Building Products articles from September 2003

Building Products archives from September 2003

Mark your calendar.
September 1, 2003... OCT. 15-18 ENERGY & ENVIRONMENTAL BUILDING ASSOCIATION (EEBA) 2003: EXCELLENCE IN BUILDING CONFERENCE. Marriott LincoInshire Resort, Chicago. For information call 952-881-1098 or visit www.eeba.org/conference. OCT. 16-18 SUNBELT...

Silent killer.(Editor's Perspective)
September 1, 2003... Carbon monoxide gas kills several thousand Americans each year and sickens thousands more. So is there any reason why you aren't installing carbon monoxide (CO) detectors in all your new or remodeled homes? CO is an odorless, colorless,...

Hansgrohe.(Fall harvest: plunge into this season's crop of new products to enhance your homes.)
September 1, 2003... Measuring 6 inches across, the Raindance handshower is twice the width of traditional handshowers, says the maker. It features five spray settings and comes with a matching rotating showerhead holder that grips the showerhead, allowing the user...

Ceramic tiles of Italy.(Fall harvest: plunge into this season's crop of new products to enhance your homes.)
September 1, 2003... Shown at the Italian Pavilion at Coverings 2003, Kerex's Seeta series tiles come in a wide range of colors and sizes and have a '70s-style feel, says the maker. Accent pieces also are available. Many tiles were featured at the show encompassing...

Silestone.(Fall harvest: plunge into this season's crop of new products to enhance your homes.)
September 1, 2003... Insink quartz countertop and stainless steel sink fabrications are available in single-basin, double-basin, and offset double-basin kitchen models. The seamless integration limits the collection of water, dirt, food particles, and mold where...

Aristokraft.(Fall harvest: plunge into this season's crop of new products to enhance your homes.)
September 1, 2003... Taller bath vanities are more ergonomically suited to taller users and can be used alone or in tandem with standard-size units in his-and-hers bath suites, says the maker of the new 35-inch-tall bath vanities. The 11 new models are available in...

Tulikivi.(Fall harvest: plunge into this season's crop of new products to enhance your homes.)
September 1, 2003... Made from Finnish soapstone, these fireplaces retain heat longer than brick, says the firm. The fireplaces come in 40 models and custom designs and are built on-site by a qualified installer for each application; a bake oven is optional....

Aquatic Whirlpools.(Fall harvest: plunge into this season's crop of new products to enhance your homes.)
September 1, 2003... The Serenity X airbath features 60 air jets in a traditional claw-foot design. The Lucite cast-acrylic bath measures 72 inches by 40 inches, comes with a waterproof remote control, and has three massage settings: continuous bubble action, wave,...

Amana.(Fall harvest: plunge into this season's crop of new products to enhance your homes.)
September 1, 2003... The 25-cubic-foot Easy Reach Plus bottom-feezers refrigerator features an extra 3 cubic feet of storage space. It features a temperature-controlled chef's pantry door to accommodate deli trays and platters, while the freezer features a pullout...

Electrolux.(Fall harvest: plunge into this season's crop of new products to enhance your homes.)
September 1, 2003... Frigidaire stainless steel kitchen appliances feature curved handles and digital controls for a sleek appearance and precise performance. The line includes several cooktops and dishwashers, a warming drawer, a built-in wall oven, and a...

IWT.(Fall harvest: plunge into this season's crop of new products to enhance your homes.)
September 1, 2003... The Tesoro porcelain collection features tiles, borders, and accents for floor and wall applications. All pieces are available in a variety of size variations in a total of 145 designs. Metallic accents also are available. Tesoro also includes...

Bosch.(Fall harvest: plunge into this season's crop of new products to enhance your homes.)
September 1, 2003... Five- and 6-inch random orbit sanders now feature the micro-filter dust canister filter system and microcellular backing pads. The bagless filter system traps particles that are smaller in diameter than a human hair, claims the maker, while the...

Aprilaire.(Fall harvest: plunge into this season's crop of new products to enhance your homes.)
September 1, 2003... The Ventilation Control System features a 6-inch damper, controller, and transformer that work with outdoor air temperature and indoor relative humidity to control indoor air quality. The control opens a damper to meet a desired ventilation...

Delta.(Fall harvest: plunge into this season's crop of new products to enhance your homes.)
September 1, 2003... The Botanical bath collection includes a wide range of decorative faucets with coordinating tub and shower and Roman fixtures, towel bars, and robe hooks. Each faucet was named after the flower that inspired its spout style. Two handle options...

