Contractor Advantage July / August 2016 by Espress Labs Inc.

JULY / AUGUST 2016

COMPOSITE DECKING & RAILING FOR THE WIN! SIDING TAKES CENTRE STAGE

Columns Inside Tech Talk What's Trending Money Matters On The Jobsite

ON THE WATERFRONT

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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 Lawrence Cummer Melissa Campeau Nestor Arellano

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

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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

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Contributors

Lawrence Cummer

Melissa Campeau

Nestor Arellano

Lawrence Cummer is a freelance writer with 20 years of experience writing for trade periodicals, business and communications agencies. He is a former senior writer and editor of the technology trade publications Network World Canada and Communications & Networking Journal, respectively. As well, he has been a senior contributor to a wide variety of publications.

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.

Vicki Formosa

Elizabeth McCormick

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.

Elizabeth McCormick is a speaker, author, and authority on Leadership. A former US Army Black Hawk Pilot, she is the best-selling author of her personal development book, “The P.I.L.O.T. Method; the 5 Elemental Truths to Leading Yourself in Life.” Elizabeth teaches real life, easy to apply strategies to boost your employees’ confidence in the vision of your organization and their own leadership abilities. For more information, please visit www.YourInspirationalSpeaker.com

Kate Zabriskie Kate Zabriskie is the president of Business Training Works, Inc., a Maryland-based talent development firm. She and her team help businesses establish customer service strategies and train their people to live up to what’s promised. For more information, visit www.businesstrainingworks.com

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Contributors

What’s Inside?

7 News & Notes

Mind Your Manners & Increase Your Profits

11 What’s Trending

Quiet Spaces and How to Build Them

25 On the Jobsite

Visual Flight Rules: The Challenge and Reward of Transparency Culture

Composite Decking & Railing for the Win! While the majority of decking and railing jobs remain wood, there are good reasons to look at and recommend composites.

35 Supplier Spotlight

AFA Forest Products GenTek Building Products Ideal Roofing

43 Money Matters

On The Wire; Making Mobile Work For You

55 Product Platform

Premium Products from Steel-Craft, PlyGem & Baily Metals

On the Waterfront Building a dock or a boathouse? Think spacious, low-maintenance & consider local restrictions.

60 Leaders in the Limelight

Wolf Creek Building Supplies

62 Tech Talk

Know Your Risk Level Introducing a New Technology for Conducting Formal Hazard Assessments

65 Design Talk

Top Trends in Outdoor Living Spaces

Siding Takes Centre Stage Curb appeal’s comeback bodes well for cladding companies.

On the Cover Photo courtesy of OWL Distribution Inc.

Contents

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Colour

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News & Notes

Mind Your Manners & Increase Your Profits Written by Kate Zabriskie President, Business Training Works, Inc.

“I sat there and watched the two of them completely engaged on Facebook. Never mind the fact that I’m a customer, and they are supposed to be helping me. The sad thing is: I’m not sure that they even realized how rude they were. Needless to say, I will never ‘like’ that place. I only go to that store when I’m desperate.” “I sent in a donation and never heard a word from those people. I guess they missed the gratitude lesson in Fundraising 101. The next time I think about contributing to a cause, you can bet I’ll pick a charity that knows how to say ‘thank you.’” “After speaking with that woman on the phone, I felt violated. I know she needed the answers to the financial questions in order to help me, but something just seemed wrong about the whole thing. I can’t put my finger on it, but it wasn’t a good feeling.” At one time or another, most consumers— including you—have had the unpleasant experience of being treated rudely, ignored, or abandoned altogether by people whose job it is to provide you with a given product or service. Amazing? Not really. Infuriating? You bet. Correctable? Absolutely. Sadly, genuine good manners are less and less common these days, and why is that? Do people believe they’re simply too busy? Do they not know what they are supposed

News & Notes

to do? Did no one ever teach them what is acceptable? Who knows? And frankly, the reason or reasons for failure are less important than the solution—consistent application of some often overlooked fundamentals. Here are six suggestions for adding social niceties and common courtesy back into your customer service practices.

Start your interaction on the right foot. By definition, you’ve only one chance to make a first impression. Don’t squander it by being indifferent. Begin with a simple display of common courtesy: smile, stand or sit up straight, and greet potential customers with “hello,” “good morning,” “good afternoon,” or “welcome.” You won’t regret it.

Say “please” and “thank you,” and do it often. “Please” and “thank you” are the WD-40 of solid customer service. Used with sincerity, those three words build rapport, demonstrate respect, and quiet the occasional squeaky wheel.

Be mentally present when interacting with the people you serve. For starters, stop toying with pencils, rubber bands,

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paperclips, etc. that telegraph your boredom. But wait, there’s more: put away your smart phone, close your tablet, mute your intercom, make and maintain eye contact, and listen to what is being said to you. You will step up your effectiveness and efficiency by giving your customers and clients your undivided attention. That doesn’t mean your interactions will take more time; in fact, they might take less because your consumers will reward you for putting them first.

Ask for permission. If you work in a business that deals with people’s finances, health, or other personal matters, get in the habit of requesting permission to discuss sensitive information. You may or may not always get the answers you want, but you will give your customers and clients a sense of their control, and in the process of doing that you will affirm your own professionalism.

Let the people you serve know what happens next. As a service provider, you must remember that you do what you do day in and day out, and you know how your business works. Those you serve may not. Eliminate uncertainty and reduce anxiety by taking time to familiarize people with processes. When you do, you’ll find your customers

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are more likely to feel comfortable and confident in your abilities. For example, “Mrs. Jones, I’m going to give you a few minutes to change. Please put on this gown so the opening is in the front. When you’re ready, if you will flip this switch, a light will turn on in the hall to let me know to tell Dr. Black you are ready to see her. Before I leave, do you have any questions for me?”

Be genuine. “Your call is very important to us. So important, in fact, that we are going respond to it in the order in which it was received by someone at a location on the other side of the international dateline. So very, very important that while you wait for that distant person to wake up, we’ll entertain you with a medley of boy-band favorites interrupted every thirty seconds by a voiceover that says ‘Your call is very important to us’ even though . . . .” Convincing? Oh yeah, totally. ‘Nuff said. In a world crowded with sincerely insincere messages, you can stand out from your competitors by taking the time to put yourself in the position of your customers. In short, that’s what good manners are all about. Use them, and you can’t lose.

