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Boston Renovation
​Blog

Industry Spotlight: CertainTeed Vinyl Siding

3/29/2020

 
​CertainTeed, a leading name in vinyl siding, has helped shape the building products industry for over 110 years. Founded in 1904 as General Roofing Manufacturing Company, today, CertainTeed is North America’s leading brand of exterior and interior building products. CertainTeed is a subsidiary of Saint-Gobain (one of the world's oldest and largest building product companies) and employs 5700 in more than 60 US manufacturing facilities.
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CertainTeed, a leading name in vinyl siding, has helped shape the building products industry for over 110 years. Founded in 1904 as General Roofing Manufacturing Company, today, CertainTeed is North America’s leading brand of exterior and interior building products. CertainTeed is a subsidiary of Saint-Gobain (one of the world's oldest and largest building product companies) and employs 5700 in more than 60 US manufacturing facilities.
 
CertainTeed Vinyl Siding - Brand History

From its early beginnings, the company was renamed “CertainTeed” in 1917, inspired by their slogan “Quality made certain. Satisfaction guaranteed.” Starting with asphalt shingles, the product line expanded in the 1960s when the firm acquired a fiberglass insulation business and PVC pipe business. 
In October 2015, CertainTeed moved into a new state-of-the-art open floor plan headquarters. This ‘living laboratory’ enables their research team to measure the impact their products and innovations have in a real environment.  
 
CertainTeed Vinyl Siding - Philosophy

Being green is one of their top priorities. CertainTeed leads the industry in sustainable business practices while improving product performance and style. And their vinyl siding is no exception. By streamlining operations to reduce carbon emissions, and by reprocessing all vinyl scrap, the manufacturing process has near-zero waste. The company feels that ‘we do well by doing good’. Both management and employees give back often, partnering with charities like Homes for Our Troops and YouthBuildUSA. 
 
CertainTeed Vinyl Siding - Products

CertainTeed has a suite of products for residential homeowners making exterior improvements. Here’s a bit about their product lines: 
  • Roofing: Architectural laminate shingles, synthetic slate, and the industry’s first architectural-style strip highlight CertainTeed’s roofing products. 
  • Siding: Shop for authentic cedar appearance shake and shingle vinyl or composite siding (in both vertical and horizontal orientation) from CertainTeed. Don’t forget to accent your home’s exterior with soffit and vinyl trim detailing.
  • Solar: CertainTeed offer the latest in photovoltaic technology. Choose from the efficient and affordable Solstice solar solution, or the upgraded Apollo II system. The latter works as a roof and a solar system in one.
  • Trim: CertainTeed Exterior Trim highlights the architectural features of your home and makes for eye-catching curb appeal —without rotting, peeling or fading.
  • Decking: The EverNew vinyl decking product is low maintenance, lightweight, easy to install, and comes with a lifetime warranty. 
  • Fence: Complement your yard and outdoor spaces with a fence from CertainTeed. Select from woodgrain texture, stucco, and more. 
 
Shopping for products 

If you’re looking for inspiration, the CertainTeed site has a number of features to help envision what your home could look like after a remodeling project. 
  • ColorView: Build your dream house using CertainTeed products with this interactive tool. Try different styles, types, and colors on real house examples. 
  • ColorCoach: Learn about which colors work well together and try out color combos directly on the site. You’ll feel like an amateur artist.
  • CurbAppeal: With CurbAppeal you can visualize your ideas with tap and pick simplicity on a rendered model house. Available on App Store for iOS devices.
  • Trim-It: Create distinction on your home by using this trim planning tool. CertainTeed offers accent and decorative trim products from both composite and vinyl product lines.
  • Blend-it: Explorecolor blends mixes with Cedar Impressions® Individual 5" Sawmill Shingles. ​
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Types of Shingles

3/15/2020

 
Your roof has the incredibly important job of protecting the interior of your house, so it’s important to give careful consideration to the roofing material that is right for you. Roofing materials have some of the most variety out of any housing product, and each material is accompanied by unique pros, cons and pricing. The average costs highlighted below include installation and are listed as the price per square foot.
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Top Roofing Materials
Asphalt ($2 - $4)

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Asphalt shingles are the most popular shingles across the country due to their cost-effectiveness and variety, and are currently installed on over 70% of residential sloped roofs in the US. This shingle material is one of the most affordable roofing options on the market and is available in a wide variety of colors and styles, including 3-tab, designer and architectural styles. Asphalt shingles typically last between 20 and 30 years.

Metal is the second most popular roofing materials, holding an 11% share of the roofing market. This is likely due to its incredibly long-lasting nature, which is often accompanied by decades-long warranties. It is also incredibly durable, as many metal roofs are resistant to cracking, extreme winds, and other forms of damage. Additionally, metal roofing is often recyclable and many materials are made of previously recycled products. However, metal roofing is usually more expensive than asphalt, and has high installation costs due to the specialty skills needed. There are a few different metal roofing material options, which are detailed below.

Aluminum ($8 - $12)
Aluminum roofs are a great choice for homes on the coast, as the material is extremely resistant to salt corrosion. However, it is a more expensive material, which causes some installers to use thinner sheets in an effort to save money. This can cause the roof to be easily damaged by extreme weather, so it is important to understand the conditions your roof will face.

Copper ($18 - $25)
Copper is not a new material in the world of roofing, having been used to protect homes for centuries. This is due to their unbelievable durability, with some copper roofs surviving for over 200 years and a typical lifespan of up to 70 years. It is a luxury roofing material, so is often accompanied by high product and installation costs.

