This article first appeared in the PB August 2013
issue of Pro Builder.
Among the hundreds of building products introduced by manufacturers during the past 12 months and featured on the pages of Professional Builder, the readers, through responses and inquiries, selected these standouts as the 101 Best New Products for this year's annual review. Products that could impact your business are grouped in the following categories for your convenience:
Featuring products from ODL, Kolbe, Jeld-Wen, Marvin Windows and Doors, Ply Gem Windows, Therma-Tru, Simpson Door, Western Window Systems, Masonite, Schlage, Andersen Windows & Doors, Johnson Hardware, Lutron Electronics, Pella Windows and Doors, Hurd Windows and Doors, Kwikset, Simplicikey, and Milgard Windows and Doors
Featuring products from DaVinci Roofscapes, InSpire Roofing, Nichiha, Quikrete, Boral Roofing, The Foundry, Royal Building Products, Belgard, Versatex Trimboard, Boral Composites, Bilco, Integrity by Marvin, CertainTeed, Benjamin Moore, LP SmartSide
Featuring products from Nest Labs, Whirlpool, Danze, Gerber, Kohler, NuTone, Hafele, Brizo, Formica, Aquatic, Big Ass Fans, ThinkGlass, Zurn, Wilsonart, Moen, Sherwin-Williams, Creative Systems Lighting, Thermador, PPG Industries, Sea Gull Lighting, Sauder Woodworking, Axor, Gerberit, Lumber Liquidators, BR-111, Delta Faucet, Wellborn Cabinet, Timberlake Cabinetry, Hansgrohe, and Sterling
Featuring products from Perennial Wood, TimberTech, Duradek, AZEK, Kleer Lumber, Solair, Feeney, Eldorado Stone, Hearth & Home Technologies, MoistureShield, Walpole Outdoors, Fypon, and Nyloboard
Structural/Insulation/Housewrap
Featuring products from ACH Foam Technologies, Columbia Forest Products, Sto, Fomo, Progressive Foam Technologies, Weyerhaeuser, Simpson Strong-Tie, Trex, Owens Corning, Benhamin Obdyke, and USG Corporation
Featuring products from Broan, Rinnai, Zurn/Dow Building Solutions, Leviton, Rheem, Nuheat, BEST, Grundfos, Noritz, Clearwater Enviro Technologies, GE Generator Systems, and Panasonic Eco Solutions
Construction Tools and Equipment
Featuring products from Universal Fastener Outsourcing and SoftPlan
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Windows and Doors
Decorative Doorglass Designs
ODL has added two new decorative doorglass designs to the nature-inspired Craftsman and traditional Classic collections. Inglenook (pictured), new to the Craftsman line, is a geometric design that features clear soft wave and micro-iced granite glass with clear bevels and ruby-red floral accents. Grace, an addition to the Classic line, features a combination of granite, micro-granite, micro-cubed, and clear bevels.
Ultra Series 90-degree Wall Unit
Kolbe's Ultra Series 90-degree wall unit allows builders and designers to create dramatic corner windows. Each side of the corner spans more than 10 ft. x10 ft. and integrates awnings that conveniently open with motorized operators. The interior is framed in maple and the exterior is clad in aluminum with a clear anodized finish for a sleek appearance. Because the glass unit being set directly into the frame without a sash, these windows maximize views and daylight.
W-2500
This new clad-wood window from Jeld-Wen meets Energy Star criteria in all four U.S. climate zones without an upgrade to more expensive glass packages in the northern zone. Thermal breaks—insulating barriers between the inside and outside of the frame—were intentionally designed to limit the transfer of hot and cold. Built with Jeld-Wen's proprietary AuraLast Wood, the W-2500 comes with a 20-year guarantee against wood rot.
Factory Stain and Clear Interior Finishes
Factory stain and clean interior finishes from Marvin Windows and Doors involve a multi-step process that takes place before the door is assembled, saving homeowners time, trouble, and the mess of staining and finishing onsite. Six stain options are offered: Honey, Wheat, Hazelnut, Cabernet, Espresso, and Leather, in addition to the option for a clear coat. Interior stain and clear finishes are available on seven wood species: Pine, White Oak, Cherry, Douglas Fir, Cedro Macho, Mahogany, and Vertical Grain Douglas Fir.
1500 Vinyl Collection
The development of this new line—with single hung, sliding, picture, and architectural shape styles—includes a consolidation of Ply Gem Windows' multiple vinyl window options into one platform, with a common sash and common sizing. Builders start by selecting from three frame options?brickmould, beveled, and flat. From there, they can choose from three colors—white, beige, and clay—and multiple grille, simulated divided lite (SDL), and shape options to get the desired look.
Pulse Entry Door
Accented with clean lines and crisp angles, Pulse entry doors from Therma-Tru cater to homeowners seeking to celebrate their own special sense of style. Pulse entry doors are available in oak-grained fiberglass, smooth (paintable) fiberglass, and steel, and come in both 6'8" and 8'0" heights. Therma-Tru offers the door line in four different styles—Ari, Solei, Echo, and Linea—with four privacy glass options, along with clear low-E and internal blinds.
Nantucket Collection
Simpson Door has expanded its Nantucket Collection exterior wood doors to include Douglas Fir and Sapele Mahogany, adding to the existing Black Locust and Nootka Cypress options. These doors are manufactured using two-piece laminated stile and rail construction with a modified mortise-and-tenon joinery technique. With a ribbon grain and reddish-brown color, the new Sapele Mahogany doors complement a variety of high-end traditional and modern looks.
