Building Products articles from November 2004

Building Products archives from November 2004

Mark your calendar.(Editor's Perspective)
November 1, 2004... NOV. 30-DEC. 3 INTERNATIONAL POOL & SPA EXPO 2004. Las Vegas. For information call 972-536-6323 or visit www.poolandspaexpo.com. DEC. 6-8 REINVENTION 2004: THE NEXT AMERICAN HOUSE, national symposium sponsored by RESIDENTIAL...

Energy wise.(Editor's Perspective)
November 1, 2004... You'll notice this issue of BUILDING PRODUCTS is quite a bit different from our usual coverage of the latest wares to hit the market. This edition focuses solely on energy-efficient home building, a topic so important and timely that we decided...

American clay.(New Arrivals)
November 1, 2004... Earth Plasters for interior wall applications are applied like conventional plaster but are non flammable, resist mold growth, are easily repaired, and offer additional masonry mass in rooms, says the maker. Winner of the NAHB's Outstanding...

DAP.(New Arrivals)
November 1, 2004... CoVinyl-X9000 window and door foam sealant offers all the advantages of polyurethane foam, but none of the application issues, says the maker. The latex-based product cleans up with soap and water and is toolable when it's cured, unlike...

Masonite.(New Arrivals)
November 1, 2004... Featuring an energy-efficient core, the Belleville fiberglass door collection features a square-edge design and a new high-definition panel profile that reflects the look of wood. The doors are available in all traditional panel configurations...

New energy works timberframers.(New Arrivals)
November 1, 2004... Constructed of reclaimed woods such as Australian jarrah (shown), chestnut, elm, heart pine, redwood, and hickory, Woodworks bathtub surrounds are custom built to frame any tub installation. Fresh-sawn wood species also are available, as well...

Bruck lighting systems.(New Arrivals)
November 1, 2004... The low-voltage halogen Flex-Line track lighting system flexes for either curved or linear installations. The two-circuit system allows for extra illumination and for fixtures to be switched on one circuit or the other. Flex-Line can be...

Fisher & paykel.(New Arrivals)
November 1, 2004... The SmartLoad top-loading clothes dryer's drum tumbles forward and back in a reverse-tumble drying action to reduce creasing and tangling, and to improve the evenness of drying, the firm says. The full-size dryer has five cycles including...

Sirius range hoods.(New Arrivals)
November 1, 2004... The Sirius collection of range hoods in both wall-mount and island configurations feature a variable-speed exhaust system. Heat-overload sensors and delay-off timers aid operation. The hoods come in stainless steel and stainless steel and...

Benjamin obdyke.(New Arrivals)
November 1, 2004... Home Slicker Plus Typar bonds together Typar housewrap and the Home Slicker 3-D matrix moisture-eliminating rain screen, allowing builders to install twice the sidewall protection in half the time, the maker says. The product, which is...

Electrolux.(New Arrivals)
November 1, 2004... Designed to eliminate dust mites, pollen, plant spores, and tobacco smoke from the home, the Afuera central vacuum system features HEPA filtration that is guaranteed for the life of the product. The system's power unit can be placed in a...

US technology.(Product Spotlight)
November 1, 2004... Sealtech architectural concrete masonry blocks are made with 10 percent recycled high-strength plastic powder. Although they have comparable R and U values, Sealtech blocks are 10 percent lighter than standard block, claims the maker. Blocks...

Consolidated Plumbing Industries.(New Arrivals)
November 1, 2004... Dura-Pex crosslinked polyethylene (PEX) piping is an environmentally friendly, chemical-free alternative to copper tubing in residential applications, says the maker. PEX piping won't sweat (reducing the potential for mold growth behind walls),...

Humidifall.(New Arrivals)
November 1, 2004... The inwall Humidifall contains a fully functional humidifier capable of humidifying a 2,700-square-foot space while providing the aesthetic appeal of an indoor waterfall. A UV-light sterilizer, a hard water filter, and built-in auto flush...

