Building Products articles from May 2003

Building Products archives from May 2003

Take a chance. (Editor's Perspective).
May 1, 2003... Each year, BUILDING PRODUCTS publishes a list of the top 100 products that readers wanted more information about. The list, which appears in this issue, is an eclectic mix of product innovations, high-end wares, problem solvers, and time-saving...

DuPont. (New Arrivals).
May 1, 2003... DuPont. Acorn blue pebble, delta sand, doeskin, willow, and graphic blue are the six newest colors of Corian solid surfacing. With the exception of graphic blue, the new colors were inspired by minerals like copper and iron, says the maker. The...

Rheinzink. (New Arrivals).
May 1, 2003... Rheinzink. These zinc gutters are soldered together so they're structurally connected and waterproof, the firm says. They come standard in half-round and box-type styles but also can be customized. The two finishes are bright rolled and...

Vieluxe. (New Arrivals).
May 1, 2003... Vieluxe. The firm offers 44- and 56-inch gas grills. Both models feature warming racks, smoker burners, infrared rotisserie burners, two side burners, and rotisseries. The stainless steel grills also come standard with center-mounted...

KitchenAid. (New Arrivals).
May 1, 2003... KitchenAid. The Briva in-sink dishwasher, which fits in a 42- or 48-inch cabinet, is housed in one side of a double-basin sink. The dishwasher's spray arm and rack can be removed so that the dishwasher side can be used as a sink, too. A cutting...

Kinetico. (New Arrivals).
May 1, 2003... Kinetico. Measuring 19 1/2 inches by 18 inches by 8 1/4 inches, the compact 2020c water softener can fit just about anywhere, the maker says. The appliance, which operates with block or pellet salt, is powerful enough to provides softened water...

Jenn-Air. (New Arrivals).
May 1, 2003... Jenn-Air. The warming drawer can hold up to four 11-inch dinner plates. It features a variable temperature control, four pre-set temperature settings, variable moisture control, a one- to four-hour automatic off timer, a continuous-on option,...

Woodgrain Millwork. (New Arrivals).
May 1, 2003... Woodgrain Millwork. These American red oak doors come in 6-foot 8-inch, 7-foot, and 8-foot heights in all popular widths. The panel doors, which are laminated onto a pine core, are available in interior passage, French, and bifold styles. The...

Merillat. (New Arrivals).
May 1, 2003... Merillat. Portrait cabinetry has straight lines and right angles so it can blend into almost any decor, says the maker. The recessed-panel line can be used in kitchen and bath applications; home entertainment and home office cabinetry also are...

Comfortmaker. (New Arrivals).
May 1, 2003... Comfortmaker. The PS90-DV 40-inch gas furnace can be installed in upflow, downflow, or left- or right-horizontal configurations. The sealed-combustion, two-pipe design features the Honeywell SmartValve II electronic hot-surface pilot ignition...

Walker Zanger. (New Arrivals).
May 1, 2003... Walker Zanger. Gramercy Park ceramic tiles come in braided, beaded, and floral designs in espresso, hazelnut, brownstone, walnut, Hamptons beige, Victorian green, fountain grass, tea leaf, wedgewood blue, pipe smoke, heirloom white, and bone...

Sunrise Specialty. (New Arrivals).
May 1, 2003... Sunrise Specialty. Measuring 28 inches by 22 inches by 34 inches, this vintage console lavatory is shown with a satin-nickel faucet for a classic look, says the maker. The lav comes in two additional sizes; the faucet also is available in...

Owens Corning. (New Arrivals).
May 1, 2003... Owens Corning. Berkshire laminated asphalt roof shingles have the look of slate, says the manufacturer. The shingles are available in seven slatelike and five designer colors. Hip and ridge shingles are available also. The line has a limited...

Royal Crown. (New Arrivals).
May 1, 2003... Royal Crown. Deck Lok vinyl decking features a snap connection system without any exposed fasteners for a uniform look, says tile maker. The decking comes in light and dark sandalwood finishes and has a wood-grain texture and appearance....

Beam. (New Arrivals).
May 1, 2003... Beam. The Serenity Plus central vacuum system features the CleanStream filtration system that traps dust on a thin surface membrane, then sheds it onto the collection receptacle when the unit is turned off. The system can be installed in...

