RGS EXTERIORS AND JAMES HARDIE: THE PERFECT PARTNERSHIP FOR A STUNNING, DURABLE HOME
RGS Exteriors is Utah’s only “elite preferred” contractor for James Hardie, providing high-quality siding products known for their demand, warranty, and performance.
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SUNSHADE’S EQUINOX LOUVERED ROOF BRINGS CUSTOMIZED LUXURY TO BACKYARDS
From world-class installations to unbeatable local pricing, Robert Weaver’s journey with the Equinox Louvered Roof System proves that innovation, expertise and passion can redefine outdoor living. 20
TAKE CONTROL OF YOUR INDOOR AIR QUALITY: INSIGHTS FROM THE EPA AND HVAC
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has long emphasized the importance of air quality, but many homeowners overlook one crucial detail: we spend approximately 90% of our time indoors.
RGS Exteriors is Utah’s only “elite preferred” contractor for James Hardie, providing high-quality siding products known for their demand, warranty, and performance.
RGS EXTERIORS AND JAMES HARDIE: THE PERFECT PARTNERSHIP FOR A STUNNING, DURABLE HOME
By Rebecca Olds | rebecca.o@thecityjournals
As the only “elite preferred” contractor for James Hardie in the state, RGS Exteriors provides customers with an unmatched quality of service in Utah.
James Hardie is considered a superior product due to its unparalleled consumer demand, industry-leading warranty and performance, strict quality control and versatile product offerings.
This makes it the preferred choice for RGS and aligns with the company’s mission to provide the best quality products to customers.
RGS Exteriors’ owner Tim Brown Jr. described it as the "best siding in the country,” which quickly became the
"Kleenex" of siding products.
RGS’ stellar standing with the material brand is because they are the only contractor to “meet every single criteria that James Hardie requires.”
Two things are required by the manufacturer for contractors to attain their “elite preferred” status, including the use of all James Hardie products on each job that has any of its products and receiving a 90% approval rating from customer surveys.
Quality is a priority
The trifecta of benefits of the James Hardie products provided by RGS basically boils down to the brand’s superior fire
retardancy, insect repellent and protection against moisture and the best warranty on the market.
Unlike RGS’ competitors who may use knockoff or lower-quality trim products with James Hardie siding, RGS uses all branded and quality James Hardy products on each project which ensures they are providing the best quality to their customers.
“If a customer wants James Hardie, we will only do James Hardie—we won't even offer the other products,” Brown said. “We won't compromise, because it's not even close to the quality. All of our competitors, most of the time, use a knockoff siding and then a knockoff trim that is not James Hardie.”
“We want to invest the best the first time,” he said.
James Hardie offers a variety of different styles which allow RGS to create a perfect fit for each home including traditional siding, board and bat, shake and commercial squares.
Brown said “if you name it, they offer it.”
Close to 90% of customers choose traditional siding for the majority of the house and the other options as an occasional accent wall.
Using a complete line of the manufacturer’s products to work flawlessly together is a big aspect that makes RGS the only “elite preferred” contractor for the manufacturer in the state alongside its customer ratings.
Customer satisfaction is a must
Customers are asked 10 questions using a survey company called GuildQuality to get a gauge on “customer perspective and customer satisfaction.” It asks about the customer’s experience with the contractor, including their professionalism, knowledge, value, cleanliness, communication and if the customer would hire them again.
“The problem with Google is you get the really happy or the really upset, you don't get the middle of the road people and GuildQuality surveys get all of that,” Brown said. “It’s something that James Hardie requires we do and we're the only one that surveys like we do.”
RGS goes above and beyond not only surveying its customers who request James Hardie products but every customer the team has helped over the past 15 years.
The company currently holds a 94% approval rating from all customers.
It takes time and effort to be a “preferred elite” contractor, but Brown said it’s worth it because of the great quality of products that James Hardie offers to customers.
Continuing education boosts quality and customer service
Part of what drives both satisfaction and quality work is the amount of money and time employees are given for continuing education while working at RGS.
“We're constantly sending people to conferences to learn, to grow, to get better, to make themselves better, but also to make the company better,” Brown said. “It can be a conference on self-development, best practices, better installation manuals or practices, but also could be as simple as the best products going and building our shelves and seeing what the latest and greatest is.”
Brown said the company spends about $200,000 a year on continuous improvement for the team.
Even more volunteer hours are spent by Brown himself, as he sits on the James Hardie advisory board as "one of the only members in the Intermountain West." He’s been volunteering for the past three years, attending conferences once or twice a year with about 15 other contractors from across the country.
On the board, Brown provides input to James Hardie on how they can improve their products and participates in conferences
“ Proudly serving Utah for five generations, RGS is the only elite preferred contractor for James Hardie. The partnership ensures the best quality of materials and customer satisfaction. ”
the people in the industry are doing.”