Fisher & Paykel.(Fall harvest: plunge into this season's crop of new products to enhance your homes.)
September 1, 2003... The top-loading Energy Star-rated IntuitiveEco washer features a spin speed of 100 rpm to reduce the drying time of a washed load. The unit can sense fabric type and automatically determines appropriate wash cycles, water levels, and rinse and...

USG.(Product Spotlight)
September 1, 2003... Sheertrock Humitek gypsum wailboard panels ate moisture- and mold-resistant, says the maker Designed for use in inter for applications, the panels measure 5/8 inch thick and come in 8-, 10-, and 12-foot lengths. They feature tapered edges, they...

Formica.(Fall harvest: plunge into this season's crop of new products to enhance your homes.)
September 1, 2003... High-pressure laminates now are available in 28 new designs, including granite, stone, leather, wood, crystal, and quartz, and in new solid colors. including oxygen, grasshopper, and pumpkin. The laminates can be used in numerous horizontal and...

Whirlpool.(Fall harvest: plunge into this season's crop of new products to enhance your homes.)
September 1, 2003... The g2microven combines the speed of a microwave with the baking, broiling, browning, roasting, and grilling capabilities of an oven. The appliance operates similarly to a dimmer switch, producing a constant flow of microwaves at preselected...

Marvin.(Fall harvest: plunge into this season's crop of new products to enhance your homes.)
September 1, 2003... Added to the company's French door collection, raised-panel doors come in pine, fir, or mahogany with a choice of seven hardware finishes. These three species, along with cherry and oak, also are available with extruded aluminum-clad exteriors....

American Standard.(Fall harvest: plunge into this season's crop of new products to enhance your homes.)
September 1, 2003... The Standard collection features bathroom fixtures from the firm's 1922 catalog that have been recreated to meet modern performance standards. The collection includes three sinks in pedestal, console, and self-rimming styles, a faucet, a...

U-Line.(Fall harvest: plunge into this season's crop of new products to enhance your homes.)
September 1, 2003... Model 2075DWRR double-drawer refrigerator measures 24 inches across and comes in black or stainless steel. The built-in unit features a storage bin and a top drawer with a moveable organizational divider that also can be used in the lower...

KraftMaid.(Fall harvest: plunge into this season's crop of new products to enhance your homes.)
September 1, 2003... Shown here in an Asian-inspired bath suite, the firm's garnet glaze has a deep-red opaque background with a black glaze and flyspeck highlights. Garnet glaze is available on birch or maple cabinetry. The firm introduced four additional glazes,...

KWC.(Fall harvest: plunge into this season's crop of new products to enhance your homes.)
September 1, 2003... Based on European designs from the 1920s and '30s, the 1922 bridge-style kitchen faucet has a high-arc swivel spout that rotates 160 degrees for greater range of motion. It features ceramic-disc valves and is available in chrome or brushed...

Euro-Tile.(Fall harvest: plunge into this season's crop of new products to enhance your homes.)
September 1, 2003... Glass Onyx line tiles come in 1-inch-by-1-inch and 2-inch-by-2-inch sizes on 12-inch-by-12-inch fiberglass netting sheets; a 1-inch by-8-inch piece also is available. The collection is available in five colors and can be used in indoor and...

Bach.(Fall harvest: plunge into this season's crop of new products to enhance your homes.)
September 1, 2003... The Arietta lavatory faucet is one of many from this Delta firm; bathroom faucets are available in four style collections in six finishes. Each collection includes wide-spread faucets, tub and shower fixtures, Roman tub faucets, and...

Rangecraft.(Fall harvest: plunge into this season's crop of new products to enhance your homes.)
September 1, 2003... The firm's range hoods are made to order in a variety of metals, including copper, brass, and stainless steel in matte, brushed, antique, mirrored, or hammered finishes. All hoods come standard with micro-baffle filters, halogen lights, and...

Dacor.(Product Spotlight)
September 1, 2003... I he knobless Millenia 30-inch electric range is an industry first, says the firm. It has a ceramic glass top, a heat limiter on each element, and residual heat indicator lights that remain on while any burner is active of hot to the touch. It...

Hitachi.(Fall harvest: plunge into this season's crop of new products to enhance your homes.)
September 1, 2003... Model C10FSB 10-inch sliding dual bevel compound miter saw features a pivot swing-out fence for extra stability, positive stops to adjust turntable position for miter cutting, and a laser marker. The tool also has improved angle and bevel...

