Johns Manville. Designed to decrease air infiltration and control moisture, Gorilla Wrap non-woven polymeric housewrap is non-perforated to reduce the potential for bulk water penetration and is translucent to allow installers to see framing, nails, and windows through it during application. The housewrap has a tear-resistance 300% higher than the leading housewrap, the maker claims. 800.251.1660. www.jm.com.
Boise Engineered Wood Products. Engineered for tall walls and other applications requiring strong, straight framing materials, the Versa-Stud offers at least 2.1 times more bending strength and 20% more stiffness than No. 2 SPF 2x6 studs, according to the manufacturer. Featuring none of the checks, cracks, or twists common in solid lumber, the Versa-Stud comes in consistent dimensions–a 1-1/2-inch width and five depths–to create squarer corners and flatter, more plumb walls. 208.384.6161. www.bc.com.
CertainTeed. Faced with the manufacturer's breathable MemBrain film, DryRight fiberglass insulation is engineered to reduce the risk of mold and mildew growth. In moist, humid interior conditions, the film's pores open to let moisture vapor escape the wall cavity; when indoor humidity is low, the pores close to prevent vapor transmission. DryRight comes in R-13 and R-19 batts and rolls with a friction-fit design. 800.233.8990. www.certainteed.com.
Guardian Fiberglass. With an R-value of 49, Fatt Batt fiberglass insulation provides the highest R-value in batt insulation on the market, says the company. The 15-inch-thick batts are available kraft paperfaced and unfaced for 16- and 24-inch on-center framing. Fatt Batts eliminate the need to install multiple thicknesses of batts or add loose-fill insulation to achieve higher R-values. 800.569.4262. www.guardianbp.com.
Schnee-Morehead. Woven of a high-density polyethylene fabric with micro-perforations for breathability, Pro Installer MoldBlocker housewrap prevents moisture vapor from becoming trapped in the wall. A patented anti-fungal coating applied to the fabric's interior side inhibits mold growth between the housewrap and sheathing. The translucent housewrap resists UV damage for up to 12 months, says the firm. 800.878.7876. www.pro-installer.com.
Fomo Products. Handi-Stick maximum-strength pressurized polyurethane foam construction adhesives are formulated to provide fast, strong bonding to all polystyrene substrates without degrading the material. Specifically formulated for insulated concrete form and architectural foam shape applications, Handi-Stick Polystyrene Construction adhesive (shown) provides a short working time. 800.321.5585. www.fomo.com.
Bonsal American. An anti-microbial agent added to the manufacturer's line of sanded and non-sanded grouts inhibits the growth of mold and mildew without affecting the grouts' workability, colorfastness, and other properties. The mildewcide is incorporated throughout the grout mixes, making grout joints easier to clean and keeping them cleaner longer, the manufacturer says. 800.738.1621. www.bonsal.com.
Fortifiber Building Systems Group. WeatherSmart housewrap combines a high-strength, non-woven polymeric substrate and a monolithic non-perforated coating of "smart" polymers to deliver balanced moisture control in any weather condition without the use of perforations or micropores in its surface. The product is resistant to surfactants, is UV stable, and provides a reliable air infiltration barrier, the manufacturer says. 800.773.4777. www.fortifiber.com.
USG. Sheetrock dust control joint compound binds fine residue during sanding to form heavier particles that fall to the floor instead of clouding the air, the maker says. The compound produces the same quality finish as other all-purpose muds, but reduces dust, making prep time and clean-up faster and easier. 800.874.4968. www.usg.com.
American Micro Industries. Quiet Batt acoustical and thermal insulation batts are made from 80% recycled content and do not release any skin-irritating fibers during installation, the company says. The Class A fire-rated product is available in R-13 and R-19 batts in 16- and 24-inch widths. 800.558.2058. www.soundprooffoam.com.
Franklin International. Titebond Premium Polyurethane Construction Adhesive now provides a faster set-up time and a smoother bead that extrudes easily in temperatures as low as 35 degrees F. The low-VOC adhesive's bond will skin over in one hour, and its quicker, more powerful initial grab helps improve alignment between substrates, the company says. 800.877.4583. www.titebond.com.
Carlisle Coatings & Waterproofing. The EZ Pan sill pan flashing system incorporates the maker's extruded foam sill wedge, window and door flashing membrane, WillFlash molded high-density polyethylene corner detail, and EZ Flash W&D self-adhered flashing membrane. The system provides a continuous water barrier and drainage plane over window sills and in corners. 800.527.7092. www.carlisle-ccw.com.
TVM Building Products. Combining a single layer of highly reflective aluminum laminated to a thick sheet of polyethylene, rFoil Reflective Ruff Rap is designed to increase wall insulation efficiency by 20% and to block 96% of radiant heat transfer while permitting trapped moisture to escape from the wall and preventing air and water infiltration. The perforated wrap inhibits condensation, mold, and fungi growth, according to the maker. 888.699.1645. www.tvmi.com.
