CFM) of air volume at 140 MPH and will be available with one or two of the new 40V MAX* 7.5Ah Lithium Ion batteries. Only one battery is required to operate the tool, but the backpack blower features two battery wells for extended runtime. The activation switch on the handle allows the user to choose which battery to pull energy from or to lock the tool off for transport and storage.

The speed control features a full variable trigger and speed lock that is activated or de-activated with the push of a button. At just 63d(A)** DEWALT’s backpack blower is compliant with noise-restricted areas and is ideal for working on noise-sensitive properties. www.dewalt.com/outdoor

Product Platform

CONTRACTOR ADVANTAGE

MARCH / APRIL 2016

47

Groupe Materiaux Godin A True Success Story Written by Teresa Christine Managing Editor at JAD Media Group Inc.

Resilience is rooted in a tenacity of spirit and the ability to work through adversity, facing life’s difficulties refusing to give up. Oftentimes, it comes from community; the relationships that allow people to lean on each other for support when needed. It is this quality of character that allows a person or group of people to rebound from misfortune. The Godin family is living proof of this.

When Castle members Groupe Materiaux Godin were suddenly faced with the challenge of taking over their late mother’s home improvement business; a three store chain in Quebec and Ontario, they stood united and vowed to honour her legacy. Siblings Joel,

48

MARCH / APRIL 2016

CONTRACTOR ADVANTAGE

Leaders in the Limelight

Leaders in the Limelight

Jerome, Gerry, Marc and Natalie, along with their Father, banded together, to build upon their mother’s life work and create their own empire.

The Godin family rolled up their sleeves and took it upon themselves to raise the bar and take the business to new heights. Managing all aspects of the business financials, store operations, inventory control and day to day operations, the family worked tirelessly.

In just a few short years, they grew the existing stores, enhanced their brand and developed their product offering into a full service lumber, building material and hardware chain and acquired an additional two new locations.

Today, the Godin family business is a thriving and prosperous one, composed of five strategically re-branded and designed Castle locations in Quebec and Ontario. They attribute their accomplishments to resilience, teamwork, making the right decisions at the right time and listening to their staff regarding continuous improvement.

Leaders in the Limelight

In 2015, the family received the prestigious industry Conquer Award from AQMAT. The family is hoping for continued triumph and success in the future and Groupe Materiaux Godin is currently looking ahead to improve upon their already lucrative business

ventures and add a few more stores in the coming year.

Castle is proud to be part of the Godin success story and is looking forward to the next chapter!

CONTRACTOR ADVANTAGE

MARCH / APRIL 2016

49

WATER REPELLENCY DURABLE RESIN BLEND PROTECTS WOOD AGAINST RAIN AND SNOW

UV RESISTANCE TRANSPARENT IRON OXIDE PIGMENTS PROTECT AGAINST FADING AND DAMAGE FROM HARMFUL RAYS

DEEP-DOWN PROTECTION PENETROL®, A PROPRIETARY ADDITIVE, PENETRATES TO PROTECT BELOW THE WOOD SURFACE

INTRODUCING NEW

FORMULAS FOR SUCCESS FLOOD® Wood Care presents Flood Pro Series — NEW, thoroughly tested formulas with pro-grade benefits. Each stain and sealant offers distinct advantages to help make every job as efficient, effective and satisfying as possible. Increase your success by offering exactly what your customers need.

flood.com

50

MARCH / APRIL 2016

The PPG Logo is a registered trademark of PPG Industries Ohio, Inc. Flood, Flood & Paintbrush Design and Penetrol are registered trademarks of the PPG Group of Companies. © 2016 PPG Industries, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

CONTRACTOR ADVANTAGE

Tech Talk

Tech Talk

From The Box To The Site; Contractor App Tools For iPhone Written by Aram Stamboulian Creative Director at JAD Media Group Inc.

Let’s be honest, finding the perfect app isn’t always the easiest thing to do. Sometimes having an app that does one thing really well is much better than having an app that does a lot of things but with some glitches. Fortunately, your iPhone along with some Android devices, have out-ofthe-box solutions to some very useful tools for those days where you just didn’t carry your tool belt with you. For the purpose of this article, I will be speaking directly to the iPhone users.

Compass The on-board accelerometer is a great function to have, especially when the need for a compass arises. What you may not know, is that if you swipe left on the Compass app’s main screen, a full display level appears which is extremely accurate. After performing a quick calibration on the start of the app, use the iPhone Compass app to quickly level anything without the use for a traditional metal level. It’s super easy to use and not many know about this hidden app.

Weather Not sure what to wear for an outdoor build? Maybe this week has some odd weather in store for you and you want

Tech Talk

to know before you dress too warm or too light. Setting up the Weather app to monitor multiple locations is a great idea to keep an eye out for changing weather conditions over a range of territories. Another quick tip is to ask Siri for some weather information before you leave the house, it will come in handy on those really busy days.

iBooks Did you know that you can save those huge build drawings to your phone in a couple of simple steps? Granted, having the full printed drawing is essential in order to properly scale your build, but having access to it through the iPhone iBooks app is a great quick reference guide when you really need to know a small detail but don’t have the space to take out the huge sheets. Save some of those important documents to your iPhone by opening the email it was attached to, holding your finger down on the attachment until the contextual menu pops up on the bottom of the screen.

