The need for product innovation doesn't stop in a down economy, and last year building product manufacturers continued to serve customers with plenty of new, valuable introductions for the home and the jobsite. And if Building Products' annual Top 100 list is any indication, contractors looking to differentiate and innovate welcomed that information.
The Top 100 represents those products readers of Building Products and its sister publications Builder, Custom Home, and Remodeling requested more information about by mailing to us the reader service cards found in each issue. As in year's past, you won't find run-of-the-mill commodities here: The Top 100 spans a range of categories, but most are less familiar, new, or trendy. Not surprisingly, green products and technologies--including photovoltaics and solar water heating, tankless water heaters, and energy-efficient lighting--dominate this year's list as pros aim to keep up with the burgeoning sustainable-building movement.
Beyond green, the Top 100 contains many unique gems, such as an inventive sliding door hardware option, a hole-enlarger tool, a water carbonator, and an eye-catching waterfall system.
Whether you caught them the first go-around or are viewing them for the first time, this year's top picks could hold the solutions you and your customers have been looking for. Stay with us over the next two weeks as we count down to number one.
Bison
Bison supports can be adjusted individually, allowing builders to create a completely flat deck atop an angled roof. The high-density polypropylene product resists severe weather. 888-412-4766. www.bisonus.com
EverClear
SnowClear, an electronic snow- and ice-removal system, is installed underneath pavement and can reduce costs by up to 50 percent compared to traditional melting technologies, according to the maker. The package consists of three components: sized-to-fit heating panels, automatic sensors, and an electronic energy-management system. 866-400-3277. www.everclearradiantsystems.com
LP Building Products
TechShield radiant barrier can reduce monthly energy costs up to 17 percent by blocking 97 percent of radiant heat in the panel from entering the attic space, according to the company. The product reduces attic temperatures, creating less work for HVAC systems. It also minimizes radiant heat loss in cooler months. 888-820-0325. www.lpcorp.com
Iron Age Designs
This manufacturer creates decorative metal castings from a minimum 80 percent post-consumer recycled iron. Available products include drain grates, trench grates, tree grates, and other custom grates. 206-276-0925. www.ironagegrates.com
R-Control Building Systems
R-Control FrameGuard Coated SIPs are treated with FrameGuard Coating--comprised of organic fungicides and a borate--that prevents mold, mildew, and termite damage to its wood components, says the firm. In addition, the expanded polystyrene core is treated with Perform Guard termite protection. 800-255-0176. www.r-control.com
70: Kohler |
Kohler
The San Raphael Pressure Lite is the industry's first one-piece, 1.0-gpf high-efficiency toilet with pressure-assist technology, the company says. Compressed air is used to propel water for robust flushing power. According to the firm, the toilet can save a household of four 7,000 to 10,000 gallons of water a year. The one-piece unit has Comfort Height seating and an elongated bowl. 800-456-4537. www.kohler.com
Briggs and Stratton
The IntelliGen generator's controls automatically turn designated circuits on and off to manage whole-house power consumption without overloading the 15-kW unit. Because of this feature, the manufacturer says IntelliGen can manage the same number of items as a 25-kW unit. A wireless LCD monitor allows the homeowner to configure the system remotely. 800-732-2989. www.homegeneratorsystems.com
Cooper Lighting
Halo dimmable compact fluorescent downlights are Energy Star-rated, and the 26- and 32-watt housings can now be dimmed from 15 percent to 100 percent. Halo lights meet California's Title 24 requirements and include 5- and 6-inch new-construction and remodel housings. 770-486-4800. www.haloltg.com
Praxis
CutzOut reusable templates are designed for use with spiral saws and rotary tools. Suitable for cutting holes for electrical boxes, recessed lighting, in-ceiling or in-wall speakers, and more, the templates eliminate guesswork and result in consistent hole sizing. Five templates are available: single-gang, double-gang, StraitCutz, and two Circlez. 303-664-0715. www.cutzout.com
iLevel by Weyerhaeuser
Shear Brace, part of the manufacturer's wall-bracing system, provides the strength and support necessary to resist forces such as high winds, hurricanes, and earthquakes, says the company. It is typically used in framing areas of the home where high lateral loads must be resisted. Made of TimberStrand LSL, the brace is optimized to accommodate larger loads and remain stiff, the maker says. 888-453-8358. www.ilevel.com
65: Arxx Building Products |
Arxx
