Building Products articles from November 2005

Building Products archives from November 2005

Mark your calendar.(Calendar)
November 1, 2005... DEC. 5-7 REINVENTION 2005: THE NEXT AMERICAN HOME Coral Gables, Fla. For information call 888-584-5665 or e-mail reinvention2005@hanleywood.com DEC. 7-9 LUXURY KITCHEN AND BATH COLLECTION Miami Beach, Fla. For information call...

Info savvy.(Editor's Persfective)
November 1, 2005... As you've read in past columns, my husband and I are undertaking a large-scale home remodel and addition to our three-bedroom Colonial in the suburbs of Washington, D.C. I'm happy to report that construction of the addition is well under way....

Autumn abundance: fall into some new products this season.(New Arrivals)
November 1, 2005... Sea Gull Lighting. The Ambiance line of 120-volt pendant lights expands to 12 vintage glass styles with the addition of the caramel swirl, vanilla creme, and Fuego varieties. The kit comes with a glass shade, pendant assembly, and mounting...

Alcoa.(PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT)
November 1, 2005... For tastes ranging from slightly off-kilter to totally off the wall, DreamColor's 700 shades are anything but typical. In addition to its baseline colors, the company also offers a custom-match program. The Studio A design center service...

Gentek.(New Arrivals)
November 1, 2005... Promising superior colorfast performance, the company has added two new darker colors to its Sequoia Select vinyl siding line. Venetian red (shown) and classic brown have fade-defying technology that retains color and improves the siding's...

Vintage.(New Arrivals)
November 1, 2005... This outdoor kitchen line is an all-in-one culinary system, the maker claims. The collection features a 56-inch gas grill with ceramic under-fire infrared burner and a smoke enhancer. With two marinating drawers, the all-weather refrigerator...

Royal Group Technologies.(New Arrivals)
November 1, 2005... Available in brite white, oak, and cherry finishes, the Heirloom molding line features a polymer styrene casing with smoothed or embossed profiles. Clearwood, a part of this series, is a natural wood-grain and coating process. The collection,...

Royal Crown.(New Arrivals)
November 1, 2005... Combining the natural look of wood with the resilience of vinyl, the Harmony Select decking system captures the best of both worlds, says the manufacturer. The material is made of natural fibers and is protected by a weather-safe resin. It...

Knape & Vogt.(New Arrivals)
November 1, 2005... The KV Virtu kitchen storage collection includes a pull-down shelf, plate rack, pantry system, and organizer baskets, shown here. The baskets feature solid wood cutlery trays, glass canisters with solid wood tops, and heavy-duty wire dividers....

Bosch.(New Arrivals)
November 1, 2005... The built-in phone control makes the Easy series Intrusion Control Panel accessible from any phone, including phones in the home, the maker says, and all functions are controlled by a voice interface. This security system uses a graphic-based...

Snap-on Tools.(New Arrivals)
November 1, 2005... Heavy-duty interchangeable drawers and detachable slides allow for customization on the Classic 78 roll cab (model KRA2411). The cabinet's seven drawers can handle up to 250 pounds of tools. The unit features the Lock 'n' Roll system to prevent...

California Faucets.(New Arrivals)
November 1, 2005... The manufacturer is now offering its decorative faucets in the "custom faucetry" process, meaning any handle can be paired with any finish. Because 25 styles and more than 30 finishes are available for lavatory faucets, nearly limitless...

Plain & Fancy.(New Arrivals)
November 1, 2005... Glamboyant kitchen cabinetry combines high style with functionality, the firm claims. The red units with glass open with crystal knobs; in contrast, the pull-out base drawers, a library shelf, and a lazy Susan add practicality. Two three-tiered...

RotoZip by Bosch.(New Arrivals)
November 1, 2005... The Jigsaw Handle Attachment Kit fits o nearly a of the company's spiral saw models. It provides users with a comfortable soft-grip handhold for guiding the tool 360 degrees in any direction, which eliminates the need for users to constantly...

