Building Products articles from July 2006

Building Products archives from July 2006

Budget gourmet.(Editor's Perspective)
July 1, 2006... With mortgage interest rates rising and new and existing home sales slowing, what are you doing to keep your sales from plummeting? A little creativity--and very little money--in the kitchen could heat up your sales. For example, Nigel...

Mark your calendar.(Calendar)
July 1, 2006... OCT. 18-21 REMODELING SHOW 2006 Chicago. For information visit www.theremodeling show.com. NOV. 8-11 STONEXPO Las Vegas. For information call 866-450-6808 or visit www.stonexpo.com. NOV. 28-DEC. 1 2006...

Diamond Spas.(Hot Stuff: These products will add some sizzle to your new and remodeled homes.)
July 1, 2006... Designed by architect Shawn Montoya, the Regal bath's metal tub is handmade from insulated, double-walled stainless steel. Also available in copper, it measures 72 inches long and 36 inches deep and has hand-buffed seams and a smooth finish....

Quality Cabinets.(Hot Stuff: These products will add some sizzle to your new and remodeled homes.)
July 1, 2006... With clean, simple lines, the new Axiom cabinetry line offers a contemporary new design option that appeals to young and urban consumers, the maker asserts. The maple veneer door can be matched with soft contemporary settings or paired with...

GE Plastics.(Hot Stuff: These products will add some sizzle to your new and remodeled homes.)
July 1, 2006... Just in time for hurricane season is the Lexan clear storm panel. The transparent panel made of resin material can completely cover a window or door and has four times the impact resistance of plywood while being 30 percent to 50 percent...

3form.(Hot Stuff: These products will add some sizzle to your new and remodeled homes.)
July 1, 2006... These panels are made with Ecoresin, a nontoxic material made from 40 percent re-grind content. Bloom, shown here, filters light and creates a distinctive, sophisticated look that can be retro or contemporary, the maker says. The panels are...

DeWalt.(Hot Stuff: These products will add some sizzle to your new and remodeled homes.)
July 1, 2006... The company's line of heavy-duty, 36-volt tools includes a circular saw (shown), plus a hammerdrill, a reciprocating saw, an impact wrench, a rotary hammer, a jigsaw, and a flashlight. The 36-volt battery for each weighs the same as an 18-volt...

Vantage.(Hot Stuff: These products will add some sizzle to your new and remodeled homes.)
July 1, 2006... The Infusion Controller supports 120 wired stations and 300 wireless stations and features five RS-232 ports, a built-in Ethernet jack, and a USB port. Featuring 16-2 non-polarized wire, the plug-and-play automation controller is accompanied by...

Delta faucet.(Hot Stuff: These products will add some sizzle to your new and remodeled homes.)
July 1, 2006... The Pascal is one of the first electronic faucets for the kitchen. Launched under the manufacturer's Brizo line, Pascal combines hands-free and touch-control technology so that users can activate the water flow either without hands or by...

Merillat.(Hot Stuff: These products will add some sizzle to your new and remodeled homes.)
July 1, 2006... Expanding the Merillat Classic line, the company has introduced two new door styles that offer high-end features in standard cabinetry. The Destination door style has a recessed V-groove center panel that provides the look of custom cabinetry,...

Custom-Bilt.(Hot Stuff: These products will add some sizzle to your new and remodeled homes.)
July 1, 2006... Manufactured from 28-gauge Zincalume alloy, the Class A fire-resistant, lightweight, and energy-efficient Olympian metal shingle's Kynar 500 finish is said to resist UV radiation and corrosion from pollution and marine environments. Available...

International comfort products.(Hot Stuff: These products will add some sizzle to your new and remodeled homes.)
July 1, 2006... 14-SEER Comfortmaker N4A4 air conditioners operate with environmentally sound R-410A refrigerant and are designed to be tougher, quieter, and easier to install, the maker claims. Available in 1 1/2-ton to 5-ton cooling capacities, the...

Rev-A-Shelf.(Hot Stuff: These products will add some sizzle to your new and remodeled homes.)
July 1, 2006... The SWB2 series offers a complete line of two-tier pull-out chrome wire baskets for both vanity and kitchen cabinet applications. Available in six sizes for bases of 12 inches, 15 inches, 18 inches, 21 inches, and 24 inches, the line features...

RDI.(Hot Stuff: These products will add some sizzle to your new and remodeled homes.)
July 1, 2006... Composed of long-strand wood fiber-plastic composite to offer the look of natural wood, Novaline railing systems are offered in four customizable, upgradeable base kits, with additional options including copper and stainless steel accents. The...

