Building Products articles from May 2005

Building Products archives from May 2005

Call back.(Editor's Perspective)
May 1, 2005... I know that I've griped about customer service before in my column, but it seems to be getting worse every year. It's particularly noticeable in big cities. Visit a fast food restaurant, a department store (except Nordstrom), or a gasoline...

Mark your calendar.(Editor's Perspective)(Calendar)
May 1, 2005... SEPT. 7-11 CEDIA EXPO 2005 Indianapolis. For information call 800-669-5329, or visit www.cedia.net. OCT. 12-15 REMODELING SHOW Baltimore. For information call 800-681-6970, or visit www.theremodelingshow.com. OCT....

LP WeatherBest.(New Arrivals)
May 1, 2005... Tuscan walnut, a deep brown hue, is the latest color option for the Premium Grain composite decking line. Reversible decking boards install like wood and feature a random graining pattern over a rough-sawn board finish. Other color options...

Armstrong.(New Arrivals)
May 1, 2005... Updated Memories and Successor vinyl resilient flooring lines have upscale appearances at mid-range price points, claims the maker. Patterns mimic stone, ceramic, and wood and come in six designs in a selection of five colors each. Both lines...

Zephyr.(New Arrivals)
May 1, 2005... Inspired by the functionality of a matchbook cover, the Shade range hood features interchangeable front panels that are available in glass, copper, clear heat-resistant material, and wood configurations. It comes in 36-, 42-, and 48-inch...

SunTouch.(New Arrivals)
May 1, 2005... The redesigned programmable FloorStat floor-warming control for radiant heat flooring systems is easy to install and program, assures the maker. It comes in 120-and 240-vac configurations and features three program settings: comfort, economy,...

Vetter.(New Arrivals)
May 1, 2005... New options for wood windows and patio doors include a brick red standard clad color offering, nine choices in interior trim profiles, and alder as a premium wood species for interior frames and sashes. These options allows pros to create...

Heat & Glo.(New Arrivals)
May 1, 2005... Designed for more intimate spaces, the Soulstice direct-vent gas fireplace has a depth of just 16 1/4 inches, allowing it to be installed in nearly any size master suite or other room. It comes standard with a remote control and features a...

Eliane Ceramic Tiles.(New Arrivals)
May 1, 2005... Made from materials that reflect Brazil's natural beauty, Amazonika mosaic and decorative tiles can be used in both floor and wall applications. Coco da Bahia, (coconut fiber) mesh-mounted sheets, selva and quartzo (bamboo and quartzite stone),...

GE.(New Arrivals)
May 1, 2005... The Monogram Wine Reserve and the Monogram Beverage Center now are available with privacy glass doors that allow homeowners the choice of displaying the contents or hiding them behind opaque, liquid-crystal laminate glass. The Reserve holds up...

EB-TY.(New Arrivals)
May 1, 2005... Hidden deck fasteners can be used in all kinds of decking materials including woods and composites. The polypropylene fasteners come in five profiles and are safer than nails and screws--they don't pop up and don't allow moisture to seep into...

Epoch Composite Products.(PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT)
May 1, 2005... Elements composite decking dual-finish reversible boards install simply with common tools and fasteners. The decking comes in Cape Cod gray, redwood, or weathered wood tones and has a 10-year limited warranty against rotting, splintering,...

Gentek.(New Arrivals)
May 1, 2005... Venetian red and classic brown are the latest additions to the premium Sequoia Select vinyl siding line. These two dark hues feature a compound that provides superior color retention despite exposure to sun, heat, heavy rain, salt water, and...

Little Giant Pump.(PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT)
May 1, 2005... The TSW sump pump has a self-diagnostic design and water-sensing mechanism to guard against failure and guarantee accurate activation and de-activation functioning, asserts the company, Pump performance is rated at 40 gallons per minute at 10...

Nevamar.(New Arrivals)
May 1, 2005... Inspired by handmade rice paper from China, the Papier laminate series comes in traditional high-pressure and LamMates thermofused panel configurations for a variety of applications. Series colors include cache, a yellow/green shade with blue...

