the shield - march 2015

THE SHIELDMarch 2015

ECO’S NEW PACIFIC NORTHWEST COATING FACILITY

CHANGE IS COMING

LUMBER WITH CARBON CREDIT VALUEHOW ADVANCED PROTECTED LUMBER CAN HELP IN THE FIGHT AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE

BUILDING CODESFEATURE STORY:

2 March 2015

THE SHIELDA PUBLICATION OF ECO BUILDING PRODUCTS

A NOTE FROM THE CEO 4

NEWS 6

ECO AND SHERWOOD LUMBER 8

ECO CERTIFIED BUILDERS 16

FRANK DICOPOULOS 22

ECO AND BUILDERS’ GENERAL 40

ECO EXPANDS INTO PNW 34

QUAKE PROOF? 42

CONTENTS

March 2015 www.ecob.net 3

ECO’S FINAL TOUCH 54

FEATURES 58

ECO’S CARBON CREDIT MOVEMENT 60

TERMITES 74

BY THE CODE 82 BUILDER SPOTLIGHT 108

ROBERT W. ADLER & ASSOC. 110

COASTAL MODULAR GROUP 116

HOME AND LAND DEVELOPMENT 124

OPEN LETTER TO ARCHITECTS 128

At Eco, a key principle that drives our decision-making process regarding continued product development and technological advancement supporting how we build defensive, American wood-framed buildings sometimes comes from within the Industry and common attacks by those that spin a play on words. While the need for change is great, most within the Industry don’t understand our process simply because what Eco is doing is new and different from traditional methods from the past and present of submerging full units in chemicals, despite the fact that problems begin on the outside of lumber. The key to creating change for protecting lumber against prevalent storage issues such as moisture intrusion, wood-rot, and termites is education. This approach, along with other tertiary benefits, provides professionals with comprehensive learning and understanding, which ultimately safeguards engineering book values and building code standards utilized to design and build buildings in a safe manner. This also greatly affects those that handle framing lumber day after day. Up until now, all the Industry and Building Code every protected was the sill plate, so it’s amazing to watch the attacks from those who think we are after that portion of their business when we are focused on the rest of the house, providing a safer way to live and handle lumber. For a brief moment, think about what Eco has done and how this approach has begun to foster awareness for “whole house” lumber protection. It’s vital to understand that this concept, albeit new, brings about much needed awareness and concern pertaining to ongoing building destruction resultant of excessive moisture, termite attack, and wood-rot decay for more than just sill plates. The byproducts of these issues attack invaluable wood fiber “bones of the home” behind the walls of most American wood-framed buildings. So why is it that currently we only begin to more closely examine the effects on wood structural components when the ground shakes, or when hurricane winds ravish an entire region? It is paramount that wood fiber be protected so that when called upon to support lateral movement during natural events, our wood-framed buildings can reflect specified engineering values indicative of a resilient, high-performance building. The simple truth of the matter is - if we could paint all framing lumber and not cover the grade stamps during the framing inspection, painted framing lumber would be better than raw framing lumber inside all walls and attics. We knew that our actions would upset the Companies that pressure treat for the supply chain, but it was more valuable over the course of time to prove that this product is here to stay because the rest of the house needs to be protected, as well as the sill plate that anchors all buildings to the foundation. We are confident that coated advanced defensive interior framing lumber is the future for all wood-framed buildings. As we continue to evolve and navigate our way into the heart of the national supply chain, you will soon witness Eco cross another bridge, as more and more lumberyards across the country are starting to find our protected lumber products specified on building plans and suggesting this protection in each quote. We are more confident than ever that the Specifying Community is listening as a direct result of their Eco encounter geared toward safer protection, and the tale of the truth about lumber handling and storage. This reality is further compounded by the fact that new Building Codes are now being enforced regarding acceptable moisture content levels of wood framing components prior to buildings being closed in during construction because of mold. In short, it’s safe to say that the paradigm shift toward the widespread use of advanced mold protected lumber is now under way. Further, we’re convinced that Eco’s advanced defensive lumber coatings allow for more sustainable forestry practices, whereby trees are allowed to grow longer and continue carbon sequestration throughout an increased lifecycle. Stand with us today, and make the decision to select eco-friendly protected lumber over raw lumber, as this action alone has a positive impact on future generations to come. - Steve

A NOTE FROM THE CEO

At Eco, a key principle that drives our decision-making process regarding continued product development and technological advancement supporting how we build defensive, American wood-framed buildings sometimes comes from within the Industry and common attacks by those that spin a play on words. While the need for change is great, most within the Industry don’t understand our process simply because what Eco is doing is new and different from traditional methods from the past and present of submerging full units in chemicals, despite the fact that problems begin on the outside of lumber. The key to creating change for protecting lumber against prevalent storage issues such as moisture intrusion, wood-rot, and termites is education. This approach, along with other tertiary benefits, provides professionals with comprehensive learning and understanding, which ultimately safeguards engineering book values and building code standards utilized to design and build buildings in a safe manner. This also greatly affects those that handle framing lumber day after day. Up until now, all the Industry and Building Code every protected was the sill plate, so it’s amazing to watch the attacks from those who think we are after that portion of their business when we are focused on the rest of the house, providing a safer way to live and handle lumber. For a brief moment, think about what Eco has done and how this approach has begun to foster awareness for “whole house” lumber protection. It’s vital to understand that this concept, albeit new, brings about much needed awareness and concern pertaining to ongoing building destruction resultant of excessive moisture, termite attack, and wood-rot decay for more than just sill plates. The byproducts of these issues attack invaluable wood fiber “bones of the home” behind the walls of most American wood-framed buildings. So why is it that currently we only begin to more closely examine the effects on wood structural components when the ground shakes, or when hurricane winds ravish an entire region? It is paramount that wood fiber be protected so that when called upon to support lateral movement during natural events, our wood-framed buildings can reflect specified engineering values indicative of a resilient, high-performance building. The simple truth of the matter is - if we could paint all framing lumber and not cover the grade stamps during the framing inspection, painted framing lumber would be better than raw framing lumber inside all walls and attics. We knew that our actions would upset the Companies that pressure treat for the supply chain, but it was more valuable over the course of time to prove that this product is here to stay because the rest of the house needs to be protected, as well as the sill plate that anchors all buildings to the foundation. We are confident that coated advanced defensive interior framing lumber is the future for all wood-framed buildings. As we continue to evolve and navigate our way into the heart of the national supply chain, you will soon witness Eco cross another bridge, as more and more lumberyards across the country are starting to find our protected lumber products specified on building plans and suggesting this protection in each quote. We are more confident than ever that the Specifying Community is listening as a direct result of their Eco encounter geared toward safer protection, and the tale of the truth about lumber handling and storage. This reality is further compounded by the fact that new Building Codes are now being enforced regarding acceptable moisture content levels of wood framing components prior to buildings being closed in during construction because of mold. In short, it’s safe to say that the paradigm shift toward the widespread use of advanced mold protected lumber is now under way. Further, we’re convinced that Eco’s advanced defensive lumber coatings allow for more sustainable forestry practices, whereby trees are allowed to grow longer and continue carbon sequestration throughout an increased lifecycle. Stand with us today, and make the decision to select eco-friendly protected lumber over raw lumber, as this action alone has a positive impact on future generations to come. - Steve

STEVE CONBOYECO PRESIDENT AND CEO

A NOTE FROM THE CEO

www.ecob.net 5

6 March 2015


News

8 March 2015

ECO PARTNERS WITH SHERWOOD LUMBER

News: Eco and Sherwood Lumber

THE RESPECTED DISTRIBUTOR WILL BRING SCALE

AND QUALITY SERVICE TO ECO’S PRODUCTS


News

ECO PARTNERS WITH SHERWOOD LUMBER


THE RESPECTED DISTRIBUTOR WILL BRING SCALE

AND QUALITY SERVICE TO ECO’S PRODUCTS

10 March 2015



News: Eco and Sherwood Lumber News

Eco has taken its line of products to the next

level of availability and quality service in a new

partnership with Sherwood Lumber.

Sherwood Lumber is a national leader,

innovator and solution provider to the lumber

and building materials industries, specializing

in quality lumber and panel products.

With over 60 years of operational

experience, the company provides customers

with value added services, including just-in-

time truckloads, mill direct shipment, forward

pricing, risk management, technical support

and superior handling from company operated

facilities.