2600 Series Windows and Doors
2600 Series wood/aluminum-clad multi-slide windows and doors from Western Window Systems are available with thermally broken frames, cutting-edge low-E glass, and can be built to virtually any size. These systems are popular for their ability to create sliding walls of glass that open up any home to the outdoors, and the stain-grade wood on the interior adds a touch of warmth. Available with massive glass sizes, 2600 Series windows and doors provide great views and let natural light into the home.
Lemieux Torrefied Collection
The Lemieux Torrefied Collection by Masonite is the first of its kind in the wood door industry to undergo a protective torrefaction process, an all-natural green procedure in which wood is heated over time to eliminate its tendency to rot. A 20-year guarantee covers any warping, twisting, delamination, or rotting that might occur. This collection is offered in each of the 10,000-plus Lemieux residential entry door design options, and is available in maximum 4/0 widths and 8/0 heights and in select grade Douglas Fir, Brazilian Mahogany, Appalachian Poplar, and Aspen.
Touchscreen Deadbolt
The Schlage Touchscreen Deadbolt comes with a host of features for enhanced security control, including an autolock function, remote control (via the company's Nexia Home Intelligence system), and Schlage's built-in alarm lock technology, which senses a range of activity and alerts homeowners with an automated sound. The alarm lock function manages three movement levels: activity alert, when someone leaves or enters the house; tamper alert, when the lock is being disturbed; and forced entry alert, when significant pressure is placed on the lock.
Home Style Library and Pattern Books
The Home Style Library by Andersen Windows & Doors gives homeowners the tools to help them discuss and communicate their vision of home by offering illustrations and descriptions of the most popular residential building styles. It also gives contractors and architects a common language to best understand their customer's desires and make it a reality. Andersen Home Style Pattern Books are dedicated to a single style and contain illustrations and descriptions of the architectural elements that make up each style.
Door Frames
Johnson Hardware now supports interior doors weighing up to 400 pounds, allowing for unique pocket, wall-mount, bypass, and multi-pass door installations. These various possibilities with non-swing door configurations are being used to create standout entrances and save space. The system includes an I-beam track of commercial-grade heavy-duty aluminum and heavy-duty four-wheel ball-bearing hangers glide along the track to provide seamless, smooth operation.
Remote-Controlled Shades
These battery-operated shades from Lutron Electronics can be adjusted manually via remote control or programmed to different settings. Styles include single- and double-cell light filtering and single-cell blackout, allowing users to tailor them for any room in the house. Serena Remote-Controlled Shades operate on standard D cell batteries, with a lifespan of three years.
Venetian Storm Door
Pella Windows and Doors recently introduced the industry's first storm door with blinds between the glass, offering privacy and light control without the maintenance and hassle of exterior shading approaches. The Venetian storm door offers convenient cordless blinds encapsulated within two panes of energy-efficient insulating glass. The storm door comes standard with a multipoint lock and can be paired with any of the Pella Select series hardware finishes.
H3 Double-hung Window
Hurd Windows and Doors' new H3 double-hung window is a mid-priced model that includes several innovative features, including a concealed wood jambliner and easy-tilt operation for easy cleaning. Its Fusion Technology integrates three materials—extruded aluminum, vinyl, and solid wood—into one window with improved energy efficiency, enhanced performance, appealing aesthetics, easy installation, and a tight seal.
Montara Handleset
Kwikset's Montara Handleset provides two points of locking—on the handle and the deadbolt—for added security at home. Montara features a stylish arched design that can be adjusted to fit any standard door prep. The handleset also comes standard with Kwikset's SmartKey Re-key Technology, which allows builders, remodelers, and homeowners to quickly re-key the locks.
Remote-Controlled Electronic Deadbolt
SimpliciKey, manufacturer of the SimpliciKey wireless remote control electronic deadbolt, debuts KeyCloud, a mobile web application that allows users to safely and easily lock and unlock their SimpliciKey deadbolt from anywhere in the world via a smartphone or computer. The app will also alert owners when someone enters or leaves the home.
Style Line Series
Milgard Windows & Doors expanded its Style Line Series vinyl windows with the addition of two new window styles. Awning and casement window styles are now available along with picture windows, horizontal sliders, single-hung windows, radius/arch windows, and sliding glass patio doors. Style Line Series vinyl windows and doors feature a narrower profile, making for sleek, contemporary lines and maximum glass area for better views.
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Exterior Products
Bellaforte Shake Roofing Tiles
Bellaforte Shake multi-width polymer roofing tiles from DaVinci Roofscapes come in eight different profiles that replicate real cedar shakes. The 12-inch tiles feature snap-fit tabs for easy installation and self-alignment. Tiles are 100 percent recyclable and come with a 50-year limited warranty.
Slate and Cedar Shake Tiles
InSpire Roofing?s Slate and Cedar Shake tiles are now available in Wintergreen InSpire Cool Roofing Mix, a factory-collated blend of the traditional Evergreen, Ash Grey, and Granite slate colors. This roofing product from the Tapco Group can help reduce peak cooling demand by up to 15 percent.
Shake Collection
The Nichiha Shake Collection features products that deliver curb appeal and require less maintenance than traditional wood siding. These products are up to 100 percent thicker than other fiber cement shake panels and are resistant to termites and other pests. The collection includes NichiStraight, NichiStaggered, NichiShake, Sierra Premium Shake, and the newly enhanced NichiFrontier product line.
