Sheathing tape works.

"Build tight; ventilate right" is a slogan coined by Joe Lstiburek, the grandfather of building science and principal of Building Science Corporation. "Build Tight" refers to the thermal and moisture barrier envelopes of conditioned buildings. That's why when Lstiburek renovated his own residence, he relied on the water-resistive barrier (WRB) system tested to the industry's most stringent standards-insulated foam sheathing with long-lasting, acrylic and butyl-based tapes. Dr. Lstiburek's renovation turned out to be a real life building science experiment that revealed that 2" wide seam tape over Dow STYROFOAM Brand Extruded Polystyrene Insulation from Dow looked like new after 15 years in the harsh New England climate behind wood siding (see Photo 1).

Today, builders can select seam tape products that perform at an even higher level than those that were available 15 years ago. Today's options incorporate more UV inhibitors and high performance acrylic adhesives-chemistry similar to the acrylics used in exterior caulks and coatings. In addition, foam sheathings today employ 3-inch wide seam tapes for additional peace of mind. 

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Walk ins increase a home's value.

Homebuyers agree on their priorities-they want smarter and more attractive storage solutions in their homes to improve the quality of their day-to-day life.

Several recent surveys tout the importance of storage for today's homeowner. According to a Trulia survey, 72 percent of women fall in love with a home that features a walk-in closet; second only to gourmet kitchens. It's not only closets that buyers crave, a 2013 study from the National Association of Homes Builders, What Home Buyers Really Want, reveals that more than 80 percent of respondents want walk-in pantries and pull-out shelves in the kitchen, a laundry room and storage in the garage.

Organized Living, a leading manufacturer of home organizing systems, helps builders profit from the high demand for storage and organization by providing storage upgrades for builders to double or even triple the amount of storage space in a home. As a result, more living space is freed up in other areas of the home to improve the overall living environment. 

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As an active manufacturer member of Builder Partnerships for more than ten years, Danze, Inc. has been able to help builders throughout the country gain that sought-after competitive advantage.

Introduced in 2000 with an array of kitchen and bath faucets, showerheads, bath accessories and more, Danze prides itself on a fresh approach to design and style.

"We realize builders constantly look for ways to elevate their design options," says Brian Dougherty, Danze's national sales manager for new construction. "However, they also need to balance affordability, value and quality into the equation-it's an ongoing challenge. The Danze brand was literally built to offer the market a range of smart solutions for that challenge."

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November Partner Notes

BP Members Represented in Builder Magazine's Readers Choice Awards

  Three Builder Partnerships members are represented in the Builder Magazine Readers Choice product survey. Azek, Typar and Sherwin Williams all have products among the 16 products "builders can't live without," according to the survey. 

• Azek Decking and Trim, click here.
• Sherwin-Williams Paint, click here.
• Tyvek Home Wrap, click here.

To learn more about Readers Choice Survey, click here.

DuPont Introduces Revolutionary Insulated, Breathable Air and Water Barrier Building Wrap 

DuPont Building Innovations launched DuPont Tyvek ThermaWrap R5.0, a building wrap that acts as a breathable air and water barrier, while providing continuous exterior insulation. This new addition to the DuPont product portfolio helps builders achieve higher R-value wall assemblies, improving energy efficiency while helping to reduce the chance of water accumulation in the wall, which can lead to mold and water damage that may occur when using other non-vapor permeable exterior insulation products.

Based on sophisticated building science, DuPont Tyvek ThermaWrap R5.0 delivers the benefits of a weather barrier along with an insulation value of R5.0 in a single, integrated product that can be installed using familiar installation techniques similar to those for DuPont Tyvek HomeWrap. Like all Tyvek building wraps, Tyvek ThermaWrap R5.0 helps keep air and bulk water out of walls, but is breathable, allowing moisture vapor to escape the wall assembly, which helps walls dry to the outside.

To learn more about Dupont Tyvek Thermawrap R5.0, click here.

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PPG Announces the Color of the Year for 2014: Turning Oakleaf

The color of the year for 2014 is the perfect hue to reflect the spirit of pause & refresh. Its barely there, pastel-like quality is soft enough to instill a quiet pause in even the most active of environments, evoking tranquility. Yet as part of the optimistic yellow family, its subtle warmth and delicate creme tone welcome renewal.

Like a buttercream, this color has a fullness to it, while remaining light enough to act as a neutral. It's mellow and stable, providing the calm we all seek before embarking on new journeys. It pairs very well with brights of a similar saturation level, citrus colors, or warmer neutrals, as well as other blues, purples and greens.

To learn more, click here. 

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5:30 - 7:00 pm

The night before IBS opens, the place to gather is at the Builder Partnerships Annual reception. Every year, hundreds of builders, manufacturers and friends gather to catch up with old friends and prime the pump for the big show.

Space is limited so RSVP early and get your name on the list.