Sherwood Lumber Corporation’s family of

associates are committed to superior service

and quality with the utmost integrity, with an

impeccable record of appreciation and loyalty

to their customers, suppliers, community and

associates.

As one of the most respected retailers of

11 March 2015


construction products in America, Sherwood Lumber only aligns itself with top quality, dependable producers. The company is quick to adapt

to the ever changing business climate and responsive to the demands of its customers — leading to a fruitful partnership with Eco Building

Products as customer demand begins to move towards protected lumber.

“We couldn’t be more excited about this new partnership, and look forward to working with Sherwood Lumber as they extend our reach

to builders and homeowners across the United States,” says Eco President and CEO Steve Conboy.


NewsNews: Eco and Sherwood Lumber

construction products in America, Sherwood Lumber only aligns itself with top quality, dependable producers. The company is quick to adapt

to the ever changing business climate and responsive to the demands of its customers — leading to a fruitful partnership with Eco Building

Products as customer demand begins to move towards protected lumber.

“We couldn’t be more excited about this new partnership, and look forward to working with Sherwood Lumber as they extend our reach

to builders and homeowners across the United States,” says Eco President and CEO Steve Conboy.

9

ECO AND SHERWOOD LUMBER U.S. LOCATIONS

News

ECO AND SHERWOOD LUMBER U.S. LOCATIONS

16 March 2015

News: Eco Expands at The Home Depot

ECO CERTIFIED BULIDERSPARTNERSHIPS ARE GROWING FROM COAST TO COAST


NewsNews: Eco Expands at The Home Depot

ECO CERTIFIED BULIDERSPARTNERSHIPS ARE GROWING FROM COAST TO COAST

18 March 2015

News: Eco Certified Builders


News: Eco Certified Builders News

In addition to gaining the support of big

name retailers like The Home Depot, Eco has

also been building a steady stream of partners

from respected builders across the country.

This bottom-up approach to turning the tide in

the construction industry to build with protected

lumber is a critical part of Eco Building Products’

strategy to make people safer in their homes,

provide American jobs, and help build a more

environmentally-responsible industry.

To keep help builders use its products most

effectively, Eco has created the Eco Certified

Builders program, which offers training and

education on the need for protected lumber, as

well as defensive building practices, developed

through extensive collaboration with architects,

engineers and lumber experts to ensure that

buildings are made from the safest materials

possible. Now, builders across the US are gaining

certification - and building with Red.

21 March 2015

http://sherwoodlumber.com/

http://www.rwadlerassociates.com/

http://youtu.be/_o-3-7-qf5M

http://basementxperts.com/

22

News: Drought in Western U.S.

A SEVERE DROUGHT IS STRAINING THE AMERICAN WEST

23

News: Drought in Western U.S. News

FRANKDICOPOULOS

A SEVERE DROUGHT IS STRAINING THE AMERICAN WEST

ENDORSES ECOACTOR AND DOCUMENTARY-MAKER WRITES AN OPEN LETTER TO NBC

Dicopoulos Productions Inc. www.DPI.buz 917-750-1311 Email: [email protected]

My name is Frank Dicopoulos. I am a 35 year TV/film actor, 22 years of which I played

The character of “Frank Cooper” on CBS’s soap opera, “Guiding Light.” I was filming a documentary down at the Jersey Shore post “Superstorm Sandy” and I ran into a gentlemen whose name is Steve Conboy. He is the President and CEO of Eco Building Products out of San Diego, California. He was building and donating homes built with a new defensive technology that is positively and dramatically changing the entire building industry. I have had the unique opportunity to follow Steve and his team as he educates homeowners, builders, and architects on how to build defensively and how to protect themselves from future disasters.

There are serious issues in the building industry today that have either been ignored or not addressed. Problems such as mold, fire, rot, and insects are not going to go away.

24 March 2015

News: Frank Dicopoulos


News: Frank Dicopoulos News

26 March 2015




These are just the basic fundamental problems in the building industry today. It goes much deeper however, such as positively impacting the carbon footprint in the world by using less trees for lumber and protecting the less mature lumber that is being cut and used today. There is so much data on mold alone and how is directly affects the health of all those who come in contact with it. Eco Red Shield technology attacks it before it even has a chance to develop and become a problem. The fire protection technology allows more time for homeowners and first responders to save lives and to protect their homes. The rot and insect technology protects the integrity of the wood fibers, which in turn protects and adds to the strength of your home.

As you can see, this new Eco defensive technology is so multi-faceted and so pro-active! The old way of thinking is just reacting to the disaster by putting it back the way it was. Not anymore! If one has the opportunity to build back, why wouldn’t you be pro-active by building back defensively.

28 March 2015


The company is also starting an “ECO CARBON CREDIT MOVEMENT” since the US is slow to embrace carbon credits to slow the consumption of the trees that are helping to remove and clean up our air, just like we all do when we make the choice to recycle our cans and plastic bottles.

Eco has the ability to really have a significant impact on our trees coming out of reforestation programs allowing them to grow longer and taller because of less consumption. Eco is a green technology that could possible save 6009 acres or 9.38 square miles of forest in the US annually, which is a very low estimate and does not count insect damage or mold. Also, enduring structures built with protected wood with ( Eco’s Defensive Building Certification Training Program) have a two-fold positive effect on the environment. First, the wood that does not need to be cut down and transported because of preventable damage can remain in the forest and continue to clean our air. Second, the wood that builds a house effectively sequesters the carbon it has trapped without the threat of termites, fire, mold and rot, these structures can remain intact for decades. This represents an unprecedented opportunity



for achievable long-term conservation as well as support FEMA and our Insurance Industry and repeat claims. Steve is currently talking to the Directors of Disaster Recovery in multiple states. Some of these states are still trying to rebuild after 5 years. The problem is FEMA continues to run out of money and Steve is suggesting that we teach defensive building and we rally contractors and builders to rebuild in a way that FEMA will not have to shell out more money that next time another storm hits that state.

Just like a very effective recycling programs and containers that now sit outside everyone in America homes started in the early 1970s, Rose Rowan started with the idea of towing a “recycling” trailer behind a waste management vehicle to collect trash and recyclable items at the same time. This innovation allowed for the introduction of curbside collection in the late 1980s and 1990s, which made it even easier for people to recycle. With Eco Red Shield now sitting in hundreds of retail locations now spread throughout the US consumers can now buy and demand the use of a lumber that has a positive impact on future generations and its starts right now with us. Eco’s Team made a commitment to never use raw

30 March 2015


lumber again over 11 years ago and since has consumed and used or sold millions of board feet of protected lumber and now all builders and consumers can make that same decision because its available anywhere in North America.

This starts as a movement not a carbon credit project just a movement rally people to recognize the value in using a piece of lumber that has a defensive coating that protects it from the things like termites, fire and rot that is consuming way to many trees when every just continues to use raw lumber. If we can convince people that protected lumber is going to have a positive impact on our planet and future generations we may have a bigger impact on attacking air pollution than our recycling programs do. If you look at the amount of lumber sold in our national big boxes it in the range of 50 billion and this is not the lumber yards this is the retail big boxes. If you could understand those retail store never sell full house packs of lumber to the builder like the lumber yards do they are selling to people replacing rotten termite eaten lumber. We all know that trees have been sequestering Carbon for as long as they have been growing, but until recently no one has ever

32 March 2015


offered to pay forest owners for this service. Current events are changing that. The increasing global concern about greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, particularly CO2, has led to numerous efforts to reduce those CO2 levels. CO2 reduction can be accomplished in many different ways, such as changing industrial processes or increasing efficiency to reduce fuel consumption or minimize Carbon emissions. If we can educate in our marketing and media that when we allow trees to grow longer instead of allowing termites, rot and fire to consume billions of board feet every year we will create a following and a buzz in this category even before the US embraces the carbon credits.

I hope I have succeeded in bringing awareness to some serious issues that homeowners, architects, and builders have to deal with on a daily basis. The good news, there are finally some solutions and technologies that exist that can directly and positively impact the world today and those in it. This product and other product that can prove they are environmentally friendly and safe around our children and in schools should be promoted because they will have a great impact on future generations. Steve Conboy, President and CEO of Eco Building products has spent his entire life in the building industry and has learned firsthand that besides building a good safe, home, the most important thing is protecting the family inside the home and the world that it’s in!