News & Notes

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What’s Trending

Quiet Spaces and How to Build Them New uses for the space we live in, media rooms, home offices, not to mention the computer games and music our kids play, have created a need to build walls that will provide better sound control. Since, on average, homeowners are spending more and more of their time in their homes; it has become even more important to look at how we can make that space more comfortable with walls and floors that provide better sound control. There are many industry tools used to measure the sound control that a wall or floor will provide; the most common is a rating system called Sound Transmission Classification or S.T.C. This is a measure of the ability for a particular wall or floor to reduce the transmission of airborne sound. The S.T.C. rating is based on tests conducted to industry recognized A.S.T.M. standards. This allows us to compare and rate different materials and assemblies as to how they perform in providing improved sound control. There are many new or specialty type materials available to improve the STC performance of walls and floors. These products cost more and are not always readily available. However, using regular materials available from stock at your local building materials supply store, we can obtain levels of sound control to meet most requirements. Companies like Bailey Metal Products Limited, serve Canada's commercial and residential construction markets by providing products and service that can provide better

What’s Trending

sound control and cost less. A “better bang for your buck” can have a different meaning when it comes to selecting materials. A 2 ½” steel stud for a wall will cost significantly less than a wood 2 x 4 and provide a higher STC value. Steel resilient channels installed onto wood floor joists will cost about the same as wood furring and provide a 20% higher STC value. There are other benefits to the use of steel, including to the environment. Bailey Metal Products manufactures construction materials from steel coils containing 95% recycled content. Steel framing members are also 100% recyclable and can be recycled an infinite number of times without a loss in structural integrity. Indoor air quality will be greatly improved because steel framing does not produce off-gas or use glues or chemicals in the manufacturing process, or provide a surface that supports the growth of mould. Noise can travel over and around walls, through windows, doors, air ducts, and any penetrations in the walls or ceilings. These conditions can be caused by recessed cabinets, electrical boxes, light fixtures, and/or pot lights. The STC ratings do not reflect the effect this “flanking” has on the performance of the wall or floor. If these flanking paths are not dealt with they can reduce significantly the performance of the assembly particularly for higher rated values.

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According to Bailey, some good practices to follow are:

• Seal the perimeters with a non-hardening non-shrinking sealant • Seal around all pipes, ducts and any services that penetrate assemblies • Locate outlet boxes in adjacent stud cavities and not back to back • Avoid recessed fixtures and cabinets and use surface mounted units • Do not use sliding or “pocket” doors • Install neoprene tape or soft weather-stripping on the top and jambs of the door frame and a “door sweep” or threshold closure on the bottom of the door

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There is no doubt that the advent of high quality audio systems and the increasing popularity of home theaters and entertainment rooms, in combination with rising demand for high density housing, have intensified the need for sound isolating solutions within the residential construction sector. From the sounds of it, we will be hearing a lot more from this trend; a far cry from quiet spaces! Or not so quiet after all! Information courtesy of Bailey Metal Products Limited. For more information, including resilient channel diagrams and installation recommendations, visit bmp-group.com

What’s Trending

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Wall to Wall Confidence is a trademark of PPG Group of Companies. Sico is a registered trademark of the PPG Group of Companies. Manor Hall and Sun Proof are registered trademarks of PPG Architectural Finishes, PPG Paints is a trademark of PPG Industries Ohio, CONTRACTOR ADVANTAGE JULY / AUGUST 2016 13 Inc. Â© 2016 PPG Industries, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

COMPOSITE DECKING & RAILING FOR THE WIN!

While the majority of decking and railing jobs remain wood, there are good reasons to look at and recommend composites. Written by Lawrence Cummer

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Feature Story: Composite Decking & Railing for the Win!

Photo courtesy of OWL Distribution Inc.

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Many homeowners see the backyard as the final frontier of home renovation; a chance to extend their living space to the wide outdoors. With several improvements in composite decking and railings, contractors should seize the opportunity to add these manmade materials to their repertoire. There’s no question that a majority of decks continue to be wood-built. Natural wood has that go-to familiarity for contractors; it offers an initial cost savings to homeowners, and some people simply love wood. On the other hand, by reducing maintenance costs,

composite products may save homeowners money over time and, even more importantly, almost eliminate maintenance; few if any homeowners love maintenance. “Decks and railings as a category are benefiting from the entire trend of outdoor living,” notes Colin Urquhart, product manager at OWL Distribution Inc. The company distributes TimberTech and AZEK decking and Fortress Aluminum railings in Canada. It’s a trend creating an uptick in the market. Factors including the Canadian

dollar, “staycationing” trend, high real estate costs in some markets, and familiarity created through DIY television, are all helping to drive popularity for decks and railing systems, and composites are outpacing general growth. While some homeowners definitely experience sticker shock at the initial cost-per-square-foot for a composite deck and railing system compared with cedar or pressure treated wood, there’s an opportunity for contractors to educate them and get to the heart of their decking needs.

Photo courtesy of OWL Distribution Inc.

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Feature Story: Composite Decking & Railing for the Win!

Celect and painting: Don’t even think about it. Celect® Cellular Composite Siding is engineered to be the most aesthetically pleasing and maintenance-defying exterior on the block. That means no painting and no caulking. Celect’s advanced cellular material and fade-resistant Kynar Aquatec® coating work together to protect homes from the impact of the sun and the punishing effects of time. Plus, the patented interlocking joints that produce its virtually seamless looks inspire effortless admiration while blocking out moisture and all varieties of weather. Just a few of the things that make Celect perfectly superior to fiber cement, engineered wood and the rest of the siding crowd. Find out everything siding can do at celect.royalbuildingproducts.com.

Photo courtesy of Fiberon

Educating Homeowners “People have to maintain a wood deck if they don’t they end up having to replace it, especially in Canada” notes Brent Gwatney, Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing for MoistureShield. “Just for the chemicals to clean and reseal and maintain things—and not counting labour—we’ve found that within about three years of time they’ve paid for their composite deck already.” For many homeowners, especially the generation now buying their houses, eliminating that labour is the single biggest perk of composite decks and railings. “Contractors can easily upsell into composite decking,” says Jeff Morrison, General Manager, National Building

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Products at Goodfellow Inc., which distributes Fiberon decking, railing, fencing and PVC outdoor flooring in Canada. “The younger generation moving into buying homes want everything now. They don’t want to buy a house, then wait five years and put in a deck, and wait another five years to put in a kitchen.” He adds that with the explosive real estate costs in some Canadian markets also eliminate some of the reluctance around costs, since it becomes a mere drop in the bucket. “Some of these things young homeowners are already adding into the cost of their already very high mortgage.” The near-zero maintenance of a composite deck and railing system

also aligns well with some shifting focus and priorities of many modern families. With both parents watching their child on the soccer field or ballet practice, there’s just not as much time for dad (or mom) to be home stripping and resealing the deck, Morrison suggests. These homeowners don’t want to spend precious time on their decks. Adam Zambanini, vice president of marketing for Trex, echoes Morrison’s sentiments. “There are three or four months of summer in a lot of Canadian cities and there can be lots of winter months, so a homeowner doesn’t want to spend their summer painting and staining the deck.”

Feature Story: Composite Decking & Railing for the Win!

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Capped for Durability and Aesthetics One of the biggest changes in the composite market in recent years was the release of capped composite decking. A thin (approximately 1/16”), PVC or PVC-like veneer, or “cap,” is applied to the composite boards during manufacturing. This cap protects the composite board at its core, and provides durability in the form of fade, stain, and scratch resistance. Since the process is more involved, of course, the product is more expensive; however, it has fast become something of an industry standard itself. In 2014, for instance, Trex stopped manufacturing traditional compos-

ites completely in favour of capped composite decking, Zambanini points out. “It’s been a six year evolution since capped product became available. In 2012 or 2013 it became more widely available, and the majority of the market today is capped.” He says the scruff, scratch, fade and stain resistance of capped composites better lines up with what consumers have been expecting from composite decking for the past 20 years. “It’s what they always thought it should be.”