Scotsman.(New Arrivals)
November 1, 2005... Designed for built-in installations, the 15-inch-wide wine storage unit can store up to 32 bottles of wine on six racks. The storage configurations can be adjusted to fit any size bottle, claims the company, and three temperature zones ensure...

Kenmore.(New Arrivals)
November 1, 2005... Located in the maker's Ultra Fresh refrigerator door, the Fresh-n-Ready Bin provides easy access to fruits and vegetables, the maker says. The produce is kept at 40 degrees F or lower and consists of three separate compartments, including a...

Baci.(New Arrivals)
November 1, 2005... Hand-blown glass shades beautify the Murrina Glass G-9 halogen series. The low-voltage wall fixtures feature Venetian-style, cased white opal glass shades with multicolored millefiori accents. Finishes include chrome, brass, and satin nickel....

Hi-Tek Rubber.(New Arrivals)
November 1, 2005... The firm's simulated shingles and shakes offer durability and low maintenance; UV, ozone, and oxidation resistance; and a Class A fire rating, according to the maker. The shingles and shakes are excellent insulators against heat and cold, says...

Monarch.(New Arrivals)
November 1, 2005... Offered in four colors, the Armonia glazed porcelain line mimics the look of limestone, the maker asserts, and featues irregular depressions and pockets of calcification. With tile sizes up to 20 inches, the collection also includes an array of...

Metabo.(New Arrivals)
November 1, 2005... This cordless impact driver includes a battery system that conduction-cools both the battery and the charger to the best charging temperature for a 30 percent reduction in charging time and enhanced service life, the maker says. The SSP 12,...

HomeCrest Cabinetry.(New Arrivals)
November 1, 2005... With a wide range of cabinets and accessories, the Bayport White series possesses a cottage style with casual beadboard detailing, according to the firm. The collection can be used in numerous applications, including the kitchen, bath, dining...

Exaktime.(New Arrivals)
November 1, 2005... The battery-powered Jobclock resists dust, grime, vibration, and spray and locks down anywhere on a jobsite. Workers clock in and out with keytabs carried on their keyrings. Attendance records are collected from each unit using a handheld...

Jenn-Air.(PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT)
November 1, 2005... Moving forward from the stainless steel era, floating-glass-panel appliances create a shiny kitchen. Smooth, opaque glass fronts make for a clean, glossy appearance on refrigerators, dishwashers, ovens, and other appliances. The glass panes...

SunTouch.(New Arrivals)
November 1, 2005... Designed for large floor heating needs exceeding 15 amps, the GroupStat control divides the application into zones with individual units. Because a master thermostat, available in programmable and non-programmable versions, links and controls...

Reiker.(New Arrivals)
November 1, 2005... The Room Conditioner is a ceiling fan and heating unit in one appliance. It efficiently heats a 10-by-10-by-20-foot room and monitors the temperature, the maker says. A computer-controlled transmitter maintains the desired temperature. The...

Temple-Inland.(New Arrivals)
November 1, 2005... Type TG-C is a new formula for the company's fire-rated gypsum wallboard. It's UL-approved for almost twice as many applications as its Type-C and Type-T predecessors. Manufactured in 1/2- and 5/8-inch thicknesses, a 4-foot width, and lengths...

Lutron.(New Arrivals)
November 1, 2005... The Maestro IR remote control dimmer allows homeowners to program light settings. The infrared remote control can be used up to 30 feet away from the dimmer and installation is quick and easy, the maker says. 877-258-8766. www.lutron.com....

Pittsburgh Corning.(New Arrivals)
November 1, 2005... Because its panels are pre-fabricated, the Standard Fit glass-block shower is easy to work with, contends the firm. After the base and panels are installed, grout finish has to be added to the panels before mounting a shower door available in...

