Real Returns for Your Tax Return
That refund can help fund your spring home improvement to-do list

April showers might bring May flowers, but refunds can seed some meaningful home improvements — the kinds of renovations that save energy, enhance curb appeal and reduce worries, while adding real value to your life and home. It’s true there are many things to spend a tax refund on; home improvements, however, can represent a real solid return on investment (ROI).
CertainTeed, North America’s leading brand of building products, offers a variety of ways to make springtime the time to use that extra money for purchases that truly pay you back.
Insulate the heart of the home — Spring and summer is when many homeowners decide to tackle major interior updates. Whether it’s a kitchen, bathroom, basement, or attic, remember to “insulate when you renovate.” Insulation can cook up a high ROI. In fact, according to the Remodeling magazine 2016 Cost vs. Value report, attic insulation is the number one most cost-effective renovation, with payback at resale over 115 percent!
And some new insulation products can assist with creating a healthier home for your family as well. Two revolutionary options for moisture-prone areas, SMARTBATT™ Insulation with MoistureSense™ Technology and MemBrain™ air barrier and smart vapor retarder improve indoor air quality by helping to reduce mold and mildew that can trigger asthma and allergic reactions. Each have outstanding drying properties that help reduce these risks by allowing walls to ‘breathe,’ keeping them dry year-round for intelligent protection from air leaks and moisture.
A sound investment in new drywall — In recent years, open plan concepts have been making noise in home designs and renovations. The fact is these designs can also generate a lot of unwanted noise. SilentFX® QuickCut™ noise-reducing drywall is specially engineered to help, reducing sound transmission between rooms up to 90 percent by absorbing sound instead of deflecting it. And it installs like regular drywall, so that means walls will be up faster and at a lower total cost than other traditional sound-proofing methods. SilentFX is a great option for areas like laundry rooms, garages and home theaters.
Reflect the sun’s rays in a way that truly pays —Time to replace your roof? Landmark Solaris® solar reflective asphalt shingles feature advanced granules that reflect the sun’s rays and radiant heat, reducing roof temperature in the summer. Solaris is offered in a palette of rich, authentic colors, some of which meet ENERGY STAR® standards, and may also qualify for credits in LEED or National Association of Home Builders (NAHB®) green programs, as well as rebates through federal and state programs such as the recently renewed Residential Energy Efficiency Tax Credit. Find out what’s available in your area by visiting energy.gov/savings.
Keep the rain away — April showers won’t affect your outdoor party plans with the UnderShield® water diversion system. The vinyl shield turns an unsightly second floor deck underside into a beautiful ceiling. Its channels discreetly collect and drain precipitation away, leaving the space beneath dry and comfortable, while protecting against water damage.
Beautiful railing for easy outdoor living — Traditional wood railing fails the “worry-free” tests with its time-consuming and costly maintenance. CertainTeed® EverNew® vinyl and composite railing is the better choice for exceptional curb appeal, easy care and long-lasting performance — promising no warping, rotting, splitting, peeling or corrosion. And sanding, staining or painting is not required. Add in the benefits of easy installation with any stair or deck material, splinter-free surfaces and an outstanding limited lifetime warranty, and you’ll have more time to spend just relaxing and enjoying the warmer months ahead.
For additional home improvement ideas and inspiration, visit www.certainteed.com.
Images, product samples and industry comments are available upon request. To speak to an expert, contact Vicky Gallagher of CertainTeed Corporation at Victoria.M.Gallagher@Saint-Gobain.com or (610) 893-6002.
About CertainTeed
Through the responsible development of innovative and sustainable building products, CertainTeed, headquartered in Malvern, Pennsylvania, has helped shape the building products industry for more than 110 years. Founded in 1904 as General Roofing Manufacturing Company, the firm's slogan "Quality Made Certain, Satisfaction Guaranteed," quickly inspired the name CertainTeed. Today, CertainTeed® is North America's leading brand of exterior and interior building products, including roofing, siding, fence, decking, railing, trim, insulation, gypsum and ceilings.
A subsidiary of Saint-Gobain, one of the world's largest and oldest building products companies, CertainTeed and its affiliates have more than 5,700 employees and more than 60 manufacturing facilities throughout the United States and Canada. The group had total sales of approximately $3.3 billion in 2015. www.certainteed.com
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