When what Brown learns and what his employees learn are combined, he said that it makes the company better and more equipped to provide the best quality of service to customers across Utah, making sure they get the best of the best in product quality and service.
SUNSHADE'S EQUINOX LOUVERED ROOF BRINGS CUSTOMIZED LUXURY TO BACKYARDS
By Rebecca Olds | rebecca.o@thecityjournals
Robert Weaver, owner and founder of Sunshade, has been around the world installing his and his brother, Dave Weaver’s, invention they named the “Equinox Louvered Roof System.”
A unique design that had started making an appearance elsewhere but not in Utah, so the brothers created their own version. Unique from stationary patio covers, the Equinox Louvered Roof System offers homeowners flexibility of how much light or coverage they want at any given moment.
THE BEAUTY, VERSATILITY OF THE EQUINOX LOUVERED ROOF SYSTEM
The slats in the cover are adjustable to allow full sunlight to full shade.
“The beauty of the louvered roof is it kind of gives you a taste of both of those worlds,” Weaver said, “you can select how much light and or shade you're getting.”
“You can angle it such that you're fully shaded, but you still have blue sky and open space above your head. So it's a nice outdoor ambiance, a nice feel.”
In the cold winter months in Utah, homeowners can open the slats to let the warmth of the sunlight in through the windows while in
Robert and Dave Weaver invented the Equinox Louvered Roof System and sold the system in 2000. (Courtesy of Robert Weaver)
the summer closing the slats allows for a cooler patio experience.
It was a concept that caught the attention of the largest patio cover manufacturer in the country at the time and around 1999 the two brothers sold the product.
“They bought our name, our equipment, our engineering—the whole enchilada,” Weaver said. “At that point, we then became consultants and dealers of the product, which they now owned, and we maintained our outlets.
“From that point forward, we were in the industry as dealers, selling our original product, and we spent a lot of time on the road, traveling all over the country, training dealers on how to install the system.”
Even after selling the product, the Weaver brothers decided to keep their original 10 year warranty in place, even though the new owner called them crazy.
“Over time, the warranties have improved, so today I tell my customers lifetime warranty on paint finish, materials and structure and a 10-year guarantee on motor and mechanism,” he said.
He invites everyone to come see the demonstrator cover he has on the front of his building to see the beauty of “no plastic, no rubber, no vinyl, no wood, nothing to rot out with the sun, nothing to be eaten by termites, nothing to rust away.”
OFFERING THE LOWEST PRICES, SUPERIOR SERVICE, UNMATCHED EXPERTISE
Although his brother is now retired, Weaver’s invention of the product comes with certain perks he chooses to pass down to his customers.
“Money is not the motivating force,” he said. “ I still do it because I enjoy working with my hands and I enjoy the satisfaction of the job well done.”
Because of his low overhead and passion for the job, Weaver can offer the lowest prices in the state while offering his unparalleled expertise of the product.
“I am typically 20% less than anybody else,” Weaver said. “I simply can offer lower prices where a competitor has a lease payment on his building, a sales manager, an office gal and a separate install crew, so it costs a bit more.”
With little to no overhead, he offers customers with an average home a price of around $3,000 to $5,000 less than his competitors, which equates to $85 a square foot rather than $100 and up per square foot.
Since he sold the system and acted as an advisor for many years, Weaver has consulted on projects around the world.
“Over my career, I've literally done jobs across the entire world—Europe, Australia, the Caribbean, Mexico, etc.,” he said.
The biggest trend of recent years has been a matte black finish on the system. (Courtesy of Robert Weaver)
These projects ranged from “small jobs at private residences” to “multi-billion dollar projects.”
“We did Trump Towers in Honolulu,” he said. “Years ago, we covered the entire mezzanine level of his hotel there and we did the entire Hawaii Visitor Center in Honolulu.”
An added benefit for local Utah customers now that Weaver has decided to scale back is it’s him on site with installation with maybe one other crew member. He prides himself on holding a tight schedule, not jumping from job to job and keeping open communication with customers to ensure they get what they want.
UPGRADES AND CUSTOMIZATIONS
As far as innovation goes, Weaver said he doesn’t expect anything better than the louvered system to come along anytime soon.
“At the end of the day, I don't see a a revolutionary new style of cover coming—there's only so many ways you can cover your head and block the sun,” he said.
But variations in color and additional customization… that’s something that is only going to grow.
Currently, he said about 80% of his system installs are average, but the other 20% “go to the moon” and customize it to match their home perfectly with all the bells and whistles.
From world-class installations to unbeatable local pricing, Robert Weaver’s journey with the Equinox Louvered Roof System proves that innovation, expertise and passion can redefine outdoor living.
Style-wise, all the rage in recent years has been a matte black finish, but Weaver said that could change with any given year. More and more customization incorporating stack stone, stucco, and big timber frames are all available.