Carrier.(Hot Stuff: These products will add some sizzle to your new and remodeled homes.)
July 1, 2006... Available in four cabinet sizes to fit most Carrier furnaces and other ducted HVAC systems, the Infinity air purifier captures and kills airborne allergens, bacteria, molds, and viruses through a three-step filtration process, the maker claims....

California faucets.(Hot Stuff: These products will add some sizzle to your new and remodeled homes.)
July 1, 2006... Inspired by the Art Deco movement of the 1920s, the San Clemente faucet features an etched high spout and ornamental lever handles. Available with clear or blue Swarovski crystal index buttons and lift knob, the faucet is made of solid brass,...

Channellock.(Hot Stuff: These products will add some sizzle to your new and remodeled homes.)
July 1, 2006... These 960 locknut pliers are designed for quick and easy adjustment of electrical nuts in tight or wire-constricted boxes, the manufacturer says. Measuring 8 1/2 inches long, they have a slim design to fit in tight spaces and spring handles....

Kraftmaid.(Hot Stuff: These products will add some sizzle to your new and remodeled homes.)
July 1, 2006... The Harmony Storage Solutions series has added more than two dozen customizable space-saving solutions, including a mixture of roll-out trays and drawer dividers. The wood-tiered cutlery dividers help utilize more drawer space and large drawer...

Wolfpac.(Hot Stuff: These products will add some sizzle to your new and remodeled homes.)
July 1, 2006... Featuring 3/4-inch-by-3/4-inch grooves that-accommodate vinyl, wood, and fiber-cement siding and conceal sealant and caulking, the Stealth Trim System comes with a rigid one-piece corner, eliminating the need for two material pieces or...

Dornbracht.(Hot Stuff: These products will add some sizzle to your new and remodeled homes.)
July 1, 2006... Three faucets offered in polished chrome or platinum matte bring a modern aesthetic to the kitchen. The Elio, shown, features a pipe-like rounded curve at the neck and spout with a pull-out spray component; the Lot is a one-piece spout jutting...

Husky.(Hot Stuff: These products will add some sizzle to your new and remodeled homes.)
July 1, 2006... The new 2,200-psi Ultra Compact Pressure Washer has on-board storage for its three spray nozzles and a compact 1 1/8-inch tubular roll-cage design to protect the engine while allowing for easy storage. Accessories include a 25-foot,...

Gerber.(Hot Stuff: These products will add some sizzle to your new and remodeled homes.)
July 1, 2006... Featuring a large tank-to-bowl opening, a dual-fed jet, and a 2-inch trapway, the Viper toilet comes in a two-piece configuration in three colors: white, bone, and biscuit. The gravity-fed toilet can be installed in 10-, 12-, and 14-inch...

Focal Point.(Hot Stuff: These products will add some sizzle to your new and remodeled homes.)
July 1, 2006... Installed along the header board of a wall, lightweight polyurethane Quick Clip moldings snap into place while the barbed ends fit into grooves on the back of the molding, eliminating the need to find studs, the maker states. Featuring...

Water, Inc.(Hot Stuff: These products will add some sizzle to your new and remodeled homes.)
July 1, 2006... The Traditional Style faucet, model LVH 600, is available in 21 colors and finishes and complements any traditionally styled kitchen, bar, or bath. It can be paired with the Everpure undercounter water filtration system, the EverCold instant...

Benjamin Moore.(Hot Stuff: These products will add some sizzle to your new and remodeled homes.)
July 1, 2006... The exterior stain collection offers five stain treatments that vary in opacity from clear to solid. A selection of hues inspired by the outdoors helps achieve the desired wood look on facades, decks, and wood furniture while protecting the...

Domco.(Hot Stuff: These products will add some sizzle to your new and remodeled homes.)
July 1, 2006... FiberFloor, a series of fiberglass-reinforced vinyl flooring, features a pliable construction that eliminates splitting and tearing during the glueless installation, the firm says. Three collections offer styles and colors that mimic tile,...

Pittsburgh Corning.(Hot Stuff: These products will add some sizzle to your new and remodeled homes.)
July 1, 2006... With a greater face thickness compared to standard glass blocks, the Hurricane Impact system with Thickset 90 glass block offers light transmission and privacy control while meeting IBC and Dade County, Fla., building code approval, the maker...