See my CBS Talk Show Special: http://pittsburgh.cbslocal.com/video/11259381-frank-dicopoulos-talks-new-projects/



offered to pay forest owners for this service. Current events are changing that. The increasing global concern about greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, particularly CO2, has led to numerous efforts to reduce those CO2 levels. CO2 reduction can be accomplished in many different ways, such as changing industrial processes or increasing efficiency to reduce fuel consumption or minimize Carbon emissions. If we can educate in our marketing and media that when we allow trees to grow longer instead of allowing termites, rot and fire to consume billions of board feet every year we will create a following and a buzz in this category even before the US embraces the carbon credits.

I hope I have succeeded in bringing awareness to some serious issues that homeowners, architects, and builders have to deal with on a daily basis. The good news, there are finally some solutions and technologies that exist that can directly and positively impact the world today and those in it. This product and other product that can prove they are environmentally friendly and safe around our children and in schools should be promoted because they will have a great impact on future generations. Steve Conboy, President and CEO of Eco Building products has spent his entire life in the building industry and has learned firsthand that besides building a good safe, home, the most important thing is protecting the family inside the home and the world that it’s in!

See my CBS Talk Show Special: http://pittsburgh.cbslocal.com/video/11259381-frank-dicopoulos-talks-new-projects/

34 March 2015

News

ECO EXPANDSINTO THE PACIFIC

NORTHWESTMODULAR AND PRE-FAB CONSTRUCTION

GIVES A BOOST TO ECO’S WORK IN ORGEON,

WASHINGTON AND BEYOND


News

ECO EXPANDSINTO THE PACIFIC

NORTHWESTMODULAR AND PRE-FAB CONSTRUCTION

GIVES A BOOST TO ECO’S WORK IN ORGEON,

WASHINGTON AND BEYOND

36 March 2015

News: Eco Expands to PNW


News

Eco’s Salem, Oregon facility continues to manufacture Eco

Red Shield protected lumber in support of pre-fab business bound

for Hawaii via Blazer Industries, LLC operating out of Aumsville,

Oregon. Niche business opportunities for ECOB such as providing

finished goods in support of the Pre-fab and Modular [Process-

Built] Building Industries allow Eco Red Shield protected lumber

products to find their way into multiple market sectors around the

globe. Eco continues to expand more into this market and now

has a full-time Technical Representative calling on the Modular

Factories in the Pacific Northwest.

Blazer Industries is a modular builder that specializes in high

use buildings such as schools, medical facilities, and government

offices. Typically, Blazer’s buildings ship to locations throughout

the continental U.S. as well as Alaska and Hawaii; many of which

require special care in terms of termite, fire, and fungicidal

treatment.

Charlie Nichols, LEED-AP BD&C of Blazer Industries

commented that, “Using the Eco Red Shield product allows us

to provide the protection needed without compromising the

quality of our buildings since we need protection on the whole

building. Traditional pressure treating processes tends to produce

38 March 2015


a significant quantity of unusable lumber and reduction in

engineering values. For us, incorporating the Eco Red Shield

product into our value stream has reduced our amount of

culled lumber and eliminated delays due to high moisture

content in the wood. Environmental stewardship and

sustainability are important to all of us at Blazer Industries. As

a LEED AP, I am concerned with the type of raw materials we

use in our buildings as well as the processes we incorporate.

The Eco Red Shield treatment method is a good fit for us

because it adds sustainability to our products with minimal

impact on the environment. Additionally, with Eco Red Shield,

we have better control of our material costs and production

waste.”

Steve Conboy, President & Chief Executive Officer noted

that, “This Modular business is good business for us at Eco, and

we are now landing SPF and OSB in support of the factories

operating in the northeast. While this Modular business only

represents a portion of customers we are gaining, it speaks

to the very nature and versatility of this eco-friendly protected

lumber product and our national footprint that is now getting

recognized by many. Being that the Founders of Eco have


News

40 March 2015



News

a background well versed in the handling of lumber, and the fact

that our products are ‘Safe Around Children and in Schools’, it’s not

just a slogan; it’s a reality for our customers and employees as well.

This change toward lumber protection that is safe to handle doesn’t

happen overnight. Spend some time reading up on the history of

treated lumber and you will have a better understanding that Eco’s

Advanced Framing Lumber was meant for the whole house. With

another partner, Coastal Modular Group, airing on the DIY network’s

Breakneck Builds soon, it’s good to see modular gaining momentum

in the industry.”

Also in the region, Home Depot stores in the Pacific Northwest

are now showcasing Eco Red Shield lumber products stocking units

(SKUs) on their shelves and working closely with contractors and

homeowners looking for a better alternative than raw lumber.

42 March 2015

News

QUAKE PROOF?WHEN WILL THE GOVERNMENT START LISTENING

TO WHAT ECO HAS BEEN SAYING ABOUT

SUPPORT OF NEW DEFENSIVE

BUILDING CODES?


News

QUAKE PROOF?WHEN WILL THE GOVERNMENT START LISTENING

TO WHAT ECO HAS BEEN SAYING ABOUT

SUPPORT OF NEW DEFENSIVE

BUILDING CODES?

44 March 2015

News: Quake Proof?


News

In a recently published article by the San Diego

Union Tribune, a strong message was sent regarding

Western Congress Members seeking full funding for

quake warning in California. With a more focused

approached to structural issues involving wood-framed

buildings, Eco has been teaching Architects and

Builders about defending wood fiber from termites and

wet wood rot.

“The bill, authored by Nazarian, would support

a push by Mayor Eric Garcetti for passage this

year of city ordinances intended to rapidly identify

and retrofit certain types of at-risk residential

and commercial buildings, fortify major water

systems that would be severed by a huge quake,

and keep telecommunications systems operating.”

(http://m.utsandiego.com/news/2015/mar/24/

western-congress-members-seek-full-quake-warning/)

Eco’s President Steve Conboy commented that

“When will Government step in to ensure that the Building

Departments in California start to support the new

California Building Code CALGREEN 2010, with respect

46 March 2015

News: Quake Proof?

to wood-framed buildings framed with lumber in excess of 19%

moisture content? Termites aren’t the only factor that increases

the likelihood of structural collapse in an earthquake; wood-rot is

another prevalent issue that needs to be more closely examined

as this defect begins to take form during lumber storage.”

Excerpt from UT San Diego article: “The goal is to keep

the region sufficiently functional to avoid a long-term economic

collapse in the event of what seismologists say is an inevitable

shock on the order of a magnitude-7.8 quake caused by a

200-mile-long rupture of the buildings, which are typically

wood-frame buildings with large spaces on the ground floor.

Sixteen people were killed in the collapse of such a building

during the magnitude-6.7 Northridge, California, earthquake

on Jan. 17, 1994. Also targeted are more than 1,400 concrete

buildings that could collapse in a quake.”

Mr. Conboy further noted that “Every morning in

California newspapers, multiple termite tenting ads greet

readers, while termites continue their round the clock efforts

of destroying hundreds of millions of dollars of wood. Despite

this well-known termite issue, Builders continue to frame

buildings without acceptable termite protection. The results


News

48 March 2015



News

of these actions will be best observed the next time the ground

shakes because the wood fiber strength will have been eaten by

all the termites hiding behind the walls of your home.”

Detailed below is an account from a local resident that

lived through the 1994 quake, only to discover the grim reality

that termites destroyed their home; the quake merely finished

their work.

“At the time of the Northridge Earthquake, I lived in

Hancock Park, which lies on the floodplain of the Los Angeles

River. Hancock Park stands on clay, and the neighborhood shook

violently that night. Power lines, brick walls and chimneys fell.

Although the extent of the structural damage to my house there

wasn’t apparent at first, a low crack in my chimney called for it to

be replaced; when it came down, the house started to collapse.

Long-term termite damage was exacerbated by the quake, and

the house had to be completely reframed. None of the work was

covered by FEMA.”

More recently, an interested customer from New Jersey

contacted Eco stating that their home did not take on water during

the 2012 Super Storm Sandy; however, his home now lies in wake

as a victim of wood rot experienced primarily by the engineered

50 March 2015

News: Quake Proof?

wood floor joists.

