Contractor Advantage May / June 2017 by Espress Labs Inc.

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LOOKS GOOD. WORKS HARDER.

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Elite Series Walnut

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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 Lisa Gordon Stefan Dubowski

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

MAY / JUNE 2017 Volume 22 Issue 3

Material Contact Susan Brook 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

Lisa Gordon

Stefan Dubowski

Lawrence (“Law”) Cummer is a freelance writer with more than 20 years of experience writing for trade periodicals, businesses and communications agencies. A former technology trade magazine editor and communications consultant, Law has been a frequent contributor to Contractor Advantage since 2009. Currently, he writes on a range of topics from contracting and construction, to general business, information technology, personal finance and occupational safety. He has a passion for learning and sharing how people can work better, easier and smarter, whether it's contractors, technologists or business executives.

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

A writer with journalism and corporate communications experience, Stefan delivers editorial content across a range of topics, including automotive, technology, construction and urban planning. His work has appeared in numerous magazines and journals.

Mike Campion Mike Campion is a celebrated speaker, entrepreneur and author of "I’m a Freaking Genius, Why is This Business So Hard?". A small business expert, Mike has built several multi-million dollar businesses, the most recent achieving $4.3 million in sales in the

first 18 months. As the host of the “Conversations with a Genius” podcast, Mike imparts his business wisdom on his listeners. For more information about bringing in Mike Campion for your next event, please visit www.MikeCampion.com.

Eliakim Thorpe Eliakim Thorpe is a highly sought-after speaker, consultant, thought-leader and entrepreneur, author, and a leading authority on organizational transformation. He is the creator of the T.H.R.I.V.I.N.G. Company: A New Philosophy to Transform Companys, which is both a philosophy and a systematic process to help businesses create frameworks to become transforma-

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tional — internally and externally. As an IT professional, Eliakim has worked with and consulted for Fortune 10 to Fortune 500 companies such as IBM, Whirlpool and GM. For more information about Eliakim, please visit www.EliakimThorpeSpeaks.com.

Contributors

What’s Inside?

7 News & Notes

Your Company’s Culture: Will it Survive the Coming Labour Shortage?

10 What’s Trending

Building a Visionary Company

20 Money Matters

Five Secrets to Find and Keep Top Notch Talent Without Breaking the Bank

Concrete Jungle New products combine ingenuity and aesthetics with the traditional durability of concrete to make a lasting impression on the contracting industry.

27 Tech Talk

Digital Spring Cleaning: 5 Steps to Refresh Your Tech

43 Supplier Spotlight

Goodfellow Inc.

53 Product Platform

Premium products from Castle Vendor Partners

70 Design Talk

Backyard & Beyond When it comes to decking and fencing, thinking outside the traditional can be a key differentiator.

The Colour Green Grows Tall in Spring Paint Trends

Paints, Stains & Decks for Today The latest exterior coatings are especially easy to apply, colourfast and long lasting, which means they could help you expand your business.

On the Cover Photo courtesy of OWL Distribution Inc.

Contents

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News & Notes

Your Company’s Culture: Will it Survive the Coming Labour Shortage? Written by Ken Jenkins President, Castle Building Centres Group Ltd.

We all know there is a skills shortage, and we need to find a solution, quickly. Our aging population and declining birth rates are expected to create a shortfall of one million construction workers by 2020. Skilled trades are already the hardest employees to find and hire. This isn’t just a Canadian problem – it’s a global one. Employers are struggling to fill positions within any industry that requires engineers, management, technicians, IT staff, sales representatives, and even office support staff. Meeting the current and growing shortage in Canada will require a comprehensive strategy (involving governments at all levels, along with businesses and academia to address our future labour needs.) The Federal government is looking at policy changes to current retirement age proposals with the intent of retaining aging boomers. But, there are things you can do to improve your ability to attract experienced, qualified people. It starts with your Culture.

News & Notes

Today, company culture has become crucial in recruiting and retaining valuable employees. Money’s important, but, by itself, it can’t solve the challenge of motivating your employees so they aren’t easily poached by your competition. People are much more socially aware. Even the charities you corporately sponsor or support can influence how potential hires think of your culture. One aspect of culture not often discussed is “fit.” You want employees who fit naturally within the culture of your organization. Like any good relationship, goals and attitudes need to be aligned. That means even as you are seeking to find scarce talent, the people you hire must embrace your vision and values. Hiring people who aren’t the right fit within your organization is a short-term solution with long-term consequences. Create a culture of empowerment – promoting meaningful work, recognition and responsibility, which offers greater job satisfaction. Such a culture is the basis of building successful recruitment and retention for both large and small businesses.

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Look at the tech sector. It’s no surprise that companies like Google and Facebook are renowned for their corporate culture. The tech sector in Vancouver has for years recognized the need to go beyond financial compensation. “Any forward-thinking company knows that you need to work at making sure you do what you can in keeping your employees happy,” said Meg Sinclair, Communication Manager for Facebook Canada, in an article on vancitybuzz.com. As always, you need a culture of strong communication. And, communication needs to take place in a way that truly connects with employees and prospects. If you have sons or daughters, you already see how different generations communicate using different tools. As businesses scramble to snag top talent now, they must reach millennials where they are, in the digital world, like SnapChat, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn. You know the skills shortage is coming. So don’t wait for it to become a more serious problem before building a culture that attracts and retains good people. In other words, build a company that the next generation of workers is going to want to work for. Why now? Because it takes time to build a great culture. It doesn’t happen overnight. By the time the labour shortage hits with full force in the next four to five years, you

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don’t want to be trapped in having to pay premium wages to attract average employees. That is an expensive and losing proposition. If your employees aren’t excited about showing up for work in the morning, money won’t keep them with you for the long-term. However, companies that have established a great culture have the advantage of recruiting like-minded employees. The result? These companies have greater success in attracting great talent, and more important, retaining the talent they do attract. Everyone wants to work for the best. Here’s my challenge to you. When you interview a new hire, do you know what your cultural values are, and can you articulate them? Ask yourself: what are the three or four behaviours that are critical for people within your organization to demonstrate on a daily basis? Once you define these key values, make them part of your communication materials, including your website and recruiting tools. Make sure your recruitment ads reflect your business culture and connect them back to your core values. P.S. Make sure whoever is responsible for interviewing and hiring within your organization has an excellent grasp of your business culture. You want these people to observe and look for potential employees who have both the skill sets and shared values to work within your company’s culture.

