Product Picks: November/December 2022

Simpson Strong-Tie has introduced an all-steel, light diaphragm spline strap (LDSS) designed to replace traditional plywood splines for joining mass timber diaphragm panels. The LDSS spline solution includes a steel spline with embossed fastener holes that help connect mass timber panels quickly using collated Strong-Drive WSV screws driven by a PRO300SG2 Quik Drive cordless tool modified with a unique noseclip. Unlike plywood splines that require routing of the panel surface, the LDSS light diaphragm spline strap is placed directly on top of panels. According to Simpson Strong-Tie, the embossed fastener holes increase capacity and help guide Quik Drive installation to increase speed, reduce contractor fatigue, and eliminate the bulky hoses and equipment associated with pneumatic nailers. By eliminating CNC routing, manufacturers can save significant time and cost on fabrication. Tested for in-plane shear values, this steel strap is reported to be less susceptible to damage from moisture during construction. strongtie.com

Distributed exclusively by G-Wood Pro, ThermoWood Iroko Siding from Tantimber is touted as a preferable alternative to endangered South American species because of its reported superior durability, stability, and aesthetic characteristics. Manufactured using a proprietary process which Tantimber says prevents expansion, warping, shrinking, decay, infestations, splitting, breaking and limits checking and cracking, the siding is FSC certified, PEFC certified, chemical-free, nontoxic, eco-friendly and 100% recyclable. ThermoWood siding is also available in ash, pine, ayous, and tulipwood. gwoodpro.com

As a premium subflooring, Huber's AdvanTech X-Factor features a fade-resistant, water-shedding surface on a high-performance engineered wood panel. It features a built-in protective top layer that, according to Huber, provides a distinctively smooth, even, premium subfloor surface that is marker-friendly and easy to clean, and it offers a Squeak-Free Guarantee when paired with Huber's AdvanTech subfloor adhesive. Unlike commodity OSB and plywood panels that can show flaking, delamination, or discoloration from exposure to daily jobsite stress, AdvanTech X-Factor protects the panel surface quality and appearance. Additional benefits include first-class moisture protection, curbside appeal of a clean, smooth subfloor assembly and surface consistency for even-covering application. huberwood.com

Envision Outdoor Living Products recently released two new colors—Sandstone and Alpine Fog—to its budget-friendly Ridge Premium collection of capped composite decking. Emulating cooler mountain tones, Sandstone is a light, natural brown, while Alpine Fog is a blend of cool silver tones in an on-trend light gray. Manufactured with blended, variegated color and a non repeating grain for an authentic appearance, the decking is made with Envision's proprietary Compress Technology, which the company explains uses high heat and pressure to squeeze out air pockets, physically bond the cap and core together, and press the decking's non-repeating grain into the cap. The result, Envision says, is a board that's both strong and beautiful. The decking, which is made in the USA, carries a 25-year residential warranty and a 10-year commercial warranty. envisionoutdoorliving.com

SPAX's new line of composite deck screws are engineered with an undercut head that SPAX says prevents mushrooming and provides a clean finish into PVC, capstock, and composite deck boards. These new screws (available in seven colors to match common composite deck board shades) are, according to SPAX, the ideal length for use with 1″ and 2″ nominal thickness boards. They also include a reverse upper thread that clears away excess material, T20 T-star drive for positive bit engagement, a Type 17 double slash point for a fast starts, and a tri-lobe shank to prevent cracking or splitting of deck boards. SPAX composite deck screws are manufactured with an HCR coating that is IRC/IBC code compliant for use in treated lumber and exterior exposure condition 3 (general construction), and are available in 75-, 350-, and 1750-count boxes. spax.us

CertainTeed recently released three new colors to its Landmark PRO roofing shingles line: Max Def Coastal Blue (shown here), Max Def Espresso, and Max Def Red Oak. Engineered with two laminated layers to replicate the dimensional appearance of true wood shake, Certain Teed bills Landmark PRO as an affordably priced premier aesthetic roofing product that delivers optimal performance, durability, and curb appeal backed by CertainTeed's lifetime-limited warranty. Other features of the Landmark PRO shingle line includes 10-year SureStart protection for materials and labor costs, 15-year 110-mph wind warranty (upgradable to 130-mph), 15-year algae resistance, CertainTeed's QuadraBond four adhesive strips for increased resistance to wind and weather damage, and a Class A fire-resistance rating. certainteed.com

According to Wolf Home Products, its new Wolf Shower line allows homeowners to create a new, refreshed style for their bathroom with a variety of shower bases, wall panels, accessories, and more to match their home aesthetic. Wolf Showers are made of cultured marble that mimic the colors and depth of detail of natural stone, but at a reduced cost. Homeowners can piece together their own custom combinations by selecting a shower base, wall panels, and accessories in the color and size of their choice. Available in over 36 finishes, Wolf Showers are available with a non-slip and pitched-to-drain base and accept standard size drains. They can be customized for length, depth, and shape and can be crafted as handicap accessible. Wall panels can also be designed in various dimensions and come in a variety of patterns. wolfhomeproducts.com

