A new eco-sheen for paints, stains
The Canadian government has introduced regulations aimed at protecting the environment and the health of Canadians from the effects of air pollution.
The regulations reduced the quantity of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) allowed in alkyd paints, varnishes and wood stains. As of September 2012, retailers couldn’t sell items not meeting the regulations.
Most manufactures have created water-based products of a similar or better quality to replace the old alkyd oil-based products.
This is all good news for the consumer, but doesn’t make it easier to select the best paint for your specific needs. Here are a few tips: Step 1: Choose the gloss
Gloss is the amount of “shine” paint has when it dries. Ranging from flat to high gloss, these finishes are the most popular paints and stains for siding and fences. Gloss paints are popular for doors, railings, trim and areas exposed to high traffic or abrasion. Gloss and semi-gloss finishes are tough and durable. Step 2: Choose the paint type
Paints are designed to be used on certain surfaces and to perform well under different conditions. Latex (water-based): Easy to apply and clean up, low-odour, quick drying, durable, can be applied to partly moist surfaces, resists peeling and chalking, flexible. Second coats can be applied within two to four hours. Available in many glosses and sheens. Ideal for siding, fences, stucco, masonry. Enamel: A glossy finish that is tough, durable, smooth and impact-resistant. Enamels can cover a variety of surfaces, including metal. Wood stain: Paint covers the surface, but a stain soaks in and allows the natural texture of wood to show. Stains are popular for textured wood surfaces and ideal for wood siding, shingles, shakes and fences. Solid colour stain: Penetrates and covers the natural grain of wood, but allows the natural texture of the wood to show. Use on new wood or previously stained surfaces. Semitransparent stain: Penetrates the surface of the wood to protect and colour while letting the natural grain and texture show. Ideal for new wood or over previous semitransparent stained surfaces. Specialty paint: For decks, driveways, machinery, masonry, rusty surfaces. Be sure to choose the right type of paint. Step 3: Choose a primer
Primers seal the surface and help form a tight bond between it and the top coat. Apply them to surfaces that have never been painted and areas that are bare or have been patched. Some products are considered “two-in-one,” serving as both primer and paint. The two key factors in primer selection are adhesion to the surface and compatibility with the top coat. The paint you choose will usually identify a recommended type of primer on the label. Step 4: Buy your tools and materials
Make sure you buy the best-quality tools you can afford to save application time and achieve better results. Most jobs can be done with a few quality tools, including one or two premium brushes, a sturdy paint tray that can be attached to a ladder and one or two good rollers.
Your paint store can recommend tools for use with the products you have purchased.
Kimberley’s president, Steve Ruggiero, said winning the top prize never gets old.
“You surround yourself with great people. The team works hard toward achieving a high standard. It all comes down to the customer and providing them with the best service,” he said, adding that it’s an honour being able to live and work in a vibrant city.
Rohit Communities will be clearing space on its mantel for the seven trophies it won during the evening, including builder of the year (large volume).
Rohit is no stranger to receiving top honours. It also won that award in 2010 and 2011.
Formed in 1986, the company has grown from a small homebuilder to one of Edmonton’s industry leaders with a diverse portfolio of condos, town houses, duplexes and singlefamily homes.
The Edmonton-based builder also offers new homes in Fort McMurray. Its newest venture, Copper Point Resort, is a luxury condominium resort in Invermere, B.C.
“This Builder of the Year award requires a whole team of talented and motivated individuals to craft this kind of achievement,” said Radhe Gupta, founder and CEO of Rohit Group of Companies, “It is the team’s success that we are celebrating.”
His son, company president Rohit Gupta, after whom the firm is named, added, “We’ll keep innovating and keep being creative, and see where it goes.”
In the renovations category, Aquarian Renovations won five awards, including the top prize of Renovator of the Year.
It was an emotional night for Aquarian with the notable absence of founder and president Doug Soprovich, who died in November after a battle with cancer.
“Doug was a perfectionist to the end and we’re carrying on with his legacy,” said his wife Marie, who accepted the awards.
“It’s been a challenging time. Our team embodied what Doug stood for — putting the customer first and being uncompromising in the quality of work we do. We’re strong, healthy and vibrant and carrying on with Doug’s vision.”
The general member of the year award goes to a service or supply company that provides outstanding service to the home building industry. This year’s winner, Progressive Home Warranty Solutions, is a new-home warranty broker and is one of the country’s fastest growing new-home warranty organizations. The family-owned and run company serves more than 2,000 homebuilders in Western Canada alone.
The homebuilders at the gala event displayed an optimistic mood, and with good reason.
According to the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corp., a mini-boom occurred in 2012 with more than 12,800 new homes built in Edmonton. January and February of this year have already seen a flurry of activity, with just less than 1,700 built in the greater Edmonton region.
“The trend in housing starts picked up in February due to a strong performance in the multi-family product,” said Felicia Mutheardy, CMHC market analyst for the Prairies and Territories region.
While the rest of the country is seeing a market cooldown with declines in sales, Edmonton is the exception. Sales here are expected to rise, according to predictions from the Canadian Real Estate Association.
“I don’t see a cooling off,” said Ruggerio.
“The housing market is strong in Edmonton and my counterparts would agree that we have a tremendous future ahead of us.”