Lightweight and pre-assembled, Arxx ICFs save builders time and money by providing formwork, framing, insulation, a vapor barrier, and strapping all in one step. The completed walls have a thermal resistance of R-22, the maker says. The product provides an STC rating of up to 50 or higher, is wind resistant up to 150 mph, and has a two- to four-hour UL/ULC fire resistance rating. 800-293-3210. www.arxxwalls.com
Kwikset
SmartKey lockset cylinder technology allows builders to re-key a deadbolt without the expense or hassle of replacing locks. Using a simple tool, the locks can be re-keyed in three steps in 30 seconds or less. A certified ANSI Grade-1 product, SmartKey is found on the manufacturer's Signature series line of products. 800-327-5625. www.kwikset.com
Bosch
These carbide hole saws cut through wood, ceramic tile, brick, cinder block, cement board, fiber-cement board, and plastic. They feature diamond-ground carbide teeth and clearance slots for chip and dust removal. The saw kits come with 19 cups ranging from 1 inch to 41/8 inches. Two sets are available for multiple cutting applications and each comes with two carbide-tipped pilot bits and a quick-change mandrel. 877-267-2499. www.boschtools.com
Walker Zanger
Sobu mosaic bamboo tiles come in four patterns and three colors: gold, reddish brown, and dark brown. All tiles feature a matte finish and a smooth texture. 818-504-0235. www.walkerzanger.com
Universal Forest Products
The Latitudes white solar cap is a wireless, sun-powered light used to accent deck posts and fence posts with ambient lighting. The small solar collector on the cap rests on an LED fixture made of shatter-resistant glass. The solar lens, which becomes fully charged after a full day in the sun, is designed to absorb enough sunlight to provide subtle lighting in the dark. 877-463-8379. www.latitudesdeck.com
60: Jefferson Tool |
Jefferson Tool
The Extractor delivers slip-free extraction, making it easier to remove exposed nails and fasteners encountered during building, remodeling, repair, and salvage projects, according to the manufacturer. The tool's self-locking jaws automatically increase gripping force as greater resistance is encountered. Once the extraction has been initiated, only a prying action is necessary; the handles no longer need to be squeezed. 843-556-0455. www.nailextractor.com
Ice Energy
Charged by a 5-ton condensing unit at night and storing 50 ton-hours of cooling capacity, the Ice Bear 50 Unit storage air conditioner operates on the power required to run two 150-watt bulbs, the maker says. It delivers up to 7.5 tons of consistent cooling. 877-542-3232. www.ice-energy.com
Ann Sacks
Available in square and hexagonal tile shapes, this concrete flooring by designer Andy Fleishman uses grout filled into scored surfaces to create a patterned look. The flooring comes in a variety of designs and is made of sand, gravel, and cement with no chemical additives. 800-278-8453. www.annsacks.com
Lennox Hearth Products
A depth of 7 inches and vent-free design simplify installation of the Scandium catalytic gas fireplace; no framing or special construction is required. 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. 800-953-6669. www.lennoxhearthproducts.com/
Bosch Tools
The Hole Enlarger Kit fixes holes that are cut too small or widens old holes that won't fit larger materials. Users enlarge holes by attaching a hole saw, which matches the desired hole size, to an enlarger nut, then attaching a cup matching the original hole size. The inner cup acts as a pilot guide, allowing the outer cup to cut a clean hole. Two thread profiles accommodate cup sizes from 9/16 inch to 6 inches. 877-267-2499. www.boschtools.com
55: Kolbe |
Kolbe
Lift and Slide door panels can nest behind one another or recess into a pocket opening. Made of either aluminum or an aluminum exterior with a wood interior, they are available with energy-efficient glass, different panel configurations, and a variety of finishes and interior wood species. 800-955-8177. www.kolbe-kolbe.com
Pass and Seymour/Legrand.
Able to handle up to 12 multimedia connections and offer surge-protected power, Recessed Television Boxes are ideal for flat-screen TVs, home offices, and anywhere snug-to-wall placement is desired. The recessed design saves space, and plugs stay recessed behind the wall. Snap-on endcaps hide mounting screws for a finished look. 800-611-7277. www.passandseymour.com
Hansa
The Canyon basin mixer features an LED light band that reads from blue to red depending on water temperature and electronic touchpad controls for the on/off function. It also comes as a tub spout with a completely concealed mixing valve to create a waterfall effect. 678-334-2121. www.hansa.com
Dorma
The Mame glass door system comes with all hardware attached. Swing doors have an aluminum frame; sliding doors feature stainless steel and aluminum parts. 800-451-0649. www.dorma-usa.com
Rheem
The manufacturer has added an intermediate-size gas water heater to its residential tankless line. Designed for single-family homes with two bathrooms, the RTG-53 (PDF) provides up to 5.3 gallons of water per minute. It is available in indoor direct-vent, indoor power-vent, and outdoor versions. 866-720-2076. www.rheem.com