Hy-Lite.(New Arrivals)
May 1, 2005... The new glacier pattern option for the firm's line of glass block windows gives a ripple effect to the overall window, the maker says. The ultra-obscure pattern is available on the 100 new window sizes the company now offers. Glass block...

GranitiFiandre.(New Arrivals)
May 1, 2005... Ceramic Paradise and Shiva Gold surfacing lines have the texture, appearance, and structure of granite, but are harder and more resistant to staining than granite, asserts the maker. Paradise comes in polished and honed finishes in...

Gracious Living Limited.(New Arrivals)
May 1, 2005... The Maxit garage storage system from this Royal Group Technologies firm incorporates a slat wall system that supports gardening tools, sports equipment, and much more. Pros can customize storage solutions for their clients with modular Maxit...

Tarkett.(New Arrivals)
May 1, 2005... Nafco PermaStone modular vinyl tiles allow pros and homeowners to create upscale, elegant designs, claims the maker. Seven tiles comprise one modular unit: two 16-inch-by-16-inch tiles, three 8-inch-by-8-inch pieces, and two 8-inch-by-16-inch...

Progress Lighting.(New Arrivals)
May 1, 2005... Recommended for bathrooms of no more than 65 square feet, the Venetian bronze 70-cfm bath fan is relatively quiet at 3.5 sones, asserts the maker. The product features frosted melon glass. Lighting fixtures for all areas of the home also are...

Panasonic.(New Arrivals)
May 1, 2005... Recent improvements to both WhisperCeiling ceiling-mounted ventilation fans and WhisperLite fan/light/nightlight combination ventilation fans ensure that they're the quietest in the industry, claims the maker. All are Energy-Star qualified and...

Rohl.(New Arrivals)
May 1, 2005... The industrial shape of the Gotham Spout faucet suggests smoke stacks on a luxury ocean liner or the architecture of towering skyscrapers, explains the firm. Part of the Michael Berman bath collection, the faucet comes in five finishes in a...

W.A.C. Lighting.(New Arrivals)
May 1, 2005... Designed with special connectors that eliminate the need for wire nuts, under-cabinet fluorescent light bars are easy to install and energy efficient, says the firm. They can connect end to end for continuous runs and only require one hard-wire...

BlueLinx.(New Arrivals)
May 1, 2005... LakeShore composite decking and railings come in cedar, driftwood, and redwood tones. The decking cuts, drills, and nails like genuine wood with standard tools and features a slip-resistant finish. Railing components include 2x2 balusters, 4x4...

Delta.(New Arrivals)
May 1, 2005... Pictured in aged pewter, a new finish, the Lockwood lavatory faucet is part of an entire suite of products. Two two-handle 4-inch center-set and mini widespread faucets are included in Lockwood. Roman tub faucets, towel bars, and the firm's...

Halo.(New Arrivals)
May 1, 2005... Three energy-efficient compact fluorescent downlights are the latest addition to this Cooper Lighting brand's IC family of residential recessed housings. The H270 family, which uses 13- to 26-watt lamps, is Energy-Star qualified; the housings...

SEI Chemical.(PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT)
May 1, 2005... The firm's mold prevention/remediation product line includes seven products including mold preventative and disinfectant sealer sprays, mold- and odor-eliminating stain sealers, mold-resistant primer coatings, and long-term mold- and...

Meyda Tiffany.(New Arrivals)
May 1, 2005... Fused art-glass pendants feature dramatic handkerchief glass shapes and styles. Shades measure 9 inches in diameter, although the height of each handcrafted pendant can be custom sized. Six color combinations are available with a choice of...

Powers Fasteners.(New Arrivals)
May 1, 2005... PowerStick, an all-purpose adhesive and sealant, bonds, caulks, and seals a wide range of materials including concrete, tile, wood, metal, plastic, and polystyrene. The all-in-one product can replace a number of different products, asserts the...

