Building Products articles from September 2004

Building Products archives from September 2004

Framing revolution: some builders have discovered that Zone Framing[TM] is helping them find more margin in every house they build.(Special Advertisement)(Advertisement)
September 1, 2004... 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. ...

Mark your calendar.(Editor's Perspective)(Calendar)
September 1, 2004... OCT. 6-9 REMODELING SHOW 2004. Chicago. For information call 800-681-6970, or visit www.remodelersshow.com. OCT. 20-23 SUNBELT BUILDERS SHOW 2004. Grapevine, Texas. For information call 800-368-5242, ext. 8338, or visit...

Cause for concern?(Editor's Perspective)
September 1, 2004... PVC is a ubiquitous building material. Polyvinyl chloride, which is crafted into window frames, siding, fencing, railings, and much more, is the material that's helped make homeownership more affordable to so many Americans. Just about...

UltraGlas.(Autumn abundance: a harvest of products that can help you reap rewards)
September 1, 2004... Created through a heat-slumping process, translucent glass tile features texture on the inside bottom of each piece for a smooth surface or on the outside top surface for tactile sensations. The glass tile, available in 31 colors and more than...

Art Line.(Autumn abundance: a harvest of products that can help you reap rewards)
September 1, 2004... Made of polystone, a synthetic material with a UV-protected finish, these post caps fit standard flat-top or beveled 4x4 posts. The caps, which can be used in deck, fence, and mailbox applications, come in pyramid, artichoke, pineapple,...

Sussman Lifestyle Group.(Autumn abundance: a harvest of products that can help you reap rewards)
September 1, 2004... Part of the Allegro collection, the A500 freestanding sauna features more glass and more space than any of the other models. The unit, which measures 4 1/2 feet wide, is large enough for two people to lie down in, says the firm. It comes with a...

Great Grabz.(Autumn abundance: a harvest of products that can help you reap rewards)
September 1, 2004... Available in decorative and ADA-compliant designs, the firm's bathroom accessories include grab and towel bars, robe hooks, toilet paper and wash cloth holders, and more. They are made from recycled aluminum and come in 16 finishes. Bars come...

Bruck Lighting Sytems.(Autumn abundance: a harvest of products that can help you reap rewards)
September 1, 2004... Enzis lightweight matte chrome track lighting eliminates the need for angle connectors because it can be bent in the field to achieve small radius or hard angles. It can be suspended or semi-flush mounted and no tools are required to attach...

Enkeboll.(Autumn abundance: a harvest of products that can help you reap rewards)
September 1, 2004... Designed by interior designer and builder Beverly Ellsley, the Villa collection of 24 architectural woodcarvings includes decorative pilasters, medallions, scrolls, and scallops. All pieces come standard in a choice of maple, red oak, and...

Broan.(Autumn abundance: a harvest of products that can help you reap rewards)
September 1, 2004... The Best K3500 450-cfm range hood features multi-speed electronic push button controls, individual speed indicators, two halogen lamps, a delay timer, and dishwasher-safe filters. The stainless steel unit, which has a telescopic flue for 8- to...

Georgia-Pacific.(Autumn abundance: a harvest of products that can help you reap rewards)
September 1, 2004... Designed to withstand harsh environments, Centura Plus steel shingles feature DuPont's Tedlar polyvinyl-flouride (PVF) coating that protects them against fading and cracking, the firm says. Additionally, the product's smooth surface helps it...

Trim-Tex.(Autumn abundance: a harvest of products that can help you reap rewards)
September 1, 2004... Tex 11 texture and plaster prep spray adhesive provides a clear, uniform spray pattern that tacks up quickly and is ready for texture/plaster coating within an hour, says the maker. A 16-ounce can of Tex 11 will prep about 600 lineal feet of...

Kuehn Bevel.(Autumn abundance: a harvest of products that can help you reap rewards)
September 1, 2004... Now made with moisture-resistant MDF board, these decorative edges are sturdy and durable, claims the firm. They can be used for countertop, desktop, baseboard, and molding applications. Laminate, solid surface, and hardwood edges also are...

