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BRINC Building Products, Inc. to Exhibit ThermalBuck at Greenbuild Nov. 14-15th

The Greenbuild International Conference & Expo is a powerhouse event in the building community, bringing together a diverse community of professionals from all over the world to learn about sustainable building practices, and the latest technologies for the built environment.

BRINC Building Products, Inc. is proud to announce that we will be exhibiting ThermalBuck at this year’s event in Chicago, Illinois on November 14-15th, joining hundreds of building material manufacturers committed to the continuing advancement of sustainability in the building community.

 

Greenbuild is an ideal forum for ThermalBuck, as many architects and builders are looking for building material solutions that help fulfill their mission to design and build more sustainable buildings. “We thought we had maxed out every way to reduce a building’s carbon footprint and then we found out about ThermalBuck. It’s a key high-performance component that is helping us towards achieving our firm’s mission of designing net zero buildings,” Nathan Kipnis, FAIA, LEED BD+C, Kipnis Architecture + Planning, Evanston, IL.

 

“We thought we had maxed out every way to reduce a building’s carbon footprint and then we found out about ThermalBuck. It’s a key high-performance component that is helping us towards achieving our firm’s mission of designing net zero buildings.”

 – Nathan Kipnis, FAIA, LEED BD+C, Kipnis Architecture + Planning, Evanston, IL

 

2018 Greenbuild: Human x Nature

The theme for Greenbuild 2018 is Human by Nature // The Intersection of Humanity & The Built Environment. It’s message conveys that green building benefits all of humanity, by making sustainable environments accessible to everyone. Through this achievement, the natural environment will be protected and preserved for future generations.

Greenbuild began back in Austin, TX in 2002 as a small event with 4,000 attendees, and has since grown into a truly global force to promote sustainability.

The 2018 schedule is comprised of over 200 educational sessions, workshops,  green building tours, and networking opportunities throughout the entire week, kicking off Monday November 12th and ending Saturday, November 17th. The first official day of the show, Wednesday, November 14th, begins with the opening plenary by featuring Amal Clooney, international human rights lawyer and professor. The traditional (and usually sold-out) Greenbuild Celebration, held on day two of the expo, Thursday, November 15th, features locally sourced food, drink, and entertainment by seven-time Grammy Award winning blues legend Buddy Guy.

Not only does Greenbuild offer the highest quality of educational and collaborative opportunities for attendees, it also significantly impacts the local environment where the show is held. The conference encourages sustainable practices and behaviors from attendees and exhibitors alike, proactively pursuing goals of reducing waste and offsetting carbon emissions. To read more about sustainability at Greenbuild, click here.

 

Visit ThermalBuck on the Exhibit Floor

Greenbuild is a special show for us. ThermalBuck was recognized at Greenbuild 2015 by Building Green as one of the “Greenest of the Green” top ten best new products at the show.

If you haven’t experienced Greenbuild in person, we welcome you to be our guest on the trade show floor,  and see for yourself how this event provide unique opportunities for green building professionals to connect and advance the goals of sustainability for our built environment. Get your FREE exhibit floor pass (use promotional code THER0MC300), and visit us at Booth #1103 on November 14th & 15th. You’ll leave Greenbuild 2018 feeling inspired about the future of sustainable building.

Energy Efficiency is a Necessity for Habitat

Habitat for Humanity’s vision is simple:  A world where everyone has a decent place to live. It’s achieving it that’s the complex part. The team at the Central Vermont Habitat for Humanity (CVHFH) is working hard towards that goal, and an even loftier one – building one of the highest performing Habitat for Humanity homes to date, in Randolph, VT.

 

Energy Efficiency: an Essential Need

Building to higher energy-efficient standards is an important consideration for any building project. But the impact on personal health and well-being can be even more significant when making ends meet is a struggle.

“The fluctuating price of energy goes beyond what our families can afford”, says Bruce Landry, Affiliate Building Chair, Volunteer and Weatherization Technician, CVHFH. “The families we partner with start out with very tight budgets and every dollar counts. An energy-efficient home gives stability in heating costs and utility payments.”

“An energy-efficient home gives stability in heating costs and utility payments.”

– Bruce Landry, Affiliate Building Chair, Central VT Habitat for Humanity

 

Not Their First High Performance Rodeo

The home build in Randolph was designed by architect Neil Husher, of Vermont Architects Collaborative. Neil brought three original designs to the table for consideration, which he modified to suit this specific plot of land, and fine-tuned the energy-efficient features for maximum impact.