Caesarstone. (New Arrivals).
May 1, 2003... Caesarstone. The Concetto line of quartz surfacing, which can be made into countertops, vanities, and furniture, features semi-precious stones. Available in six styles, the line comes in 1-inch-thick slabs and is heat-, scratch-, and...

Integrity. (New Arrivals).
May 1, 2003... Integrity. This sliding French door features a pine interior, a fiberglass exterior, a dual-point lock, an easy-glide roller track, pre-assembled frames, and pre-hung panels. The door comes in three heights and two colors and is available in...

MW. (New Arrivals).
May 1, 2003... MW. Freedom Revere vinyl-clad double-hung and casement windows are available in more than 900 sizes. The double-hung windows feature 5/8-inch-thick insulating glass and tilt-latch systems for easy cleaning. The casement windows feature...

Hurd. (New Arrivals).
May 1, 2003... Hurd. Redesigned casement and awning windows feature sashes that are built before the glass is installed, making it easier to replace the glass in the future, without having to replace the entire window. They feature glazing beads that conceal...

Barclay. (New Arrivals).
May 1, 2003... Barclay. Shown in an under-counter application, the Emma basin also can be used in drop-in applications. The vitreous china bowl features a smooth finished rim and is available only in a white finish. The company also manufactures lavatories,...

Martco. (Product Spotlight).
May 1, 2003... Martco. The Grid panel system features surface-printed cutting and nailing lines that assist in the installation of roof sheathing, side walls, subflooring, and siding. The grid marks are easy to read and increase accuracy and efficiency in...

U.S. Tile. (New Arrivals).
May 1, 2003... U.S. Tile. Available in Tuscan and French profiles, Montoro clay roof tiles come in an extensive range of colors in matte and high-gloss finishes. Montoro tiles have a water absorption rate of less than 6 percent, making them safe for use in...

Timberlake. (New Arrivals).
May 1, 2003... Timberlake. Maple mocha and cherry chocolate glazes are available on Rushmore-style doors in the Portfolio Select brand of cabinets. Mocha is a dark brown glaze that settles into the recesses, corners, and grooves to add definition and a rich...

Nevamar. (New Arrivals).
May 1, 2003... Nevamar. Bravissimo collection laminates are available in five granite designs in gray, green, coral, and pink shades. Shown with edges from Regency, a molding manufacturer, the countertop pictured features Nevamar's patented wear-resistant...

DuPont. Designed to protect homeowners from tornadoes by acting as a safety net and deflecting windborne debris, the Storm Room features Kevlar sheathing inside reinforced wall panels. (New Arrivals).
May 1, 2003... DuPont. Designed to protect homeowners from tornadoes by acting as a safety net and deflecting windborne debris, the Storm Room features Kevlar sheathing inside reinforced wall panels. The shelter, which is available in several rectangular...

Toto. (New Arrivals).
May 1, 2003... Toto. Part of the Traditional line, universal-height Promenade pedestal lavatories come in 27 1/2-inch-by-22 1/4-inch and 24-inch-by-19-inch basin sizes. Measuring 35 inches tall, the lavs stand 3 inches higher than standard pedestal sinks so...

Swanstone. (New Arrivals).
May 1, 2003... Swanstone. Made from Veritek, the firm's compression-molded composite material, these neo-angle shower walls can be installed directly on stud framing or existing drywall. The panels fit a 38-inch-by-38-inch area and have built-in storage...

CraftMaster. (New Arrivals).
May 1, 2003... CraftMaster. MiraTec exterior composite trim is factory-primed for easier painting. One side of the board features a cedar texture, and the other has a smooth finish. The trim comes in 1G-foot-long boards in two thicknesses. The boards can be...

Simonton. (New Arrivals).
May 1, 2003... Simonton. The Colonial casement vinyl window features a K-bar design to give it the appearance of a double-hung. It is available in sizes ranging from 28 1/2 inches wide by 46 1/2 inches high to 36 inches wide by 60 inches high. Double-strength...

