PlatinumPatio.comwanted to remind its viewers that the “EPA’s Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) Rule” went into effect on April 22, 2010. Their have been a handful of changes and addendums while implementing this major EPA rule. So make sure you stay connected with upcoming PlatinumPatio.com updates concerning the (RRP) Rule in coming months. You can also visit the EPA websiteregularly as well.

Common renovation activities like sanding, cutting, and demolition can create hazardous lead dust and chips by disturbing lead-based paint, which can be harmful to adults and children.

To protect against this risk, on April 22, 2008, EPA issued a rule requiring the use of lead-safe practices and other actions aimed at preventing lead poisoning. Under the rule, beginning April 22, 2010, contractors performing renovation, repair and painting projects that disturb lead-based paint in homes, child care facilities, and schools built before 1978 must be certified and must follow specific work practices to prevent lead contamination.

EPA requires that firms performing renovation, repair, and painting projects that disturb lead-based paint in pre-1978 homes, child care facilities and schools be certified by EPA and that they use certified renovators who are trained by EPA-approved training providers to follow lead-safe work practices. Individuals can become certified renovators by taking an eight-hour training course from an EPA-approved training provider. Learn how to become an EPA certified firm and where to take a training course near you.

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There are millions of home owners that have been taking advantage of a $1,500 “Tax Credit” offered for many qualified windows and doors this year. But did you know that there are a handful of manufactures that have a laminated glass package that qualifies for this tax credit as well? There is no question that upgrading your windows with laminated glass will cost more, but take a look at some of the advantages listed below.

• Added layer of resistance from home invasion and burglary attempts.
• Burglar bars can be removed to give a home or business better curb appeal.
• Most glass packages block harmful UV rays and costly energy loss.
• Reduces exterior noise caused by local airports, train traffic, and highway intersections.
• Some window manufactures offer up to a $1,000 policy to cover deductibles, if your home was burglarized through their laminated glass windows and doors.

Laminated impact glass is generally used for residential and commercial dwellings located on coastal areas. This technology was needed to keep wind borne projectiles from penetrating into a home or business during severe weather. Similar laminated glass is used for “New Construction” and “Remodeling” projects today. If you would like to receive some additional  information and  links to window and door manufactures that offer these glass packages, please feel free to click our “Contacts” page and submit a request.  As always, keep visiting PlatinumPatio.com for blog posts, advertisements, and listings of available products that qualify.

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ENERGY STAR is a joint program of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy helping us all save money through energy efficient products and practices. Energy prices have become a hot news topic and a major concern for consumers. ENERGY STAR provides solutions. ENERGY STAR provides a trustworthy label on many building products categories for the home. These products deliver the same or better performance as comparable models while using less energy and saving money. ENERGY STAR also provides easy-to-use home and building assessment tools so that homeowners and building managers can start down the path to greater efficiency and cost savings.

Due to the standards that became effective in 2010, some products may not be able to meet the Energy Star requirements in all zones. Please verify all products thermal numbers meet or exceed the code to ensure you qualify for credits and pass local inspections and building codes. As always, keep visiting PlatinumPatio.com for blog posts, advertisements, and listings of available products that qualify.

For more Energy Star info click the link below:

http://www.energystar.gov/

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