Product Picks: September 2022

Evolve Stone's stone veneer is designed as the world's first mortarless, color-throughout stone veneer with realistic-stone looks and texture. According to the manufacturer, because Evolve Stone is installed using a nail gun and finish nails, it installs up to 10 times faster than traditional stone veneer—and saves on masonry costs. Evolve Stone is engineered to not hold moisture against a structure, which other veneers can do. Evolve Stone is designed to be durable as well as lightweight, which is said to make installation less cumbersome and easy for homeowners and DIYers. Evolve Stone won Best in Show and Most Innovative Building Material at the 2022 International Builder's Show. evolvestone.com

Simpson Strong-Tie has launched an expanded line of Strong-Drive premium screws designed to provide structural fastening solutions for the construction and repair of mass = timber assemblies and structures. The new family of 10-millimeter Strong-Drive mass timber screws includes a selection of countersinking fasteners in fully threaded, partially threaded, cylinder-head, and flat-head options. Engineered to provide strength across a wide range of designs, Simpson Strong-Tie mass timber fasteners and connectors are ideal for CLT construction. go.strongtie.com/masstimber

ProWood recently achieved UL Listing on a fire-retardant, pressure-treated wall assembly, ProWood FR UL V343 2-Hour Wall Assembly. The code compliant ProWood FR V343 wall assembly bears a Class A Flame Spread Index of 25 or less, the best possible rating awarded to fire-retardant building products. ProWood FR V343 is manufactured under the independent third-party inspection of Underwriters Laboratories Inc. According to the manufacturer, the UL Listing for ProWood FR's V343 pressure-treated wall assembly gives builders and architects the peace of mind to spec the product in their construction applications. It also allows building code officials to quickly and confidently approve the product on the job sites. prowoodlumber.com

eCommonSense is an industry-specific ecommerce solution developed to provide LBM dealers with an online shopping experience that rivals big box retailers, allowing builders and consumers to research and purchase items at their convenience. eCommonSense is fully integrated with ECI's ERP and its unified product information management system. ecommonsense.com

The Impressions integrated storm and entry door system from Therma-Tru, in partnership with LARSON, is designed to complement any home's architectural style while offering added protection against the elements. One integrated system is designed to take the guesswork out of ordering the right size storm door—and make installation a breeze. Homeowners can choose from a variety of Therma-Tru entry door styles, and colors, with or without glass. thermatru.com

Johnson Hardware's Series 1500SC pocket door frame is the latest model to join its line of heavy-duty, steel split-stud pocket door frames. Engineered for installation in 2×4 walls, the 18-gauge cold-rolled galvanized steel split-studs resist warping and rust. The 1500SC can support solid-core doors between 1″ and 1-3/4″ thick, and weighing up to 165 lbs. The steel split-stud design is engineered to make the frame more versatile. With its narrower studs, the frame allows an additional 1/4″ pocket clearance. The new steel split-studs accommodate a larger 2-1/4″ wide pocket. The 1500SC also features Johnson Hardware's soft-open/soft-close mechanism. johnsonhardware.com

FastenMaster has introduced TrussBRACE, engineered to be a faster and safer alternative to temporary wood-based supports used to install roof trusses. The FastenMaster TrussBRACE is a steel roof truss support that provides both lateral and diagonal restraint in one brace. According to the manufacturer, this system allows framers to set, space, and brace roof trusses in one easy step, increasing jobsite safety and productivity. The product is designed to keep framers safe since it is installed from the bottom chord. Productivity is enhanced and waste is minimized by eliminating temporary top chord bracing that must be removed prior to sheathing the roof. fastenmaster.com

The new Independence series from KEEN Utility features an abrasion-resistant, supple leather upper. Product highlights of this medium-duty boot include a KEEN.DRY waterproof, breathable membrane for dependable dryness, Luftcell midsole infused with nearly 100,000 air bubbles per cubic centimeter, designed for all-day support, and asymmetrical carbon fiber toes which, according to the manufacturer, are 15% lighter than steel. The Independence series is also EH rated and features KEEN. Tough sole, an oil and slip-resistant outsole designed to be lighter weight and more durable than rubber. keenfootwear.com

TracSafe's Anti-Slip Sealer is formulated with a unique pre-mix to be applied on garage floors, slippery steps, showers, walkways, pool decks, and more. Applied by rolling onto a surface, two coats of Anti-Slip Sealer are said to bring stability and peace of mind to any concrete or tile surface. Users can transform the color of the surface before sealing by first applying TracSafe's Anti-Slip Color Coat. As easy to apply as paint, TracSafe Anti-Slip Color Coat comes in Graphite, Shell Grey, Cream, Clay Brick, and Terracotta colors. daichcoatings.com

PowerPro Concrete Screw Anchors are code-approved for fastening into concrete and masonry materials. Engineered design cuts threads into concrete, brick, and block. The screws are available in three colors, are recommended for interior and exterior projects, and use a standard ANSI drill bit for installation. Approved for Miami Dade County, Florida, and California building codes. hillmangroup.com

