May, 2007

50 Hot Products: 2007 International Builders’ Show

By Staff Report

There are trade shows…then there’s the trade show: the International Builders Show (IBS). Despite the current housing slump, the 2007 IBS managed to draw nearly 104,000 housing pros to Orlando in early February for four days of speakers, workshops, training—and, of course, product exhibits. Instead of holding back until the market regains its momentum, exhibitors at this year’s show actually set a record, with more than 1,900 suppliers in 300 product categories consuming over 1 million sq. ft. of exhibit space.

 

With tens of thousands of builders and dealers in the same place at the same time, many manufacturers use the spotlight of IBS to launch new products. This year was no exception. Here at LBM Journal, it’s our mission to seek out the innovations that have the potential to make a difference for you and your customers. While it’s always possible that we’ll discover “the next big thing,” we’re more likely to learn about an incremental change to an existing product that makes it one or more of the following: 

• Faster/easier to install

• More energy efficient

• More durable

• More attractive

• More profitable        

 

In the following pages, you’ll find, in no particular order, 50 products that caught our eye—and that may make a difference for your builders, and your bottom line.

 

TimberTech Classic Black RadianceRail

TimberTech says its Classic Black RadianceRail is the first co-extruded black composite railing system available.

TimberTech says that the Classic Black combines beauty and design with the sturdy structural feel of a wood railing, and the company adds that the product’s durable surface provides superior weather performance and color retention with minimal heat build-up.

The low-gloss black color complements the complete TimberTech decking color palette, particularly when paired with TimberTech’s Earthwood Plank collection of Tropical Rosewood, Tropical Teak, and Tropical Walnut.  

800.307.7780 or www.timbertech.com 

 

Integrity Double Hung and Glider Windows

Integrity Windows and Doors, from Marvin Windows and Doors, has expanded its series with double hung and glider windows.

The interiors and exteriors of the line are made with Ultrex, a durable pultruded fiberglass material that features a patented coating process for a superior fit and finish.

The All Ultrex Series is designed for builders seeking low-maintenance, superior performance, quality, and value. The line originally included single hung operating picture units, polygon, and transom windows.

888.537.8263 or www.integritywindows.com 

 

Boise Versa-Stud

Boise Engineered Wood Products’ Versa-Stud wall framing product is designed for tall walls and other applications that require strong, straight framing materials. 

According to Boise, Versa-Stud offers at least 2.1 times more bending strength and 20% more stiffness than No. 2 SPF 2x6 studs, without the checks, cracks or twists of solid lumber. It is available in a 11⁄2-in. width and five different depths—31⁄2, 51⁄2, 71⁄4, 91⁄4 and 111⁄4-in., all in lengths up to 24 ft.

The product’s consistent dimensions were designed to help homebuilders reduce labor costs with squarer corners and flatter, more plumb walls that finish faster.

Versa-Stud is made from Versa-Lam laminated veneer lumber.

www.bc.com 

 

Home Slicker 10 Plus Typar

Benjamin Obdyke Inc.’s Home Slicker 10 Plus Typar is a combined rainscreen system component and premium-grade housewrap that meets changing building code requirements in Canada. The Canadian National Building Code now requires a rainscreen system that includes a 10-millimeter air space break in all geographical areas that exceed a certain rainfall threshold.

Home Slicker 10 Plus Typar was engineered to eliminate moisture created by wind-driven rain and interior vapor by creating a pressure-equalized air space immediately behind exterior cladding, in addition to employing a water-resistive barrier. The product allows water to enter and exit, but also drains away bulk water that seeps in behind cladding.

800.346.7655 or www.benjaminobdyke.com 

 

Grabber Joist Jaw

The Grabber Joist Jaw by Grabber Construction Products works like a second pair of hands to hold up rafters and joists.

The Joist Jaw automatically levels the crossmember with the rimjoist or ledger, giving the framer a hands-free position while installing the joist hanger or other connectors. With just a couple of twists, the Joist Jaw clamps down on its target from the top and holds lumber tight. The company says its tool increases the accuracy and production of a two-man framing crew whether building a deck, a roof, or a floor. The Joist Jaw is made of zinc plated durable steel and each package comes complete with two Joist Jaws.