Easier-to-Sell Aesthetics Capped composite boards also come in a wider range of colours and “natural”-like patterns coming closer

to wood in appearance. Since aesthetics may be becoming as or more important than deck maintenance and durability—which could be seen as the ante for consideration—this is an important shift. “It’s aesthetically capped composites (and PVC) are much more pleasing,” Urquhart says. “Once you’ve budgeted for composite decking or PVC, it’s actually small step to pay for the best looking product.” He compares it to homeowners buying a kitchen refrigerator and deciding between standard white and stainless steel models. “You’ve made a mental leap to afford something… The hurdle is really between wood and composite or PVC.”

Photo courtesy of Trex

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Feature Story: Composite Decking & Railing for the Win!

Photo courtesy of Moistureshield

Advocates for traditional composite decking, which is made up completely of wood fibre and recycled plastics, suggest it’s less slippery when wet and slightly cooler to the touch on a hot sunny day, as well as, of course, being less expensive. As with any material, it’s about finding out what the homeowner wants, needs and can pay for.

Deck and Railing: The Dynamic Duos As part of the larger backyard aesthet-

ic, decking and railings act for many as a focal point, so more consumers are looking to the backyard structures together, possibly even with their home interior. “As people do more stuff outdoors, they want their decks to match the hardwood flooring inside,” Gwatney says. He adds that this is a driver for his company to produce ever-more natural looking capped products, so “it just blends.” These days, many homeowners want

Feature Story: Composite Decking & Railing for the Win!

their decking and railings to blends as well. Manufacturers want to help here too. There are online tools abound to help contractors build out and design a dream deck for their clients, and matching sets are becoming a thing as well. For example, Trex has taken its railing options and boiled them down to three looks—compare, contrast and change-it-up—that visually support any of their decking option. “We call them decking and railing duos,” Zabanini says.

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Photos courtesy of Trex

The homeowner buck, sadly, often stops long before the addition of a lovely composite or PVC railing. Foot-for-foot they are more expensive than composite decking. That can be a tough pill to swallow for homeowners on a budget, and when not accounted for as part of a whole project, funds can run out before the railings are added. This, Zabanini suggests, is a mistake for the homeowner, and for contractors a missed opportunity to perform more work on the jobsite before moving on. For those contractors who do incorporate railings into the deck plans from the start, that money isn’t being left sitting on the table. Zabinini adds, “who wants to just build rectangles all day? A lot of do-it-yourselfers can build rectangles.”

Photos courtesy of Trex

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Feature Story: Composite Decking & Railing for the Win!

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On the Jobsite

The Challenge & Reward of Transparency Culture Written by Elizabeth McCormick Inspiration Speaker

Don’t incentivize employees with money. They don’t want it. Did you do a double-take? While the statement is a bit facetious, your workers expect fair compensation for the work they do, but it’s not the be-all and end-all of their motivation. In fact, it’s not even one of their top three motivators. The top three motivators - Culture & Values, Career Opportunities, Senior Leadership - account for over 60 percent of a worker’s job satisfaction. Let’s look at each of these in turn and examine how it influences – and is influenced by – a transparent corporate culture.

Defining Transparency and Culture There’s a temptation to think of corporate culture and transparency as synonymous, whether that transparency is achieved yet or not. Consider the following statement by a fictional CEO: “Our corporate culture is one of transparency.” It probably strikes you as an empty phrase. The more cynical would likely start looking for transparency in practice in this executive’s organization, or worse yet, start examining the CEO for behavior consistent – and inconsistent – with the statement.

On the Jobsite

Take a minute to look out the window. Some of you might see trees, greenspaces and water, while others might see walls of adjacent buildings. A few of you probably noticed the window needs cleaning. You probably see where this is going. While people can value transparency, in many ways transparency isn’t a value at all. It’s a condition. Transparency sits in between culture and perception. You already have corporate transparency. It’s simply a matter of opacity. With this model in mind, it becomes clear that an enterprise with opaque cultural transparency is likely to frustrate perceptions. Conversely, high transparency contributes to a satisfying work condition. Traditional, hierarchy-based management is often defined by the corner office or the prime parking space, beneficial rewards and demonstrative achievements that get entrenched in the myths of corporate culture, making the workplace a competitive environment rather than a collaborative one, promoting a set of skills in the workforce that may not be the skills best suited to advancing corporate objectives. So it’s easy to see that, if the fictional CEO of our example makes his or her statement then goes back to the office and closes the door, the words are hollow.

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The Real Message Behind Career Opportunities Consider the silent-pluggers. Every workplace has them, those who quietly do their job, day after day, and they’re good at it. Then there are the pluggers. Perhaps they want to know that they can keep doing what they are doing, earning a little more over time. To them, a bump up to supervisor may be the worst possible outcome. Promotion is a reward for some, but a punishment for others. If the window on advancement is opaque, the pluggers may not be doing their best work in hopes of being passed over. Promotion may also be a tangible demonstration of a person’s value. It’s hard to argue that your work is valued if the company gives you more money and responsibility. If this validation can only come through career advancement, then they probably aren’t experiencing workplace transparency when it comes to day-to-day job performance. Given that salaries are typically closely guarded by company and workers alike, it’s likely that, in the opaque workplace, there are those who are consumed with the idea that others are making more for similar or less effort. A promotion or a raise is the only way they can calm the inner voices against the thought that they are being ripped off.

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There just can’t be salary transparency though, can there? Well, the military does it. Public institutions such as universities and government agencies at all levels publish salary information. We all know how much the President makes. With access through the Internet to job listings across the country or even around the world, it’s never been easier for a worker to establish his market value. But remember, money is only number 5 on the list of motivators. It’s not that workers want to be paid the most. Workers want to be paid fairly.

Transparency and Senior Leadership Brace yourselves, here’s where YOU come in. You’ve probably heard the glib catch phrase: “People don’t quit their jobs. They quit their bosses.” It may be simplifying somewhat, but examine your own job history to see if it’s true for you. What makes up a good boss is different for everyone. Despite the definitions, there are leaders who are accepted as superior, so there are overlaps of perception. Perception. You read how opacity affects perception, and the real challenge for you as a manager is to find the balance that’s right for your company and for your workers, and, since you must live it, what’s right for you.

On the Jobsite

Reviewing the basic definition of a manager, we are reminded, “A manager is a person whose work is completed through the efforts of others.” Your workers are completing your essential work. You probably know how they tick as a group, and in some cases as individuals. You’re likely contemplating the concept of transparency to help your people work better, more efficiently and with satisfaction and loyalty. Email, calendars, work time and work tasks can keep tabs on the work that your staff is doing. Is this gathered information used to adjust and adapt or is it a corporate Big Brother whose only result is increasingly complex work avoidance? A smart approach to transparency may beat a “more is better” approach, particularly during the early stages of implementation. Systems that feed the transparent condition are often used in opaque ways, sending mixed messages. Understanding transparency as a condition means treating

On the Jobsite

transparency as a process. Your workers are looking to you for guidance, example and sincerity. For over 16 percent of them, it’s the most important factor leading to job satisfaction.

