Murfreesboro, TN - The Seton Medical Office Building, the second medical office building on the campus of the new Middle Tennessee Medical Center (MTMC), recently celebrated its ‘topping out’ by placing the highest steel beam on the four-story structure. Construction of the Seton building, which will include the MTMC Cancer Center, Center for Breast Health and Wellness Center, is approximately 25 percent complete. All structural foundation concrete is complete and all four floors have been erected.

The second and third floor concrete decks have been poured, with the anticipated completion of the fourth floor and roof concrete decks by the end of January. As concrete decks are completed, the exterior metal studs, sheathing, windows and masonry will begin and continue throughout the month of February on into early spring. The Seton building is expected to open for patients at the end of the year.

For all the time-saving benefits that a durable home exterior can bring, homeowners never want to sacrifice curb appeal. Beyond that first requirement of a great-looking home, a growing number are focusing on features that give them back more time with maintenance-free living.

When it comes to the popular aesthetic of cedar siding, The Foundry is one siding choice that manages to create discerning authenticity with a design that requires virtually no upkeep - a combination unheard of to homeowners who have had to sand, scrape, stain or pry-off damaged cedar shingles.

The Foundry's exact look and feel of hand-split shakes and mill-sawn shingles are achieved by using scores of real cedar molds to infuse natural charm into premium vinyl siding. The combination of enduring vibrant color and charming texture generates distinctive appeal that can enhance any home's value.

Classic cedar style like this has historically come with costly maintenance, such as water repellants or wood stains lasting as little as one year before another cleaning and finish are needed. With wood, more than 20 gallons of finish could be needed each time. In comparison, siding like The Foundry never needs finishing and comes with a limited lifetime warranty. Its wide spectrum of more than 40 colors ranges from Oceanside and Juniper to Keylime and Russet.

The Foundry's most unique colors make up the Weathered Collection, which can provide homeowners a completely distinguishing look. This siding uses a proprietary process that gives the appearance of cedar that has beautifully weathered over time. Different tonal qualities are created using a darker shade of color in the grain, and a lighter one on higher points.

With crisp contrast created in each Weathered shake or shingle, the effect captures a timeless essence and warm character. The Weathered Collection's 17 colors include new Red Cedar, which shows natural gold and brown tones and subtle undertones of pinkish-red. Other selections include rustic Cedar Moss and softly brilliant Coastal White.

In a whole-home application, Foundry shake or shingle panels make an eye-catching statement. They also combine beautifully with brick, stone veneer or fiber cement exteriors to bring added appeal. As an accent in gables, they provide architectural interest that draws gazes upward. The rich texture gains greater focus when set off by crisp trim or elegant columns.

In addition to their style benefits, Foundry siding is designed to stand all the tests of time. A special cap stock maximizes color appearance, so the siding's design and color keep their integrity through fierce storms and blistering UV rays. The Foundry delivers the highest possible fire resistance, Class I (A), and has also been tested to exceed a 170 mph windload. The Foundry is a division of The Tapco Group. For more information, visit www.foundrysiding.com or call (800) 771-4486.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

What is a "radiant barrier?" Well, according to the U.S. Department of Energy it's a way to reduce your monthly energy bill. Radiant barriers are designed to help block the summer heat from reaching the inside of your attic and home, and blocking heat means less energy costs to cool your home in warm weather.

"With an effective radiant barrier, your air conditioner won't have to work as hard to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature," says David Drew of Nashville-based LP Building Products, a nationally recognized leader in the field of residential energy efficiencies. "This can save energy and lower the cost of cooling your home, as well as make your home more comfortable regardless of the season."

However, not all products that claim to create a "radiant barrier" provide the same level of performance. To learn more about LP's radiant barrier sheathing product, visit LPCorp.com.

The most cost-effective form of radiant barrier is a thin layer of aluminum attached to the underside of your roof deck material. When the sun heats up your roof in the summer, the aluminum blocks much of this heat so it cannot radiate into your attic.

