Macon Builder Constructs Quality Homes with AdvanTech® Flooring
and ZIP System® Wall Sheathing
Al Durden, construction supervisor for SF Communities in Macon, Ga., builds quality, residential homes in Macon and surrounding communities throughout Middle Georgia. Recent alterations in SF Communities’ standard construction practices require Durden to build more quiet, energy-efficient homes. By using AdvanTech® flooring and ZIP System® wall sheathing, Durden is not only meeting the new standards, but is realizing significantly increased overall homeowner satisfaction in the homes built by SF Communities.
“AdvanTech flooring and ZIP System wall sheathing was original presented to me on trial basis, but after a handful of builds, I’ve personally seen the benefits we can create for our homeowners including quiet, stiff floors and overall a more energy-efficient home,” stated Durden. “With new changes in energy code testing expected to be implemented this summer in the state of Georgia, we are already prepared to meet those higher standards thanks to ZIP System sheathing. We’ve found that by using the product, our homes are achieving approximately 25 percent greater efficiency than required by new regulations.”
ZIP System® roof and wall sheathing are structural panels that have built-in protective barriers which eliminate the need for felt, H-clips and housewrap. The seams of the roof and wall panels are taped using ZIP System® tape which provides moisture resistance for seams, valleys and ridges, can help reduce air leaks as recommended by the Seal and Insulate with the ENERGY STAR® effort, and is code recognized as window and door flashing tape when used with ZIP System wall sheathing (ESR-2227). Since ZIP System roof and wall sheathing are faster to install than traditional methods and provide an instant 120-day rough dry-in, builders can schedule subcontractors sooner, ultimately completing the house in less time.
“ZIP System sheathing helps us to build better homes, and as a result, to achieve a reputation in the local communities for our quality work. Our homeowners can be assured that their home will have superior moisture resistance and air barrier properties allowing them to experience greater comfort, and effectively reducing heating and cooling costs over time,” stated Durden. “In addition, AdvanTech flooring has allowed us to receive 90 percent less warranty calls on squeaking floors. Once we learned through our research that it was the best flooring on the market, we adjusted our overall construction plan to use the product on all of our builds.”
AdvanTech flooring has greater water resistance, design bending strength and stiffness than commodity oriented strand board (OSB) and plywood which can tend to swell, warp and require rework. It provides superior quality and the best warranty in the business--a limited 50 year transferable warranty and a 300-day no-sanding guarantee. Furthermore, Advantech flooring diminishes floor squeaks, bounce and moisture-related construction delays, resulting in a quality build and a satisfied homeowner.
“Since we began using AdvanTech and ZIP System, the traffic to our communities has increased due to the curiosity of the product benefits, as well as the positive feedback from our homeowners,” stated Durden. “SF Communities has now completed approximately 60 homes averaging 135,000 heated square feet using both of the products. Due to the many benefits and overall success in new sales, we plan to continue using AdvanTech flooring and ZIP System sheathing as standard materials in all of our homes.”
For more information on SF Communities, AdvanTech flooring, and ZIP System roof and wall sheathing, visit www.sfcommunities.com, www.advantechperforms.com and www.zipsystem.com.