Your Visual Flight Rules Reducing the opaque walls of hierarchal corporate culture is not something to attempt on a whim or on a mission statement. Employees can see right through you if your leadership lacks sincerity. It’s ironic, but perhaps the best methods to begin efforts to improve transparency are subversive. You can quietly try on your own transparency changes, learn about your staff, their goals, dreams and frustrations. Mix these with your knowledge of the business, your clients and your industry. Just as a pilot flies from one landmark to the next, so too will your process toward transparency.

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ON THE WATERFRONT

Building a dock or a boathouse? Think spacious, low-maintenance & consider local restrictions. Written by Melissa Campeau

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CONTRACTOR ADVANTAGE

Feature Story: On the Waterfront

Photo courtesy of Emmerson Lumber

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Nothing says summer quite like lounging on a dock in cottage country. For those in the business of building, helping to create that perfect warm-weather stage is a summer tradition in itself. Over the years, the design and building of docks and boathouses has evolved; styles have changed, priorities have shifted, technologies have advanced and restrictions have tightened. Here, we’ve gather the latest on what’s new and what’s trending when it comes to creating these waterside attractions.

Material decisions A fundamental decision for anyone building a dock is the decking material. Some owners may prefer the traditional look and feel of wood. Some types of wood, too, have natural oils and tannins that can help resist decay, rot and insects, without needing to spray the dock with any chemicals. However, wood is susceptible to the elements, needs a fair bit of upkeep and can be quite costly. For many owners, it’s no longer the only choice.

“The market is definitely trending toward lightweight, no-maintenance options,” says Chris Handley, President of Dock Solutions of Canada and one of the Owners of Handley Lumber Ltd in Fenelon Falls. “When I was in high school we used to sell tonnes of traditional wooden frame docks. Today, I maybe sell one per year.” The popularity of decking made of plastic or composite (a mix of plastic and wood) is on the rise since those products tend to require less maintenance than wood. “I’ve seen more and more people are moving to a plastic floated dock rather than the traditional foam billet dock,” says Kim Emmerson, President Of Emmerson Lumber Ltd. Aluminum, too, is an appealing option for many owners since it’s durable and can stand up to the elements. It’s also lightweight, making dock installation and removal relatively easy. Recent innovations also mean it’s available in a finish that looks like wood grain—a big plus for those in search of a more

classic look. “There are a lot of lightweight options on the market,” says Handley. “While we were at the Cottage Life Show this past spring, I noticed there were at least 30 different dock suppliers or configurators.” Handley’s company is the Canadian distributor for aluminum docking brand Alumidock, a product he feels is appealing to customers because of its easy installation and low maintenance. “It saves all the labour required with staining and maintaining wood,” says Handley. “It’s also a one-piece construction so it saves the time required to remove and install wood inserts.” Plus, he adds, most installations can be removed without anyone having to get in the water (which tends to be cold during the spring or fall months when docks are installed and removed).

Natural, but better More time with friends and family — and less time on maintenance and upkeep—is a growing theme with

Photo courtesy of Handley Lumber

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Feature Story: On the Waterfront

Finally, Wood Shakes Have Met Their Match. 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 the 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.

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Commit to Building the Best

Dow’s commitment to the Building and Construction industry spans across decades, with its 75th anniversary of STYROFOAM™ Brand XPS a testimony to its legacy of helping builders build with the best. Insulating and air sealing new or existing homes is the easiest way to avoid the air leaks and moisture intrusion that can lead to structural issues such as mold and decay. Protecting the homes you build in a continuous layer of insulation and air sealing your home’s gaps and cracks creates an air-tight, moisture resistant structure that provides builders with: • Reliable products that get the job done the first time • High quality homes to market to homeowners • Fewer callbacks and liabilities • Peace of mind that the job was done right

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Photo courtesy of Handley Lumber

today’s customers. Where previous generations appreciated the craft of building and didn’t mind the time and effort required to maintain it, younger generations place more value on leisure and comfort and are less likely to spend time on upkeep. “We see this trending daily as homeowners and cottagers move from traditional products to favouring lower-maintenance alternatives and I don't see this stopping anytime soon,” says Handley. “We all want more time to enjoy the cottage, not work on the cottage.” It applies to dock materials as well as choices for building boathouses, and beyond. “If anything, this trend is growing and infiltrating traditional products to make them lower maintenance,” says Handley, offering the example of

Feature Story: On the Waterfront

prefinished wood siding (a popular choice for boathouses.) “This option retains the traditional aesthetic of true wood siding, but greatly reduces the maintenance associated with painting and staining.”

Boathouse decision: fixed vs. floating Another choice facing owners who want to build boathouses, beyond the building material: Will it be a fixed or floating structure? Budget can be a deciding factor in this, since pile driving, required by a fixed option, sends the price significantly upwards. A floating boathouse—typically supported by a pontoon base made of PVC or aluminum—generally costs much less. Floating can also make sense, too, if the lake floor isn’t solid enough

for piles, or if the depth of the water makes pile driving cost-prohibitive.

Legal considerations A wrench in the works, when it comes to docks and boathouses, is the building restriction in many areas. Some areas simply don’t permit the construction of new boathouses. “Everybody would like a functional boathouse with living space and sleeping quarters above, with boat storage underneath,” says Jesse Austin, of Austin Builders Inc. “But Permits are few and far between in our area.” Instead, says Austin, many opt for structure that’s no more than 13 feet in height, with boat storage underneath and a sundeck area above. “There are lots of things people would like to do when it comes to boathouses,” says

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Austin, “but restrictions are pushing the trend towards having just a party deck over top. Getting a permit for that is much easier.” Building restrictions can impact docks, as well. “This year, there is a huge controversy about docks,” says Emmerson. “The MNR [Ministry of Natural Resources] is requesting that a permit be required for anything over 15

square meters, which is quite small.” Current hurdles aside, cottagers have shown a growing interest in making the most of summers outside and setting up sizeable outdoor spaces for relaxing and entertaining, right on the water, as much as possible. “Generally, docks have been getting larger and larger,” says Emmerson. “Cottagers are recognizing that a dock can be an

extension to the living area.” Given the appeal—and summer tradition—of an early morning coffee on a dock or a sunset enjoyed from the comfort of a boathouse, the move toward low-maintenance and spacious outdoor living isn’t likely to stop any time soon.

Photo courtesy of Emmerson Lumber

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Feature Story: On the Waterfront

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Supplier Spotlight

AFA Forest Products Inc. Courtesy of AFA Forest Products Inc.