Kolbe & Kolbe.(Fall harvest: plunge into this season's crop of new products to enhance your homes.)
September 1, 2003... Wood Weight and Pulley double-hung windows feature brass pulley systems with chains and alloyed weights to create proportionate balance between the sash and weights. The windows are perfect for historic applications, says the maker. They can be...

Kuppersbusch USA.(Fall harvest: plunge into this season's crop of new products to enhance your homes.)
September 1, 2003... The ceramic induction Wok cooktop features an element that senses when a wok is placed on its surface and when it is removed. It heats up co pre-programmed temperatures within seconds and will cool down enough to touch based on the element,...

WireTracks.(Fall harvest: plunge into this season's crop of new products to enhance your homes.)
September 1, 2003... Wiring channels for home theater, cable TV, computer networking, and other applications are installed in the plane with drywall and a wiring channel cover. After attaching baseboard molding to the cover, they become an integrated unit; new...

Potlatch.(Fall harvest: plunge into this season's crop of new products to enhance your homes.)
September 1, 2003... LuminOX OSB radiant barrier sheathing reflects up to 97 percent of the sun's radiant energy, reducing homeowners' cooling costs by 10 percent to 25 percent, says the maker. The sheathing panels can be used in wall and roofing applications. The...

Simpson.(Fall harvest: plunge into this season's crop of new products to enhance your homes.)
September 1, 2003... Two new door designs now are available in the decorative interior French door line. Both French doors feature full-light frosted glass with ornamental clear glass designs. The 1594 door has a grape motif while the 1596 door has a double-lined...

Pyrolave.(Fall harvest: plunge into this season's crop of new products to enhance your homes.)
September 1, 2003... Enameled volcanic lavastone is impact- and scratch-resistant and available in more than %000 colors. It can be used in numerous indoor and outdoor applications including countertops, floors, walls, and decorative motifs. New pale shades, earth...

Custom-bilt metals.(Fall harvest: plunge into this season's crop of new products to enhance your homes.)
September 1, 2003... Last-Time standing seam metal roofing systems now feature a coating that reduces heat absorption to save energy, lower cooling costs, and increase the life expectancy of the roof, says the maker; Ultra-Cool coatings ate available in 24 colors....

Tile of Spain.(Fall harvest: plunge into this season's crop of new products to enhance your homes.)
September 1, 2003... Mosaic tiles are available in meshmounted formats in glass-like and simulated marble finishes. They were some of the latest offerings from the firm at the 2003 Coverings show. The company predicts color schemes will remain warm and muted with...

Rohl.(Fall harvest: plunge into this season's crop of new products to enhance your homes.)
September 1, 2003... The Country pullout kitchen faucet measures 8 1/2 inches tall with a hose that measures 27 1/2 inches long. It features a handspray and a ceramic-disc cartridge with an adjustable flow limiter and anti-scald device, and can easily switch...

Simonton.(Fall harvest: plunge into this season's crop of new products to enhance your homes.)
September 1, 2003... Now available in an R50 rating, the vinyl ProFinish sliding patio door meets code regulations in coastal areas in various regions of the country. The firm also manufactures StormBreaker Plus, an impact-resistant line of double-hung tilt,...

KitchenAid.(Fall harvest: plunge into this season's crop of new products to enhance your homes.)
September 1, 2003... Pro Line series appliances include a double wall oven, gas cooktop, warming drawer, range hood, built-in refrigerator, dishwasher, trash compactor, and ice maker. The line is available in stainless steel and meteorite, a matte metallic finish....

Framing revolution: some builders have discovered that Zone Framing[TM] is helping them find more margin in every house they build.
September 1, 2003... Builders are looking everywhere to gain an advantage. For the first time in years the place many are finding an edge is in their framing. Today more builders are framing with a calculated blend of sawn lumber and TimberStrand[R] LSL. ...

Signamark.(Fall harvest: plunge into this season's crop of new products to enhance your homes.)
September 1, 2003... Grandeur series 8-foot-tall interior doors with glass designs come in nine models in styles ranging from Art Deco to Craftsman. One-, 12-, and 18-light grid patterns are available as well as Victorian designs with textured borders, beveled...

Peachtree.(Fall harvest: plunge into this season's crop of new products to enhance your homes.)
September 1, 2003... The new 500 series of windows and doors contains double-hung, casement, awning, transom, special shape, and fixed windows as well as wood-hinged patio doors with many customization choices. Five aluminum-clad exterior colors, three window...