Marvin. (New Arrivals).
May 1, 2003... Marvin. The Casemaster window features a number of improvements, including a new screen placement that is set back against the sash to allow room for hardware operation and window treatments, one-piece aluminum sash extrusion for fewer seams,...

C2. (New Arrivals).
May 1, 2003... C2. This company's primers, interior latex, solid stain, and exterior latex paints are fade resistant, says the maker. The 496 colors include bright hues as well as more subdued earth tones. The firm will update its color palette every two...

Shakertown. (New Arrivals).
May 1, 2003... Shakertown. Made from Western red cedar, Craftsman panels feature concealed nailing and overlooking end joints for a seamless appearance. The panels measure 8 feet long and come in a 7-inch profile. They install up to six times faster than...

Syngenta. (New Arrivals).
May 1, 2003... Syngenta. The Impasse subterranean termite protection system is a tough, multi-layered polyethylene barrier containing a chemical that prevents termites from entering the home through tiny cracks and crevices, says the firm. Panels of the sheet...

GAF. (New Arrivals).
May 1, 2003... GAF. Improved Country Estates fiberglass asphalt shingles now feature a double row of Dura Grip self-seal adhesive to help them resist wind. Two colors, brownstone and cottage red, have been added to the palette. Country Estates shingles are UL...

Bates and Bates. (New Arrivals).
May 1, 2003... Bates and Bates. The Clarita above-counter basin is 7 3/4 inches deep. Shown in wild bronze, the bathroom sink is part of the Artistry in Ceramics Weathered collection. Other sink styles also are available in a variety of finishes and in...

Style Solutions. (New Arrivals).
May 1, 2003... Style Solutions. This flexible molding can arch and curve in multiple directions for interior and exterior trim applications. The molding is available in profiles that complement the firm's linear designs. It comes pre-primed and features a...

Senco. (New Arrivals).
May 1, 2003... Senco. RoundStrip nails offer all the benefits of standard round-head framing nails but are collated at a 34-degree angle to fit nearly any clipped-head framing nailer. Collated in angled, dense packs with the nails nested shank to shank,...

Whirpool. (New Arrivals).
May 1, 2003... Whirlpool. Measuring 68 inches tall, the steel Dry Aire clothes-drying cabinet features two fold-down shelves for flat drying, a top shelf to hang up to eight garments, and three door racks that can hold accessories. A temperature control keeps...

Stanley. (Product Spotlight).
May 1, 2003... Stanley. The N88RH-2MCN two-in-one framing nailer performs both framing and metal-connecting tasks, The tool features a metal-connector trip that helps the user line up the holes in metal connectors and set the fasteners. Push-button technology...

Rheem. (New Arrivals).
May 1, 2003... Rheem. The PowerVent 2 induced-draft gas water heater can be vented vertically or horizontally. It features an electronic ignition and an electronic control that measures energy flow and pressure. The PowerVent 2 is available in 40- and...

American Standard. (New Arrivals).
May 1, 2003... American Standard. Providence furniture-style bathroom pieces have a hand-distressed, weathered white finish accented with antique-style brass hardware in a bronze finish. The collection includes 32-and 24-inch-wide vanities, a 76-inch-tall...

Weather Shield. (New Arrivals).
May 1, 2003... Weather Shield. Available with wood or extruded-aluminum exteriors, these double-hung tilt windows feature spring-loaded latches that retract upon touching the frame to prevent scraping and make an audible click when reengaged. Specialty glass,...

L.B. Plastics. (New Arrivals).
May 1, 2003... L.B. Plastics. Part of the Sheerline series, this PVC decking features a more comfortable and forgiving surface for walking barefoot but still is slip-resistant, says the maker. The decking comes in white, beige, and gray. Other products,...

Silver lining: radiant barriers are an effective but little-known tool to reduce heat gain and loss. (Trends).
May 1, 2003... Although radiant barriers aren't new, some manufacturers believe a lot of people--including builders and remodelers--don't know much about their insulation products. "Our biggest challenge is educating people on their capabilities," says...

?Se habla Espanol? Hispanic workers are becoming a driving force in the U.S. home building industry. What do their language and cultural differences mean to builders and the homes they construct? (The Language of Home Building).
May 1, 2003... These days, a growing number of Hispanics are working in construction all over the country. Because many of don't read English--or even Spanish--builders and subcontractors are turning to product manufacturers in communicating installation and...