800.477.TURN (8876) or www.grabberman.com 

 

Hurd Heritage Entrance Systems

Heritage Entrance Systems by Hurd Windows & Doors offers a 13-point custom-ization palette for doors, including a collection of individualized options: Custom choices are now available for wood species, color, mouldings and panels, proportions of stiles, rails and glazing, casing and trim, sidelites and transoms, performance or decorative glass, grille pattern and type, panel thickness, height, and width, hinge type and finish, swing direction, and sill type and finish.

800.433.4873 or www.hurd.com 

 

Fypon Southwest Collection

The Southwest Collection from Fypon includes faux beams, shutters, rafter tails, corbels, and knee brackets in more than 140 skus.

According to Fypon, the pieces are moisture-, insect- and splinter-resistant, and the lightweight synthetic pieces are designed to complement stucco finishes and to add both a rustic texture and a bold, southwestern feeling to any project. The company also says each piece resists all forms of weather, making them perfect for the rugged Southwest.

All pieces come factory-primed in a neutral oatmeal color ready to be painted or stained.

800.446.3040 or www.fypon.com 

 

Contact Natural Wood-Wrapped T&G Paneling

Contact Industries offers long length, clear, tongue and groove paneling for use on walls and ceilings. The paneling offers the beauty of solid wood, but in clear, defect-free, color-consistent lengths. Contact says its veneer technology allows for hardwood tongue and groove boards in lengths up to 16 ft., and widths up to 10 in., for easy installation, less labor, and an overall lower installed cost. The tongue and groove paneling can be used for walls or ceilings and is available in any species.

The company says its 16-ft. lengths mean most surfaces will require no end-joints, and the paneling does not need to be predrilled for nail holes.

800.547.1038 or www.contactind.com 

 

MI Windows and Doors

MI Windows and Doors next generation of low-e glass, energy-efficient windows are now available in a variety of colors and exterior profiles that feature decorative options and leading structural- and thermal-performance ratings.

Manufactured with three layers of silver, the new cellular windows are designed to maintain a balance of solar control and high visibility, reducing energy usage and costs. The company says the windows also block harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays, allowing natural daylight to enter, yet blocking 95% of UV rays, slowing the process of fading to furniture. Triple-silver low-e glass also has a clear coating that allows for clear viewing.

www.miwd.com 

 

Bigfoot BFT8 Footing Form

Bigfoot Systems pre-engineered footing forms are used as pier footings with construction tubes. The company now offers BFT8, an 8-in. tapered cone that uses four individual pieces to form a 4-ft. long tube.

Manufactured from recycled high-density polyethylene (HDPE), Bigfoot can be used wherever pier footings are required, and the company says its product also acts as an anchor to prevent uplift in areas subject to high-velocity winds. The product offers a bell-shaped footing with a round base that’s engineered to evenly distribute the entire load’s weight and solidly secure the footing to the earth.

800.934.0393 or info@bigfootsystems.com 

 

Carlisle EZ-Roof Base

EZ-Roof Base is a synthetic roofing underlayment from Carlisle Coatings & Waterproofing Inc. The product is said to provide a strong alternative to traditional underlayments and to be excellent for use with steep slope or low slope roofing with self-adhered roofing membrane. This waterproofing option was built to protect both the roof deck and interior spaces from the elements with all types of residential roofing.

A roll covers 5ft.x200 ft., lays flat, and will not crack or rot. The synthetic felt roofing underlayment also offers high wind resistance, according to the company.

800.527.7092 or www.carlisle-ccw.com 

 

STYROFOAM BLUEGUARD Extruded Foam Insulation

Code requirements in some areas of the country have limited the use of rigid foam in foundation applications because of termites.

Dow says its new STYROFOAM BLUEGUARD extruded foam insulation meets and exceeds field performance criteria for termite-resistant foam plastic, allowing it to be used in areas with very heavy termite infestation in below-grade applications such as exterior basement walls, interior crawl space walls, and slab on-grade applications.

The insulation also contains an insecticide to protect the foam from termites and other wood-destroying insects.

