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Mountain View Home Builders has become the first builder in the eleven county area of Northeast Georgia to be selected by Southern Living Magazine for membership in the elite Southern Living Custom Builder Program. Southern Living carefully selects custom home builders that transcend the pages of the magazine into a dream home. Members are chosen for their extensive experience and knowledge, reputation in the marketplace, and focus on the discriminating customer who is looking to build a custom home.

About Mountain View Home Builders

Mountain View Home Builders is a premier custom home builder in the Northeast part of Georgia. They have over twenty years of experience building quality, energy efficient homes from cozy mountain cottages to distinctive homes on the lakes of North Georgia. Their approach is to build your new home as if their families were going to live there. They have a motto: "Never promise more than you can do, and always do more than is expected." It is a philosophy that has served their homeowners well for many years.

Mountain View Home Builders believes that green building is more than just a passing trend. It is a responsibility that all homeowners should take seriously. They are certified by “Energy Star” and “EarthCraft House” and are pioneering green building in their region. Their process incorporates the use of renewable resources, energy and water use reduction, increased indoor air quality, reduced waste and recycling. They will build you a new home that will save you money and make you more environmentally responsible. A home in which you can be proud to live.

Company president Michael Calvert says "At Mountain View Home Builders, we invite you to come visit our homes, talk to our homeowners and discover why we are considered one of the best home builders in Georgia. Building homes is our passion and we want to be your builder."

About Southern Living

Southern Living (www.southernliving.com), the premier lifestyle and entertaining magazine of the South and the sixth largest monthly consumer magazine in the U.S. (based on readership), reaches 16.3 million readers each month and enjoys a circulation of over 2.8 million. Published 12 times a year, Southern Living celebrates the heart of Southern life. For more information on how Mountain View Home Builders is building quality homes of distinction in the Northeast Georgia area, visit their website at...

http://www.mvhomebuilders.com

Phone: 770-654-3435 Email at mvhomebuilders@bellsouth.net Also visit the Southern Living Custom Builder website at http://www.southernlivingcustombuilder.com

Mountain View Home Builders is now building EarthCraft Homes in Northeast Georgia.

Mountain View Home Builders, of Gainesville, Ga. recently completed training and certification in the EarthCraft House program of the Greater Atlanta Home Builders Association. EarthCraft House is one of the top green building programs in the U.S. and is recognized as such by many leading organizations including Energy Star, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, American Institute of Architects, National Association of Home Builders, Georgia Environmental Council, Earth Share and numerous other industry and community organizations.

EarthCraft House is a green building program that serves as a blueprint for healthy comfortable homes that reduce utility bills and protect the environment. The aim of the program is to help home builders be leaders in smart growth management and environmental stewardship. It was developed in 1999 as a joint effort of the Greater Atlanta Builders Association and Southface, a leader in the energy efficient, sustainable building industry in North America.

Mountain View Home Builders has already been building Energy Star certified homes and will now add EarthCraft Homes to its portfolio of green constructed homes in Northeast Georgia.

For more information on how Mountain View Home Builders is pioneering green building in the Northeast Georgia area, visit their website at... http://www.mvhomebuilders.com

Phone: 770-654-3435 Email at mvhomebuilders@bellsouth.net

Also visit these other websites to learn more about the Green Building organizations mentioned above.

EnergyStar- http://www.energystar.gov

EarthCraft House- http://www.earthcrafthouse.com

Southface- http://www.southface.com

 A Home Is Like A TomatoA home is like a tomato. When seeking one out, you just can’t go for size, you’ve got to go for taste.  There is not much that excites me as the topic of green homes does.  I mean green like quality, endurance, longevity, and functionality. If something does not do its job well, it will not be used for long.  A home that is not comfortable, useful, and affordable is a home in the landfill.  Quite possibly the only topic that could get me going more than the topic of green homes is the topic of America embracing a more thorough definition of what a green home actually is.  For a home with solar panels, geothermal heat, FSC certified wood and no-VOC furniture is not green if it has 8,000 square feet of living space for two people and a dog.  And a cat.  And four children.  It is just too big to be considered green due to the exorbitant rate of consumption of materials during construction and energy throughout its lifespan.