News & Notes

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Building a Visionary Company Written by Eliakim Thorpe

Vision is the tension between what was, what is, and what will be. It reaffirms a company’s reason for existence, identifies who it serves, and creates products and services to solve a societal or humanitarian problem. A visionary company lives in two-worlds; one of purpose and one of profit. This type of company celebrates its past, embraces its present, and is fueled by its future. It is a company that is not shackled to traditions, but is willing to abandon organizational norms to reach its organizational destiny. Sustainable, long-standing companies have a well-developed vision that is ahead of its time, along with a powerful plan for change to remain competitive in a fluid and changing business climate. Visionary companies have a ‘roadmap to radical change’. Every successful visionary company realizes that radical change cannot occur unless an enterprise has a roadmap to successfully reach its destination. To become a visionary company, there are six elements to create a powerful blueprint for change. A powerful vision for change must be:

2. Compelling

1. Clear

A concrete vision is defined where an company is skilled in giving form to a formless and shapeless future reality. A concrete vision awakens the five senses of every employee that produces a tangible and substantial reality that is achievable. It is analogous to being a potter actively shaping the clay, molding it, and transforming it into something tangible that the company can understand. In the end, a concrete vision uses descriptive, present-tense language and visuals to convey a believable future and desired end state of the company.

A powerful vision is clear—it creates a mental picture in the mind of your workforce of what it would be like to achieve it. A clearly articulated vision becomes the masterpiece, the company is the painter and the world its canvas. A clear vision uses direct, transparent, straightforward language and meaningful visuals to convey a sense of the desired future state that is easy for the staff to understand and internalize.

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It is important that every company identifies and articulates a compelling story to ignite change. The story must be able to capture the heart, mind, and soul of its employees. It should create a sense of urgency based upon the changing marketplace and shifting societal winds; not urgency simply based on financial factors or fierce competition. This isn't simply a matter of showing people poor sales statistics or talking about increased competition. It is a transparent view of a current undesirable state that paints a picture of what would happen if the company doesn’t change. The story should connect to the soul of the company and its very reason for existence. It should be so compelling that it creates a type of constructive tension in the heart, mind, and soul of its employees to initiate a profound change for growth. The story becomes the catalyst for change. In its essence, a compelling story inspires the whole company!

3. Concrete

What’s Trending

4. Communicated

6. Committed

A well-developed vision may begin in the mind of the organizational leader as an abstract idea but turns into a powerfully communicated vision throughout the company so that everyone understands and can articulate where they are going. To effectively communicate a vision requires an established communication infrastructure that has verbal, written, visual, behavioral, and system components that convey and manage the barriers and progress of the vision. Leadership must regularly communicate and reinforce the vision so that momentum is sustained while undergoing this radical organizational change. Visionary companies don’t simply see the vision, they become the vision.

For a vision to become a reality, people throughout the company must be willing to voluntarily invest their time, talent, and resources. Leadership must not only cast the vision, carry the vision, and support the vision, but the staff must catch the vision to propel the company forward in a very profound way.

5. Consented Every vision articulated must have the ability to mobilize the workforce to accept the idea of the leader. Consensus is in summary taking the idea of the one and making it the idea of the many. It is the ability to use persuasive language to craft a vision that is inclusive, open, honest, transparent, and mobilizes the workforce to accept the needed organizational changes to remain relevant in today’s business landscape. Consensus creates a shared responsibility, beginning with the leader, but embraced by all levels of the company. The most powerful visions happen when an entire group or company is mobilized, unified, linked, and of one mind to ensure that the enterprise reaches its goals.

What’s Trending

Whatever the business age of your enterprise, companies must be more than economically sensitive to the changing business landscape. Companies must be consciously aware of the ripple effects that vision creates. When businesses begin the transformation process, they must honestly appraise their current and present state. Does the current state of the company align with its future goals? Enterprises must understand the reasoning for why it’s necessary to undertake radical change that is more than prioritizing organizational structures, process, products and profit, but must include and clearly state the imperative of people and communities as being at the center of any visionary activities. Throughout history, the catalyst for change has always begun with individuals who foresaw the benefit of developing a visionary company. The development of a visionary company resulted in inspired employees, new product innovation, higher revenue margins, increased sales, profit increase, greater market competitiveness, stronger culture and strong organizational outcomes.

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CONCRETE JUNGLE

New products combine ingenuity and aesthetics with the traditional durability of concrete to make a lasting impression on the contracting industry. Written by Lisa Gordon

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Feature Story: Concrete Jungle

Whether you’re driving on Ontario’s Highway 407 ETR, riding on Montreal’s subway system or landing at Vancouver International Airport, the “concrete jungle” surrounds all of us. With its basic ingredients dating back to ancient Egypt, concrete is the world’s most popular building material. According to the Cement Association of Canada (CAC), it has a structural lifetime of 100 years or more and many benefits, not the least of which is durability. Concrete is also strong, energy efficient and 100 per cent recyclable. But while no one questions its place in the building industry, concrete has traditionally been sunk below ground or hidden behind a veneer of siding, brick or stone. Unadorned concrete structures, particularly “cookie cutter” high-rises, don’t typically win many second looks or architectural awards. However, all that is changing with the advent of new products and processes that capitalize on concrete’s strengths while simultaneously reinventing its image. According to the CAC, several concrete trends are emerging.

Changing Face The first is architectural and decorative concrete, which includes concrete countertops and floors, lighttransmitting concrete infused with optical fibres, white-coloured cement for a more pleasing aesthetic appeal, and even white self-consolidating concrete that is typically used to fill forms in applications where a good quality finish is desired. No longer the exclusive purview of underground parking garages or warehouses, exposed concrete walls – whether polished, coloured, stamped or embedded with aggregate materials – are in demand by homeowners who are looking to make a bold statement. Likewise, concrete fireplaces, vanities and patio accents are growing in popularity. Concrete mixes of all varieties

Photo courtesy of InStone Products

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Photos courtesy of The Quikrete® Companies

allow contractors and consumers to experiment with the versatility of concrete while emphasizing convenience and ease of use.