Ideally, the home builder will select roof sheathing that already includes a radiant barrier. In these cases, it is important to select a perforated (or incised) sheathing that will block heat, but not trap construction moisture in the wood. 

It is also possible to install a layer of aluminum to an existing home. The aluminum is simply stapled to the roof trusses or rafters. Homeowners are cautioned not to allow an installer to apply the aluminum sheathing to the attic floor. Although this is easier for the installer, a radiant barrier can lose its effectiveness in less than a year if dust is allowed to accumulate on the surface. Studies have also shown concerns with moisture development and the aluminum being too close to electrical wiring and fixtures.

When correctly installed, radiant barrier sheathing and retrofit aluminum material will block up to 97 percent of the heat that radiates off your roofing materials from entering the attic space. This can lower the temperature of your attic as much as 30 degrees and reduce your cooling bill up to 17 percent during the summer months.

A variety of paints also promise to perform a similar function, but with lesser results. These paints are infused with ceramic or aluminum powder and can be sprayed onto existing roofing materials.

"Homeowners are often tempted to select paint over retrofit aluminum materials because it is less expensive to install in an existing home," Drew says. "However, homeowners should be aware that these paints do not technically qualify as a radiant barrier under today's industry standards, even if they say 'radiant barrier' on the product."

"Be sure to do your homework before purchasing one of these paint products," says Mary Edmondson, Reflective Insulation Manufacturers Association's executive director. "If it's being called 'radiant barrier paint,' beware."

Homeowners can check the quality of a paint product by examining the label for an emissivity number. This number should be 0.1 or lower for a radiant barrier or 0.25 or lower for an Interior Radiation Control Coating. Without an emissivity number, homeowners will not know the quality of the product they are selecting. It is also important to know proper installation methods with the IRCC materials. Some require two or even three coats to meet the stated energy savings.

Issues may also arise from the application of an aluminum-infused paint that will limit its effectiveness. An uneven coating of paint will allow heat to escape into the home in less thick areas. Also, installers must regularly mix the paint to ensure the aluminum does not settle to the bottom. Unfortunately, a visual inspection of the painted surface will not reveal if the mixture or thickness of paint is sufficient to achieve the emissivity number indicated on the label.

Homeowners have a variety of options to reduce their energy bills by applying aluminum to roofing products. Although paints can offer limited protection at a lower cost, properly installed aluminum radiant barriers provide superior performance and greater reliability.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Weather extremes are brutal on exterior landscaping. Rain, snow, wind and temperature variances all take a toll, especially on residential fencing.

Rain hastens rust and wood-rot, and ground freezing and thawing or high winds can affect gate alignment. Gate misalignment - as well as rusty metal hinges and latches - can lead to gates that no longer close securely. These conditions can be dangerous or even deadly if ignored. Weakened or damaged fencing can open up your property to unwanted intruders.

Now's the time to inspect fencing, gates and gate hardware around your property to ensure all are in good working condition.

Selecting the right gate hardware can easily solve most of these problems. Innovative gate hinges and latches by D&D Technologies are made of super strong engineering polymers that will not rust, are adjustable, self-lubricating and include high-grade stainless steel mounting hardware. They require little or no maintenance over the years and are backed by a limited lifetime warranty.

Updating your gates so that they are self-closing and self-latching, improving their security and overall look, can be done in just a few minutes with these unique products. D&D latches feature built-in key locks, which eliminate the hassles and extra cost of a separate padlock or pull-string. The company's hinges have a built-in self-closing spring that is tension adjustable for different gate weights with a twist of a screwdriver and eliminates those dangerous and unsightly external springs. These products are simple to install, and include easy vertical and horizontal adjustments, which help keep gates properly aligned for secure closing years after the products are installed.

Fences protect children and pets from danger - whether they're designed to keep toddlers out of swimming pools or to keep children and pets in the yard, away from busy traffic. Properly working gates can also reduce homeowners' liability.