Founded in 1974, specializing in commodity building materials, AFA Forest Products Inc. has grown to include 13 distribution centers from British Columbia to Newfoundland. At AFA we are committed to supporting Canadian businesses in the retail building material industry. AFA has evolved into a NATIONAL distribution company that deals not only in commodities but allied products as well. Reacting to the demand of the marketplace, AFA carefully selects products that will compliment product lines currently being distributed. Our selection of products includes a wide variety of materials ranging from lumber and plywood to flooring to siding and roofing and everything in between. Our commitment to this range of allied products continues to support our goal to remain a leader in building materials distribution. Our NATIONAL presence allows us to effectively cover markets all across Canada. Uncompromising service, Quality materials and Competitive pricing is our commitment to you! www.afaforest.com

Supplier Spotlight

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GenTek Building Products Celebrating 50 Years of Excellence

2016 is a landmark year for Gentek Building Products as the company celebrates 50 years in business. This Burlington, Ontario-based manufacturer and distributor of exterior building materials has positioned itself as a single source supplier by offering an extensive range of products, as well as professional sales support for its varied markets. Gentekâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s exceptional commitment to customer service, strong business relationships and consistent product quality are key distinctions in its longevity and success. Gentek-branded products include comprehensive lines of vinyl, aluminum and steel siding, as well as specialty siding, soffit, fascia, trim and more. Gentek also manufactures replacement and new construction windows for a wide range of projects and price points. Overall, the company distrib-

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utes over 30,000 building products, including other popular brands specific to the renovation and new construction markets. From a practical and logistical standpoint, Gentek is well positioned to meet every customerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s needs with timely and reliable delivery and service. The company has four manufacturing plants for windows and siding products, 22 distribution centers throughout Canada, and fully integrated marketing and sales programs. Gentek also takes the lead when it comes to warranty coverage and backs many of its products with lifetime warranties for added value and peace of mind. gentek.ca

Supplier Spotlight

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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 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!

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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

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• 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™

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Ideal Roofing Company Limited As an industry leader in the manufacturing of quality steel roofing and siding products, Ideal Roofing’s prime concern has always been their clients’ satisfaction. Proud of its solidly established reputation built on customer service and product dependability, Ideal Roofing manufactures steel roofing and siding panels for agricultural, commercial, industrial, institutional and residential buildings, serving

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a host of diversified clients across Canada’s six eastern provinces and the Northeastern United States. Ideal Roofing’s steel roofing panels will usually be appropriate and fitting for most architectural styles. Designed and developed in Canada to resist one of the world’s harshest climates and most extreme variations of temperature, Ideal Roofing’s long-length steel roofing

Supplier Spotlight

panels are custom-cut to lengths up to 40 feet, fastened and secured from ridge cap to eave, often in one single sheet to minimize the number of seams and joints and the risk of water leakage. Ideal Roofingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s steel panels are precisely engineered to prevent water infiltration with a unique anti-siphon overlapping design to withstand torrential rains, blowing snow, freezing rain and strong winds, and to resist punctures from falling branches and flying debris, hot burning

Supplier Spotlight

embers, sparks blowing out of your fireplace chimney and the punishment of the baking hot summer sun. Because of their excellent property to shed snow, steel roofing panels are the ideal roofing material for isolated summer homes and cottages. www.idealroofing.com

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Money Matters

On The Wire; Making Mobile Work For You As a busy contractor on the move, you probably find yourself constantly on the go, working on the fly. With most of your business taking place either on a jobsite or inside a home, it’s vital for you to be as efficient and flexible as possible. With this being said, perhaps one of the most important aspects of your business is collecting payment. The ability to be able to process payment wherever and whenever will no doubt allow you to focus on the task at hand rather than counting cash or far worse, chasing or waiting for pay day. Giving your customers another According to a recent Accenture survey, while only 52% of North Americans are aware of mobile payment options, only 18% use them on a regular basis. Experts estimate a 200% increase in mobile transactions. While this seems to be the trend, bringing mobility to payments with speed and reliability is the key, and companies are now offering a variety of portable payment options. Moneris®, currently offers a convenient and portable Long-Range Wireless Payment solution that is the perfect all-in-one payment solution for businesses on the go. Their devices enhance customer service and improve business efficiency through transaction support, enhanced security features and full range card acceptance. The terminals deliver the extended coverage and flexibility needed to accept payment anytime and are designed to meet industry security standards allowing users to process debit and

Money Matters

credit payments, including Chip & PIN, swipe and contactless technology. Many small business owners have discovered the benefits of accepting debit and credit cards right from their smartphones or tablet. The app is designed for businesses-on-the-go and works with a card reader to process secure transactions. It essentially turns the user’s smartphone or tablet into a transaction terminal. PAYD Pro®, another Moneris®, product, was Canada’s first smartphone-based mobile debit and credit payment solution and works by simply pairing a mobile device with your pin pad to accept Interac Debit and credit card payments anywhere in Canada where mobile data or WiFi is available. Giving your customers an alternative to cash payment ensures that regardless of where business takes you, both consumer and contractor can take advantage of the convenience and security of on-the-spot transactions. When business moves as fast as you do, you need the tools to run it from anywhere you go and living on the wire will assuredly do just that. Information courtesy of Moneris®, please visit www.moneris.com for more information.

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SIDING TAKES CENTRE STAGE

Curb appealâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s comeback bodes well for cladding companies. Written by Nestor Arellano

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Feature Story: Siding Takes Centre Stage

Photo courtesy of GenTek Building Products

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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.

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Feature Story: Siding Takes Centre Stage

In the last four years, a home’s exterior looks have become one of the top deciding factors for closing a sale. The rising importance of curb appeal in hot housing markets of Canada is welcome news for many cladding manufacturers and distributors. Indeed, a recent survey of homeowners conducted by global market research firm Harris Interactive indicates that 78% of respondents says curb appeal is either “extremely” or “very important.” As many as 61% of those queried said that whether they were looking to buy a house or designing their own home, the most attention-grabbing feature was the style of the building. The next consideration (43%) was how the house looked on the property. Although the survey focused on the markets in the United States, cladding experts interviewed by Contractor Advantage confirmed that the same trend towards exterior attraction is strong and healthy in Canada too. With the prices of homes hovering at stratospheric levels, in some areas,

making a good first impression has become extremely important, according to Amy Lindholm, Brand Manager for the siding group at LP Building Products. “A lot of people are thinking about curb appeal,” says Lindholm, whose company specializes in engineered wood siding products. “We think this is very good for the siding market.” Apart from landscaping, one of the more dramatic makeovers homeowners looking to sell can do for a property is a cladding revamp. According to many realtors, makeovers that provide the greatest paybacks are the ones that are most obvious to buyers when they see the property in person or online. With new siding, in particular, homeowners can expect to recoup as much as 85% of their cost.

Siding options When it comes to appeal, the innate beauty, natural hues, grains and patterns of real wood, stone and brick are hard to beat. As long lasting as these looks are, they are also quite expensive.

A 500-sf wall done in natural stone, for instance, could easily start from $15,000. Prices may vary depending on location, manufacturer and dealer, but on average natural siding materials can cost from: • Natural stone $25 to upwards of $35/sf • Real brick - $12 to $17/sf • Real stone and brick veneer $11 to $20/sf • Stucco - $4 to $9/sf • Hardwood - $3.5 to $8/sf • Wood shakes and shingles siding $5 to 8/sf • Cedar - $2 to $6/sf Many homeowners and builders are turning towards lower-cost alternatives. For example, engineered wood planks are made from wood fibre, resin, and wax fused under pressure. They look like natural wood but it doesn’t need to be stained or painted to resist rot and the elements. They can

Photo courtesy of LP CanExcel

Feature Story: Siding Takes Centre Stage

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range from $3.50 to $5/sf. Another low-cost siding alternative is aluminum. The product sells for about $2.50 to $4.50/sf.