866.583.BLUE (2583) or www.insulateyourhome.com 

 

Bostik Heavy Duty Construction Adhesive

Bostik Home Polyurethane Heavy Duty Construction Adhesive is a one-component, moisture-cure, low-odor adhesive that is freeze/thaw stable, foam compatible, and mold and mildew resistant. It is specially formulated for subfloor and floor joist assemblies.

The company says the product has minimal odor, and its low solvent levels (stemming from low VOC content) minimize shrinkage. It can be used both indoors and outdoors.

Applications include adhesion to subfloor assemblies (plywood, OSB), wet, frozen, or untreated lumber, stair treads, patio decks, furring strips, and slate and wooden floors. According to Bostik the product helps eliminate squeaks and nail pop-ups when used with mechanical fasteners.

888.592.8558 or www.bostik-us.com 

 

JELD-WEN Phantom Screens

JELD-WEN, in partnership with Phantom Screens, now offers factory-installed Phantom retractable screens as options for custom wood windows in casement, double-hung, and awning styles. The company says the Phantom retractable screens have been specifically created to work with JELD-WEN Custom Wood windows.

Retractable Phantom screens retract out of sight when not in use. When an insect screen is needed, they easily slide into place on a built-in track.

The company provides a matching wood cover for the screen and a wood handle that blends seamlessly with the window frame.

800.877.9482 or www.jeld-wen.com 

 

Visions Windows & Doors 3000 Series

Visions 3000, from Visions Windows & Doors, are premium vinyl windows and patio doors that incorporate sloped sills and stepped exterior frames to provide the character of architectural wood windows.

The company says all its Visions 3000 products are made from advanced select PVC containing high-impact acrylic modifiers and UV stabilizers that protect the vinyl from fading due to the elements. Vinyl extrusion colors in white, cameo, and tan are available. According to Visions, the products feature an extruded multi-chambered frame, fusion welded at the sash and frame joints, which delivers superior insulation, thermal performance, and long-lasting durability.

Visions 3000 window offerings include casement, awning, single and double hung, single and triple slider, direct set, and custom-sized windows.

800.584.7680 or www.visionswindows.com 

 

Eldorado Stone Cypress Ridge

Cypress Ridge is a new stone veneer profile from Eldorado Stone that features a combination of irregular shapes and varied depths for a unique textural character. Cypress Ridge is available in three colors: Orchard, Summerhouse, and Countryside.

The company says the stone was designed to be reminiscent of the rustic, ageless look of Tuscan style. Cypress Ridge is one of 13 stone profiles available from Eldorado Stone.

www.eldoradostone.com 

Stanley FatMax Xtreme Hand Tools

Stanley has expanded its original FatMax family with the STANLEY FatMax Xtreme line of hand tools.

The new line includes a multifunctional demolition tool, 24- and 48-in. levels, fixed and retractable utility knives, a redesigned chalk line, heavy-duty demolition screwdrivers, and a tape rule featuring 13 feet of continuous blade standout.

The company says the FatMax Xtreme line was designed specifically to meet the demanding needs of professionals.

800-STANLEY or www.stanleytools.com/xtreme 

 

OSI Green Series Adhesives and Sealants

Henkel International describes its OSI Green Series as high-quality interior and exterior sealants, construction adhesives, and specialty sealants that combine high performance with environmentally friendly formulations.

The very low-VOC products contribute to improved indoor air quality while making structures more energy efficient, and the company also says its OSI Green Series products far exceed what is considered VOC-compliant.

The series includes Drywall & Panel Construction Adhesive, High Performance Sub-Floor & Deck Adhesive, Draft & Acoustical Sound Sealant, Pro-Foam Minimally Expanding Sealant, Flame Seal Fire, Smoke & Draft Stop Sealant, and Acrylic Urethane Indoor/Outdoor Sealant.

www.greenseries.com 

 

Grace Tri-Flex Xtreme Synthetic Roofing Underlayment

Grace Tri-Flex Xtreme is a synthetic roofing underlayment that features the company’s Traction XT Skid Resistant Technology. The company says its proprietary coating helps boots grip the surface when wet or dry and that the product offers several advantages over 30-pound felt and traditional synthetic roofing underlayments, including superior traction, durability, tensile strength, a lighter weight, and that each roll covers more area.