HAI.(New Arrivals)
May 1, 2005... The security and home automation control systems maker is introducing a suite of wireless security products designed to complement Omni home-control systems. Included are a 64-zone supervised wire receiver, a three-zone door/window transmitter,...

Danze.(New Arrivals)
May 1, 2005... Available in both mini-spread and wide-spread configurations, Tiburon collection lavatory faucets come in brushed nickel as well as satin black, a new finish. The faucets have helical wire handles that complement a number of decors. Tiburon...

Field2Base.(New Arrivals)
May 1, 2005... The ConstructConnect jobsite communications platform consists of a Tablet PC and operating software. It makes all paper forms digital, maintains revision control of all documents, allows for CAD access, and even allows users to send and receive...

Specialty Concrete Products.(New Arrivals)
May 1, 2005... Stone Shade, a blend of solvents and acrylic resins, adds color to stamped, textured, and acid-stained concrete surfaces. The product comes in 17 standard colors and four premium shades; it is compatible with most acrylic sealers and can be...

Republic.(New Arrivals)
May 1, 2005... Diamond pattern V-grooving now is available on picture, casement, slider, and all other window styles the company makes; in the past, the pattern was only available to a maximum width of 78 inches. Now, it can be created up to a 96-inch width...

Jenn-Air.(PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT)
May 1, 2005... Reflective black or white glass panels are available on a wide range of the firm's appliances including select refrigerators, dishwashers, built-in wall ovens, and warming drawers. The panels extend beyond the face of the appliances, hiding...

Therma-Tru.(New Arrivals)
May 1, 2005... Craftsman-style American Style collection fiberglass doors feature clean, simple lines, square edges, and a wide, full-length lock block. The doors, which can be painted or stained, are available with optional upgrades including...

Bosch.(New Arrivals)
May 1, 2005... Designed for constant chipping, the 11320VS chipping hammer offers pros the highest removal rate of any hammer its size with the appropriate accessories, affirms the maker. The tool can remove tile, leftover concrete, plaster, mortar, and more....

ThermaSol.(New Arrivals)
May 1, 2005... FastStart technology, a new steam-producing process for SteamShower, Pro Series, and Ambiance Pro steam bath systems, enables the units to start producing steam in a matter of seconds instead of the typical five co 10 minutes. Generators,...

RSI home products.(New Arrivals)
May 1, 2005... Estate bathroom cabinetry offers attractive, affordable solutions for storage needs, asserts the maker. The Bristol series line, pictured, features a patented bottom drawer to maximize storage space. The series, along with most Estate products,...

Mannington.(New Arrivals)
May 1, 2005... The newest generation of Revolutions laminate flooring is created with NatureForm Optix, a technology that allows for precise embossing, the firm says. Planks come in 5-inch-wide profiles and have foiled beveled edges. Designs include...

Crystal Window & Door Systems.(New Arrivals)
May 1, 2005... Series 5500 double-hung aluminum windows are the latest addition to the maker's extensive collection of vinyl and aluminum windows and doors. The double-hung unit features a 3 1/4-inch jamb, dual-pane insulated glass, tilt-in sashes, and more....

Franke.(New Arrivals)
May 1, 2005... The latest addition to the Orient Express line of vintage-style faucets, the single-post pullout sprayer unit offers a contemporary look with an antique flair, claims the firm. The design comes in polished chrome or satin nickel with a ceramic...

Marvel.(New Arrivals)
May 1, 2005... Part of the Chateau line, models 8SWC and 8SBAR offer the largest capacities of any under-counter refrigerators on the market, asserts the firm. The 30-inch designs feature UV-resistant tempered glass doors, recessed lighting, and glide-out...

Vanity Flair.(New Arrivals)
May 1, 2005... Shown in black walnut with a rice paper insert, the Mini Nikko vanity's look of the Orient can create a Zen-like atmosphere in the bathroom, claims the company. The unit measures 27 inches by 24 inches by 32 inches and is available with two...