High fibre For years, vinyl siding has enjoyed a wide lead over other competing cladding materials. However, more adventurous homeowner design trends feature the use of mixed exterior cladding and have brought other options to the market. “More and more, we are seeing combinations like stucco and vertical panels, bricks and stone or shake and other such pairings,” says Lindholm. “People want a break from the usual and come up with a striking exterior.” The market share for vinyl and plastic building material has dropped from 39% in 2003 to 27% in 2013,

according to a study by the market research firm Freedonia Group Inc. One of the options growing in popularity is siding made from fibre materials and resin. Demand is expected to increase by 8.2 percent each year from 13.8 million squares in 2013 to 20.5 million in 2018. A square covers 100-square feet, or a 10-foot-by-10foot area. Engineered wood is also seen as a green alternative because the resin and wood pulp combination releases fewer dioxins compared to vinyl when exposed to flames. It is a low-maintenance product that can last up to 50 years. LP Building Products sells engineered wood siding under its CanExcel RidgeWood D5. The product has the look of genuine Dutch wood lap siding. A unique middle groove on multi-

lap planks give it the appearance of narrow 5” laps but the planks actually come in 12’’ wide, 12’ long planks that are easy to install. The strong selling points of RidgeWood D5 is the resin compound that makes it impact resistant and allows it to stand up to Canada’s harsh winters, its authentic looking wood-grain texture and a choice of 19 colours. Kaycan sells the Naturetech KWP brand of engineered wood siding. It is the ideal cladding choice for environmentally conscious homeowners because Naturetech line is made from 100% recycled wood, according to Wade O’Reilly, Vice-President of the retail division at Kaycan Ltd. The company employs a stringent process that ensures the pre-finished engineered wood product is rigid and durable but remains eco-friendly.

Photo courtesy of LP CanExcel

Feature Story: Siding Takes Centre Stage

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“That is why homes built with Naturetech can be awarded up to 4 LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification points towards protecting the environment,” says O’Reilly. “The ½” thick panels are 30% thicker than competing products, can be nailed down, resists termite damage and will not rot, crack or split.” They come in a choice of 18 colours and six styles.

Vinyl strikes back Despite the onslaught of alternative siding materials, demand for vinyl is expected to rise by about 5.2% annually to 25.9 million squares in 2018, according to analysts from Freedonia. “Because vinyl siding is durable, maintenance free, economical, easy to install with a design that lends itself to a combination of other claddings, it continues to maintain a significant market share,” explains Ted Talboom, Manager of Retail Sales for Gentek Building Products. “Although vinyl

siding has lost some market share to competitive products it is still our top selling line.” Gentek vinyl siding is backed by a lifetime limited, warranty with hail protection and lifetime fade coverage. The company’s premium line, the Sequoia Select is made with heavy duty, 0.46” thick rigid vinyl that has been laboratory tested to withstand wind loads of up to 407 kph. Talboom also says Gentek’s Colour Clear Through system makes it easy for contractors and homeowners to ensure that the company’s soffit, fascia, trim, and rainware will match beautifully with colours throughout Gentek’s vinyl, aluminum and steel product lines. Vinyl is fighting back through innovation, according to O’Reilly. “What you’re seeing now in newer vinyl clad homes in no longer your grandpa’s vinyl,” he explains. “The idea that vinyl is only for low-end homes is no longer true.”

For instance, most vinyl claddings are no longer easily dented or damaged and many come with a 30 to 40 year warranty. There are also a wide variety of insulated vinyl sidings that help raise a home’s energy efficiency from a 2 to a 5.5 R rating. Kaycan offers six popular styles of vinyl siding which includes the DaVinci Board and Batten line, Perfection Shingles, which emulate the look of cedar shingles, and Montebello Vinyl Log Siding that has the rustic look of natural log siding. “Our DaVinci line comes in the latest dark bold colours and is protected from fading by our Helios technology,” says O’Reilly. Many vinyl products tend to fade and distort due to the sun’s ultra violate rays. Dark colours tend to absorb more of the rays, but Helios deflects heat and the damaging rays, according to O’Reilly.

Photo courtesy of GenTek Building Products

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Feature Story: Siding Takes Centre Stage

TURN

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THE PINK PANTHER™ & © 1964-2016 Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc. All Rights Reserved. The colour PINK is a registered trademark of Owens Corning. © 2016 Owens Corning. *Up to 20% heating and cooling savings based on Hot 2000, Version 8.7 run for a 2 storey 1972 type base house with 1149 sf per floor for an increase from R-8 to R-40 in the attic in Canadian climates. Savings vary depending on original amount of insulation in your home, climate, house size, air leaks, and personal energy use and living habits. 73% recycled content is based on the average recycled glass content in all Owens Corning fiberglass batts, rolls and unbonded loosefill inuslation manufactured in Canada, SCS certified. † Blowing time. Based on attic size 100m2/1000 ft2 at RSI 8.8/R-50

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Photo courtesy of Kaycan

Industrial chic

Façade fashion forecast

Although aluminum siding may not provide the opulent look of wood the way engineered wood siding or vinyl siding does, it has become the ideal aesthetic choice for many of today’s linear and industrial home designs. In addition to its distinct appearance, aluminum will not crack and can tolerate both heat and cold fairly well. Unlike wood or fibre cement, aluminum will not absorb moisture and will also give off less poisonous gasses in the event of a fire. Aluminum siding also requires minimum maintenance, Talboom points out, unlike fibre cement which requires periodic re-caulking and wood siding which needs repainting every five to seven years. For example, the company’s Deluxe aluminum siding line doesn’t need much more than an occasional rinse with a garden hose.

Apart from knowing the pros and cons of siding materials on the market, contractors can help homeowners decide on the right cladding option by becoming familiar with the latest home design trends, according to the experts we spoke with. For instance, despite their increased popularity, strong, dark colours have not replaced the light neutral shades for exterior walls, says Lindholm. “Homeowners looking to resell their property still favour neutral shades even though many are going for a darker palette like dark browns, greys, brick, and green,” she says. The simpler profile of arts and craft detailing is still going strong. For example, homeowners or contractors can opt for shingles in vinyl or engineered wood or consider installing lap siding combined with board and batten on

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the same exterior to create a comfortable, rural look. Longer panels paired with plain stucco walls are very often seen in the more modern home designs. Flat horizontal or vertical siding has become very popular. Metallic materials like aluminum lend itself well to many contemporary designs. In the face of so many options and design possibilities, many homeowners are still looking for low or no maintenance products, says O’Reilly. “Whether they are baby boomers, Gen-Xers or millennials, people want to have more free time on their hands.” With the desire to increase curb appeal at an alltime high, the stage is certainly set for siding and cladding companies.

Feature Story: Siding Takes Centre Stage

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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.