Then, find the orange iBooks icon to save the PDF to your iPhone. It’s that easy.

Hopefully this small guide helps you out on those hectic days where you need access to some quick tools on the site.

CONTRACTOR ADVANTAGE

MARCH / APRIL 2016

51

Simply Paint Editorial Courtesy of Laurentide Paint

After a long winter, the highly anticipated Spring season is a great time for rejuvenating and adding some spirit to a tired wall or dreary deck. Laurentide Paint has some great eco-friendly tips to get you painting indoors, and out, with ease.

Eco-Friendly With Ease 1. Wash the walls using soap (such as a mild dishwashing detergent), water and a soft cloth. A gently cleansing once a year helps prolong the lifespan of painted surfaces.

2. Avoid waste by accurately assessing the quantity of paint you require using a reliable surface calculator:

52

MARCH / APRIL 2016

CONTRACTOR ADVANTAGE

3. Choose VOC-free paints as they reduce odour considerably and enhance ambient air quality during application.

4. To avoid paint building up on the metal portion of the brush, dip your brush in water and then shake well before you start to paint. This quick step facilitates cleaning up and helps extend the lifespan of your brushes.

5. At break time, rather than rinsing your brush and wasting water, simply wrap your brush in plastic wrap or a piece of aluminum foil.

Your brush will remain moist and workable for a good hour or so.

6. Before stowing your paint container, clean off both the lid and rim, removing any traces of paint. Secure the lid in place and store the container in a dry, temperature-controlled location where there is no risk of freezing.

7. Dispose of waste paint responsibly.

Visit www.regeneration.ca to locate the nearest drop-off facility.

8. When outdoor temperatures moderate, freshen up the exterior of your home by applying a fresh coat of paint to mouldings and trim. Choose colours which blend with your home’s architectural details.

Design Talk

Design Talk Photo courtesy of Laurentide Paints

Colour Confidential When the time comes to repaint a room, it is important to consider both colour and finish with care. Selection of the appropriate finish – flat, velvet, platinum, pearl or gloss, will depend on the intended use of the room, the level of durability required and the atmosphere that one seeks to create.

Flat and Velvet Finishes for Enhanced Beauty Flat and velvet finishes lend depth and richness to any colour. They help create a warm, inviting ambience which makes them particularly well suited for use in the living room, dining room or master bedroom.

Design Talk

Flat finishes are especially recommended for irregular walls and ceilings as they conceal the majority of imperfections. Not as readily washable, flat finishes are appropriate for rooms with moderate traffic.

Platinum and pearl finishes for enhanced versatility.

Easy to clean and featuring a slightly higher brilliance factor of between 8% and 12%, platinum finishes are extremely popular and suitable for all rooms in the house, kitchens and bathrooms included.

Pearl finishes, with a brilliance factor of between 15% and 20%, are just as versatile although slightly glossier and harder wearing. Pearl finishes are rec-

ommended for doors, trim, baseboards and moulding.

Semi-Gloss for Enhanced Effect Highly durable, these more lustrous finishes, with a brilliance factor of between 45% and 60%, are ideal for highlighting architectural elements and creating contrasts or lighting effects. As brush and roller marks may tend to be more apparent, it is important to use the proper tools and apply semi-gloss paints with care. A word of caution: the brilliance factor can have a cooling effect on overall ambience.

Gloss for a Self-Cleaning Finish High sheen paint with a brilliance

CONTRACTOR ADVANTAGE

MARCH / APRIL 2016

53

factor of greater than 85% is available only for exterior use. As the mirror finish literally repels dirt and grime, has dubbed it 'self-cleaning'. Rainwater indeed tends to cleanse painted surfaces naturally.

Wood Works If it’s wood that needs a little pick me up or some long-lasting protection against the elements, here are some sure-fire tips and practical advice from the professionals.

One of the biggest differences between painting and staining is colour penetration. With staining, the colour penetrates into wood in contrast to paint which adheres to the surface. choice of excellence for imparting long-lasting protection and enhancing the beauty of interior and exterior wood surfaces.

Preparing the Surface to be Stained Remove all layers of paint or stain that are tending to crack or peel off. Use either a scraper or pressure washer.

If using a pressure washer, move the nozzle quickly over the surface to avoid damaging the wood. Clean thoroughly.

In the case of previously painted or stained wood, clean with a solution of trisodium phosphate. For new or stripped surfaces, use a 5:1 water and bleach solution. Brush to remove grime.

Rinse and allow to dry. Sand the surface, except in the instance of treated wood, with 80 grade sandpaper to open the pores of the wood. Remove dust.

Caution! Wood surfaces that have been painted or treated with a solid-colour stain must be stripped bare if you are planning to apply a semi-transparent stain.