Quick, Set, Pave Randy Stone is the Western Canada Consumer Division Sales Manager for Quikrete Companies, the largest manufacturer of packaged concrete and cement mixes in the U.S. and Canada. A 37-year industry veteran, Stone said the company’s best-selling product is standard concrete mix sold in 55-pound bags. “A large percentage of our concrete goes into fence posts and ours is the consumer’s economical choice for regular concrete,” he said. “We do try to upgrade the customer to more efficient fast-setting concrete for posts, etc., and high-strength concrete for slabs such as pads, driveways and sidewalks." “The beauty of our high strength Quikrete 6000 for slabs is that you can walk on it or start construction in 8 to 10 hours compared to standard concrete, which take two to three days,” he

continued. “There is less down time for the consumer and it's also one and a half times stronger than standard concrete.” Stone said the company’s countertop mix is a newer product that is trending well in the marketplace. “The homeowner or contractor can make their own concrete countertop. The price point is an advantage and you can colour or polish it; it has a nice rustic look.” The just-add-water countertop mix is available in standard grey and has a light coloured base for use with Quikrete’s selection of liquid colouring agents or stucco and mortar colour. Stone added that Quikrete’s product line also includes concrete treat and repair products, concrete overlays for driveways and sidewalks, and durable epoxy coatings for applications such as garage floors. KING, the SAKRETE People, know that fast-setting and rapid-strengthening materials represent a new trend in the concrete industry. These products save time and money, allowing contractors to complete projects much faster than

when they use conventional cementbased materials. In this category, SAKRETE RAPID POST and SAKRETE PSI 6000 are predominant. Next generation anchoring materials are also becoming popular. There are new options on the market, including epoxy products that create a better bond and allow for some movement in the concrete, without cracking or yielding. Coloured concrete is also in high demand, and KING Colourant can be added directly into any concrete mix for a consistent blend of black, chocolate brown or brick red.

Concrete Casts Its Charm Lastly, concrete countertops are made possible using SAKRETE Countertop Magic, which allows contractors to create modern countertops that are limited only by their imagination. The concrete can take the shape of the material used to make the formwork, allowing for a textured finish. Alternatively, the concrete can be ground Photo courtesy of KPM Industries Ltd.

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Feature Story: Concrete Jungle

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Photo courtesy of InStone Products

to expose the aggregate within. The kitchen isn’t the only room in the house where concrete – or products that look like it – are making an impactful design statement. Dustin Wilson, President of Edmontonbased Instone Products, said one of his design and distribution company’s hottest products is urbanCONCRETE. Formed from real cast concrete, these durable and lightweight polyurethane panels can be installed quickly for an authentic concrete wall look. “It combines the smooth clean lines and finished look of formed concrete with ease and affordability,” said Wilson,

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who added that the panels screw into drywall with no mess.“ “urbanCONCRETE is used more and more by contractors, primarily in offices, restaurants and residential applications,” he continued. “It provides clients with the desired contemporary look of concrete without all the hard, long hours of work. It is also stocked in Canada and ready to ship.”

Forming New Moulds The CAC has also noted several new trends in concrete formwork, including the use of insulated concrete forms (ICF). These are concrete walls that are cast on

a job site between two layers of foam insulation. Founded in 2001 and headquartered in Port Hope, Ont., Logix ICF Ltd. is a consortium of five independently-owned expanded polystyrene (EPS) product producers located in Canada and the U.S. The company’s VP of Marketing, Andy Lennox, said Logix ICF is a market leader in North America. Manufactured in four locations across Canada, its specific uses include basements, complete homes, high-performance dwellings, mid-rise multi-family structures, and all manner of commercial public buildings. “Insulated concrete forms are super

Feature Story: Concrete Jungle

strong and very energy efficient,” said Lennox. “As building codes become more stringent across Canada, one important application for our technology continues to be basements. By code, basements used to need R12 [thermal performance] for the top half of the wall and now it’s R20 for the entire wall. The cost difference between ICF basements and minimum code basements has dramatically narrowed. We really see ICFs being adopted by more and more builders seeking a fast and cost effective basement solution.” For contractors, the Logix ICF system offers several benefits. It combines six construction steps into one simple system to allow for faster builds: concrete, steel reinforcement, insulation, air barrier, vapour barrier, and furring strips. In addition, basement construction no longer needs to be subcontracted and

builders can continue to work through cold and wet conditions without major delays. Homeowners who decide to have their whole home constructed with Logix ICF will enjoy a list of benefits too, including constant draft-free temperatures, no harmful chemical off-gassing, greater severe weather resistance, and smaller utility bills. According to the CAC website, houses built with ICFs require 44 per cent less energy to heat and 32 per cent less energy to cool than comparable wood frame houses. Lennox said Logix ICF has developed two new products recently. The first, Pro Buck, is an ICF method of framing out window and door openings – incorporating this high density insulating foam buck greatly enhances the thermal stability of the overall ICF wall

assembly. The second new release is XP-1, a solution that leverages traditional ICF to create an exposed concrete wall on one side when it is needed for an accent wall or in an elevator shaft, for example. Also new is www.ICFProLink.com – an online database that matches incoming ICF leads with ICF-experienced installers, architects, designers and engineers.

Built to Last Whether it’s formulation enhancments, innovative new applications or improvements to the building process, concrete remains the bedrock upon which the building industry is founded. Thanks to modern innovations, it appears the concrete jungle is becoming quite civilized indeed.

Photo courtesy of Logix ICF

Feature Story: Concrete Jungle

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Five Secrets to Find and Keep Top Notch Talent Without Breaking the Bank Written by Mike Campion

Do you have employees that you constantly need to coddle, cajole and cater to? Are their needs and wants constantly changing? Do you feel like you can’t afford to pay what it takes to get—and keep—top talent employees? You are about to discover 5 actionable strategies to help you find—and keep—the best employees without breaking the bank. Fear not, none of the 5 strategies are about base salary, benefits or bribing. Think more effective and less expensive. Imagine your company as the sole provider; the sole source of something special that your employees are desperately looking for and can’t find anywhere else.

Secret #1 - Build a Community - NOT a Workforce Chances are you are not hiring people for their first job. Some are even coming from a job they hate. A job that paid the bills and nothing else. Invite prospective employees to join a com-

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munity, not to sign up for another less-than-fantastic job. When you create a community of people with shared values that care about each other, the tendency to steal, quit, come in late, complain, whine or partake in other non-superfantastic behavior decreases exponentially. Typical Employee/Employer Workflow

Step 1 - Comply with these many rules Step 2 - There is no step two New and Improved Community Deal:

Step 1 - Build an appealing community Step 2 - Invite talented amazing people into that community Step 3 - Reinforce what it looks like to be a good community member Step 4 - Live happily ever after

Money Matters

Secret #2 - Provide a Sense of Purpose Once you build a community, your team will have a sense of belonging. Supercharge that with a sense of purpose and your organization becomes extremely sticky to top talent. People desperately want to be a part of something bigger than themselves. Something they believe in. Your employees and potential new hires desperately want something bigger than themselves to belong to. Provide that for them and unleash the floodgates for an avalanche of talent at your doorstep. Don’t be fooled by the old, “Sure that works for brain surgeons, but MY business is different...” nonsense. Whether you own a cleaning company, an industrial fasteners plant or any other business that doesn’t feel like you are changing the world, the only reason you are in business is that you provide value to the people you serve. If you are categorically closed to the idea that your business

Money Matters

changes lives- adopt a cause. Become active in your community, give to a charity - do something as a team that creates value and gives everyone a reason to bound out of bed and be excited to get to work day-in and day-out! If you aren’t careful you just might find yourself addicted to making the world a better place.

