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In the last issue, we reviewed some of the high-quality construction features that go into constructing a  Pringle home. We described how Pringle Development uses 3000 lb PSI fibermesh reinforced concrete, while most builders require a 2500 lb. PSI concrete, a feature that reduces the possibility of cracks. To insure proper insulation, a Pringle home has a rigid foam plastic thermal insulation board with aluminum foil facers on each side, thereby increasing the R-value. For framing, Pringle uses material imported from Austria, instead of sheet metal materials. Let's take a look at additional features that illustrate the high quality of a Pringle home, and hopefully not get too technical.
Superior Vapor Barrier
We all know that when moisture collects in the seams or the edges of certain wall materials, mold and mildew will develop. For example, the absence of grout in the shower will cause mold to build up between the wall tile and the floor surface. To prevent this, Pringle builders used a product called Dens-Shield Tile Backer. This new patented, glass matted product stops the passage of water at the surface, resisting the growth of mold and mildew. The heat-cured, acrylic-coated vapor barrier prevents moisture from seeping into the wall cavity. Most builders are using gypsum-based plasterboard that is supposed to have moisture resistant properties, but when that protection fails, prolonged wet conditions cause the plasterboard to break down. Dens boards do not absorb water and carry a limited lifetime warranty.
Built-In High Tech Wiring
Wouldnt it make sense to include proper wiring for phone, cable, high-speed modem and digital video service when the home is built, rather than attempt to add this high tech wiring later on? Well, a Pringle-built home includes a wiring called Cat 5, which is a four-wire pair configuration that can accommodate very high-speed computers. For the incoming high definition televisions and other sophisticated equipment that we all want, RG-6 coaxial cable is also installed during the building process. This up-to-date wiring has a lower loss and higher bandwidth that is needed to meet the latest demands, and it is considered better than the RG-59 that is used by most other builders. Try to add some of these high tech connections after closing on the home, and you will find that it is quite costly for each connection to be added.
Plywood vs. OSB
Most builders use a material that looks like pressed wood chips that have been glued together, instead of plywood. This product is called Oriented Strand Board (OSB), which is wood chips bonded together with a chemical called phenyl formaldehyde. You may have heard about formaldehyde being used to preserve tissue in medical labs (and I remember that it had a very distinctive odor when exposed to the air!). The problem with this material is that it takes a long time to dry out if it becomes damp. There are thousands of cases where people have suffered allergic and bronchial reactions due to both the the buildup of mildew and the presence of formaldehyde in their homes. Also, wind-borne missile testing has shown that plywood is much more resilient than OSB. The CDX plywood used by Pringle Development is more costly, but it is a better product from both a medical and structural viewpoint.
In the next issue, we will describe more benefits of considering a high quality Pringle home over  other builders. In the meantime, when you look at other builders to see what they offer in the way of construction, ask them if they can match the benefits that have been described in last month's and this month's issues.
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