Boral Bricks.(New Arrivals)
November 1, 2004... Providing the look and texture of stucco with the durability of brick, the PastelCote brick finishing system is available in nine new colors, including pastel buff, pictured. The product was reformulated to improve application and color...

Therma-Stor.(New Arrivals)
November 1, 2004... The Filter-Vent air-purifying ventilator combines fresh-air ventilation, air filtration, and indoor air circulation capabilities into one unit. The unit, which only uses 110 watts of electricity, is controlled by an on/off switch and can be...

InterfaceFlor.(New Arrivals)
November 1, 2004... Intended for residential applications, the modular carpet system consists of 20-inch-square tiles that come in various textures, weaves, patterns, and colors and install with peel-and-stick adhesive dots. The tiles are made from recycled...

Smith & Fong.(New Arrivals)
November 1, 2004... Smith & Fong. Durapalm flooring is manufactured with coconut palm, a readily available material that is harvested only after the coconut palms stop producing coconuts. The flooring's natural look derives from the material's dramatic variations...

Conklin's.(New Arrivals)
November 1, 2004... Conklin's. Taken from reclaimed structures and available in original condition, re-sawn, or custom-milled profiles, barnwood timbers can be used for flooring, siding, and beam applications to achieve antique looks. The timbers are...

SunPipe.(New Arrivals)
November 1, 2004... SunPipe. Up to 40 feet in length, SunPipe diffuses natural light throughout a room, saving energy costs because it makes the most of free sunlight, says the maker. Galvanized steel flashings and storm collars ensure the pipes don't leak and...

LP.(New Arrivals)
November 1, 2004... LP. Top Notch Orange Plus OSB is the firm's third subflooring option, offering more moisture resistance than standard Top Notch and a lower price point than premium Top Notch High Performance subflooring. The panels feature a self-draining...

KitchenAid.(New Arrivals)
November 1, 2004... KitchenAid. Featuring the Whisper Quiet Plus sound package, the Ensemble front-loading washer and dryer are offered in a Meteorite matte metallic finish. The washer, which has a 3.7-cubic-foot capacity, features 12 programs. The machines may be...

James Hardie.(New Arrivals)
November 1, 2004... James Hardie. The most recent addition to the Hardiplank line of lap siding, the Straight-Edge Shingle Plank is a durable, low-maintenance alternative to hardboard products, says the firm. The plank comes in a 12-foot length, is 8 1/4 inches...

Teragren.(New Arrivals)
November 1, 2004... Teragren. The firm's plank bamboo flooring can be glued, nailed, stapled, or floated on, above, or below grade. Formaldehyde-free adhesives and a water-based coating help the highly renewable, 100 percent bamboo layers maintain their...

CertainTeed.(New Arrivals)
November 1, 2004... CertainTeed. SpeedyR Bandit fiberglass insulation, designed for standard wood stud and TJI assemblies, will help conserve energy in new and remodeling projects, claims the maker. The product comes in 3 1/2inch-thick and 6 1/4-inch-thick unfaced...

GAF.(New Arrivals)
November 1, 2004... GAF. Offered as part of the company's Weather Stopper integrated roofing system, HeavenScape Premium skylights feature no-bracket installation, completely encapsulated weather stripping, a bottom apron sealing strip, and extra-wide flashing to...

Dimplex.(New Arrivals)
November 1, 2004... Dimplex. This electric wall-mounted fireplace, which operates off of a regular electrical outlet, doesn't require gas fittings, masonry, or plumbing. The firm says the unit produces a real fire look and can be hung anywhere in the home. It...

Knight-Celotex.(New Arrivals)
November 1, 2004... Made from 97 percent organic material (including recovered wood or sugarcane fibers), SoundStop fiberboard sound-deadening insulation can be installed in walls and ceilings to reduce noise and deaden the sound of footsteps. The square-edged...

