Spotlight: Exterior ProductsThese new products are sure to help you build faster, smarter, and better.

Source: BUILDING PRODUCTS Magazine

Publication date: 2006-01-21

EcoStar. Manufactured from recycled rubber and plastic, Seneca cedar shake roofing tiles offer the look of real cedar in a lightweight, durable material, the manufacturer claims. Seneca shakes come in varying widths of 6, 9, and 12 inches to create the random look of a wood shake roof in a Class 4 impact-rated product. Nine colors are available. 800-211-7170. www.premiumroofs.com.

Barnes-Stonedale. Lifcon fiber panels save material costs and construction time, says the maker. They are termite proof, are fire and black mold resistant, withstand 120-plus-mph winds, and have soundproofing and insulation properties, says the manufacturer. The panels, which can be drilled, cut, nailed, and adhered like wood, come in 2-foot-by-8-foot panels. 713-973-2977. www.barnes-stonedale.com.

Liquid Nails. Ultra Duty Poly, a moisture-curing, polyurethane-based construction adhesive, does not stain or affect surfaces, affirms the maker. It works in temperatures from 40 to 300 degrees F. With a low-VOC content and high flexibility, it can be used indoors and outdoors, says the manufacturer. The tip is pre-cut and each cartridge covers 30 lineal feet. It meets ASTM D 3498 and C 557 standards. 800-634-0015. www.liquidnails.com.

Taylor Building Products. Combining the look of wood with the practicality and durability of steel, the Taylorwood garage door features a pre-finished oak grain design. The doors come in flush or raised panels in sizes up to 18 feet wide and 12 feet high. A limited lifetime warranty is available. 800-248-3600. www.taylordoor.com.

Nichiha. Three new fiber-cement siding lines feature Nanotechnology, a thin layer of silica that self-cleans the panels when it rains or when they are sprayed, the maker claims. The 9-square-foot panels are Quarry Stone, which replicates patterns of marble, granite, and slate; Cut Stone, which provides a clean-cut symmetrical surface style in four colors; and Field Stone, a collection of random stone shapes, sizes, and colors for a rough textured appearance. 866-424-4421. www.nichiha.com.

Nana Wall Systems. Designed to work with the NanaWall opening glass wall system, which provides for expansive, unobstructed views, the NanaScreen provides a clear view while keeping out insects. The units retract easily for wide-open views, can be stopped at any point along their single track, and feature full-height magnetic catches. The linear, pleated polypropylene screen material allows the screen to endure strong wind conditions. 800-873-5673. www.nanawallsystems.com.

Endura Products. The new Z-series door sill has application-specific composite components to reduce shrinkage and warping caused by heat, the maker says. It also includes UV inhibitors and a powder-coated finish on selected models to counteract fading. 800-334-2006. www.enduraproducts.com.

Norandex/Reynolds. Four darker colors–russet, steel blue, evergreen, and firebrick–now are available from this vinyl siding maker. An acrylic fused capstock makes the colors less vulnerable to ultraviolet rays, air, and moisture, says the manufacturer. This helps keep a whitish film that leads to fading from forming on the vinyl, states the firm. 800-528-0942. www.norandexreynolds.com.

Tapco. Inspire roofing, which comes in16 solid colors and seven color blends, features a realistic look with six edge and surface designs. It has a Class A fire rating and a Class 4 hail rating, and resists winds up to 110 mph. Inspire is manufactured from a propriety formula of about 50 percent resins and 50 percent natural materials. The blend minimizes color fading; eliminates contraction and expansion; and resists the growth of algae, moss, and mold, the maker contends. 800-521-8486. www.tapcoint.com.

Amarr. Made from 25-gauge stamped steel, Oak Summit collection garage doors feature a carriage-house appearance with a beadboard profile. The four-section Oak Summit has a centerline that gives it the appearance of an out-swing garage door. For an R-value of 5.65, optional polystyrene insulation is available. Oak Summit comes in white, almond, and sandtone finishes. 800-503-3667. www.amarr.com.

Acme Brick. Two new color blends–prairie gray and plum creek–join the manufacturer's line of residential bricks for exteriors, fireplaces, paving, and more. Plum creek features a heavily mortar-smeared face on an old-red base, while prairie gray has a clefted surface and a tan-gray coloration. 800-792-1234. www.brick.com.

Bilco. The ScapeView series 6000 basement window is a two-piece system constructed of vinyl that includes a pour-in-place buck and a snap-in window unit. The buck is reinforced for strength and support to accommodate foundation pouring, and incorporates weather stripping to withstand air, dust, and moisture infiltration. The window's fully welded vinyl frame features Intercept Warm-Edge technology. 203-934-6363. www.bilco.com.

Loewen. The Cyprium collection features hand-wrought windows and doors in living finishes of copper and bronze cladding. Details such as soldered exterior joints finish off the .040-inch copper and bronze, which clads sash and frame segments in addition to simulated divided light bars. A variety of custom patinas is available. 800-563-9367. www.loewen.com.

Universal Forest Products. The Tech Trim product line includes a reversible finish and brickmould product. Made of cellular polymer, the trim has a limited lifetime warranty covering moisture damage, rot, and insect infestation. One side of the trim is smooth, while the other is textured to look like woodgrain. The brickmould pattern is designed for use around exterior doors. 800-598-9663. www.ufpi.com.

Kleer. The Cellular PVC Trimboard line is available in lengths of 18 and 20 feet with an embossed wood-grain look. Consisting of free foam expanded rigid-cellular white PVC, it features a white finish that does not require paint. The line is both weather- and insect-resistant and of a density similar to white pine, claims the manufacturer. 866-553-3770. www.kleerlumber.com.

Great Lakes Window. Able to be moved with the push of a finger, the EuroGlide door system opens when the handle is turned 180 degrees, says the maker. The entry panel sits on a dual-bulb weather seal. The handle comes in three finishes and the door is available in two- to four-panel styles and up to 8 feet high. Frames come in seven colors, including four wood-grains. 419-666-5555. www.greatlakeswindow.com.

James Hardie. Pre-primed Harditrim planks are made for corners, columns, windows, rakes, and friezes. Able to resist fungus and mildew, the planks come with a 10-year transferable limited warranty, says the maker. The fiber-cement trim and fascia are available in three textures and come in various widths. 888-542-7343. www.jameshardie.com.

Jeld-Wen. These fiberglass doors feature a skin molded from polyurethane materials. The skin is meant to give the doors better dimensional stability and more impact resistance and strength, says the manufacturer. Part of the Premium fiberglass door line, the units come in 32 designs and three graining patterns: oak, mahogany, and alder. 877-535-3462. www.jeld-wen.com.