Secret #3 - Offer Experiences Over Expenses Do you have a trip that you took as a child that you still look fondly back on? A holiday that you will never forget? A vacation years ago where everything went wrong, but you and your family still talk about it? Salary and benefits are commodities. A sense of purpose in a community of people you care about are not. A study by Harris Group found that 72% of millennials prefer to spend more money on experiences than on material things. Shared experiences build bonds, families, communities

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and companies. Don’t just hope these experiences happen - create them! Anything to help create experiences for your employees to build that community. Don’t keep the fun to yourself. Invite employees’ families, customers, prospects, prospective employees, even vendors! All of this creates an environment your team is proud to be a part of and makes it very difficult for them to leave.

Secret #4 - Appreciation This is your secret weapon. Not only can it be had for the low, low price of zero dollars, it can be the most valuable. Even better - it can be a ton of fun. Once you have built this community that the members are proud to be a part of, working towards a worthy goal and experiences that bond everyone together, your employees will crave recognition from you and the community. When you have events, give awards. Lots of awards. Not just the typical performance based awards - award for everything. Small things like this make big differences in employee’s lives and their contribution to your organization. Few things are more rewarding than seeing awards given and pictures

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taken of you handing an employee an award proudly displayed in homes years later. Let loose, use your imagination and love on your people and you might just be surprised that you are the one that gets the most benefit.

Secret #5 - Put a Bow on it With Core Values Core Values are your secret sauce to attracting top level talent without breaking the bank. Not an old school string of meaningless words displayed on a plaque at your front office. Three to four key beliefs; summed up in a word or two each. The guiding principles that provide your company’s special brand of awesome. Shared Core Values are the rules your company lives by to accomplish that community. They are a golden thread that runs throughout your company. Core Values is the final secret that brings the first four all together and gives them power. It is impossible to get people to act outside of their true beliefs for an extended amount of time. It is far easier (and more enjoyable) to help people live out your mutual shared beliefs and values for the benefit of a shared larger purpose.

Money Matters

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Tech Talk

Digital Spring Cleaning: 5 Steps to Refresh Your Tech Written by Teresa Christine, Managing Editor & Melissa Campeau

Like many other chores, sometimes keeping your technology in tip-top condition ends up falling off the end of your to-do list. Well, spring is as good a time as any to do a little refresh to make your digital life more enjoyable - hereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s how:

you won't have any issues with data loss in the unlikely case that you do something wrong in the next steps (or further in the future).

1. Backups

Now that you're safely backed up, run updates on everything you own that has the ability to be updated. This includes firmware for connected televisions, receivers, and other gear, as well as software updates for the usual suspects: your computer, your phone, etc. Not only will this keep your devices working best, it may also uncover some issues that you might otherwise have missed.

You know you should back up your computer and devices regularly, but that doesn't mean you always get it done. So plug your iPhone into iTunes to manually back it up, get that external drive earning its keep by backing up everything on your computer, and run all of the cloud-based syncs that you use (e.g. for Google Drive or Dropbox). Now you know

Tech Talk

2. Updates

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3. File Organization

5. Physical Cleaning

Files - on your computer, on your phone, in your emails, and everywhere else - can be hard to manage. Take this opportunity to empty your trash bins (including those sometimes found inside applications) and get rid of other files you don't need anymore (they were likely backed up in the first step, but if they're important then it's worth making sure). If your computer is still feeling cramped, see if you have any giant files that could be deleted by doing a search based on file size (e.g. find files larger than 500MB). Finally, if you've come across files through this process that aren't in the right folders, do a little final tidying up to save yourself some time in the future.

Finally, you should physically clean your devices. For almost anything, the best way to start this process is to turn off and, if applicable, unplug the device. You shouldn't ever use harsh cleaners on your gear and make sure to never spray any liquid directly onto your device - rather spray it onto a microfibre cloth if you're using that to clean. Isopropyl alcohol can be used to help clean most keyboards (but test an inconspicuous key first to make sure the print doesn't come off) and this can be applied using a q-tip - just make sure it's not so wet that it's going to drip into your device. A can of compressed air is also super handy for cleaning keyboards, peripheral ports, and other nooks and crannies that are hard to reach. When it comes to monitors and screens, a soft, damp cloth is best, though you can use a very diluted mix of dish soap and warm water for tough spots in most cases. Check the ownerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s manual when in doubt.

4. App Organization Just like files on your computer, apps tend to accumulate on phones and tablets. Think about the apps you use all the time and make sure these are on your homescreen, and then take a look around and get rid of apps that you no longer or have never used (you can always re-download them). If your device can group apps in folders then consider whether these are still working for you, and make changes so you reduce the amount of clicking and swiping you need to launch things every day.

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If you feel you should be doing more to look after tech, but aren't sure where to begin, then the above five steps will get you started. You can find lots more about each of these tips with a simple search online!

Tech Talk

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BACKYARD & BEYOND

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Feature Story: Backyard & Beyond

When it comes to decking and fencing, thinking outside the traditional can be a key differentiator. Written by Lawrence Cummer

Photo courtesy of OWL Distribution Inc.

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Contractors looking to make their name or grow their business in backyard construction and renovation should be looking beyond the notion of simply building of a better box. For years, experts have been pointing to seemingly ever-increasing interest from homeowners around investing in their backyards. Whether it’s because this is the last remaining “room” to improve their homes, or the first and best way to show off to their neighbours, there’s no denying the appeal to improving things out back. But, alongside that investment comes expectations. Many homeowners are seeking their own singular patio oasis, and so want knowledgeable and creative contractors to bring them something fresh. “The backyard retreat is alive and well,” says Jeff Morrison, director of LBM sales and national accounts at Goodfellow Inc., distributor of Fiberon composite decking. “We see more demand for special orders now. Homeowners are looking for something unique, something that maybe their neighbours and friends don’t have.”