The 400 Series from Superior Plastics is a deckboard top rail designed to make a deck even more welcoming as an entertaining space by serving as a drink rail that's also integrated visually into the deck's overall color scheme for a unified appearance. Superior engineered a system in which an aluminum receiver plate is fastened to a simple vinyl top rail. The receiver plate is predrilled every 12″, so that the railing installer can simply lay a deckboard on top of it and then, using the supplied fasteners, attach the railing to the aluminum plate. Because the deckboard is fastened every 12″ across the entire rail, the manufacturer says there is no gapping and the deckboard is held flush to the top rail. superiorplasticproducts.com

The new SPAX specialty fastener is designed for use in attaching wood and composite/PVC trim boards for residential home interior and exterior work. Partial thread applications include window and door casing attachment, base-boards, cabinetry, door jambs, stairs and railings, crown molding, and fine carpentry. Reverse double thread applications include fascia trim, baseboards, window and door trim, and countertop trim. PowerTrim fasteners include features such as: T-STAR plus drive within a cylindric head and a UNIQUE 4CUT point designed for quick and easy installation with no pre-drilling required. PowerTrim fasteners also feature a reverse double thread for PVC applications engineered to pull and hide pigtail shavings and eliminate bulging. Available in both #8 and #9 diameters and in lengths of 1-1/4″, 1-1/2″, 2″, 2-1/2″, 3-1/8″, 4″ and 5″. spax.us

Fortress Building Products’ newest category, pergolas, combine steel's weatherability and low maintenance qualities with its modern aesthetic that the manufacturer says brings lasting style to the backyard. The structural steel is dual-layer protected against fire, corrosion, twisting, insects, and rot. Customers can select from three freestanding pergola styles, including one Traditional and two Modern options. Customers can preview the Traditional and Modern pergola styles in a variety of formations using the Pergola Visualizer. Fortress pergolas offer dealers and distributors that currently stock Evolution steel deck framing a low barrier to entry, as the two steel building products share the same SKU. The assembly is backed by a 25-year limited manufacturer warranty. fortressbp.com/pergolas

Fantech has developed a Radon Alarm designed to alert homeowners if their active soil depressurization (ASD) radon mitigation system fails. The new alarm meets Section 1001 of the American Association of Radon Scientists and Technicians (AARST) CCAH national standard, and measures pressure differential changes based on internal sensors. An integrated teach-and-test feature sets the alarm trigger pressure level and confirms normal operation with audible and visual indicators. The alarm alerts residents at risk of a malfunctioning system and carcinogenic gas intrusion with audio and visual notifications. Additional features include a seven-day snooze function and a time delay that can be set to 24 or 96 hours, as well as permanent audible enable or disable capability. fantech.net

LP NovaCore Thermal Insulated Sheathing is dual-layered and designed to protect structures against heat loss and gain. Structural OSB and XPS foam are bonded together to create an insulated wall panel that is said to be easy to install and can be handled, cut, and drilled like OSB, delivering an R-Value of 5 per inch of thickness. Provided that all panel edges are properly supported, LP NovaCore can be installed in vertical or horizontal orientations. lpcorp.com

Milwaukee Tool has introduced the WRECKER with NITRUS CARBIDE SAWZALL blade, said to be the longest-lasting, fastest cutting, and most versatile blade for demolition and remodeling jobs. The WRECKER with NITRUS CARBIDE features a 6TPI design, engineered to be ideal for the fastest cuts in woods, metals, and abrasives. This blade is designed to eliminate the need for blade changes by having the capability to cut everything from wood with nails to thick metal. According to the manufacturer, its carbide blend, NITRUS CARBIDE, delivers the fastest cuts and longest life by dissipating heat better than any non Nitrus blade in the industry. milwaukeetool.com

The ToughSystem 2.0 Full-Size Organizer offers a 44-lb. load capacity. Manufactured in the USA with global materials, the organizer is designed to keep workspaces clutter-free with two double removable cups, eight single removable cups, and a built-in compartment designed to accommodate long tools. According to the manufacturer, the container provides protection against dust and water damage and has durable metal-plastic front latches to withstand tough jobsite conditions. Users can customize their storage layout, as the unit connects to other ToughSystem products and can be attached with auto-connect side latches, or disconnected with the one-touch release feature. dewalt.com

VZClip, a hidden clip and fastener system from VERSATEX Building Products, is designed to speed up and simplify the installation of two VERSATEX PVC 3/4″ trim profiles. According to the manufacturer, negative windload tests by an independent, accredited, third-party testing agency, VZClips exceeded the equivalent windload of a Category 3 hurricane. VERSATEX recommends installing VZClips every 16″ on center, using #8 1-5/8″ galvanized or stainless-steel screws. A package of VZClips (screws not included) will cover about 180 square feet, or approximately 21 18′ boards. versatex.com

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