Professional Concrete Coatings
Professional concrete coatings from Quikrete feature a light semi-transparent base and a dark semi-transparent accent to enhance the appearance of walkways, pool decks, sidewalks, patios, and other concrete surfaces. The coatings are available in tan, gray, brown, and terracotta color systems. The brand?s epoxy garage floor coating system is resistant to hot tire marks and maximizes the bond between the concrete surface and the protective barrier.
Monterey Slate 600 Roof Tiles
Emulating the authentic look of hand-split cedar shake, Boral Roofing?s Monterey Slate 600 roof tile is crafted from clay and delivers a true rustic wood appearance with the long-lasting benefits of clay. The tiles weigh less than 600 pounds per square?up to 40 percent less than most products?and were designed for the wood shake replacement market. Installation does not typically require structural reinforcement.
Foundry Stacked Stone Siding
This new vinyl siding from the Tapco Group features bold, rugged texture cast from hand-selected North Carolina quarried stone, an enhanced coloring process that delivers scores of vibrant undertones and tonal differences, and an innovative first for the stone siding market?the only textured grout line for added authenticity. Foundry Stacked Stone siding can be easily cut with snips and hung just like traditional vinyl panels; it does not require the use of a circular saw.
Royal Envelop by Marianne Cusato
Royal Envelop is a series of architecturally correct exterior window, entry door, and garage door surround trim packages developed in partnership between Royal Building Products and Marianne Cusato. The series utilizes a set of core mouldings and trimboards to create a variety of beautiful window and door surrounds that complete any type of home design.
Anglia Edger
These 8-inch-high pieces from Belgard provide an alternative for edging driveways, patios, and walkways; they can also be used to form planter walls. An array of color choices is available, with each displaying a hand-hewn stone look that has been tumbled to look distressed. A number of different lengths are available to create a natural-looking flow. All pieces are beveled, which allows users to create straight and curved designs.
VersaWrap PVC Column Cladding System
Versatex Trimboard has introduced a 4x6-inch version of its labor-saving, one-piece VersaWrap PVC column cladding system. VersaWrap minimizes field cutting, eliminates mitering, and increases curb appeal by ensuring perfectly aligned corners on every column. In addition to the new size, the company offers 4x4-, 6x6-, and 8x8-inch versions.
TruExterior Trim
Boral Composites has created a new category (poly-ash) in exterior trim with its Boral TruExterior Trim, which is made from a blend of proprietary bio-based polymers and coal combustion product materials. The mix ensures consistency throughout the material and virtually no moisture cycling or absorption. TruExterior Trim is ideal for fascia boards, soffits, frieze boards, rake boards, garage door casings, window surrounds, and door trim.
Stakwel Window Well System
Bilco?s window well system is comprised of single interlocking modules that can be installed and stacked to accommodate virtually any foundation depth. Mounting flanges are supplied with anchor holes that allow them to be quickly fastened directly to a foundation wall or window buck. The system is designed for use with both egress and utility windows.
Ultrex Exterior Trim
The strength and performance of Ultrex pultruded fiberglass from Integrity by Marvin is now available in a durable, easy-to-install exterior trim solution. The patented Ultrex finish is three times thicker than competitive finishes to resist scratching and marring. It also provides five times the UV resistance to protect against fading, chalking, streaking, and cracking. Field-applied factory pre-cut kits or lineal lengths are available in all six of Integrity?s AAMA-certified finish colors with either brick mould, flat, or sill nose profiles.
UnderShield Water Diversion System
CertainTeed?s UnderShield water diversion system is an easy-to-install vinyl ceiling system that turns deck undersides into dry, aesthetically pleasing areas for entertaining or storage. The 6-inch by 16-foot panels and concealed clip and grid system can be installed to deck joists to divert precipitation to the edge of the deck.
Grand Entrance
Benjamin Moore developed this new coating to protect a home?s front door and trim from exposure to the elements via the company?s low-VOC waterborne alkyd resins technology. Sold in quart sizes, Grand Entrance is available in a wide range of colors; Benjamin Moore also offers a specialty color card with 32 popular hues. Sheen availability includes High Gloss and Satin.
CarraraFinishes
The LP SmartSide CarraraFinishes system consists of a stucco finish applied directly to LP SmartSide panel siding. The panel substrate is a smooth, square-edge panel siding that is approved specifically for use with CarraraFinishes. CarraraFinishes comes backed by a 10-year limited warranty that the finish will not chip, peel or flake. LP?s 5-year, 100-percent labor and replacement feature, along with a 50-year prorated limited warranty applies to the panel substrate.
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Interior Products
Learning Thermostat
The ?learning? thermostat from Nest Labs adjusts its temperature controls to the homeowner?s personalized schedule. It takes about a week to learn and will also then adapt to changes made in the future. The thermostat?s sensors tell it when to turn off automatically, cutting down on energy costs. Monitor and adjust temperature anywhere with an Internet or wireless connection.
Ice Collection Kitchen Suites
Whirlpool?s Ice Collection takes cues from streamlined modern design and simple, effective appliance solutions. In addition to stainless, the collection is also available in the new Black Ice or White Ice color profiles. The collection includes Energy Star-qualified refrigerators, wall ovens with extra large EasyView windows, ranges featuring AccuBake temperature management systems, and energy-efficient dishwashers that use nearly half of the water and energy without compromising performance.