Fantech.(Fall harvest: plunge into this season's crop of new products to enhance your homes.)
September 1, 2003... Stainless steel range hood liners, available in 36- and 48-inch sizes, feature variable speed control, dimmable halogen lights, and removable aluminum filters, and are prewired for use with the firm's inline of exterior mounted fans. Designed...

Trex.(Fall harvest: plunge into this season's crop of new products to enhance your homes.)
September 1, 2003... The firm has expanded its line of composite railing components with the addition of a thinner baluster profile, a chamfered handrail, a pyramid-style post cap, and a decorative post skirt. With the existing rail post, an entire railing system...

Armstrong.(Fall harvest: plunge into this season's crop of new products to enhance your homes.)
September 1, 2003... Tin Look ceiling tiles measure 12 inches by 12 inches and feature tongue-and-groove installation. The tiles can be installed directly onto drywall using cement strips, metal tracks and clips, or wood furring strips. They come standard in a...

Moso International.(Fall harvest: plunge into this season's crop of new products to enhance your homes.)
September 1, 2003... Bamboo veneers can be used for wall-covering applications, Available in vertical- and flat-pressed designs in natural and caramel colors, the veneers come in 4-foot-by-8-foot sheets flexed and backed by 10-mil paper. Bamboo plank, strip, and...

Chelsea decorative metal.(Fall harvest: plunge into this season's crop of new products to enhance your homes.)
September 1, 2003... Pressed tin sheets for walls and ceilings come in 2-foot-by-4-foot sheets with either a 3-, 6-, 12-, or 24-inch repeat pattern. The company offers a range of styles from Art Deco to Victorian, including its latest design, a star pattern that...

Asko.(Fall harvest: plunge into this season's crop of new products to enhance your homes.)
September 1, 2003... The D3530 dishwasher's Auto Wash program uses sensors to determine the correct temperature, cycle, and drying time for each load of dishes. PowerZone nozzles target sections for pots and utensils. The stainless steel unit features eight wash...

Ranier Richlite.(Product Spotlight)
September 1, 2003... Created primarily of paper, Richlite surfacing offers the appearance of soapstone in four colors. The material withstands moisture, extreme temperatures, and heavy use and can be machined like wood, says the maker. The non-porous material can...

CollinsWood.(Fall harvest: plunge into this season's crop of new products to enhance your homes.)
September 1, 2003... Available in black cherry, red oak, red maple, and hard maple, Versa-Wood tongue-and-groove paneling is a two-sided product that provides wall covering on one side and flooring on the other. It can be finished or left natural and comes in...

Ryobi.(Fall harvest: plunge into this season's crop of new products to enhance your homes.)
September 1, 2003... The 10-inch portable table saw has a 27-inch rip capacity to the right of the blade and a 6-inch rip capacity to the left. It has a maximum cutting depth of 3 5/8 inches at 90 degrees and 2 1/2 inches at 45 degrees. The portable table saw has a...

Uni-Solar.(Product Spotlight)
September 1, 2003... Uni-Solar. SmartRoof solar electric systems can generate 50 percent to 90 percent of an average home's daily electrical needs, claims the firm. The system is wired into the home's electrical box and converts solar energy to electricity with a...

Crestline.(Fall harvest: plunge into this season's crop of new products to enhance your homes.)
September 1, 2003... Select series wood windows and patio doors come with a choice of aluminum-clad frames and sashes or primed exteriors. Options include exterior historical brickmolds, simulated divided lights, removable wood grilles, and numerous glazing...

BHK.(Fall harvest: plunge into this season's crop of new products to enhance your homes.)
September 1, 2003... Moderna Logo laminate ceiling planks feature a four-sided tongue-and-groove installation system. The planks are available in maple royal, natural maple, beech siena, pearl white, and montblanc pine. Three coordinating decorative molding accents...

Marvel.(Fall harvest: plunge into this season's crop of new products to enhance your homes.)
September 1, 2003... The Modele Rouge under-counter wine cellar features a red interior, brass racks, and a decorative UV-resistant etched-glass door. The slide-out racks ate specially canted to keep corks moist. The unit features a 461-BTU compressor and...

Jeld-Wen.(Fall harvest: plunge into this season's crop of new products to enhance your homes.)
September 1, 2003... The six-panel Arlington door features a beaded panel profile with a double-hip raise. The interior molded door comes in bifold or passage styles in 6-foot 8-inch and 7-foot heights. It also is available in ProCore solid core construction with a...