“Steve, how would you replace the joists without removing

the sub-floor? I am ready to get going and get this done. Could you

give me a rough idea on the cost to do this? Would you replace

all of the joists and would you use engineered joist? I very much

appreciate the help. I’m trying to wrap my head around the job

and just get it done. The issue I have run into is - how to tie in

the top of the floor joist to the floor system. Can you explain how

that is done? I think the area is a little less than a 1000 sqft.

and I believed there are approximately 40 joists. I will contact an

insulation company to remove the insulation to get ahead of the

process. Again, thanks very much for the help.” – Chris from New

Jersey

In response to this customer’s inquiry, Eco’s CEO responded

stating that “I have not seen it yet so how can I give you an

estimate on what it will cost you? I’m not doing this to make a

living; I’m doing this to help you out. We have to use EWP I-joists

because those that stay have to match. Get an Insulation company

out there to give you a quote on blown in foam cellulose. Just

tell them you have a friend that’s going to replace the bad joists,

and you only want their price on the removal and new insulation


News

52 March 2015



News

installation when we replace the joist, marrying

the LVL next to the bad rotten joist.”

What do TERMITES and WOOD ROT

have in common? They are both available in

the national supply chain, and most of the

Specifying Community and Building Inspectors

never check the lumber that arrives, and the

framers that are paid by the piece don’t care

since they provide only the labor. The other

thing that termites and wood rot have in

common is that both will destroy wood fiber

strength and the engineering design values,

severely compromising the lateral engineering

as well as all unprotected lumber.

As a homeowner, what can you do if

you plan to build a home? Tell your Builder you

want lumber at all times to be less than 19%

moisture content. If you are in a termite prone

area, you need to consider selecting lumber

that has termite protection unless you plan on

tenting your home every year.

54 March 2015

News

ECO’S FINAL TOUCH

PROTECTED LUMBER ARCHITECTURAL FINISHES

ARE MAKING A HUGE COMEBACK


News

ECO’S FINAL TOUCH

PROTECTED LUMBER ARCHITECTURAL FINISHES

ARE MAKING A HUGE COMEBACK

56 March 2015


News

More and more, builders and architects are using Eco on

exterior architectural details because they want to protect them

so they last longer. These architectural details are not governed

by the building code that require use of Pressure Treated Lumber.

Many architect and builders do not want to see lumber above

ground contact to be green from treatment, and they want to

stain or paint details with lumber that is not wet to start with.

When they use Eco Protection stain, paint, or even clear

finishes, they are protecting with details from UV, moisture, and

more. Architectural details using lumber instead of composites

are making a come back, and this time they are going to last

much longer when protected first by Eco than with paint and

stain. Eco’s protection has proved itself in homes subjected to

ocean air and high moisture.

From patio covers to handrails to other details, protected

lumber is worth the extra time to make these final details last

longer and look better. For builders that want a natural looking

finish, or homeowners who don’t want to have to replace their

finishing details every few years from wear and tear, rot and

mold, Eco protected lumber offers a long-lasting and beautiful

solution.

FEA

TU

RES

60 March 2015

ECO FINDS AN EDGE ON AN EMERGING MARKET TO HELP CURB CLIMATE CHANGE AND MAKE THE WORLD MORE SUSTAINABLE

ECO’S CARBON CREDITMOVEMENT


Features

ECO’S CARBON CREDITMOVEMENT

62 March 2015

Nature’s bounty deserves a more

sustainable and environmentally equitable

approach. Representing a mutually

reinforcing, closed-loop solution, Eco Red

Shield coatings preserves our first and only

trip into the forest. Eco’s sustainable tenets

are bounded by resilience, adaptability,

equity and environmental stewardship. In

sync with nature’s heartbeat, and guided by

social responsibility, a sustainable choice

empowering consumer’s decisive nature has

emerged.

Every year billions of board feet of lumber

are used to replace damage done to houses

and other structures by fire, rot, mold, and

wood-boring insects. As we are a nation that is

becoming ever more conscious of our carbon

footprint, it is strange that we so wantonly use

wood that does not guard against these wholly

preventable yet highly damaging influences.

Features: Eco’s Carbon Credit Movement


Features

64 March 2015


Eco’s desire to innovate a solution for protecting lumber goes

beyond the tangible benefits as afforded to consumers. At the

core of this innovation stems a movement, Eco’s Carbon Credit

Movement.

Eco’s Carbon Credit Movement most nearly resembles how Rose

Rowan conceptualized the idea of curbside recycling and making

it a consumer friendly activity by towing recycling trailers behind

garbage trucks allowing for the collection of both simultaneously.

While the idea of protecting lumber has been coined as an “Eco”

movement, when it finally gains traction in the US, Eco will have

already created the movement and a considerable following. In


Features

short, the issue of accessibility and consumer friendliness is a non-

idea... if that makes any sense.

By now we all understand how Eco’s advanced lumber coatings

could have the ability to significantly impact timber stands enacted

through reforestation programs, ultimately enabling trees to grow

longer and taller because of less consumption. And by now, you’re

probably beginning to wonder what kind of number we’re talking

about.

Quick research shows that one acre of forested land can sequester

up to 5 tons of carbon dioxide a year (a). One acre of Douglas fir

contains up to 17,000 cubic feet of timber or 100,000 board feet of

66 March 2015


usable wood (b). The average American house is 2,400 square

feet and uses around 30,000 board feet of lumber as framing,

boarding and roofing (c). In 2009, the worst year for the lumber

industry since the great depression, 7.2 billion board feet of

lumber was used in construction and repairs (d). In the years

since 2009, we have seen a huge increase to this number, but

we will stick with 2009, as it offers a very conservative estimate.

According to FEMA’s 2011 statistics on fires within the

United States, 364,500 fires took place. Careless cooking

practices caused 166,600 fires (e). These fires burn too hot

and use accelerants as fuels making them very difficult for

the common consumer to suppress. For the purposes of this

numbers discussion, we will remove cooking fires from our

usable statistics. That leaves a conservative estimate of 197,900

house fires caused by heating, electrical problems, negligence,

smoking, and arson, among others. Assuming that not every

house is a loss, we will estimate a very low 10% of the wood in a

fire-damaged house need be replaced. That leaves 593.7 million

board feet of lumber (number of house fires x 30,000 board feet

of lumber per home/10) needed to repair damage done by house

fires in 2011 alone.


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68 March 2015



Features

Further, according to Ohio State University, 10% of all wood sales

within the United States goes toward replacing wood damaged

by rot (d). According to the 2009 statistics mentioned above, this

amounts to 7.2 million board feet of lumber annually.

Finally, termites and other wood-boring insects are a rising

problem in the United States. With the climate getting warmer,

termites are taking advantage of their less restricted region of

influence. Each year the USDA estimates over $2 billion worth of

damage is done to wood structures in the country by termites alone.

The total amount of wood purchased to replace damage done by

insects is a statistic that is difficult to ascertain; as is quantifying

the amount of sequestered carbon dioxide termites release from

the lumber they eat. It is not hard to predict that the number is

staggering.

Now that we’ve got the numbers under control, how does any of

this relate to Eco’s Carbon Credit Movement? Eco’s lumber coatings

are an ecologically-friendly technology that could potentially save

6009 acres or 9.38 square miles of forest in the US annually,

which is a very low estimate, and does not take into account

wood consumed via insect damage or mold. This equates to

approximately 30,045 tons of carbon dioxide sequestration made

70 March 2015


possible by these [saved] forests.

Enduring structures built with Eco’s protected lumber

has a two-fold positive effect on the environment:

1. Timber that does not need to be cut down and

transported for milling can remain in the forest and

continue to be a source for clean air. This is forest

stewardship at its best.

2. Protected lumber that is used to build a house

effectively sequesters the carbon it has trapped

without the threat of termites, fire, mold and rot. These

structures can remain intact for decades, representing

an unprecedented opportunity for achievable long-

term conservation, not to mention the financial impact

[savings] resultant of not having to entertain repeated

insurance claims.

In order for an environmental program to be effective,

ease of accessibility is paramount. Rose Rowan

concluded in the early 1970s that for a recycling program

to be effective, consumers needed an easy way to

consolidate recyclable goods without creating additional

waste. Garbage trucks towed collection trailers that


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72 March 2015

F Features: Eco’s Carbon Credit Movement ea-

allowed for the pick-up of trash and recycled goods at the same time. Today, blue and green colored containers are seen across

the country allowing for the curbside collection of recyclable items which was a result of the early recycling innovation. Colored

containers?

