Product Picks: October 2019

Jan 28, 2024

Deckorators porch flooringDeckorators porch flooring offers the durability of patented Eovations technology for the front of the home. Eovations technology is said to make the product strong, lightweight, and stable. Because the technology allows virtually no water absorption, Deckorators porch flooring is backed by a 25-year structural, 25-year stain-and-fade, and 25-year removal-and-replacement limited warranty that covers water and ground contact. Deckorators porch flooring is available in two profiles: tongue-and-groove: 3 1/8″ by 7/8″ x 10′, 12′ or 16′; and solid: 3 1/8″ by 7/8″ x 12′. The product is available in three colors that offer the traditional look of painted wood: Chicory (brown, variegated), Kettle (gray) and Macadamia (beige, non-variegated). www.deckorators.com

Atlantica Beach House Shake from TandoDerby Building Products has introduced a new color, Atlantica, as the latest addition to its Tando Beach House Shake product line. Atlantica has been developed as a soft, silvered coastal gray tone reminiscent of cottages found in a quaint New England village, according to the manufacturer. Atlantica is the fourth color in the Beach House Shake line. Other colors include Sandcastle, Hatteras, and Pacifica. Beach House Shake products are designed to not rot, decay, crack, or split and are impervious to moisture and insects. Beach House Shake recently received a Notice of Acceptance (NOA) from Florida's Miami-Dade County, a high- velocity hurricane zone. Designed for one-person installation, the panelized shake is lightweight and can be installed using just a hammer or nail gun. www.beachhouseshake.com

Crescent tool storage bagsCrescent Tools is introducing a new line of tool bags that are designed to withstand heavy usage in unforgiving environments, alleviating the cost and hassle of replacing a less-durable bag. Crescent storage bags come in four styles: the Tradesman Backpack, the Tradesman Open Bag (available in 14″ and 17″), the Tradesman Closed Bag (available in 14″ and 17″ options), and the 20″ Contractor Bulk Bag. All products in this line feature: YKK zippers, each with a 3-year warranty; newly designed open- straight pockets; hard polypropylene base; external PALS for access to frequently- used tools; bright interior fabric for better visibility; side pockets for water bottles; clips for tape measures. www.crescenttool.com

ProVia custom color linesProVia's Endure and Aeris window and patio door are now available in an unlimited amount of colors. ProVia shows 17 new, select factory-applied colors, but, in addition, contractors and homeowners can select a paint color from the Sherwin Williams color pallet, or any other paint supplier they choose. The painted finish will have a 15-year warranty, and a lifetime limited warranty on the window itself. This painted finish has special UV and heat-reflective properties designed to help ensure long-lasting color and finish, ProVia says. www.provia.com

Empire eXT Extendable LevelsEmpire's new eXT Extendable Levels have the ability to expand to various sizes and are optimized for a broad range of applications. The Empire eXT Extendable Levels offer an adjustable slide mechanism to control the friction fit. With tool- free removable end caps, users are able to scribe into tight corners in layout applications. Ready to measure at any size, the eXT Levels come equipped with e-Band vial technology for improved visibility. The levels are available in two sizes, 24″-40″ and 48″-78″. All eXT Levels are backed by a limited lifetime warranty on the frame and vials. www.empirelevel.com

Carbon Black from Haas DoorHaas Door, manufacturer of steel and aluminum residential and commercial garage doors, has launched a new Carbon Black color for a wide variety of its garage doors. The new Carbon Black color features a deep black color with a light gloss finish. The color is designed to add a realistic deep black finish for American Tradition 2000, 700, and 600 Series residential garage doors plus the company's commercial Insulated Steel 2000, 700, and 600 Series garage doors. The new color is designed to complement black trim, shutters and window frames on new construction homes. www.haasdoor.com

HydroGap Drainable HousewrapThe 9′ and 10′ HydroGap is a drainable housewrap said to remove bulk water up to 100 times faster than a typical housewrap and is designed for production builders and other large volume projects. Two non-woven layers surround the water hold-out film providing superior strength and protection from surfactants and damage during installation. HydroGap creates a drainage space between the sheathing and cladding material, allowing water to quickly escape the building envelope, critical for keeping structures sound, especially in climates that experience harsh weather. www.benjaminobdyke.com

