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2010 Builders' Show Preview35 product picks from the year's largest residential building event.
- By Lauren Hunter, Nigel Maynard, Victoria Markovitz, and Katy Tomasu

On Jan. 19, builders and manufacturers will converge on Las Vegas for the International Builders' Show, the home building industry's largest event. And while the market is still in recovery and show attendance is expected to be down once again, there will be hundreds of new products on display and plenty of opportunities to learn about new techniques, ongoing trends, and our economic future.
To help you gear up for the show, here are 35 products that will be on display on the exhibit floor. Check back during and after the event for additional coverage of product introductions and educational sessions.
2010 International Builders' Show Preview

Trex. Transcend alternative decking features the company-s composite core--which is made with 95% recycled plastic and wood flour--wrapped three-quarters around with a coextruded layer that protects the core while providing stain, scratch, and mold resistance. The firm says the shell's thickness, about two to three times greater than cellular PVC decking's, also provides for superior fade resistance, wear resistance for high-traffic areas, and a deeper wood-grain. The decking carries a 25-year fade and stain warranty. 800-289-8739. www.trex.com.

Simpson Door Co. French and Sash doors are now available with simulated divided lites, offering the look of a true divided lite in a more efficient, single insulated glass unit. A "shadow spacer" between the glass and permanently affixed decorative bars help achieve a realistic look. The 7/8-inch-thick bars are available in ViewSaver and Shaker profiles in a range of wood species or PVC. 800-746-7766. www.simpsondoor.com.

Waupaca. In response to pros and homeowners requesting residential elevators with a more compact footprint, the Reduced Machine Room (RMR) Winding Drum elevator features a powerhead behind the rail, allowing for a smaller machine room. The unit's 8# T-rails feature a wide stance for a smooth, stable ride. The electrically controlled RMR boasts a 1,000-pound capacity and accepts all of the company's car choices, including custom raised-panel designs. 800-238-8739. www.waupacaelevator.com.

Viega. Zero Lead fittings comply with California and Vermont legislation, going into effect Jan. 1, that limits lead content of plumbing fixtures and fittings to a maximum weighted average of .25 percent. The majority of the manufacturer's potable water products already met the regulations; the remaining one-third now boast a zero-lead alloy that contains less than .25 percent lead and is resistant to corrosion and dezincification. 877-843-4262. www.viega.com.

Tapco. Foundry Stone Siding offers the look of stone in a traditional vinyl siding system that is less expensive and faster to install. Created from molds of more than one hundred stones, the siding offers a rugged look of hand-cut limestone, the maker says, and is able to span more than 40 feet without a repeat or distinguishable pattern. The panels come in 5-foot lengths, cut with snips, withstand winds up to 110 mph, and feature Class A fire protection. 800-771-4486. www.foundrysiding.com.

Typar. Fiberweb Surround SR synthetic roofing underlayment provides secondary weather protection at a more affordable price than standard asphalt underlayment, the firm says. According to the company, the material is tear-resistant, won't wrinkle or absorb water when wet, and, at 27 pounds per 10-square roll, saves on labor compared to 30-pound felt. It comes in 45-inch rolls. 615-847-7137. www.typar.com.

Whirlpool. The Whirlpool Gold free-standing double range fits into the same space as a traditional range, but offers separate chambers for baking two dishes at different temperatures simultaneously. According to the firm, the upper oven uses 50 percent less energy than a standard full-size oven and preheats in half the time. The double oven has a 6.3-cubic-foot capacity and features a Precise Clean cycle, which automatically determines cleaning time based on the number of times the oven has been used; a Schott Ceran smooth cooktop; and Sabbath mode. White, black, and stainless steel finishes are available. 800-253-3977. www.insideadvantage.com.
Danver. Built for outdoor kitchens, the stainless steel BBQ Grill Hood measures 32 inches deep and 36, 48, or 60 inches wide. For easy clean up, the baffle filters are dishwasher safe. It comes in 36-, 48-, and 60-inch widths. 888-441-0537. www.danver.com.