Paslode.(Hot Stuff: These products will add some sizzle to your new and remodeled homes.)
July 1, 2006... The company's 16-gauge straight finish nails are made with grade 304 stainless steel, offering corrosion resistance in exterior applications and ACQ treated lumber, the firm says. The nails are available in 1 1/2-inch, 2-inch, and 21/2-inch...

Bates and Bates.(Hot Stuff: These products will add some sizzle to your new and remodeled homes.)
July 1, 2006... Imported from Mexico, new Copper Mountain sinks and pedestals are fabricated from heavy-gauge solid copper and are available in 10 models and two finishes. The Natural finish highlights the reds found in natural copper, and the Dark finish,...

Jacuzzi.(Hot Stuff: These products will add some sizzle to your new and remodeled homes.)
July 1, 2006... The pre-assembled composition of body sprays and corresponding behind-the-wall water line connections make installing this luxury shower simple, the maker says. With a choice of four or six spray configurations, the system is available with a...

Dryvit.(Hot Stuff: These products will add some sizzle to your new and remodeled homes.)
July 1, 2006... Created from a blend of natural minerals, pigments, and 100 percent acrylic polymer matrix, Lymestone finish provides a slightly pitted look that can be hand applied with a trowel to Dryvit systems, tilt-up concrete, unit masonry, stucco, or...

Puzzle floor.(Hot Stuff: These products will add some sizzle to your new and remodeled homes.)
July 1, 2006... Instead of strips or planks, the product comes in two puzzle-piece patterns that are ideal for entertainment and game rooms. Puzzle Floor units are prefinished, solid hardwood that interlock quickly to create a floor that is durable and easy to...

Metabo.(Hot Stuff: These products will add some sizzle to your new and remodeled homes.)
July 1, 2006... The SBE 660 1/2-inch hammerdrill is designed for heavy-duty applications, including drilling in concrete block, brick, steel, and wood. The goose-neck depth gauge allows for drilling depth accuracy with the gauge tip positioned extremely close...

MortarNet.(Hot Stuff: These products will add some sizzle to your new and remodeled homes.)
July 1, 2006... TotalFlash layers polyester mesh with flashing, directing moisture from the cavity drainage mat to integrated weep tabs, the maker asserts. Constructed by pre-attaching the flashing to the termination bars at the same length, the...

Ann Sacks.(Hot Stuff: These products will add some sizzle to your new and remodeled homes.)
July 1, 2006... Inspired by the Northern California art movement of the '50s and '60s, the Heath line of ceramic art tile combines simple geometric shapes with dramatic hues. Available in 72 colors in shapes such as triangles, diamonds, and bowties, the tile...

Hilti.(Hot Stuff: These products will add some sizzle to your new and remodeled homes.)
July 1, 2006... Ideal for the restriction of air, reduction of sound, and infiltration of dirt and water, low-pressure filler foam CF 812 Window and Door Pro seals the perimeters of window and door frames and other openings that require flexible material. The...

Making waves: Z-Wave networking technology gathers momentum.(Trends)(Reprint)
July 1, 2006... These have been heady months for the Z-Wave Alliance. A CNET Award at the Consumer Electronics Show, a successful demo of a marketable package of Z-Wave products at the International Builders' Show, and a substantial, but undisclosed,...

U.S., Mexico strike deal on cement shipments.(In the News)
July 1, 2006... U.S. Commerce Department officials have announced an agreement in principle with Mexico to virtually eliminate anti-dumping duties on Mexican shipments of cement to the United States. The import penalties are intended to correct for...

Canadian lumber deal announced.(In the News)
July 1, 2006... The U.S. and Canada have agreed to resolve the longstanding lumber trade dispute between the two countries. Lumber has been a sticking point in trade relations for more than 20 years. The Canadian government owns much of the country's...

All stars: Building Products presents the 2006 MVP Award winners.(Cover story)
July 1, 2006... Each year, BUILDING PRODUCTS' Most Valuable Product Awards competition singles out an elite group of new products worthy of special recognition. This year, 32 products--from a permanent rescue ladder to under-deck waterproofing solutions to...

Stylish, therapeutic baths morph into home wellness hubs.(Review: Bath Products)
July 1, 2006... Common knowledge has it that a dose of competition is the best remedy for a sluggish business. In the case of whirlpools--which hit the peak of popularity in the 1980s and early '90s--the encroaching popularity of shower systems was just the...

Try a SIP: structural insulated panels offer lots of advantages for builders.(Review: Construction Products)(Reprint)
July 1, 2006... Structural insulated panels (SIPs) have hovered at the far edges of the building industry for decades but have yet to make a large dent in market share. Nevertheless, builders who use these panels say they offer numerous advantages. ...

