Products - July 2009

EnerWorks Solar Thermal System

Solar thermal water-heating systems are an effective and economical way to meet hot water and space conditioning needs, in part or completely. EnerWorks’ pre-engineered solar water heating systems for commercial and industrial applications consist of repeatable modules of up to 10 flat-plate solar collectors; the modules are linked to a heat-exchanging unit (which will support up to 120 collectors) containing integrated variable-speed pumps, double-walled heat exchangers, and controls. Monitoring and reporting is available as an option. The turn-key systems are appropriate for either new construction or retrofits. EnerWorks Inc.; Dorchester, ON, Canada.
519-268-6500;
www.enerworks.com [CIRCLE 90]

EnergyEdge Insulating Formwork

Slab-on-grade construction is fast and cheap—and can be a big energy drain if it’s not insulated, especially when in-slab heating is used. This is distressingly common. EnergyEdge stay-in-place formwork insulates, finishes, and protects the slab edge; it’s as cheap as regular forms, decreases installation time, and provides a termite shield. However, it does use PVC and EPS. Though benign in situ, PVC’s health and environmental burdens are controversial; and most EPS foam uses brominated flame retardants that also pose health and environmental risks. Still, the product can prevent tons of harmful energy-generation emissions over its service life. It’s a tricky balance. EnergyEdge, LLC; Wichita, KS.
316-618-1983;
www.energyedgeform.com [CIRCLE 91]

LifeCycle Recycled Composite Fencing

AERT—Advanced Environmental Recycling Technologies—has been manufacturing composite building products with reclaimed wood fibers and recycled plastics for over 20 years. Here, they introduce LifeCycle Fencing made from 90 percent recycled content (60 percent pre-consumer, 30 percent post)—a great alternative to virgin PVC fencing. Available dog-eared or flat-topped with a rustic cedar or earth-toned color and wood-textured finish, in 1/2- and 3/4-inch thicknesses, this fencing—5.4 inches wide and 6 or 8 feet long—has a 25-year warranty in any climate…including ground contact. AERT, Inc.; Springdale, AR.
479-756-7400, 800-951-5117;
www.aertinc.com [CIRCLE 92]

R-ETRO Insulation Retrofit

Reducing greenhouse gas emissions to where they need to be will require nearly every home in the U.S. to have an energy retrofit. Putting foam on the outside is usually the least disruptive way to add significant insulation to existing buildings. Quad-Lock has introduced the easy-to-install R-ETRO System to simplify the process. EPS insulation panels are held with plastic clips to galvanized steel mounting tracks, adding R-18 to the wall system. It can be finished with almost any type of siding. The R-ETRO System can also be installed on the interior of outside walls, and on ceilings and foundations. Quad-Lock Building Systems, Ltd.; Surrey, BC, Canada.
604-590-3111, 888-711-5625;
www.quadlock.com [CIRCLE 93]

GreenQuest Cabinetry and Casework

GreenQuest frameless cabinets and case-work from Crystal Cabinet Works feature no-added urea formaldehyde (NAUF) particleboard and no-added formaldehyde (NAF) plywood box construction. The dove-tailed drawers are made from 3/4-inch FSC-certified aspen; interiors and backs have engineered veneer or melamine to resist moisture and aid cleaning. Multiple FSC-certified woods and rapidly renewable bamboo are available in dozens of door styles, as well as doors manufactured from 100 percent recycled and NAUF MDF, recycled stainless, and non-PVC foil overlays. Low-VOC, water-based, and low-emitting finishes are available. Crystal Cabinet Works, Inc.; Princeton, MN.
800-347-5045;
www.ccworks.com [CIRCLE 94]