Building Products articles from July 2004

Building Products archives from July 2004

Mark your calendar.(Editor's Perspective)(Calendar)
July 1, 2004... AUG. 5-7 SOUTHEAST BUILDING CONFERENCE. Orlando, Fla. For information visit www.sebcshow.com. OCT. 6-9 REMODELING SHOW 2004. Chicago. For information visit www.remodelersshow.com. OCT. 20-23 SUNBELT BUILDERS SHOW 2004....

Product showcase.(Editor's Perspective)
July 1, 2004... When I began working for BUILDING PRODUCTS 11 years ago, there weren't a lot of new product innovations making headlines in the housing industry. Sure, there were energy-efficient windows sporting low-E, argon-filled glazings; low-flow toilets...

Bosch.(Heat wave: celebrate summer with these hot new products.)
July 1, 2004... The Power Box all-in-one power center and jobsite radio/CD player features a four-way GFCI power outlet, integrated Bosch battery charger, 12-volt outlet, AM/FM digital radio, CD player, and an auxiliary jack for MP3 players. The unit, which...

Nevamar.(Heat wave: celebrate summer with these hot new products.)
July 1, 2004... Available in high-pressure laminate and Lam/Mates thermal-fused melamine panel profiles, Rock series products have an engineered-stone look, claims the maker. The textures series comes in classic, soft, and house colors. Inspired by nature, a...

Fisher & Paykel.(Heat wave: celebrate summer with these hot new products.)
July 1, 2004... The Intuitive Eco IWL12 washer features fabric-sensing technology that allows it to select water level, wash action, time, and rinse and spin cycles based on the dirtiness of the laundry load. It has 13 specialty cycles that cater to specific...

Castaic Brick.(Heat wave: celebrate summer with these hot new products.)
July 1, 2004... Rustic Cobbled Brick can be used in a number of indoor and outdoor applications in new and remodeling projects including backyard or patio walkways, gardens, or fireplaces. The material measures 1 1/8 inches thick; each piece is uniquely sized...

Delta.(Heat wave: celebrate summer with these hot new products.)
July 1, 2004... Brizo, the firm's new premium faucet brand, includes the Floriano kitchen and the Vesi bath collections. The Floriano single-hand high-arc faucet has a pull-down design that complements transitional decor. The Vesi faucet, inspired by designs...

Zircon.(Heat wave: celebrate summer with these hot new products.)
July 1, 2004... The LaserVision Qube System consists of an auto-leveling base and a modular laser Qube that generates laser lines or dots for easy layouts, says the firm. The Qube, which magnetically snaps to the base, can be rotated and pointed in nearly any...

Amarr garage doors.(Heat wave: celebrate summer with these hot new products.)
July 1, 2004... Steel Classica collection carriage house garage doors feature the firm's DuraSafe pinch-resistant technology. The doors, which come standard in white, can be painted and are available with polystyrene insulation. Classica garage doors come in...

DeWalt.(New Arrivals)
July 1, 2004... The model DW059K 2 1/2-inch 18-volt cordless high-torque impact wrench delivers 2,600 bpm and 1,650 rpm. The tool, which produces 300 foot-pounds of maximum torque (25 percent more than similar models), weighs 20 percent less than those same...

Heat-N-Glo.(New Arrivals)
July 1, 2004... The 6100Plus FreshAir fireplace, when coupled with a heat recovery ventilator (HRV), pulls stale room air through its firebox for combustion then transfers it to the HRV where heat from the exhaust is captured and used to heat up incoming fresh...

Creative Specialties International.(New Arrivals)
July 1, 2004... Now available in the Stockton, Emery, Reed, Henley, and Kingsley collections, the pivoting paper holder features a pivoting arm instead of a spring-mounted roller for quick toilet paper roll changes. Many additional bath accessories are...

Peachtree.(New Arrivals)
July 1, 2004... The 700 series of extruded aluminum-clad and primed-wood windows and patio doors is available in standard profiles as well as specialty shapes and sizes. The interiors of 700 series products come in pine or a choice of oak, maple, cherry, or...

