Building Products articles from January 2005

Building Products archives from January 2005

Mark your calendar.(Editor's Perspective)(Calendar)
January 1, 2005... JAN. 13-16 INTERNATIONAL BUILDERS' SHOW. Orlando, Fla. For information call 800-368-5242 or visit www.buildersshow.com. JAN. 18-21 TECHNOLOGY FOR CONSTRUCTION (formerly A/E/C Systems). Las Vegas. For information call 972-536-6379...

A hot topic.(Editor's Perspective)
January 1, 2005... The fire that sends a client's home up in smoke can also torch a neighboring house if the buildings are so close together, and that's just not right. During the past decade, you've been erecting homes closer and closer together as land...

Hoesch.(Winter Wows)
January 1, 2005... A wide range of bathtubs from this German manufacturer now are available in the United States. Made from UltraAcryl, the maker's own acrylic formulation, the tubs are designed by Norman Foster, Adolf Babel, and Dieter Sieger. Geometric...

Ceramic tile trends.(Winter Wows)
January 1, 2005... Imported Antigua collection Zoo Animals tiles include 15 hand-painted designs of numerous animals including an ox, camel, elephant, leopard, hippo, lion, monkey, bear and cub, zebra, rhino, penguins, walrus, two ostriches, and a giraffe. The...

Simpson door.(Winter Wows)
January 1, 2005... Chalkboard panel interior doors are perfect for kitchens, pantries, or kids' rooms--kids can post artwork or draw directly on the door itself while adults can write reminders and place grocery lists on it, says the maker. Available in three...

Samsung Electronics.(Winter Wows)
January 1, 2005... Supreme series ranges come in either gas or electric configurations and feature electronic touch controls. Gas models have two-piece continuous grating across the top while electric models have smooth tops; full stainless steel fronts, white or...

Laufen.(Winter Wows)
January 1, 2005... Stone Evolution porcelain tile goes through a double-pressing process to produce a natural stone effect and seal the product surface. The tile can be used both inside and outdoors and comes in numerous sizes. Two series, Solaris and Jupiter,...

Meyda lighting.(Winter Wows)
January 1, 2005... Fabric and glass shades are mixed with hand-painted bases and components to create mixed-media ceiling pendants, chandeliers, wall sconces, and table and floor lamps in the Comfort collection. Designs and styles ranging from country to...

Julien.(Winter Wows)
January 1, 2005... The AquaCentre workstation is a single module that acts as a command center for the kitchen, says the firm. It features a stainless steel sink, a built-in dishwasher that is mounted underneath the stainless steel countertop, a drain and cutting...

Danze.(Winter Wows)
January 1, 2005... Redesigned and re-engineered Roman tub faucets now feature new rough-in valves in two styles for all eight product collections. Both the pre-assembled 10-inch on-center option and the wide-spread version provide combination 1/2-inch copper/IPS...

Rousseau.(Winter Wows)
January 1, 2005... Designed to ensure square corners and straight walls, the reusable Batter Board System 4000 replaces the traditional nail-insertion and removal method using batter boards that are made on the jobsite, with an adjustable powder-coated steel...

Lennox.(Winter Wows)
January 1, 2005... Featuring a split-oak charred log set and glowing ember bed, the Merit Plus series electric fireplace looks like a gas- or wood-burning model, claims the maker. The unit, which also comes standard with a smoked-brick interior backdrop and an...

SFA Saniflo.(Winter Wows)
January 1, 2005... The macerating toilet moves flush water through a rear-spigot outlet in the toilet bowl to a macerator pump that's contained in a small plastic box that can be placed on or inside the wall behind the toilet. The unit, which only requires a...

Frigidaire.(Winter Wows)
January 1, 2005... The Energy Star-compliant dishwasher features four distinct washing speeds (from torrential down pour to gentle shower cleaning action) for appropriate washing pressure for all types of dishes. The unit can hold up to 14 place settings and also...

