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When
it comes to news in the window and siding industry we often have
to sort out fact from fiction. Most manufacturers like to spread
rumours of their new super secret items that will take the industry
by storm. Sometimes they come true and sometimes these new inventions
never make it to market.
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How
about vinyl siding in any color you could possibly want? How would
you like to be able to order your permanent siding in just about
every color available in Pittsburg paints extensive color selection
and more?
It
is no longer a rumour. Custom colors are available in the Mastic
Quest 3 product line as well as the Alcoa Structure solid foam
backed siding. It definitely costs more, but opens up a world
of color choices.
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Bright enough colors?
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Craneboard
cornered the market on "Solidcore" siding early with their
solid foam backed vinyl siding system and took a substantial share
of the siding market. Early on many major mfr's said they would
never manufacture such a product. A couple of years later because
of market demand, some companies are changing their mind. Alcoa
is a prime example of change. They are introducing a challenger
to Craneboard using a polyproplylene foam backer (looks like Dow
polystyrene to me.) Why should anyone care? Competition is a good
thing for the industry and they have added a new twist. A SINGLE
7" panel!
It
is here now and called Alcoa Structure.
Crane
has answered with a single 7" also though it is certainly not
advertised.
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Can you say SINGLE 7"
siding panel. This is going to look very nice. Compare to normal
4 1/2 " width in background
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SEAMLESS
VINYL SIDING usually refers to 25 foot panel siding systems. Seamless
is a bit of a misnomer because all vinyl products have a limit to
the length they are manufactured(and can be trucked). For a while
Certainteed/Wolverine manufactured a 40 foot panel dubbed seamless
and soon discontinued. The standard length for vinyl siding panels
is a bit over 12 feet with a number of companies offering lengths
af 16'8". Napco has manufactured a "seamless" 25
foot panel.
Amcraft
is now offering a premium 25 foot panel which is quite nice and
of very high quality. It is the Royal  Woodland
panel stretched to 25 feet (At least that is what it looks like
to me...and the warranty is surprisingly similar. If it looks like
a duck and quacks like a duck...it probabli is a ...)It is a heavy
duty siding with a 240 mph wind rating and is called Thunder Bay
with the stormtite locking system. Sounds impressive. It will be
delivered in a mixed lot of 16' and 25 foot which should be perfect
for most homesand result in very few laps(less than cement board
or wood). It is a nice product that will fit quite nicely with our
product lines.
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| Self
cleaning glass is nearing final testing. Some window companies are
already offering it and some have offered it and then recalled it.
It is only a matter of time before the process gets the "bugs
out". Right now the vinegar activation of the glass has caused
some problems. |
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| How
about glass that goes obscure with the flick of an electrical switch?
I saw a prototype of this new technology and it was very fun to flip
the switch and watch the transformation. Utilizing liquid crystals
made it possible but also expensive. It would certainly offer a great
option for conference room windows and more. |
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Office
Hours Mon-Fri 8:30-4:30
1-800-300-5659
Tacoma 253-922-8201
Seattle
206-824-0973
Bremerton 360-373-2011
Olympia 360-352-5659
Chehalis 360-748-1776
Aberdeen 360-532-9050
Longview 360-423-7695
Fax 360-352-0558
We
look forward to talking with you.
If
you have questions
Please E Mail me(Tom) at
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©
Northwest Home Improvement Co. 2003
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