Building Products Presents the 2008 MVP AwardsPart 1

Each year, our panel of expert judges from the building industry singles out an elite group of new products worthy of special recognition. This year, 21 products—ranging from a high-efficiency furnace to a luxurious shower panel—were chosen as winners of Building Products' Most Valuable Product Awards. The selections provide some unique ideas that could make your job easier, your work more efficient, and your business more profitable. They might even add a little fun to your workday.

Building Products asked manufacturers to submit products introduced between January 2007 and January 2008. Unable to independently test each product, our judges scrutinized written statements, press materials, brochures, pricing information, testimonials, and photography submitted by the manufacturers. Specifically, our panel assessed each entry based on a single requirement: Is the product of "value" to pros? In other words, does it reduce installation time, callbacks, or labor costs; solve a problem; simplify installation; boost profits; or add curb appeal or a "wow" factor to a home?

All claims about the winning products come from their makers; the editors and judges could not independently verify the statements. What's more, the winners represent only a small portion of outstanding products that were introduced during the past year. The judges made their selections based on items entered in the competition, not from all products that debuted between January 2007 and January 2008.

Click here to read part two of this article.

Without further delay, we present this year's MVP winners.

Crane Performance Siding

Crane Performance Siding. BellaStone non-masonry stone-look siding, made from a composite of real stone aggregate embedded into a high-performance polymer, is designed to provide the appearance of natural ledgestone without the weight or the special equipment and prep time involved in installing the real thing. It even weighs five times less than manufactured cement stone, the company says. The panels mount directly on the wall and come in earthtone or gray. Accessories include window lineals, windowsills, and quoin corners, a design touch appreciated by one of our judges. The siding has a built-in moisture management system and provides a minimum R-value of 4 as well as sound abatement. Cost: $18 to $20 per square foot installed. 800-366-8472. www.exteriorportfolio.com.

Hansgrohe

Hansgrohe. Shower panels fulfill the conflicting desires of homeowners who want a luxurious bathing experience but don't want to spend a lot of time in a bathtub. They also satisfy contractors' ever-present desire to cut down on installation time, since they come preplumbed and preassembled and attach to the outside of the shower wall, only requiring connection of their supply lines. The SkyLine shower panel features two foldaway showerheads, a handshower with two settings, five body sprays, and a foldaway footrest with a slip-resistant surface. One of our judges praised its "sleek and sexy" design. "It has everything you want in a personal spa system," the judge noted. It's 68½ inches high and 7-7/8 inches wide and comes in chrome or brushed nickel. Cost: $3,295 (chrome finish). 800-334-0455. www.hansgrohe-usa.com.

Lennox Hearth Products

Lennox Hearth Products. A depth of 7 inches and vent-free design simplify installation of the Scandium catalytic gas fireplace. Because no framing or special construction is required, "installation is as easy as hanging a picture," a judge said. The fireplace is suitable for locations where venting is impractical, and catalytic technology cleans the hot air as it leaves the combustion chamber. Fireplace dimensions are 41½ inches by 21 inches by 7 inches; the finish is black glass with aluminum-look trim. The fuel efficiency rate is 99.99 percent, the manufacturer says. Cost: $2,499. 800-953-6669. www.lennox.com.

Bay Tree Technologies

Bay Tree Technologies. "Fifteen years ago, we basically had one choice for decking; now, our choices are seemingly unlimited (most of them 'bad' for some reason–terrible design, environmentally unfriendly, or difficult to install properly). Purewood looks like a standout product to solve these problems," a judge opined about PureWood decking. The decking starts as renewable raw lumber, goes through treatment based on heat and moisture—no chemicals or metals—and comes out as a product that is naturally resistant to rot and termites. It works like other wood, can be used in-ground, and requires no special equipment or disposal permits. The 1¼-inch-thick decking comes in 8-foot to 20-foot lengths in two profiles; balusters, rails, and posts also are available. Cost: $6 per square foot. 888-575-4180. www.purewoodproducts.com.

Kohler

Kohler. The Model RSB Intelligent Transfer Switch allows contractors to do less work while providing a two-fer to the homeowner. A combination of an electrical load distribution panel that handles up to 40 circuits and an automatic transfer switch, the package makes a house generator-ready. Having the panel and the generator transfer switch in one product means contractors save time. It's a "sensible solution," a judge said. An optional load-shedding module permits homeowners to have everything electrical in their house backed up by a generator or to choose a few circuits they regard as essential for backup. The load center comes in 150-, 200-, and 225-amp versions. Cost: Starts at $1,399. 800-544-2444. www.kohlersmartpower.com.