On-Q Home.(New Arrivals)
July 1, 2004... Designed specifically for multi-room distributed audio installations, Blue Line multi-room audio series speakers have mica fiber woofers and mylar tweeters. They are available in in-ceiling and in-wall profiles and have self-centering screw...

Grohe.(New Arrivals)
July 1, 2004... The brass Retro Rainshower measures 8 inches in diameter and has 120 spray nozzles to eliminate dry zones of water coverage. The unit, which is available in finishes to match the firm's faucet fines and other shower products, has a bendable...

Beam.(New Arrivals)
July 1, 2004... The Serenity Plus central vacuum system features the CleanStream filtration system that traps dust on a thin surface membrane then sheds it into the collection receptacle when the unit is turned off. The receptacle features a twist-lock closure...

Nichiha.(New Arrivals)
July 1, 2004... Kura Stone fiber-cement panels feature an easy-to-use clip system that allows siding crews to install the product, claims the maker. The panels have a stacked stone look and can be used to create unique exteriors with a number of the firm's...

USG.(New Arrivals)
July 1, 2004... Sheetrock Humitek gypsum wallboard panels are ideal for use in humid interior areas, including bathrooms (although not for tub and shower surrounds), kitchens, and more to reduce the presence of mold and mildew. The panels, which feature a...

BlueLinx.(New Arrivals)
July 1, 2004... StyleLine decorative wall panels can be installed in full wall, wainscoting, or accent wall applications. Made from medium-density fiberboard substrate, the panels are flat with eased edges that are painted to match the face; when installed,...

Comfortmaker.(New Arrivals)
July 1, 2004... The SoftSound 1200R split-system air conditioner features cost-effective and environmentally-friendly chlorine-free R410A refrigerant. The 12-SEER unit has a scroll compressor and enclosed fan motor to reduce operating noise, as well as an...

Rev-A-Shelf.(New Arrivals)
July 1, 2004... Ideal for kitchen, vanity, and wet bar sink base cabinets, the stainless steel sink base pull-out waste container fits around existing plumbing. The 8-785 series waste management system features two stainless steel containers, a covered lid,...

James Hardie.(New Arrivals)
July 1, 2004... Harditrim XLD fiber-cement trim boards for windows, corners, columns, and fascia come in 10-foot lengths in 4-, 6-, 8-, and 12-inch widths. The 1-inch-thick smooth boards come factory-primed and ready to paint and offer the look, feel, and...

Zephyr.(New Arrivals)
July 1, 2004... Tempest I and Tempest II ventilation hoods are the latest addition to the Power series product line. Each model comes in four widths in stainless steel and features 1,110-cfm blowers and twin halogen lights. The Tempest I is sized for...

Cole & Co.(New Arrivals)
July 1, 2004... The Premier collection, originally designed for builders, includes three new vanities. Two French designs, the Provence and Lorraine models, feature traditional scrolls, floral motifs, curved side panels, and carved cabriole legs. The third...

M&S systems.(New Arrivals)
July 1, 2004... Available for in-wall and ceiling applications, WaveGuide built-in speakers feature Kevlar woofer cones for smooth response and low distortion. They also have gold-plated terminals and adjustable three-position switches and offer the highest...

Whirlpool.(New Arrivals)
July 1, 2004... Six inches shallower than standard-depth refrigerators, the DesignerFit counter-depth refrigerator offers 24.5 cubic feet of interior space. The side-by-side unit has an in-door ice dispensing system, drop-down hidden control panels, a PUR...

Weather Shield.(Product Spotlight)
July 1, 2004... The panoramic patio telescoping sliding glass door offers views up to 24 feet wide. The multi-panel unit features six 1 3/4-inch-thick panels in 6-foot 10-inch or 8-foot 1-inch heights, all with flush-mounted glass. The two end panels are fixed...

Dow.(Product Spotlight)
July 1, 2004... Styrofoam all-purpose tape, designed for sealing the joints and seams of insulated sheathing and housewrap, can be used with all of the firm's housewrap and ISO and XPS insulation products. Measuring 3 inches wide, the tape is 33 percent wider...

Johnsonite.(Product Spotlight)
July 1, 2004... Recess, a contoured rubber wall base, requires no painting or staining, unlike wood. It features a recessed groove along the top and comes in more than 105 colors and finishes to coordinate with any design scheme. Recess is available in toe of...