Florin Five-Function Showerhead
The Florin 4.5-inch five-function showerhead from Danze meets strict requirements set by the EPA?s WaterSense program for water efficiency, using 20 percent less water than a standard showerhead. The five functions include: wide, centeriet, aeration, massage, and wide+centeriet; the easy-glide selector ring features a lever for easy switching between functions. Danze Intenze technology like D-Force and Air Injection improve performance even at low pressure.
Viper Compact Elongated High-Efficiency Toilet
Perfect for smaller bathrooms, this compact, elongated model is the latest in Gerber?s Viper line of high-efficiency toilets. With a usage of 1.28 gpf, it consumes 20 percent less water than a 1.6 gpf model. The 3-inch flush valve allows for quick bowl clearing, which is aided by dual-fed siphon jets. Available colors include White and Biscuit.
Sensate Touchless Faucet
Thanks to Kohler?s Response technology, the Sensate touchless faucet activates in 20 milliseconds via the underside sensor. An optional manual operation feature ensures the faucet works even in power outages. The two-function sprayhead connects to the hose via swivel ball joint for easy movement. Kohler?s DockNetik magnetic docking system keeps the sprayhead locked in place.
Cityscape Collection
This new line of NuTone luxury medicine cabinets is designed to add modern style and sophistication to the bathroom along with convenient storage options. Crafted from polished, stainless steel for a reflective, high-end look, Cityscape Collection medicine cabinets are frameless and feature full-length, continuous piano hinges that allow a wide opening for easy access. Five of the models, with names inspired by cities in California, include Avalon, Arcadia, Catalina, Huntington, and Monterey.
SmartCab II
Now available with undermount slides, SmartCab II from Hafele is the only storage system on the market that will fit a 15- or 18-inch base cabinet with a drawer above the door. Soft-close technology enables closing without slamming. Incorporated ?apps? including a cutting board, spice storage, knife block, and roll manager. The actual product dimension of the base unit is 11 in. x 22 11/16 in. x 20 in. It is manufactured using birch plywood and North American maple solids.
Hydrati 2|1 Shower
The new Brizo Hydrati 2|1 shower features a showerhead design with an integrated handshower that can run separately or simultaneously. Both the showerhead and the handshower have four function modes and incorporate H2Okinetic technology, which sculpts the water into a unique wave pattern, creating the feeling of more water without using more water. Brizo offers four different models.
Laminate Patterns
Formica has introduced 33 on-trend laminate patterns. Natural and timeless wood looks are in demand for cabinetry, islands, built-in furniture, and modern countertops, and include Ash, Legno, Teak, Walnut, and Ribbonwood. Nine new graphic, optical solid, and chameleon patterns strike a balance among visual interest, versatility, and longevity. Solid colors?including optimistic brights, mid-tone chromas, and complex neutrals?round out the 2013 collection.
DriftBath
The newest addition to Aquatic?s Serenity line, DriftBath offers a quieter and calmer experience than the soaker, HotSoak, whirlpool, and air bathtubs. The DriftBath has more than 70 water-only ports located in the backrest and foot areas of the bath that create a soft current of water flowing in one direction. It also has a thick Lucite, cast-acrylic construction, four LED chromatherapy lights, and an electronic, one-touch keypad for controlling power and lighting.
Haiku Ceiling Fan
Unlike traditional ceiling fans, which are designed primarily to maximize performance, the Haiku ceiling fan from Big Ass Fans offers both performance and beauty. Made from sustainable Moso bamboo, the fan?s airfoils seamlessly blend with the central motor, resulting in a smooth, stylistic aesthetic. Haiku measures 60 inches in diameter and comes in Caramel or Cocoa Bamboo, or Matrix Composite in black or white.
ThinkGlass Staircase
ThinkGlass has perfected its cutting-edge technology to eliminate lamination lines, allowing the polished edge of glass treads to showcase the beauty of pure glass?making glass staircases a real and popular option. Glass treads of 1.5-inch thickness are up to three times stronger than granite or stone, and can bear a load of up to 1,800 lbs. at the center of a 36-inch-wide tread.
Stainless Steel Linear Shower Drain
The Zurn ZS880 eliminates water pooling with its patent-pending adjustable frame and grate. Customizable for nearly every project, this drain comes with adjustable anchoring feet and built-in membrane flange, making installation quick and easy. The sturdy, stainless steel construction and integral tiling edge deliver years of corrosion-resistance and tile protection, keeping the Zurn ZS880 looking like new.
HD Residential Collection
Nature as artwork is the theme of the six new Wilsonart HD high-definition laminate designs. The six designs of the 2013 collection include Cosmos Granite, Golden Romano, Bianco Romano, Florence Gold, Summer Carnival, and Winter Carnival. These designs are part of a larger collection that includes 57 total designs, three decorative edge options, and eight integrated sink configurations.
Halo Rainshower
The new Halo Rainshower from Moen combines sweeping water coverage with a modern design. It features a 9-inch outer ring that can pivot to increase spray coverage to 14.5 inches, which is 60 percent more coverage than a traditional rainshower. Halo also comes with three different spray options, including a full rainshower, deep massage, and relaxing massage.
Dry Erase Coating
This new coating from Sherwin-Williams can be applied to nearly any interior surface and over any paint color to instantly create an economical dry erase board. The durable, clear gloss finish wipes clean easily and eliminates ?ghosting?; the resulting board is compatible with all standard dry erase markers. Dry Erase Coating is designed for application by and is exclusively sold to professional paint contractors.