Duo-Fast.(Winter Wows)
January 1, 2005... Designed for work with cabinets, doors and windows, millwork, and more, three staplers from the firm are lightweight, compact, and make staple jobs in tight quarters easy to handle, says the firm. The SureShot staplers will drive staples up to...

Merillat.(Winter Wows)
January 1, 2005... The Masterpiece built-to-order semi-custom cabinetry line now features four new door styles, three premium finishes, pine as a species option, and numerous moldings, corbels, decorative legs, and hardware. The expansion of the line allows...

Aqua Glass.(Winter Wows)
January 1, 2005... Body spray systems for showers and tub showers aim to focus on bathers from head to toe through water massage, mist, and jet stream pressure. Five pre-plumbed systems are available for new and retrofit applications. The company additionally...

Russound.(Winter Wows)
January 1, 2005... RNET, a proprietary communications platform, now is available for all of the firm's "smart" components. The company, a maker of multi-room audio/video products for residential applications, asserts that the platform allows smart components to...

Knape & Vogt.(Winter Wows)
January 1, 2005... More than 250 new products are available from the firm including closet components, kitchen and bath organization accessories, and drawer slides. Closet components include wire and resin baskets, pull-out slacks and shoe racks and shelving, and...

Knauf insulation.(Winter Wows)
January 1, 2005... Duct wrap now is available with black polypropylene-scrim kraft (PSK) facing, in addition to white PSK and foil-scrim kraft (FSK) facings; facing color options are important for exposed ceiling and other applications where ductwork is widely...

Swanstone.(Winter Wows)
January 1, 2005... Perfect for new or remodeling applications, the ADA-compliant barrier-free shower fits standard 30-inch-by-60-inch bathtub footprints. The unit can be plumbed to the left or right. A floor and wall kit, a floor only, and separate safety...

Zephyr.(Winter Wows)
January 1, 2005... Part of the Cheng Design line, the stainless steel Okeanito range hood is available with a built-in 600-cfm blower or a professional-strength 1,200-cfm remote blower system. Additionally, the unit features dual-halogen lighting and perforated...

Domco.(Product Spotlight)
January 1, 2005... Elite sheet flooring is the thickest in the industry, so it looks great: and is comfortable underfoot, claims the maker. The product line includes six designs (in ceramic tile, stone, and hardwood patterns) in 24 colors; all come in 12-foot...

Georgia-Pacific.(Winter Wows)
January 1, 2005... Available in kits that include brackets, hardware, trim, balusters, and rails, vinyl railings can be used on wood or composite decking. The aluminum-reinforced railings meet BOCA, IBC, and SBC building codes, and won't rust, rot, crack, or...

Bosch.(Winter Wows)
January 1, 2005... The 1591EVSK barrel-grip jig saw shares many of the features of the maker's top-handle jig saw including the Precision Control blade system that eliminates blade wander and the One-Touch blade change system that only requires thumb pressure to...

Omnia.(Winter Wows)
January 1, 2005... Stainless steel levers add a sleek and sophisticated refinement to modern design themes while stainless steel locksets create a more traditional accent with curvy, intricate detailing, claims the firm. Both Max Steel latchset and lockset lines...

Marvel.(Winter Wows)
January 1, 2005... Able to produce up to 35 pounds of ice per day, the outdoor ice machine is powered by a quiet compressor with forced-air ventilation, meaning it requires zero clearance when installed in cabinetry. The UL-listed stainless steel unit, which can...

Ready products.(Winter Wows)
January 1, 2005... Ideal for many metalworking applications, the Ready Ratchet stores sockets in a snap-in locking socket tray in the handle of the tool; a quick-release cap keeps the sockets secure when they're not in use. The composite tool comes in 3/8- and...

Bates and bates.(Winter Wows)
January 1, 2005... Designed to match popular appliance finishes, the stainless steel farmhouse sink can be installed in undercounter and drop-in applications. It measures 33 inches by 21 inches and is 10 inches deep--perfect for soaking large pots and pans, says...

