PIug tax credits to pad insulation sales

IXIANT to sell more insulation

V Y and other energy-saving products? Just educate your customers about special federal tax credits that will expire at the end of this year.

"The energy-efficiency tax credits offer multiple benefits-just like energy efficiency itself," said Andy Kasner, assistant energy secretary. "Taxpayers can reduce their tax bills, improve the efficiency of their homes, and reduce their energy costs."

To help boost sales, insulation manufacturers have added tax credit information to their websites. Guardian Building Products has also conducted educational seminars at trade fairs, produced consumer-education flyers and in-store posters for retail customers, developed targeted co-op advertising, and offered an additional consumer rebate of up to $70 per house.

"We wanted to make our customers the bearers of good news, by enabling them to educate buyers about the tax credits," said Teri Watson, vice president of marketing at Guardian.

Part of the Energy Policy Act of 2005, the tax credit for insulation is lOVo of the cost of the product (but not installation charges), up to a maximum of $500. To qualify, the installation must meet or exceed requirements of the 2004 International Energy Conservation Code. Products that limit air infiltration-such as caulk, weather stripping, and foam sealants-can also earn tax credits.

At least 46 million U.S. homessome less than five years old-are under-insulated, according to

Harvard's School of Public Health. Last winter, homeowners spent an average of $862 to heat their homes. Air-conditioning this summer could be even more expensive. Installing more insulation is one of the quickest, easiest, and most effective ways to cut energy costs and improve year-round comfort.

Tax credits are also available to builders: $2,000 for each energy-efficient home built the end of the year. There is no limit on the number of homes that can qualify, but each one must cut heating and cooling costs by at least 507o. Yerification by the Residential Energy Services Network is also required.

Modeling software from Owens Corning can help builders meet the strict standards. "This calculator is designed with one simple goal: to make the process easier for our builder business partners," said John Pagano, vice president of builder strategy at Corning. "Without question, this kind of legislation requires understanding and following a process that's often technically and administratively difficult."

For both homeowners and builders, time is running out on these tax credits. To qualify. all energy-saving products must be purchased and installed by December 31,2001

"Taking advantage of the federal energy-efficiency tax credits can help ease those energy bills while also paying the 'dividend' of lower income tax bills for 2007 ," said Kateri Callahan, president of The Alliance to Save Energy.

EIOR retailers and distributors, it f' may seem as though the process of sorting though flooring options is never-ending. Tile, laminate, engineered flooring, and others are flooding the market, promising quick and easy installation and no-hassle guarantees. Despite these product trends, solid wood continues to be a favorite with homeowners.

It is undeniable that solid wood floors add value and character to homes or commercial buildings. Homes with wood floors sell faster, and often for more money, because of the flooring's inherent properties: durability. ease of maintenance, environmental properties, and compatibility with any d6cor. When installed properly, wood floors out-perform other flooring products, making them a very sound investment.

Factory-finished and engineered flooring are gaining in popularity, but site-finished flooring is still the only way to get that classic, smooth, tightfitting look. Site-finished also allows for feature strips and customization, a growing trend among homeowners.

"Each product type has its place," said Mickey Moore, technical director at NOFMA-The Wood Flooring Manufacturers Association. "Enqi- neered is excellent for below-grade applications such as basements. Factory-finished products offer less hassle, but they aren't appropriate for all applications. The beveled edges collect dirt, so high traffic areas, like kitchens, should have site-finished floors to avoid a messy accumulation of debris."

When it comes to species, exotics are gaining popularity but solid oak is still king. According to NOFMA, oak shipments have increased nearly every year since 1966. Shipments last year leveled off and then fell slightly from the record years experienced in 2OO4 and 2005, but solid wood flooring is still very popular. While oak remains the most often used species, domestic species such as cherry, hick-

Wood Over Concrete Slab?

Improved adhesives and moisture retarders have made it possible to successfully glue solid-wood flooring to concrete slabs-which are the construction norm in many Parts of the country. Previously, this type of installation was recommended for parquet flooring only.

Previously NOFMA did not recommend glue down for two reasons: a concrete slab does not behave the same way as a traditional wood system, particularly with respect to nailing, and a slab can be a potential moisture source that will adversely affect the performance of wood flooring.

According to NOFMA, glue- down applications require installers to take additional steps to ensure success. A new tip sheet, which can be purchased for $5 or downloaded free at www.nofma. org/gluedown, offers guidelines for on- or abovegrade installations using NOFMAcertified wood flooring. Topics include job-site conditions, handling and storage of the wood flooring, and slab requirements. ory, maple and walnut continue to be popular.

Since some wood floor manufacturers "may not approve of direct glue down application of their solid wood products, we always recommend checking with the manufacturer prior to installation," said NOFMA technical director Mickey Moore.

Imported products, primarily from South America and Asia, continue to gain popularity so it is now more important than ever to know exactly what you are buying. "Imported exotic species are raising concerns because of the lack of enforcement on harvesting procedures in foreign countries," said Timm Locke, executive v.p. of NOFMA. "When it comes to imported pre-finished flooring, many products may not be what they are sold as and some likely come from virgin tropical forests."

In fact, the U.S. government recently launched an investigation of the wood-flooring global marketplace. Among the issues this investigation will examine are illegal logging practices, black market timber purchasing, environmental regulations, and labor practices in producing countries. Locke said there is also concern that the glues and finishes used in imported flooring may contain unsafe levels of harmful chemicals such as mercury and formaldehyde.

"It's a fact that many of the countries where these imports are made have loose environmental regulations," he said. "So it stands to reason their products may be less safe."

In addition to a wider mix of species, NOFMA also sees preference for a much wider array of grades or appearance characteristics. "We've seen continued and growing popularity of more rustic looks in some parts of the country," said Locke. Wider boards are gaining popularity, as are darker finishes and darker woods. Site-finished wood flooring continues to give the consumer the opportunity to customize species with stains and refinishes.

"As consumer tastes move toward wider boards, the behavioral characteristics of wood play a bigger role in the floor's performance," said Moore. "This is all the more reason to make sure the product was made right in the first place, to avoid problems later on."

The association believes that the best way to ensure that a wood floor will last is to buy certified products. NOFMA certification requires manufacturers to be regularly inspected to make sure they meet high grading and milling standards set by the association.

"NOFMA-certified means you'll get a well-made, properly functioning floor: the tongue and groove fit together, the moisture content is correct, and it meets strict grading stan- dards," said Locke. "Basically, it is what it says it is and we are willing to back that up."