Building Products articles from March 2005

Building Products archives from March 2005

The other side.(Editor's Perspective)
March 1, 2005... For more than two decades, I have worked as a journalist covering housing industry trends and issues, with the past 12 years spent reporting on building products and materials. The stories I've written or edited run the gamut--from how to buy...

Mark your calendar.(Editor's Perspective)(Calendar)
March 1, 2005... MAY 4-5 BUILDER 100 CONFERENCE. Pebble Beach, Calif. For information call 949-417-1234, or e-mail builder100@ hanleywood.com. MAY 4-6 JLC LIVE SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA. Anaheim, Calif. For information call 800-261-7769, or visit...

Consolidated Industries (CPI).(Heads up: here's a look at some of the newest products and materials for your homes.)
March 1, 2005... New colors of Dura-Pex piping help pros quickly identify hot and Cold water installations, says the company. The flexible piping comes in red, white, blue, terra-cotta, white with blue markings, and white with red markings. The pipes can be...

Bruck lighting systems.(Heads up: here's a look at some of the newest products and materials for your homes.)
March 1, 2005... Two new pendant lights as well as a glass shade now are available from the maker. Both the Arden and Ciro pendants are available with a wide range of glass canopy shades and can be attached to any of the firm's track systems. The Rainbow II...

Epoch composite products.(Heads up: here's a look at some of the newest products and materials for your homes.)
March 1, 2005... EverGrain composite decking now is available in weathered wood, a natural brown shade. The compression-molded plastic and wood fiber decking features a deep wood-grain pattern and additionally comes in redwood, cedar, and Cape Cod gray colors....

LP specialty products.(Heads up: here's a look at some of the newest products and materials for your homes.)
March 1, 2005... SmartSide smooth trim and fascia products can be cross-cut or mitered to create custom keystones, dentil moldings, and porch column covers, for example. The pre-primed engineered wood can be worked with standard cutting and fastening tools; it...

ViWinTech.(Heads up: here's a look at some of the newest products and materials for your homes.)
March 1, 2005... Clay is the latest exterior color option for 4100 series vinyl windows. The new heat-reflective color is designed to match popular siding and trim colors of the same shade. The firm already offers white and tan exterior shades....

Danze.(Heads up: here's a look at some of the newest products and materials for your homes.)
March 1, 2005... The Bannockburn bar faucet features a 10-inch-high dramatic are spout that complements both contemporary and traditional decors, says the maker. The single-hole-mount faucet comes in chrome, stainless steel, and the firm's new gold tone that...

Graniti fiandre.(Heads up: here's a look at some of the newest products and materials for your homes.)
March 1, 2005... Inspired by European quarries, NewStone Pietra Serena stone-like surfacing looks like exotic, rare stone, but is made from other strong natural materials, says the maker. Part of the Geologica line, Pietra Serena has a fine-to-medium grain...

SieMatic.(Product Spotlight)
March 1, 2005... Made from a lightweight base material that is wrapped with a thick layer of real stone, StoneDesign countertops allow for the gapless manufacture of lengths and areas that would otherwise be impossible to fit, claims the company. Countertops...

ODL.(Product Spotlight)
March 1, 2005... Arts & Crafts decorative door glass features caming with a nickel finish and a combination of thin reed glass, seedy glass, hammered glass, granite glass, and clear bevels to achieve a Craftsman aesthetic. The glass units come in seven sizes as...

Viking.(Product Spotlight)
March 1, 2005... This outdoor range incorporates a gas grill along with a new 24-inch-wide gas oven to allow homeowners to prepare entire meals outdoors without having to make trips back and forth to the kitchen. The oven comes in a 53-inch-wide grill cart or...

Creative specialties international.(Product Spotlight)
March 1, 2005... Blakeley bath accessories provide the perfect finishing touch for traditional bathrooms or powder rooms, says the company, a division of Moen. The scalloped, curvy accessories include a double robe hook, pivoting paper holder, a towel ring, and...

