Pulte Homes' Pultrim by Tecton
Developed by Pulte Homes and produced by Tecton, Pultrim is a new series of interconnecting exterior fiberglass trim parts that replace wood, aluminum and vinyl. These products are manufactured by a unique process called pultrusion, used for producing continuous lengths of reinforced plastic that can be formed into the fascia, soffit, gutter, frieze and crown moldings of a home, with a finished coating already applied.
In My Own Words
"Pultrim is an exciting innovation in maintenance-free exterior trim for areas that use colonial/classic styles. The product can reduce installation labor and can speed the installation process. Currently available in five colors, this washable product never needs attention after installation. Cost is still an issue, but as Pultrim reaches a tipping point of acceptance, the costs should come down."
Dow Weathermate Straight and Flexible Flashing
Weathermate Straight Flashing and Flexible Flashing provide a watertight seal around areas most vulnerable to water leaks: windows, doors and skylights. Featuring a cross-laminated, polymeric facer and butyl rubber adhesive, Weathermate readily adheres to most building materials and is self-sealing over nails and staples.
In My Own Words
"What we've got with Weathermate are five new, innovative products we're watching or experimenting with that we believe can make a big difference in the industry. Dow window sill flashing is an easy-to-install, cost-effective solution to a common home-building problem."
Milgard Fiberglass Windows
Milgard's fiberglass windows are produced using a process know as pultrusion. Glass rovings and mats are pulled at tremendous forces through a resin bath and a series of dies. These materials combine and catalyze, providing yielding a fiberglass that won't crack, peel, warp, split, pit or corrode and is virtually impervious to water.
In My Own Words
"Pultruded fiberglass windows offer an excellent, energy-efficient, rot- and mold-resistant product that is very stable with no expansion/contraction. As with the pultruded trim, however, this solution tends to be a bit cost-prohibitive. But also like pultruded trim, as the application of pultruded fiberglass windows becomes more widespread, we expect the volume to reach a tipping point and bring the cost down."
BrassCraft SureConnect system
BrassCraft SureConnect is a new and innovative system for water supply connections that will add both speed and profits to plumbing. Key to the new system is BrassCraft's pre-formed stub-out with its proprietary end form that connects in seconds. The patented lockable housing lets plumbing subs see, feel and hear the connection as it's installed to assure a leak-free connection every time.
In My Own Words
"The BrassCraft SureConnect system has the potential to increase dramatically the speed of installation and the reliability of the connection to sinks, lavs, tubs and toilets. For the builder, it is a clear bonus in terms of cycle time.
Tankless Water Heaters by Noritz
Noritz tankless gas water heaters reduce energy costs up to 50 percent and save space because the compact design allows installation virtually anywhere, indoors or outdoors.
In My Own Words
"This is an exciting innovation in instant hot water and a very efficient use of energy. Tankless water heaters provide hot water instantly to any area of the house and, due to the no-tank design, provide excellent use of space, thereby providing additional design flexibility. Widely used in Japan and throughout Europe, they are still a bit cost-prohibitive for wide application among big, value-oriented production builders, but it is an emerging technology that will make its presence felt in the years to come."
Advertisement
Related Stories
Hamlet Homes' Mike Brodsky on Finding Successors and Letting Go
A transition that involved a national executive search, an employee buyout, and Builder 20 group mentorship to save the deal
Time-Machine Lessons
We ask custom builders: If you could redo your first house or revisit the first years of running your business, what would you do differently?
Back Story: Green Gables Opens Up Every Aspect of its Design/Build Process to Clients
"You never want to get to the next phase and realize somebody's not happy."