With Eco Red Shield protected lumber now positioned in hundreds of retail locations spread throughout the US, consumers

have the ability to demand protected lumber that will positively impact future generations. Over 11 years ago, Eco’s Team made a

commitment to never again sell or use raw lumber. Since that day, millions of board feet of protected lumber have been produced

and sold into the mainstream market paving the way for all builders and consumers to make the same decision. And to make it

easy, we’ve colored our lumber RED!

*see pg. 17 of AsianTimber magazine for

a related story on carbon neutral lumber


F Features: Eco’s Carbon Credit Movement ea- Features

allowed for the pick-up of trash and recycled goods at the same time. Today, blue and green colored containers are seen across

the country allowing for the curbside collection of recyclable items which was a result of the early recycling innovation. Colored

containers?

With Eco Red Shield protected lumber now positioned in hundreds of retail locations spread throughout the US, consumers

have the ability to demand protected lumber that will positively impact future generations. Over 11 years ago, Eco’s Team made a

commitment to never again sell or use raw lumber. Since that day, millions of board feet of protected lumber have been produced

and sold into the mainstream market paving the way for all builders and consumers to make the same decision. And to make it

easy, we’ve colored our lumber RED!

*see pg. 17 of AsianTimber magazine for

a related story on carbon neutral lumber

TERMITESTHIS PEST IS WORSENING CLIMATE CHANGE -

AND ECO KNOWS HOW TO HELP STOP THEM

74 March 2015

TERMITESTHIS PEST IS WORSENING CLIMATE CHANGE -

AND ECO KNOWS HOW TO HELP STOP THEM


Features

March 2015

Features: Termites

76

Termites have a great impact on green house gasses in our

atmosphere, and they need to be slowed in their consumption of

our homes and structures.

Termites are often called the “silent destroyer” because

they may be secretly hiding and thriving in your home without

any immediate signs of damage. All termites consume cellulose-

based plant materials. Unfortunately, all homes, regardless of

their construction type, can provide cellulose food for termite

infestation.

Trees store carbon and the longer they grow the more carbon

they can store. When large blocks of trees are cut large amounts

of green house gas is release making climate change worse.

Looking at the termite population that is increasing

because of climate change, it is clear that the world needs ways

to mitigate and reduce their consumption, in addition to efforts

to finding alternative fuel sources and more environmentally-

friendly chemicals. Protected lumber is the most straightforward

solution because it is the most cost effective renewable resource

on our planet and it provides safe strong homes and good strong

economic benefit.

Climate change has already affected the lives of North

March 2015

Features

www.ecob.net 77

Features: Termites

78 March 2015

www.ecob.net 79March 2015

Features

American insects. The first “greenness” in the North

American spring has come 10 to 14 days earlier

since 1981, according to the IPCC. The average first

spring flight of 23 species of butterflies in California

occurs earlier now than it did in 1972. And the skipper

butterfly has expanded its northernmost range on the

West Coast by more than 300 kilometers over the

past 30 years into areas that were previously too cold

to support a full life cycle.

If these examples are any indication of the

response by termites to changes in climate, then we

should expect them to develop more quickly and to

expand northward too. At what rate? We don’t yet

know. However, because termites, barring human

activities, move slowly on their own, it may take

longer to notice the effects than it does for butterflies.

Furthermore, there aren’t formal abundance surveys

for termites, so we don’t have a good sense yet of

what termite populations might be doing.

The areas most vulnerable to expanded termite

populations will be New England, the upper Midwest

80 March 2015


Features

and southern Canada. How quickly

and how drastically temperatures and

precipitation change across northern

regions will determine how quickly termite

populations move. It is likely that changes

in termite populations will keep pace

with gradual warming. How much termite

damage will increase in these areas will

depend on the degree to which the climate

changes, but also the degree to which

termite-preventative measures are taken.

Building with raw lumber anywhere

in North America is ignoring the fact that

the termite population is growing and raw

lumber buildings are there food. The more

they consume the more clear cutting and

green house gas is produced, and the

worse effects from climate change will be.

82 March 2015

60 MINUTES SPECIAL:

BY THE CODE

Features: By the Code

ARE BUILDING INSPECTORS ENFORCING

NEW BUILDING CODES TODAY

OR TURNING A BLIND EYE?


News

60 MINUTES SPECIAL:

BY THE CODE


ARE BUILDING INSPECTORS ENFORCING

NEW BUILDING CODES TODAY

OR TURNING A BLIND EYE?

84 March 2015



Features: By the Code Features

Purpose of this paper: To establish an insight into framing

lumber issues plaguing the Building Industry and US Housing

Stock. We invite 60 Minutes to investigate the CALGREEN 2010

Building Code regarding compliance with framing lumber moisture

content and why it is not always being enforced. We also invite

you to look into why lost neighborhoods are rebuilt with kiln-dried

lumber after wild fires as if another fire will not come again. These

houses are not being consumed in fire because of stucco and

tile; they are being consumed faster because todays lumber burns

faster.

In recent News as released by CNN’s Anderson Copper on 60

Minutes, Lumber Liquidators was accused of selling laminate

flooring from China that contained high levels of formaldehyde.

This inside candid look at building materials production and

the way products are marketed from a consumer’s perspective,

has opened the doors for a more comprehensive evaluation of

what materials are actually being utilized in the construction of

America’s homes, but more importantly, how those materials are

manufactured and what they’re composed of. Since the release

of this story, many of their customers have begun to request air

quality test kits for their homes to analyze their indoor air quality,

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March 2015

www.ecob.net 87

Features

but one must think “What other materials in my home could be

impacting my health and the health of my family?”

Shifting gears now, let’s briefly discuss another recent story

revolving around the falsification of engineering reports by

insurance companies in the wake of the 2012 Super Storm

Sandy. It’s been found that a wide range of insurance carriers

involved in processing loss claims have falsified published

professional reports from licensed professional engineers in an

effort to passively stiff the insured consumer out of funds needed

to put their lives back together. This massive cover up speaks to

the deceptive nature of the Industry where the financial well-

being of insurance carriers seems to outweigh the needs of the

insured. What many don’t realize is there could be more to this

story than meets the eye.

While engaged in the post storm cleanup in November of

2012, a half-dozen of Eco construction workers, a few local

homeowners, and two professional firefighters witnessed New

York City Rapid Repairs removing the floor sheeting from homes

that were flooded after Sandy. NYC Rapid Repairs, organized

by the local government to assist homeowners getting back

into their homes in a reasonable time frame, conducted a

wide range of construction repairs including the removal of wet


45 March 2015


contaminated and damaged floor sheathing. While this action at

first glance appeared to be a genuine deed, it was not supported

by any engineering logic or support otherwise required during

normal building modifications, nor were local Building Officials

inspecting the work upon completion. This organization was

staffed by local contractors and a myriad of moonlighters with a

tool bags and saws, coupled with an incomplete skill set, other

than brute force. Following the storm, those communities that

got hit the hardest became a gold rush for locals trying to recover

from our housing collapse, attempting to block outsiders from

coming to provide professional assistance as if it was their turf

to repair. These local contractors and moonlighters participating

in NYC Rapid Repairs projects may have believed that they were

rapidly repairing victim’s homes from flooding, but in many

cases, these individuals destroyed the engineering values that

support holding buildings together during high wind events. Early

after the storm when repairs commenced, many homes never

got inspected, despite the removal of structural floor sheathing.

The floor sheathing was removed by cutting the inside perimeter

of exterior walls, and then replaced with new materials without

attaching the exterior walls back into floor diaphragm because

the old sheeting was still under the outside walls as it was not


NewsFeatures: By the Code

March 2015


March 2015

www.ecob.net 91

FeaturesFeatures: By the Code

able to be fully removed. There were a few cases where we taught

homeowners and an NYC Fireman how to attach those outside

walls with heavy solid blocking and SKD’s screws. We also taught

them how to defend their air qualify from those wet floor joists

that were subjected to contaminated flood waters (i.e. black water

contamination). We showed them how things like bleach and

bio cleaners cannot get to all the areas that contaminated water

got into, especially between the plies of lumber that are nailed

together.