Franke.(New Arrivals)
November 1, 2005... This line of triple-bowl undermount sinks features two large compartments to contain kitchen messes and a disposer area, according to the company. Because the sinks are crafted out of high-quality stainless steel, the maker claims the shine...

Abatron.(New Arrivals)
November 1, 2005... This manufacturer is now offering to replicate architectural elements, such as corbels, finials, moldings, medallions, and reliefs, that may have been lost or damaged. For the service, the firm requires a photo of the original pieces,...

Barclay Products.(New Arrivals)
November 1, 2005... With a spout suspended from the faucet body, the Jeannette single-handle faucet features a unique design. The faucet houses a washerless ceramic-disc cartridge tested for 1 million opening and closing cycles, says the firm. It comes in chrome,...

Drill Doctor.(PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT)
November 1, 2005... The new family of drill-bit sharpeners features a streamlined profile, greater durability, and easier handling, says the manufacturer. The repackaged line helps contractors choose which drill is right for them, says the maker. All sharpen...

Trikeenan Tileworks.(New Arrivals)
November 1, 2005... Each of the maker's tile and trim pieces is available in more than 50 glaze colors, including Indian red, shown. The fireplace pictured is crafted from 4-inch and 6-inch field tiles, with decorative and trim pieces like 4-inch Ellington flower...

Richlite.(New Arrivals)
November 1, 2005... This paper-composite material is especially appropriate for kitchen applications because it can withstand moisture, ranges of temperatures, and is durable, the company contends. It is designed to withstand heavy use, the maker says, and resists...

Lumber Liquidators.(New Arrivals)
November 1, 2005... Nirvana V3 laminate flooring comes in 3 1/2- by31 7/10-inch strips with an embossed wood image and a true bevel between each plank for a more authentic wood look. The flooring is protected with moisture-resistant hardboard and has a...

Rothenberger.(New Arrivals)
November 1, 2005... The Super Fire 3 MAPP/Propane torch includes five different burner tips. The unit features a gas adjustment for precise flame, a swirl flame tip that enables the flame to wrap around the fitting, and a twist-and-lock system that shuts off the...

Industrial Specialties.(New Arrivals)
November 1, 2005... Available in a number of sizes and styles, these heavy-duty fittings made from reinforced nylon are chemical resistant, the manufacturer says. Available for use in air, vacuum, and liquid systems, the fittings can be used in applications...

Kohler.(New Arrivals)
November 1, 2005... Inspired by plumbing fixtures of the early 20th century, the Bancroft suite combines modern styles with design history, says the maker. A variety of lavatories, toilets, acrylic baths, whirlpools, faucets, and decorative accessories are...

W.A.C. Lighting.(New Arrivals)
November 1, 2005... Available in low- and line-voltage systems, Precision Modules specification-grade multiple recessed spotlights are designed to offer many lighting choices, says the maker. The number of lamps can be changed as needed. The spotlights come in...

Flex-ability Concepts.(New Arrivals)
November 1, 2005... Able to achieve a 15inch radius, the Flex Lite can be used for light-duty framing applications, says the maker. Each piece is 3 5/8 inches by 10 feet long and includes 20 pivotal sections. The Flex Lite is made from 25-gauge G-40 galvanized...

Progress Lighting.(New Arrivals)
November 1, 2005... Inspired by the casual spirit of the British colonial isles, the Savannah collection is Energy Star rated. The lighting line comes adorned with Alabaster glass, a burnished chestnut finish, pineapple pattern accents, and twisted rope details....

Zephyr.(New Arrivals)
November 1, 2005... Inspired by the movie Casablanca, the Bogart ventilation hood features a stainless steel chimney, tempered glass, and halogen lighting. The Bogart comes in 36- and 42-inch models and houses a 600-cfm blower and an in-line 1,000-cfm blower....

Stairtek.(New Arrivals)
November 1, 2005... Due to a removable layer, these pre-finished wood stairs can be installed during construction and protected until move-in day, states the manufacturer. The wood, which is treated to prevent wear, comes with a 25-year warranty for residential...