Designer riser hardware from SkyliftSkyLift Hardware Roof Riser products are designed to offer a stable, simplified tie- in for patio covers, shade structures and pergolas. SkyLift Risers mount to the top wall plate for structural stability and are sealed with a standard pipe flashing, so existing rain gutters can be left in place reducing leaks and debris build up. SkyLift introduces the new Designer Riser to provide more design flexibility for roof height with an extended saddle for securing a vertical post or beam set.The overall height is adjusted when using a vertical post on the Designer Riser. The Designer Riser is 12″ tall. Saddles sizes may be specified for 3-1/2″, 4″, 5-1/2″, and 6″ beam/post. Hardware is included; pipe flashing is not included. www.skylifthardware.com

ZEEL doorglass frame from ODLODL, Inc., has introduced ZEEL to its doorglass frame offerings. Designed to be stained or painted, ZEEL offers an alternative to flush glazed doors while providing the benefits of a frame system. In addition to incorporating the flat-profile design, ZEEL also boasts technology advancements including: an innovative clip system; FiberMate Plus, ODL's recently- developed doorglass frame material made with a higher percentage of fiberglass; the ability to replace just the doorglass and frame in the event of damage; and Resolve sealant, a thermoset foam seal. ZEEL doorglass frames are available in five sizes— 22″ x 64″, 7′ x 64″, 22″ x 36″, 8′ x 36″, and 22″ x 17″, and can be used in conjunction with most doorglass. This line of frames is also the first to feature ODL's proprietary PC/ ABS blend for increased durability and comes untreated so that it can be stained or painted to perfectly match the entry to the home. zeel.odl.com

Versetta Stone in Northern Ash colorBoral Building Products has expanded its Versetta Stone family of stone siding panels with the addition of Northern Ash, the line's darkest color yet. Northern Ash blends near-black and dark gray stones with subtle taupe and light gray undertones, creating a visual texture and a varied aesthetic across the façade, Boral says. The new color is available with Versetta Stone's Ledgestone (shown) and Tight-Cut profiles; Ledgestone offers a traditional dry-stack look, while Tight-Cut features the look of cut-and-fitted stone. Versetta Stone mortarless panels install with nails or screws with no scratch coat or metal lath needed, and they feature an integrated moisture management system; they do not require additional footings for support. www.versettastone.com

MAX USA SuperFinisher brad nailerMAX USA Corp.'s new NF255SF2/18 SuperFinisher can be used for finish and trim, door/window casing, cabinet, panel assembly and subflooring applications, and the company says it also has several innovative features that set it apart from a conventional brad nailer. The NF255SF2/18 SuperFinisher was constructed with a Precision Point Contact Nose, which allows users to fasten trim in narrow spaces and also guides nails to a precise area of the work surface. Built-In Surface Protection Shields, which include a thermoplastic elastomer cylinder cap, are designed to prevent the tool's metal parts from scratching finished work surfaces. To further prevent damage to work surfaces, the NF255SF2/18 has an Anti-Dry Firing Mechanism that prohibits the tool from firing when 7 nails remain in the magazine. www.maxusacorp.com

CertainTeed's SmartFlash ONE liquid-applied flashingCertainTeed's SmartFlash ONE is a one-component, UV-stable, fluid-applied resin for steep and low-sloped roof flashing details and repairs. SmartFlash ONE is designed to offer roofing contractors an economical and convenient waterproofing solution in a ready-to-use, re-sealable can that requires no measuring or mixing to activate. SmartFlash ONE resin is available in a five-gallon pail (125 square-foot coverage) or a one-gallon pail (25 square-foot coverage). The one-gallon pail is available à la carte or as part of a Flash Pack which includes resin, fleece and application accessories.www.certainteed.com/commercial-roofing