Similar to what the Insurance Companies are being accused of

with falsifying Engineering Reports, we watched how the process

of getting Red Tagged verses a Green Tagged was like a Pyramid

Scheme, where who you knew was more important than the

condition of your home. Homeowners receiving green tags were

required to lift and fix their homes, with the red tag being the

golden ticket, resulting in a complete loss and tear down, and then

the construction of a brand new home. Adding to the declining

engineering values during early hot shot uninspected repairs, are

these homes going to suffer future property value losses when

they have to go through future homes inspection during a sale?

Should some of these homes have been torn down, or will those

early repair be safe in the event of another storm and support a

45 March 2015


home inspection during a sale?

In new building developments around the country, newly

implemented building codes are not being enforced, and the

after effects are not so obvious at first glance. The propensity for

these actions are further fueled by a fledgling housing market

supporting lower bidding practices in which builders are using

green, wet lumber, that’s much higher in moisture content than

what is prescribed by the building codes, turning a blind eye to the

concern for future occupants safety.

The Engineers and Architects did a great job after the Northridge

quake in the early nineties. Significant changes to the building

code were adopted to incorporate more stringent engineering

standards increasing overall building safety. While many of

these building code changes had a negative impact on builders

and bidders, the rest of the building community adjusted, and

buildings today are built stronger and safer in lateral engineering

supporting ground movement. Over the past few years, the US has

experienced significant weather events, including firestorms, which

have resulted in little to no major building code changes, other

than the use of wooden poles to elevate buildings as seen after

Hurricane Sandy. Further, we watched thousands of houses burn

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March 2015

www.ecob.net 95


down in California and Colorado, only to watch them be rebuilt with

kiln-dried lumber as if this fire will never happen again.

Building codes are created by local, state and national levels of

jurisdiction to protect the health and safety of people that reside

in and/or occupy structures. Building codes embody accumulated

knowledge and demonstrate an understanding of materials

and how to safely use them to build structures. The specifying

community of architects and engineers support the building code

when they are designing buildings. But what consumers don’t know

is that builders often put pressure on the specifying community to

design to code minimums as this directly impacts the square foot

cost, even when they know they are building in a fire corridor using

the same lumber that previously burned, or where green lumber is

being used because it’s cheaper despite the hazards that will soon

grow behind the walls of your home.

Since the start of the housing boom after WWII, America made

the switch to building more homes with lumber and less with

traditional brick and mortar. Today, even our 5 story multifamily

projects are built more with lumber than steel and concrete

because it’s faster and more cost-effective. Many professionals

are of the opinion that all multifamily buildings need to be built

out of concrete after watching buildings burn out of control during

45 March 2015


construction. https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=9N-eH4GbbJg.

The real answer is not to go back to building with products like

concrete and steel, we just have to figure out how do defend all

the framing lumber from fire ignition and flame advance, instead

of just select parts of the building. In many multifamily projects

we find fire protection on the exterior wall framing lumber only, but

the floor sheeting and the roof and floor trusses that connect the

outside walls are not fire treated. Is this another way to cut cost at

the expense of protecting people and first responders we think so?

Let’s break down a few areas in our building Code that need

some support, [if] the code is still about safety without comprise.

First we have to build and support the Specifying Community of

Architects and Engineers and not allow a single blind eye to be

turned during inspections. Again, as we watch multifamily projects

burn down faster than firefighters can extinguish, we must question

the building codes and what our builders are able to get away

with (e.g., building code minimum requirements). When a 5 story

multifamily project is designed with only the exterior lumber being

fire treated, and the interior framing lumber is kiln-dried (seasoned

like your firewood) without fire treatment, how can we expect a

reasonable level of life safety to exist? Remember, life safety is not

45 March 2015


only concerning the occupants exiting the building, this same safety

concern also focuses on firefighting and rescue operations.

Now let’s shift our focus to high volume production “commodity”

lumber. When the commodities are low in price as a result of bad

weather and slowed builder consumption, lumber buyers purchase

the slump in the commodity price and store their inventory outside

in some reload far from the end-user’s destination until the product

is sold. Keep in mind that lumber gets graded one time, at the

mill, and when lumber is stored outside, left unprotected and at

the mercy of the elements, it should be required to be re-graded

before being shipped off to the customer. When lumber reaches

20% moisture content in storage yards, unit rot begins to develop.

5% rot is equal to an 80% reduction in engineering values. Has this

issue been addressed by architects and engineers developing your

grandmother’s assisted living facility? Chances are that this issue

isn’t on their radar. Further, the same lumber that’s stored outside in

reloads, it’s all growing mold!

The California Code of Regulations (2010) CAL Green, Title 24,

Part 11, Section 4.505.3 specifically addresses moisture content

and moisture control of building materials used in construction:

4.505.3 Moisture content of building materials.

Building materials with visible signs of water damage shall not


be installed. Wall and floor framing shall not be enclosed when the

framing members exceed 19 percent moisture content. Moisture

content shall be verified in compliance with the following:

1. Moisture content shall be determined with either a probe-type

or contact-type moisture meter.

2. Moisture readings shall be taken at a point 2 feet (610mm) to

4 feet (1219 mm) from the grade stamped end of each piece to be

verified.

3. Moisture content shall be determined with either a probe-type

or contact-type moisture meter.

4. Moisture readings shall be taken at a point 2 feet (610mm) to

4 feet (1219 mm) from the grade stamped end of each piece to be

verified.

5. At least three random moisture readings shall be performed

on wall and floor framing with documentation acceptable to the

enforcing agency provided at the time of approval to enclose the

wall and floor framing. Insulation products which are visibly wet or

have high moisture content shall be replaced or allowed to dry prior

to enclosure in wall or floor cavities. Wet-applied insulation products

shall follow the manufacturers’ drying recommendations prior to

enclosure.

This code was specifically created as a result of overwhelming

www.ecob.net 101


mold issues inherent to building with building materials that have

a high moisture-content (i.e. lumber originating from the reloads

mentioned above). What exactly are we talking about here? Many

building materials contain suitable organic nutrients, temperature

and a moisture-content that can sustain mold growth. And for this

reason, the code was created. But why create a code and then cut

corners in the enforcement of that code? Laziness, time, money,

manpower…. Anyone?

So if the code specifically addresses moisture content, and

mandates that a specific moisture content of 19% and lower must be

met prior to enclosing buildings, what steps must be taken if newly

constructed buildings cannot meet the published requirement of CAL

Green 2010?

A recent e-blast published by Green Builder Media published on

March 13, 2015 http://www.greenbuildermedia.com/blog/indoor-

air-quality-research author Craig Coale released news that the media

company would soon publish the results of a one year survey in

which they asked their readers about the importance of indoor air

quality. There are a few topics in the rankings that stand out, all of

which have little or no consequence or accountability in the national

homes building space at this time. Take a look at the survey, and ask

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March 2015

www.ecob.net 103


yourself why nothing is being said about mold or formaldehyde in

and on building products?

On the topic of indoor air quality, most consumers think purely

about their heating and cooling systems, energy efficiency, finished

products that can be seen, and household goods; rarely if ever

do consumers think about the lumber and building materials that

comprise the physical structure of their home. The CALGREEN

Code of 2010 requires that moisture content levels of wood

framing members be 19% or less prior to drying a building in (i.e.

installing insulation and drywall). The reality of what’s happening

is far from what the code prescribes considering that ALL lumber

is exposed to the elements between production and reaching the

end-user, and in most cases, these materials are in excess of 30%

moisture content. At what point will the specifying community of

Architects and Engineers begin to realize that wet lumber begins

to develop unit rot given this scenario, and 5% rot is equal to 80%

engineering loss.

So how do we reduce the hazards created by using lumber with

extremely high moisture content?

1. Builders can cover lumber and building materials to keep out

of direct contact with falling rain and/or snow.

2. Builders can install jet heaters and fans to dry down lumber

45 March 2015


to the code required moisture content of 19%. Ambient conditions

result in about 1” of wood to dry on its own, PER YEAR. With fans and

heaters in place, drying time is cut down to just a few months.

3.Use a lumber product that has protection from moisture, mold

and rot, that is backed by real science, a 10-Year Warranty, and an $11

million liability policy.

4. Build roof structure over lumber that is stored outside in reloads.

5. Use more kiln-dried lumber.

NOTE: Producers of lumber sell to commodity buyers that store

lumber outside. This commodity buyer sells to lumber yards that store

their inventory outside, and those lumber yards in turn sell to builders.