He points to a few trends he’s hearing homeowners ask for in their quest for individuality: multi-level decks and framed accents to name two. “Everyone wants a picture frame now, having the deck as one colour and outlining it in a different colour,” he says. “Maybe they outline seating areas, or put the equivalent of what would be a medallion in a hardwood floor. There are countless ways consumers are creating a unique look.” It may be natural for trends common in hardwood flooring to spill out to the deck, Morrison says, as experts note the continued trend is toward backyard patios becoming an extension of their homes interior. Outdoor kitchens being just one such example. Studies suggest that an outdoor kitchen doubles its return on investment in home value, but the real value is, of course, homeowners wanting to get more use out of their yards. “Homeowners are investing more and more money and time in their homes. A few years ago, bathrooms and basements

were the top most renovated rooms, now we are seeing that trend move outdoors, and homeowners are spending more time building their outdoor oasis,” says Andrew Pantelides, marketing and business development director at railing systems manufacturer Regal Ideas. “Shows like HGTV’s Custom Built and Decked Out are inspiring homeowner’s creativity.” Increased investment in backyards may also be related to the current sky-high real estate market in some Canadian cities, suggests Jay Secord, sales manager for treated wood products at CanWel Building Materials Division. He notes that, “With houses becoming as expensive as they are, a lot of homeowners are stepping back and saying, ‘Rather than move, we should improve what we’ve got.’” He also notes the size of lots in Toronto and Vancouver may be a significant contributor to many backyard builds. “You’ve got larger homes on a smaller footprint,” he says. “So, as a homeowner, you’re turning to outside your home to add value. On these

Photo courtesy of CanWel Building Materials Group Ltd

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smaller lots, you’re also a lot closer to your neighbours, so you want privacy in the form of a lot more fencing or privacy screen options.”

Good “Fencerts” Make Good Neighbours Joe Pozeg, president and owner of New Trend Fencing, agrees that privacy is becoming an even more pronounced concern in urban centres. “We’ve noticed homes are getting closer and closer together, and people just want that little bit extra privacy, whether it’s just around the deck or the fence around the whole yard.” “Maybe they’ve put in a pool, or they have a private barbecue area or a hot tub,” he explains. “We’ve definitely noticed the request for privacy products like fences and privacy screens on an increase.”

Feature Story: Backyard & Beyond

New Trend’s patented ‘fencerts’ fit the bill, he suggests. These powder and e-coated panels come in custom sizes, colours and patterns, and provide ideal for decks or pools. And, because they minimize use of wood, he suggests they are better for the environment. Still, the biggest advantage is one felt by the homeowners. “They offer privacy, but they let through just enough air. People want that air flow. It’s a major reason why we developed the fencert.”

Brown is the New Green Look at any decks or fences across the country and the familiar green-tint of pressure treated wood is commonplace. This however is changing, according to CanWel’s Secord. He points to the

increased adoption of new brown pressure treated wood across the country. (Brown-coloured PT wood has always been more popular in areas in the U.S. such as Washington and California.) Brown-toned treated wood blends in well with natural wood colours like western red cedar, and has seen a sharp increase year-over-year, Secord says. It’s not just a fresh new colour. There is new technology at play in the earthy-toned product offered by Goodfellow, dubbed MicroPro Sienna. It uses a “micronized” copper preservative—MCA, or micronized copper azole—that proponents say is more resistant to leaching into the environment. Copper is ground into micro-sized particles and colour treatments are added prior to treatment.

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Unlike other treatments used in wood for residential building, MCA is also non-corrosive, allowing builders and contractors to use metal hardware and fasteners, and for treated boards to be placed adjacent to aluminum.

Form Catches Up to Function For decades, research and development in the decking industry has gone into performance, increasing durability, fade resistance, standing up to the elements (which is especially important in Canadian climates). Having improved the longevity of composite and PVC decks, a lot of R&D from the major players—such as Trex,

TimberTech, Azek and Fiberon—has focused on the aesthetics. “The biggest thing today is that consumers can truly choose the aesthetic they want, whether it’s colour, texture or profile,” says Mike Schneider, vice-president of business development at OWL Distribution Inc. “We’ve reached the pinnacle in terms of longevity and colour fastness—for now —and much recent R&D has gone into making sure that consumers don’t have to make any sacrifices in terms of the look they want.” With the strong warranties (30 years is not uncommon) now available on composites and PVC, Schneider does urge contractors to pay close attention

to manufacturer selection. Go with a trusted brand. He points out that anytime a category gains mainstream traction, like composite decking has, low-price competitors emerge. Contractors need to investigate them closely to determine not only the quality of the product, but whether the business has the history to suggest they’ll be around should a call back be needed.

Authentic Appeal Many homeowners naturally gravitate to wood—or at least to the natural look of wood. Depending on selection it remains the most popular and economic choice of material for deck and fence building.

Photo courtesy of OWL Distribution Inc.

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But, the market for composites and higher-end PVC decks continues to climb year-over-year, according to Morrison. One of the biggest improvements in the composite of late has been the release of capped decking. A thin (approximately 1/16”) PVC or PVC-like veneer added to the boards during manufacture, which offers greater durability to fade, stain and scratching. It has quickly become the standard for many manufacturers. More recent advances in micro-etching and multi-chromatic streaking have further added to the popularity of composite decking. “This gives the deck board more of a wire-brushed look,” Morrison says of micro-etching technology, while better embossing technology has enabled

more random slight variations in deck board colours. It’s all about creating a more natural, authentic look, he adds.

Investing in Summer While the Canadian environment doesn’t necessitate composite or PVC decking, there is an advantage that contractors should address with their clients: maintenance. Today, materials all handle the Canadian seasonal cycle well; homeowners, on the other hand, might want to take more advantage of scarce summer days. That may mean wanting to spend fewer hours staining and re-staining, suggests Schneider. The economics of composite decking, which is virtually maintenance-free, compared to wood decking is a debate

contractors should have with their clients. The deck is, after all, a long-term investment. It may be worthwhile to sit down with homeowners and look at the cost of maintenance over its life, both in terms time but also costs of stain and sealant. That time element is a crucial consideration for many of today’s homeowners. “The new trend in the next-generation of home buyers is geared towards multi-family community living where everything from grocery stores and salons to restaurants and shopping is all within the community,” Pantelides notes. “Maintenance-free living is the future.”

Photo courtesy of Regal Ideas

Feature Story: Backyard & Beyond

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Photo courtesy of Nuvo Iron

SIDEBAR

Get Your Iron On Building product experts say that homeowners are looking for more of a mix of materials when it comes to their backyard builds and renovations. One timeless material still popular is, of course, iron. “The popularity of iron has increased over the last halfcentury,” says Carlos Pacheco, president of NUVO Iron. “Iron fence is durable, sexy, architecturally appealing and goes well with different landscape scenarios.” Carlos points to the maintenancefree aspect of ornamental iron fences, and the continued drop in prices as reasons for homeowner interest. It also appeals to their ability to be unique and creative. “The thing with iron fence is that it can be cut, bent, slopped, formed, is available in various colour options— the sky is the limit,” he says.