Eco-Downlight
The performance of the Creative Systems Lighting Eco-Downlight is equal to a 50-watt lamp using only 16 watts. The CSL Eco-Downlight LED IC/AT adjustable fixture also features an integral proprietary LED driver that is 90 percent efficient, an adjustable heat sink made of die-cast aluminum, ELV dimmer, and a 50,000-hour life rating at 70 percent lumen maintenance.
Freedom Induction Cooktop
Thermador?s Freedom Induction Cooktop is the first full-surface induction appliance with the flexibility of a natural-mapping user interface that intelligently recognizes cookware size, shape, and position to deliver heat without boundaries. This means that home cooks can move their cookware around during the cooking process, which is especially helpful as they add and remove different dishes during meal preparation so there are no limits on where to place the cookware. The cooktop also offers instantaneous and precise temperature control, safer cooking, and easier cleaning with its smooth and flush surface.
Clarvista-Coated Glass
Tired of those soap spots on your glass shower doors and enclosures? PPG Industries has developed a coating for glass shower applications that greatly reduces corrosion caused by heat and humidity. When combined with Starphire ultra-clear glass by PPG, Clarvista-coated glass produces an exceptionally transparent shower glass that will not become foggy or spotty over time.
Traverse LED Downlight
Sea Gull Lighting?s Traverse LED downlight provides homeowners with the same performance features of incandescent downlights (dimmer, color rendering, and aesthetics), while reducing energy and operating costs by up to 80 percent. The Traverse LED provides 20 percent more light than similar offerings and has an efficacy of 51 lumens per watt.
WoodTrac Ceiling System
Sauder Woodworking has launched a new division, WoodTrac Ceiling System, that offers an affordable, easy-to-install coffered ceiling system for both new construction and remodeling projects. Available in four different styles (Abbey Oak, Bank Alder, Knock-Down Texture, and paintable), WoodTrac panels can be installed in any 2x2- or 2x4-foot suspended ceiling.
Starck Organic Faucet
Axor Starck Organic faucets feature an aerator that boasts an unprecedented 90 spray outlets while measuring less than an inch in diameter. The faucet has a low .9GPM setting, as well as a 1.3 GPM setting. Air enrichment helps to make the spray feel full and luxurious. To turn on the faucet, the user can turn the tip of the spout halfway for a .9GPM flow or all the way for a 1.3 GPM flow that adds extra volume. The spout/handle hybrid is designed for use with the thumb--the most intuitive and comfortable operation.
Monolith
The Geberit Monolith Tank and Carrier System for floor-mount toilets is designed to give the toilet tank a sharp, modern look. A dual-flush mechanism uses 1.6 and 0.8 gpf. The system is secured to the wall and can be used in almost any remodel without needing to make structural changes. It is made of materials such as safety glass and metal and is available in black or white.
Bamboo Flooring
Lumber Liquidators has expanded its brand of Bellawood pre-finished hardwood flooring with a new Bamboo flooring that features a transferrable 100-year warranty. This product is crafted using Bellawood?s exclusive ThermO2 process, which elevates its color while creating a more stable floor. Ultra-strand construction offers a smoother texture than typical strand bamboo floors.
Bolivian Rosewood Flooring
BR-111 now offers hardwood in an exotic species, such as Bolivian Rosewood, which offers a deep, rosewood-like color with black striping on top of a dark brown background. The flooring features a 5 1/4-inch board width with a 1?2-inch thickness and lengths from 12 to 84 inches. The engineered hand-scraped flooring is backed by a 35-year warranty.
In2ition Showers
Delta Faucet has added its H20kinetic technology to its newest line of In2ition showers, which feature both a showerhead and detachable, handheld shower in one unit. The technology consists of an internal system that controls the speed, movement, and droplet size of the water exiting the showerhead, delivering the feeling of more water without actually using more water. All In2ition showers flow at a rate of 2.5 gpm.
Messina Door Style
Wellborn Cabinet?s newest door style, Messina, is a full overlay, wide stile and rail, cope and tenon door with a solid wood reverse raised center panel. Available in Cherry and Maple finishes, Messina is featured in three Wellborn collections: Premier Series, Estate Custom Collection, and the Elegant Bath Collection. Standard setup includes a three-piece drawer front; an optional slab drawer front is also available.
Aluminum-and-Glass Doors
Timberlake Cabinetry?s Aluminum-and-Glass cabinet doors allow builders, remodelers, and homeowners to add a crisp European accent to classic wood cabinetry in the company?s Portfolio Select and Portfolio product lines. Great for urban environments or as an accent piece in traditional kitchen designs, the cabinet doors feature a stainless-steel finish and frosted glass inserts for a high-style appearance.
Metris Single-Hole Faucet
A part of the Metris collection of multi-height faucets, this new product from Hansgrohe was designed in collaboration with Phoenix Design. Made of solid brass, it flows at 1.5 gpm for 30 percent water savings. Automatic water volume limitation also comes as standard thanks to the EcoRight technology. The Metris Single-Hole Faucet includes pop-up assembly and is available in Chrome and Brushed Nickel.
Accord Seated Shower
Sterling?s Accord Seated Shower is ideal for universal design and aging-in-place projects, with a wide removable bench, ample built-in storage space, and plenty of room to move about comfortably. Made of solid Vikrell material (a type of fiberglass), the four-piece modular design is easy to install, with caulkless seams and snap together walls. The seat can be positioned on the right or left side of the shower or can be easily removed. Grab bars can easily be added in the future.