Crane Performance Siding.(PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT)
May 1, 2005... Designed to guide excess moisture away through release holes at panel bottoms, SmartTrack diagonal-grooved channels are the latest enhancement to the Solid Core Siding line. The siding features the firm's Purple foam backing. Solid Core Siding...

Lennox.(New Arrivals)
May 1, 2005... Part of the Signature collection, G61V furnaces are the quietest gas models currently on the market, claims the firm. The Energy-Star rated products run at low speed up to 80 percent of the time and feature two levels of heat output for more...

Going, going, gone? Environmental restrictions are making oil-based paints and stains scarce in some areas.(Trends)(Reprint)
May 1, 2005... This past New Year's Day, painters in the Mid-Atlantic states woke up with more than a hangover. New regulations that significantly reduce the allowable content of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in most paints and stains took effect on Jan....

Program helps make solar products affordable.(In the News)
May 1, 2005... The Massachusetts Technology Collaborative has just launched a $5 million rebate program to help consumers buy renewable energy systems. A case in point is Brian Holland, who owns nearly 3 acres of land in Framingham, Mass. Last year he built a...

Prefab housing actually can be quite fabulous.(In the News)
May 1, 2005... Cool, sleek, and well-built are just a few ways to describe the new generation of houses made from prefabricated components. Some of the niftiest examples were created recently by architecture students at the University of Kansas in...

Homeland security: thieves steal $4 billion a year from American jobsites. Here are 10 steps to help protect yours.
May 1, 2005... Jobsite theft is a huge concern of nearly all contractors. Thefts of backhoes and other heavy equipment, tools, building materials, and appliances cost the home building industry S4 billion a year and inflate the cost of the average new home by...

DeWalt.(A SAMPLING OF JOBSITE SECURITY PRODUCTS)
May 1, 2005... Sitelock uses wireless sensors to monitor areas or pieces of equipment at a location. The base unit and the sensors can communicate up to 2,000 feet away, says the firm. Intruders who try to remove tools or supplies, enter a protected area, or...

TELC.(A SAMPLING OF JOBSITE SECURITY PRODUCTS)
May 1, 2005... This backhoe lock immobilizes the steering wheel and drive control, says the maker. The company says its lock is the only one on the market that fits every model of backhoe, including those dating back to the 1950s. In addition to backhoes, the...

Bosch.(A SAMPLING OF JOBSITE SECURITY PRODUCTS)
May 1, 2005... The tool manufacturer's new Safe & Sound tool tracking system and service plants radio-frequency identification tags, which house a small computer chip and antenna, inside a new or used tool. The RFID tag allows a site manager to scan tools...

LoJack.(A SAMPLING OF JOBSITE SECURITY PRODUCTS)
May 1, 2005... The Ruggedized LoJack System is designed to protect heavy equipment like backhoes and forklifts. The unit is water-, dust-, and chemical-resistant, the maker says. When a vehicle is stolen, the LoJack database sends a signal to the missing...

JustRite.(A SAMPLING OF JOBSITE SECURITY PRODUCTS)
May 1, 2005... The High Security Safety Cabinet hides expensive fuels and chemicals from thieves with the help of a 1/4-inch-thick steel bar across the front of the unit, says the manufacturer. The bar is supported by two brackets welded onto the door fronts,...

Kryptonite.(A SAMPLING OF JOBSITE SECURITY PRODUCTS)
May 1, 2005... The manufacturer says its Chain & Padlock is designed for use in the highest risk locations. The lock uses a disc-style cylinder and keys, and the lock has a 1/2-inch steel shackle. The trapezoidal shape of the chain, which is made of boron...

Tattletale Portable Alarms.(A SAMPLING OF JOBSITE SECURITY PRODUCTS)
May 1, 2005... The Tattletale has a built-in motion detector and a 115-decibel alarm. Unlike other security systems, the Tattletale doesn't have a phone line a thief could cut to disconnect it, the maker says. When the alarm is triggered, it sends signals to...

