ROOFING: Is it shake? No it’s Enviroshake, an eco-friendly roofing option

It’s been available for sometime, and we wanted to bring it to your attention.   Wellington Polymer Technology, Inc. offers a composite roofing product that resembles the look of an antique cedar shake roof.  The product is called Enviroshake®. 

 

The company claims Enviroshake is “predominantly” made from reclaimed materials such as post industrial plastics, recycled rubber elastomers, and cellulosic fibre materials.  The composite formula is designed for durability, UV protection, wind and hail resistance combined with superior mold, mildew and insect resistant properties.   Wind rating on the product is approximately 110 mph.  The product does not require any maintanance and carries a 50-year limited warranty!

Enviroshake comes in one color.  It starts out as a brownish grey color and ”weathers” over 3-6 months to a silver-grey color that resembles cedar shake.  The product does not require breathing like a cedar shake roof, so it can be applied to the same plywood that exists under your present asphalt roof for example.  

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REBATES: The DSIRE comprehensive list of energy rebates & incentives

While you are caught up in your remodel whirlwind, remember that there are likely Federal, State, Local, and Utility provider incentives that promote renewable energy and energy efficiency.  Virtually all the products we discuss on GetWithGreen.com have some form of incentive attached to them by one of these parties (or the manufacturer).

The Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency (DSIRE) is one of the best and most comprehensive sources on the web for finding incentives and rebates.  DSIRE is an ongoing project of the North Carolia Solar Center, and the Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC) funded by the U.S. Department of Energy.

   

The names and logos above should not fool you — this database goes beyond North Carolina to cover the entire U.S., and it goes beyond solar to cover interest free loans, appliances, and more! 

To leverage the database we recommend you to start browsing by State.   At the State level you select either…

• Federal Incentives:  Here you will find all of the Federal Incentives available.  As a homeowner you need to look for “Applicable Sectors: Residential”.  By clicking on each incentive you will quickly see if the incentive is Commercial, Industrial, or Residential.

• Homeowner Incentives:  Here you will find all of the incentives, from local entities such as your State, County, City, and Read more

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Andersen, Pella, Marvin, Kolbe Windows – Which one would you choose?

With the release of the J.D. Powers and Associates Report on Windows this morning, we wanted to present to you the questions again about your favorite windows, or those windows that you would recommend, or not recommend and why?  Before we do that here are how your favorite brands faired:

Customer Satisfaction Index Ranking
(Based on a 1,000-point scale)

Points   Brand

796       Pella
794       Andersen
788       Milgard                              
782       Weather Shield                
780       Loewen                              
780       Industry Average            
762       American Craftsman        
756       Marvin                               
754       Kolbe & Kolbe Millwork   
753       JELD-WEN

The inaugural study measures customer satisfaction among consumers who purchased new windows or patio doors, based on performance in six factors (in order of importance): ordering and delivery; price competitiveness; operational performance; appearance and design features; operational features; and warranty and replacement. Respondents may have installed the windows or patio doors themselves or with help from family and friends; hired an independent contractor or remodeler; used an installation service provided by a home improvement retailer; or used an installation service provided by the product manufacturer.

Pella ranks highest in customer satisfaction with windows and patio doors, achieving a score 796 on a 1,000-point scale. Pella performs particularly well in operational performance — which includes ease of use and operation, energy efficiency and ease of cleaning — and in ordering and delivery. Following Pella closely in the rankings is Andersen with a score of 794, performing well in operational features — which includes the number and variety of energy efficiency options offered — as well as in appearance and design features. Milgard ranks Read more

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