VALLEY FORGE, Pa. — By cultivating more employee and contractor partner volunteers, CertainTeed is strengthening its commitment to the nonprofit organization Homes for Our Troops and its mission of “Building Homes, Rebuilding Lives.”
Since its founding in 2004, Homes for Our Troops has built more than 190 mortgage-free, specially adapted, energy-efficient homes for veterans injured in combat after Sept.11, 2001. CertainTeed, a leading building-materials manufacturer and a multi-year sponsor of Homes for Our Troops, has expanded its donations to become the exclusive provider of the roofing, insulation and gypsum products, and actively encourages employees to participate in the numerous Homes for Our Troops volunteer days taking place throughout the United States.
“This partnership goes beyond donating building products and volunteering labor,” said Mike Singleton, regional sales manager for CertainTeed Insulation. “Seeing the home come together and the impact it has on everyone involved with the family is so deep and so meaningful, words can hardly describe it.”
With more than 40 homes constructed annually throughout the United States, an enormous team effort is needed on the local level to install materials correctly and on time. Each build relies heavily on partnerships and donations, which CertainTeed helps cultivate through its network of qualified contractors and distributors such as Fleetwood Drywall Inc. of Baldwinsville, N.Y.
“When we are approached, we assist without hesitation,” said Jack Needle, president of Fleetwood Drywall. “We reach out to our suppliers for providing materials, and we donate any overhead costs. It’s definitely a worthwhile undertaking, and we look forward to continued participation.”
Each four-bedroom, two-bath home is Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant, complete with roll-in showers, roll-under cooktops and sinks, and other standard accessibility items. Construction of a home takes five to seven months, with the cost of each build averaging $430,000.
The homes all feature a CertainTeed interior wall system, including Sustainable Insulation® fiberglass batts, made from recycled and renewable content; and high-performance gypsum products tailored to the specific needs of each room. For spaces prone to moisture, such as bathrooms and laundry rooms, M2Tech® Moisture & Mold Resistant wallboard and GlasRoc® Diamondback® tile backer are selected. These interior materials are also GREENGUARD® Gold Certified for low chemical emissions, meeting stringent standards for improving the quality of the air in which the products are used.
A CertainTeed Integrity Roof System™ — comprised of underlayment, shingles, accessories and ventilation products — is installed on each home to provide optimum protection from the elements. The Landmark™ shingle series offers new homeowners a wide array of color blends to choose from and come backed by an industry-leading limited lifetime warranty. For complete comfort, all attics are insulated with InsulSafe® SP premium blowing wool.
“Despite life-altering injuries, many of these heroes have embarked on new careers, completed college degrees and started families,” said Tim McHale, president and CEO of Homes for Our Troops. “Because of sponsors like CertainTeed, veterans don’t have to worry about a mortgage, but instead are empowered to focus on recovering and rebuilding their lives.”
For more information, visit www.certainteed.com/followtheproject.