TimberTech.(New Arrivals)
November 1, 2004... Composite fascia board, one of the firm's newest accessories, features a brushed finish on one side and a smooth surface on the other to complement both TimberTech decking planks and ornamental railing systems. The fascia board, which is...

Electrolux.(New Arrivals)
November 1, 2004... The Icon stainless steel dishwasher uses 100 percent filtered water and features a condensation system that decreases cool-down, time. The SmartSoil sensor constantly monitors the amount of food particles in the water and adjusts the cycle...

ODL.(New Arrivals)
November 1, 2004... Builder series 10-inch and 14-inch tubular skylights are Energy Star-qualified. The products feature the patented Solar Lens Dome, which increases light through the tube, says the maker. The dome is made of UV-resistant, non-yellowing acrylic....

EcoStar.(New Arrivals)
November 1, 2004... Made from a formulation of recycled rubber and plastics, Majestic Slate Beaver Tail roofing tiles provide Class A fire resistance and Class 4 hail resistance. The tiles feature rounded edges, slate-like clefting, and stone color variations that...

Cooper Wiring Devices.(New Arrivals)
November 1, 2004... Aspire switches, receptacles, slide dimmers, screwless wallplates, variable-speed fan controls, and other wiring devices all feature the line's signature curve motif and contrasting matte and low-gloss finish. The series comes in three two-tone...

Amsco.(New Arrivals)
November 1, 2004... Made with an alloy that is composed from four resins and wood fiber, Renaissance composite windows are priced at 10 percent to 15 percent less than wood windows. They come in white, almond, taupe, Sierra, bronze, and evergreen shades. Custom...

Heatilator.(Product Spotlight)
November 1, 2004... An air-management system on the FreshAir fireplace eliminates the need for a glass front. Instead, an integrated heat recovery ventilator provides a balanced combustion system that constantly ventilates at a rate of eight whole-house fresh air...

Providence Artworks.(New Arrivals)
November 1, 2004... Designed to look and feel like ivory, Tagua hand-carved cabinet knobs yellow with age like genuine ivory, even though they are made from palm trees, says the maker. A dozen shapes are available; no two pieces are exactly alike, says the firm....

Mountain Lumber.(New Arrivals)
November 1, 2004... Twenty-foot-long Ancient Chinese Elm timbers are being reclaimed from demolished 400-year-old Ming Dynasty structures to be milled into exquisite flooring, says the maker. Nails were never used, so nearly all of the 25-inch-thick logs can be...

In hot water tankless water heaters provide warm showers for the whole family.(Trends)
November 1, 2004... Most custom homes wouldn't be complete without a 70- to 100-gallon whirlpool tub and a high-output, jetted shower system in the master bathroom--plus showers and tubs in other bathrooms and large-capacity washers and dishwashers. All these...

Rheem Water Heaters.(Trends)
November 1, 2004... Delivering up to 7.4 gallons of water per minute, the Pronto RTG-74 tankless gas water heater has an easy-to-read digital display that allows homeowners to set their desired water temperature. The RTG-74 measures 24 inches high by 13 2/3 inches...

Rinnai.(Trends)
November 1, 2004... The Continuum tankless gas water heater delivers up to 8.S gallons per minute and features a digital temperature control pad that can be located anywhere in the home. The system can be set to exact temperatures to deliver hot water to multiple...

Takagi.(Trends)
November 1, 2004... Weighing 70 pounds, the Mobius T-M1 tankless gas water heater measures just 24 inches high by 18 inches wide and 9 inches deep. Its compact design allows it to be hung on an exterior or interior wall, or installed in a cabinet with proper...

Noritz.(Trends)
November 1, 2004... Designed for wall-hung installation indoors or outdoors, the N-069M Medium+ residential tankless gas water heater delivers 6.9 gallons per minute. The heater also features a TurboFlow capability that allows it to produce 7.9 gpm within a...