Even if your fence has been erected primarily to define your property line, it's ineffective if access gates don't close or latch properly after opening. When was the last time you checked each gate around your property?

"In our research, we found that when homeowners consider their fencing needs, rusty metal gate hardware that no longer functions properly was their No. 1 concern," says D&D Technologies' Senior Vice President Jim Paterson. "Most homeowners are not aware that rust-free and adjustable gate hardware is available."

If you have a pool or spa, or want to prevent children from opening any gate, D&D's MagnaLatch is specifically designed for these situations. It meets pool barrier codes and is endorsed by many safety experts.

"Now is a great time to ensure that your fences and gates are functioning properly and are protected from rust, a destructive force that can render gate hardware useless," says Paterson. "Common gravity latches are inexpensive and function fine when new. However, as soon as rust sets in, these latches no longer close without manual assistance."

He notes that D&D's rust-free gate hardware has been sold primarily through the professional fencing industry, but is now available direct to consumers under the Stanley or National Hardware brand through Lowe's and other hardware retailers.

"For the fencing itself, rust can present greater challenges," Paterson says. "Steel fences and gates, if not protected with an effective sealant such as powder coating, must be periodically repainted with rust-resistant paint to prevent weather-related damage. Be sure to remove existing rust before painting, and use a rust-preventive primer. For wood fences, use paint specifically designed for fencing.

"Aluminum, vinyl or wood fencing can protect against rust on the fence itself," Paterson continues, "but the hardware must still be rust-free and adjustable to ensure the gate will be in working order. A quick inspection - and if needed - the minutes spent installing new gate hardware, can help protect your family and property, increasing security and decreasing liability." For more information, visit www.ddtechglobal.com, e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call (800) 716-0888, ext. 292.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

(ARA) - A damp, leaky basement can be a homeowner's worst nightmare. Active water leaks and excessive moisture in basement or foundation walls can rob a home of extra storage or living space. And, if left unchecked, more serious problems can result, including costly structural damage and high humidity levels throughout the home. That's why it is important to take care of water problems before they start.

Fortunately, there are state-of-the-art technologies that make basement waterproofing easier than ever before - even for inexperienced do-it-yourselfers. New waterproofing paints are low odor and are easy to apply, eliminating the expense associated with hiring a contractor.

"Some homeowners delay basement waterproofing because they don't have the money to hire a contractor and don't think they have the skills to do it themselves. Nothing could be further from the truth," says Watertite brand manager Beth Froncek. "Thanks to easy-to-use waterproofing technologies, basement waterproofing is almost as easy as painting a room. Plus a clean, dry basement can equal extra living space and increased home value, making it a great project to put on the 'to do' list."

Getting started: prepare the surface.
Before you get started, make sure basement walls are thoroughly cleaned to get rid of dirt, grease and other contaminants. Kill any existing mold and mildew by washing with a solution of household bleach and water, consisting of no more than one cup of bleach in one gallon of water. Next, remove any efflorescence, a powdery white deposit found on many concrete surfaces, with a concrete etching solution to ensure the waterproofing paint sticks to the basement walls. Patch any holes and cracks - especially those that show signs of active water leaks or those around windows, doors and joints. Products like Zinsser Watertite Etch, Watertite Hydraulic Cement and Watertite Polyurethane Sealant are specifically formulated for basement waterproofing prep.

Apply two coats of waterproofing paint.
Waterproofing paints like Watertite Mold and Mildew-Proof Waterproofing Paint are guaranteed to stop water and offer a five-year mold- and mildew-proof paint film guarantee. Low odor and easy to use, Watertite is available in an oil-base formula, which is great for waterproofing wet walls, or a convenient latex formula for routine waterproofing.

To apply, use a thick synthetic brush or large nap roller to apply the first coat to a small section of the masonry. Use a brush to work the coating into the pores of the concrete to produce a continuous pinhole-free film. Apply the second coat with a brush or roller. It's that easy.