Elkay.(New Arrivals)
July 1, 2004... The model ELUH3520 double-bowl under-mount sink features an extra-large 20-inch-by-18-inch-by-9 7/8-inch bowl and a secondary bowl that measures 11 1/2 inches by 16 inches by 7 7/8 inches. The stainless steel unit is available with a countertop...

Senco.(New Arrivals)
July 1, 2004... Three new wide-crown 16-gauge staplers are available for a variety of applications including cabinet frame assembly; foam board, lathing, and asphalt shingle installation; fastening butt-joints; and more. Models PW200, PW150R, and PW150 all...

Style Solutions.(New Arrivals)
July 1, 2004... Round fiberglass-reinforced polymer structural columns come in non-tapered, tapered, and fluted styles in dozens of sizes, ranging in height from 6 to 24 feet tall. They feature hollow centers that can be used as channels for downspouts,...

American Florim.(New Arrivals)
July 1, 2004... Copper Ridge ceramic wall and floor tiles come in 12-inch-by-12-inch and 18-inch-by-18-inch field tiles; a 3-inch-by-12-inch bullnose trim piece; and a 12-inch-by-12-inch mesh-backed mosaic tile. The line replicates the look of sandstone with...

Trex.(New Arrivals)
July 1, 2004... The Trex Express installation system consists of a 3-foot jig with spacers that allows pros to set up the rail system as they go; it rests vertically on the rail posts, providing pilot holes for affixing the support brackets that the railings...

Reward Wall systems.(New Arrivals)
July 1, 2004... Part of the only insulating concrete form (ICF) ledge reinforcement system to meet ACI 318 guidelines, the xLerator galvanized welded wire piece drops into preformed slots in the firm's ICF units. The piece provides strength to every corbel...

Wellborn.(New Arrivals)
July 1, 2004... Available on many of the firm's maple door styles, mocha creme is one of the newest specialty glaze finish options. The cream-colored painted finish is accented with chocolate glaze on Premier and WoodCraft series doors. Many door styles and...

California Faucets.(New Arrivals)
July 1, 2004... Designed to complement vessel sinks, Hermosa series wall faucets come in 7- and 9-inch spout lengths, Shown in polished chrome with La Jolla series handles, faucets are available in any of the firm's 35 finishes. Handles are interchangeable so...

National Gypsum.(New Arrivals)
July 1, 2004... Hi-Abuse XP wallboard panels feature a fire-resistant gypsum core encased in abrasion-, mold-, and mildew-resistant recycled paper on the face side and mold- and mildew-resistant liner paper on the back side. The panels score and snap easily...

Toto USA.(Product Spotlight)
July 1, 2004... The Lloyd residential urinal uses less than 1 gallon of water per flush and features an integrated spreader valve for wash-down cleaning action. The unit measures 29 inches by 17 inches and protrudes 14 inches from the wall. It comes in cotton...

Clarke products.(New Arrivals)
July 1, 2004... The latest addition to the Simple Pleasures line of acrylic bathtubs, the Heirloom bath measures 72 inches by 42 inches by 22 inches. It may be equipped with whirlpool massage or air massage jets or both; it also can be ordered simply as a...

Yesteryear floorworks.(New Arrivals)
July 1, 2004... Bunkhouse Plank flooring features a rustic look with deep, dark hues and sawcut texturing. Made from 100 percent reclaimed and re-milled antique barn wood, the flooring comes in 3/4-inch-thick tongue-and-groove planks that have pre-squared...

Racor.(New Arrivals)
July 1, 2004... The HeavyLift garage ceiling storage system consists of a 4-foot-by-8-foot 14-gauge steel platform that is raised and lowered with a 4-foot crank arm; the platform is suspended on vinyl-coated steel cables. The system has a 300-pound capacity...

HomeCrest.(New Arrivals)
July 1, 2004... Sanibel thermofoil cabinetry features full-overlay construction. The 3/4-inch-thick product line features square doors with raised panels, glass panels in mullion doors, and open shelving. Sanibel additionally features bronze glazing, creating...