“The goal is to make it look appropriate for the home,” he said.
Additional customization comes in the form of upgrades or adding other features such as heaters, fans, misting systems, lighting and the most common request, a roll-down shade screen—typically the westside, to block the sun late in the day when it's getting low on the horizon.
Dave Weaver’s custom louvered roof system on his home in Maui, Hawaii. (Courtesy of Robert Weaver)
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The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has long emphasized the importance of air quality, but many homeowners overlook one crucial detail: we spend approximately 90% of our time indoors. While outdoor air quality might grab the headlines, the air inside our homes has a more significant impact on our health and comfort. Unlike the air outside, we have direct control over the quality of the air within our homes. Let’s explore some practical steps you can take to improve indoor air quality and create a healthier, more comfortable environment.
TAKE CONTROL OF YOUR INDOOR AIR QUALITY: INSIGHTS FROM THE EPA AND HVAC EXPERTS
The Importance of Indoor Air Quality
Indoor air can often be more polluted than outdoor air. Dust, pet dander, pollen and even harmful chemicals from household products can accumulate, especially in well-sealed homes. These particles can affect not only comfort but also respiratory health. With most of us spending the majority of our lives indoors, ensuring clean and breathable air should be a top priority.
Indoor air quality isn’t just about what you breathe—it’s also about how you feel. Proper humidity levels, effective air filtration and regular maintenance of your HVAC system can make a noticeable difference in your home’s overall comfort.
The Role of Air Filters
One of the simplest ways to improve your indoor air quality is by maintaining your HVAC system’s air filter. Filters trap airborne particles before they can circulate throughout your home. However, not all filters are created equal.
Understanding MERV Ratings
Filters are rated by their Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV), which measures how effectively a filter captures particles of different sizes. While a higher MERV rating indicates better filtration, it’s important to choose a filter that suits your HVAC system’s capabilities. For most residential systems, filters with a MERV rating between 8 and 13 are ideal—they capture allergens and small particles without overburdening the system.
1-Inch vs. 5-Inch Filters
When choosing a filter, size matters. Standard 1-inch filters are common, but they need to be replaced frequently—typically every one to three months. On the other hand, 5-inch filters last longer, often up to six months or more, and provide better filtration. While they may come with a higher upfront cost, the long-term benefits for your air quality and system efficiency make them a worthwhile investment.
When to Change Your Filter
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer for how often to change your filter. It depends on factors like:
• Whether you have pets (which shed fur and dander)
• The level of outdoor pollutants or construction activity near your home
• Indoor air conditions, such as the use of fireplaces or the presence of smokers
A good rule of thumb is to check 1-inch filters monthly and replace them when they appear dirty. For many homeowners, setting a schedule to replace them every three months works well. For 5-inch filters, inspecting them every three months and replacing them every six to 12 months is generally sufficient.
Simple Steps to Better Indoor Air
The Power of Proper Humidity
Another overlooked factor in indoor air quality is humidity. During the winter months, the air inside your home can become dry, leading to discomfort and higher heating bills. Adding a humidifier to your HVAC system can make your home feel warmer without actually raising the thermostat.
Humid air retains heat better than dry air, so maintaining an ideal indoor humidity level of 30-50% can improve comfort and help you save on energy costs. Proper humidity also benefits your health by reducing the risk of dry skin, irritated sinuses, and respiratory problems.
Improving indoor air quality doesn’t have to be complicated. Here are some actionable tips to get started:
1. Change or Check Filters Regularly: As mentioned earlier, checking your filter monthly is a great habit. Replace it as needed to maintain optimal air quality and HVAC efficiency.
2. Upgrade Your Filtration: If you’re still using a 1-inch filter, consider upgrading to a 5-inch filter for better performance and less frequent maintenance.
3. Add a Humidifier: Keep indoor humidity levels balanced to enhance comfort and energy efficiency.
4. Ventilate Your Home: Open windows periodically to let in fresh air, especially after cooking or using cleaning products.
5. Keep Your HVAC System Maintained: Schedule regular professional tune-ups to ensure your system is running efficiently and to catch potential issues early.
Why Indoor Air Quality Matters More Than Ever
As our homes become more energy-efficient, they are often sealed tighter to conserve energy. While this reduces energy bills, it can also trap pollutants indoors. By prioritizing air quality, you’re not only creating a healthier environment but also prolonging the lifespan of your HVAC system and potentially lowering energy costs.
Taking control of your indoor air quality isn’t just about avoiding pollutants—it’s about creating a sanctuary where you and your family can breathe easy. From choosing the right filter to adding a humidifier, small changes can make a big difference in your home’s air quality, comfort, and your overall well-being.
With just a few proactive steps, you can transform your indoor air quality and create a healthier, more comfortable space for your family. The power to improve your air is in your hands—start today for a better tomorrow.