Enjoy your basement.
Waterproofing paints can be tinted to a wide range of off-white, pastel and medium-tone colors to help you transform a damp, leaky basement into a beautiful living space. To learn more, visit www.zinsser.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

(ARA) - The best investment you can make in your home - both for your pocketbook and your personal enjoyment - is in landscaping. Real estate experts agree that every dollar you put into your yard eventually will return one to two dollars when you sell. And at a time when home values are sagging, that's something to consider.

"With an increasing number of homeowners staying put rather than selling and moving up, we're seeing a growing trend of people adapting their homes to their lifestyle," says Dave Johnson, manager of Patio Town, a leading Minnesota landscape supplies retailer. "That often means investing in landscaping to make better use of what they already own."

Versatile segmental retaining wall systems enable today's homeowner to bring plenty of curb appeal to their landscape while maximizing the use of their outdoor environment. Construction of everything from raised-bed gardens and tiered walls to stairs, columns and freestanding seatwalls is possible with systems such as Versa-Lok.

What's nice about these systems is that they appeal to both the do-it-yourselfer and the professional landscaper, says Johnson.

"You can add some amazing features to your yard with a modest amount of skill and labor," Johnson explains. "Fire pits with paver patios, retaining walls, columns, sidewalks and driveways all are within the capabilities of most do-it-yourselfers. Or, you can bring your ideas to a professional landscaper and leave the design and installation to them, no matter how complex."

In recent years, segmental retaining walls have become one of the most important tools in the hands of landscapers.

"Your imagination is your only limitation when working with these systems," says Kelly O'Donahue, landscape designer with Villa Landscapes in Oakdale, Minn. "I've transformed virtually unusable back yards into stunning outdoor environments using Versa-Lok. Homeowners love it because it's readily available in consistent colors and styles that are easily matched with existing exteriors or other landscape elements."

It is a favorite among hardscape installers as well. "The Versa-Lok system is especially design-friendly because it uses solid units that can be easily cut or split to fit any application," explains Austin Keay, owner of AKeay Landscaping in North Branch, Minn. "They're like the building blocks of landscaping. You can do almost anything with them, whether you're installing an outdoor kitchen from scratch or putting a new face on an older home with a front-entry makeover."

Segmental retaining wall systems lend themselves to phased landscaping projects built over a period of years, says O'Donahue. That's a trend landscape designers are seeing more of as homeowners have become more cost-conscious.

"Some of our customers have a grand idea of what they ultimately want, but may not be able to afford all at once. So we work up a master plan for them, they start out with one phase, perhaps a circular paver patio with seatwalls and a firepit in the back yard. And that evolves over a period of years to a full-blown entertainment area, maybe an outdoor kitchen or bar, along with other features such as gardens or gazebos."

Sustainable, or "green," landscaping, also rapidly gaining in popularity, can add value to your home in other ways.

Low-rise retaining walls can be used in such features as rain gardens to significantly reduce storm water and pollutant runoff from surface areas. Plantable retaining walls, like Versa-Lok's Versa-Green system, provide earth stabilization while softening the appearance of a traditional retaining wall with vegetation. For information on Versa-Lok Retaining Wall Systems, visit versa-lok.com or call (800) 770-4525.

"Plantable wall systems essentially create a vertical garden while performing the function of a retaining wall," says O'Donahue. "You can get really creative with the color and textures of plantings you use in the wall to achieve whatever look you want."

From "lifestyle landscaping" to "green landscaping," there's a retaining wall that can add appeal and value to your home. Whether you're a do-it-yourselfer or looking to hire someone, you'll be able to add a new dimension to your outdoor environment in time to entertain guests this summer.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

MURFREESBORO, TN – The Murfreesboro Water and Sewer Department (MWSD) began reconstruction of a sewer main under State Street from Highland to Bilbro avenues on this week.

