ABC Show Recap

ABC SHOW RECAP

This year's Atlantic City Builder's show proved to have a good turn out of local builders and other industry professionals. Woodland showcased quite a few products, but the two that received the most interest were our Atlantis Rail System and Thermally Modified Wood. The Atlantis Rail System is a stainless steel tension system that allows for visible horizons and cool breezes while providing up to code safety precautions. The thermally modified wood by EcoPrem is naturally treated wood that is fire kilned to prevent rotting, mold and provide dimensional stability.  Check out our links for more information on these products.

Storm Chasers comes to Woodland.

Yesterday, Woodland had a pleasant surprise from one of the Discovery Channel's Storm Chaser teams, TIV (Tornado Intercept Vehicle). The team featured on the show stopped in to say hello (and fix their trailer). We got a glimpse inside this amazing machine, hand built by Sean Casey.  The 16,000-pound armored tank is outfitted with wind-resistant flaps and anchor spikes to keep him safe while filming inside a twister. The vehicle was en route to Pittsburgh where it is on display in conjunction with the IMAX film, Tornado Alley. The vehicle was also on display at the  Franklin Institute in Philadelphia, before making its debut at Woodland.

 

UltraTouch Launches Perforated Denim Insulation

 

Watch Bonded Logic's video on the latest innovation in their recycled denim insulation line, Ultra Touch. Woodland currently stocks the original unperforated Ultra Touch to the Philadelphia and Delaware Valley Region. For more information on available sizes and prices, call 215-727-533. Look for updates to find out when our stock will change to PERFORATED!

Atlantic City Builder's Convention 2011

Woodland Building Supply is proud to announce our participation at this year's Atlantic City Builder's Convention from April 6-8, 2011 at the Atlantic City Convention Center. Have a look at our newest products at our booth, #1504 and we will also popping up in this year's Green Zone, so keep an eye out for our Ultratouch recycled denim wall and mini booth featuring all of our green products. For more information on the show visit: http://www.abconvention.com/index.php

FSC OSB OMG!

Woodland will now be stocking FSC OSB (4x8x7/16"). Here is a little breakdown of how FSC works for those of you who are not familiar with the FSC system. Each FSC order receives a unique identification number that provides a chain of custody from the tree that was cut down to the end user. The FSC label provides assurance to the end user that the material they are purchasing comes from the certified managed forest it claims and that it has not been switched for a non-FSC material. Woodland is a part of that chain of custody and has received training on how to properly inventory and manage FSC material by a third party accreditation party. Stop in and check it out.

FSC OSB is available for $12.99/sheet.

Wood Spotlight:: Ash Wood

Plain sliced American Ash

Sometimes the best place to find what you are looking for is to look in your own backyard. Today lets take a look at a local and ashamedly underutilized North American Hardwood - Ash.  When speaking in terms of green woods, we often think of Bamboo and other rapidly renewable sources, but this however overlooks the most important aspect to green design - locality! Buying local reduces the carbon footprint size and additionally it helps the local economy to grow (which we could all use these days). The first step is to look at what is around you, and see how you can benefit from the resources closest to you.

Ash Wood can be found in plethora in Northeastern USA, making it a great wood for the Philly building community. Many times it grows in moist and swampy areas and flowers in the spring time. Ash is a very strong, flexible, durable, and heavy wood. It comes in 3 basic varieties: Black, Green (Fraxinus pennsylvanica) and White Ash.  Ash is a wood most notably known for being used in baseball bats, because of it's shock absorption and high strength-to-weight ratio. If you are not familiar with Ash, it has the basic look and durability of Oak and is typically an inexpensive hardwood. Ash has a lighter graining than Oak and comes plain sliced, quarter sawn or rift cut; each of which will render very different looks, from traditional to modern.

Ash wood is also available in FSC and thermally modified (great for decking). Here are some good links for the Ash-lover in you!


http://www.hardwoodinfo.com/species_guide/index.php
http://www.lewislp.com/woodchar.asp#Basswood
http://www.thewoodbox.com/data/wood/ashinfo.htm


  

Update on the American Sardine Bar Project.....