Getting back to me being excited, this is why I flipped over the recent article in Trim Tab, a new quarterly e-magazine that highlights green building trends published by the Cascadia Region Green Building Council. The article talks about Sarah Susanka’s book series, from which one of my favorite books comes; The Not So Big House: A Blueprint For the Way We Really Live. If you are interested in these two things, you will thoroughly enjoy this read:

1) how the design of your home effects your health and well-being

2) how the size of your home effects your health, well-being, and wallet

It conceptualizes how “The American Dream Home” has transformed over the last several decades and reveals blunt truths about McMansions, over-sized, empty boxes that are built using cheap materials and are poorly designed. In other words, a large investment that does not give a fraction of the satisfaction or longevity you expect of it and, to top it off, grossly increases your carbon footprint and energy bills. Not So Big gives solutions to many of the obstacles we encounter in the quest for a dream home, like how to get good design on a budget and how to figure out what size home works for you. It also plunges into detail about how subtle design moves are the ones that create the most treasured nuances in a home and how you can achieve them with very little space.

Trim Tab’s article gives so many great pieces of information that make your Green Home IQ sky-rocket. Not only does it steer you towards one of the most useful books regarding home design, it sums up how the issue of wanting ‘too much house’ has become grossly out of control and unnecessary. It gives statistics that show the trend in increasing square footage in single family homes and underlines the need for quality design and materials to create homes that are comfortable and long-lasting and work with our lifestyles without energy-gorging. The idea is to build smaller and smarter. It’s kind of like going with that organic, medium sized farm-stand tomato instead of the colossal, wan, peaked hybrid that was grown using chemical fertilizers and contains one tenth of the vitamins and flavor of the former.

You can find the article here in Trim Tab. It is free.

photo source: http://www.worth1000.com/emailthis.asp?entry=251912

This post was submitted by ThinkDwell. Visit Our Blog.

The Photovoltaic roof consists of a set of solar panels assembled to cover the surface of the roof of a house or a building. Don't confuse it with the pool solar heaters, they are used to hot water and not to generate electricity.

There are no moving parts, maintenance requirements are reduced to the minimum terms and consist, mostly in periodic checks of the accumulator battery.

The photovoltaic modules that make up the solar panels, transform the energy received from the sun into electricity used for domestic use in partial or total replacement of conventional supply.

This solar system is feasible even on complex already built but is considerably cheaper, obviously, if already part of the plan for a new building.

Of course, the main advantage of these systems is in the use of an inexhaustible energy source, free and clean. The energy produced by photovoltaic panels is included in the existing electrical system and connected to the supplier of electricity.

Therefore, a practical example is that when it produced more energy than required, the system can assign an energy surplus to the electricity distributor.

The market is increasing its penetration, the experts for the magazine "World Renewable Energy" have estimated a change of 1000 kW in 1990, 2000 in 1993, 7000 in 1996, 36,000 in 1999, 60 thousand in 2000, 800 thousand in 2010.

Subfloor Types and Basic Installation Considerations

There are many different types of subfloors over which wood flooring can be installed. There are certain basic attributes that are critical for successful wood flooring installations done over all types of subfloors. The subfloors must be dry and will remain dry year round. The moisture content of wood subfloors must not exceed 12%, wood flooring moisture content must be within 3% of wood subfloor moisture content and concrete must not exceed 3 lbs. per a calcium chloride test, or 2 lbs. when installing over radiant heat. The subfloor material must be structurally sound. It also needs to be clean, thoroughly swept and free of all debris. For glue down installations, the subfloor must be free of wax, grease, paint, sealers, old adhesives, etc., which can be removed by sanding. Additionally the subfloor must be level or flat to 3/16” per 10-foot radius.
Wood Subfloors