Dimplex.(New Arrivals)
July 1, 2004... The wall-mounted electric fireplace only requires a regular electrical supply outlet to provide the ambiance of real fire, claims the maker. The vent-free product comes in a modern, stainless steel design as well as a classic brushed copper and...

In & Out Cabinetry.(New Arrivals)
July 1, 2004... Made of solid through-color polymer composite board with UV inhibitors, Signature series outdoor cabinetry is designed to withstand the elements. It will not rot, split, change color, or swell, claims the maker. The cabinets, which are...

ZipWall.(New Arrivals)
July 1, 2004... Tight Seal accessories, including the Foam Rail and Side Clamp, help hold the plastic ZipWall dust barrier in place. Specifically, the Foam Rail holds the plastic against the ceiling while the Side Clamp holds the plastic against the wall. The...

SunRise Solar.(Product Spotlight)
July 1, 2004... The SunRise attic fan rooftop ventilator pulls heat out of the attic at a rate of 850 cfm. The solar-powered unit, which can be installed in less than an hour, features stainless steel and aluminum infernal components and a tough plastic...

Gladiator GarageWorks.(New Arrivals)
July 1, 2004... The Freezerator convertible refrigerator/freezer offers a 15-cubic-foot bottom freezer and a 6-cubic-foot top unit that can be used as a refrigerator or freezer. This Whirlpool-brand garage product has locking casters, adjustable shelves, and a...

Fen-Tech.(New Arrivals)
July 1, 2004... All Botanica garden doors have been enhanced with stainless steel operator hardware. Made from fusion-welded vinyl, the doors feature full-height gear hinges, warm edge spacing systems, and weather stripping. They will resist warping, bowing,...

Waste not: recycled building products are not just for hippies anymore.(Trends)
July 1, 2004... Once upon a time, only hard-core greenies and forward-thinking builders and architects practiced sustainable design. And few clients demanded green building products in their houses. Just as well, because finding such specs would have been...

Class action lawsuit moves ahead.(In the News)
July 1, 2004... The Superior Court of New Jersey has certified a nationwide class action in a case originally filed in 2000 against Trex Co, and ExxonMobil Corp. The court certified a nationwide class of consumers spanning the 12-year period from 1992...

SEER-13 rule adds to HVAC costs.(In the News)
July 1, 2004... The SEER-13 air conditioning requirement is back. President George W. Bush lowered the minimum to SEER-12 shortly after taking office, but a consumer lawsuit, joined by several states, forced a reversal to SEER-13 by 2006. In some areas,...

Prized products: most valuable product award winners are sure to please.(MVP Award 2004)
July 1, 2004... The results of BUILDING PRODUCTS' third annual Most Valuable Product (MVP) Awards are in and we hope you're just as impressed with the winners as the editors are. The 30 diverse champs represent some of the finest new products--from a...

Works of art: the latest bath sinks are awash with innovative materials and designs.(Bath Products)
July 1, 2004... According to the National Association of Home Builders' Housing Facts, Figures and Trends 2004, new homes are larger and have more amenities than ever before. Not least among these are multiple bathrooms--two and a hall or more in the average...

Log-built luxury: log home kits offer builders easy ways to provide clients with unique upscale dwellings.(Construction Products)
July 1, 2004... When general contractor Wyatt Perkins started building log homes 30 years ago, he worked on small cabins for weekend outdoorsmen. Today, he's building mansions where families live full time. "They were pretty rustic back then" says Perkins,...

Shingles selection: laminated asphalt shingles are overtaking three tabs as the roofing of choice.(Exterior Products)
July 1, 2004... Once reserved for replacement jobs and new upscale dwellings, laminated asphalt shingles are muscling their way into the production home market. According to Russell Snyder, executive rice president of the Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers...

Space savers: other-room cabinetry provides storage solutions beyond kitchens and bathrooms.(Interior Products)
July 1, 2004... While built-in cabinetry has long beautified home offices and entertainment centers, other-room storage is now equally in demand. From mudrooms and laundry centers to family rooms and home theaters, furniture-like cabinetry is providing extra...