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Outdoor Living
Porch Flooring
Eastman?s Perennial Wood porch flooring is real wood tongue-and-groove porch flooring. The wood is modified to resist change from moisture and is made to last longer than regular wood. Un-coated profiles come in two different widths and in 8- and 10-foot lengths.
Earthwood Evolutions Terrain Collection
TimberTech?s new Earthwood Evolutions Terrain Collection features two long-lasting colors, Brown Oak and Silver Maple, that emulate the earthy tones found in nature. Earthwood Evolutions is the industry?s only fully capped deck plank that features TimberTech?s proprietary HydroLock technology for great looks, durability, and moisture resistance. Backed by a 25-year warranty, the decking features a flat-grain surface pattern that does not trap dirt and has variegated color designed to achieve a true hardwood appearance.
Vinyl Roof Membrane
Duradek?s vinyl roof membrane doubles as a walking surface and water barrier to protect rooftop decks from water infiltration. The ultra PVC membrane comes in more than two-dozen colors and patterns in rolls that are 54 or 72 inches wide. Installation includes heat-welded seams and edge-detailing to keep water out of living spaces below.
10-ft. Rail
AZEK Rail in the brand?s Premier, Trademark, and Reserve profiles is now available in 10-foot lengths. The capped composite railing spans 10 feet between posts, allowing for faster installation and lower labor and material costs. Fewer rail posts are required, enhancing views when used in a decking application. The rail is made of a powder-coated, high-strength aluminum retainer used in conjunction with the composite handrail.
KleerWrap Post Wraps
Manufactured from cellular PVC to look and feel like painted wood, KleerWrap post wraps from Kleer Lumber are cost effective and offer a way to improve the appearance and durability of exterior posts. The product is simple to install and is available in 4-, 6-, and 8-inch sizes to wrap 4x4 and 6x6 posts. Mitered crown, bed and base/cap moulding, and 5-, 7- and 12-inch outer wrap sets are available to customize the look of each post wrap.
Retractable Awning
The Solair Comfort retractable awning features a simplified pitch adjustment, H-bracket design, arms that reduce wind stress, and an improved swivel front bar attachment. A 78-mm roller tube reduces deflection, allowing the fabric attachment to lay flat. Rounded retainer pins reduce wear to the valance, while added roller supports reduce the space needed to mount the awning. It is available in three widths, two frame colors, and numerous fabric options.
CableRail
Feeney CableRail is made of weatherproof 316-grade stainless steel with more than 70-percent recycled content. The assemblies are suited to any railing application and offer a low maintenance, environmentally friendly, and visually unobtrusive alternative to wooden or metal picket infill. They feature Quick-Connect cable fittings with patented automatic-locking jaws, and are available in pre-cut lengths from 5 to 70 feet.
Outdoor Artisan Fire Bowls
Eldorado Stone?s line of Outdoor Artisan Fire Bowls are available in two styles and four colors, and include 65,000 BTU gas burners that provide heat and light. The fire bowls can be installed in a matter of days and come with a hardwood cover, which turns the bowl into a table when not in use.
Outdoor Gas Fireplace
Available in 36- and 42-inch sizes, the Heat & Glo outdoor gas fireplace from Hearth & Home Technologies is approved for use in screened porches, gazebos, and lanais. The IntelliFire Plus intermittent pilot ignition comes standard and can save homeowners up to $10 a month on utility bills. A battery backup makes the fireplace operable during power outages. The FireBrick technology helps the fireplace produce 25 percent more radiant heat than metal fireboxes.
Composite Decking
The MoistureShield Vantage Collection from Advanced Environmental Recycling Technologies is an environmentally friendly wood-plastic composite decking line that balances performance and costs while offering green-building benefits. Deck planks are 1-inch by 6-inches and are embossed with a realistic wood grain finish on both sides, making them fully reversible.
PVC Pergola Kits
Walpole Outdoors offers a variety of standard pergola kits, from straight top to arched with round or square columns, in six sizes. The cellular PVC kits are available with retractable fabric canopies to provide shade and shelter, and are available in 29 standard colors. The pergolas look like painted wood but are designed to maintain a beautiful appearance throughout the year.
PVC Trellis System
The Fypon PVC Trellis System offers a low-maintenance solution for accenting garage doors, as well as entryways, garden sheds, and freestanding garages. Available in two sizes to accommodate either single- or double-car garages, the system comes as a complete kit with outlookers reinforced with PVC for durability, attractive beams, lattice, and hardware. The PVC pieces come in smooth white and can assembled in just a few hours.
NyloDeck Composite Decking
This composite decking from Nyloboard is made from recycled carpet fibers and held together with VOC-free resins, providing added durability with the look of natural wood. The material is resistant to water, mildew, and mold, thus avoiding rotting or swelling; NyloDeck is also stain-resistant and UV-protected. The boards are available in multiple sizes up to 24 feet; colors include Mountain Mocha, Saddle Rose, Desert Spice, Newport White, and Harbor Gray.
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Structural/Insulation/Housewrap
Foam-Control Plus+
This EPS architectural-grade insulation from ACH Foam Technologies offers superior moisture resistance to XPS products, is available in greater thicknesses, and offers comparable compressive strength. The product sports a warranty for 100 percent of its R-value, compared with 90 percent for XPS. The product line features Foam-Control Plus+ 150, 250, 400, and 600; insulation is available in 2 ft. x 8 ft. and 4 ft. x 8 ft. sheets.
