New Commercial Modular Customer in PA

We are excited that another commercial modular manufacturer, Crest Homes in the Lewistown, PA area, has chosen to use the Blazeguard product - Mule-Hide FR Deck Panel - in a large upcoming project. Barrier is pleased at the growth in product awareness among commercial modular manufacturers and end users which allows us to continue to increase market share and further our quest to be THE product of choice for fire protection.Fire-rated sheathing, town homes, multi-family construction, housing market, small cap, otcbb, ibtgf, barrier, blazeguard, mycoguard, fire-rated paint, intumescent paint, mold, mildew, fire-retardant plywood, frt, sips, structurally insulative panels, fire-rated wall assemblies, commercial modular, modular home construction, green building products, LEED, control room, electrical panel backer board

Senator Norm Coleman and Forum Panel Discuss the Housing Sitaution in Minnesota

Yesterday, Senator Norm Coleman, along with a panel of others held a forum in Saint Cloud, MN to publicly discuss the current housing situation in Minnesota. I attended and wanted to share some of the information I came away with. Foreclosures have steeply increased and subprime lending plays a big role. At the time many Minnesotans financed their homes with an ARM, housing prices were on the rise. The basic principle that refinancing into another mortgage product at the time the ARM expired; utilizing the growth in property value was a very realistic, although not risk-free, option. Looking back into 2007 and forward into 2008 with property values actually declining, refinancing to maintain affordable mortgage payments has and will continue to be difficult for many homeowners.

Several audience comments to Senator Coleman focused on the need for much tighter federal regulations in the mortgage industry. Banks are subject to regulatory paperwork and are subject to regular reviews; why shouldn't all mortgage funding companies? Looking back in history, tight funding regulations were put into place in the 80's in response to the housing recession and funding issues back then.

Senator Coleman's response was two fold. 1. Tighter restrictions on fraudulent, predatory lending agencies and speculative buyers MUST be addressed. 2. However, we have to be careful not to restrict and eliminate ALL "subprime lending" in the market place. A large number of subprime mortgages are not in default.

The housing industry, as others on the panel pointed out, led the way for economic growth in the late 90s through 2006; is a main reason the economy has been so negatively impacted the past year; and will be a main factor in our country’s ability to overcome the economic downturn. With housing prices on the decline and mortgage rates relatively low, now is a prime opportunity for home ownership. We need to encourage and educate as many people as possible on the benefits and responsibilities of homeownership. At the same time, ensure there are a variety of prudent financial options available. There are many responsible, hard working people who don't qualify for a conventional mortgage, yet deserve the opportunity to become a home owner.

From Barrier's point of view; consumer confidence, regulation on speculative/fraudulent investments, and responsible access to mortgage funds, are critical to support a steady recovery of the residential housing industry. This is a prime opportunity for many to seek first-time homeownership.Fire-rated sheathing, town homes, multi-family construction, housing market, small cap, otcbb, ibtgf, barrier, blazeguard, mycoguard, fire-rated paint, intumescent paint, mold, mildew, fire-retardant plywood, frt, sips, structurally insulative panels, fire-rated wall assemblies, commercial modular, modular home construction, green building products, LEED, control room, electrical panel backer board

Texas - more wildfire damage than California?

FS-World magazine recently released an interesting article on wildfires in Texas. Officials are warning that Texas could soon surpass California in wildfire damage. Texas - from the Gulf Coast to the Panhandle - is in the midst of a high risk fire season. Heavy summer rains produced vast amounts of grass that have since died/dried over the winter and will provide significant fuel.

According to the Texas Forest Service, there are currently over 35 counties in Texas that are under Red Flag Warnings as the conditions for wildfires are prime (strong cold fronts and gusty winds moving in). There are 153 counties with burning bans in place and 5 counties with disaster declarations. Officials warn this season could exceed the 2005-06 disaster that claimed 19 lives, 734 homes, and over 2 million acres.

Barrier has identified Texas as a region that can benefit extensively from Blazeguard and Pyrotite technology in both multifamily residential roof deck construction and commercial modular applications. We currently ship Mule-Hide FR Deck Panel into the region for commercial modular construction. Finding a sales representative for the residential roof deck market is a priority over the next six months. Feel free to contact us if you're interested.Fire-rated sheathing, town homes, multi-family construction, housing market, small cap, otcbb, ibtgf, barrier, blazeguard, mycoguard, fire-rated paint, intumescent paint, mold, mildew, fire-retardant plywood, frt, sips, structurally insulative panels, fire-rated wall assemblies, commercial modular, modular home construction, green building products, LEED, control room, electrical panel backer board

There is a glimmer of light in Minnesota...and the national Multifamily Market?

The BATC (Builders Association of the Twin Cities) released their new year housing outlook. "We are in an industry that fluctuates through cycles," says 2007 BATC President Michael Noonan. "As we enter 2008, it is likely that we are nearing the end of trending downward. With standing inventory drawn down, stable interest rates, and minimal new activity, the new home market should be in a position that is leveling-off from correction."

In addition, the NAHB (National Association of Home Builders) released forecast data for the Multifamily Housing Sector. They are predicting a gain in Multifamily Housing starts of roughly 75 million throughout 2008.

Barrier believes the residential roof deck market is already slowly but steadily improving. We don't believe it will be as dramatic of an upswing as it was a downswing, however; we are bullish about 2008.Fire-rated sheathing, town homes, multi-family construction, housing market, small cap, otcbb, ibtgf, barrier, blazeguard, mycoguard, fire-rated paint, intumescent paint, mold, mildew, fire-retardant plywood, frt, sips, structurally insulative panels, fire-rated wall assemblies, commercial modular, modular home construction, green building products, LEED, control room, electrical panel backer board