Sonance.(Product Spotlight)
March 1, 2005... With everything needed to install a four-source, six-zone distributed audio system (except the speakers), the DAB1 system features a control unit that can be used to control an independent zone and all six zones. It includes a built-in tuner...

Rohl.(New Arrivals)
March 1, 2005... Made from hand-poured fireclay in England, Shaws Original collection sinks are stain--and rust-resistant and can withstand abuse including dropped cookware, scalding water, and dramatic thermal changes from hot pots and pans, says the maker....

KitchenAid.(New Arrivals)
March 1, 2005... Sleek and versatile dishwasher drawers come together in a single unit, but can wash two loads simultaneously at separate settings. The unit has five cycles, a delayed-start capability, an air-dry option, and a capacity of five place settings...

Elk.(New Arrivals)
March 1, 2005... Domain Winslow large-scale laminated asphalt shingles now are available nationwide. Designed to look like classic wood shakes, the shingles have a wide exposure range from 55/8 inches to 11 1/4 inches for depth and dimension and feature a Class...

Impronta Italgraniti USA.(New Arrivals)
March 1, 2005... Almatec porcelain comes in large-format sizes up to 48 inches by 48 inches for exterior cladding projects as well as interior wall and flooring applications. The mater as stronger than (when professionally installed) and is low maintenance and...

CertainTeed.(New Arrivals)
March 1, 2005... New Castle XT DP50-rated windows now are available in 24 larger sizes. They are available as large as 36 inches by 80 inches for single- and double-hung configurations, 72 inches by 76 inches for twin single- and double-hung styles, and 108...

Timberlake.(New Arrivals)
March 1, 2005... Premier finishes now are available for Tahoe-style doors in the Portfolio collection and for Wyoming-, Tucson-, and Washington-style doors in the Portfolio Select collection. The brown-hued glazes, which settle into the corners, grooves, and...

HAI.(New Arrivals)
March 1, 2005... The Lighting Control family of products includes 600- and 1,000-watt switches and dimmers, an auxiliary switch, a PIM, and a room and house controller; all products meet UPB digital communications standards, ensures the firm. Lighting Control...

Jeld-Wen.(New Arrivals)
March 1, 2005... Estate series garage doors offer homeowners fashionable choices for creating Mediterranean or castle looks, affirms the maker. The wood composite units come in multi-plank, grooved styles that mimic the look of swing doors, but are lifted up....

Stone Mountain Brick.(New Arrivals)
March 1, 2005... Brick veneers come in smooth and textured finishes for interior or exterior, new or remodeling residential applications. The 1/2-inch-thick veneers do not require additional footing, wall ties, or foundations, the firm says, and weigh only 2...

Milwaukee electric tool.(Product Spotlight)
March 1, 2005... This 6-inch right angle grinder is the only tool of its kind to feature a paddle-style switch for optimal comfort and control, claims the maker. Additionally, the 6.6-pound tool has an 11-amp motor, an overload protection feature, a...

Elkay.(New Arrivals)
March 1, 2005... The LK7322 kitchen faucet features a pullout sprayhead and single-control lever. The high-arc design measures 15 inches tall and offers a 7 1/2 inch reach. The solid cast-brass unit is available in chrome, brushed nickel, and brushed chrome...

W.A.C. lighting.(New Arrivals)
March 1, 2005... G811 series QuickConnect pendant lights feature German-made glass shades. Blown glass surrounds etched inner glass on the colorful product line. Each unit is supported by 6 feet of braided cable and plated die-cast brass fittings and metal cord...

Zephyr.(New Arrivals)
March 1, 2005... Featuring a 1,100-cfm blower, the Tempest II range hood moves two to three times more air than conventional hoods, claims the maker. The hood has a built-in room temperature sensor and five speed levels as well as a delay/off function. The...

Exhausto.(New Arrivals)
March 1, 2005... Designed to be used with gas fireplaces, the EBC5 fan-speed control monitors and creates proper draft in the chimney, explains the firm. It sets the speed of the chimney fan that creates the mechanical draft in the chimney system by constantly...