Exaktime

Exaktime. Time cards have been around forever, but they're not always the most accurate way to report the number of hours worked. A higher-tech option is PocketClock/GPS. Installed in a Windows Mobile-equipped PDA, the software permits employees to clock in and out with a PIN code while they're on the jobsite at a location verified by GPS technology, or supervisors can clock in an entire crew. Attendance and location records can be transferred via the Internet or directly from the PDA to an office computer for export to a payroll system. "It definitely solves an ongoing problem that some companies don't even know they have," a judge said. Cost: $299. 888-788-8463. www.exaktime.com.

iLevel by Weyerhaeuser

iLevel by Weyerhaeuser. The iLevel Shear Brace pre-built, engineered panel offers more predictable and consistent performance than most narrow site-built shear walls, the company says, providing lateral bracing to help resist high winds and earthquakes; it also resists vertical gravity loads and out-of-plane lateral loads. It meets code requirements for both engineered and prescriptive design, the company says, and can be used in multi-story homes and to build tall, narrow wall segments around windows. The panel is made of laminated strand lumber and is available in 12-inch and 18-inch widths and in both stock and custom heights. Mounting brackets help adjust the panel front to back to align with bolts in the foundation. Pre-drilled holes ease installation of wiring and plumbing; more holes can be drilled on the jobsite, too. Cost: Unavailable. 888-453-8358. www.ilevel.com.

Chamberlain

Chamberlain. How many of your passwords and PINs can you remember? Probably not all of them. To avoid adding yet one more sequence to the list, the LiftMaster Fingerprint Keyless Entry permits homeowners entering the garage on foot to raise the garage doors with the wave of a finger across a sensor. "Seems like it would be more secure than codes," a judge said. The system recognizes fingerprints of up to four people. A slide-up cover protects the unit from rain and snow; it runs on four AAA batteries. Cost: $149.95, not including installation. 800-528-6563. www.chamberlain.com.

Fafco

Fafco. It takes less than half a day to install the SunGrabber solar hot water system, the company says, a point that appealed to one judge. In addition, contractors don't need a crane to hoist the 12-foot-by-2-foot solar collectors to the roof, since the panels are made of a lightweight polymer rather than metal. The system works with conventional hot water tanks and includes two panels, a controller, tubing, fittings, drainback tank, mounting hardware, and tank adapter; all components are code-approved. Water-heating bills can be cut by as much as 50 percent, the company says, pointing out that hot water accounts for 25 percent of energy costs for the average household with an electric water heater. Cost: Less than $2,000. 800-994-7652. www.fafco.com.

Creative Specialties International

Creative Specialties International. The Mirrorscapes line of mirror frames offers nearly idiot-proof installation, the company claims, noting that a contractor can put up a 4-foot-by-6-foot frame in less than 15 minutes. No angled miter cuts are needed, rough edges and cutting errors can be covered up with decorative corner frame pieces, and templates make it easy to align adhesive mounting brackets. Five styles plus both metallic and wood finishes allow for a range of looks. "The product adds a custom look to an 'ordinary' bath," a judge said. Cost: $66 to $91.80 per 4-foot straight piece; $132 to $183 per 8-foot straight piece. 800-321-8809. www.csi.moen.com.

Trane

Trane. With ever-increasing energy prices, a more efficient furnace is a no-brainer. The Energy Star-qualified XV95 has a 96.7 percent AFUE rating, among the highest in the industry, the company says. "The very high efficiency is a plus, since gas prices are so high," noted a judge. It comes in four upflow and four downflow models, both compatible with air cleaners and humidifiers. The variable-speed blower motor operates at more efficient speeds and more quietly than conventional motors. Insulated cabinets and blower doors reduce noise and save energy. Cost: Varies based on the size of the furnace, geography, and installation. 903-581-3200. www.trane.com.

Benjamin Obdyke

Benjamin Obdyke. Mold is the kind of problem for which an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Mortairvent, a mortar deflection and ventilation system, is designed to drain water away from behind manufactured stone, stucco, EIFS, and brick exterior walls. The two-ply product creates a ventilation cavity between the vapor barrier and the exterior wall and also provides a water-resistant barrier. It speeds up the drying process through convection. "It seems like a viable solution to a very real problem," one judge said. Each roll covers about 200 square feet. The core material is polypropylene. Cost: 65 cents to 75 cents per square foot. 800-523-5261. www.benjaminobdyke.com.

Henkel

Henkel. Almost as exciting and productive as watching paint dry is waiting for caulk to dry for 24 hours. For busy builders and remodelers who have better things to do, Polyseamseal EST Speed Seal carves that waiting period down to two hours. "It will save time," a judge said. The silicone caulk, appropriate for kitchen and bath applications, creates a flexible, watertight seal and resists mold and mildew. It comes in white and clear. Cost: $7.98. 800-321-1733. www.henkel.us.

VT Industries

VT Industries. The Geneva postformed laminate countertop provides the look and feel of granite, natural stone, or solid surfacing while offering the potential of meeting green building program standards. The EQcountertop option with the Geneva profile—a modern drop ogee—is manufactured using Greenguard-certified laminates, water-based polyvinyl acetate glue, and recycled particleboard. Geneva also comes in standard and premium laminate finishes and a wide range of colors. The countertops are available with or without backsplashes. Cost: $25 to $45 per lineal foot. 800-827-1615. www.vtindustries.com.