Panasonic.(Autumn abundance: a harvest of products that can help you reap rewards)
September 1, 2004... WhisperFit-Lite low-profile ventilation fans can fit in small ceiling cavities and are ideal for tight remodeling applications, says the manufacturer. The fans, which measure 5 1/2 inches deep, can be used with either a 3- or 4-inch duct....

Moen.(Product Spotlight)
September 1, 2004... One of three ShowHouse powder room collections, the Bamboo series reflects the design trend of bringing the outdoors inside the home. The faucet features a high-arc spout with an open waterway that allows water to spill over the edge and...

Maytag.(Autumn abundance: a harvest of products that can help you reap rewards)
September 1, 2004... Designed to speed up and organize the drying process, the Neptune Drying Center pairs a tumble dryer with an upper drying cabinet for 24.3 cubic feet of total drying space. The cabinet has removable mesh shelves and hooks and keeps all the...

Style Solutions.(Autumn abundance: a harvest of products that can help you reap rewards)
September 1, 2004... These decorative urethane exterior brackets can enhance soffits, porches, and gables. They are available in sizes ranging from a small cove piece that measures 4 1/2 inches by 2 13/16 inches to a large post bracket that measures 40 inches by 40...

Pass & Seymour/Legrand.(Autumn abundance: a harvest of products that can help you reap rewards)
September 1, 2004... The Category-5-wiring intercom system offers hands-flee communication as well as the ability to keep track of multiple intercom stations throughout the home. Optional accessories include a three-note door chime and an LCD color screen for...

Stanley.(Autumn abundance: a harvest of products that can help you reap rewards)
September 1, 2004... Comprised of modular cabinets and shelves that snap together, Garage Workshop storage products are made from lightweight resin and galvanized metal for durability. The cabinets can be installed on pegboard walls or set on the ground. The...

Starrett.(Product Spotlight)
September 1, 2004... Designed to take error-prone calculations out of miter cuts, the ProSite protractor saves time for carpenters, plumbers, and other building trades, says the maker. The aluminum tool has two scales for miter joints as well as other cuts,...

Dacor.(Autumn abundance: a harvest of products that can help you reap rewards)
September 1, 2004... The Preference gas cooktop features two SimmerSear burners ranging in BTUs from SO0 to 18,000 and 400 to 12,500. Three mid-range burners provide cooking flexibility for the 36inch unit. The cooktop accommodates several oversized pots or pans or...

Danze.(Autumn abundance: a harvest of products that can help you reap rewards)
September 1, 2004... Available in polished chrome and brushed nickel, this bell-shaped showerhead comes in 8- and 10-inch-diameter models that provide a downpour of water. Their antique design adds elegance to all bathrooms, claims the firm. More than 130 styles of...

Blackline.(Autumn abundance: a harvest of products that can help you reap rewards)
September 1, 2004... PVC Slimline railing and fencing components have the look of ornamental wrought iron for an elegant style. The posts, which measure 3 inches by 3 inches, and the rails, which measure 2 inches by 2 1/2 inches, won't chip, peel, blister, corrode,...

Rehau.(Autumn abundance: a harvest of products that can help you reap rewards)
September 1, 2004... The PEX residential fire protection system integrates sprinklers with cold water plumbing and meets National Fire Protection Association requirements for multipurpose sprinkler systems. The piping system routinely supplies a home's cold water...

GE Appliances.(Autumn abundance: a harvest of products that can help you reap rewards)
September 1, 2004... With up to 150 feet of ducting capability, the Long Vent dryer is quick and easy to install and allows pros greater flexibility when determining the location of the laundry room, comments the firm. The 3,200-rprn unit has 7 cubic feet of space,...

Signamark.(Autumn abundance: a harvest of products that can help you reap rewards)
September 1, 2004... Part of the Designer series, the Vanity decorative interior door features a framed, full-length mirror on both sides for added functionality and to maximize the impression of space, says the firm. The door comes in a number of widths in Stain...

LifePine.(Autumn abundance: a harvest of products that can help you reap rewards)
September 1, 2004... Nature Wood Southern yellow pine pressure-treated shakes and shingles now offer an alternative chemical treatment to CCA, which was banned for residential use this year Nature Wood products are treated with alkaline copper quaternary (ACQ) to...