Controlled Energy.(Trends)
November 1, 2004... With an average efficiency rating of 87 percent, the Bosch ProTankless GWH 635 ES gas water heater delivers up to 6.35 gallons per minute and can supply two major applications at once, the maker says. Its compact size and direct-vent,...

Housing market outlook remains strong.(In the News)
November 1, 2004... The housing market remains relatively resilient, despite the financial market's uncertainty over the current pace of economic growth, which is being spurred in part by wild oil prices. While price appreciation and sales activity have...

Zero-energy homes can generate huge savings, but will builders and their clients pay the up-front costs?(On the Horizon)
November 1, 2004... Anderson Sargent Custom Builder's $949,000 entry in a September Parade of Homes in Dallas featured hot-water heat under a concrete floor, dual heat pumps for cooling, and super-efficient windows, lights, insulation, and appliances. "I've...

Blown away: pros and homeowners demand quiet and efficient bathroom fans.(Bath Products)
November 1, 2004... In an ideal world, all homeowners would have the interest and resources to purchase zero-energy homes that not only dramatically reduce their utility bills but also give energy back to the power grid. Although zero-energy homes are not an...

GE.(Bath Products)
November 1, 2004... Three residential bathroom ventilation fans include models BF125EM, BF100S, and BFL125UQ. The first is a 100-cfm, 3.5-sone unit that features a snap-in housing installation system; the second, an 80-cfm, 1-sone unit, is the firm's quietest fan...

Fantech.(Bath Products)
November 1, 2004... Energy Star-rated two-port bathroom exhaust kits allow a builder to ventilate several areas of a bathroom with a single remote-mounted fan. Unlike standard bathroom fans, the fan motor is mounted in the attic or away from the living area. Three...

Broan-NuTone.(Bath Products)
November 1, 2004... Available in 10 styles and a number of cfm levels, QT series bath fans feature sone levels that are up to 40 percent lower than industry standards, claims the maker. The Energy Star-rated fan/light models have fluorescent lighting and...

Air King.(Bath Products)
November 1, 2004... Part of the Deluxe Quiet Exhaust Fan series, Energy Star-approved fan/light units are UL listed for installation over a tub or shower on a GFCI circuit. Both the 80cfm (model AKSOLSL) and the 100-cfm (model AK100LSL) units use two compact...

American Aides.(Bath Products)
November 1, 2004... P-series in-line centrifugal fans can be used in horizontal or vertical installations. The Energy Star-rated products feature plastic housing and completely enclosed motors that prevent moisture penetration, asserts the maker. In addition to...

Panasonic.(Bath Products)
November 1, 2004... Designed to fit in tight installations, WhisperFit-Lite low-profile ventilation fans feature housing that measures 5 1/2 inches deep. The fans, which range in sound levels from .7 to 2 sones, are Energy Star-approved and are equipped with two...

Sun power: solar thermal hot water systems save energy and money.(Construction Products)
November 1, 2004... Not only does Bob Aresty of the Solar Energy Industries Association talk the energy-saving talk, he walks the walk. Aresty's beach home has a passive solar thermal hot water heating system because he says such systems are cheaper to operate and...

Solargenix.(Construction Products)
November 1, 2004... The new Winston series compound parabolic collector (CPC) is used for residential and commercial solar thermal systems; the unit uses non-imaging optics to focus sunlight onto a high-efficiency absorber tube, says the maker. Hot water systems,...

Sun Systems.(Construction Products)
November 1, 2004... CopperSun solar water heaters integrate into a home's plumbing and use city water pressure to heat water continuously, even during a power outage, the firm says. These integrated roof units are available in 30-, 40-, and 50-gallon sizes; the...

SunEarth.(Construction Products)
November 1, 2004... The firm makes solar water heating collectors and systems for residential and commercial applications. Products include the SolaRay closed-loop system, the SunSiphon (in open- or jacketed closed-loop configurations) system, and numerous...