CPS Security.(A SAMPLING OF JOBSITE SECURITY PRODUCTS)
May 1, 2005... The ECam mobile surveillance unit includes four to six fixed or mobile cameras and lights on a 25-foot pole. The unit can record what it sees on an internal DVR tape, or it can send video to a monitoring station via a DSL telephone connection....

Most wanted: the 100 products that readers wanted to know more about.(Cover Story)
May 1, 2005... Bathroom ventilation, standby generators, home automation products, and tankless water heaters don't have much in common; however, they share the distinction of being some of the building products that you want to know the most about. Over...

Delta Faucet Company has been an industry leader for more than 50 years.(#1 brand leader Delta)(Advertisement)
May 1, 2005... Meeting the needs of builders and their homebuyers has always been a top priority for Delta Faucet Company. In fact, they recently introduced the following products (among many others) at K/BIS 2005 in Las Vegas. * Simply PUR[R] Water...

Safe and sleek: ADA-compliant products are in vogue for bathrooms.(Bath Products)
May 1, 2005... Rosemarie Rossetti was an active, healthy woman until a 3 1/2-ton tree crushed her spinal cord in 1998. Before then, she never dreamed that the simple act of getting in and out of the shower would be so complex. Now the public...

Panel party: in the battle of the building materials, it's plywood vs. OSB. Which is better?(Construction Products)(Reprint)
May 1, 2005... Maynard, Nigel F. In a building-trade chat room last year, a contractor in Chicago posed a question: "What are your guys' thoughts? We pretty much hate OSB. We've found it to have problems with expansion, and it is softer underfoot than...

Beyond brick: alternative claddings entice homeowners to take a look at the other side of siding.(Exterior Products)(Reprint)
May 1, 2005... Exterior claddings such as cedar, stucco, and brick beautify homes all across the country, but they aren't the only choices out there. Innovative materials, commercial products, and rare metals can add an updated twist to renovations or give a...

Modern moldings: polyurethane products offer pros complex designs but easy installations.(Interior Products)
May 1, 2005... When Barbara Meyer started her architectural molding company 21 years ago, she tried to get customers to consider the polyurethane products she carried. "They all said, 'Thanks, but we use wood,'" recalls Meyer, president and owner of MJB...

Hot tops: manufacturers fuel their latest cooking surfaces with a powerful dose of gourmet features.(Kitchen Products)
May 1, 2005... In a survey conducted by the National Kitchen & Bath Association, more than 40 percent of its responding members cited that product innovation combined with a more knowledgeable consumer were driving forces in their business. Indeed, these...

High-definition homes: easy-to-use design software brings house plans to life.(Tools & Equipment)
May 1, 2005... Armed with only her expertise, lots of patience, and a laptop, architect Wendy Welton makes four-hour house calls. She spends the time discussing and designing additions and I remodeling projects for her clients homes, a task that is much more...

All clad: with good looks and impact-resistant features, aluminum- and vinyl-clad windows prove why they're tops with homeowners.(Windows & Doors)
May 1, 2005... Increased strength, unique profiles and wood species, and an expanding selection of hardware and finishes are the reasons why aluminum- and vinyl-clad windows continue to be popular with pros and homeowners. From hurricanes in Florida to...

Metal detector.(Product File)
May 1, 2005... Hilti. The PS 200 Ferroscan detects rebar and other ferrous objects in concrete. It can determine the rebar's depth, diameter, and location. The system includes a scanner and a monitor. When the scanner is run across the surface of the...

Bench storage.(Product File)
May 1, 2005... Commerce Welding and Mfg. The Bench Slide Mount accessory is designed to keep workbenches free from clutter, the firm says. The adjustable unit allows pros to slide bench-mounted tools (such as miter saws, grinders, vices, and more) under the...

Storage ratchet.(Product File)
May 1, 2005... Ready Products. Ideal for many metalworking applications, the Ready Ratchet self-storing socket system stores sockets in a snap-in locking socket tray in the tool handle; a quick-release cap keeps the sockets secure when not in use. The Ready...