Fen-Tech.(New Arrivals)
March 1, 2005... The window and door maker now offers bending services for a wide variety of cellular PVC and composite exterior and interior trim boards. Popular applications include curved garage door openings, radius window and door openings, and other...

Republic.(New Arrivals)
March 1, 2005... Block-and-tackle balances now are standard on Contour single-hung, Allure, Classic II, Ramguard, and Builders windows. The system allows for smoother and quieter sash operation as well as easier installation, asserts the maker, and exceeds AAMA...

Plain & fancy custom cabinetry.(Product Spotlight)
March 1, 2005... Louvered doors, a lime green stain, and rich maple and cherry woods create a laid-back, vacation-like look for Island Airs cabinetry, claims the maker. A freestanding armoire with rattan panels, which is an option in this kitchen line,...

LP vinyl.(New Arrivals)
March 1, 2005... Pefection Shingles now are available in eight of the maker's most popular Norman Rockwell colors, ranging from deep hues to warm natural tones. The vinyl siding replicates the look of split cedar shingles, says the firm. They come in square and...

Bates and bates.(New Arrivals)
March 1, 2005... Made from travertine, the Art Deco-inspired Deco pedestal sink measures 22 inches by 32 inches by 32 inches and makes the perfect bathroom suite centerpiece, says the maker. The natural stone sink features varying shades and striations. Faucets...

Armstrong.(New Arrivals)
March 1, 2005... Robbins hardwood flooring now includes a hand-sculpted product that offers rustic, understated elegance, says the firm. Gatsby birch hand-sculpted Flooring planks are 5 inches wide, and come in Coventry brown, a warm, rich low-gloss satin...

Poliform.(New Arrivals)
March 1, 2005... Bacchus kitchen cabinetry, which features simple lines and minimalist details, is designed to blend into dining areas and entertaining hubs, says the maker. The line includes a wide range of cabinets and components such as an armoire and a...

Crestline.(New Arrivals)
March 1, 2005... A simulated transom for CrestWood double-hung windows now is available. Created by enlarging the top sash of a double-hung unit and adding a 3 1/2-inch profiled rail to the interior and exterior of the glass, the design is a fully operational...

Homeland vinyl products.(New Arrivals)
March 1, 2005... Advanced Gorilla Deck vinyl decking features an interlocking design that forms a seal to protect the space beneath the deck so it can be used for storage and entertaining, explains the firm. Deck boards come in white, amber white, tan, beige,...

Delta-Therm.(New Arrivals)
March 1, 2005... The MPS melting/deicing control system for ground and roof applications detects snow and ice through a single-point moisture and temperature sensor and turns the system on and off as needed. The systems, which are custom designed for each home,...

Lenox.(New Arrivals)
March 1, 2005... Gold brand reciprocating saw blades feature a patented tooth design and special, TiN-based metal alloy coating along the edges to make them the longest-lasting and fastest-cutting blades on the market, claims the maker. The bi-metal blades come...

Nevamar.(New Arrivals)
March 1, 2005... Hybrid Slate high-pressure laminate is colored with both warm and cool neutrals, and features pearl pigments to give it a luminescent quality. Part of the Hallmark series of laminates, this pattern has a protected surface that is resistant to...

Gadco.(New Arrivals)
March 1, 2005... Pictured in deep crimson, the Pioneer raised-panel steel garage door looks like wood, but won't warp, crack, or rot the way the natural material can, guarantees the firm. The door comes in five other colors as well as a new hunter green tone....

Trex.(New Arrivals)
March 1, 2005... The company now offers its composite decking, railing, and trim profiles in looks that mimic exotic tropical hardwoods. Trex Brasilia comes in cayenne and burnished amber, and features subtle shadings and natural color variations that reflect...

