Building Products Top 100Part 2: 75-51

The need for product innovation doesn't stop in a down economy, and last year building product manufacturers continued to serve customers with plenty of new, valuable introductions for the home and the jobsite. And if Building Products' annual Top 100 list is any indication, contractors looking to differentiate and innovate welcomed that information.

The Top 100 represents those products readers of Building Products and its sister publications Builder, Custom Home, and Remodeling requested more information about by mailing to us the reader service cards found in each issue. As in year's past, you won't find run-of-the-mill commodities here: The Top 100 spans a range of categories, but most are less familiar, new, or trendy. Not surprisingly, green products and technologies--including photovoltaics and solar water heating, tankless water heaters, and energy-efficient lighting--dominate this year's list as pros aim to keep up with the burgeoning sustainable-building movement.

Beyond green, the Top 100 contains many unique gems, such as an inventive sliding door hardware option, a hole-enlarger tool, a water carbonator, and an eye-catching waterfall system.

Whether you caught them the first go-around or are viewing them for the first time, this year's top picks could hold the solutions you and your customers have been looking for. Stay with us over the next two weeks as we count down to number one.

Part 1: 100-76.

75: Bison Deck Supports

Bison

Bison supports can be adjusted individually, allowing builders to create a completely flat deck atop an angled roof. The high-density polypropylene product resists severe weather. 888-412-4766. www.bisonus.com

74: EverClear

EverClear

SnowClear, an electronic snow- and ice-removal system, is installed underneath pavement and can reduce costs by up to 50 percent compared to traditional melting technologies, according to the maker. The package consists of three components: sized-to-fit heating panels, automatic sensors, and an electronic energy-management system. 866-400-3277. www.everclearradiantsystems.com

73: LP Building Products

LP Building Products

TechShield radiant barrier can reduce monthly energy costs up to 17 percent by blocking 97 percent of radiant heat in the panel from entering the attic space, according to the company. The product reduces attic temperatures, creating less work for HVAC systems. It also minimizes radiant heat loss in cooler months. 888-820-0325. www.lpcorp.com

72: Iron Age Designs

Iron Age Designs

This manufacturer creates decorative metal castings from a minimum 80 percent post-consumer recycled iron. Available products include drain grates, trench grates, tree grates, and other custom grates. 206-276-0925. www.ironagegrates.com

71: R-Control Building Systems

R-Control Building Systems

R-Control FrameGuard Coated SIPs are treated with FrameGuard Coating--comprised of organic fungicides and a borate--that prevents mold, mildew, and termite damage to its wood components, says the firm. In addition, the expanded polystyrene core is treated with Perform Guard termite protection. 800-255-0176. www.r-control.com