SureSill. HeadFlash-Flex, part of the SureSill integrated flashing system, is the only head flashing with a drip cap that bends around curved window tops with a continuous upper edge to provide effective drainage and enough height for a proper overlap with building paper, the maker says. The flashing is made from different grades of PVC co-extruded together so it holds an even shape. It is UV-resistant and comes in 60- and 120-inch lengths. 512.231.9469. www.suresill.com.
Pactiv. Greenguard flashings deflect water from entering the wall system at critical penetration points such as around windows, doors, and wall protrusions. Made of a butyl-rubber formulation, the self-adhering flashing membranes don't contain asphalt, VOCs, or solvents, and are designed to create airtight and watertight seals, the manufacturer says. 800.241.4402. www.green-guard.com.
Endura. Weatherstrip and Simple Solution corner pads now come with a protective plastic film, eliminating the need to remove a door's weather-stripping and corner pads during painting, which can result in gaps, damage, and improperly applied corner pads, the company says. The protective film can be removed after painting is complete. 800.334.2006. www.enduraproducts.com.
Dow Building & Construction. Featuring an aluminum facer on one side and an embossed white acrylic-coated aluminum facer on the other, Thermax White Finish Insulation Boards are ideal for crawl spaces, walls, ceilings, and interior basement applications. The glass fiberreinforced foam core boards deliver an R-value of 6.5 at 1-inch thickness and can be used to create a semi-finished appearance. 866.583.2583. www.dow.com.
Benjamin Obdyke. Designed for use while converting attic ventilation from roof pots to ridge ventilation, PlyPatch gives roofers an easy-to-install, durable, and affordable way to patch resulting roof holes. PlyPatch consists of a square of plywood with a mechanical connector on each edge. The patch drops into an existing roof pot hole and secures to the roof deck with nails. 877.647.8368. www.benjaminobdyke.com.
Ainsworth. Durastrand OSL Rimboard is now code-approved for use as a window and door header in short-span applications up to 9 feet. Called 0.8E Durastrand OSL Rimboard, the product offers a less-expensive alternative to higher-grade engineered wood products, is widely accepted by many engineered floor systems, and is readily available, the manufacturer says. The 1-1/4-inch-thick rimboard comes in depths of up to 24 inches and lengths up to 24 feet. 877. 661.3200. www.ainsworth.ca.
Georgia-Pacific. Featuring a water-repellent coating, Plytanium DryPly plywood absorbs up to 40% less water than unprotected panels for up to four weeks, the company says. The maker adds that using the product for subfloors can help builders avoid warping and excessive edge swelling. 800.284.5347. www.gpplywood.com.
Trim-Tex. Mud-Max drywall compound additive improves the strength and adhesion performance of drywall compounds, textures, and plaster products, the manufacturer says. The additive assists in challenging conditions such as settling and movement caused by wet lumber and sudden temperature or weather changes. 800.874.2333. www.trim-tex.com.
DAP. Premium Lightweight Joint Compound goes on pink to eliminate guesswork but dries white. The formula, which weighs 25% less than conventional joint compounds, is de-aired during production to ensure a smooth finish without bubbling, the maker says. The square container accommodates a 6-inch taping knife, so users don't have to transfer the compound to a mud pan. 800.543.3840. www.dap.com.
Knauf Insulation. Perimeter Plus loose-fill fiberglass blown-in insulation, designed to work with the Blow-in-Blanket System, provides R-values up to R-15 in 2x4 walls and up to R-23 in 2x6 walls. Blown into closed cavities behind Perimeter Plus netting, the system fills gaps and voids and will not settle, the maker says. Perimeter Plus is Greenguard Environmental Institute Indoor Air Quality certified. 800.825.4434. www.knaufinsulation.com.
Mar-Flex Waterproofing and Basement Products. Made from a closed-cell, cross-linked polyethylene foam, the Shockwave drainage board absorbs pressure to protect below-grade walls during backfilling and helps channel water away from the foundation. The flexible, crush-resistant board moves with the soil as it expands and contracts during freeze-thaw cycles, the manufacturer says. A cloth backing prevents silt from infiltrating through the board and clogging drainage channels. 800.498.1411. www.mar-flex.com.
Temple-Inland. FiberBrace high-performance structural sheathing is now UL-approved as a wall assembly component for multifamily and commercial wall systems requiring a one-hour fire rating. The sheathing is code-recognized for structural strength and provides required wall bracing when fastened correctly, the manufacturer says. It is moisture-permeable to allow moisture vapor to escape the wall cavity and provides an R-value of 1.22. 800.231.6060. www.templeinland.com.
Owens Corning. Raft-R-Mate attic rafter vents now incorporate an optional air stop/insulation block feature. A perforation in the vent creates a panel that can be flipped down during installation to prevent "wind wash" from blowing through it and pushing insulation away from the house's perimeter, and to prevent insulation from covering eave and soffit vents. 800.438.7465. www.owenscorning.com.
