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September 24, 2007
Another Great Differentiator
I've been covering this industry long enough that I'm not very often wowed by new products. However, there's one that is so cool that I want to share it with you. I don't think they even have any competition; it's completely unique. And in a market where builders can use all the help they can get in making their products stand out from the competition's, this one offers a really great opportunity to do just that.
The product is called Centerpoint Translucent Systems. (If you want to see a gallery of photos, go to click here For you builders who are interested in prices, contact the company itself through their website.)
It's a combination of a roof and a skylight: a conventionally shaped roof that is made of translucent polycarbonate panels set in an aluminum frame. The company's original product was designed for bump-out areas such as breakfast rooms or tub alcoves in master bathrooms. While it allows loads of sunlight into the space below it, the panels block most of the heat.
It's a green product, too, since it promotes daylighting. When the sun is shining, the system turns into a huge diffuser -- kind of a giant lamp shade for the house. If the weather is cloudy, you still get way more light than you would with a conventional roof. And you don't have to use electric lights in that area.
But maybe the very coolest feature of these systems is that a crew can install one in about 10 minutes. The unit arrives preassembled, and it's lightweight enough that three or four people can lift it into place. Then it's just a matter of tightening the screws into pre-drilled holes. Astonishing! I wouldn't have believed it if I hadn't seen it.
The manufacturer estimates that the installation of the Centerpoint system adds about $3.50 per square foot for the entire house to the value of the home. Not bad for 10 minutes of work! (And that doesn't count the time you save by not building a conventional roof over the space.)
More interesting to me, though, is the system's potential as a terrific differentiator. I've seen a lot of model homes over the years, and I can tell you that one with a translucent roof in the breakfast room would be a standout in my mind.
Have you seen any memorable products in any model homes that you remember to this day? What were they? Everyone is looking for that special something to help sell their homes, so pass along ideas that have impressed you.
Posted by Marjie O'Connor, HGTVPro.com Staff at September 24, 2007 3:37 PM
Comments
Sounds great!!! but, what about a price for the unit per square foot or how ever it is figured.
Posted by: Jud Kastner at September 26, 2007 7:28 AM
SOUNDS LIKE SOMETHING I WOULD LIKE TO DO. HOW ABOUT A PICTURE AND A PRICE?
Posted by: ANDREA at September 26, 2007 2:01 PM
Someone could make a fortune on this ...I would definately sign up if the price was say cheaper than a gallon of gas (kidding of course)
But I would be interested in seeing pictures of the product installed on a home!
Posted by: Bob at September 26, 2007 5:39 PM
Please send out more info---photos, cost, etc. Sounds too good to be true!
Posted by: Sybil at September 27, 2007 10:39 AM
I, too, would love to see a picture. I'm also wondering how it would stand up to being in a wooded area. And how about scratch resistance?
Posted by: Sue Wolfson at September 27, 2007 11:31 AM
I've never seen anything like it! It's beautiful! It's sure to be a big seller
Posted by: Elizabeth Morrow at September 27, 2007 12:52 PM
looks great- please send more info
Posted by: chas plog at September 27, 2007 10:21 PM
Sounds pretty but I don't know about practical. What about keeping it clean so it looks good? Windows which are perpindicular to the ground get very dirty and must be cleaned. A hugh window on the roof would constantly be getting dirty and would not be easy to clean. As with sooo many products that sound good and are pretty, maintenance is a nightmare! Give me a reason to think otherwise if you can.
Posted by: Sam at September 28, 2007 9:56 AM
I have two custom 8' by 5' triple dome sky lights sitting almost next to each other and they are translucent polycarbonate. They have been very easy to keep clean, just use a microfiber mop and clean them once a year. Mine are triple domed and keep most of the cold out. I am here in Oregon and on the top of a mountain so they have been through some bad weather and large pines all around and so far I have had no problems. Sometimes we get a lot of snow on them and that is the only time I worry. It is so nice the see the clouds roll by through them and watch the moon pass over on a clear night. I don't think they would be comfortable in a area that you sit in because they can be very bright, they are great in areas that are darker because add so much light.
Posted by: shar at September 29, 2007 7:08 PM
please send me more info on your products and cost to JOSEPH TKACZYK
THANK YOU
Posted by: joseph tkaczyk at October 1, 2007 7:31 AM
Lucky Me! Not only do I get to sell this product As an employee of Norandex Building Materials Distribution, but I am also going to install the WHITE LIGHTNING ROOF WINDOW in my own house. For those of you who are interested in pricing, please e-mail me your location, and I will have the local Norandex ASL contact you.
Chuck Peoples
Posted by: Charles Peoples at October 29, 2007 11:00 AM
We are completely remodeling a 1970's home and wanted to add a sunroof to a patio and a skylight in the master bath. Could you please send me more info. ASAP!! Thanks!!
Posted by: Wendy Lewis at April 8, 2008 6:30 PM