Nail down installations are most common over wood subfloors, but glue down and floating installations are also possible. Wood subfloors must be well secured, by using a nail or screw every 6” along the joist to avoid squeaking. If the subfloor is not level, sand down high spots and fill low spots with a polymer-modified cementitious leveling compound such as Chemrex Self Leveling Underlayment from BASF. CDX plywood must be at least 5/8” thick for joist spacing up to 16” on center and a minimum of 3/4” thick for joist spacing greater than 16” on center (19.2” maximum). OSB should be at least 3/4” thick. Underlayment grade particleboard can only be used with the glue down method. If using an existing wood floor it must be smooth, level, well adhered and unfinished (if gluing down new flooring).
Concrete Subfloors

Concrete must be fully cured, at least 60 days old, and should have a minimum of 6-mil poly-film between the concrete and the ground. If it is necessary, grind high spots down and level low spots with a polymer-modified cementitious leveling compound or Ardex K-15 Leveling Compound. If gluing down onto concrete which is on or below grade, it is recommended to install sheet vinyl first and then glue the wood flooring on top of the vinyl, as this provides an effective permanent moisture barrier. An alternative to sheet vinyl is to use a concrete sealer approved by the manufacturer of the adhesive that you have chosen. If using EcoTimber HealthyBond Adhesive, the approved concrete sealer is Taylor Nu-Flor 500, which EcoTimber distributes. A concrete slab on/below grade that measures dry today may become moist tomorrow due to rising groundwater. Installing a moisture barrier may be viewed as an insurance policy against concrete becoming wet in the future, which can lead to subsequent floor failure.
Other Subfloors

Gypcrete can be used in floating installations only. Gypcrete, otherwise known as lightweight concrete, is not strong enough to hold together when a wood floor that is glued to it expands and contracts. If the flooring planks buckle and lift, they may pull pieces of gypcrete up with them.

Resilient tile and vinyl tile subfloors can be used with glue down or floating installations. Vinyl must be new and non-urethane coated. Ceramic tile, resilient tile and sheet vinyl must be well bonded to the subfloor, in good condition, clean and level. Do not try to sand existing vinyl floors, as they may contain asbestos, which are harmful to your health.
Installing Over Radiant Heat Subfloors

When installing over radiant heat subfloors it is good to know the facts. Most flooring is not warranted for installation over electric radiant heat systems, as these can heat up too quickly and damage the wood. However, many eco-friendly flooring products can be installed over radiant heat and arewarranted for such use by their manufacturers. It is important to check with the manufacturer because not all products are warranted for such use, and typically only hydronic (hot water) systems are approved. For many warranties, the system must be able to control the surface temperature of the subfloor so that it never exceeds 82°F. Also, it is essential that the subfloor be maintained at within 15°F of its normal operating temperature at all times.

Radiant heat systems keep the wood flooring very dry, so if the system is turned completely off (for example, during hot summer months), the flooring will absorb moisture. When the system is turned back on again it will dry the wood very quickly, which is the most common cause of damage. After the system has been off or not functioning, the floor should be brought back up to normal operating temperature very slowly, over the course of several days.
Eco Friendly Flooring Finishes: Factory Applied & Site Applied

Floor finishes can be applied prior to installation by the manufacturer of the flooring or on site by the floor installer. Each process has advantages and disadvantages:

The following are several advantages to having a factory finish. The factory finish is applied in a controlled environment with no air-borne dust or other impurities. Sub coats containing special additives like aluminum oxide can be added which will greatly increase the wear-resistance of the finish. Extra coats can be easily added by rollers, 9 coats of finish is not uncommon for a factory finish, while 2 to 3 coats is typical for a site applied finish. The finish tends to be much more durable than the best available site applied finishes (about twice as durable is a good rule of thumb). Shorter installation times and labor means a much lower overall installed cost. Factories apply finishes for much less than contractors. Improved indoor air quality - factory finishes are cured by ultraviolet rays in the factory and are completely inert by the time they are put in the box. There is no off gassing of solvents, VOCs, or other harmful chemicals.

There are also disadvantages of a UV-Cured factory finish. The seams between the planks are not sealed, potentially allowing spilled liquids to leak down and damage the wood. Also, the seams may require top coating to seal seams in areas where frequent spills are expected (restaurants, bathrooms, etc.). The end-user cannot change the wood’s color with stains without sanding off the factory finish.