New pressure-treated wood surfaces must generally be left exposed to the elements for at least a year prior to being stained.

Tip: A surface is ready to be stained if it absorbs water.

the desired colour or shade, test on a small, less visible section of the surface to be stained.

Obtaining the Right Colour

Editorial courtesy of Laurentide Paint a part of Sherwin-Williams Diversified and available at Castle Building Centres locations.

The colour of a semi-transparent stain will vary based on the type of wood upon which it is applied. To obtain

Semi-Transparent or SolidColour Stain: Which Should I choose?

Semi-transparent stain imparts colour without masking the grain of the wood. Semi-transparent stain is recommended for new wood surfaces or surfaces previously stained with semi-transparent stain. Semi-transparent stain is not recommended for application on previously varnished or solid colour stained wood surfaces.

Solid-colour stain has the appearance of paint while enhancing the texture of the wood. Solid-colour stain is ideal for wood surfaces previously treated with a solid-colour stain or with apparent imperfections, as well as projects involving different types of wood.

Photo courtesy of Laurentide Paints

54

MARCH / APRIL 2016

CONTRACTOR ADVANTAGE

Design Talk

MAKE IT GREAT – WITH GENTEK. As a leading manufacturer and distributor, Gentek offers an inspiring selection of premium sidings and decorative accessories that create exceptional results. We combine artistic vision and advanced technology with our nearly 50 years of industry expertise to provide beautiful products, superior quality and outstanding customer service. From your simplest project to your greatest challenge, together we’ll make it great!

SEQUOIA® SELECT ULTRA-PREMIUM VINYL SIDING • Low-gloss finish with natural cedargrain texture • 4 classic profiles and 28 colours for greater design options • Ultra-premium .046" panel thickness • Full-roll nailing hem and exclusive Advantage Lock™ system • Windload tested up to 407 km/h (253 mph)* • Lifetime limited, non-prorated, transferable warranty† with hail and fade protection

U l t r a - P r e m i u m V i n y l S i d i ng *Windload performance may vary by profile design. †See printed warranty for complete details. Not all colours are available in all profiles.

INTERIOR EXTERIOR APPLICATIONS

SAGIPER PVC CLADDING

VERSETTA STONE

• Replica-wood vinyl panels let you achieve custom-crafted elegance • Applications include exterior cladding, soffits, covered decks, front veranda areas, interior ceilings (basements, bathrooms, coffered ceilings), interior walls and more • Tongue-and-groove corrugated PVC planks are wrapped in a high-quality exterior vinyl coating that’s virtually maintenance-free • Water absorption 0.04% – perfect for high humidity areas • Available in standard and special order colours

• Cast in molds and hand-coloured with iron oxide pigments to replicate natural stone shapes, textures and patterns • Achieves traditional stone masonry appeal without the extra cost and installation time • Panels install just like siding with interlocking tongue and groove • Ideal for exteriors, interiors,new construction and remodel projects • 50 year limited warranty – see printed warranty for details The beauty of stone, the simplicity of siding™

1001 Corporate Drive Burlington, ON L7L 5V5 www.gentek.ca Make us a part of your home. CONTRACTOR ADVANTAGE

MARCH / APRIL 2016

55

METRIE EVERY ROOM TELLS A STORY ™

BUILDER & DESIGNER CHALLENGE

Tell us your Metrie story and it could be worth over $25,000 in cash, promotions and more.

Welcome to the Metrie Every Room Tells A Story—2016 Builder/Designer Challenge! This is your opportunity to show the industry your world-class design skills by creating and building a room featuring Metrie’s Then & Now Finishing Collections™ and claim your chance to win. ™

GRAND PRIZE: •

$10,000 Cash

•

$12,500 Metrie Marketing package

•

A trip for two to the 2017 International Builders’ Show in Orlando, FL ($4,000 value)

•

Reimbursement of Then & Now Finishing Collections™ products used in your feature room

+PLUS

THREE PEOPLE’S CHOICE WINNERS

$1,000 cash prize, trip for two to IBS 2017, and Then & Now Finishing Collections™ room build reimbursement

F I N I S H I N G C O L L E C T I O N S™

CONTEST RUNS: January 19 – September 30, 2016 Learn more at: Metrie.com/Challenge

Share your story as it unfolds

#MYMETRIESTORY

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Purchasing does not improve your chances of winning. The Every Room Tells A Story – 2016 Builder/Designer Challenge is open to legal residents of the 50 United States (excluding ND), D.C., and Canada, who for US residents are age 18 or older at time of entry, and for Canadian residents are above the age of majority in the province or territory in which they reside at the time of entry who are currently employed as a professional builders, interior designer, architect, installer, or a remodeler. Void outside the U.S., and Canada, in Puerto Rico, and wherever else prohibited by law. Sweepstakes begins at 12:00:01 AM ET on 1/19/16 and ends at 11:59:59 PM ET on 9/30/16.

For entry details and Official Rules, see www.metrie.com/challenge. Sponsor: Metrie, Inc. 56 MARCH / APRIL 2016 CONTRACTOR ADVANTAGE