Radius-Bending Plywood
Radius-bending plywood from Columbia Forest Products flexes at a minimum radius of 12 inches and even smaller radii when additional force is applied. Choose long-grain or cross-grain directions and a variety of laminates. Radius panels are available in 4 ft. x 8 ft. long-grain as well as 4 ft. x 8 ft. cross-grain, in thicknesses ranging from 1/8-inch to 16 mm.
Panel Technology
Sto?s prefabricated wall panels are insulated to help boost energy savings and are face-sealed to create a continuous air and moisture barrier. Panels come in a variety of veneers, including brick, precast, metal, EIFS, and natural stone. It?s also a third the weight of fragile quarried slate and is manufactured with up to 10 percent recycled content. The panels are available in either chamfer or beaded styles and in three color options. Stainless steel hardware provides further security and performance.
High Flow Technology Foam
Fomo?s High Flow Technology allows intricate cavities and spaces to be filled at three-to-four times the depth of traditional pour-in-place foam. The chemistry allows the foam to flow through complex voids of all shapes and sizes up to 40 feet, completely filling the cavity. The products are available in both disposable and refillable sizes and multiple formations to suit a range of applications.
PFT Siding Insulation Collections
Progressive Foam Technologies introduced two collections of siding insulation: the Fullback FC Premium Series and H2O Premium Series. Fullback FC is insulation for fiber cement siding and is formed to fit the gap between the siding and the wall, keeping siding lines parallel. Halfback H2O is a universal insulation, working behind all types of siding and cladding. Both siding insulations have a permeability rating of 3.5, allowing moisture from inside the home to move freely to the outside.
TJI Joists
Weyerhaeuser?s TJI joists with durable Flak Jacket protection to enhance fire resistance provide a simple, cost-effective way to achieve one-hour floor/ceiling assemblies in multi-family applications and to comply with the 2012 IRC fire protection requirements for single-family homes. In multifamily buildings, the joists provide a one-hour fire-rated assembly with a single layer of gypsum and no expensive mineral wool. They are available in multiple series and depths and installation does not require special tools, hangers, or training.
Strong Frame Special Moment Frame
Simpson Strong-Tie?s new Strong Frame special moment frame, which is now code listed (ICC-ES ESR-2802), is designed to help prevent damage to structures in seismic events. Built using Yield-Link Structural Fuse technology, the frame is designed to ease installation and offers quick specification using readily available design software. With bolt-on/bolt-off ability, the links are fully replaceable if damaged.
Steel Deck Framing System
Trex is rounding out its Elevations Steel Deck Framing System with a new galvanized steel post and joists in a greater range of lengths. Making it possible for contractors to construct a deck substructure made entirely of steel, the new support post offers a preferable solution to pressure-treated lumber posts, which may warp, rot, twist, split, or decay. Designed to cut time and cost, joists are now available in one-foot length increments ? ranging from 8 feet through 20 feet.
EnergyComplete Sealant
The design of Owens Corning?s EnergyComplete Sealant allows the expanding gasket to easily fill gaps and cracks that can?t be accessed post-drywall, and also allows easy access to all top plates pre-drywall. EnergyComplete reduces the chance of mold growth by keeping airborne moisture from entering wall cavities, and creates a first line of defense against insects and other pests. A specially designed nozzle works with the sealant to help reduce product usage and allows contractors to seal critical, hard-to-reach joints.
HydroFlash Self-Adhered Flashing
This new product from Benjamin Obdyke can be installed in cold weather?down to zero degrees Fahrenheit?and applied wet. HydroFlash self-seals around nails, and no primer is needed. The flashing is UV stable for six months and exhibits less than 7 percent degradation over 10 years. Available in 4, 6, and 9 inches with a 7 mm thickness, HydroFlash is compatible with a wide range of building materials and building wraps.
SheetRock Drywall Panels
Sheetrock UltraLight Panels from USG Corporation are now ICC Evaluation Services compliant for installation on ceilings, with the long edges parallel to the framing. The ½-inch-thick panels are up to 30-percent lighter than other brands, making them easier to carry and install without sacrificing quality. Made with up to 95-percent recycled content, the panels also qualify as a low-VOC emitting material.
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Mechanical/Electrical
LoProfile Fan
The Energy Star-certified LoProfile fan from Broan is designed for retrofit applications and multifamily new construction. The fan can be installed between 2x4 wall studs and includes a 4-inch oval duct connector and a transition for 4-inch oval to 3-inch round ducts. The fan is motor engineered for continuous operation at 80 CFM, exceeds the ASHRAE 62.2 minimum intermittent local ventilation requirement for bathrooms, and is designed for quiet operation.
Circ-Logic Technology with Pump & Timer Kit
Rinnai Circ-Logic technology, coupled with the Grundfos Pump and Timer Kit, offers homeowners the comfort and convenience of instant hot water with optimal energy usage. The combination of the Circ-Logic technology and the kit?s timer function allows homeowners to set recirculation patterns that coincide with household usage patterns. Hot water is available when needed, without the expense of circulating hot water during times of inactivity.
hy-PE-RTube Floor Heating
The hy-PE-RTube, developed by Zurn and Dow Building Solutions, is one of the first radiant floor heating solutions in North America leveraging polyethylene of raised temperature resistance (PE-RT) technology. The pipe resists recoil and lies flat when installed. In addition, it offers high-temperature, corrosion, stress crack resistance, and increased flow properties. hy-PE-RTube consists of five layers, which help to reduce noise when in use, and the outer layer protects against oxidation. The pipe is suitable for snowmelt applications and turf conditioning.