Bright ideas: new solar products offer reduced electric bills and an integrated look, too.(Exterior Products)
November 1, 2004... Centex Homes saves $400 a month on electricity bills for a solar-powered model home at its new Aventura community in San Ramon, Calif. Project manager Jeff Jacobs says he hopes the energy savings will lure potential buyers into choosing solar...

GE Energy.(Exterior Products)
November 1, 2004... These roof-integrated solar systems blend seamlessly into the profile of concrete roof tile, and their interlocking design makes installation quicker than with traditional panels, according to the company, The modules weigh 18 pounds and are...

Evergreen Solar.(Exterior Products)
November 1, 2004... EC-100 series solar modules have spare terminals for pass-through wiring and four knockouts, which gives more installation options, according to the manufacturer. The firm also claims half as much silicon is used in the environmentally friendly...

Atlantis Energy Systems.(Exterior Products)
November 1, 2004... Sunslates are made by attaching modules to the exposed area of fiber-cement roofing shingles, making the resulting roof look much like a regular roof, the manufacturer says. Sunslates are compatible with tile, shake, metal, and composite roofs,...

Heliocol.(Exterior Products)
November 1, 2004... This company's pool heaters operate by using the existing pump to circulate water through pipes in solar panels. The sun heats these tubes, which take the water back into the pool until a desired temperature is reached. The polypropylene tubes...

Shell Solar.(Exterior Products)
November 1, 2004... PowerMax Ultra solar modules are 10 percent more powerful than other panels on the market, the manufacturer claims. PowerMax Ultra modules are designed to perform the best in limited space and have peak outputs of 175 watts and 165 watts at...

Sharp.(Exterior Products)
November 1, 2004... In addition to square and rectangular modules, the firm manufactures triangular panels designed to fit better on angled roofs. The modules come with black frames, trim, and clamps, which make the solar panels look like high-tech skylights, the...

Energy Photovoltaics.(Exterior Products)
November 1, 2004... The EPV-40 is a thin-film solar module with a power rating of 40 watts. The panel is laminated with ethyl vinyl acetate to provide an environmental seal, the firm says. The module weighs 27 pounds and measures 25 inches by 49 inches. Some...

Sanyo.(Exterior Products)
November 1, 2004... HIT solar modules are manufactured in a variety of sizes for both residential and commercial use. The cells are 200 micrometers thick and use less silicon than conventional 350-micrometer-thick panels, the manufacturer claims. The panels have...

BP Solar.(Exterior Products)
November 1, 2004... These solar panels come in monocrystalline and multicrystalline styles, as well as in small area modules. The monocrystalline versions are the most efficient in the industry, and the multicrystalline models are the most cost-effective, the...

Shine on: energy-saving compact fluorescent lighting has come a long way in style and performance.(Interior Products)
November 1, 2004... The next time Woodbury, Minn., custom builder Troy Hofmann sells one of his signature insulated-concrete homes, the structure will have two additional energy-saving features: compact fluorescent light bulbs and the pin-based fixtures that house...

Philips.(Interior Products)
November 1, 2004... Marathon compact fluorescent lamps look similar to incandescent bulbs, but have the added benefits of longer life and energy efficiency, the maker says. More than 90 percent of Marathon lamps are Energy Star-rated, according to the company. The...

Sylvania.(Interior Products)
November 1, 2004... The Dulux El line of compact fluorescent lamps can replace most standard incandescent bulbs, the maker says. The lamps give off soft, white light, similar to halogen bulbs, according to the company. The newest additions to the line include...

Westinghouse.(Interior Products)
November 1, 2004... NanoLux compact fluorescent lamps come in 34 style and color combinations. NanoLux ballasts include micro-electronic components, eliminating the large ballasts seen on other CFLs, the maker says. The lamps, available in 7- to 13-watt models,...

