News Release

Fortifiber Building Systems Group, 419 W. Plumb Lane, Reno, NV 89509

For Immediate Release

For More Information Contact:
Chris Yount
Fortifiber Building Systems Group
(775) 333-6400
cyount@fortifiber.com

WeatherSmart™ - The Next Generation in Housewrap Technology - Leads LBM Journal's 2006 Editor's Choice Hot Products List

RENO, NV, March 20, 2006 - WeatherSmart™ - The Next Generation in Housewrap Technology from Fortifiber Building Systems Group® has been awarded the top spot on LBM Journal's 2006 Editor's Choice Hot Products List from the International Builder's Show.

Amid 1,600 exhibitors, 1.5 million square feet of exhibit space and more than 105,000 visitors - LBM Journal's Products Editor, John Brooks, selected 20 Hot Products that stood out at the International Builder's Show.

"If there was a dominant theme at the 2006 IBS, it had to be moisture protection," Brooks said. "Mold and moisture damage are an ongoing concern, and have prompted a number of companies to develop products to address the issues. They've come up with some whizbang solutions, too. A new generation of housewraps, like WeatherSmart," he said, "will go a long way toward preventing moisture infiltration."

WeatherSmart, the next generation in polymeric weather-resistive barriers, is the latest innovation from Fortifiber Building Systems Group, an industry leader in moisture control solutions. As part of a complete Moisture Control System, WeatherSmart offers builders a warranted solution that works in every climate and behind virtually every exterior cladding.

"WeatherSmart stood out in my mind for all of the problems it laid to rest," Brooks said. "WeatherSmart is a non-woven, non-perforated wrap made from a breathable polymer. With a perm rating of 8, WeatherSmart delivers a good balance between breathability and water protection, so it can be used in any climate and behind most exterior claddings. It is very durable and UV stable - the manufacturer recommends covering it within 120 days, giving builders plenty of leeway."

"Unlike some other housewraps, it is highly resistant to surfactants," Brooks said. Surfactants are basically soap compounds that can clog the pores and perforations in a housewrap and reduce its effectiveness. "They're typically released from fiber cement and some wood sidings when they get wet, but surfactants are also common in power-washing detergents," Brooks said. "Simply washing a home's siding can compromise many otherwise successful housewraps; WeatherSmart is designed to avoid this pitfall."

LBM Journal honored Fortifiber Building Systems Group with a spot on last year's Hot Products list as well - for its Moistop Corner Shield and FortiShield™ Warranty.

About Fortifiber Building Systems Group
Fortifiber Building Systems Group has earned a solid reputation for technical expertise, practical know-how and responsiveness to the needs of the building industry by providing Moisture Control Systems that help protect builders and owners from moisture related problems that can damage residential and commercial buildings. Over its 67-year history, the company has become a trusted partner in the effort to solve moisture related building problems, and a valued advisor to building code officials in local communities on construction issues. Fortifiber Building Systems Group operates plants in Fernley, NV, Attleboro, MA, Valdosta, GA and Los Angeles, CA, and is accessible via the Internet at www.fortifiber.com.