Weather permitting, the project is expected to continue for approximately three to four months, MWSD engineer Valerie Smith said. Crews will start at Highland Avenue and work east to Bilbro one block at about two to three weeks per block.

Residents in the immediate construction area or block will continue to have access to their homes, the release states. Construction will occur one block at a time but traffic flow will be maintained through the remaining blocks.

No formal detours are planned because of the grid nature of the area, Murfreesboro Traffic Engineer Ram Balachandran said. Drivers will be able to tell how to get around the intersection.

When construction is complete, the street will be paved.

MWSD continues to rehabilitate and repair the Murfreesboro sewer system.

“We have two methods of accomplishing this rehabilitation,” Smith said. “The first is a bi-annual rehabilitation contract with Insituform Technologies, whose services include a trenchless method of repairing the existing pipe from the inside out.”

“The State Street rehabilitation will be completed by the second method,” she continued. “Crews from our Operations and Maintenance Division actually dig up the old line and replace it with new.”

In addition to State Street, the other streets within the area will continue to be rehabilitated by Insituform Technologies.  The company’s less invasive process results in minimal excavation, which helps minimize the inconvenience to residents because no road closures are required.

“Periodic disruption of a resident’s sewer service will be between two and 10 hours,” she said. “The sewer line between the main sewer line in the street and the cleanout connection at the property line, will be repaired by the same method as the sewer main, whether it was trenchless or by the dig and replace method.”

If any digging is required when the cleanout at the property line is replaced, she said, the disturbed area will be allowed to settle for up to two weeks. Once that has occurred, top soil, grass seed and a straw covering will be applied.

“Workers will check back in several weeks to make sure that grass is growing,” Smith said. “In all, the entire project should be finished in 120 days with minimal disruption to customers.”

Questions about the State Street work may be directed to Terry Taylor, MWSD Operations and Maintenance Department, 848-3218, she said.

“Call me at 848-3200 if you have questions about the remaining areas,” Smith said. “For more information on the technique used by Insituform, please visit the company’s website at www.insituform.com.

(ARA) - Does your kitchen or bathroom look like it's stuck in a time warp? Then it might be time to update the most-used rooms in your home. For inspiration, look no further than the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA), which recently shared its top 2010 kitchen and bath trends.

To compile the findings and determine the latest kitchen and bath trends, the organization surveyed those members who designed a kitchen or bathroom during the last quarter of 2009. According to NKBA, the top 10 trends for 2010 are:

1. Shaker style kitchen design
2. Maple and alder cabinetry finishes
3. Quartz countertops
4. Pull-down/pull-out kitchen faucets
5. Polished chrome finishes
6. Under-counter refrigerator drawers
7. Dishwasher drawers for small loads
8. Marble vanity tops
9. Integrated sink tops, drop-in sinks, vessel sinks and pedestal sinks
10. Bronze and stainless steel finishes

In the kitchen
Making a big statement throughout the kitchen in 2010 is the addition of functional drawer appliances. One such example, which has been specified by nearly a third of NKBA's kitchen designers, is modern refrigeration technology. Turning convenience into a luxury, under-counter refrigerated drawers feature adjustable horizontal and vertical dividers to keep frequently used items close at hand. Perfect for the ultimate entertainer, refrigerated drawers are quite roomy, typically tall enough to store a 2-liter bottle and wide enough to hold items such as serving trays and pizza boxes.

If you're tired of running the dishwasher when it's only half-full, consider installing a dishwasher drawer. Because it's independently operated, you can wash small loads as economically as large ones. Plus, the extra flexibility to run cycles simultaneously with your traditional dishwasher makes clean-up quicker and easier, explaining why nearly a third of designers are incorporating this new trend into kitchens, as well.