Elk.(Autumn abundance: a harvest of products that can help you reap rewards)
September 1, 2004... CrossTimbers composite decking now is available with a choice of embossed or brushed finishes on deck boards as well as fascia and fence pickets. Both wood-look patterns reverse to smooth sides. Accessories including corner trim pieces, hand...

SoftPlan.(Autumn abundance: a harvest of products that can help you reap rewards)
September 1, 2004... SoftPlan Review, an optional module to SoftPlan 12.5, functions as a drawing viewer and mark-up tool for the program. All those involved in a building project--designers, builders, clients--can view, comment, and mark up the drawings from a PC...

Vitra Tiles USA.(Autumn abundance: a harvest of products that can help you reap rewards)
September 1, 2004... Rock series riles for walls and floors feature a slate-like finish and come in four square sizes. The glazed porcelain floor tile and the ceramic wall tile are available in tobacco, gold, and light and dark noce shades. Coordinating metallic...

Hansgrohe.(Autumn abundance: a harvest of products that can help you reap rewards)
September 1, 2004... Designed to create tranquil bathing environments, the Axor Starck product suite features clean designs--each product's form corresponds to its function, says the maker. Three sink faucets, two tub fillers, a bidet water mixer, a shower tap, and...

Supra Floors.(Autumn abundance: a harvest of products that can help you reap rewards)
September 1, 2004... Designed for use over concrete slabs, Subflor Advance floating floor panels are made from OSB that's treated with water-resistant resins and waxes and feature polyethylene plastic corrugated channels on the underside to direct moisture to...

Kolbe & Kolbe.(Autumn abundance: a harvest of products that can help you reap rewards)
September 1, 2004... The Sterling double-hung window features a truly hidden jambliner that completely hides block-and-tackle balances, grooves, and more so that no vinyl parts are visible for a furniture-crafted look, claims the firm. Available in numerous wood...

Republic.(Autumn abundance: a harvest of products that can help you reap rewards)
September 1, 2004... Available in trapezoid shapes, the garden window opens up site lines that normally are blocked with rectangular casement windows, says the firm. The garden window, made with insulated, tempered glass, is available with optional V-groove glass,...

Century Architectural Specialties.(Autumn abundance: a harvest of products that can help you reap rewards)
September 1, 2004... Moldings, medallions, corbels, domes, niches, pilasters, and more are available in 17 categories, including wall and ceiling accents. There are 117 new products in all Ceiling domes and wall niches are made from fiberglass while other pieces...

Kohler.(Autumn abundance: a harvest of products that can help you reap rewards)
September 1, 2004... The Cimarron Comfort Height toilet's Class-5 flushing technology features direct-fed jets and a 3 1/4-inch flush valve to deliver powerful flushing with 1.6 gallons of water, claims the manufacturer. A 1.4-gallon flush setting offers increased...

Meyda Lighting.(Autumn abundance: a harvest of products that can help you reap rewards)
September 1, 2004... Inspired by Arts & Crafts designs, the Historical Lighting collection of handcrafted chandeliers, ceiling pendants, wall sconces, and vanity lights complements a variety of decorating themes, claims the firm. Fixtures are available with many...

Builders Accessories.(Autumn abundance: a harvest of products that can help you reap rewards)
September 1, 2004... Part of the Crystal View line, new lightweight prefabricated glass block window systems feature vinyl-clad aluminum frames, structural vinyl spacers, mitered corners, and 2-inch-thick glass block. The windows, which come in several block...

Franke.(Autumn abundance: a harvest of products that can help you reap rewards)
September 1, 2004... These sinks feature titanium that molds with stainless steel to create a virtually scratch-resistant surface, asserts the firm. Three kitchen models and one bar sink from the Elements line now are available with this hybrid surface. The deeply...

Caesarstone.(Autumn abundance: a harvest of products that can help you reap rewards)
September 1, 2004... Marble Visions quartz surfacing comes in three shades: Lagos blue, Jerusalem sand, and misty carrera (white with gray swirls). The surfacing, which has the look of natural marble, won't scratch, stain, or chip, claims the maker. It can be used...

