Building Products News & TrendsJanuary/February 2008

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Energy Efficiency

Rising Star

Energy Star could be making its qualification requirements for windows and doors tougher in the near future, which could raise prices for qualified products, depending on where the numbers end up. The Department of Energy (DOE) will be reviewing its criteria for Energy Star-qualified windows, doors, and skylights this year, program manager Richard Karney said in an October 2007 letter to stakeholders. The DOE will consider lowering the required U-factor, or insulating value, in northern zones and the Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC), which measures solar heat transmittance, in southern zones, he says. The initial target range for both is between .20 and .30, down from .35 for U-factor and .40 for SHGC.

The new criteria, which would take effect in 2009 at the earliest, also could require minimum visible light transmittance levels to ensure adequate light, among other adjustments. The program also may explore emerging technologies such as dynamic glazings and establish installation procedures to ensure performance.

Tech Update

Wireless Update

Unike the pricey home-tech systems of the past, emerging wireless technologies now make it possible to automate common household devices such as light switches, thermostats, garage doors, blinds, smoke detectors, audio, and video starting at about $2,000. The three technologies—ZigBee, Z-Wave, and Insteon—are attractive to builders because they don't add too much extra to the cost of a house and can be installed as a last-minute upgrade without tearing out the walls.

Here's a rundown of the three technologies:

• ZigBee is backed by the ZigBee Alliance, the 250 companies that drive 802.15.4, the ZigBee home automation standard developed by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE). Though ZigBee has had most of its success in commercial building and has the fewest products for residential, it may be the way to go because it's based on an IEEE standard.
• Z-Wave, based on the Z-Wave chip, is marketed around the Z-Wave Alliance of more than 160 companies. Z-Wave has the most traction with residential builders and is backed by well-known companies in the home building business such as Leviton and Wayne-Dalton.
• Insteon is based on the Insteon chip. One advantage of Insteon: The technology works on both radio frequency waves and the power line. Insteon has done well in the custom installer market, and it is perfect for retrofits and if you want to offer a low-cost solution for automating lights, fans, smoke detectors, and thermostats.

Trex

Azek

TimberTech

Stain-Resistant Decking Hits Market

Ketchup and barbecue sauce are great on a burger, but they're not so good on composite or wood decks, where they can leave unsightly stains. That's one of the reasons a growing number of manufacturers are entering the cellular PVC decking market.

In addition to avoiding staining, cellular PVC decking lessens two other problems S's—scratching and splitting, according to Ralph Bruno, president of Azek, which launched cellular PVC Azek Deck. And unlike the shiny, hollow vinyl often used in fencing and some decking products, cellular PVC is a solid, foamed product that has the density and workability of wood, but is lighter weight and more rigid than hollow vinyl.

Because vinyl decking contains little or no organic material, it's also resistant to mold, says Scott Fador, senior product manager for decking at Trex, which introduced cellular PVC Escapes decking. Cellular PVC decking cleans easily with soap and water, he says, and is about 35 percent lighter than typical composite decking.

Joining Trex and Azek in the cellular PVC decking market this year are Fiber Composites' cellular PVC Fiberon Sanctuary, Gossen's cellular PVC WeatherReady Deck, and TimberTech's XLM expanded polymer decking.

Composite decking still maintains the advantage over cellular PVC in realistic color, looks, and texture, Fador claims, but cellular PVC is coming closer with embossed wood-grain patterns and deeper, darker hues. Some manufacturers include non-wood organic fibers in the material for a more realistic look. PVC decking is about 15 percent to 20 percent more expensive than composite on a linear-foot basis, Fador says.