 ................AMERICAN SARDINE PROJECT (update)

            About 2 months ago we blogged about the American Sardine bar in Point Breeze, and the green aspects of the work being done. Well today, we have an update shot of the installed awning. The weathered corrugated steel is originally installed as a typical corrugated silver colored metal. But as time passes and inclement weather ensues, the metal begins it's transformation. We took this shot to show one of the metal's color stages. Right now it is a bright orange but in a few weeks or months it will begin to change to a darker more rusty color. What happens in that time is that the steel's chemical composition begins to form a protective layer on its surface under the influence of the weather thus changing the color of the metal.

Windows are a critical component in sustainable building design. Most energy flows in and out of a building through its windows, but with intelligent design and technological innovation they can be used to provide heating, cooling and lighting for a better indoor environment.  

Here is what to look for:

Framing

Wood frames are very energy efficient, and are available in FSC wood, but can also be expensive and need to be sealed or painted regularly to protect them from water damage. Fiberglass frames are low maintenance and energy-efficient but can also be expensive. Aluminum frames are inexpensive but conduct heat easily and are therefore less energy efficient than other options.


Click here to see a list of our green window manufacturers:
Wood (includes Vinyl and Aluminum Clad)
Fiberglass
Vinyl
Aluminum and Commerical

Glass Options

Insulated Glass
Creates an insulated air space between the two pieces of glass, resulting in better thermal performance. Insulated glass also reduces condensation while keeping the heat in during the winter, and heat out during the summer.


Low-E Glass: Low-E Glass is coated with a virtually invisible layer of silver that reflects radiant solar energy while permitting visible light to pass through the glass. Low-E Glass can either have a low Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (the best choice in climates dominated by cooling) or a high SHGC ( the best choice in climates dominated by heating or for south facing windows in climates with a mix of cooling and heating requirements).

Argon Gas: Added inside an insulated panel with Low-E Glass, Argon gas is an invisible, insulating blanket that replaces most of the air during the manufacturing process. With Low-E reflecting heat away, Argon gas buffers thermal transfer to enhance the performance of the whole glass panel.

Certifications and Ratings
 

National Fenestration Ratings Council (NFRC): Look for the National Fenestration Ratings Council (NFRC) label on the window or patio door. This label shows the U-Value, Solar Heat Gain, and visible light transmittance values.

Energy Star® Rated: Energy Star® is a national campaign sponsored by the EPA and the Department of Energy to promote energy efficient products.

R- and U-Values: R-Value is a term that measures the insulation properties of a material like insulation, but the energy efficiency of windows is measured by ‘U-Values’. The higher the R-Value, the greater its insulating ability, but for U-Value, the lower the number the better that product’s insulating efficiency. To find a U-Value, divide the number ‘1’ by the R-Value. For example, an R-Value of ‘4’ is equal to a U-Value of .25.

Click here to see our selection of Window Manufacturers (all with eco-friendly window options).

Woodland Is Now FSC Chain of Custody Certified!

Here at Woodland you can purchase FSC products, including FSC lumber, sheetgoods, trim, doors, thermally modified decking, windows, cabinets and millwork. Woodland Building is one of the few lumber and millwork suppliers in the Philadelphia and Delaware Valley Region to be FSC COC Certified.

 For those of you who are not familar, FSC is an independent, non-governmental, not-for-profit organization established to promote the responsible management of the world’s forests. Established in 1993 as a response to concerns over global deforestation, FSC is a pioneer forum where the global consensus on responsible forest management convenes and through democratic process effects solutions to the pressures facing the world’s forests and forest-dependent communities.

FSC also can help you achieve points if you are working on a LEED Certified Building. Visit our website or call 215-727-5333 for more information on FSC and other eco friendly materials.

Putting Paneling in it's Place

Faux Tin Tiles make a splash on any backsplash!

In recent years, tin decorative tiles have started appearing in nontraditional areas of the house besides their usual spot on the ceiling. Because of the beautiful colors and patterns you can get from these tiles, they have become very popular in recent years. Although tin and metal tiles are great for their aesthetic value, there is a new option that may make it even more enticing.  Acoustical Ceiling Panels (ACP) now has thermoplastic panels that mimic metal tiles but add a modern element in their designs and color selection.

Thermoplastic panels have many advantages over their metal counterpart. They can be used on almost any surface and once put into place they are just as durable. Easy to clean and install, rust-proof and affordable, thermoplastic are well worth their value. They also cost a fraction of the cost as metal tiles. For more information visit: Fasade Ideas.

Here is a video on the product. Enjoy!