Falcon Foam.(Autumn abundance: a harvest of products that can help you reap rewards)
September 1, 2004... Thermal Star sheathing from this Atlas Roofing division provides a smooth, level surface for siding, says the firm. The sheathing comes in sheet and fan-fold styles in plain and poly-and foil-faced configurations. Recycled-content roofing and...

Aristokraft.(Autumn abundance: a harvest of products that can help you reap rewards)
September 1, 2004... Room Solutions cabinetry allows pros to offer whole-house cabinetry as an upgrade and is easy to order, asserts the firm, because each piece has a single product code. The collection is comprised of 20 design configurations for the...

KraftMaid.(Autumn abundance: a harvest of products that can help you reap rewards)
September 1, 2004... Shown on cherry kitchen cabinetry, the cognac finish has a rich, medium-brown, semi-transparent hue with pale yellow and dark brown undertones. It is available on all of the maker's wood species lines including birch, maple, oak, hickory,...

Jacuzzi.(Autumn abundance: a harvest of products that can help you reap rewards)
September 1, 2004... The Ambient Air body-dry option for the firm's Summer Rain shower products allows bathers to dry off without lifting a towel. The tower contains 12 heated, fully-adjustable jets that are powered by a 30-amp motor. The air temperature can reach...

Aga.(Autumn abundance: a harvest of products that can help you reap rewards)
September 1, 2004... Made from enameled steel, the Legacy dual-fuel range comes in 36- and 44-inch models. The 36-inch unit has five gas burners ranging from 5,000 to 15,000 BTUs (including one high-powered wok burner) and three electric ovens. The 44-inch model...

Bass.(Autumn abundance: a harvest of products that can help you reap rewards)
September 1, 2004... The Executive cinema lounger, part of the firm's Universal Seating brand, features sleek styling with an adjustable, tilting headrest and chaise design. The lounger also features varying foam densities between the headrest and back support,...

Loewen.(Autumn abundance: a harvest of products that can help you reap rewards)
September 1, 2004... StormForce series windows and doors come in three grades (DP, IP, and MP) and are certified to stand up to extreme hurricane conditions, claims the firm. DP products meet or exceed International Residential Code requirements; IP series features...

TimberTech.(Autumn abundance: a harvest of products that can help you reap rewards)
September 1, 2004... Floorizon tongue-and-groove plank decking comes in a traditional brushed texture as well as a new VertiGrain surface. VertiGrain provides the look of vertical-grain lumber and ensures that no repetitive patterns are seen on the deck, claims the...

Top coat: spray-on siding is an alternative to vinyl and fiber cement, but will the idea stick with consumers?(Trends)
September 1, 2004... When remodeler Les Stone began promoting spray-on siding on talk radio, his company sold six jobs in the next 60 days. "The product has explosive possibilities," says Stone, president of Remodel America in Memphis, Tenn. This spring, his...

Lumber prices fall as interest rates rise.(In the News)
September 1, 2004... Lumber industry trend-watchers are looking for a slide in lumber prices into fall because gradual interest rate hikes by the Federal Reserve Board may cool consumer demand across the board. Even as the Fed applied its squeeze, several...

Cement shortfall hurts contractors.(In the News)
September 1, 2004... Cement, the glue that holds together nearly every building, home, and sidewalk, has become a scarce commodity in more than two dozen states. Experts say there are several reasons for the cement shortage: all-time high demand in residential...

The vinyl debate: will builders and homeowners give up tried-and-true, affordable vinyl for more environmentally friendly products?
September 1, 2004... Something still bugs Jon Alexander, a Seattle custom home builder, about the $500,000 home from which he carefully omitted vinyl products when he chose the flooring, windows, cladding, and pipes. He overlooked the outlet covers. "We could...

Double bubble: combination tubs deliver the benefits of airbaths and whirlpools.(Bath Products)
September 1, 2004... Just when you thought that bathrooms and home spas couldn't get any more luxurious, bathtub manufacturers are crafting products featuring both whirlpool and air-massage systems. These upscale hydrotherapy units present both relaxation and...

Siding savers: new acrylic stains and coatings keep exteriors looking good.(Construction Products)
September 1, 2004... Jeff Huber of Reed Construction is the guy to go to if you need a facelift. Although he's not a doctor administering Botox, he deals with sagging and down-in-the-dumps facades all the time. Specializing in historic restorations, Huber claims...