New from Grip-Rite, ShingleLayment-HT is a synthetic 8-layer material combining a non-woven non-skid walking surface with high performance hot-melt butyl. For use on sloped roofs, Grip-Rite ShingleLayment-HT is designed to protect against moisture infiltration from ice buildup and wind driven rain, and can be used under primary roofing materials as a secondary water shedding device. The synthetic fabric consists of multiple layers of spun bonded polypropylene, fiberglass, polypropylene bonding layers, butyl adhesive, and a silicone treated release liner. It's compatible with PVC and TPO low slope roofing membranes and polypropylene synthetic underlayments, and because ShingleLayment-HT is asphalt free, it emits no VOCs. grip-rite.com

The new Westbury Juliette Balcony aluminum railing from DSI is specifically designed for use as an exterior railing for French, double, or sliding doors or a large window on an upper floor as an elegant alternative to a balcony. As a cost effective alternative to building a full balcony on upper stories of residential and multi family properties, the Westbury Juliette Balcony railing serves as a guardrail across the opening of doors and windows for safety while also allowing light transmission into upper story rooms. Available in Westbury's Tuscany railing design, the Juliette Balcony railing is available in 12 standard colors and comes pre-assembled in 7′ x 42″ and 8′ x 42″ sections. (Custom lengths and styles are available for special order.) All DSI aluminum railing systems are backed by DSI's Lifetime Limited Warranty. westburyrailing.com

FastenMaster has released a new and enhanced version of its GuardDog exterior wood screw. Created for exterior applications including pressure treated decking, railings, and stair stringers, the newly enhanced fastener includes a TORX ttap Drive System, a sharp Type 17 Point for quick cutting into the wood surface, and cutting nibs under the head to deliver a clean finished look. GuardDog is approved for use in treatments such as ACQ and CA-B, and acidic woods such as Cedar and Redwood, and is guaranteed to protect against rust for the life of the project. GuardDog exterior wood fasteners are available in lengths ranging from 1-5/8″ to 3-1/2″ and in quantities ranging from 75-piece boxes to 1,750-piece buckets. fastenmaster.com

New from RISE Building products, RISE Siding is a synthetic siding product that is available either in a factory-primed finish or in 10 pre-finished colors. Unlike fiber cement and engineered wood options, RISE products require no specialized tools to cut or on-site dust mitigation, and they install like traditional wood products. RISE Siding lap products are available in 160″ and 240″ options. All RISE trim comes either primed or pre-finished in Porcelain White in 160″ lengths, are available in 4/4″ and 5/4″ nominal thicknesses, and in widths from 4″ to 12″. RISE also offers solutions for board and batten and soffit applications. risebuildingproducts.com

GCP recently launched new enhancements to its GRACE SELECT self-adhered roofing underlayment. Composed of a rubberized asphalt adhesive laminated to a strong slip-resistant film, GRACE SELECT is promised to be faster and easier to install than granulars, while still meeting or exceeding industry standards for roofing underlayments. According to GCP, the new enhancements include superior adhesion at low temperatures, stronger film that exceeds tensile and tear requirements, and UV exposure for up to 90 days. These enhancements complement existing GRACE SELECT features such as premium adhesive that self-seals around nails for a strong defense against weather, and a proprietary film surface for superior foot traction without loose granules. gcpat.com

The Pittsburgh Energy is an updated take on the original Pittsburgh work boot that incorporates all of KEEN Utility's safety, performance, and comfort features. In addition to its lighter weight, this medium duty boot offers additional cushioning and flexibility with comfort enhancements including a KEEN.ReGEN midsole that the company says returns 50% more energy than standard EVA foam, a KEEN.DRY waterproof, breathable membrane, and a TPU shank for midfoot support. In addition, the Pittsburgh Energy is built with additional safety features such as asymmetrical carbon-fiber toes that are 15% lighter than steel, an oil- and slip- resistant outsole, and an EH rating to serve as a secondary source of protection from live circuits. The new Pittsburgh Energy will be available in two colors for men and also has a soft toe option. keenfootwear.com

Paslode has recently updated its Cordless 16 ga. Angled Finish Nailer with updated features for improved productivity on the jobsite. According to Paslode, the nailer, which weights 4.5 lbs., is the lightest cordless finish nailer on the market, can drive 12,000 nails per battery charge and 1,200 nails per fuel cell. The angled finish nailing platform allows the user to get in to tighter spots and angles that traditionally cannot be done with conventional 16 ga. straight finish nailers, and the nailer is backed by a 2-year full replacement warranty. paslode.com

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