Tri-Flex Xtreme comes in rolls of 41.5-in. x 289 ft. and covers 10 full squares. It is applied to the roof deck with cap staples or cap nails and can be installed underneath all mechanically attached sloped roof coverings, including shingles, tiles, slate, metal, and cedar shakes.

866.333.3726 or www.GraceAtHome.com 

 

Milgard Windows & Doors SmartTouch Lock

Milgard Windows & Doors designed its SmartTouch lock to provide style and ease of operation with security. 

The SmartTouch lock enables windows to be opened and closed, locked and unlocked in one smooth motion. The SmartTouch lock is available exclusively on Milgard’s Tuscany and Montecito series of premium quality vinyl windows.

Unlike conventional cam-style locks mounted atop window sashes, the SmartTouch has an integrated, low-profile design. The lock mechanism is recessed into the window frame, providing a clean, sleek look.  When the window is closed and locked, the latch is down and out of sight. When the window is open, the latch stays open, indicating the window is unlocked.

800.MILGARD or www.milgard.com 

 

Windsor Windows & Doors Glazing System

Windsor Windows & Doors has recently installed new equipment used to make Insulated Glass (I.G.), creating a new glazing system. The company says the quality of materials and machinery used in Windsor’s Glazing System will be used to produce some of Windsor’s existing product lines, in addition to producing a new enlarged vinyl offering called Next Dimension Pro.

The company says this new vinyl product will have a custom extruded profile, which creates visual dimension and attractive sightlines.

www.windsorwindows.com 

 

Universal Forest Products ProWood Micro

Universal Forest Products ProWood Micro treated lumber is a next-generation of pressure-treated wood. The company describes the material as less corrosive, which means it doesn’t require expensive nails or stainless steel fasteners. The lumber is pressure-treated using a waterborne preservative that contains copper and quaternary compounds to protect against termite attack and decay. ProWood Micro is available in natural wood-tone colors called MicroShades.

800.598.9663 or www.prowoodmicro.com 

 

Weather Stopper Windows and Patio Doors

Weather Stopper Windows and Patio Doors by Silver Line have been designed and tested to withstand extreme wind pressure and impact from windborne debris.

The windows feature a unique, patented interlocking tilt latch design, positive action sash locks, and DuPont Sentry laminated glass. (The DuPont SentryGlas is created by laminating two pieces of glass to a tough plastic interlayer.)

Silver Line states that the windows and patio doors meet both the ASTM and Miami-Dade County testing standards for impact resistance. When struck by flying debris, the rugged plastic interlayer remains intact, preventing damage from wind and rain.

732.937.5800 or www.silverlinewindows.com 

 

TAMKO EverGrain Vibrance Collection

The EverGrain Vibrance Collection by TAMKO features color highlights that emulate the textures and natural color variations of real wood.

The company says the collection is its most significant new decking product since the company introduced Elements, adding that Vibrance decking will offer random, multicolor accents throughout the grain of the boards. The company says that the combination of random color highlights and a deep grain surface pattern will provide a shadowing appearance more like natural hardwood. Vibrance is made with a balanced mixture of plastic and wood fiber.

www.evergrain.com 

 

Wolmanized L3 Outdoor Wood

Arch Treatment Technologies Inc. created its Wolmanized L3 Outdoor Wood to be the first decking product protected by a nonmetallic solution. The treating formulation is said to have low impact throughout its production, distribution, and installation, but is very effective as a preservative. Wolmanized L3 Outdoor wood stands up to wood-destroying organisms, and is backed by a lifetime limited warranty. This wood is intended for out-of-ground use.

To distinguish treated from untreated material, pigment can be added to the treating solution, giving the wood a light greenish hue, the company says. It has a built-in water repellent, is protected by an EPA-registered formulation that penetrates a wide range of wood species, and is comparable to untreated wood with regard to corrosion of metal hardware. 

770.801.6600 or www.wolmanizedwood.com 

 

Grip-Rite Polyurethane Air Hose

The Grip-Rite Polyurethane Air Hose measures 100 ft. x 1/4-in., and delivers 200 PSI operating pressure and 800 PSI burst strength. The hose is also field-repairable, and has a brass 4-ball female coupler and male plug included.