U-Line.(Winter Wows)
January 1, 2005... Echelon series Wine Captain two-drawer wine storage drawers have tinted, thermal-tempered glass fronts that prevent harmful light from damaging the wine, says the firm. Model 207SDWRWC drawers are framed in black glass or stainless steel trim...

Hilti.(Winter Wows)
January 1, 2005... Models TE 16 and TE 16-C rotary hammer drills are up to 50 percent faster and have a 75 percent longer life than their predecessor, says the maker. The TE 16 can be used for drilling anchor and through holes in concrete and masonry, drilling...

Signamark.(Winter Wows)
January 1, 2005... The Privacy Door, part of the Designer series of decorative interior doors, can be used to replace any conventional solid door. It features an expansive center light of obscure safety tempered glass and ceramic frit screened glass that allows...

Hy-Lite.(Winter Wows)
January 1, 2005... Fixed and operable acrylic block windows now are available with driftwood-color vinyl frames, a richer and darker shade than the maker's existing tan hue. The offering allows builders to choose between two non-white frame options, making it...

Peerless.(Winter Wows)
January 1, 2005... Updated designs and new finishes now are available on many of this Delta Faucet brand's kitchen and bath faucets. New designs include kitchen faucets with more rounded spouts and taller handles while all bathroom handles now feature more...

Tarkett.(Winter Wows)
January 1, 2005... Factory-finished Legacy solid-wood flooring comes in four shades of oak including butterscotch, gunstock, red oak natural, and brandy as well as two shades of ash: golden and cocoa. The 3/8-inch-thick flooring is 2 1/4 inches wide and comes in...

ViWinTech.(Winter Wows)
January 1, 2005... The GrandVista line of vinyl patio doors includes traditional sliding, French sliding, center hinged, and French models. They are available with a choice of three interior wood-grain laminate colors and optional grids. Two models also are...

Leviton.(Winter Wows)
January 1, 2005... Two new whole-house music and home theater audio systems for residential construction now are available. Both the Leviton Spec-Grade Sound cost-effective line of audio components and the Leviton/Sound by Bose premium systems can be installed...

Price Pfister.(Winter Wows)
January 1, 2005... Building on the kitchen collection, the Marielle bath collection allows pros and homeowners to extend the same style throughout the home. The lavatory faucets can be installed in traditional centerset or mini-widespread applications; a Roman...

Viking.(Winter Wows)
January 1, 2005... The convection microwave oven, available in both Professional and Designer series product lines, has baking, broiling, and roasting capabilities. Additionally, the appliance has four convection settings, a manual setting option, and a child...

White River.(Winter Wows)
January 1, 2005... Hand-carved full-surround mantels and mantel shelves are the latest additions to the already extensive line of interior molding and millwork pieces. Mantels and mantel shelves are made from lindenwood. Mantels come ready to stain or paint and...

Metabo.(Winter Wows)
January 1, 2005... The SBP 18 Plus cordless hammer drill is suitable for concrete, brick, steel, wood, and aluminum drilling. The larger motor provides 20 percent more power than the previous model and can be adjusted to rotation only or rotation with impact...

Great Lakes Window.(Winter Wows)
January 1, 2005... Featuring the EuroGlide operating system, the Premier Luxury High Performance sliding door rises from the sill when the handle is turned 180 degrees, enabling the door to be moved with only 8 pounds of force; the typical patio door can require...

Santec.(Winter Wows)
January 1, 2005... Estate series bathroom fixtures and accessories come in polished chrome, satin nickel, and other finishes, in four styles. Classic-look products include 8-inch wide-spread lavatory faucets, 4-inch centerset lavatory faucets, towel bars, toilet...

RTI.(Product Spotlight)
January 1, 2005... The T2+ universal system controller provides users complete and intuitive control of their home theaters, distributed audio systems, lighting control systems, and more, the firm says. It has 32 programmable hard buttons as well as an LCD...