Schlage.(New Arrivals)
March 1, 2005... F-Series locks now feature one-piece knobs with compressible cylinders. The configuration makes rekeying easy, installation quick and simple, and improves aesthetic appeal, claims the maker. New cylinder components include T-Pin top pins, a...

M&S systems.(New Arrivals)
March 1, 2005... The DMC1 home intercom system provides voice communication throughout a home. An MC960PA power amplifier delivers stereo-quality music from the radio or CD player. An upgrade is available to allow the intercom to distribute audio to any room....

CertainTeed The double 6-inch cedar board profile is the latest addition to the maker's TrueComfort siding line.(New Arrivals)
March 1, 2005... The double 6-inch cedar board profile is the latest addition to the maker's TrueComfort siding line. The vinyl siding features thick polystyrene insulation that adds strength, rigidity, and increased R-value, asserts the maker. The profile has...

Vitra tiles USA.(New Arrivals)
March 1, 2005... Ceramic Interline Metallics Mosaic series wall tiles come in four colors. Metallic anthracite and metallic copper are available in 1-inch-by-1-inch and 2-inch-by-2-inch formats, but gold and platinum only are available in the 2-inch-by-2-inch...

Price pfister.(New Arrivals)
March 1, 2005... Contempra bathroom faucets embody modern styling with sleek, conical hubs, lever handles, and high-arc spouts. The collection includes center-set and wide-spread as well as tub and shower faucets and roman tub fixtures. Contempra faucets...

AGA.(New Arrivals)
March 1, 2005... Made in England of cast iron, this firm's newest oven model features three sections: roasting, simmering, and baking. It operates on either natural gas or liquid propane. The single heat source powers all three oven compartments as well as...

Weather shield.(New Arrivals)
March 1, 2005... Beautiful entry doors will no longer have to be concealed behind bulky screen doors--a retractable screen system for the firm's aluminum clad in-swing entry doors alleviates this problem. The screen system works like a window shade; it unrolls...

Coastal concerns: prudent planning and shrewd product selection help coastal homes stem the tide.(Trends)
March 1, 2005... A client asks you to build a vacation home on some prime real estate along the coast. She wants a maintenance-flee exterior that will resist the harsh weather conditions, large window openings that embrace uninterrupted ocean views, and an...

Led by fiber cement, siding sales are strong.(In the News)
March 1, 2005... Demand for all siding is projected to advance 1.4 percent per year to 111 million squares in 2008, with fiber-cement siding coming on strong, according to a study by the Freedonia Group. The study noted that gains will be driven in part by a...

Lumber tariff reduction fuels dispute.(In the News)
March 1, 2005... The U.S. government reduced punitive tariffs on Canadian softwood lumber imports but by less than Canada wanted, extending a heated cross-border dispute. Canadian officials denounced the decision, saying they will challenge it. The World...

Extreme force: four fierce hurricanes put new building codes to the test.
March 1, 2005... A tour of hurricane-ravaged Florida, where four storms in six weeks destroyed more than 25,000 homes and damaged 4,600 others last summer, helped State Farm Insurance underwriter Ernest Dorsey divide the houses into two categories. Homes...

Building stronger: contractors across the country are finding uses for extra-secure products.(Extreme Force)
March 1, 2005... Building codes, which lay out minimum requirements, do not preclude builders from adding high-end, super-durable windows, roofing, and siding to their houses. "There is an endless list of options available to people who want to build...

Amarr.(Extreme force: a sampling of weather-resistant products)
March 1, 2005... Classica collection garage doors are available with wind-load packages. The steel carriage doors are approved for gusts up to 140 mph, the maker says. Classica doors come in white but they can be painted. The Lucern model pictured features a...

Andersen.(Extreme force: a sampling of weather-resistant products)
March 1, 2005... Stormwatch windows and doors feature several protective options. Impact-resistant glass offers protection from airborne debris, and Perma-Shield exterior cladding systems resist the effects of salt water and sea air without chipping, peeling,...