Perlick.(New Arrivals)
November 1, 2005... As an alternative to box-style refrigerators, these refrigerated doors can be freestanding or built in to match cabinets, says the maker. The doors come in stainless steel or with a wood overlay meant to match existing cabinets. The drawers...

Sterling.(PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT)
November 1, 2005... The only one of its kind, the Stor-ganize shower door contains integed plastic storage shelves and two hooks, the manufacturer claims. The glass door fits most standard 5-foot baths or showers in two width options. It also comes in a model that...

Well-equipped: check out three electronic essentials for the ultimate smart home.(Trends)
November 1, 2005... Consumers want electronic stuff--and lots of it. According to a nationwide survey conducted by the Internet Home Alliance (IHA), homeowners show a strong interest in technology ranging from appliances to entertainment systems. IHA surveyed...

Report tallies Katrina's impact to homeowners.(In the News)
November 1, 2005... In a report, the NAHB estimates that a large share of the more than 200,000 homes in New Orleans were "damaged beyond repair" by Hurricane Katrina and its aftermath. This compares with about 28,000 housing units destroyed by Hurricane Andrew in...

Cement shortage on the rise.(In the News)
November 1, 2005... The Portland Cement Association (PCA) reports that about 30 states are experiencing regional cement shortages, and the numbers could rise because of unprecedented demand for cement, fueled in part by record single-family housing starts. In...

Weathering the storm: will a devastating hurricane season cause product shortages and prices spikes? Only time will tell.
November 1, 2005... Custom builder Phil Hoffman has "hit the brakes" on plans to construct the 15 houses he usually puts up every year around Laplace, La., 25 miles from downtown New Orleans. Instead, he will help the two dozen friends and family members who are...

Plain, fancy, or in between: manufacturers offer bathroom cabinets for every taste and budget.(Bath Products)
November 1, 2005... There seems to be a bathroom cabinetry trend for every taste: In Iowa, the favored look is traditional and rustic. In Florida and other coastal areas, it's breezier and lighter. In Washington, D.C., Old World is out but conservative is in. ...

The drain game: new housewraps offer better moisture protection along with increased air infiltration management.(Construction Products)
November 1, 2005... Originally designed to prevent air and water infiltration, housewrap products now place a greater emphasis on managing moisture: that is, preventing water intrusion from the exterior while allowing wetness from inside the home to escape the...

Natural impressions: durability and realistic looks make synthetic roofing an attractive alternative to slate and wood shakes.(Exterior Products)
November 1, 2005... The craftsmanship required to work with delicate, costly materials provides a lasting cachet in the custom home market. But with increasing focus on green building as well as low maintenance, interest is swelling in alternative...

Versa-tile: in shape, color, or application, anything goes when it comes to selecting tile.(Interior Products)
November 1, 2005... Just a few years ago, Houston builder Gary Bumpass decorated bathroom after bathroom with 4 1/8-inch squares of shiny white ceramic tile. Today, he's lining shower walls and powder room floors with earthy-colored squares as big as; 20 inches,...

It's a wash: the latest dishwashers offer quiet operation, energy efficiency, and good looks too.(Kitchen Products)
November 1, 2005... When installing a kitchen, pros may focus on high-end ranges or convection ovens to tempt buyers. But some appliance manufacturers say the quality of the dishwasher can help ensure that a home buyer is truly satisfied after the sale. ...

Fire power: a growing number of pneumatic tools offer features for specific applications and are easier to use, too.(Tools & Equipment)
November 1, 2005... Pneumatic tools are getting easier to use and more specific to the task at hand, and they come with increased safety features. That means more options for framing and trim pros, who distributors say have become increasingly responsible for...

Built-in security: impact-resistant glass takes the market by storm.(Windows & Doors)
November 1, 2005... By the end of next year, heavy-duty, impact-resistant windows will come standard in all new WCI Communities homes along the hurricane-prone Florida coast--even though local codes allow builders to substitute less-expensive accordion or...