According to Grip-Rite, its product is 40% lighter than other hoses on the market; stays flexible in cold weather, and resists kinking.

All Grip-Rite tools come with a limited 12-month warranty backed nationwide by its authorized service centers.

www.grip-rite.com  

 

Eagle Roofing Boosted Capistrano

Eagle Roofing Products says its Boosted Capistrano tile product, used in conjunction with Capistrano field tile, enables builders to replicate the look of mortar-boosted clay roofs.

The company’s Capistrano emulates two-piece natural clay, and is suited for Spanish-Mission architecture. The Boosted Capistrano replicates the look of authentic clay tile at a substantial cost savings, according to the company.

The Boosted Capistrano tiles incorporate the company’s unique coloring system, and are available in 12 clay colors such as the brown, gold, tan and yellow terracotta blends found in natural clay.

www.eagleroofing.com 

 

Temple-Inland QuietBrace

Temple-Inland QuietBrace sound-deadening structural sheathing not only provides wall bracing, it helps reduce outside noise, as well. QuietBrace is designed to provide a noise-reduction coefficient that’s nearly twice as high as common wood structural sheathings such as OSB. Temple-Inland says QuietBrace’s insulating properties are approximately 140% more effective than wood structural panels.

QuietBrace is certified to conform to the structural-grade fiberboard standard, ASTM C208, making it acceptable in both the IBC and the IRC as a wall bracing sheathing in conventional light-frame construction and when design for wind is required. QuietBrace structural sheathing is also approved by Underwriters Laboratories as a wall assembly component for multi-family and commercial wall systems requiring a one-hour fire rating. It is available in 4-ft. widths and 8-, 9-, and 10-ft. lengths.

800.424.2311 or www.templeinland.com 

 

CertainTeed Boardwalk Signature Decking

CertainTeed’s Boardwalk Signature HFS (Hidden Fastener System) composite decking is now available in Chestnut, Cedar, and Redwood.

Signature HFS features patented EcoTech, which consists of a unique blend of polyvinyl chloride (PVC), a weatherable polymer, and recycled natural fibers for an even-textured product engineered to greater strength and consistent appearance.

The Signature HFS plank is topped with a PVC and acrylic-styrene-acrylonitrile (ASA) resin formulation cap for high-performance decking with a natural wood appearance. The company says the specially formulated surface provides excellent scratch, stain, and fade resistance.

www.certainteed.com 

 

Therma-Tru Tru-Defense Door System

The Tru-Defense System for entry and patio doors by Therma-Tru is designed to integrate high performance with beautiful styling, according to the company.

The Tru-Defense system is designed to work together to protect homes from severe weather. Tru-Defense entry and patio doors have an air, water, and structural performance rating of DP-40 or higher, according to the company, and the complete door systems are independently tested and certified by the National Accreditation and Management Institute (NAMI). 

The DP-40 rating indicates that the unit passed a structural test pressure of 60 lbs. per sq.ft.—equal to 150 mph winds and a water penetration test under conditions equal to 8 in. of rain per hour driven by 49 mph winds; and an air infiltration test pressure of 1.57 lbs. per sq.ft., equal to 25 mph winds.

800.537.8827 or www.thermatru.com 

 

Trimline Composite Products

Trimline Building Products offers Trimline Composite Tile, which the company says is a lightweight and long-lasting alternative to traditional concrete and clay roof tiles. The company says its Composite Tiles can be nailed, cut, and drilled with standard power roofing tools, and are one-third the weight of most traditional concrete tiles.

www.trimline-products.com 

 

Simpson Strong-Tie Top Flange Joist Hanger

Simpson Strong-Tie says its ITS top flange joist hanger is easier and faster to install because it uses fewer nails than any other hanger for composite wood. Once the hanger is installed on the header, the I-joist is simply snapped down into place. The Strong-Grip seat is engineered to securely hold the I-joist without any joist nails, while still providing more than 100 pounds of rated uplift resistance. 

The company says its design results in a lower installed cost compared to similar hangers. The ITS can be used with all current I-joist flange dimensions.