Marvin windows and doors.(Extreme force: a sampling of weather-resistant products)
March 1, 2005... Designed to fit a standard 10-foot rough opening height, StormPlus swinging French doors come in rectangle, eyebrow, and half-round shapes. They come in Impact Zone 3 (IZ3) and Impact Zone 4 (IZ4) configurations; IZ3 products meet International...

Simonton.(Extreme force: a sampling of weather-resistant products)
March 1, 2005... StormBreaker Plus vinyl windows and doors feature impact-resistant and certified laminated glass. The glass may shatter if debris hits it, but an interlayer between the two panes will keep the glass from breaking apart, the manufacturer says....

Hurd.(Extreme force: a sampling of weather-resistant products)
March 1, 2005... FeelSafe windows and patio doors feature both laminated and tempered glass, allowing them to stand up to hurricane conditions. The products also meet Energy Star criteria. Windows and patio doors come in custom sizes and shapes and are...

Alcoa.(Extreme force: a sampling of weather-resistant products)
March 1, 2005... Cedar Discovery siding mimics the look of natural cedar but has the strength of polypropylene, says the maker. The premium siding resists impacts, cracking, splitting, and shattering, and it withstands 180-mph winds, the manufacturer claims....

SolarShield.(Extreme force: a sampling of weather-resistant products)
March 1, 2005... This metal roof is engineered to withstand winds faster than 155 mph, the company says. It does not attract lightning any more than other roofs, and also deadens sounds from rain, hail, and bad weather, according to the maker. The manufacturer...

Therma-Tru.(Extreme force: a sampling of weather-resistant products)
March 1, 2005... Slim-Line fiberglass patio doors can withstand 171-mph winds, water penetration of up to 8 inches of rain per hour driven by 54-mph winds, and air infiltration equal to 25-mph winds, making them perfect for coastal areas, assures the maker. The...

Jeld-Wen.(Extreme force: a sampling of weather-resistant products)
March 1, 2005... Four stiles in AlternaPlus doors enable them to withstand extreme force, including hurricane-strength winds, the maker says. The four stiles are made of laminated veneer lumber, and the doors feature no-rot top and bottom rails. The doors do...

CertainTeed.(Extreme force: a sampling of weather-resistant products)
March 1, 2005... This company offers impact-resistant add-ons to its Bryn Mawr II and New Castle XT lines of vinyl windows. The windows, which feature an insulated glass unit with an interior piece of laminated glass, are designed to resist the impact of an...

Weather shield.(Extreme force: a sampling of weather-resistant products)
March 1, 2005... The LifeGuard line of impact-resistant windows and doors includes a plastic layer between two plates of glass, which provides extraordinary strength against hurricane-force winds, the maker says. LifeGuard products withstand winds up to 150...

Pella.(Extreme force: a sampling of weather-resistant products)
March 1, 2005... HurricaneShield windows and doors are made with a dual glazing system that sandwiches an interlayer between two plates of glass. This makes the laminated panes 100 times as rigid and five times as tear-resistant as other impact-resistant...

Crane performance siding.(Extreme force: a sampling of weather-resistant products)
March 1, 2005... CraneBoard Double 7 is 300 percent more impact resistant than standard vinyl siding, the maker claims. The siding also features Perform Guard backing, which repels insects such as termites and carpenter ants, according to the firm. CraneBoard...

Simpson strong-tie.(Extreme force: a sampling of weather-resistant products)
March 1, 2005... H9 hurricane ties are designed to connect roof framing to the exterior wall, lending greater resistance to strong winds, the maker says. The pictured H9 tie and its companion, HM9, are engineered to retrofit roof trusses and rafters for wood...

Creative Specialties International.(Show Offs)
March 1, 2005... Mason bathroom accessories, including towel bars and paper holders, install in one-third the time of traditional accessories as a result of the Pro-Fit installation system, claims CSI, a Moen company. The accessories feature a single-screw...

Sears.(Show Offs)
March 1, 2005... Kenmore Elite HE4t washers and dryers now come in champagne, Pacific blue, and Sedona. Driven by consumer demand for unique color choices, the washers and dryers allow homeowners to integrate appliances into main-level home settings rather than...