Sleek surfaces: solid surfacing seeks to expand its reach as prices tumble and color choices soar.(Kitchen Products)
July 1, 2004... There's good news for fans of solid surfacing. During the past few years, prices have fallen due to increased competition from less expensive imports and the escalating demand for natural granite and engineered quartz. Not only has...

The best: the Editors' Choice Awards honor leadership and innovation in tool design.(Tools & Equipment)
July 1, 2004... Evolution, adaptability, and the courage to change are key elements to progress, growth, and success. In this year's bumper crop of award-winning innovations, the editors of Tools of THE trade magazine, our sister publication, selected tools...

Nextel Nationwide Direct Connect and Verizon Wireless push to talk.(Grand Awards)
July 1, 2004... There is no way any contractor could work as fast or as profitably without mobile communications. But as revolutionary as having a cell phone hanging on a toolbelt was, the digital walkie-talkie services offered by Nextel, and now Verizon...

Freud.(Tools & Equipment)
July 1, 2004... Anybody who has ever struggled with getting a dado blade set to the right width will appreciate Freud's breakthrough SD608 Dial-A-Width Stacked Dado Set that eliminates the need for spacer shims The new system uses a dial hub that adjusts the...

Copemaster.(Tools & Equipment)
July 1, 2004... The Copemaster makes unlimited, repeatable, high-quality coping cuts on any molding with a speed and accuracy that leaves coping saws and files in the dust; a day's worth of hand-coping can be completed in one or two hours. The Copemaster is...

Lutz file & tool.(Tools & Equipment)
July 1, 2004... Cordless drills and impact drivers sometimes offer too few (or no) places to store extra driver bits. So. switching between square-drive deck screws of replacing a lost Phillips-head driver bit usually means a trip back to the drill box to fish...

High-pressure framing nailers.(Tools & Equipment)
July 1, 2004... Instead of taking tiny steps toward advancement, Max's and Porter-Cable's high-pressure framing nailers have triple-jumped the status quo with incremental design changes and have revolutionized how contractors will nail studs and sheathing to a...

Newest innovations in moulding and millwork.(Special Advertising Section)(Advertisement)
July 1, 2004... The demand for better performing, cost-effective building products never lets up. Homeowners' desires for more trim work and detail has prompted manufacturers like Contact Lumber Company to make some serious advances in profile-wrapping...

Porter-Cable.(Tools & Equipment)
July 1, 2004... The Mao-Saws now feature a one-of-a-kind blade-release system that allows the user to change the blade without a wrench and according to the company, get the blade as tight as of tighter than using a wrench. Other features include a "dust...

American clamping.(Tools & Equipment)
July 1, 2004... It's difficult to find something Erdi's 48A MultiPurpose Snips won't cut. They easily cut through Romex, coax, and rope. They clip metal, wood, and carpet. They cut straight lines of even rough circles in aluminum coil stock. They sail through...

Stabila.(Tools & Equipment)
July 1, 2004... The key feature on the LAPR 100 and LAX 100 laser levels is the onboard 4 1/2-inch height adjustment, which works by sliding the level body on the rails of its "roll cage", which also doubles as a carrying handle. The LAPR 100 is a...

Roofmates.(Tools & Equipment)
July 1, 2004... The Shingle Saw Pro II cuts through layers of architectural shingles faster and easier than hook blades, and, at 12 inches long, is far more mobile than a shear. Roofer Rob Garrett's motivation for inventing this tool came from his frustration...

Hilti.(Tools & Equipment)
July 1, 2004... The GX 100 gas-powered pinner reinvents fastening into concrete and steel by making a slow process significantly f-aster and less work. The tool's unique method for mixing the propellant with air eliminates the need for a cooling fan and purges...

DeWalt.(Tools & Equipment)
July 1, 2004... The DCS00 2-gallon cordless vacuum makes small jobsite cleanup easier than ever. Running off one 12- to 18-volt battery, the DC500 is light, easy to carry, and fits in small spaces. The hoses and attachments are smartly and securely arranged on...

Python tools.(Tools & Equipment)
July 1, 2004... The Python Perfect cutter cuts holes for electrical, data boxes, and lighting about 20 percent faster than traditional methods, according to the company. The tool's built-in level and measuring rods enable the user to accurately position the...