Alside's Trimworks windowsAlside has launched a trim solution for full-frame replacement projects. Trimworks with SwiftLock Technology is designed for the Mezzo Full-Frame Replacement System. The system is said to provide the most reliable solution for installing and replacing vinyl windows. Alside's new solution can save up to 20-40 minutes of installation time per window, the company says, reducing waste and eliminating the need for special equipment, training or cutting skills to trim a window. The system features a variety of designs from traditional to contemporary to enhance a home's exterior, including: Brickmould (1.5″ and 3/4″ sizes); 3.5″ Flat Casing (available 4-sided or with bullnose sill); and Flushmount (for masonry openings). Mezzo comes with a lifetime limited warranty and is available in an array of 13 color options, which feature a polyurethane coating technology with heat-reflective pigments for a fade-resistant finish. alside.com/mezzo

Spyder circular saw bladesSpyder Products has launched new circular saw blades equipped with nickel cobalt (NiCo) cutting teeth, alternating tooth bevel, and an anti-friction coating. The Spyder blades are said to provide up to six times the working life of conventional blades. The 24 NiCo teeth on the 7-1/4″ blades are triple-sharpened to ensure exceptionally clean cuts, making the new Spyder circular saw blades ideal for a variety of framing and construction applications. Unlike conventional blades, they include an alternating tooth bevel designed to allow users to rip and crosscut with minimal effort. In addition to the specialized tooth design, polymer stabilization vents are engineered to reduce friction, noise, and vibrations. An interfused anti-friction coating is said to protect the blade against heat, gumming, and corrosion. www.spyderproducts.com

IKO's Cambridge Cool ColorsIKO has expanded its Cambridge Cool Colors shingle line with six new colors that have an increased Solar Reflectance Index (SRI) of 20+, exceeding California's Title 24 minimum standard by 25%, the company says. The expansion offers three distinct color blends ranging from COOL PLUS, COOL and Natural COOL. The COOL PLUS color selection includes the darker options of Weatherwood, Harvard Slate, Dual Brown and Graphite Black. COOL shingles are available in SRI 20+ in the medium color blends Canyon Oak and Sand Dune. With the new spread of color ranges, IKO's Cool Colors now totals to nine color blend options. The original color range, NATURAL COOL, has an SRI of 16+ with an added benefit of Dual Grey also being algae resistant and Arctic White having the highest SRI of 23+. www.iko.com

Tuff Surface Texture Finish from Sherwin-WilliamsThe next generation Tuff Surface Premium Texture Finish from Sherwin- Williams delivers splatter or an orange peel texture finish to hide imperfections, helping to create inviting spaces and save professionals time. Developed to be mildew-resistant, the coating is applied with airless and conventional texture spray equipment. Tuff Surface is said to be more reliable and cost- effective than traditional methods of creating textures that require a primer and topcoat. Available in flat and egg-shell sheens, Tuff Surface is tintable and can be used as a level five finish. www.sherwin-williams.com

L.J. Smith's Stair Systems IronPro systemDesigned to be easy-to-install, the IronPro system from L.J. Smith allows homeowners to keep existing wooden handrails and newels, and simply swap out the wooden balusters for designer iron balusters. After older wooden balusters are carefully removed, IronPro pivoting fasteners are attached to the handrail. Iron balusters are then inserted into position. Alignment is completed and screws are tightened to secure the baluster. Two different IronPro kits are available to accommodate open tread stair, kneewall stair and level run applications, both featuring Satin Black finish. www.ljsmith.com

Milwaukee Tool Red Helix Cobalt Drill BitsMilwaukee Tool has introduced the next generation of its Red Helix Cobalt Drill Bits. Engineered for durability and longer life in hard metal applications, these new bits provide up to 15 times the longevity of black oxide drill bits, the company says. Much like their predecessors, the next generation of Red Helix Cobalt Drill Bits are designed with a Variable Helix that includes a 35° helix angle that varies along the flute, ending at 15° to limit heat build-up. New to this next generation of the drill bits are two things: a Quad Edge Tip and Enhanced Tapered Web. The Quad Edge Tip is designed to decrease heat buildup and enable users to drill faster. A 135° split point tip is said to deliver a precision start and prevent walking for faster, more accurate holes in hard metal, PVC and wood. Red Helix Cobalt Drill Bits are available in sizes ranging from 1/16″ to 1/2″, as well as in sets of 15, 23, and 29 pieces. www.milwaukeetool.com

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