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Featured Manufacturers
The 2009 MVP AwardsInnovation and efficiency highlight this year's group of Most Valuable Products.
- By BUILDING PRODUCTS Staff
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CertainTeed
CertainTeed. The T-Roc Thermal Laminate Foundation Insulation System, comprised of GlasRoc paperless gypsum board permanently laminated to expanded polystyrene insulation, is "a great time-saver and value-added feature for home builders," remarked one judge. The panels allow for faster insulating and finishing of below-grade concrete walls by installing easily in conventional concrete wall forms and eliminating the need for stud frame-out, batt insulation, and drywall, says the firm; after the concrete is set, the wall forms are removed and the basement walls are ready for final finishing. A 11/2-inch electrical chase running vertically through each panel "makes wiring a snap," Harrisonburg, Va.-based foundation contractor Tim Parrish said in a written testimonial. GlasRoc gypsum board features reinforcing glass mats embedded in a water-resistant core; the foam is treated with Perform Guard to protect the panels against termites. Cost: approximately $2.25 per square foot. 800-233-8990. www.certainteed.com.
Kichler Lighting
Kichler Lighting. With a compact 3/8-inch-thick profile, Design Pro Discs allow for flexible, nearly invisible lighting virtually anywhere, such as under a cabinet or a mantel. The LED lights provide a bright white light while using 75 percent less electricity than comparable incandescents, according to the company. Captive screws and 3 feet of wiring pre-spooled inside each fixture allow for easy installation; a 3-foot extension can be added if needed. The discs are Energy Star-rated and come in bronze, white, black, and brushed nickel. Cost: $84. 866-558-5706. www.kichler.com.
Jeld-Wen
Jeld-Wen. Juniper Doors are where good looks meet sustainability. The collection finds a positive use for "throwaway" juniper trees, an invasive, water-hogging species that is subject to government removal programs in areas where it is endangering forests and wildlife habitat. The juniper interior and exterior doors offer a distinctive appearance highlighted with large, swirling grain patterns and unique knots, along with a rich color ranging from light to a deep cinnamon brown. Cracks and splits further the material's rustic feel. The doors come in several designs and finishes, including the chappo finish shown here, and can be specified with distressing, hammering, and blackened antiquing. Cost: interior starts at $700; exterior starts at $1,300. 800-535-3936. www.jeld-wen.com.
Ridgid
Ridgid. More productivity and less guesswork is a combination pros can get behind. The AutoShift 18-volt lithium-ion drill/driver automatically shifts into a lower gear when it senses a high-torque application; because it continually operates at the optimum setting without any user involvement, the drill performs better, drills faster, and lasts longer. The tool delivers 450 inch-pounds of torque and includes a 24-position clutch, 1/2-inch single-sleeve chuck, and a dual LED worklight. Users can bypass the AutoShift for high-speed-only drilling. The kit also includes two batteries, a charger, a bit, and a bag. Cost: $229. 800-474-3443. www.ridgid.com.
Hansgrohe
Hansgrohe. The sleek Axor Starck shower collection was a big hit with the judges: "It has the look and feel of a precise German design--like a Porsche." The modular system offers various elements that can be combined for a number of personal shower preferences, including horizontal, vertical, and asymmetrical flow. Each 12-by-12-centimeter module can contain several functions, such as a sprayhead, a thermostat, speakers, shelving units, lights, and control elements. These combine with the overhead Axor Starck ShowerHeaven, which features three spray modes and a slide function. Cost: starts at $6,825 to $9,895 for basic ShowerHeaven unit. 800-334-0455. www.axor-design.com.
Dow
Dow. Styrofoam Structural Insulated Sheathing (SIS) provides structural bracing, water resistance, and thermal insulation in one, helping minimize heating and cooling lost to air infiltration. "You don't have cold spots on the wall that radiate cold in the wintertime or radiate heat in the summer," said Mark Buschman of Buschman Homes in Gurnee, Ill., in a written statement. Indeed, Dow boasts that Styrofoam SIS can save homeowners between $200 and $500 a year on their energy bills. The product also meets code for a water-resistant barrier, eliminating the need for housewrap. "This is an excellent tool to cope with more aggressive R-value code requirements being adopted," one judge noted. Cost: $15 to $17 per 1/2-inch board. 866-583-2583. www.dow.com.
Kohler
Kohler. The sleek one-piece Saile toilet is WaterSense-certified, with a dual-flush feature that allows for 1.6 gpf for solid waste and .8 gpf for liquids. The functionality can save the average family of four up to 8,000 gallons of water each year versus a 1.6-gpf-only toilet. The skirted model's flush-to-wall installation eliminates buildup behind the toilet. "It looks like it works as well as it is easy to clean," one judge commented. Cost: $682. 800-456-4537. www.kohler.com.