The advantages of a site applied finish consist of creating a smooth, sealed surface over the entire floor. It allows the installer to customize colors with stains, bleaches and dyes. It also allows the installer to select gloss level and permits the use of spot-repairable oil finishes.

There are also disadvantages of a site applied finish. The wood must be sanded prior to coating, resulting in dust, longer installation times and substantially higher labor costs. The end user must wait for finish to dry completely, meaning they are forced out of their home for longer periods of time. Site applied finishes contain solvents and other drying agents that off-gas harmful chemicals into the air for days, weeks or even months after installation (depending on the type of finish). Even “natural” plant-based oil finishes off-gas harmful chemicals. Some “natural” oils have higher VOC contents than urethane finishes. Contractors often make errors that result in finish bubbles, applicator marks, sanding marks, dust in the finish, and poor adhesion. Expensive and highly inconvenient mistakes are common. The long-term durability is much lower than with factory applied finishes.

You should see our walls.

Every now and then I really, really look at them.
Maybe I'll be sitting in a sunbeam on the floor, enjoying the day, and then suddenly get a full eye-view glimpse of what we've wreaked over the year:

• The sippy cups dashed to the floor... wow, who knew milk flew that far and high?
• The grime from husband's latest "Oh I'm just gonna sand this piece o' furniture... in the bedroom."
• The detailed ink pen drawings of a 3 year old... the crayon, the marker, the pencil...
• And, I admit: the red wine stains flung and spattered from a too good party... they *always* trip over that dag-goned rug!

And then I read:
Self Cleaning Paint.

Dag.

Give it here, prof, I have a great test lab fer ya.

From http://www.ens-newswire.com/ens/apr2008/2008-04-27-093.asp

"Self-cleaning Paint Uses Light to Cleanse Walls

CORAL GABLES, Florida, April 27, 2008 (ENS) - It sounds like something out of a householder's fantasy - walls covered with self-cleaning paint that repels dirt and grime.

But this new kind of paint is a reality now being tested on the walls of research lab at the University of Miami College of Engineering. The experimental initiative is designed to fit into the university’s commitment towards environmental sustainability on campus.

Dr. James Giancaspro, an assistant professor at the department of Civil, Architectural, and Environmental Engineering has applied the innovative product on the walls of his lab, where undergraduate and graduate students work. The self-cleaning paint is an ecologically friendly product, Giancaspro says, which has the ability to keep walls clean and maintenance free by repelling dirt, smog, bacteria, algae and fungus that normally accumulates on surfaces, eliminating toxic odors at the same time. "

Read more here!
http://www.ens-newswire.com/ens/apr2008/2008-04-27-093.asp

...Later...

Sorry, guys, I survived the tornado.

So if you *thought* you saw a pink haired lady riding a shed through the sky cackling wildly… well, you shoulda just waved!

Any-hoo, I will avoid my usual, well-known gushing on Finland but thought I'd share this article from...
2005...

http://www.finnfacts.com/english/main/actualities/kemira_nano.html

Kemira's nano products
Clean wall, fresh air
8.6.2005

"The photocatalytic paints and plasters that have just come onto the market include nanocrystalline material thanks to which the consumer sees a cleaner wall and breathes fresher air," say Visa Vehmanen, a researcher at Kemira Oy.

Kemira Oy produces photocatalytically active nanocrystalline titanium dioxide that can be used as a raw material in self-cleaning paints and plasters that also clean the air.

Photocatalytically active titanium dioxide can decompose organic substances into carbon dioxide when it absorbs light. A photoactive paint surface decomposes dirt from its surface and harmful substances, like nicotine, from the air," Vehmanen explains.

Old becomes better

The opaque titanium dioxide crystal traditionally used in paints is more than 200 nanometres in size. The photocatalytically active titanium dioxide crystal is about 20 nanometres. The smaller size makes greater photocatalytic activity possible.