Grace Construction Products. Grace Vycor Butyl self-adhered flashing protects windows, doors, and other wall details from water and moisture intrusion. Engineered for use in high-temperature areas, its in-place temperature performance has been tested to 240 degrees F. The flashing also can be applied at temperatures as low as 40 degrees F. 866.333.3726. www.graceconstruction.com.
GE Sealants & Adhesives. GE SideGuard Siding & Trim Acrylic Urethane is formulated for use on siding substrates such as wood, vinyl, masonry, primed fiber-cement, and PVC. Paint applied to the sealant does not produce shiners, the company says, and the sealant is easily tooled. It comes in six colors. 866.275.4372. www.gesealants.com.
Arch Wood Protection. Applied to OSB, PSL, LVL, or wood I-beams at the factory, lumberyard, or mill, the water-based FrameGuard coating provides a broad range of protection against mold and wood-destroying organisms that cause deterioration, discoloration, and odor. The green-dyed coating is intended for interior framing members and is comprised of EPA-registered components that provide effective resistance to mold, termites, and fungal decay, the manufacturer says. 770.801.6600. www.wolmanizedwood.com.
WoodSmart Solutions. In a two-part process called Perfect Barrier, Bluwood lumber and components are treated at the factory with chemicals that provide water-repellency, vapor-permeability, and resistance to mold, mildew, and wood-ingesting insects. Lumber is treated on all six sides and can sit unprotected on jobsites for up to six months, the firm says. 561.416.1972. www.perfectbarrier.com.
Quikrete Quikrete. Veneer Stone Mortar is a blend of contractor-grade portland cement, hydrated lime, masonry sand, and other ingredients formulated for a range of applications, including mortar joints, as a bonding coat for stone cladding, and as a scratch coating applied over expanded metal lath. Veneer Stone Mortar is available in gray, but also can be colored for joint applications. 800.282.5828. www.quikrete.com.
Red Devil. King Kaulk Hybrid Polymer is a multi-purpose, all-in-one caulk, sealant, and adhesive for interior and exterior use. When cured, the product resists harsh weather conditions, UV rays, and mildew. With high sealant/adhesive performance and fast initial grab, King Kaulk forms a flexible watertight seal that will not shrink or crack, the maker says. The low-VOC, low-odor sealant/adhesive/caulk cleans up with water and is paintable. 800.423.3845. www.reddevil.com.
Coastal Plywood Co. SolarPly radiant barrier sheathing, engineered to provide energy savings by reflecting radiant heat away from attic areas, is now produced on APA-certified exposure 1-rated sheathing plywood to meet the requirements of the PS 1-95 standard. Panels are available in three main thicknesses: 15/32-inch four-ply, 19/32-inch four-ply, and 23/32-inch five-ply. SolarPly is engineered to protect against hurricane damage better than OSB, the manufacturer says, and is approved for use in high-velocity hurricane zones in South Florida. 800.735.2727. www.coastalplywood.com.
Protecto Wrap. Nine-inch BT25XL peel-and-stick sealing tape meets ASTM standard E 2112 requiring a minimum 9-inch-wide flashing at fenestrations. The 20-mil polyethylene-backed rubberized adhesive membrane self-seals around fasteners and prevents water intrusion and air leakage. The tape incorporates a built-in serration at the 4-inch mark so installers can peel and stick that portion to cover a window's bottom sill and the exterior substrate, leaving the remaining 5-inch portion unadhered so housewrap can be tucked under it and sealed tight. 800.759.9727. www.protectowrap.com.
Roseburg Forest Products. RFPI 400 Series I-Joists are engineered to be stronger and straighter than solid lumber to provide level, stiffer, and truer floors without squeaks, the manufacturer says. Available in 9-1/2-, 11-7/8-, 14-, and 16-inch depths, RFPI 400 Series joists offer allowable floor clear spans up to 27 feet in 40/10 simple span applications and up to 29 feet 6 inches in 40/10 multiple span applications. 800.245.1115. www.rfpco.com.
Bostik Construction & Distribution. Chem-Calk 2020 is a one-component, moisture-curable urethane sealant formulated to provide superior bonds to vinyl siding and trimboard, and several other building materials, according to the manufacturer. Low-VOC and solvent-free Chem-Calk 2020 is freeze-thaw stable, offers fast cures at low temperatures, and delivers 100% total joint movement capability. 888.592.8558. www.bostik-us.com.
iLevel by Weyerhaeuser. The iLevel TimberStrand laminated strand lumber beam allows builders to cut larger holes in the field to accommodate pipes, wires, and conduits. The product's design allows for holes up to 4-5/8 inches in a 14-inch-deep version and allows for multiple holes depending on length. It comes in widths of 1-3/4 or 3-1/2 inches in depths of 9-1/2, 11-7/8, and 14 inches. 888.453.8358. www.ilevel.com.