Totally tubular.(Windows & Doors)
November 1, 2005... Daylighting is becoming more important in new and remolded homes, and one of the common ways builders remodeled incorporate daylighting is by installing skylights. Tubular skylights, which feature a light-capturing system on the rooftop that...

Orbit Mfg.(HEATING CABLE)
November 1, 2005... The Nexans radiant heating cable is designed for both exterior and interior heating needs, says the company. The cable's polyethylene-covered copper conductor wire core, with ground wire and metallic sheath, is protected from the elements by a...

W.R. Meadows.(CONCRETE SEALER)
November 1, 2005... Designed for decorative concrete applications such as swimming pools and interior floors, Decra-Seal W/B is a non-yellowing, easily applied liquid sealer, says the company. According to the firm, when compared with standard curing and sealing...

C.H. Hanson.(MEASURING WHEELS)
November 1, 2005... Available in 4-inch and 13inch wheel sizes, SpeedMeter electronic measuring wheels measure up to 10,000 feet/inches, 10,000 yards/tenths, or 10,000 meters/centimeters. They feature a large LCD display with a digital readout and selectable...

LoggerHead Tools.(WRENCH/PLIERS COMBO)
November 1, 2005... As a hybrid of an adjustable wrench and pliers, the 8-inch Bionic Wrench equally distributes force around the workload, the firm claims. According to the company, the wrench automatically sizes and grips 16 nuts and bolts. The tool can be used...

Knee Blades.(KNEE PADS)
November 1, 2005... Winner of a Best New Product award from this fall's Remodeling Show, Knee Blades consist of a tapered knee pad mounted on a three-wheel roller base and attached to the body with a single strap. Because the pad is able to rotate 360 degrees, the...

Klein Tools.(POWER RULE)
November 1, 2005... This power-return rule features a large magnetic dual-end hook for easy one-person measurements and work with ferrous metals. Available in 16-, 25-, and 30-foot lengths as well as a 7 1/2-meter length, the rule is double-sided with easy-to-read...

Ridgid.(BOLT CUTTER)
November 1, 2005... With jaws crafted from specially heat-hardened alloy steel, this bolt cutter can cut metals up to 42 RC hardness and resists wear, says the maker. The handle design and rugged handle grips enhance control for cutting such materials as rod, wire...

AquaOne Technologies.(WATER MONITOR)
November 1, 2005... AquaOne Technologies. Designed to monitor, detect, and stop tank toilet leaks and overflows, the H2ORB is a compact, self-contained sensing unit driven by a Texas Instrument-supplied microprocessor. Two wireless sensors attach to the toilet...

Safety maker.(GUARDRAIL SYSTEM)
November 1, 2005... Because the SurShield Guardrail system clamps onto the edge of concrete slabs up to 11 inches thick, drilling is not necessary for installation, the maker says. This OSHA-compliant guardrail incorporates the company's Safety Boot, which is...

Greenlee.(SPADE BITS)
November 1, 2005... Designed to allow users to get through the entire thickness of wood, these self-feeding spade bits feature a threaded/ toothed and tapered head design that requires less force while drilling, thereby reducing vibration and fatigue, the firm...

Morse Technologies.(DECK RAIL BRACKETS)
November 1, 2005... The super-strong connection of DeckLok brackets meets IRC 2000 safety code requirements by protecting the weak bonds of rail posts, ledger boards, and stair stringers. According to the company, the brackets enhance the pull-out strength of deck...

Anthing goes: the possibilities are endless when designing with tile.(Finishing Touches)
November 1, 2005... Appiani. Anthologia mosaic and small-format tiles are available in 36 mottled shades with a semi-sheen glaze, as well as metal ceramic finishes. A variety of modular sizes, including the 1-by-2-inch brick mosaics shown, come pre-mounted on...