Leading Edge Homes, Inc. Newsletter
May 2012
Houston - We've Broken Through!
Greetings!
 
Last week a big milestone was passed on the large multi-room addition we are working on in Wellington's Binks Estates neighborhood.  The old exterior wall of the existing house that was holding up the existing roof was removed.  As you can see from the above picture, everything went as planned and now the existing roof is being supported by the new roof.
 
The windows, door, and staircase have been installed and the existing two bedrooms have had their interior walls reframed with a Jack-and-Jill bathroom between them.  Next week the air conditioning ductwork and rough plumbing will be installed followed by all the electrical wiring.

While large jobs like this one are great, don't forget that Leading Edge Homes also does smaller jobs like kitchen and bathroom remodels.  Whatever construction project you would like completed around your house, contact us first at 561-795-2551.  We will be your trusted advisor and help you through the entire process.


Sincerely,
 
Todd Perry
Leading Edge Homes, Inc.
 
Why Are They Charging Us For Air?
First the drywall manufacturers had this great idea of how to make more profit by importing cheaper drywall from China.  Since that plan didn't turn out well for them, now they are virtually discontinuing standard gypsum board as we have known it in favor of what they are calling "light weight" drywall.  I think it is simply a marketing scam.

When the drywall is still in a liquid form, air pockets are mixed into the slurry to make the board lighter.  Although a lighter board is easier to lift and install, it offers no advantage to a homeowner - only the drywall hanger.  In general, the "light weight" board costs about $1/board more than the old board.  In other words, the drywall manufacturers are charging a premium for a board that has less product in it; hence, they are charging for air and making more profit!

Reports from the field on this "great idea" have not been positive.  The "light weight" board allows more sound to transmit through it, it breaks if it gets even slightly wet or is mishandled, and it is prone to holes and cracks.  Yet Home Depot and Lowe's now only sell "light weight" standard drywall.


You will be happy to know that Leading Edge Homes has discovered a solution to this problem that costs the same as "light weight" drywall.  We order fire-rated drywall for walls and ceilings from our drywall supplier.  Its composition is as dense as the drywall we have used for years - no air bubble problems, no hassles, no headaches.

 

Here's another "great idea" from one of the drywall manufacturers CertainTeed.  They have a gypsum board called AirRenew which they claim removes Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) and formaldehyde from the air by converting them into what they call "non-harmful substances" - whatever that means.  Do you believe them?

 

What will they think of, and try to market to us, next?

What's Better Than Fiberglass Ceiling Insulation?
Icynene spray foam insulation for one.  This product is applied to the underside of the roof deck and covers any attic vents. 

Not only does it seal 97% of any air from getting into the attic, it keeps the attic much cooler.  So much cooler that typically a smaller size air conditioning system is required.

Other advantages of Icynene spray foam insulation are:
  • Quieter inside house - can even be sprayed on underside of stairs and second story floors to control noise
  • Block airborne pollutants
  • Protect against air carried moisture which causes mold
  • Tax incentives
  • Save up to 50% on heating & cooling costs - product pays for itself in 3 to 4 years on average when the entire house envelope is sealed with Icynene insulation
If you have any specific questions about this product, please call me at 561-795-2551 or email me at: todd@leadingedgehomes.com and I'll be happy to share my knowledge with you.
On a Personal Note...
I can't believe it but it is true.  My son Scott is not only graduating from the University of Miami law school on Saturday, he even has a job lined up with a personal injury law firm after he passes the Bar exam in July.  I remember like it was yesterday bringing him home from the hospital as a new born. 

...and my daughter Lori just completed her sophomore year at the University of Florida - half way to her degree.  I'm starting to feel old!
 
Where has time gone?  Anyway...

Enjoy your May and I'll speak to you again in June.

 

 

Todd Perry
Leading Edge Homes, Inc.
729 Cindy Drive
Wellington, Florida 33414
In This Issue
Why Are They Charging Us for Air?
What's Better Than Fiberglass Batt Insulation?
Featured Article
Want to know the latest scam being marketed as a feature?  Then click on "Why Are They Selling Us Air?" above.

 

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