Oregon Copper Bowl.(Winter Wows)
January 1, 2005... Pedestal sinks now are available in addition to the company's extensive line of sink bowls and basins. Caldera series pedestal sinks come in a selection of solid copper or brass, full-plated satin nickel, or stainless steel. The exterior stand...

G-P Gypsum.(Winter Wows)
January 1, 2005... DensGlass Silver residential structural wall sheathing now comes in a 1/2-inch thickness. The exterior gypsum wall sheathing features glass mats on the front and back of the board along with a moisture-resistant core. The product can be used as...

ODL.(Winter Wows)
January 1, 2005... Made from soft, white fabric, the Integral Shade lets light in while blocking ultraviolet rays, harsh light, and heat, unlike wood or metal blinds, says the maker. The product, installed between door glass, also comes with a LightTouch control...

Comfortmaker.(Winter Wows)
January 1, 2005... The VS 90 SoftSound gas furnace line can be installed in upflow, downflow, horizontal left, or horizontal right configurations. Certified for one- or two-pipe venting, the lowprofile units have two-stage gas valves and two-stage fan timers....

Alloc.(Winter Wows)
January 1, 2005... Classics laminate flooring comprises six standard designs in Brazilian cherry, Midwestern oak, heritage oak, country beech, mission oak, and select maple as well as three specialty products. Additionally, Classics Herringbone locks into place...

Get to know continuous cast acrylic: easy cleaning and durability make homeowners happy and increase referrals, making more and more contractors want to ...(Special Advertising Section)(Advertisement)
January 1, 2005... How do contractors please today's customers and increase referrals? When it comes to the bathroom, more and more, the answer is continuous cast acrylic. Recent research identifies two key items that can make homeowners most happy: First,...

Green time: products and ideas that keep the environment in mind.(Trends)
January 1, 2005... The phrase "greed is good" was a popular saying from a 1980s movie. But these days, green is good in building product development. BuildingGreen, a leading publisher of information about sustainable building through its GreenSpec directory...

Residential construction products that made BuildingGreen's top 10 list.
January 1, 2005... EP Henry Corp. ECO I interlocking concrete grid paver. 800-444-3679. www.ephenry.com. Circle 380. Timber Treatment Technologies TimberSIL non-toxic pressure-treated wood. 866-318-9432. www. timbersil.com. Circle 381. Potlatch...

Building supplies hold steady after storms.(In the News)
January 1, 2005... A survey of suppliers by the Associated Builders & Contractors of Georgia found that construction materials are adequate and prices are stable despite hurricanes Charley, Frances, Ivan, and Jeanne, devastating storms that swept through the...

Hanley Wood partners with ServiceMagic.(In the News)
January 1, 2005... Hanley Wood e-Media is partnering with ServiceMagic, the nation's leading online marketplace connecting homeowners with contractors, to enable Hanley Wood's 400,000 building professional readers to take advantage of ServiceMagic's supply of...

A safe distance? Some homes are being built too close for fire officials' comfort. Fire-safe products can help stop the spread.
January 1, 2005... Three people died and 18 condominiums were gutted during a fire started by a candle in Fairfax, Va., last summer. But what stunned the county's building official, Ray Pylant, was that the fire's intense heat melted the vinyl siding on a...

3M.(Fire Prevention Products)
January 1, 2005... Fire Barrier Water Tight sealants help reduce the spread of fire, smoke, and dangerous gases when installed correctly, the firm says. The sealants are designed to close gaps in fire-rated floor slabs, walls, and other partitions. These sealants...

International barrier technology.(Fire Prevention Products)
January 1, 2005... Blazeguard-protected wood exceeds the 30-minute Class A flame-spread rating, the maker says. It contains no less than two quarts of water per 4-foot-by-8-foot panel, which is released in the heat of a fire. The water is contained in a ceramic...

SolarShield.(Fire Prevention Products)
January 1, 2005... These metal roofs are fireproof and withstand winds up to 155 miles per hour, the maker says, and can save a homeowner up to 25 percent on monthly energy bills. The Denver Dimensional style pictured here comes with a ceramic granular finish and...

