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What began quite innocently as a pet project turned into a national movement for Anders Lewendal, the Bozeman, Mont., builder who has since gained wide acclaim for constructing a house made entirely from U.S.-made products.

Initially, Lewendal set out to build an “efficient, affordable and environmentally healthy” home for a client whose daughter has cystic fibrosis. In researching the building materials and parts required for the project, Lewendal was struck with this idea: Why not go for all-American parts and materials.

The city of Glendale, Calif., has began enforcing a prohibition on synthetic turf for front lawns, according to an article in the Glendale News Press. 

The Glendale ban has been in place for three months, according to the article, but code enforcement officers have recently issued six violation notices to property owners who refused to remove the artificial turf from their front yards. Faux grass in the backyard is permitted, however.

Through the introduction of the FortiCel Mold Prevention System, CertainTeed is providing building professionals and homeowners with long-term protection against mold growth. 

Backed by a  25-year warranty, FortiCel is a topical spray-on application that can be used on virtually all interior construction surfaces, including dimensional lumber, steel studs, concrete and floor joists. 

DuPont has told the federal government it will stop the sales of a herbicide that has been blamed for damaging trees around the country, according to an article in the Los Angeles Times. The chemical manufacturer notified the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which is examining background studies conducted on the new weed killer, called Imprelis. The EPA is also looking at warnings and label directions on the product. 

Valspar Paint has rolled out Valspar Plus, certified asthma and allergy friendly by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA).

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced today that it is moving to ban the sale of “the most toxic” consumer rat and mouse poisons, as well as most loose bait and pellet products. The agency is also requiring that all newly registered rat and mouse poisons marketed to residential consumers be enclosed in bait stations so children and pets cannot access the pesticide.

Eureka, Calif.-based The California Redwood Co. announced it established a new distributor relationship with Feldman Wood Products to serve a growing demand for its products in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut. By May 1, Feldman will have various sizes in stock.

“Bringing our product from one coast to the other is a fantastic opportunity for The California Redwood Co.,” said Carl Schoenhofer, VP and general manager for The California Redwood Co.  

EcoBlu Products, the developer of a water repellent technology called Red Shield, has signed an exclusive arrangement with Calvert Co. to produce and private label its current line of glulam beams. 

The newly developed RedShield coating also features mold, wood rot, termite and fire protection, according to EcoBlu. Red Beam is currently shipping through wholesale channels throughout the United States, and Calvert Co. intends to introduce the glulam product into Japan, China and Korea, according to the announcement. 

St. Paul, Minn.-based Ergodyne announced an expansion of its Chill-Its Cooling line of products, including the new Chill-Its 6700CT Evaporative Bandana with Cooling Towel, and Chill-Its 6710CT Evaporative Triangle Hat with Cooling Towel.

Coast Hardware, a True Value dealer in Willits, Calif., keeps some unusual merchandise in the front of the store: a large cage full of cats, ready for adoption. According to an article in the Willits News, owner Don Buchanan and staff have been helping place animal rescue shelter cats in homes for several years. 

The Northern California hardware store partners with the local chapter of the Humane Society and a group called Anderson Valley Animal Rescue.

GAF Materials Corp. has expanded its Lifetime Designer Shingles Value Collection

The Wayne, N.J.-based manufacturer said the collection offers contractors an opportunity to differentiate their business with an affordable and upscale alternative to standard architectural shingles.

The line features Camelot II, Country Mansion II and Grand Slate II shingles.