Beyond brass: stand-out finishes enhance door hardware.(Windows & Doors)
July 1, 2004... Although brass always will be standard, pros and homeowners alike are taking a shine to the latest light- and deep-hued entry door hardware finishes. According to Marty Hoffmann, Kwikset group product manager, satin nickel and pewter...

Building products congratulates this year's MVP Award winners.(MVP Award 2004)(Advertisement)
July 1, 2004... Every once in a while there's a product that stands out because of its sheer value. Easy compliance with code. Environmentally sound. Quick installation. Innovations that add value to building products are important, and manufacturers are...

One-of-a-kind recessed fan light combination from Broan-NuTone: named most valuable product for 2004.(MVP Award 2004)(Advertisement)
July 1, 2004... Based on the popularity of recessed lights, Broan-NuTone developed a new recessed fan light combination unit. This innovation caught the notice of the judges of the BUILDING PRODUCTS MVP Awards who honored the product with an MVP Award. ...

NEOREST 600 TOTO's luxurious integrated toilet: features Smart sensor operation, integrated washlet, & revolutionary cyclone flush engine: named most valuable product for 2004.(MVP Award 2004)(Advertisement)
July 1, 2004... Packing the maximum number of technological advances into a minimum amount of space, NEOREST has a beautiful, modern low silhouette that results from the elimination of the tank and integration of the toilet with TOTO's renowned Washlet...

The new Infinity[TM] system provides limitless satisfaction: named most valuable product for 2004.(MVP Award 2004)
July 1, 2004... With Carrier's latest innovation, builders can provide their homebuyers with high quality, high efficiency, customizable comfort. With the Infinity[TM] Control, homeowners experience unparalleled ease of use. On screen prompts combined with...

PROPINK Complete[TM] Blown-In Wall System: the newest insulation innovation from Owens Corning: named most valuable product for 2004.(MVP Award 2004)
July 1, 2004... Owens Corning is always looking for new ways to improve insulation systems--and to make them as user-friendly as possible. At Owens Coming you can find the right products for the right applications to meet the demands of today's homeowner. This...

QuietZone[TM] SOLSERENE[TM] Fabric Ceiling System: sound control from Owens Corning: named most valuable product for 2004.(MVP Award 2004)(Advertisement)
July 1, 2004... The prestigious BP MVP award honors products that provide a significant advantage for building professionals. When the panel of judges selected the QuietZone[TM] SOLSERENE[TM] Fabric Ceiling System as an MVP Award winner, they found an...

New 100% masonry-styled gas direct vent fireplace from Heat-N-Glo: the Escape[TM] fireplace: named most valuable product for 2004.(MVP Award 2004)(Advertisement)
July 1, 2004... Heat-N-Glo has stepped back in time and pushed the envelope of technology simultaneously, in the form of the new Escape[TM] fireplace. This innovative approach to a gas fireplace earned the Escape a BUILDING PRODUCTS MVP Award. Combining the...

AuraLast[TM] wood by JELD-WEN[R]: named most valuable product for 2004.(MVP Award 2004)(Advertisement)
July 1, 2004... JELD-WEN now offers wood windows and doors crafted with reliable, environmentally friendly AuraLast wood, which protects against wood decay, water absorption and termite infestation. In our blind, unaided focus group research, we found...

U-Line offers clear ice and refrigeration in one undercounter unit: named most valuable product for 2004.(MVP Award 2004)(Advertisement)
July 1, 2004... The leading manufacturer of built-in undercounter ice making and refrigeration appliances, U-Line has combined its outstanding engineering and design capabilities to create the Echelon Series[TM] Clear Combo[R] ice maker/refrigerator, CLRCO2075...

Dynapaq.(Safety Kit)
July 1, 2004... Designed for woodworkers, contractors, and other professionals, each Safetypaq includes a pair each of indoor safety glasses with clear lenses and outdoor safety glasses with tinted lenses with soft storage pouches; reusable ear plugs; and a...

Laser reference.(Layout Laser)
July 1, 2004... Perfect for drop-ceiling, drywall, and interior layout applications, the Pro Shot L6 laser offers fully automatic horizontal and vertical modes along with a red rotating beam and a plumb spot feature. It comes standard with a wall mount, two...