ATLANTA — A new Owens Corning Basement Finishing System manufactured from PVC and fiberglass won accolades during the National Association of Home Builders International Builders' Show.
The system, made of PVC trim, fiberglass panels and PVC decorative coverings, was honored as part of the debut of the Innovative Housing Technology Awards. The show was held Feb. 9-12 in Atlanta.
Judges were impressed by the "ease by which the system goes together," a significant aspect in the construction market's current labor crunch, said Larry Zarker, vice president of marketing for the NAHB Research Center.
The PVC decorative trim moldings are extruded by Marley Mouldings of Marion, Va., said Bill Hamilton, a spokesman for Owens Corning. A structural component that attaches to the wall is extruded by OSI Plastics of Columbus, Ohio.
The system is designed especially for basement conditions, said Jeff Van Sloun, Basement Finishing System general manager. The components allow for easier construction and the materials are durable against moisture.
Additionally, the system accommodates any ceiling system, according to information from Owens Corning. The panels boast a pre-finished surface with built-in insulation and sound-control features so the system does not require additional insulation, dry wall, painting or taping.
The NAHB Research Center and Popular Science magazine partnered to make the awards possible. According to information from NAHB's Research Center, the award was created to spotlight major breakthroughs in housing products and systems that significantly can improve the performance and/or lower the cost of housing.