Reclaiming resources: synthetic gypsum makes it easy to be green and good.(Trends)
September 1, 2003... Most contractors ate buying it and don't even realize it--wallboard manufactured with synthetic gypsum. These days, manufacturers produce significant quantities of synthetic gypsum wallboard because when compared with the natural product, it...

Life savers: carbon monoxide detectors offer peace of mind for homeowners and are mandatory for some builders.(Carbon Monoxide Detectors)
September 1, 2003... For the past seven years, Amedore Homes in Albany, N.Y., has mounted two battery-operated carbon monoxide detectors in each of the 100 semi-custom homes it builds annually. The devices are part of a safety package that comes standard with each...

Great finds: building pros pick their most exciting products.(Feature)
September 1, 2003... Every now and then, you try a new product or an unfamiliar building material that makes your life a little easier, your business a little more profitable, or your homes a little better. We asked builders, remodelers, and architects to tell us...

Standing tall: pedestal sinks hold steady with a variety of innovative shapes and sizes.(Bath Products)
September 1, 2003... The pedestal sink--functional and efficient--has endured more than 100 years of interior design evolutions. After decades of comfortable popularity during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, it fell fashion victim to the vanity after World...

Totally mod: a contractor's step-by-step guide to modular housing.(Construction Products)
September 1, 2003... Modern modular houses are as good as or better than comparable stick-built homes. Best of all, they save buyers and builders time and money, and can boost builders' profits. Modular construction, also known as factory-built housing, allows...

Double duty: insulated vinyl siding offers added strength and higher R-values.(Exterior Products)
September 1, 2003... Made with a durable foam backing, insulated vinyl siding is catching the eye of contractors and homeowners. Mostly used in remodeling applications, the product is more impact-resistant than traditional vinyl siding and is virtually maintenance...

Eye for detail: interior molding is in demand with style-savvy homeowners.(Interior Products)
September 1, 2003... Mike Sloggatt has installed it all. The Long Island, N.Y.-based remodeler has worked for homeowners who wanted to trim to the hilt--fireplace mantels, cornices, medallions, and more, in addition to traditional crown molding and window and door...

Launch time: check out the newest tools to hit the market this fall.(Tools & Equipment)
September 1, 2003... Whether you're looking to outfit your truck, beef up your toolbox, or simply upgrade to a new model drill, there's plenty to choose from. Manufacturers are unveiling an array of new products packed with features and specs to satisfy every...

Hard look: fiberglass windows offer an attractive alternative for move-up houses.(Windows & Doors)
September 1, 2003... Fiberglass windows have been around for a number of years, but they are beginning to gain the attention of builders and remodelers nationwide. That's because fiber81ass units resist rotting, warping, and cracking; are nearly maintenance free;...

Meyda Tiffany.(Clearly divine: glass accents can add high-end luxury to any room in the home.)
September 1, 2003... The Tiffany Roman Reproduction chandelier is constructed of stained art glass in the copperfoil method. It measures 26 inches high and 24 inches wide The collection also includes wall sconces. The firm also has eight outdoor lighting...

Duschqueen.(Clearly divine: glass accents can add high-end luxury to any room in the home.)
September 1, 2003... Made from 3/8-inch-thick tempered safety glass that can be sandblasted or frosted in any pattern, the company's shower enclosures ate custom designed to spec and can include curved glass Solar gray, solar bronze, glue chip, of clear glass also...

Atlas Homewares.(Clearly divine: glass accents can add high-end luxury to any room in the home.)
September 1, 2003... The Tangiers Moorish-inspired cabinet hardware collection features jewel-tone glass paired with silver overlays. It is perfect for Mediterranean style kitchens, says the firm. Other collections include the Bordeaux series, consisting of...

Decolav.(Clearly divine: glass accents can add high-end luxury to any room in the home.)
September 1, 2003... The translucense collection consists of tempered glass vessels and lavatory consoles in a variety of designs and colors. Sinks also are available in a range of materials, including stainless steel, stone, and porcelain in transitional and...

UroGlass.(Clearly divine: glass accents can add high-end luxury to any room in the home.)
September 1, 2003... Kiln-formed glass pieces can be created to suit any need, including floor-to-ceiling motorized doors such as the ones pictured here. The film also can produce shower enclosures and balustrades. Glass sheets are placed on refractory molds in...