20 Amp USB Charger
The latest USB charging device from Leviton offers the same 2.1A of charging power as its 15A counterpart, but now features a 20A/125V tamper-resistant receptacle, ideal for high-current devices, such as small kitchen appliances. It has the capability to charge two USB-powered electronic devices, leaving the device free to power devices requiring higher currents, and is designed to charge tablets, smart and mobile phones, gaming devices, e-readers, digital cameras, and other electronic devices.
Condensing PDV Water Heater
The new Energy Star-qualified high-efficiency condensing power direct vent water heater from Rheem is the first in the industry to employ high-efficiency condensing technology in a residential tank design. The water heater delivers more heat to the water and produces less heat exhausts from the vent. The cooler flue gases permit venting through 2- or 3-inch PVC piping. The unit also comes with a factory-installed exhaust riser, which vents at the top of the unit.
Floor Heating Cable
Floor heating system manufacturer Nuheat has introduced a redesigned free-form floor heating cable, Nuheat Cable, which offers some of the industry?s largest sizes, covering up to 240 square feet using a single kit. The new system is 33 percent larger than the company?s previous offering and can cover large spaces such as basements, hallways, and living rooms. Other improvements include patent-pending cable guide design and thinner factory splice.
iQ Blower System
The BEST iQ Blower System has a flush, built-in design and is up to two times quieter and 22 times more energy-efficient than other high-performance range hoods, and it removes smoke and odors up to 30 percent faster. An intuitive system recognizes when the duct system is restricted, and an LED light flashes to notify the installer.
Solar PM2 Residential Circulator
By leveraging variable speed control, the new Grundfos family of solar circulators offers homeowners up to 80 percent energy savings over standard solar pumping systems. Ideal for residential solar thermal systems, the Solar PM2 is an energy optimized, high-efficiency circulator that operates at flow rates between 0.5 and 40 gallons per minute, with head rates up to 47 feet high ? typical ranges for residential and light commercial forced circulation solar systems. The Solar class circulators integrate seamlessly with most solar controllers.
NRC83 Tankless Water Heater
Noritz has expanded its EcoTough Series of gas-fired residential condensing tankless water heaters with the new NRC83, an Energy Star-rated unit designed for smaller homes and multifamily dwellings. Available in both indoor (the two-pipe, direct vent NRC83-DV) and outdoor (NRC83-OD) models, the wall-mounted units have an energy factor (EF) of 0.92 for natural gas and 0.94 with liquid propane, approximately 30 points higher than a standard, storage tank-type, gas-fired water heater. The indoor units can be vented with 3- or 4-inch Schedule 40 and 80 PVC or CPVC pipe, which is less expensive and quicker to install than the Category III Stainless Steel that must be used on conventional tankless water heaters.
ScaleBlaster
Scaleblaster from Clearwater Enviro Technologies eliminates the formation of lime scale deposits in pipes, boilers, and hundreds of applications. The system produces a modulating frequency waveform that hits the resonant frequency of the calcium molecules, causing them to lose their adhesive properties. Existing scale is removed and never forms again without the need of chemicals, salt, or maintenance.
Standby Generators
GE Generator Systems? next generation of 17- and 20-kW standby generators feature the company?s new airflow technology, which allows the units to be placed closer to the home. The units are the only ones on the market with a thermally protected fuel system that automatically shuts off the unit in the event of a fire. The all-steel enclosure and base can withstand temperatures more than double that of aluminum and far beyond that of plastic enclosures, and the enclosure?s roof slopes from back to front, ushering rain water away from the home?s foundation. Furthermore, the unit?s design pushes engine exhaust out the front and directly away from the home.
WhisperGreen LED Ventilation Fans
WhisperGreen LED Energy Star-rated fans/lights from Panasonic Eco Solutions provide spot and whole house ventilation. The 12-watt LED light engine with a one-watt LED night-light provides warm, energy-efficient illumination. The fans increase the airflow to achieve the specified CFM output. The models include a dual adaptor for 4- or 6-inch ducts, are HVI certified and comply with ASHRAE Standard 62.2, the ventilation platform adopted by LEED for Homes, Energy Star Indoor Air Quality Program, CalGreen, and California Title 24.
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Construction Tools and Equipment
Ballistic NailScrews
Ballistic NailScrews from Universal Fastener Outsourcing can be used in place of code-approved nails or screws and save 70 percent or more in labor costs. These patent-pending screws are driven with pneumatic framing tools and come in 20-degree plastic strips, 15-degree wire coils, and 15-degree plastic sheet coils. Applications include sub-floors, shear walls, roof decking, composite and wood decking, fencing, crate and pallet building, manufactured housing, and metal applications from 12-to-20 gauges.
SoftPlan 2014
SoftPlan?s latest CAD software combines design technology with three-dimensional output and 64-bit memory model. This package update also introduces a subscription-based service, SoftPlan+, which provides subscribers with access to a suite of cloud services and other exclusive tools. This additional service allows users to mark up drawings, add notes, and take virtual tours of homes in full, panoramic 3D from any PC, iPhone, or iPad.
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