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Award-Winning Stone Ridge at Fairfield Successfully Markets Concept of Super LuxuryConnecticut builder promotes attributes of superior product offering, including the FlowGuard Gold CPVC plumbing system
February 2007 - When Robert S. Skolnick and David H. Small, principals of Stoneridge Partners, LLC of Fairfield, Connecticut, set out to build a luxury condominium community, they truly meant luxury. Their world-class vision and decades of experience in real estate development, marketing, construction, finance and asset management were the perfect foundation upon which to build their Stone Ridge at Fairfield "super-luxury" complex. In fact, the complex won the Home Builders and Remodelers Association of Fairfield County, Inc.'s 2005 HOBI Awards for Best Community, Best Multi-family Community and Best Clubhouse (Under 5,000 square feet).
There are many benefits of a FlowGuard Gold CPVC plumbing system
The gated community is named for its handcrafted stone entrance and perimeter walls. It is located in Fairfield County amidst some of the country's most desirable towns. It is unique in that it is urban in character, yet evokes memories of the Brownstone neighborhoods of yesteryear through its architectural features and landscape (which was designed by an award-winning architect known for creating urban parkscapes).
The distinctive complex includes 70 residences within three stately brick-and-stone residential buildings that are three-stories tall and include an elevator in each building. The complex attracts a mix of empty nesters who are scaling down their lifestyles, as well as to younger, active executives. Residents have access to The Ridge Club, an exclusive 5,000 square-foot facility with an on-site concierge/manager, business center, state-of-the-art fitness parlour and beautifully furnished club room. Residents can also take advantage of daily continental breakfasts and afternoon tea.
When it came to creating a quality living space, nothing was overlooked (not even the plumbing). Skolnick asked for recommendations from his plumbing contractor and mechanical engineer. He followed their expert advice and made the decision to utilize FlowGuard Gold® CPVC plumbing systems.
"This is the first time we have used FlowGuard Gold CPVC pipe and fittings," said Skolnick. "They fit our tight construction schedule and not only saved us money, but also provided the end user with a better product. That's why we ultimately specified it on this project."
Skolnick learned that there are many benefits of a FlowGuard Gold CPVC plumbing system that fit his need for quality and innovation, as well as the needs of his high-end customers.
"Specifically the fact that a FlowGuard Gold system reduced condensation was number one," explained Skolnick. "Second, its insulating value is higher than copper. And third, the fact that cold water stays colder and hot water stays hotter than copper was also a factor."
The superior thermoplastic properties of CPVC reduce condensation and "sweaty pipes" that can lead to costly drip damage to walls, structure and contents. These same thermoplastic properties result in a quieter operation, as well. In fact, an NSF International test confirmed that a FlowGuard Gold CPVC system is four times quieter than copper due to its ability to reduce water flow noise and virtually eliminate water hammer.
During the installation process, Skolnick found that FlowGuard Gold pipe was more flexible than copper systems. He said that this ultimately resulted in better layouts and quicker delivery standards with no negative impact.
Ease of installation and labor savings were also key benefits resulting from the system's one-step solvent cement bonding system that eliminates the need for soldering. FlowGuard Gold joints can be pressure-tested within minutes. There is no messy cleanup or risk of fire associated with an open soldering torch.
"Another benefit over time is that no metals or contaminants will leak into a homeowner's water supply," stated Skolnick.
Homeowners concerned with water quality will also appreciate the fact that, unlike some copper plumbing systems, a FlowGuard Gold plumbing system maintains water quality. And, since CPVC will never scale, the system will maintain full water carrying capacity throughout its entire life.
The system is also corrosion-resistant, which means it will last longer than metallic plumbing systems. Even with the harshest soil conditions, there are no worries about pitting, pinholes or failures.
Despite all the advantages, Skolnick did have one challenge to overcome when switching to CPVC -- the consumer's lack of knowledge about the product and its benefits. "Their perception was that copper was superior," said Skolnick. "They were initially nervous about how the FlowGuard Gold system would perform in the future.
"This lack of knowledge could have been a disadvantage for us," said Skolnick. "However, we sold the product as an upgrade and educated our customers. Just as we were convinced it was the best choice, then so were they. And, an educated consumer is our best customer."
FlowGuard Gold® is a registered trademark of The Lubrizol Corporation.
The Lubrizol Corporation (NYSE: LZ) is an innovative specialty chemical company that produces and supplies technologies that improve the quality and performance of our customers' products in the global transportation, industrial and consumer markets. These technologies include lubricant additives for engine oils, other transportation-related fluids and industrial lubricants, as well as fuel additives for gasoline and diesel fuel. In addition, Lubrizol makes ingredients and additives for personal care products and pharmaceuticals; specialty materials, including plastics technology and performance coatings in the form of specialty resins and additives. Lubrizol's industry-leading technologies in additives, ingredients and compounds enhance the quality, performance and value of customers' products, while reducing their environmental impact.
With headquarters in Wickliffe, Ohio, The Lubrizol Corporation, a Fortune 500 company, owns and operates manufacturing facilities in 21 countries, as well as sales and technical offices around the world. Founded in 1928, Lubrizol has approximately 6,900 employees worldwide. Revenues for 2005 were $3.6 billion, excluding operations discontinued in 2006 that had 2005 revenues of $0.4 billion. For more information, visit www.lubrizol.com.
Contact:
Eileen Petridis
Robert Falls & Co. Public Relations
(216) 696-0229
epetridis@robertfalls.com