800.999.5099 or www.strongtie.com 

 

Atrium 700 Series Casement Window

Atrium Companies Inc. Series 700 casement window family includes casement windows that can be hinged on the right or left with the sash opening outward for full ventilation and easy cleaning. The windows are available in all standard sizes on single-vent units in up to 3-ft. widths, and feature an integrated nail-fin design, pre-punched to target proper nail location.

The company says the Series 700 family offers multi-seal weather protection and provides multiple barriers against air and water infiltration.

Other features include Truth Maxim Hardware–a low-profile lock handle with a multi-point locking system, and a slim-line mullion design where continuous head and sill design provides for modular sizing.

www.atrium.com 

 

Ainsworth Engineered 0.8E Durastrand

Ainsworth has introduced a new application for its Durastrand Rimboard—the Oriented Strand Lumber (OSL) product is engineered to accept flexural loads, making it a viable alternative for short-span headers.

The company says its 0.8E Durastrand OSL Rimboard is unique due to its structural properties, as evaluated by ICC-ES for building code compliance (ICC-ESR-1053). Standard OSB rim board is used as an integral component of engineered floor systems, tying together floor joists and transferring vertical and lateral loads to the foundation. Ainsworth’s 0.8E Durastrand OSL Rimboard can be used to span a window or door opening, thus eliminating the need for the builder to install a separate structural component. The OSL rim board can simply be installed continuously around the entire floor system.

877.661.3200 or www.ainsworth.ca 

 

Milwaukee Professional Pneumatic Fastening Tools

Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation designed its complete line of professional pneumatic fastening tools and accessories for everyday, heavy-duty use by professional contractors, framing carpenters, finish carpenters, roofers, and remodelers.

Milwaukee also provides a complete line of nails, brads and staples for its pneumatic framing and finish tools. The line includes: 31⁄2-in. Round Head Framing Nailer, 31⁄2-in. Clipped Head Framing Nailer, Coil Roofing Nailer, 15-gauge Angled Finish Nailer, 16-gauge Straight Finish Nailer, 18-gauge Brad Nailer, and an 18-gauge Narrow Crown Stapler.

The company says all the fastening tools offer very light magnesium housings, tool-free depth-of-drive adjustments, selectable triggers providing contact actuation or single sequential actuation modes, as well as other features.

www.milwaukeetool.com 

 

CMI Tall CraftMaster Doors

CMI CraftMaster Corvado doors are two-panel, square-top plank interior doors available in 6-ft. 8-in.-; 7 ft.-, and a new 8-ft. height, and in passage widths from 1-ft. 6-in., to 3 ft. The Corvado interior door features a distinctive groove and modified sticking profile, which is designed to offer the rich feel of a traditional plank door but with added detail. The Cellini Series combines a special, three-dimensional moulding that can be mated with select CraftMaster raised-panel, 8-ft. tall designs and affixed to the door face by the distributor or door hanger. The products are made from molded, high-density fiberboard to resist shrinking, cracking, and joint separation.

800.405.2233 or www.craftmasterdoors.com 

 

Typar MetroWrap

Fiberweb Inc. says its Typar MetroWrap offers tear strength almost five times that of the leading polymeric wraps in a resilient, water-resistive barrier specifically engineered for the commercial construction environment.

MetroWrap was engineered to combine all the advantages of Typar HouseWrap, such as superior water holdout, exceptional moisture vapor transmission, and industry-leading UV resistance. MetroWrap is designed for multi-family dwellings, light commercial applications, and large commercial structures.

The company says the enhanced UV resistance of MetroWrap offers up to 12 months of protection from damaging UV rays.

www.typar.com 

 

KraftMaid Venicia Euro-Style Frameless Cabinetry

KraftMaid now offers Euro-style frameless Venicia cabinetry with streamlined European styling and a myriad of European-inspired design options.

Venicia features three door style collections, Lustra, Mirra, and Natura, for a total of 28 door styles, 31 color choices; two collections of storage solutions; more than 40 decorative hardware selections, and a variety of decorative accents including wall hoods, glass doors, and leg designs.

One design and construction feature that sets Venicia apart is cabinet interior and exterior color blended to coordinate with the door front color, with no premium upcharge.440.632.5333 or www.kraftmaid.com 

 

Legacy Series Bi-fold Patio Door

Weather Shield Windows & Doors Bi-fold Patio Door is the latest addition to the Legacy Series. The door is available in standard widths up to eight panels wide for openings as large as 23-ft.