Although the CVHFH chapter had completed a passive home build in the past, it wasn’t an option for the Randolph home. For instance, there wasn’t enough southern exposure to provide sufficient solar gain. Differences in the wall construction also make this design a bit simpler – building to passive is more detailed, and takes more time. It wasn’t that the volunteer building crew couldn’t handle the technical details and complexity of a passive house, it just wasn’t the right fit for this project. 

 

The High Performance Building Components

The two-story house features 2′ x 8′ wall construction, and an impressive list of high performance building materials including: Rockwool Safe ‘n Sound batt insulation,  Partel VeraPlus smart membrane, Advantech sheathing, 2.0″ Dow Blue Board Styrofoam XPS insulation, Typar WRB, ThermalBuck high performance window bucks, Pella 350 Series windows, Stego Wrap Vapor Barrier, and an Amvic ICF Foundation.

2.5″ ThermalBuck was selected to extend the mounting point for the windows and doors, insulate the rough openings, and prevent moisture at the rough openings – traditionally a difficult detail of any building envelope. ThermalBuck helps simplify the challenge of mounting the windows with the exterior insulation, and integrating the WRB.

8-1-18-window-detail

 

“ThermalBuck makes it easier to do the high performance seals.”

– Anne Walker, Project Manager, Central VT Habitat for Humanity

Employees of BRINC Building Products, Inc., manufacturer of ThermalBuck, will be volunteering to help the CVHFH chapter with their ThermalBuck installation in September, 2018. Keep informed on the next steps of this high performance home by following ThermalBuck on social media:

 

Energy Efficiency in Vermont: More Accessible than Ever

One of the reasons this build was possible? Because it was in Vermont. Efficiency Vermont, founded in 2000 as the nation’s first energy-efficient utility, provides Vermonters with technical and financial support to improve the energy efficiency of their homes, businesses, and communities.

For Central Vermont Habitat for Humanity, this meant not only a significant refund for achieving an established list of standards, but also personalized help in the support of a consultant, Jennifer Severidt. Jennifer was assigned to the project, and provided not just a few answers, but guidance throughout the entire project, answering specific questions like “What specific heat pump would work best?”

 

“We wouldn’t have been able to attempt this without Efficiency Vermont.”

– Debbie Goodwin, Executive Director, Central Vermont Habitat for Humanity

 

Follow this helpful link to view more information about how to work with Efficiency Vermont to receive energy consultation and eligibility for certification, rebates, and third-party testing at efficiencyvermont.com.

 

Habitat for Humanity

Habitat’s mission Is based on the premise that affordable housing plays an integral role in building abundant, strong, and stable communities. Habitat for Humanity is one of the most recognizable efforts to support sustainable housing not only in the U.S, but internationally. To learn more about the efforts of Central Vermont Habitat for Humanity, and how to find local chapters in your area, follow these links:

Habitat for Humanity is not a giveaway program. They offer partner families a no-interest mortgage for their home. In addition to a down payment and monthly mortgage payments, the homeowners invest hundreds of hours of their own labor (sweat equity) into building their new home. Families selected are those who need simple, decent housing, but who are unable to get a loan through any conventional means. Read more about how a family can apply and be selected here.

 

Training Day: GMP Rutland Innovation Home

We’re proud ThermalBuck is an important component of the most energy-efficient house in Vermont, the Green Mountain Power Rutland Innovation Home.

It’s a one-of-a-kind project: a contest created by a utility company, giving away a brand new home to the winning entry of an essay competition. They’re looking for the right person who can contribute their talents and energy to help revitalize the beautiful town of Rutland, Vermont. And they’ll get to do it while living in a brand new, energy-efficient, mortgage free home. We call that a win-win.

The GMP Rutland Innovation Home Contest serves a dual purpose. One, to highlight the strong job market and redevelopment efforts of this beautiful region in Vermont. And two, to showcase the future of building by using the latest building material technology to build an incredibly energy-efficient house, easily replicated in other regions.

 

“It’s not only just a house that we’re giving away. It’s also a benchmark for what we’re hoping to strive for in the future for how we build homes.”