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Supplier Spotlight

GoodFellow Inc. It was in 1898 that George C. Goodfellow first entered the lumber industry. Within four short years, he had established Goodfellow’s first lumber yard in Montreal. By researching and seeking out new markets, a long-lasting relationship developed with a major wood user at that time – the automobile industry. Through the years, Goodfellow expanded its horizons across Canada and around the world, constantly strengthening its customer base and diversifying its range of products. Then, as now, the lumber business, hardwoods and timber in particular, were the cornerstones of our trade. But in the face of changing times, Goodfellow has kept pace and innovated within the industry. Today, Goodfellow remanufactures and distributes a wide range of lumber and wood products that meets and surpasses the new realities of environmental concerns and market needs at the Goodfellow head office in Delson, Quebec. At Goodfellow, we are ” The Wood Specialist”. Our ability to adapt to customer needs has earned us a reputation as one

Supplier Spotlight

of the best wood product distributors. Our expertise and flexibility have resulted in solid working relationships with our customers. Goodfellow has built the resources necessary to deliver a quality product that meets our customers needs. At Goodfellow every stage of processing raw wood into lumber is strictly controlled. Selection, drying, processing, pressure treating, packaging and delivery. We monitor every phase to meet our customers needs. Goodfellow acts also as wholesaler or broker for a complete range of wood products. The combination of our financial strength, our technical expertise, and our capability in inventory management within the chain of supply allows us to efficiently meet the exacting demands of our customers. Fore more information visit www.goodfellowinc.com

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PAINTS, STAINS & DECKS FOR TODAY

The latest exterior coatings are especially easy to apply, colourfast and long lasting, which means they could help you expand your business. Written by Stefan Dubowski

MAY / JUNE 2017

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Feature Story: Paints, Stains & Decks for Today

In the past, any exterior paint or stain project would be fraught with risks. Rain could ruin fresh applications. Temperatures too high or too low could affect drying times and the overall durability of the coating. How things change. The latest paints and stains are moisture and temperature resistant. They are faster to apply. They have new features, designed to make them more durable and useful. All those advancements make exterior projects less time consuming and maybe more lucrative for contractors.

A Step Forward for Health, a Step Back for Stains Today’s exterior paints and stains are a lot different from the ones that were on the market not so long ago. About six or seven years back, the federal government changed the regulations for volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Those are the solvents that would give many a painter a headache as he or she went about a job. VOCs are suspected carcinogens, so no wonder the government cracked down on them, forcing paint makers to reduce the VOC levels in their products. That changed the game for the paint and stain industry. “We had to move away from a pure alkyd or oil-based product and everyone jumped into water-based technology,” recalls PPG Architectural Coatings senior marketing manager David Machum. Water-based coatings certainly were better than the oil-based products in some respects, such as VOC levels, but they were not universally superior. “A nice advantage is you have soap and water cleanup,” he says. “But depending on the application, there were some disadvantages. For example, in stains, you didn’t get as much penetration into the wood, so you lost some durability initially.” That was then. “Since that time, the technology has improved,” Machum says. “All the companies have been working on water-based or hybrid products to make them VOC compliant. That push

Photo courtesy of PPG Architectural Coatings

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in technology led us to develop new features and benefits.” Today’s water-based and VOC-compliant hybrid products perform at least as well as the alkyd products of the past in terms of durability, which is important. “When you’re doing an exterior project, you don’t want to be redoing it every year,” Machum points out. PPG now touts additional features of the modern-day water-based options. For example, PPG’s Olympic Maximum line is marked “Weather Ready,” which means you can apply the products right after a rainfall without having to worry that the stain will seal in moisture (which

could then cause the stain to peel and crack too soon). The Weather Ready line allows the wood to breathe so moisture can escape; that is what makes this coating so durable. Weather Ready products are also rain resistant some eight to 12 hours after application, which is about 12 to 16 hours sooner than typical stain products, so now, you no longer need to worry that your finished stain job will be ruined by an unexpected rainfall. Another benefit: since the products are moisture friendly, you can apply a durable coat even on especially hot and dry days, when non-moisture-friendly

stains could dry too quickly and not penetrate the wood deeply enough to last. With Weather Ready, just mist the wood with water to dampen it. Then apply the stain. Result: deep penetration and a durable coating.

Faster Application in All Kinds of Weather Now that manufacturers offer all-in-one paint/primers, you can avoid spending time applying as many coats as you might have done in the past. Machum points out that the latest paint/primers are designed to expand and contract with temperature variations, making the

Photo courtesy of PPG Architectural Coatings

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Feature Story: Paints, Stains & Decks for Today

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Photo courtesy of PPG Architectural Coatings

coatings especially durable. They are shower resistant in as little as 30 minutes. They are mildew resistant, yet they are breathable to prevent cracking and peeling. “This is what I call my biggest challenge in the industry,” Machum says. PPG keeps making longer-lasting products. Of course, that means customers do not need to buy as often, which could be bad news for PPG’s bottom line. Machum says his company has a new pitch for contractors and their customers: now that paints

MAY / JUNE 2017

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and stains take so little time to apply, you can afford to update colours more often, letting you freshen the look of your property whenever you feel ready for a change.

Cold Outside? No problem! Andrew Fedele is marketing product specialist for PARA Paint and General Paint at Sherwin Williams. He points out that paint manufacturers have gone high-tech with their products to make them more durable and easier to apply across a wider range of environmental

conditions. “For a couple of years now, exterior paint manufacturers have been formulating their products for lowertemperature application,” he says, noting that many PARA and General paint products can now be applied at 2 degrees Celsius. In the past, the temperature limit would have been closer to 10 degrees. “It started with the masonry and cement companies,” Fedele says, explaining how the paint industry evolved its products for lower-temperature application. “Twenty or 30 years ago, the masons and bricklayers would be laid off when the

Feature Story: Paints, Stains & Decks for Today

weather turned cold. So the product manufacturers started to formulate mortar with an additive so they could apply it at lower temperatures.” Paint makers recognized that they could use the additive to extend the painting season, too. Now, many paint companies use such a coalescing solvent to that end. On the whole, the contractors and do-it-yourselfers that are the paint-buying market seem to be taking advantage of this weather-resistant technological advancement. Fedele says that over the past several years, the paint industry and its clientele have come to a whole new understanding of the times of year during which the weather is likely too cold for painting. In the past, people would say that once kids are on their way back to school in September, the

temperatures can dip too low for paint application. Now, the cutoff time is closer to October. That means pro painters can extend their working season, and hopefully extend their sales, too. It also means painters can keep pace with the masons and bricklayers, who now work much later into the fall than they used to.