The Bi-fold Patio Door is designed to deliver durable construction, premium aesthetics, and wide-open views. The company says the 3-ft standard door panels are 21⁄4-in. thick with Laminated Veneer Lumber (LVL) at their core for greater structural integrity. Bottom rails are 10- or 12-in. with 5-in. top rails. The door is available in standard configurations from two panels up to eight panels to accommodate a range of openings, and custom sizes are available.

800.477.6808 or weathershield.com 

 

Eon Ultra Decking, Railing, and Cladding

Eon offers a new line of low-maintenance decking (Eon Ultra); railing (Traditional and Ultra), and cladding, hangers, and trim accessories. 

The company says when combined, the new decking, railing, cladding, and trim create a professionally finished wood-like appearance. Additionally, Eon resists fading, cracking, splitting, and rotting, and can be cleaned with water from a garden hose. Since Eon isn’t a composite material, it is said to completely resists mold and mildew.

The new decking is available in three lengths, 12-, 16-, and 20-ft. It is available in Chestnut and Sandalwood The new railing lines are available in the Eon Traditional and Eon Ultra metal baluster styles that the company says offer both improved form and function. Additionally, Eon offers several upgraded cap options: copper, gunmetal, and solar.

866.DIAL.EON or www.eonoutdoor.com 

 

USP Structural Connectors Gold Coat

USP Structural Connectors has developed a new double barrier protection called Gold Coat—a proprietary organic polymer coating—for its connection products. The company says that the new coating is engineered to resist the corrosive chemicals used in modern, pressure-treated wood.

The company says testing conducted by a third-party laboratory and in connection with Michigan State University showed that over a 120-day exposure to copper, the Gold Coat barrier had a rate of corrosion that was 65% less than steel-coated at the G90 standard, and as much as 60% less than steel-coated at the G185 standard.

USP currently produces 25 Gold Coat connection products.

www.uspconnectors.com 

 

Gorilla Wrap Housewrap

Gorilla Wrap housewrap from Johns Manville is a translucent, non-perforated, non-woven polymeric material designed to help keep rain, wind, and moisture outside, reducing heating and cooling costs.

When used on a properly insulated home where all gaps and voids are filled in wall cavities, Gorilla Wrap housewrap is said to provide the ultimate in thermal performance and moisture management.

The company also says that its Gorilla Wrap housewrap features tear-resistance that’s nearly four times higher than the leading housewrap. The material also features ultraviolet inhibitors in its coating and its fibers to protect against deterioration caused by the sun before it is covered.

www.gorillawrap.com 

 

DeWALT MOBILELOCK GPS Locator and Anti-Theft Alarm

To help professional contractors better protect mobile assets on job sites, DeWALT offers the MOBILELOCK GPS Locator and Anti-Theft Alarm (DS500).

The product features a Global Positioning System (GPS) feature that allows contractors to locate the MOBILELOCK unit in real time using the Internet. The company describes the product as a stand-alone, portable, wireless locating and alarm system that is easily mounted to equipment using integrated heavy-duty magnets or screws. Additionally, an alarm notification alerts the user when the protected piece of equipment has been disturbed or if someone tries to remove the MOBILELOCK unit. The unit runs off of rechargeable lithium ion batteries and will remain powered for approximately 30 days.

www.dewalt.com 

 

DuPont Tyvek Weatherization Systems

The DuPont Tyvek Weatherization System is designed to help seal a building’s envelope for a more comfortable, energy-efficient home.

Each system is comprised of five elements including DuPont Tyvek wrap, a breathable weather-resistant barrier; DuPont Flashing Systems, to seal window and door openings; DuPont Tyvek Wrap Cap Fasteners, for securing the wrap to vertical surfaces; DuPont Weatherization Sealant, designed to assist in the completion of air and water seals, and DuPont Tyvek Tape.

The systems are designed for use in varying regional climates and under all cladding types, including traditional siding, stucco, and EIFS to provide moisture management. They are building code approved as air infiltration barriers.

www.dupont.com 

 

Alcoa Structure EPS Siding

Alcoa Home Exteriors energy-efficient, insulated vinyl siding, Structure EPS (expanded polystyrene), offers an R-value of 4.0 in a variety of styles and colors.