Open-air fare: manufacturers help fuel the sizzling outdoor kitchen craze.(Review: Exterior Products)
July 1, 2006... There was a time when the American home was divided into two distinct areas: inside and out. In climates with radical seasonal shifts, picnic tables and barbecue grills, like white clothing, were uncovered--or unearthed from garage or...

Shades of green: low VOC paints hit the mainstream market.(Review: Interior Products)
July 1, 2006... Whether you're interested in working in a more environmentally friendly way or not, soon the interior paint you use--no matter where you live--may be a greener product. That's already true for a chunk of California and a large part of the...

Rock solid: despite a growing number of alternatives, natural granite still offers mass appeal.(Review: Kitchen Products)
July 1, 2006... So many buyers of Dave Brewer Inc.'s custom homes in Orlando Fla., were choosing granite countertops as a kitchen-enhancing option that the builder decided to install them as a standard feature in every kitchen and bathroom. Centex Homes...

Editors' choice awards: honoring innovation and leadership in the development of new tools and technology.(REVIEW: Tools & Equipment)
July 1, 2006... By the staff of TOOLS OF THE TRADE magazine GRAND AWARD LITHIUM-ION BATTERIES The tool industry is committed to hooking us all on lithium-ion--and it's working. Milwaukee started the ball rolling last year, and garnered a 2005 Editors'...

Top choice: fiberglass windows offer superior strength and durability, but at a price.(REVIEW: Windows & Doors)
July 1, 2006... For windows, fiberglass is still an emerging category. But recent advances in technology, as well as the entry of major manufacturers, mean fiberglass window offerings are growing, albeit slowly. Though still more expensive than its vinyl and...

Strong bolt.(What's New: Short Reports on Products & Programs)
July 1, 2006... Simpson Strong-Tie. Designed to provide optimal performance in cracked concrete including proper functioning under static and seismic load, the Strong-Bolt installs like a standard wedge anchor without special bits or tools. The tri-segmented...

Draft sealer.(What's New: Short Reports on Products & Programs)
July 1, 2006... Pine Ridge Builders. Molded from foam insulation, EnergyBlock fits around standard electrical outlet and lightswitch boxes to seal out drafts that cause air infiltration and exfiltration, providing R-10 insulation and helping to reduce energy...

Framing system.(What's New: Short Reports on Products & Programs)
July 1, 2006... Trakloc Southeast. Trakloc is an adjustable, self-locking steel framing system that virtually eliminates the need to screw stud and track together and eliminates cutting and measuring. The two-part, factory-assembled Telescoping Stud slides...

Guard rail.(What's New: Short Reports on Products & Programs)
July 1, 2006... Alum-A-Pole. The Saf-T-Net system is a staging and guard rail that moves up and down with the worker to make siding and painting jobs comfortable and safe, the maker claims. The product prevents workers and tools from slipping to lower levels...

Angle calculator.(What's New: Short Reports on Products & Programs)
July 1, 2006... Mayco Tools. The Angle Calculator is the only tool that can give three angles--a miter angle, a whole angle, and a right angle-simultaneously, the maker claims, making it easy to find the saw settings needed. Weighing 10 ounces, the solid...

Flashing tape.(What's New: Short Reports on Products & Programs)
July 1, 2006... Tyco Plastics & Adhesives. Nashua Select 527-20 and Nashua General Purpose flashing tapes work in conjunction with housewraps to seal around windows, doors, and skylights. Nashua Select 527-20 self-adhered flashing tape consists of a butyl...

Copper flashing.(What's New: Short Reports on Products & Programs)
July 1, 2006... York Mfg. Asphalt-free YorkShield 106 PT copper flashing for pressure-treated construction features a polypropylene backing instead of standard paper that isolates galvanized fasteners and hangers from treated wood, protecting against corrosion...

Magnetic levels.(What's New: Short Reports on Products & Programs)
July 1, 2006... Empire Level. The True Blue level line now includes the em71 series of magnetic levels. Available in 24-, 48-, and 78-inch models, the levels feature rare earth neodymium magnets positioned on the frame to line up with standard spacing of hinge...

Reclaimed luxury: salvaged products bring a touch of the past to your projects.(Finishing Touches)
July 1, 2006... French Antique Architectural Concepts. From across France, the company reclaims antique white oak beams, limestone flooring and wall tiles, terra-cotta flooring, wood plank flooring, and wood paneling for use in a variety of residential...