Technology Trickles Down From the Docks Fedele sees more technological advancements on the way. For example, he notes that Sherwin Williams’ Deck & Dock line of coatings uses technology that reduces surface temperatures. That makes the Deck & Dock coatings popular with cottage owners who want to apply darker colours but worry that doing so

would make their decks and docks unbearably hot to walk on once the sun really gets going in July and August. Other technologies built into the Deck & Dock products make them especially resistant to cracking and peeling even though they are often used on surfaces that suffer through extreme changes in temperature and moisture levels. “I can see that technology trickling down to the PARA and General paints in a couple of years,” Fedele says. It seems likely that the recent advancements in the paint and stain industry will continue to result in new features and new products. Future improvements could make for even more durable, weatherresistant and colourfast options. That is good news for painters and contractors, and good news for their clients, too.

Photos courtesy of Sherwin Williams

Feature Story: Paints, Stains & Decks for Today

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SoundSmart SOUNDSMART is manufactured by Building Products of Canada Corp. A leading producer of high quality wood fibre products. SOUNDSMART is a rigid wall insulation panel composed of natural lightweight interlocking wood fibres impregnated with a wax emulsion and strengthened by an integrated aluminum membrane to the surface. SOUNDSMART is an ecological product free of volatile organic compound (VOC), made in Canada from recyclable and recycled material. SOUNDSMART delivers maximum sound deadening through its superior sound absorption qualities. SOUNDSMART is certified UL and tested by NRC. CCMC (pending). Superior acoustical performance, up to STC 71, depending on assembly.

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Uses: SOUNDSMART is used as a sound deadening sheathing on the interior of wood or steel studs in frame construction and is easy to cut and install.

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Redefining Composite Decking MoistureShield Infuse redefines composite decking with its perfect balance of true wood beauty and high performance durability. Thanks to an exclusive Co-X manufacturing process, the Infuse boards feature a realistic woodgrain finish, enriched colour variegation and an enhanced colour palette of deep earth tones. MoistureShield Infuse is the perfect solution to infuse any back yard with character and style. MoistureShield Infuse also balances its true beauty with proven performance. Because of its totally encapsulated core, it is so durable that it can be installed on the ground, in the ground, and even underwater while still being protected by the industry’s leading lifetime warranty.

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STYROFOAM™ CLADMATE™ CM20 is a multi-purpose rigid foam insulation that features the same trusted and time-tested quality and performance attributes as our extensive STYROFOAM™ branded portfolio. But, it has expanded its versatility for use in all residential construction applications including: • Above AND Below grade • Under slabs • Interior AND Exterior applications STYROFOAM™ CLADMATE™ CM20 insulation is designed with the builder and contractor in mind, providing them with the performance they need in ONE product solution, regardless of the application.

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MAY / JUNE 2017

Makita DUC353Z – 18V LXT Cordless Chainsaw Makita has launched the 18Vx2 LXT lithium-ion brushless cordless chainsaw, model DUC353Z. It is powered by two Makita 18V lithium-ion batteries, so users get maximum power and run-time – without leaving Makita’s famous 18V battery platform. The 18V batteries are specially positioning for optimum balance. This new cordless chainsaw is part of Makita’s expanding LXT system, which offers 150+ solutions and is the world’s largest cordless tool system powered by 18V lithiumion slide-style batteries. Makita 18V LXT batteries have the fastest charge times in their categories, so they spend more time working and less time sitting on the charger. The DUC353Z is a zero emission and lower noise alternative to gasoline powered chainsaws. The outer brushless motor with direct drive system provides power equivalent to a 30cc gas chainsaw. It also features XPT / extreme protection technology, for maximum protection against dust, debris and liquids for optimal performance in extreme conditions. The chain bar is 14” and offers variable speed for a variety

MAY / JUNE 2017

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of cutting applications. It requires far less maintenance with no engine oil to mix, no spark plug to replace and no air filter or muffler to clean. Simply pick it up, slide in two Makita 18V LXT batteries, and the saw is ready to use. Convenience features include "tool-less" chain adjustments, a front hand guard with chain brake and an electric brake for maximum productivity and safety. All backed by a 3 year limited warranty. Visit makita.ca for more information and product videos. For more information please visit www.makita.ca

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MAY / JUNE 2017

Whole-House Solutions THAT HELP BUILDERS AND CONTRACTORS OUTPERFORM

Dow’s full house of insulation, sealants and adhesives work together to create an airtight, moisture resistant structure from roof to foundation, helping builders and contractors meet or exceed building codes, reduce callbacks and create a comfortable, durable, energy efficient structure for their customers.

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DOW BUILDING SOLUTIONS 1-866-583-BLUE (2583) www.insulateyourhome.ca

A Complete Home Protection System That Outperforms Expectations Your first upgrade should be comfort 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. Blanketing homes in a continuous layer of insulation and air sealing gaps and cracks around the home creates an air-tight, moisture resistant structure that provides long term: • Home comfort

• Durability

• Improved indoor air quality

GREAT STUFF PRO™ Gaps & Cracks*

• Lower monthly utility bills

STYROFOAM™ Brand CLADMATE™ CM20 Extruded Polystyrene Foam Insulation

GREAT STUFF PRO™ Window & Door* GREAT STUFF™ Window & Door*

GREAT STUFF™ Gaps & Cracks*

GREAT STUFF™ Pond & Stone*

FROTH-PAK™ Foam Sealant** GREAT STUFF PRO™ Pestblock* GREAT STUFF™ Pestblock* STYROFOAM™ Brand SM Extruded Polystyrene Foam Insulation

www.insulateyourhome.ca ®™ The DOW Diamond Logo is a trademark of The Dow Chemical Company © 2017 *Read all instructions and (Material) Safety Data Sheet ((M)SDS) carefully before use. **For Professional use Only CONTRACTOR ADVANTAGE

MAY / JUNE 2017

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 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

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SIDING

ALUMINUM

SHAKE & STONE

WINDOWS

ENTRY & PATIO DOORS

ACCENTS

BUILDING ENVELOPE

TOOLS & EQUIPMENT

M A N U FA C T U R E R & D I S T R I B U T O R O F

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M A N U FAC T U R E R & DISTRIBUTOR OF

Vinyl Windows Vista Series

Classic Series

Vinyl

• Slimline design • Dual exterior glazed • Common frame construction

• Premium design • Dual interior glazed • Equal sightlines

Try Comfort Series for Triple Glazed

Try Enviro Series for Triple Glazed

Aluminum Clad Windows Design Series

Signature Series

Aluminum Clad Vinyl

Aluminum Clad Wood • Premium traditional wood design solution • Extruded Aluminum exterior • Hem-fir wood interior • Available as Dual or Triple exterior glazed

• Contemporary, architectural design • Extruded Aluminum exterior • Available as Dual or Triple glazed • Wide frame

SIDING

ALUMINUM

SHAKE & STONE

WINDOWS

ENTRY & PATIO DOORS

plygem.ca

ACCENTS

BUILDING ENVELOPE

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TOOLS & EQUIPMENT

MAY / JUNE 2017

TH E PERFECT WH ITE CANVAS FO R YO U R N EXT PROJ ECT!