Nichiha.(Fire Prevention Products)
January 1, 2005... Fiber-cement siding from this manufacturer has a Class A fire rating. The company makes fiber-cement siding in brick, sandstone, stone, shake, and smooth styles. The Alexandria Buff fiber-cement siding pictured is one of six brick styles. Other...

Arch Wood protection.(Fire Prevention Products)
January 1, 2005... Most species of wood treated with Dricon reduce flame spreading to a level of 15 on an FR-S scale, but untreated wood can have ratings anywhere from 60 to 230, the firm says. Dricon wood is suitable for interior, above-ground installation. Arch...

Fire Smart Roofing Treatment.(Fire Prevention Products)
January 1, 2005... Fire Retardant Cedar Shakes and Shingles offer an affordable and convenient alternative in areas where the building code requires the use of flame-resistant roofing materials. Three different classes of fire-retardant treatments are available,...

Jeld-Wen.(Fire Prevention Products)
January 1, 2005... Contours doors come in 20- and 90-minute fire-resistance models in widths of 24 inches to 36 inches. Both doors feature 24-gauge steel facings; the 90-minute fire-resistance versions include a 22-gauge steel edge. The company manufactures a...

CertainTeed.(Fire Prevention Products)
January 1, 2005... Asphalt-based Centennial Slate shingles mimic the look of blended slate, according to the maker. The shingles have a Class A fire rating, resist winds of up to 110 miles per hour, and are algae-resistant, the manufacturer says. The six...

Fire-safe construction.(A Safe Distance?)
January 1, 2005... "It's impossible to take the risk of a fire down to zero unless you live in a bunker," admits David Horne, a member of the California Fire Safety Council. Still, he says, builders can make their homes between 20 percent and 70 percent less...

Show offs: check out these exciting new products from this year's International Builders' Show. (International Builders' Show Preview)y.
January 1, 2005... Forget Mickey Mouse. Head over to the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Fla., Jan. 13 to 16 and check out the hottest new products and materials that will debut at the annual International Builders' Show. You'll catch a glimpse of...

Design challenge: with better flushing capability and enhanced styling, new toilets are well-rounded.(Bath Products)
January 1, 2005... As bathroom fixtures go, the toilet has gotten a bad rap. This is due, in part, to the Energy Policy Act of 1992 that set a national manufacturing standard of 1.6 gallons per flush (gpf), the initial stage of which took effect in 1994. And...

Panel power: proponents say SIPs are energy efficient, easy to assemble, and stronger than stick framing.(Construction Products)
January 1, 2005... Retired architect William M. MacMullen fondly remembers the Ocean Colony Landing project he designed 12 years ago. Located in Marshfield, Mass., the 50 homes cost half the area average. Each unit had R-30 walls and heating bills of less than...

Straight & strong: insulated vinyl siding offers good looks, high R-values, and quiet surrounds.(Exterior Products)
January 1, 2005... Eric Feldt Sr. has seen nearly every brand of vinyl siding introduced during his 30 years as a siding installer. But he's never been more impressed than he has been with the newest category of the product known as insulated vinyl siding. ...

Dress up: designs in a variety of materials and textures add pizzazz to tired white ceilings.(Interior Products)
January 1, 2005... Things are looking up for the boring painted white ceiling. Soaring ceilings are de rigueur in many new homes, and they're becoming major focal points in entryways, family rooms, dining areas, and other spaces because of new stunning designs...

Form + function: the latest kitchen faucets offer high style, a multitude of finishes, and easy installation.(Kitchen Products)
January 1, 2005... Once considered a strictly utilitarian product with just a handful of mainstream models from which to choose, kitchen faucets have morphed into works of art and functionality at all price points. "The kitchen has turned into the living room...

Launch time: here are some of the newest tools the industry has to offer.(Tools & Equipment)
January 1, 2005... Every fall is launch time in the tool industry, and manufacturers haven't disappointed, recently introducing enough new products to keep even the biggest tool hound excited. What's more, the latest tools, accessories, and equipment are packed...