Peel and stick: self-adhered underlayments are helping to protect all types of roofs.(Exterior Products)
September 1, 2004... Harsh winter weather used to send shivers down the spine of many contractors, causing some of them to worry about how their clients' roofs were holding up. These days, builders, remodelers, and roofers are fretting less because they are...

Endless flame: fireplace technologies, designs, and applications are burning brightly.(Interior Product)
September 1, 2004... Driven by homeowners' hankerings for hearths, fireplaces are must-haves in new homes. According to March 2004 Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association (HPBA) statistics, more than 50 percent of all new single-family houses are built with at least...

Counter intelligence: laminates enter the 21st century bolstered by a creative mix of technology and design.(Kitchen Products)
September 1, 2004... By all appearances, laminate countertops--so ubiquitous in the 1950s, '60s, and '70s--have fallen prey to the fickle whims of fashion, shelter magazines, and the consumer. "Granite, stones, and high-end tiles are all things that have been...

Change order: contractors adjust to new treated lumber products and fastener requirements.(Tools & Equipment)
September 1, 2004... It's been nine months since the phase-out of CCA-treated wood for most residential use began and most contractors have switched to pressure-treated lumber alternatives. But for many installers, the change hasn't been as simple as just switching...

Old is new: vintage-look carriage-house garage doors offer curb appeal at many price points.(Windows & Doors)
September 1, 2004... What is the largest moving device in a house that gets used at least two or three times a day? The correct answer: the garage door. Not only is it big and useful, manufacturers are working hard to make it attractive, too. The most recent...

Mold-resistant sealer.(What's new: short reports on products & programs)
September 1, 2004... Foster. One coat of Foster 42-42 sealer provides extended mold and mildew resistance to wood studs, plaster, cement blocks, and many other building materials, the maker says. This fast-drying sealer is non-hazardous and produces little odor. It...

Work gloves.(What's new: short reports on products & programs)
September 1, 2004... Mechanix Wear. The 3.0 series ProFit glove is perfect for impact protection when working with pneumatic tools, the maker says. PVC silicone on the thumb and finger areas improves grip, and thermal plastic rubber on the back of the hand and...

Transparent window shades.(What's new: short reports on products & programs)
September 1, 2004... Halcyon Shades. New scratch-resistant steel blue Ultra-LX transparent shades come in 5-Mil weight, which puts them between Halcyon's 2 percent and 10 percent shade products. Ultra-LX, as well as all Halcyon shades, cut down on UV radiation and...

Mixers.(What's new: short reports on products & programs)
September 1, 2004... Stow. Eight new plaster, mortar, and concrete mixers feature tubular steel frames for better wheelbarrow clearance and forklift pockets for better stability during transport. The plaster-mortar mixers come with capacities ranging from 4 1/2 to...

Joint compound.(What's new: short reports on products & programs)
September 1, 2004... National Gypsum Co. ProForm Ultra Ready Mix joint compound doesn't contain volatile organic compounds and eliminates the need for more than one mix at the jobsite. ProForm Ultra, available in 3 1/2- and 4 1/2-gallon cartons and 4 1/2-gallon...

Mosaic tile cutter.(What's new: short reports on products & programs)
September 1, 2004... Nattco. The Mosaic tile cutter can snap porcelain, quarry, and ceramic tile up to 18 inches square. The cutter features a one-piece galvanized carbon steel base and steel breaker rails. It has a 45-degree lock position for angled cuts, and it...

Folding rules.(What's new: short reports on products & programs)
September 1, 2004... Klein Tools. These new fiberglass folding rules are 6 feet long and made of nylon reinforced with glass fibers, making them more durable than wood, according to the firm. Stainless steel spring hinges and positive locking joints add strength....

Vapor barrier.(What's new: short reports on products & programs)
September 1, 2004... W.R. Meadows. Perminator Underslab Vapor-Mat, which comes in 10- and 15-mil thicknesses on 200-foot rolls, is an effective and economical way to restrict fungus, mildew, and mold growth, the company says. Perminator, which also reduces radon...