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Bailey RC Plus Resilient Channel: Stop the Noise Bailey Metal Products Limited has a improved resilient channel with better sound performance and increased labour savings. A series of tests on resilient channels were performed at NATIONAL RESEARCH COUNCIL CANADA (NRC, CNRC) for Bailey Metal Products Limited. These results showed improved STC performance with the new Bailey design RC Plus. The tested assemblies were constructed to be the same as assembly W3B listed in table A-9.10.3.1.A of the National

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Building Code of Canada (NBCC). That assembly delivers an STC of 48. The same assembly with the improved Bailey resilient channel, RC Plus, delivers an STC of 51. The Bailey RC Plus design installs on wood or metal framing and incorporates unique features that allow faster installation and uncompromised performance. For more information on quieter living please visit www.bmp-group.com

Build bold.

She wrote the e-book on confidence.

Where are homeowners with a passion for personality finding fascination these days? In exteriors bathed in deep, beautiful hues. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a movement driven by a strong impulse to look up and see their very cool home in all its colourful glory. We have just the thing to match this trend: exteriors with character that come in a rich palette of dark colours. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re very confident about that. royalbuildingproducts.com Featuring Royal Estate Siding in Shamrock

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Design Series Windows Windows donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have to be white! With a variety of aluminum clad frame options, Ply Gem Design Series windows have the style you want! Our colours allow you to add curb appeal while allowing you to personalize your home, add character to your project and stand out from the crowd.

12 Bold colours to enhance your home!

White

Cashmere

ECP Clear Anodized

Taupe

Beige

ECP Hunter Green

Sable

Sage Green

ECP Redwood

ECP Brown

Slate Grey

ECP Black

ECP is added to darker colours to resist fading & chalking Visit plygem.ca for details

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Awaken your inner designer The ability to increase the curb appeal of your home is one of the important advantages of vinyl siding. Use colour to match or compliment the roof, windows and other exterior elements of the home. Mitten offers the widest colour palette in the industry.

New, bold Premium colour additions to Sentry 44 Series Timber Bark

Colour matched to the leading Fibre Cement colour. Timber Bark will also be available in our InsulPlank 50 Series.

Lighthouse Red

Luxurious, rich red from the Maritimes as well from our previously offered Custom Line.

Danish Gold

A combination of our gold offerings combined into one unique colour.

Sapphire Blue

A rich, deep Colour from our previously offered Custom Line.

Our Natural Standard and Bold Premium colours combine for an outstanding palette! Visit plygem.ca or mittenbp.com for details

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Through the Eyes of a Visionary; a Success Story Built on Entrepreneurial Spirit & Integrity Written by Jennifer Mercieca Editorial Director, Castle Building Centres Group Ltd.

In 1999, founder and entrepreneur, John DeRegt and his two partners, started with a vision and plan. Their dream was to find the perfect location to start an owned-and-operated, one-stop lumber and building materials source in the Lacombe, Alberta area. He wanted local consumers and contractors to have an alternative to box stores, a place where customer service, expert knowledge and ‘know-how’ were top priorities. That’s when Wolf Creek Building Supplies opened it’s doors. John and his family members spent the next decade dedicated to understanding the needs of his customers, delivering a unique customer expe-

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rience and serving the community. Being a visionary, he evolved with the industry and recognized new opportunities and directions to keep the family business thriving. In 2012, John purchased the company from his partners and that’s when The Wolf Creek Group of Companies was born and has maintained it’s reputation as a first class home improvement empire and truly “family-run” operation. The family currently operates two full-service retail home improvement locations, and Window Masters, a designer showroom, located in the heart of the neighboring city of Red Deer. In 2013, the Window Masters show-

Leaders in the Limelight

room opened its doors and continues to bring together top window and door brands in a bright and inspiring showroom space. Experienced showroom staff work closely with customers to assist them in selecting quality products for their home improvement projects and then a team of expert installers helps bring their design dreams to reality. As Central Alberta’s new home construction market continued to flourish, Timber Wolf Truss Ltd. was established to design and supply trusses and floors for homebuilders and renovation customers. Timber Wolf Truss was honoured three times with the prestigious Large Supplier of the Year award in 2013, 2014 and 2016 for central Alberta. Their unwavering entrepreneurial spirit and ability to recognize industry niches is certainly evident in their ancillary manufacturing and installa-

Leaders in the Limelight

tion companies. Thermo Pro Insulation & Drywall is a building material supply and installation company specializing in insulation and drywall for new construction and renovation. John’s sons Rob, Trent, Ben and Johnny are also involved in the business and have worked hard to honour their father’s legacy. Each of the DeRegt boys are responsible for running the day to day operations in one of the businesses. Rob is integral to operating the retail lumberyards and stores while Johnny manages the Timber Wolf Truss company. Sons Ben and Trent are responsible for operating Thermo Pro Drywall & Insulation and their efforts were recognized with additional industry awards including the “large trade of the year” award for 2013, 2014 and 2016. The company also operates a full fleet of delivery and installation vehicles servicing all of central Alberta.

John attributes much of their success to involvement of his family and quotes that he could not have done it without their day-to day contributions. One may wonder how this small business owner earned the respect of an entire industry and turned his vision into reality? Integrity is always at the forefront, along with a list of strong Christian family values and community support. The Wolf Creek Group of Companies is well-known and active in the community and supports local events and organizations, including sponsoring minor league sports. John, his family, and team of visionaries keep Wolf Creek Building Supplies moving forward in the right direction and are dedicated to the business and the customers they serve. Castle is proud to be part of the Wolf Creek Building Supplies success story and is looking forward to the next BIG chapter!

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Know Your Risk Level - Introducing a New Technology for Conducting Formal Hazard Assessments Written by Vicki Formosa Content Writer & Digital Marketing Strategist at eCompliance

Technology is rapidly changing the world around us and health and safety is no exception. From mass advances in personal protective equipment (PPE) to dedicated safety software platforms, technology is helping improve the safety of construction workers across the country. With these advancements also comes the availability of big data to help inform change. When it comes to new PPE, showing the value of investing in technology is fairly straightforward. It has an instant and obvious impact on safety of our colleagues. Whether you run your own construction business, or work for a national firm, if you ask how much growth or revenue increase the company experienced in the last quarter, that number is easy to find. There are quantifiable and systematic pro-

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cesses put in place to do so. On the other hand, if you ask how much risk your company faces, do you know the answer? Formal hazard assessments are typically required with most large companies, and should be a part of every sized project. It plays a crucial role in understanding and putting controls in place to reduce jobsite risk. Yet, this process is often overlooked and underutilized. Many contractors find it to be a complex, time-involved and inefficient process. Many continue to use pen and paper or Microsoft Excel to assess hazards without established information on how to properly complete the assessment in the first place. Thanks to technology, there is now a better way. A Toronto based safety software company, eCompliance,

Tech Talk

recently released a free hazard assessment service to help improve jobsite safety. This digital program offers a quick, simple and cost-effective way to complete formal hazard assessments and put controls in place to mitigate the risks associated with these hazards. “Formal hazard assessments are crucial to safe, on-time and on-budget construction; however, firms are struggling and it’s exposing their business and colleagues to risks that are avoidable or controllable,” said Adrian Bartha, CEO of eCompliance. “We believe that everyone has the right to a safe workplace so we created a free tool that can help companies and individuals complete these crucial hazard assessments and share them with their workers and clients.” This service will not only be available to all construction groups – from home renovation contractors to industrial and commercial construction firms – but to any organization, in any industry. Since the module is cloud based, it can easily be accessed by anyone who has internet access, a computer or smartphone. It’s also completely customizable and can be built to meet the exact needs of your organization. The hazard assessment module allows you to complete assessments simultaneously including: job, process, project, equipment and environmental hazard assessments for each job. As you’re prompted in a step-by-step manner, the program will automatically calculate your hazard score – the number that determines how much risk your site has.