Newest innovations in moulding and millwork: the demand for better performing, cost-effective building products never lets up.(Special Advertising Section)(Advertisement)
January 1, 2005... Homeowners' desires for more trim work and detail has prompted manufacturers like Contact Lumber Company to make some serious advances in profile-wrapping technology. "Customers continue to want long lengths of clear, defect-free millwork, but...

Stiff competition: less-expensive steel doors are holding their ground against fiberglass units.(Windows & Doors)
January 1, 2005... For many years, sturdy steel reigned as king of the entry door because of its durability, low maintenance, and affordable price. But with the proliferation of lower-cost smooth-skin fiberglass doors and cheaper fiberglass imports from China,...

Trim guide.(What's new: short reports on products & programs)
January 1, 2005... Pharoah Manufacturing. These plastic trim guides can be trimmed to fit almost any cutting tool, including circular and jig saws as well as routers. The straight-edge guide becomes an exact cutting line when it's clamped down, claims the maker....

Multipurpose tool.(What's new: short reports on products & programs)
January 1, 2005... C.H. Hanson. The SpeedRocker--a combination knife, saw, and rasp--makes cutting and shaping drywall, acoustical tile, and insulation board easier, safer, and more accurate, asserts the maker. The three-in-one multipurpose tool features three...

Chainsaw sharpeners.(What's new: short reports on products & programs)
January 1, 2005... Eze-Lap. CSG sharpeners come in 5/32-, 3/16-, and 7/32-inch sizes to accommodate the most popular chainsaw sizes, according to the firm. All the sharpeners have a 1/8-inch shank that will fit in most sharpening devices, including hand drills....

Wall tile set-up.(What's new: short reports on products & programs)
January 1, 2005... Nattco. The Wall Tile Set-Up Tool is an adjustable leveling system designed to ensure wall tiles go up consistently straight. The tool is an improvement over traditional wedges and strips of wood and it can also set level tiling on walls even...

Hawk holder.(What's new: short reports on products & programs)
January 1, 2005... Intromark. The Third Hand Hawk Holder is an extension that attaches to a worker's belt. It rests against the hip and provides access to spackling materials while the user is standing on stilts or a ladder, the firm says. It is made of two...

A generators.(What's new: short reports on products & programs)
January 1, 2005... Robin Subaru. Silent Series inverter generators run their engines at low speeds when little electricity is being used and automatically increase speed as the power need rises. A poly-resin casing completely covers the generators for better...

Tool company acquisitions.(In The News)
January 1, 2005... Pentair sold its power-tool business that includes various woodworking tools, pressure washers, generators, and air compressors to Black & Decker. The $775 million deal to closed on Oct. 4. Brands included in the sale are Porter-Cable, Delta,...

Style Solutions purchases Fypon.(In The News)
January 1, 2005... Style Solutions, a leading millwork manufacturer specializing in urethane products, recently purchased Fypon, a competing urethane millwork manufacturer. The two firms will be combined under the Fypon name as of Feb. 22; new logos and marketing...

Concrete tool.(What's new: short reports on products & programs)
January 1, 2005... Marshalltown. The Aluminum Placer is designed to handle concrete spreading and grading. The 4-inch-by-19 1/2-inch blade includes an aluminum mounting bracket fixed over it for strength and balance, according to the maker. The blade is attached...

Aluminum wall forms.(What's new: short reports on products & programs)
January 1, 2005... Durand. Classic Line aluminum wall forms require less hardware, labor, and time than wood forms, the maker claims. The forms are easily stripped, according to the firm, and can be used for smooth and architectural finishes. Classic Line forms...

Stud shelving.(What's new: short reports on products & programs)
January 1, 2005... Stud Buddy. Designed for 2x4 and 2x6 studs, Stud Buddy shelves take advantage of storage space that typically is lost between the studs, asserts the firm. Made from 18-gauge galvanized steel, the shelves can hold up to 45 pounds and only...