Another popular element to include in the kitchen in 2010 is a pull-down or pull-out faucet. Utilized by 85 percent of kitchen designers, it's an easy way to make a design statement at the kitchen sink while increasing functionality. The new Arbor pull-down kitchen faucet from Moen seamlessly brings simple sophistication to the kitchen with its transitional styling that complements virtually any decor. It's available in a chrome finish, which is another 2010 trend to look for in appliances, accents and hardware throughout the entire kitchen. For more information about the Arbor pull-down kitchen faucet from Moen, visit moen.com or call (800) BUY-MOEN (800-289-6636).

In the bath
Granite is the dominant material chosen for vanities in current remodels - used by seven of every eight designers - however, in 2010 alternative natural materials, like marble, will continue to grow in popularity.

According to NKBA, just under half of bathroom designers utilize marble, as it provides a sophisticated look that's reminiscent of Roman baths with its regal, refined detail that exudes a sense of luxury. Plus, marble countertops provide a stain-resistant, water-resistant, rugged and durable surface - ideal for child-friendly bathrooms or homes with just one bathroom that see a lot of traffic throughout the day.

NKBA also forecasts that integrated sink tops will be a popular choice this year, as you can easily use existing items to achieve this look. By adding a sink into an antique dresser or chest, designers are creating one-of-a-kind vanities for nearly 30 percent of all clients.

Polished chrome finishes are another bathroom design trend for 2010. Look to incorporate this chic metal accent into all your hardware by updating the accessories in your bath, as well. You'll be able to make a big impact with small updates like new towel bars and robe hooks, for a completely coordinated look.

Courtesy of ARAcontent, HobNobMurfreesboro

Murfreesboro is full of unique businesses and business partners. Neighbors become friends and friends become entrepreneurs. That’s exactly how Jeff Proctor and David Bates met and eventually established American Solar.

Originally started as a roofing company, American Solar has developed into a one stop shop for alternative energy. They are the only 5 star certified distributor and installer of Velux products in Middle Tennessee.

“We have spent the last couple of years learning what the best of the best is,” explained David.

Jeff is the CEO of American Solar. He moved to Murfreesboro in 1986 and graduated from Riverdale High School. He then furthered his education in Rutherford County and went on to graduate from MTSU. “I have always loved the hometown feel of Murfreesboro,” said Jeff.

Jeff is an avid sports fan with season Predators tickets. He is also a golf enthusiast, hitting the course whenever he gets the chance.

“I love that Murfreesboro is such a field of opportunity. An individual that is honest and does what he says can really make it in this town,” commented Jeff.

David joined the team in 2003, and is now Vice President of Operations with American Solar. Also a graduate from MTSU, Murfreesboro is the first place David ever really called home.

“My father was in the military, and I had lived in 18 different places by the age of 18. I love staying in one place for a change,” David explained.

Quite the talented musician, David learned to play the piano by age 5, the guitar at age 7 and both the bass and drums by age 12. Taught only by his mother and himself, David now has a home studio where in his spare time he records music for video games.

“Murfreesboro really has any amenity that you might need with the convenience of Nashville being right next door,” David mentioned.

If you know someone you feel should be our featured local of the week, email me at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

“The New” Middle Tennessee Medical Center celebrated The Last Brick Ceremony on Friday, October 16. The ceremony signified the new hospital entering the final stages of development before completion.

The $270 million facility has remained slightly ahead of schedule since its ground breaking in April 2008. “A year from today we hope to see our first patient,” said Project Manager Keith Merritt.

More than 280,000 man hours have been invested without injury by a construction crew of over 650. Project Director Jennifer Garland commented on the triumphs of this particular crew by noting that they are the strength of MTMC’s success.

President and CEO of MTMC Gordon B. Ferguson laid the final of 469,427 bricks. “This is just a building. It’s what happens within this building that makes it so special,” said Ferguson.

HobNobMurfreesboro proudly supports Middle Tennessee Medical Center as well as the overall development of the community. For more upcoming local events or to post your own, please visit hobnobmurfreesboro.com.

- Jeney Slusser