Pipe clamps.(What's new: short reports on products & programs)
September 1, 2004... Irwin. The firm has added new clamps to its Quick-Grip line. New pipe clamps feature a clutch system that eliminates the need to use threaded pipe. Bar clamps include passive locking systems to minimize slipping, and C-clamps use a double...

Water heater protection.(What's new: short reports on products & programs)
September 1, 2004... A.O. Smith. The Conservationist water heater is lined with the new Blue Diamond glass coating that the firm says is twice as resistant to corrosion as other linings because of its higher zircon content. The Conservationist water heater is the...

Four-cycle rammer.(What's new: short reports on products & programs)
September 1, 2004... Multiquip. With 3,950 pounds of impact force delivered by an 11-by-13-inch shoe, the MT-84F is Multiquip's most powerful four-cycle rammer. The MT-84F, which is powered by a 3.5-hp engine, creates a sturdy base for concrete and pavement over...

High-power generators.(What's new: short reports on products & programs)
September 1, 2004... Makita. Three new high-powered portable generators include models G4300L (4,300 watts), G2800L (2,800 watts), and G1100 (1,100 watts). Models G2800L and G4300L feature EX series engines that have fewer moving parts and quieter operation, says...

Crack Suppression Kit.(What's new: short reports on products & programs)
September 1, 2004... Laticrete. Designed to prevent the transmission of stresses and cracks in ceramic tile and stone, the Crack Suppression Kit consists of liquid rubber and reinforcing fabric. Products in the kit now feature Microban, a bacteria, mold, mildew,...

Float bracket.(What's new: short reports on products & programs)
September 1, 2004... Marshalltown. Ideal for concrete finishers and plasterers, Rock-It 2.0 bull float brackets fit all magnesium bull floats and fresnos without the need for adapters, says the maker. The Rock-It 2.0 fits 1 3/8-inch and 1 3/4-inch snap handles also...

Refrigerator exhibition.(In the News)
September 1, 2004... Sponsored by Aristokraft in celebration of its S0th anniversary, the Feed the Heart exhibition was showcased at the June PCBC show and will tour throughout the country for the remainder of 2004 before pieces are auctioned to benefit Share Our...

Formica exits Chapter 11.(In the News)
September 1, 2004... Formica has emerged from Chapter 11 with a consolidated debt of approximately $160 million, down from more than $$40 million in debt at the time of the filing in March 2002. The firm will continue to develop surfacing products for residential,...

Ridgid tools earns design award.(In the News)
September 1, 2004... Concept Center International, the product development group within Techtronic Industries, has earned a Silver 2004 Industrial Design Excellence Award for its design of Ridgid brand portable electric, cordless, bench, and stationary professional...

Elmira Stove Works.(Bright spots: vibrant hues liven up your client's homes.)
September 1, 2004... The Northstar retro range features a large oven capacity, an analog clock with a vanishing digital display, and an optional warmer. The design, which reflects classic 1950s style, comes in nine retro colors. Coordinating refrigerators and range...

Coyote Glass Design.(Bright spots: vibrant hues liven up your client's homes.)
September 1, 2004... Inlaid with copper, gold, or silver, this kiln-formed glass sink is first carved by hand and colored with the swirling shades of a desert palette. It is then backed with one of three precious metals. The Copper River model pictured here is one...

Future Roof Systems.(Bright spots: vibrant hues liven up your client's homes.)
September 1, 2004... Available in three profiles-tile, shingle, and standing seam--the copper-plate, stainless steel roof system combines the corrosion-resistance of steel with the aesthetic appeal of copper. The natural copper finish ages to a patina, but the...

Out of the Blue Design Studio.(Bright spots: vibrant hues liven up your client's homes.)
September 1, 2004... Crafted from molten glass, Art Glass doorknobs fit on Baldwin's Estate hardware. Model 131102, shown here, features glass beads and is just one of the more than 30 Art Glass doorknob styles available. The firm also creates billiard ball...

Studio Becker.(Bright spots: vibrant hues liven up your client's homes.)
September 1, 2004... The Extraordinary Bath collection includes furniture-style vanities and sinks in contemporary designs. A variety of sink shapes and vanity cops are available in marble, porcelain, and glass. Vanity material options include the blue lacquer...