CertainTeed Invests in Venture to Promote Eco-Friendly Foundation Materials

CertainTeed will market and sell this unique product under the company's brand name and include it as part of its pioneering foundations product line.

Apex Block is an Insulated Concrete Form (ICF) building system made from 100 percent post-industrial/pre-consumer expanded polystyrene (EPS) and cement. Apex units are assembled like Lego(R) blocks and form a strong skeletal-type post & beam structure of reinforced concrete, capable of supporting multi-story structures.

"The Apex Block benefits contractors, architects, owners and occupants of both residential and commercial properties," says Steve Gross, Director of Marketing for CertainTeed's Foundation business. "Apex is a system that truly aligns with CertainTeed's strategy to effectively promote innovative, green building materials.

The Apex Block has a four-hour fire resistance rating in accordance with ASTM E84-05, and is resistant to mold and mildew, as well as insect and termite infestation. Apex promotes healthy indoor air quality and boasts exceptional energy efficiency, saving owners and occupants of residential and commercial properties up to 50 percent on their energy bills. Contractors benefit by building more quickly and efficiently with less materials and waste, and architects are better able to balance weather resistance, energy efficiency, and eye-appealing beauty into their creative visions.

"CertainTeed's investment perfectly validates our green envelope solutions," says Gloria Tuck, Director of Marketing for ARXX. "It will further develop the strength and knowledge of ARXX, and allow our customers to more fully utilize sustainable building principles in their projects."

The Apex Block joins CertainTeed's line of premium foundation products, which also includes Form-A-Drain(R), ThermaEZE(R) and Platon. Form-A-Drain is a patented three-in-one concrete footing form system, foundation drainage system and sub-slab perimeter radon reduction system. ThermaEZE is an innovative technology that provides a cost-effective means for building thermally efficient above-and below-grade poured concrete walls. Platon is a unique air-gap polyethylene waterproofing membrane that provides superior wall, flooring and underslab moisture control protection for all types of foundations, and isolates living spaces from damp concrete walls and floors.

For more information, visit www.certainteed.com or www.apexblock.com .

About CertainTeed

Through innovation and creative product design, CertainTeed has helped shape the building products industry for more than 100 years. Founded in 1904 as General Roofing Company, the firm made its slogan "Quality Made Certain, Satisfaction Guaranteed," which quickly inspired the name CertainTeed. Today, CertainTeed isNorth America's leading brand of exterior and interior building products, including roofing, siding, windows, fence, decking, railing, trim, foundations, pipe, insulation, gypsum, ceilings and access covers.

Headquartered inValley Forge, Pa., CertainTeed and its affiliates have more than 7,000 employees and more than 70 manufacturing facilities throughout the United States andCanada. In 2007 the group had consolidated sales of more than $3 billion. www.certainteed.com

About ARXX Corporation

ARXX(R) Corporation is a provider of green building envelope solutions that includes tested and certified Insulated Concrete Forms (ICF) for building walls and foundations. ARXX green building systems consist of ARXX(R) forms, APEX(TM) recycled block, scaffold and alignment systems, waterproofing and accessories. ARXX products are used in commercial, residential and institutional building applications to construct high-performance, sustainable buildings that are safe, healthy, comfortable and energy efficient.

    For more information contact:
    Michael B. Loughery, CertainTeed
    (610) 341-7328
    mike.b.loughery@saint-gobain.com
    www.certainteed.com/pressroom

SOURCE CertainTeed Corporation

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