Tell me more! From labor-saving tools to stainless steel appliances, here are the products Building Products readers wanted to know more about. (Product picks: top 100).
May 1, 2003... EACH YEAR, THOUSANDS OF READERS REQUEST INFORMATION from manufacturers about hundreds of products and materials shown on the pages of BUILDING PRODUCTS and its sister publications BUILDER, CUSTOM HOME, and REMODELING. These products typically...

Universal appeal: a growing number of manufacturers offer bath products that are accessible to all users--old, young, and in between. (Bath Products).
May 1, 2003... Although builders and remodelers are very receptive to universal design, there's just one caveat, says Leon Harper, a housing consultant specializing in universal design and former manager of housing at the American Association of Retired...

Solar challenge: a competition showcasing solar homes puts energy-efficient construction in the spotlight. (Construction Products).
May 1, 2003... College students from across the country want builders and homeowners to know that sun-powered homes are really cool. To promote solar energy as a viable alternative, the U.S. Department of Energy along with several building product...

The wood alternative: composite decking grows in popularity as competition increases, colors expand, and prices fall. (Exterior Products).
May 1, 2003... For Rick Shore's clients, having a deck to enjoy Brooklyn, Mich.'s scenic lake views is a must. Spending time maintaining a deck, however, is not part of the itinerary, which is why composite decking grows in popularity with his customers each...

Faucet frenzy: a multitude of finishes and pullout styles rules the kitchen. (Kitchen Products).
May 1, 2003... Anything goes in kitchen faucets these days, from contemporary single-lever models, to traditional two-handle styles, to sleek, modern pullouts. And there is a plethora of finishes at all price points to satisfy every taste. According to...

Cabinet installer's toolbox: with the right tools (and tricks) cabinet installations can be faster and more profitable. (Tools & Equipment).
May 1, 2003... Whether you install a kitchen a week or a half dozen customs a year, having task-specific tools on site increases both productivity and quality. From layout to lifting and scribing to screwing, check out some of the tools that can help you...

Opening statement: hardware manufacturers are offering fabulous finishes to satisfy the anything-but-brass crowd. (Windows & Doors).
May 1, 2003... Just as a pair of glossy gold cuff links adds a finishing flourish to a Saturday-evening dress suit, the hardware on an entry door is the jewelry that dresses it up. "The experience someone has at the front door starts the impression of...

Paint scrapers. (Product File).
May 1, 2003... Warner Tool. Soft Grip Carbide 100X paint scrapers feature tungsten carbide blades and are 10 times sharper and last 100 times longer than ordinary blades, says the maker. Available in six profiles, the scrapers feature screw-in grip caps that...

Latex stain. (Product File).
May 1, 2003... Thompson's WaterSeal. Water Seal Deck and House acrylic latex stain helps all exterior wood resist water and UV damage and mildew, the firm says. It is available in 117 colors including 67 solid and 50 semi-transparent shades. The firm...

Grout saw. (Product File).
May 1, 2003... Marshalltown. Featuring the firm's DuraSoft handle with a finger guard, the grout saw also features a thumb rest on top of the aluminum body directly over the maximum pressure point for greater comfort, says the firm. The saw has a 2-inch...

Floor adhesives. (Product File).
May 1, 2003... DAP. Most of the products in the Weldwood floor covering line are low-VOC rated and come in new easy-to-open plastic tubs with handles. The line includes multi-purpose floor adhesive, general purpose floor adhesive, sheet flooring adhesive,...

Concrete saws. (Product File).
May 1, 2003... Multiquip. FS2 concrete saws have new frame designs for improved operator efficiency and comfort, consoles with improved control layout, removable back consoles for easy servicing, and redesigned lifting bails. The units feature a standard...

Reel hook. (Product File).
May 1, 2003... C.H. Hanson. The End-Mate swivel-action chalk-line reel hook for carpentry work makes it possible to accurately snap lines on angle, corner-to-corner, and sub-floor work, says the firm. The two-piece stainless steel tool features a dual-hook...

