CertainTeed. Available in 16 fashionable colors, ColorMax pre-finished fiber-cement lap siding boards carry a 50-year warranty, and a 15-year warranty backs the pre-finishing. The material ships with a plastic coating for protection during transport, handling, and installation. The maker says a high interlaminate bond strength means the material won't delaminate, adding that it is impervious to wood-boring insects, and resists UV rays, salt spray, and rot. 800.233.8990. www.certainteed.com.
Velux. An adjustable pitch adapter helps speed installation of Sun Tunnel skylights, while a single-piece metal flashing helps ensure water tightness. Inside the Sun Tunnel, a highly reflective silver material reflects natural white light with no color shifts, while an enhanced dome shape collects more light from all angles for improved performance. Available in 14- or 22-inch flexible styles, and 10- or 14-inch rigid tube models, Sun Tunnels carry a 10-year warranty. 800.888.3589. www.veluxusa.com.
EcoStar. Prepare steep-slope roofs for winter with Snow Guards to prevent rooftop snow buildup. Kynar-coated aluminum snow guards measure 9 inches long by 2½ inches wide, and are color-matched to each of nine distinctive EcoStar roof tile shades. The pad-style Snow Guards create friction across the roof surface. As snow melts, the guards break large chunks into smaller pieces that pose little danger to objects below. Fastened directly to the roof deck, installation calls for the same siliconized bronze roofing nails used on EcoStar tiles. 800.211.7170. www.ecostar.carlisle.com.
Simonton. Stormbreaker Plus windows help meet building requirements as codes become more strict. Tested to withstand winds up to 140 mph, the windows feature an outer tempered-glass layer and an inner impact-resistant-glass layer. An invisible plastic interlayer prevents the puncturing of glass from flying debris. Though the glass may shatter, it is designed not to break out of its frame. The product line features vinyl frames, with aluminum frames available in Florida. 800.746.6686. www.simonton.com.
SavAwn. Available in 4-, 6-, and 8-foot widths to fit most standard windows and doors, SavAwn awnings are attractive treatments that help lower utility bills by fending off the sun's rays. Awnings come with a three-year warranty, mounting hardware, and installation instructions. The Sunbrella brand canvas material, is available in forest green, navy blue, beige, or black, and is weather-, mildew-, and fade-resistant. 800.747.1760. www.savawn.com.
TimberTech. Dress up any deck with the Classic Black composite railing system. The industry's first black composite railing is made with the same precision as the maker's other composite materials for a durable, attractive surface. The low-gloss finish complements all TimberTech decking, including tropical styles. 800.307.7780. www.timbertech.com.
EntryPoint Doors. Create instant curb appeal and boost property value with EntryPoint decorative doorglass inserts and sidelites. Installers can transform existing doors in about an hour. Thermally sealed glass panels carry a limited lifetime warranty, and frames have a lifetime warranty against yellowing, warping, and splitting. Franchise opportunities include training, retail space, mobile workshop, marketing support, and more. 888.635.3687. www.entrypointglass.com.
Winchester Windows. Bristol windows have helped some homeowners reduce monthly utility costs by $200, case studies show. The triple-paned vinyl replacement windows sandwich a mix of gases with thermal spacers for a dual thermal insulator. Multiple low-E layers increase energy efficiency and reduce UV rays. 800.689.5432. www.winchesterwindows.net.
Grace. Compared with traditional 30-pound felt, Tri-Flex Xtreme synthetic roofing underlayment offers improved wet and dry skid resistance, and a tight weave that resists tearing. Each roll weighs less than 30-pound felt, while still covering 10 full squares, and can be left exposed for up to six months without deteriorating. 866.333.3726. www.graceathome.com.
Glidden. Reformulated to meet nationwide VOC guidelines, the Endurance line of oil/acrylic stains includes three new items. Pairing durable acrylic with penetrating oil, the new deck and siding products include a semi-transparent stain, a semi-transparent natural wood-tone finish, and a clear sealer. Available in thousands of shades, all Endurance products provide mildew resistance for a variety of exterior wood surfaces. 800.454.3336. www.glidden.com.
Research Plastic. Self-burping caulking tubes feature four telltale ridges at the back of the tube that allow air to escape. Less air means greater application accuracy by preventing splatters and gaps in the caulk bead. 877.990.9917. www.researchplastic.com.