L.E. Johnson Products

L.E. Johnson Products. Allowing sliding doors to be installed on interior walls, 200WM wall-mount door hardware offers an option when floor space is too limited for a swing door and pipes and wiring make pocket doors impractical. The system "offers a good alternative if space is of concern," a judge commented. The hardware holds doors weighing as much as 300 pounds and can be used with doors of any height and a thickness of at least 11/8 inches in single-door openings up to 96 inches wide and converging door openings up to 192 inches wide. Included are an aluminum I-beam track, mounting brackets, two four-wheeled hangers, and two door guides. Cost: $160 for a 4-foot track. 800-837-5664. www.johnsonhardware.com.

Broan-NuTone

Broan-NuTone. Designed for homeowners who care about energy efficiency and long-term savings, QDE range hoods are Energy Star-qualified and offer lifetime energy savings of 564 kilowatt hours compared with standard models, the manufacturer calculates. An undercabinet design and an adapter cut installation time. The 30-inch-wide range hoods come in white, black, and stainless steel and work for ducted applications only. They include two compact fluorescent bulbs and can be converted for either vertical or horizontal discharge. Cost: $549. 800-558-1711. www.broan.com.

Hilti

Hilti. With a 36-volt, 3.3-amp-hour lithium-ion battery, the WSC 7.25-A is the highest-capacity cordless circular saw on the market, the maker claims. "Circ saws have heretofore been the problematic stepchild of the cordless tool world," a judge noted. With a cutting depth of 25/8 inches—which the manufacturer says is the deepest on the market—the saw can rip sheets of wood and composite materials along with cutting forming boards and making bevel and miter cuts. A viewing window permits the user to clearly see the cutting line. The tool includes onboard Allen wrench storage. A charger and tool bag also are included. Cost: $519. 800-879-6000. www.us.hilti.com.

Eldorado Stone

Eldorado Stone. "In the world of manufactured stone, which is inherently cost-saving and a labor solution, there are few 'new' looks. I have not previously seen this unique look in an engineered stone," a judge commented on the CoastalReef line of manufactured stone, which is designed to emulate coral. "Our masons told me it was easier to work with than natural stone," said Candy Dormizzi of Newport Beach, Calif.-based William Lyon Homes in a written testimonial. The product has a smooth finish and comes in two shades of off-white. Dimensions are 4 to 12 inches by 4 to 16 inches by 11/4 inches. Cost: $5 to $8 per square foot. 800-925-1491. www.eldoradostone.com.

Whirlpool

Whirlpool. The Duet Steam washer and dryer tackle the everyday problem of stained, wrinkled clothes­—while trimming homeowners' water and energy bills. The washer dispenses steam to work on stains after water and detergent do their job. Cycle options include a "Sanitary" mode that has been certified by the National Sanitation Foundation as sanitizing without bleach. In the dryer, a mist of water combines with the heat to create steam to ease wrinkles and remove odors—a first in the industry, the company says. The Energy Star-qualified washer can save up to 73 percent of water and 77 percent of energy compared with pre-2004 washers, the company says. The appliances come in green, brown, and white—a color selection that impressed one of our judges. Cost: $1,499, washer; $1,199, dryer. 800-253-3977. www.insideadvantage.com.

Custom Building Products

Custom Building Products. If traditional fiber-cement backerboard went on a diet, it might become EasyBoard. One sheet of fiber-cement backerboard can weigh as much as 45 pounds; a sheet of EasyBoard weighs 6 pounds, making it easier to transport and carry. The product is manufactured using a polyiso foam instead of concrete or gypsum, and still offers dimensional stability, mold resistance, and resistance to water, the firm says. The sheets cut with a utility knife, creating no dust. "There was none of the usual cement dust, so cleanup was a breeze," said James Eaton of Atlanta-based Eaton Tile in a written testimonial. Cost: $10.19 per ¼-inch board; $10.51 per ½-inch board. 800-282-8786. www.custombuildingproducts.com.

Arch Treatment Technologies

Arch Treatment Technologies. While many consumers like the concept of green building, they don't necessarily want the wood for their decks to be tinted green by preservatives. Wolmanized L3 wood retains its natural color after treatment. In addition, the preservative includes no copper, making the wood easier on saw blades, the company reports. A water repellent helps the wood stay straighter longer than unprotected wood. One judge praised the "solving [of] some of the problems inherent with CCA-treated wood, at a competitive price point." The wood is appropriate only for out-of-ground use, such as deck platforms and railings, door and window molding and trim, and beams and joists. Cost: $9.01 per 12-foot length of 5/4 decking. 770-801-6600. www.wolmanizedwoodl3.com.