Resealable paint tray.(Product File)
May 1, 2005... Prazi USA. The SealPro resealable non-stick polypropylene paint tray comes with a plastic lid that locks onto the tray, forming an airtight seal; the lid displaces 95 percent of the air in the sealed area to keep paint and rollers fresh for...

Work gloves.(Product File)
May 1, 2005... MidWest Quality Gloves. Wolverine brand knit work gloves feature a non-slip textured rubber coating on the palms and fingertips for easy gripping, the firm says. The gloves have knit wrists to keep dirt out and come in small through extra-large...

Concrete vibrators.(Product File)
May 1, 2005... Multiquip. MGX series concrete vibrators are lightweight hand-held units that are ideal for short pours, small walls, and footings, the firm asserts. Two models with six head sizes are available; frequencies range from 200 to 15,500 vibrations...

Metal saw blade.(Product File)
May 1, 2005... Camel Grinding Wheels. Made with zirconia aluminum, the angle iron chop saw blade can cut all ferrous metal, including thick stock. The blade cuts iron/steel bar, metal decking and cable, pipe line, walls studs, high-tensile steel, and...

Protective envelope.(Product File)
May 1, 2005... Easi File. Designed to protect maps, plans, and drawings, the Pro-One transparent protective envelope is made from durable polyethylene. It accommodates documents of 24-inch-by-36-inch and 30-inch-by-42-inch sizes, and is available with top or...

Appliance acquisition.(IN THE NEWS)
May 1, 2005... Fisher & Paykel has purchased Dynamic Cooking Systems (DCS) for $33 million. According to Fisher & Paykel executives, DCS cooking products complement Fisher & Paykel's collection of laundry and kitchen products. The firm now can offer a...

Floor coatings.(Product File)
May 1, 2005... Veron Coating Systems. Simulating the look of natural granite and terrazzo finishes, the maker offers a wide range of coatings for concrete surfaces. Granite-Coat UV and Granite Coat UV Lite exterior products offer protection from UV light;...

Green building products guide.(Product File)
May 1, 2005... BuildingGreen. The fifth edition of the GreenSpec Directory of environmentally preferable products now is available. The 464-page guide includes more than 1,850 product listings for designers, builders, and other housing industry professionals....

Mold/mildew inhibitor.(Product File)
May 1, 2005... Solutionex. Designed for interior and exterior applications, Miltrol mold and mildew inhibitor bonds to a variety of surfaces to form a durable, invisible, protective coating. The non-toxic formula is biodegradable, odor free, and won't stain....

Nut drivers.(Product File)
May 1, 2005... Klein Tools. Metric nut drivers range in size from 4 to 11 millimeters, have a 3-inch shank, and can be purchased individually or as a seven-piece set. The drivers feature cushion-grip handles, color-coded handle ends for quick identification...

Readers choose top 100 products.(TOP 100 PRODUCTS)(Advertisement)
May 1, 2005... When you read through your latest issue of BUILDING PRODUCTS and an intriguing new product catches your eye, you want to know more about it. Each year thousands of readers fill out the reader service card to request more information from the...

Amarr Garage Doors.(TOP 100 PRODUCTS)(Advertisement)
May 1, 2005... Since 1951, Amarr Garage Doors has been known and respected for its standard of excellence in both product quality and customer service. Over the years, Amarr has grown to be an industry leader by making product improvement a priority. ...

Builders diversify their options with VACUFLO.(TOP 100 PRODUCTS)(Advertisement)
May 1, 2005... Homebuyers look for lifestyle enhancements in the homes they build. Comfort, convenience, safety and health top the list. Builders who can provide enhanced living environments have the advantage in today's market. VACUFLO[R] Central...

JELD-WEN[R] products provide high quality for builders.(TOP 100 PRODUCTS)(Advertisement)
May 1, 2005... JELD-WEN[R] IWP[R] Interior Door Systems Every JELD-WEN[R] IWP[R] Interior Door is meticulously crafted with stunning architectural details not found on most interior doors. These doors help you create a cohesive look for the home, acting...