Discover Royal Woodworking.. Our contemporary profiles are now available in Primed Finger Jointed Poplar. Designed to stun, this collection is ideal to a modern setting with simplicity and elegance. Primed with water-based primers, this collection is the perfect white canvas for your next project!

MAY / JUNE 2017

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alexandriamoulding.com

Modern Mouldings

Trends today revolve around clean lines to get that classic or modern finished look. Inspired by these trends seen in luxurious and contemporary settings, Alexandria Moulding has many product lines to help achieve this look. Our M Collection contains simple, yet elegant profiles made from high quality MDF. Every moulding is double-primed with environmentally friendly water-based primers, profile-sanded and buffed to bring out the full smoothness of the profile. Following the trend of contemporary profiles, Royal Woodworking by Alexandria has launched a new line of sleek profiles that includes both beveled and E2E casings and baseboards. These Primed Finger Jointed Poplar mouldings are made from stable engineered hardwood and are available in 16â&#x20AC;&#x2122; lengths.

Finally, Alexandria Mouldingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s newest product offering provides a unique finish to your walls instead of paint or wallpaper. Ship Lap creates a three dimensional effect that is both elegant and modern. Its straight lines and square grooves provide relief to bare walls while still keeping a bright and warm feel. Ship Lap is not limited to walls, and can also be applied to ceilings; the options are limitless. Incorporating a minimalist theme into your home with cleaner and refined mouldings will change the atmosphere, adding warmth and depth to any room.

alexandriamoulding.com CONTRACTOR ADVANTAGE

MAY / JUNE 2017

WATERPROOF PROTECTION FOR JOISTS SUBSTANTIALLY EXTENDS THE SERVICE LIFE OF THE PATIO AT LOW COST • EXCELLENT FLEXIBILITY • SELF-SEALING MEMBRANE • PATTERN-FREE, UNNOTICEABLE THROUGH THE DECKING • EASY INSTALLATION

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www.resisto.ca

A HYBRID OF DURABILITY AND STYLE Imagine your client relaxing in their home with the peace of mind in knowing that their windows are some of the most durable and reliable on the market. Our innovative aluminum-clad vinyl windows feature the conveniences of an allvinyl frame, with a sleek aluminum-clad finish. Get increased durability and protection, while enjoying the avant-garde appearance provided by this exciting product. DURABILITY & WEATHER RESISTANCE - JELD-WEN Aluminum-clad vinyl windows offer the same easy maintenance and high-performance as an all-vinyl product, but with increased durability. The aluminumclad finish on the exterior of these windows will provide homeowners with even more long-term resistance to the outdoors. Standard Profile

STYLE - JELD-WEN Aluminum-clad vinyl windows offer a stylish, contemporary look, featuring extensive lines and deeper shadows. The extruded aluminum-clad exterior gives these window a crisp finish

Contemporary Profile

that combines performance and aesthetics. Available in a number of different styles and customizable design options. COLOUR - JELD-WEN Aluminum-clad vinyl windows are available in a number of exciting colour options. Allowing homeowners to match

Get the Best of both worlds with the JELD-WEN Aluminum Clad Vinyl Window.

2016

their window frame to the architectural look of their home.

Manufacturer of the Year Windows and Doors

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MAY / JUNE 2017

Design Talk Colours: Soft Pink Laurentide 1-3-1 / Green 4-17-6 Photo courtesy of Laurentide Paint

The Colour Green Grows Tall in Spring Paint Trends Written by Teresa Christine Managing Editor

One of the Spring design trends gaining fame and surging in popularity is the presence of Mother Nature. This movement has touched almost every industry and element of design and décor including the world of paint. Green Paint Colors are becoming the latest transitional colour and designers are now using the hue in various shades throughout homes and offices. Highly sought after because of its ability to calm, energize or infuse a room with happiness, it’s also the perfect complement or accent colour. Although green paint’s natural colour has many moods, in its purest form, it’s

MAY / JUNE 2017

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restful and refreshing. Whether you opt for a shade that is serene, crisp and cool or a livelier one, green hues work well in most spaces. Contractor Advantage recently caught up with Jennifer May, colour expert for Laurentide Paint for her thoughts on Spring in terms of this colour and trend. “Green is in the air! Indoor gardening is a huge trend actually and that is one of the reasons why greens are so present in interior design currently. Inspired by nature, tints of vegetal greens help restore balance to one’s life. These shades procure a tranquil sense of wellbeing. In combination with green (such as Laurentide 4-17-6),

I suggest to use natural soft neutral wall shades such as Laurentide 5-15-1. We are going to be talking about soft pink (such as Laurentide 1-3-1), as the weather warms up and we get closer to wedding season." She also adds that greens are about new growth, freshness, healthy living lifestyles and that green can create a grounded feeling, leaving any space well balanced. One thing is for certain, it’s clear that the colour green has deeply planted itself in the design trend for Spring!

Design Talk

STYLISH & CONTEMPORARY

At Kohltech, every window is custom. So no matter where your inspiration comes from, we can make the windows that bring your renovation or new construction vision to life. If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re considering changing your home, change it into something outstanding with Kohltech Windows.

Kohltech.com

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MAY / JUNE 2017

Wood windows have a way of inspiring comfort and enjoyment within the home. At JELD-WEN, it is our philosophy to provide homeowners with a worry-free environment. That is why our specially-treated AuraLast pine wood material is constructed for a lifetime of use, without the worry.

AuraLastÂŽ Wood - your guaranteed protection against wood decay, water saturation & termites. 72

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Visit your Castle Building Centre to get started on your next project. 2016

Get the warmth of wood, without the worry

Manufacturer of the Year Windows and Doors