Makita.(Show Offs)
March 1, 2005... Two new cordless impact drivers now are available. Model 6935FDWDE (14.4 volts) generates torque at 1,240 inch-pounds while model 6980FDWDE (12 volts) has 1,110 inch-pounds of force. Both variable-speed models are compact (they measure 6 3/8...

Crossville.(Show Offs)
March 1, 2005... Available in a choice of 20 colors, Color Blox porcelain stone tiles come in hues that range from light neutrals to bold, vibrant tones. The 3/8-inch-thick flooring tile comes in 6-inch-by-6-inch, 12-inch-by-12-inch, and 18-inch-by-18-inch...

Zircon.(Show Offs)
March 1, 2005... Both the ProScanner and Multiscanner OneStep stud finders feature CenterVision technology, a capability that allows the tools to find the precise center of studs every time, assures the maker. Additionally, the tools have a safety feature that...

Kohler.(Show Offs)
March 1, 2005... ProFlex whirlpools now come in three new models--Tercet corner and Sunward 5- and 6-foot oval profiles. The acrylic baths feature flexible installation features such as a removable apron-front panel (Tercet only) and an additional pump location...

Alcoa home exteriors.(Show Roundup)
March 1, 2005... Oasis decking comes in both composite and PVC systems. Both product lines include full selections of deck, rail, and accessory components, such as post covers, spindles, post caps, and fascia boards. The composite product features a wood...

Bilco.(Show Roundup)
March 1, 2005... The Ultra series basement door, made from high-density polyethylene, is impervious to weather damage, rust, and corrosion, asserts the maker. It comes standard with powder-coated steel hardware and features a simulated wood texture....

DuPont.(Show Roundup)
March 1, 2005... Antique pearl, mosaic gold, and smoky topaz are the latest hues to be added to Zodiaq quartz surfacing. The taupe, gold, and multi-toned earth-brown shades can be used with other materials including wood, glass, metal, stone, and Corian solid...

Silver Line.(Show Roundup)
March 1, 2005... Series 1400 vinyl windows feature integral J channels, tilt-in top and bottom sashes, and 5/8-inch-thick insulated glass. They come in a wide range of sizes and styles and meet Energy Star guidelines. The products are guaranteed not to crack,...

Rinnai.(Show Roundup)
March 1, 2005... In addition to controlling the temperature of the hot water in the maker's tankless water heater, digital control pads also allow homeowners to watch television and listen to FM radio. The pads, which look like flat-screen televisions, are...

Jenn-Air.(Show Roundup)
March 1, 2005... Entertaining Essential appliances include a built-in wine chiller, an ice cube maker, and an under-counter refrigerator. The 24-inch wine chiller can hold up to 50 bottles of wine. Meanwhile, the ice cube maker can produce up to 35 pounds of...

Owens corning.(Show Roundup)
March 1, 2005... Three new insulating products were introduced at the show: The WeatherProtectR below-grade waterproofing system is designed for use with polystyrene foam applications; WeatherResist door and window flashing tape can be installed at 20 degrees...

Merillat.(Show Roundup)
March 1, 2005... Accents Collection feet, corbels, ornamental onlays, and molding inserts offer high-end, furniture-quality appeal for standard cabinetry, asserts the maker. The decorative accents come in three collections: Estero (a clean Mission style);...

G-P Gypsum.(Show Roundup)
March 1, 2005... The newest generation of DensArmor Plus interior wallboard is completely paperless; it features a new glass mat facing that finishes like paper-faced wallboard and offers moisture and mold resistance, claims the firm. The core of the product...

Senco.(Show Roundup)
March 1, 2005... Three new wide-crown staplers help you master a variety of tasks, from furniture building to lathing to roofing installation. Model PW200 drives 16-gauge, 1-inch-wide crown staples up to 2 inches in length while PWISOR handles 3/4-inch to...