Builders that buy dry lumber should receive their purchase with a hand

held moisture meter to ensure their framing lumber is not above 19%

moisture content. If it is above the code prescribed moisture content

level of 19%, the builder should reject the materials or demand that

the lumber yard provide heaters to dry down the lumber and framing

materials after the building has been framed.

Other than what’s mentioned above, builders must pay better

attention to the moisture content and stop ignoring these moisture

related problems in lumber as if they did not know what’s happening.

45 March 2015


Additionally, rebuilding in areas that burned down in fire must mandate fire protected lumber because there is a good chance another fire

will show up as those hills grow back making those very same neighborhoods vulnerable once again. Multifamily wood-framed projects

should also mandate that ALL lumber be fire treated, not just the exterior walls so we stop building 5 story pizza ovens giving wood framed

building a bad reputation.

We are in support of education because we truly believe lumber is the best and most cost effective way to build buildings up to 5 stories

high if we stop cutting corners to support the housing market slump and purchasing grinds on turn-key prices.



Additionally, rebuilding in areas that burned down in fire must mandate fire protected lumber because there is a good chance another fire

will show up as those hills grow back making those very same neighborhoods vulnerable once again. Multifamily wood-framed projects

should also mandate that ALL lumber be fire treated, not just the exterior walls so we stop building 5 story pizza ovens giving wood framed

building a bad reputation.

We are in support of education because we truly believe lumber is the best and most cost effective way to build buildings up to 5 stories

high if we stop cutting corners to support the housing market slump and purchasing grinds on turn-key prices.

108 March 2015

Builder Spotlight


BUILDERSPOTLIGHT

110

Builder Spotlight: Robert W. Adler

March 2015

ROBERT W. ADLER & ASSOCIATESECO PARTNERS WITH ONE OF NEW JERSEYS PREMIERE ARCHITECTURE FIRMS

www.ecob.net 111

Builder Spotlight

ECO RED SHIELD TECHNOLOGY

IS SPREADING TO OMAHA

March 2015

ROBERT W. ADLER & ASSOCIATESECO PARTNERS WITH ONE OF NEW JERSEYS PREMIERE ARCHITECTURE FIRMS

March 2015


112

www.rwadlerassociates.com

March 2015

Builder Spotlight

www.ecob.net 113

In their search to transform the way the building

community uses lumber, Eco is always looking for quality,

forward thinking partners to adopt some of the most advanced

wood protection technologies available. One of those partners

is Robert W. Adler & Associates (www.rwadlerassociates.com).

Operating in New Jersey for over 25 years, Robert W.

Adler & Associates does work from single family residential to

mixed use projects, from mid-range to high-end. Much of their

work is located on or near the water, meaning the company

learned first hand the challenges of defensive building practices

from Hurricane Sandy.

“We’ve learned a lot about the vulnerability of our

structures from Sandy, and in addition to the damage from

the storm we saw what else was happening in the structure

like decay and insect consumption were very apparent,” said

Robert Adler, lead architect. “A product like Eco Red Shield is

important for preserving the future of the buildings we design.”

Eco’s entrance into the lumber industry is not lost on

Adler. “When you look at what’s been happening in lumber

production—the use of younger trees, from sub-optimal parts

of country—you’ll find lumber that is not as strong as it used to

www.rwadlerassociates.com


114 March 2015

be. We need to keep this in mind when we design and construct

these homes,” he added.

After working through the challenges following Hurricane

Sandy, Adler’s firm knows firsthand the difficulties of building

storm resistant properties—as well as the hidden dangers

lurking in many residences. “It’s impossible not to take the

danger of mold into account,” said Adler. “A home like this going

to have significant value — everyone would purchase insurance.

This product is one of the best insurance policies you can buy on

that property.”

Eco is working to assure tax breaks and insurance

incentives for homeowners who opt to use protected lumber

products, and firms like Adler’s are helping spread the word.

We try to make everything a one-off design,” said Adler. “We try

to assemble traditional components in a way where you feel the

familiarity, but also the uniqueness within the design.” Now, Eco

is a part of that process, and is showcased in several projects

throughout the New Jersey area.


Builder Spotlight

COASTAL MODULAR GROUP

116

GREEN, DEFENSIVE BUILDINGS FROM ONE OF

NEW JERSEY’S MOST TRUSTED MODULAR

CONSTRUCTION FIRMS

March 2015

COASTAL MODULAR GROUP

www.ecob.net 117

Builder Spotlight

GREEN, DEFENSIVE BUILDINGS FROM ONE OF

NEW JERSEY’S MOST TRUSTED MODULAR

CONSTRUCTION FIRMS

March 2015

March 2015

Builder Spotlight: Costal Modular Group

118

March 2015

Builder Spotlight

www.ecob.net 119

As an environmentally-focused building products firm, Eco

has partnered with some of the best and brightest in the industry

to innovate new ways of building energy-efficient, quality homes

and buildings. Coastal Modular Group is one of those forward-

thinking companies, and is now an Eco Certified Builder.

Coastal Modular Group is a collective of New Jersey’s

custom modular home builders, custom site builders, designers,

engineers, architects and trade professionals. Coastal Modular

Group was formed by local New Jersey modular home builders

and civil engineers to ensure that their community receives the

best possible direction, service and support.

Collectively, their team has built hundreds of

custom modular homes in NJ all along the Shoreline. That same

team consists of lifelong local New Jersey residents committed

to the rebuilding effort and more importantly the people and

families that were affected by Hurricane Sandy.

Building in factory-controlled settings with cutting edge

computer generated precision allows for easier identification

and filling of gaps around pipes, outlets, doors, windows, and

exterior sheathing. Not only does our process ensure a tighter

home, but it also allows for less air infiltration and advanced

Builder Spotlight: Costal Modular

120 March 2015

energy efficiency, resulting in lower heating and cooling costs for

their customers.

“We’re always looking for new ways to build more

efficiently, and Eco’s suite of products was a nice fit for us,

allowing us to give better peace of mind to our customers,” said

Rich Derek, President/CEO of Coastal Modular Group. The firm

is located near the epicenter of the destruction from Superstorm

Sandy, and now Eco is helping ensure that their company

produces the greenest, most defended homes available on the

market. “We’ve teamed up with Coastal Modular to raise the bar

on how we build wood-framed modular styled buildings,” said

Eco President and CEO Steve Conboy. ““Responsive leaders like

Coastal Modular Group are rising up in this simple movement

alongside us at Eco, as they too recognize that all projects built

with lumber need to be built with protected lumber. In support

of reforestation programs, Eco has taken the lead in building

wood-framed structures more defensively, as this action alone

could help cut down on timber utilization. As such, we are

taking a positive approach toward combatting wasteful lumber

consumption as a result of mold infestation, wood-rot decay,

flooding, forest fires and the rapidly growing termite population.


Builder Spotlight

March 2015

Builder Spotlight: Costal Modular Group

122

By joining us in this movement in recognizing that if we wrap a technology around raw lumber, we are building safer homes that can have a

positive impact on climate change with fewer trips to the forest to replace unprotected lumber.”

The partnership also helps Coastal Modular Group address one of the biggest controversies in the industry—mold. “There’s a

hypersensitive to mold damage now,” said Derek, “and we want to stay ahead of the curve with the best products on the market.” Coastal

Modular Group is featuring Eco products in an upcoming 6 bedroom, 3-story, custom modular home that will be backed by Eco’s 10- year

warranty.

“All these beautiful homes in the NE can now defend the bones of their homes with Eco Red Shield protection because Eco Building

Products has a facility now up and running in NJ,” says Conboy. “Builders and supply yards can be proactive in getting lumber to Eco before it

is framed because these homes need to defend against moisture during construction, especially as building codes begin to catch up with the

realities of moisture-related health and structural issues.”

With this fruitful partnership, New Jersey can rest assured that not only are Coastal Modular Group’s projects some of the greenest

homes available, but some of the safest as well.

March 2015

Builder Spotlight

www.ecob.net 123

By joining us in this movement in recognizing that if we wrap a technology around raw lumber, we are building safer homes that can have a

positive impact on climate change with fewer trips to the forest to replace unprotected lumber.”

The partnership also helps Coastal Modular Group address one of the biggest controversies in the industry—mold. “There’s a

hypersensitive to mold damage now,” said Derek, “and we want to stay ahead of the curve with the best products on the market.” Coastal

Modular Group is featuring Eco products in an upcoming 6 bedroom, 3-story, custom modular home that will be backed by Eco’s 10- year

warranty.