Tech Talk

Each assessment can be sent digitally, or exported as a visual pdf to be immediately shared with your employees, executives or specific individuals in your company. Formal hazard assessments allow you to quantify the level of risk within your organization. They are a crucial aspect of health and safety programs, despite the fact that most companies fail to complete them or do so inadequately. Construction is an at-risk industry but workplace incidents are avoidable. When you take the time to assess the risk, you can manage it, communicate your process and confirm that it is understood by your colleagues. With eCompliance’s free hazard assessment service, the barriers have been removed to complete a thorough formal hazard assessment. Ultimately, when you are asked how much risk your organization faces, the answer will only be a couple of clicks away. To access your free version of eCompliance’s hazard assessment service, visit: www.ecompliance.com/hazard-assessment-module This is an example of a project hazard assessment completed by a General Contractor using eCompliance’s hazard assessment module.

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NEW AND IMPROVED

Fiberglass Insulation Castlegard® products meet the highest safety, performance and quality standards. Castlegard® Insulation is made with natural products and is Formaldehyde-free, offering a healthier and safer indoor air quality. Castlegard® insulation is a cost effective home insulation solution for your home with proven safety and performance ratings. The EcoLogoTM ensures that your Castle insulation product is the environmentally friendly choice. Castlegard® products can be found exclusively at your local Castle Building Centres location across Canada.

MANUFACTURED IN CANADA BY

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The Environmental Choice” certifies that your energy-saving and eco-friendly insulation product has exceeded the highest health and sustainability standards.

Design Talk

Top Trends in Outdoor Living Spaces Written by Teresa Christine Managing Editor, Castle Publications

Today, backyards serve as a hub of summer activity. As homeowners continue to spend more and more time outside, they are always looking for opportunities to improve their outdoor living spaces. Many homeowners are becoming more sophisticated in terms of how they want their outdoor space to look and feel since the concept of merging indoor and outdoor living spaces continues to gain popularity. With endless design options and an expanding array of goods to choose from, many Castle retailers are offering products to meet the needs of contractors and consumers alike. Here we take a look at some of the trends taking over outdoor spaces.

Design Talk

Pergolas Please A pergola can be a great way to define either an outdoor living or dining space. Pergolas can be the foundation and framework of an outdoor room and be that one piece that pulls everything together. Companies offer contractors and homeowners pergolas to help bring outdoor living to new heights. Pergola kits are offered in many standard sizes as well as custom shapes and provide architectural interest as well as the perfect amount of shade and privacy. Adding a canopy, lighting or curtains will help create a dreamy outdoor retreat.

Railings that Rule As one of the elements being influ-

enced by indoor styling, deck railings are becoming a key focal point. Both contractors and homeowners have realized that as the most visible aspect of a deck, it is a great way to add a touch of flare to the outdoor space. The railings can be used to blend in with the rest of the deck or as a contrasting accent piece. Some are also using a different composite material for the railing to accent the deck space to create a custom look.

Scenic Seating Today, pieces like loveseats and loungers are becoming more popular. Gone are the simple table and chairs. These elements are becoming more and more prevalent in backyards as

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homeowners want to make the outdoor space truly feel like a "room". Integrating interior-inspired accents like decorative outdoor area rugs, cushions, pillows and throw blankets made of weather-resistant materials is also a great way to add to this trend. Things like plants, flowers, artwork and whimsical accessories, are a great way to add personality and colour. With a plethora of choices, it is also important to look for high-quality furniture that will hold up outdoors in all types of weather.

Cooking with Class While outdoor cooking once meant a basic grill and a bag of charcoal, homeowners have taken backyard cooking and dining to a whole new level. Expect this trend to continue with BBQs and grills that maximize space but can handle more than your average steaks, hot dogs and burgers. Think whole turkeys, roasts, pizza and smoked meats. Similarly, outdoor kitchens will get increasingly functional and more elaborate with cooking islands, cabinetry,

pizza ovens, refrigerators and even the kitchen sink! Not only does this help keep the backyard space organized and eliminate many of those back and forth trips inside the house, it also adds a level of convenience and luxury.

Keeping it Hot, Hot, Hot A fire pit is another cost-effective addition that can create many different atmospheres in the backyard. Whether a homeowner wants to try and create a â&#x20AC;&#x153;resortâ&#x20AC;?, vacation or campfire feel, fire pits and heating lamps are the ideal solution. As fireplaces are becoming a lot more attractive to people, most of the designs are natural gas, which is easier for homeowners. Fire features have long been a staple in outdoor living areas as it is a great way to bring family and friends together.

Custom Concrete Instead of sharing the same patio surface as the rest of the neighborhood, more and more homeowners are looking to decorative stamped concrete for a highly durable but uniquely

attractive patio material. Stamped concrete allows for a wide variety of patterns, colors and overall possibilities. Plus, custom borders, stains and design elements can be added to most concrete patios to make it truly unique. In most cases, the patio surface itself holds the most visual impact, so beautiful stamped concrete will likely be one of the focal points in even the most extravagant outdoor living spaces. Outdoor living spaces have always been a desired home addition, but the popularity and ingenuity of this trend has boomed in the past decade. Current market research suggests that consumers are showing a growing willingness to invest in their backyards to create comfortable, entertaining extensions of their homes. The trend of blending outdoor and indoor living continues to be one of the countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most predominant home trends and multi-use patios are already one of the top three features homebuyers look for in a new home. All this is a sure sign that this trend is here to stay beyond the summer!

Photo courtesy of Alexandria Mouldings

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Design Talk

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BUILT TO WORK. ENGINEERED TO SAVE.

MAXIMUM PRODUCTIVITY FOR YOUR BUSINESS. Tough. Dependable. Versatile. Not to mention winners of the 2015 Vincentric Best Fleet Value award. Any way you stack them up, the highly capable F-150, Super Duty and Transit Van are built to deliver. Find your perfect vehicle for any job today.

MEET THE TEAM BEHIND YOUR TEAM FORD.CA/BUILTFORBUSINESS Vehicles may be shown with optional features. *Based on Vincentric 2015 Canada Fleet awards analysis of the Full-Size ½-ton Pickup segment and the XL Reg Cab SWB 2WD configuration, Full-Size ¾-ton Pickup segment and the Super Duty XL Reg Cab 2WD configuration, Full-Size 1-ton Pickup segment and the Super Duty XL Reg Cab SRW 2WD configuration, Mini Passenger Commercial Van segment and the XL configuration, and the ½-ton Passenger Van segment and the XL Low Roof 130 WB configuration. ©2016 Ford Motor Company of Canada, Limited. All rights reserved.

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