– Nick Stone, R.K. Miles Building Material Supplier, VT

 

The Home

NBF Architects designed this 1,500 sq. foot traditional New England farmhouse featuring the latest in smart-home technology. High-performance building materials were used to make the home as energy-efficient as possible. Building material supplier R.K. Miles installed their high-performance wall system, the VOAT-Wall (Vapor Open, Air Tight), featuring The Henry Company Blueskin WRB, Rockwool ComfortBoard mineral wool exterior insulation, 3.0″ ThermalBuck insulating window buck, and Marvin Windows & Doors.

The Team

Green Mountain Power, NBF Architects, Naylor & Breen Builders, and the United Way of Rutland County, organized the collaboration. It was made possible with the generous support of R.K.Miles Building Materials Supplier, and nearly 60 manufacturers such as Henry, Rockwool, Tesla, and ThermalBuck, who donated their high-performance materials. The talented crew from Naylor & Breen Builders volunteered their time and manpower to make the house come to life.

The Video – Training Day

Join us as we take you through training the team from Naylor & Breen Builders on the ThermalBuck installation in Rutland, and you’ll learn some tricks and tips to simplify your installation. Then get moving on that contest entry. The deadline is June 18th.

 

Installing Nail Flange Windows: Rockwool Exterior Insulation & Henry Blueskin -GMP Innovation House

 

You can take a video walk through of the house in its final stages by checking out the media coverage it’s received by news networks in Vermont. Follow ThermalBuck on your preferred social media account to follow the progress, and find out who the lucky winner is.

ThermalBuck.BRINC        thermalbuck_windowbuck       @ThermalBuckThermalBuck 

Green Mountain Power is described as an “energy transformation company” providing power and innovative products and services to most of Vermont. Their focus is to help customers use less energy and save money, while meeting their existing energy needs by generating clean, affordable energy. GMP was recently named a Top 10 Innovative Company in Energy. Read more here. 

 

 

It’s time for JLC LIVE – Get Your Free Pass

ThermalBuck is headed to JLC Live 2018 on March 23rd & 24th at the Rhode Island Convention Center, in downtown Providence.

And we’d like you to be there.

JLC Live New England is widely known as the best hands-on construction show in the business. Focused on live product demonstrations and popular building clinics, this show stands out as a great training opportunity for builders who want to fine-tune their building science knowledge and installation techniques.

 

“JLC Live is the one show all year that I can promise you, we won’t miss.”

-John Brooks, President, BRINC Building Products, Inc.

Two packed floors of exhibitors await the thousands of builders in attendance, and three days of educational sessions open to all attendees. If you’re not already planning to attend this year’s show, we invite you to be our guest.

Register and enter promotion code EX255 to print your FREE PASS to the expo hall

 

ThermalBuck at JLC

The 2017 show was our first time at JLC, and it couldn’t have been better. The highlight was when the Journal of Light Construction Senior Editor, Tim Healey, stopped by to shoot a short video to introduce ThermalBuck to readers of JLC who might have missed the show.

“This is one of the coolest new products I’ve seen.”

– Tim Healey, Senior Editor, The Journal of Light Construction, JLC Live 2017

 

 

Booth #409 is where you’ll find ThermalBuck at the 2018 show, on the upper level, right in front of the BUILDING ENVELOPE clinics. We’ll be focused on how ThermalBuck solves many of the common challenges wood window bucks create:  the potential for moisture damage, shrinking, warping or rotting – all things that challenge the long term operation of windows. Not to mention wood is a thermal bridge, the very kind you’re trying to eliminate by adding continuous insulation in the first place. You’ll be able to compare the flashing steps for wood bucks vs. ThermalBuck, and see how much easier it is to install and flash.

 

Workshops & Clinics

Check out the full event program for a complete listing of clinics, and demonstrations that you won’t want to miss. Add to your to-do list “Moisture Management” through proper window installation and flashing, taught by industry veteran Bill Robinson of Train2Build. You’ll want to catch builder Steve DeMetrick too. He’ll be demonstrating new installation requirements for the “Building Envelope”. His clinics on Detailing Exterior Rigid Insulation, Innies and Outies, and The Basics of High Performance Walls, are sure to be some of the best ones at the show.

 

Networking at JLC Live

All work and no play is never a good idea, and plenty of fun is on the schedule. Check out all of the great networking events, but don’t miss the Welcome Party Friday night from 5pm – 6pm in the Level 5 JLC LIVE Lounge. Meet-ups offer great opportunities for fellow attendees and speakers to connect and relax.