“All these beautiful homes in the NE can now defend the bones of their homes with Eco Red Shield protection because Eco Building

Products has a facility now up and running in NJ,” says Conboy. “Builders and supply yards can be proactive in getting lumber to Eco before it

is framed because these homes need to defend against moisture during construction, especially as building codes begin to catch up with the

realities of moisture-related health and structural issues.”

With this fruitful partnership, New Jersey can rest assured that not only are Coastal Modular Group’s projects some of the greenest

homes available, but some of the safest as well.

124

Builder Spotlight: Home and Land Dev.

March 2015

HOME AND LAND DEVELOPMENTECO IS WORKING WITH A LEADING DEVELOPER OF COMMERCIAL

AND RESIDENTIAL PROPERTIES IN MONMOUTH COUNTY, NJ.

www.ecob.net 125

Builder Spotlight

ECO RED SHIELD TECHNOLOGY

IS SPREADING TO OMAHA

March 2015

HOME AND LAND DEVELOPMENTECO IS WORKING WITH A LEADING DEVELOPER OF COMMERCIAL

AND RESIDENTIAL PROPERTIES IN MONMOUTH COUNTY, NJ.

March 2015

Builder Spotlight: Home and Land Dev.

126

Eco has joined forces with Home and Land Development of

New Jersey. In addition to their recent certification as Eco Defensive

Partners, Home and Land Development Corporation has made the

decision to build their first complete Eco Red Shield home, which

is to be built in the hard hit township of Rumson, New Jersey.

Steve Conboy, President and CEO of Eco Building

Products commented that “Eco’s Team of Certified Defensive

Partners do not require a set of new building codes or our

Government to define ‘defensive building practices’ since they

too witnessed firsthand the destruction of Super Storm Sandy.

Eco and its Team of Certified Partners are now building the most

defensive homes America has ever seen, and we are confident

in our abilities to build defensively creating homes that can

withstand future climate change related storms like Sandy.”

March 2015

Builder Spotlight

www.ecob.net 127

Charles Farkouh, President/CEO of Home & Land

Development Corporation stated that “We are always looking for

opportunities to raise the bar on how we build, and what products

we utilize for our projects. Now that we have completed Eco’s

Certification Program, I’m honored to join them in raising the

standards on all of our projects. Protecting our customers and

first responders in a defensive manner after what we witnessed

firsthand courtesy of Super Storm Sandy is our number one goal.

With respect to using Eco’s defensive products and applications

in an environment susceptible to moisture related issues, their

products prove to be the leading choice hands down. Simply put,

it doesn’t make sense to not use Eco’s products when they are

so readily available for purchase. Lastly, I’m grateful to Builders

General Supply Company for introducing me to the Eco Team and

their products.”

OPEN LETTER TO ARCHITECTS

128

ECO RED SHIELDTM LUMBER HAS A CARBON

REMOVAL VALUE ON EVERY HOME

YOU DESIGN AND BUILD

March 2015

OPEN LETTER TO ARCHITECTS

www.ecob.net 129

Builder Spotlight

ECO RED SHIELDTM LUMBER HAS A CARBON

REMOVAL VALUE ON EVERY HOME

YOU DESIGN AND BUILD

March 2015

March 2015

Builder Spotlight: Letter to Architects

130

VISIT ECOB.NET

March 2015

Builder Spotlight

www.ecob.net 131

Dear Architects,

Greetings! Please allow us to introduce ourselves,

our Company, Eco Building Products, Inc. and our line of

eco-friendly, protected lumber products. We are now in your

market building homes with the Company’s Eco Red ShieldTM

Advanced Framing Lumber. The product is readily available

now in the national supply chain and traditional lumber

distribution channels from coast to coast. You can even visit

a local The Home Depot to touch and feel our Eco Red Shield

lumber in your market.

This product is not a pressure-treated lumber product;

it’s an advanced coating that is factory applied on all six sides

of all framing lumber in a QAI Laboratories audited, quality-

controlled setting. Eco Red Shield is supported by ICC ESR

#3255, QAI Class-A Fire Listing B-1053-1, GREENGUARD Gold

Certification for low chemical emissions supporting a healthier

indoor air quality, making it safe around children and in

schools. Further, Eco’s Advanced Framing Lumber is reinforced

by a 10-Year Limited Warranty backed by an $11 million dollar

liability policy protecting clients and your builder, for the first


132 March 2015

time, on all framing lumber.

Today’s framing lumber is more susceptible to fire

ignition and nature’s enemies resultant of production mills over

producing this commodity, then storing lumber outside and

uncovered in snow and rain where lumber can and does develop

unit rot. This is further compounded by the fact that the termite

population is growing in regions that never had termites before,

and mold litigators have declared an open season on mold

related claims in residential housing around the country. Eco’s

Protected Lumber Movement is supported by a like-minded

network of Certified Defensive Builders and Architects that are

taking a stand to protect wood fiber strength and the air quality

in homes which can be affected by mold on framing lumber.

Eco’s patent-pending, flood coating process was

conceptualized to provide a semi-permeable moisture barrier to

wood substrates, locking organic solids to the surface, modifying

substrate permeability, delivering protection against termites,

mold, wood-rot decay and fire. This treatment has zero negative

effects on wood fiber strength, and provides protection on all

vertical framing members, including engineered wood products.

Synergistic studies of constituents relating to lumber’s moisture

Robert is protecting his homeowners and the bones of their homes with

Eco Red ShieldTM Advanced Framing Lumber.

March 2015

Builder Spotlight

March 2015134

content involved the creation of special protocol - replicating real

world attributes - enabling the treatment methodology to effectively

eliminate bacteria and mold growth on the cured film surface.

By now you’re probably wondering how our Eco lumber

can have a carbon removal value where raw lumber simply does

not. The key to Eco Building Products’ Carbon Removal Project

and Protected Lumber Movement is founded on lumber and the

consumption of trees and/or lumber coming out of reforestation

programs having a direct impact and significant in removing

carbon if they get to grow longer. (http://urbanforestrynetwork.

org/benefits/air%20quality.htm) If the lumber we use to support

our home building economy is less vulnerable to fire consumption,

termite damage and over stored unprotected commodity lumber

March 2015

Builder Spotlight

www.ecob.net 135

that develops rot, we are creating a movement that could be as

equally important as America’s recycling programs. Eco has been

approached by a very large private equity firm for a carbon credit

project with Eco’s Advanced Framing Lumber.

The Firm is in the early stages to reduce the amount of carbon

we have already produced and to help support and create a cleaner

way to capture solar and wind energy and produce usable energy for

consumers. This concept is sustainable and offers a simple approach

to creating a carbon credit value, in that it is tracked and supported

by Eco Red Shield production facilities creating chain-of-custody,

quality-control documents for each piece of protected lumber

produced. When you join Eco’s Defensive Partner Program, you will

be introduced to new ways of building and protecting homeowners

March 2015


136

and their property from situations such as rising flood water and fire

storms, as well as what a positive impact the selection of protected

lumber can have on climate change and the removal of carbon from

our environment. Remember, it’s not how much we each do when we

recycle or select safe, protected lumber, as these actions produce

results on their own. This choice is more about getting others to join

in this progressive movement.

Available in the lumber aisle for a few cents more at The Home

Depot, the choice is now clear, and this decision can have a positive

impact on future generations. We are moving forward to obtain

educational accreditation for credentialed professionals so that our

course on Protecting Wood Fiber Strength supports your Continuing

March 2015

Builder Spotlight

www.ecob.net 137

Education Unit (CEU) requirements. For now, our goal is to at least

spend a few minutes with you discussing protecting lumber, so you

are in-the-know when asked about these red buildings going vertical

in your area.

We invite you to take a few moments to review our Technical

Specifications and Architect’s Specification Guide included in this

packet. We hope that after you review this you take our call in a week

or so as we would like to set up a product knowledge (PK) session

with you and your team in your office to learn more about our product

line and building more defensive.

For more information, please feel free to contact our home office by

calling 760.732.5826 or send us an email at [email protected].

Visit us on the web at www.ecob.net.

THIS IS THE HEADLINE

THIS MOVEMENT IS NOW

CLICK HERE TO READ

A BUILDERS GUIDE TO HANDLING

MOLD CLAIMS AND LITIGATION

the shield - march 2015

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