"With research methods based on nanotechnology we have a better understanding than before of what happens in the production process of titanium dioxide. When we understand the process thoroughly, we can affect the properties of products on a nanometre scale and make better products."

Nanotechnology is, according to Vehmanen, a means of obtaining better products from old ones. On the other hand, nanotechnology makes it possible to develop completely new applications.

"Nanotechnology is one part of the rapid technological development. From the consumers' perspective the most important thing is how the product works. Whether there is a new property in a product thanks to nanotechnology or not is of hardly any significance to the consumer," Vehmanen states. "Users of photocatalytic paints and plasters are still few in number, but usage is growing all the time."

www.kemira.com

The 'Sonoma House' is a gorgeous, barn-style, 1200sqft granny home with a modern interior that is healthier, more energy efficient, and better for the environement! Additional environmental products featured with the home are: reclaimed local wood installed for floors, PV solar system, rainwater catchment system, built in recycling system, ICF foundation forms, smart vents, cool metal roof (as seen in example photo), lime plaster, and more! In 2002, Nichoel Farris founded American Home Sales, a local prefab home design company specializing in factory built custom homes and cottages. Because of the lack of affordable green building options available to the average family, she worked with the EPA's Energy Star New Homes program to design and develop the first Green Manufactured Model Home. The Sonoma House will be open daily for tour at the Spring Auburn Home Show. May 16- - May 18 For more info or to tour the other Green Model Homes on display: American Home Sales 530.885.4555. Custom Home Design Services and Full Construction Available Serving California and some neighboring states.

Cardinal Building Systems, Inc. will be hosting a builders class on Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs)

The class will be Rescheduled due to Inclement Weather

There is no fee for the class and is open to anyone interested in learning about SIPs. The class will be held at the R-Control Plant in Winchester, VA

This class covers: The definition of SIPS, Building with SIPs, SIPs vs. Stick building, R-Control: Control not Compromise, SIP's role in the Emerging Green Market, a Question and Answer Session and will be finished up with a plant tour.

Please RSVP by Wednesday the 21st as seating is limited. If you are unable to attend this class we will be having another in March. We can also schedule individual meetings with anyone interested who is unable to make it to the classes.

Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions.

Contact: Summer Berry

Phone: 540-535-7282

Fax: 540-535-0992

e-mail: summer@cardinalbuildings.com

2008 is fast approaching, and the team at GetWithGreen.com is stopping now to recognize a few of our favorite eco-friendly home improvement products for 2007. These products are assembled together under one roof: GetWithGreen.com’s 10 Best Green Home Remodeling Products for 2007.

GetWithGreen.com’s 10 Best Green Home Remodeling Products for 2007 consists of manufacturers (or categories) who deliver eco-friendly products, which make our planet a greener place. These products help us conserve, help us reuse, help us recycle, or help us become less reliant on existing harmful resources. We also looked heavily at the popularity of these products with you, our readers.

Let’s give a GetWithGreen.com Thumbs up to our 10 Best Green Home Remodeling Products for 2007:

1) Cyber-Rain – “The smartest, greenest, and easiest irrigation system on the planet.”

sprinkler cyberrainThe Cyber-Rain XCI System caused quite a bit of stir at GetWithGreen.com in 2007. It was one of the most widely read stories, and for good reason. Resetting the sprinkler timer at every change of season, or for un-seasonal weather changes, just isn’t practical – and we don’t do it! Instead we just let our sprinklers turn on when it is not necessary, and we waste our most precious resource. The Cyber-Rain XCI System made it to our list because it automatically adjusts our sprinklers depending on the weather forecast, thus greatly reducing water usage, and...

Read the other winners at www.GetWithGreen.com

I just had so much fun. David Day and I went to the Paint Studio he is building with SIPs and had a hands on demonstration on how (and why) we will be building our kit homes with SIPs.

It was so great, in fact, that I thought I'd lug out a video camera next week and post it for other contractors or enthusiasts to see.

So,
-let me know if this is something you want, and
-throw out some questions if you have any here, and I will ask them for you!

In the meantime, have a great weekend! : )