Stars of IBS— Certainteed Solstice® Shingles
Designing energy efficiency into your Katahdin Cedar Log Home just got a little easier for rooftop solar arrays, especially if aesthetics is a key consideration. Certa
inteed Solstice® Shingles won the prestigious “Best in Show” and “Best Energy Efficient Products” in the International Builders Show held recently in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Building on Beauty
For some homeowners the looks of solar arrays don’t match their vision of a rustic contemporary cedar log home. The Solstice Solar shingle integrates seamlessly with architectural asphalt shingle roofs to gather solar energy in place of panels installed on a metal frame over the shingled roof. The extremely low-profile solar shingles provide an unbroken visual on the surface of the roof.
Sleek Shingles Provide Robust Power
Measuring 46.79 inches by 16.91 inches, each shingle is rated for 70W of power. The solar shingles are rated for production and warrantied for 25 years, which melds well with the average lifecycle of asphalt roof shingles.
Skip the Solar Installation Line
With increasing demand for solar energy upgrades, the wait for solar panel installations is often prohibitive for many building schedules. Solstice® Shingles are designed for easy installation by traditional certified roofing crews, saving time and specialized installation rates. Your electrician can complete the wiring necessary for the system to your electrical panel and inverter.
Top Level Impact, Rain and Wind Resistance
Taking on the demands of more sustainable building trends, Solstice Shingles are rated for impact and wind resistance, with a 10-
year, 110mph limited wind warranty. The shingles are also engineered to be watertight, with raised fastener locations and water channels to direct rain and avoid intrusion. Certainteed has a century of roofing experience, so their solar shingle designs reflect the basic principle of keeping the elements out of your home.
Invest in Solar to Access Generous Tax Rebates
The Inflation Reduction Act provides 30% tax credits solar shingles and panels and labor for installation through 2032. These credits can be carried over to the following year if the entire amount is not credited. Filling out IRS Form 5695 will allow the taxpayer to apply the credit to taxes in the year installed. A new form is required each year of tax credit carryover.
The solar energy industry keeps evolving and improving, making solar power a smart choice for your Katahdin Cedar Log Home.
Green Tip: Geothermal
Updated 4/16/24 Geothermal for heating and cooling is a great option for efficient and comfortable heating and cooling. One of the downsides to geothermal in the past was the considerable trenching and piping required for the horizontal underground closed loop system. Now with new technology that requires less surface area, companies like Dandelion Energy offer…
Hardwiring Your Smart Log Home
Updated 4/16/24 With the ever-expanding list of smart home devices, you can be sure that your home’s wi-fi bandwidth could be seriously bogged down. That’s why more homeowners are having their Katahdin Cedar Log Homes hardwired to free up bandwidth for the array of wi-fi powered devices in the home. This smart log home wiring…
Maximizing Your Katahdin Dealer
Updated 4/15/24 After many months or years dreaming about your dream log home, you’re finally ready to start the process. That first meeting can be a little intimidating, especially if you’ve never built a home before. Your dealer has a wealth of experience that you’ll want to build on to maximize your dealer relationship. We…
Explore Six Interior Wall Design Options!
While we’re crazy about our cedar tongue-and-groove interior finishes in Katahdin Cedar Log Homes, not everyone is a fan of the all-wood look. That’s one of the big benefits of our Energy Envelope System—superb energy efficiency and design flexibility. If you’re wondering what might be installed in place of the cedar paneling, we’ve got some…
Back to Basics: Chimneys, Fireplaces & Woodstoves
Updated 2/28/24 Nearly every Katahdin Cedar Log Home features a hearth — from a focal centerpiece in a great room with soaring cathedral ceilings to a cozy master bedroom fireplace. While many dream chimneys and fireplaces feature natural stone, it’s important to understand your options when designing your home’s fireplace. We spoke with retired Katahdin…
Green Tip: Induction Stove Tops Make IAQ Sense
Updated 2/26/24 For years, the top gourmet kitchens have insisted on natural gas or propane stoves, because of the excellent control and powerful BTUs provided by burning these fuels for cooking. But as folks construct well air-sealed homes to increase energy efficiency, removing combustion for heat generation is also getting a second look. Fortunately, there’s…
Back to Basics: Interior & Exterior Finishing
Updated 2/26/24 One important step in completing your Katahdin Cedar Log Home is the interior and exterior finishing. Because most of the surfaces inside and out of your home are bare wood surfaces, it’s essential to treat these surfaces to protect the wood and provide a lasting finish. We spoke with Ricki Shields, a log…
Permeable Driveways Make Even More Sense
Updated 2/26/24 Recently, municipalities began to assess the costs and challenges for coping with storm water runoff from developed areas. Water from rain, snow, melting and flooding can easily overwhelm municipal sewer treatment facilities, so more and more towns and cities are assessing a storm water utility tax. This tax can help the city construct…
Five Plumbing Upgrades You Didn’t Know You Needed
When planning the plumbing fixtures in your new Katahdin Cedar Log Home, you may want to consider some upgrades that are easy to plumb now but can be more costly to retrofit. We selected some of the top plumbing upgrades to check out. Canine Comfort For families with pets some tasks can be made easier…
Smokeless Firepits Make Entertaining Easy
Smokeless firepits are an innovative way to extend the outdoor entertaining season in your Katahdin Cedar Log Home. There are several types on the market, and we’ve got the details to help you decide whether a smokeless fire pit is right for you. How do Smokeless Fire Pits Work? Nearly all smokeless firepits work the…
Septic System Primer
Chances are that your new Katahdin Cedar Log Home will require a septic system be installed to handle your home’s waste, since many log homes are built in rural settings. If you’ve never lived in a home with a septic system, the prospect can be a little daunting, so we’ve created this Septic System Primer…
Garage Designs for Accessory Dwellings
If you’re looking for a way to maximize your Katahdin Cedar Log Home’s living space, take a second look at your garage. Many homeowners are realizing the benefits of expanding up for living area above the garage space makes a lot of sense. We’ll take a look at whether an accessory dwelling might make sense…