Posts From March, 2026

Solar Confidence in Commercial Construction

How One Oregon Contractor Lowered Operating Costs & Elevated Design with CertainTeed’s Solstice® Shingle
Solar Confidence in Commercial Construction
Written by: Andrew Wickham, the Senior Director of Solar Products at CertainTeed, where he leads the development of innovative solar roofing and energy solutions for residential and commercial applications. Project: New office building, Sarmiento’s Roofing, Oregon | Building Type: New-construction commercial office (~11,000 sq. ft.) | Solar / Roofing Contractor: Sarmiento’s Roofing, LLC |Solution Provider: CertainTeed The Project In 2024, Sarmiento’s Roofing, LLC completed a brand-new, 11,000-square-foot, wood-frame office, showroom and shop in Salem, Oregon. For owner Santiago Sarmiento, the roof was more than a building component, it was a proving ground. As a roofing and solar contractor, he wanted his own facility to showcase where the industry is heading: integrated solar roofing that looks like a traditional roof, protects like a premium roofing system, and delivers real energy savings. A major motivator came from Oregon’s rapidly changing energy landscape.... read more
 

The Three Pillars of a Great Window

By Darren Macri, Co-CEO of Wythe Windows, US Manufactures High Performance Tilt Turn Windows and Door
The Three Pillars of a Great Window
When we think about building design, windows are often viewed as just a way to let in light. But at Wythe Windows, we see them differently. We believe a window is a high-performance machine, a critical component that defines a building’s comfort, efficiency, and longevity. A superior window is more than the sum of its parts. It's about how three essential components—profile, glass, and hardware—come together to deliver exceptional structural performance, air and water tightness, and aesthetic appeal. The Wythe Difference: Key Elements of Innovation 1. UPVC Extrusion with Six Thermal Layers The heart of our windows lies in the UPVC extrusion. Our design features six thermal chambers that provide unmatched insulation, keeping heat inside where it belongs. This is a key factor in achieving Passive House performance levels. 2. Steel Reinforcement for Ultimate Stability Every Wythe window is built with a 2mm steel U-channel. This "steel skeleton" provides incredible... read more