Since the March weather feels a lot like winter, take a few days off of the job site to expand your knowledge and invest in your training and skills in New England. The payback will be worth it.

JLC LIVE presents multiple shows across the U.S.  The signature show is JLC Live New England, held every March on the east coast.  Out west, you’ll want to attend JLC LIVE Northwest, held in December in Portland. The Remodeling Show & Deck Expo features a more intimate format, and is scheduled for Nashville in October 2017.    The official media sponsors of JLC LIVE include The Journal of Light Construction (JLC),  Tools of the Trade, and Remodeling magazine.  

ThermalBuck to Present at 2017 PCBC High Performance Home Theater

 

The largest homebuilding trade show on the West coast, the PCBC, will be held June 28th-29th in San Diego, California.

Originally known as the “Pacific Coast Builder’s Conference“, this event has grown since 1959 to attract over 10,000 attendees from all over the world.  

High Performance Home Theater

One of the unique features of the PCBC is the High Performance Home Theater. Held right on the exhibit floor, it focuses on educating attendees about multiple compliance methods for changing energy codes, particularly the 2016 Title 24 Standards mandating High Performance Walls & Attics. 

ThermalBuck presents “Solving the Challenge for Builders: Window Installation with Continuous Insulation” as part of the High Performance Home Theater on Thursday, June 29th, 2017. Mark your calendars for 11:30 am, and join us to learn more about how ThermalBuck can simplify your window installation with continuous insulation, and limit thermal bridging in the building envelope.

View a complete listing of High Performance Home Theater presentations here. 

PCBC – The Art, Science + Business of Housing

Thousands of homebuilders, architects, contractors, remodelers, engineers, and manufacturers from the US, Canada, Mexico (and more than 25 other countries) will meet in California to discover the latest trends in homebuilding innovation.

Not only does the trade show floor feature over 350 exhibitors, the Parade of Products and the High Performance Home Theater, it also offers purchasing agents two different buyer events to maximize their time and focus on meetings with the manufacturers of their choice. 

The National Buyers Circle is an invitation only event, while The Key Buyers Club is open to all exhibitors. To learn more about the differences between these two programs, click here.  

Unique to the PCBC, is the endorsement by the Leading Builders of America (LBA). Teams of national and regional buyers from 20 of the largest publicly and privately held homebuilders in the US meet with PCBC exhibitors, and collaborate to develop the high-level programming for members in the invitation-only, Leader-to-Leader Forum.

The show is sponsored by the California Building Industry Association (CBIA), a statewide trade association dedicated to “building California’s economy by providing quality environmentally responsible housing, creating tens of thousands of good paying jobs, and generating billions in state and local revenues”.

 

Join ThermalBuck on the Exhibit Floor

Consider attending the 2017 PCBC, and see for yourself how this event provides unique opportunities for homebuilders and manufacturers to connect.

Get your FREE exhibit floor pass (use promotional code HANK17), and visit us at Booth #120 June 28th & 29th. You’ll leave the PCBC feeling inspired about the future of energy-efficient building.

View a complete schedule of events, and register to attend the 2017 PCBC here. Plan your visit to the San Diego Convention Center by viewing this complete list of exhibitors on the 2017 PCBC floor plan.

Professional Builder Names ThermalBuck “Best of 2017 PCBC: Parade of Products”

ThermalBuck is proud to announce our selection as one of the “Best of PCBC: 2017 Parade of Products” by Professional Builder Magazine.

Each year, exhibitors for the PCBC are invited to submit new products to a distinguished panel of judges for consideration as one of the 15 winners of the Parade of Products. Awards are based on innovation, practical application, and design. Panel members represent a variety of backgrounds in homebuilding: engineers, designers, architects, and product curators.  

ThermalBuck, the high-performance window buck, made the cut along with an innovative roof deck insulation by Knauf made from sand, a rollable furring strip recently launched by Keene Building Products, and several wi-fi connected products, all designed to reduce energy usage. POP winners will receive highlighted media coverage in advance of the show, as well as on the exhibit floor.

View the complete listing of winners from the Professional Builder Best of PCBC 2017 Parade of Products here.  

PCBC – The Art, Science + Business of Housing

Professional Builder is the official media sponsor of the PCBC, the largest homebuilding trade show on the West coast. Over 10,000 homebuilders, architects, contractors, remodelers, engineers, and manufacturers will converge in San Diego June 27th-29th, 2017 for this year’s event. Originally known as the “Pacific Coast Builder’s Conference“, the PCBC show has grown since 1959 to attract attendees from all over the world. 