Flexible flashing. (Product File).
May 1, 2003... Grace. Vycor Plus self-adhering flexible flashing protects against water infiltration in window and door openings, corner boards, and sills. The flashing sticks to the substrates and seals around fasteners. Other waterproofing products,...

Conduit cutter. (Product File).
May 1, 2003... Gardner Bender. The GPC-125 conduit cutter can cut flexible, watertight flexible, and schedule 40 PVC conduit from 1/2 to 11/4 inches thick. It features a safety release button and an automatic blade return to ensure the blade is exposed only...

Scaffolding. (Product File).
May 1, 2003... Quickproducts. Easy Up scaffolding can be erected to siding, fascia board, or soffit attachment points. It consists of three sets of aluminum support pieces and can be assembled by one person using 2x6 lumber and 2-foot-by-10-foot planking....

Duct sealant. (Product File).
May 1, 2003... Hardcast. Foil-Grip 1402 181BFX duct sealant can be used in both indoor and outdoor applications. The UL 181-listed rolled sealant grips onto sheet metal, duct board, flex duct, PVC-coated duct, and duct wrap vapor barriers and is the perfect...

Truck bed tray. (Product File).
May 1, 2003... Durakon. The CargoPro truck bed tray can hold up to 1,250 pounds. Like the original 750-pound-capacity model, the CargoPro features a skid-resistant polyethylene tray mounted to an extruded aluminum frame and bearings that provide smooth...

Pull saws. (Product File).
May 1, 2003... Vaughan & Bushnell. Mini-Bear series saws are designed for tree pruning, PVC cutting, and woodworking. Each of the three models features 7-inch blades with color-coded handles. The pruning saw can slice through 2-inch-thick tree branches; the...

Truck topcoat. (Product File).
May 1, 2003... Reading. Powder Coat Finish, an optional topcoat for service bodies, protects trucks against humidity, chemicals, salt, and UV rays. The coating is applied with high-voltage spray equipment and dries to a white finish that allows the body to...

Paint markers. (Product File).
May 1, 2003... Sakura. Solidified paint Solid Markers permanently mark all surfaces including steel, iron, aluminum, plastic, rubber, vinyl, glass, concrete, and wood. Designed for unlighted areas, the markers are available in white, black, blue, red, green,...

Specialty nails. (Product File).
May 1, 2003... Deniston. Hot-galvanized nails feature four layers of zinc coating to fight corrosion. Many specialty nails are available, including carbon steel NeoNails for steel, aluminum, and fiberglass panels; E-Z Seal nails with silicone washers to form...

Waterproofing membrane. (Product File).
May 1, 2003... Laticrete. Watertight Floor 'N Wall Waterproofing is made up of green liquid rubber and a reinforcing fabric. The liquid is applied to the substrate with a paint roller while the fabric is embedded into the liquid in coves and corners. One the...

Stain remover. (Product File).
May 1, 2003... Edgewater Industries. Pour-N-Restore concrete and masonry stain remover removes oil, grease, antifreeze, brake fluid, transmission fluid, and wax stains from concrete driveways, garage floors, walkways, patio pavers, and stones. The...

Leviton won't acquire OnQ. (In The News).
May 1, 2003... Leviton Manufacturing is terminating its plans to acquire OnQ Technologies, a leading supplier of home networking products. Leviton announced Jan. 15 it would acquire OnQ to integrate the Leviron LIN and DHC lighting products with the OnQ line...

Events.
May 1, 2003... JUNE 17-20 PACIFIC COAST BUILDERS CONFERENCE, Moscone Center, San Francisco. For information call 800-956-7469 or visit www.pcbc.com. SEPT. 3-7 CUSTOM ELECTRONIC DESIGN AND INSTALLATION ASSOCIATION EXPO, Indianapolis Convention...

Make a statement: interior doors made of distinctive woods create focal points in your clients' homes. (Finishing Touches).
May 1, 2003... Jeld-Wen. Knotty hemlock interior doors are crafted from selected Western hemlock and are available in four- and six-panel styles in heights up to 7 feet. Premium wood interior doors also come in cherry, mahogany, hickory, maple, oak, and...