Panasonic.(Interior Products)
November 1, 2004... This reflector compact fluorescent lamp lasts for 10,000 hours and uses 23 watts to produce the light of an 85-watt incandescent, the maker says. The Energy Star-rated lamp consumes 70 percent less electricity than incandescent bulbs, and its...

MaxLite.(Interior Products)
November 1, 2004... MicroMax spiral compact fluorescent lamps fit all fixtures and last up to 8,000 hours, the firm says. The Energy Star-approved lamps feature flicker-free electronics and emit a natural warm color tone, according to the maker. The 30-watt lamp,...

TCP.(Interior Products)
November 1, 2004... Titanium dioxide coating on fresh2Ti bulbs reacts with the fluorescent light the lamps emit, breaking down bad smells in the air into odorless compounds, according to the firm. The 23-watt bulb will last for 10,000 hours and eliminate bad...

GE Lighting.(Interior Products)
November 1, 2004... Screw-in compact fluorescent lights (right and front), which fit standard sockets, feature incandescent-like color and flicker-free starting, the firm says. The Incandescent Shape lamp comes in 15- and 20-watt varieties--equivalent to 60- and...

Feit Electric.(Interior Products)
November 1, 2004... The company's Mini Twist Ecobulb produces over 70 lumens per watt, far exceeding Energy Star specifications. The company offers compact fluorescent products for any application, from dimmable reflectors to chandeliers to outdoor floodlights....

Brodwax.(Interior Products)
November 1, 2004... Bristol fixtures come with the company's Skydome acrylic smooth white diffuser. The BT 240 and BT 440, pictured here, accommodate two and four 40-watt incandescent bulbs, respectively. They measure 53 inches long and 21 inches wide and are...

Quoizel.(Interior Products)
November 1, 2004... The Isabella, Harlow, Omega, and Hurnado light fixtures are designed to accommodate energy-efficient compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs). The Hurnado, pictured here, features an imperial bronze finish, as well as champagne opal glass. The fixture...

Harmony.(Interior Products)
November 1, 2004... The SSS line of Harmony compact fluorescent lights features the company's shortest and most efficient lamps, which generate more than 70 lumens per watt, according to the maker. The SSS-30, pictured here, has a bulb height of 4.95 inches and a...

Progress Lighting.(Interior Products)
November 1, 2004... This foyer urn, part of the company's Savannah collection, is finished in burnished chestnut with an antique alabaster-style glass bowl and twisted rope and pineapple pattern details. The fixture accommodates two 18-watt CFL lamps and is Energy...

Thomas Lighting.(Interior Products)
November 1, 2004... This one-light, compact fluorescent die-cast aluminum outdoor wall bracket comes in a tile bronze finish with etched seeded glass panels. The electronic ballast provides reliable starting in temperatures as low as 0 degrees F. The unit is 7...

Sea Gull Lighting.(Interior Products)
November 1, 2004... The Brandywine wall sconce, which is Energy Star-approved, uses a 13-watt compact fluorescent lamp. The sconce has an antique bronze finish and champagne marble glass. It measures 9 3/4 inches in height, 6 inches in width, and extends 8 3/4...

Halo.(Interior Products)
November 1, 2004... H270 energy-efficient compact fluorescent downlights use 13- to 26-watt lamps and are Energy Star-qualified. Ideal for kitchens, baths, hallways, closets, laundry rooms, and utility rooms, among other areas, the housings accept a choice of 17...

Star attractions: star-rated appliances are key of a super-efficient home.(Kitchen Products)
November 1, 2004... During the late-1970s energy crisis, energy efficiency amounted to Jimmy Carter telling us to turn down our heaters and wear sweaters. Now, with the price and supply of energy again a concern, that element of compromise no longer exists...

Electrolux.(Kitchen Products)
November 1, 2004... The new Icon refrigerator, which is finished in smudge-resistant stainless steel, has 22.6 cubic feet of storage space. Alarms warn the homeowner if the door is open, if power is lost, or if temperature rises to unsafe levels. A digital panel...