 

Professional Builder magazine has been a staple of the home building community for over 75 years. 100% of the home building professionals who value Professional Builder as a resource have authority to specify and/or purchase building materials, products, and equipment.  Product submissions for the POP awards must have been launched within the last 18 months, or be available the upcoming fall.

PHRC conference March 2016 John at booth explaining ThermalBuck benefits and features to attendees and presenters

Building Science Tradition Carries On in Happy Valley

The welcoming staff of the Pennsylvania Housing Research Center (PHRC) organized an excellent line up of presenters and exhibitors for the 24th Annual Housing and Land Development Conference, held on March 2-3, 2016 at the Penn Stater Conference Center Hotel in State College, PA as part of the 2016 Industry Education Week. ThermalBuck™ was proud to be one of the sponsors of Housing Day, and enjoyed the chance to catch a few of the outstanding presentations throughout the conference.

Theresa Weston, Ph.D, a member of the DuPont™ Building Knowledge Center, presented “Choosing an Insulation Strategy“, a highly-informative discussion about what factors really count when planning an insulation strategy, and how to compare and contrast the products available with the specific needs of each project.  Example wall systems were reviewed, as well as the criteria for an effective R-value.  Cost components and criteria are major factors, but not just immediate investments of materials and labor.  Long-term costs are a significant factor, in both regards to performance, and reliability.

Our next session was entitled “Energy and Heat Recovery Ventilators (ERV/HRV): Design + Installation Best Practices for Balanced Ventilation Systems in Houses and Apartment Buildings.”  Mechanical ventilation in a structure has traditionally been limited to kitchen and bath exhaust fans, to help with spot control of both moisture and odors.  With the continual advancements in building techniques and materials focused on tighter building envelopes, and the updates in the 2012 IECC, the demand for whole-house ventilation has become much more significant.

Presenter John Semmelhack of Think-Little, focused on two specific whole-house mechanical ventilation systems, ERV’s and HRV’s.  John’s in-depth presentation showed us how to navigate the challenges of understanding exactly how ERV’s and HRV’s work, what the difference is, and how to decide which ventilation system would be the right fit for a structure.  Once a decision is made, the costs and functions of each different product available on the market can be significant.  John’s extensive knowledge of the variables of these systems was extremely helpful, and also reinforced the benefits of utilizing experienced consultants for specific aspects of a project.  One of the most beneficial pieces of information was a comparison of product certification labels attributed to each system, through both the Home Ventilating Institute (HVI) and the Air-Conditioning, Heating & Refrigeration Institute (AHRI). While both of these well-respected organizations certify products,  knowing how to analyze the specific data on the labels is crucial to achieving the performance outcome that is desired.

Nothing is quite as costly as a lack of experience when making decisions, and these two presenters truly showed the value of gathering input and research, the importance of due diligence in understanding how to evaluate products and systems, and the need to make project-specific decisions for the best possible outcome.

HiResPHRCLogoThe PHRC is truly an excellent resource for builders, architects, engineers, contractors, manufacturers, anyone involved in the building industry in Pennsylvania.  If you haven’t yet been to one of their conferences, or participated in one of their webinars, we recommend you becoming a member, and including them as a valuable resource for building science advancements in the future.

 For another great resource on “Whole-House Mechanical Ventilation Code, Safety and Performance Considerations” for low-rise residential buildings, please visit homeinnovation.com.

Pennsylvania Housing Research Center Conference - Housing Track

PHRC 24th Annual PA Housing & Land Development Conference March 2nd-3rd, 2016

 

The Pennsylvania Housing and Research Center presents the 24th Annual Housing and Land Development Conference will be held on March 2-3, 2016 at the Penn Stater Conference Center Hotel in State College, PA as part of the 2016 Industry Education Week.

Builders, remodelers, code officials, design professionals and home performance contractors will gather to expand their knowledge with the latest updates in the residential construction industry.  Topics include: Insulation in High Performance Housing, Emerging HVAC Technologies, and Water Resistant Barriers.   The full schedule of events for Housing Day is available here.

ThermalBuck™ is proud to be one of the sponsors of this professional development event, and will display our wall section to show exactly how ThermalBuck™ outperforms traditional wood bucks to build a better building envelope.