Steel ($6 - $11)
Often found on commercial construction sites due to its durability, steel has transitioned over to becoming a trusted material for residential roofs as well. Steel is the least expensive metal roofing option, and is available in three forms: galvanized steel, which is protected by a layer of zinc; galvalume steel, which is coated with a combination of aluminum and zinc; and weathering steel, in which the outer layer intentionally rusts, protecting the inner steel. While the lifespan of steel depends on the material and coating, it has the ability to last up to 50 years.

Zinc ($12 - $15)
Zinc is another luxury roofing material, but is trusted for its ability to heal scratches, long lifespan, and flexibility. While fairly uncommon in the US, over 70% of residential roofs in Europe are protected by zinc. Zinc forms a protective patina, which protects it from rusting and allows it to last up to 100 years. It requires very little maintenance, due to its self-healing abilities.

Slate ($30 - $75)
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Slate is a high-end and elegant roofing material that is made of thin sheets of real stone. This material is incredibly long-lasting, with the ability to last hundreds of years if maintained properly. Slate is also one of the most beautiful roofing options, adding a classic look to any house. However, slate tiles are not for every homeowner, as installation can be challenging and the tiles are quite fragile. Slate tiles are also one of the most expensive roofing materials available.

Rubber ($6 - $12)
Rubber roofing often mimics the appearance of slate tiles, but at a much more affordable price. These tiles are composed of mostly recycled materials and engineered polymers. Rubber tiles are much more lightweight than slate, which allows for a simpler installation, but lessens the durability. This roofing material requires little maintenance and typically lasts up to 25 years.

Clay Tile ($10 - $30)
Clay tiles are a popular choice for Spanish-style villa homes and is often used in hot climates. After the clay is hardened, it is often left unglazed, which creates a matte appearance. It is a very heavy material, a factor that must be considered before installation. While it is durable and requires little maintenance, it is also expensive to have installed. Clay tiles can last over 100 years, so the investment is worth it for many.

Wood ($5 - $12)
Wood shingles or shakes are a visually appealing roofing option, but are accompanied by a number of limitations. They are not particularly durable, as they are susceptible to damage from moisture and shouldn’t be installed in areas where fire is a risk. There are two wood roofing styles available: wood shingles are thin, smooth slabs of wood, whereas wood shakes are thicker and rougher in texture. Wood roofs typically last between 20 to 60 years, depending on maintenance and conditions.

Final Thoughts
No matter which material you decide on, it's important to find a highly-rated licensed contractor to complete your roofing project. Your roof serves an extremely important function, so ensuring it's installed correctly is key. Our licensed experts are here to help you in your search, by scoping your project, gathering bids and offering advice to help you navigate the process. We make it easy to complete your roof replacement.
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Master Bathroom Remodel

3/9/2020

 
Your master bathroom should be a place for relaxation, as well as serving a functional purpose. Many homeowners are taking on bathroom remodels to transform their worn-out space into a luxurious haven. It's important not overlook how much time is spent in your bathroom, as it's often the space in which you start and end your day. Shouldn't it be as welcoming as possible? If you're ready to begin planning your master bathroom renovation, our comprehensive guide is here to help you.
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Designing a Master Bathroom Remodel
There are a few important aspects to consider when it comes to designing your bathroom remodel: materials, style, and layout. In terms of material, your only real limit is your imagination and your budget. Homeowners are incorporating increasingly luxurious materials into their bathrooms, from granite countertops to marble showers. In terms of style, it's important to get a sense for your personal style before starting your project. Get inspired by looking at project examples online or visit a design showroom in person. Both of these options can help you get a sense for your many options, so that you can pick out your favorite materials and fixtures. Lastly, it's extremely important to consider the layout of your space when designing your project. Given the space that you're working with, you must decide whether a bath or shower is a better fit for the space. In recent years, baths have become less popular, as showers are typically more economical uses of space, and can also be customized with a variety of water features. Other design decisions, such as number of sinks or shower size, will vary greatly given the dimensions of your space.

We recommend picking out your materials, fixtures, and other design features before beginning your project so that you have a realistic sense of your projected costs.

Bathroom Feature Ideas
Two sinks: A remodel is a great time to add a second sink to your master bathroom. This allows each person to have their own space, and saves time in the morning and at night.
  • Heated towel racks: This is a simple and easy way to infuse a little luxury into your bathroom.
  • Multi-head shower: If space allows, design your shower with multiple shower heads for a spa-like experience every day.
  • Separate toilet room: If you share your master bathroom, separating the toilet with a door can add some much-needed privacy.
  • Tile shower: This is a great way to improve the appearance of your bathroom, and ceramic tiles also require little maintenance to maintain their elegance.

Cost to Remodel Master Bathroom
As they are often the largest bathrooms in the house, master bathroom remodels tend to be the most expensive of the bathroom renovations, as compared to renovating smaller bathrooms. The cost of these projects varies greatly, as the project could be a full-gut or a partial remodel. Additionally, the fixtures and materials chosen will influence the final price. Master bathroom remodels can cost anywhere from $8,000 to $50,000.

To get a better sense of your master bathroom remodel options and potential costs, speak to one of our licensed experts. Give us a call at 978.697.4625 or start designing your project by requesting a free quote.
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Areas We Serve in Massachusetts
Boston Renovation proudly services any town within a 40 mile radius of Boston. Some of our most popular cities and towns in the Massachusetts area:
Andover
Boxford
Brookline
Burlington
​​​Cambridge
​Charlestown
East Boston
Hopkinton
Lincoln
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Malden



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Needham
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Norwell​
Reading
Salem
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Southborough


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Stoneham
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Photo used under Creative Commons from blueprinthomes.com.au