The company says its premium insulated siding provides a sound, rigid product that offers the look, feel, and stability of wood siding with added benefits of noise reduction, water resistance, and energy savings.

The insulated line comes in four product profiles, including traditional double 6-in. and single 7-in., as well as new double 4-in. and double 41⁄2-in. Dutch lap. The company’s color palette, DreamColor, allows homeowners to select from more than 700 color options. DreamColor is available in the double 6-in. and single 7-in. styles, while the two remaining profiles offer 14 color options, including Harbor Grey, Desert Sand, and Pebblestone Clay.

800.962.6973 or www.alcoahomes.com 

 

DAP ALEX Fast Dry Acrylic Latex Caulk

DAP’s ALEX Fast Dry Acrylic Latex Caulk Plus Silicone can be painted just 40 minutes after application. The caulk is designed to quickly form a tough outer skin that is dry enough to paint with latex or oil-based paints, cutting standard waiting times by 80 minutes.

The product is formulated with silicone additives to form a resilient seal designed to prevent air and moisture from passing through cracks and joints, which DAP says offers flexibility to handle expansion and contraction without adhesion failures.

The caulk is suitable for indoor and outdoor applications on windows, doors, moulding, siding, trim, and baseboards, and it cleans up with water. It adheres to surfaces including wood, metal, plaster, brick, drywall, glass, painted surfaces, and most common building materials.

888.327.8477 or www.DAP.com 

 

Guardian UltraFit DS Spray-On Insulation

Guardian Building Products’ UltraFitDS residential fiberglass spray-on wall system is designed to conform to all shapes and sizes of wall cavities, and fills in and around all wall obstructions. The company says that its system delivers a customized, one-piece batt that is created on the job site for a perfect fit. The product contains water-activated powered adhesive which bonds the fibers together for side wall applications. The system provides reduced air infiltration, improved R-values, excellent sound control, is non-corrosive, and is nonflammable and non-combustible.

800.211.8430 or www.guardianfiberglass.com 

 

MW Freedom Clad Wood Windows

The MW Freedom Series of clad wood windows and patio doors from MW Windows & Doors are constructed with PVC exterior cladding fully welded and sealed at the corners. The company says this provides both weather protection and a clean, traditional, narrow-line look.

The MW Freedom Series offers double hung and casement/awning, as well as patio doors, complemented by a variety of accent windows and architectural shapes. The company also offers the Freedom 800 series, the Freedom 600 series, and the MW Freedom Series of patio doors.

800.999.8400 or www.mwwindows.com 

 

Georgia-Pacific Plytanium DryPly

Georgia-Pacific’s Plytanium DryPly plywood features a water-repellent coating to help protect against rain- and moisture-related problems during the normal construction cycle. The company offers a 100% Builder Satisfaction Guarantee against delamination, edge swell, and joint sanding.

Georgia-Pacific is giving builders an incentive to try the product through the DryPly Builder Partnership Program. This program offers rebates and sales tools to builders who join the program, including literature, tent cards, and job site signs.

www.dryply.com 

 

Peachtree’s Citadel Door

Peachtree Doors & Windows’ premium fiberglass patio door, the Citadel, is available as a slider, French, or swinger patio door. The Citadel is also available in a four-panel configuration, as well as one-, two- and three-wide units.

The Citadel has an extruded aluminum-clad frame and fiberglass panels with textured oak-grain skins. The prefinished exteriors are available in six standard colors:  Classic White, Ivory, Tan,

Pebble Tan, Forest Green, and Sierra Brown, which are also six of the eight standard colors of Peachtree’s 500 Series products. The interior is primed, ready for staining or painting.

The Citadel also offers an ultra-heavy-duty extruded aluminum fiberglass mesh screen, and the company says the screen’s frame is heavier than traditional screens.

The Citadel can be ordered with Simulated Divided Lites (SDL) in colors that match the unit’s interior and exterior finishes. Grilles-Between-The-Glass (GBG) are available in colors that match the unit’s exterior finishes or can be ordered in two-tone combinations.

800.732.2499 or www.peachtreedoor.com