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2022 BEST OF IBS AWARDS

EACH YEAR, THE NAHB INTERNATIONAL BUILDERS’ SHOW® (IBS) RECOGNIZES THE OUTSTANDING BUILDING PRODUCTS FROM EXHIBITING COMPANIES IN EIGHT CATEGORIES WITH THE 2022 BEST OF IBS AWARDS.

WITH OVER 200 ENTRIES IN EIGHT CATEGORIES, 24 INDUSTRY AND MEDIA JUDGES CONSIDERED THE PRODUCTS' INNOVATION, FUNCTIONALITY, DESIGN AND USER-FRIENDLINESS TO MAKE THIS LIST OF WINNERS.

1 EVOLVE STONE

MFG: Evolve Stone WEB: evolvestone.com INFO: Evolve Stone won Best in Show as well as Most Innovative Building Material Product. This first-of-its-kind nailable stone veneer product is the only mortarless, color-throughout stone veneer that installs up to 10X faster and is a fraction of the weight compared to the competition. It looks and feels like real stone and installs with the ease of a finish nailer. No mortar or hardware is required. It’s moisture-impermeable compared to competitors' products, which can hold moisture against the structure. Evolve Stone is also extremely durable, which reduces breakage during shipping and installation. No heavy-duty staging or scaffolding is needed, nor is there a need for engineered tie-backs, grade beams, or stone ledges. Evolve Stone installs structurally under vinyl siding guidelines.

2 SWIDGET 20/40/60 CONTROL SWITCH

MFG: Swidget WEB: www.swidget.com INFO: Winner of Best Kitchen & Bath Product, the Swidget 20/40/60 Control Switch is a modular Smart Home enabled timer switch that can be wired for single-pole or dry contact applications. When your home is equipped with Swidget wiring devices, configuring your spaces is as easy as 1-2-3. Simply install the desired insert type in the wiring device, and pair it to the app to get real-time monitoring and control over your domain. Move and change devices as your life evolves, without worrying if your home can keep up with technology. Many of the Swidget Inserts can be used on their own, like a nightlight or USB charger, or they can connect to an ever-growing number of systems via Wi-Fi, Z-Wave, or ZigBee protocols, allowing you to control and monitor the switch. Inserts are safely and easily installed/removed from the body of the Swidget 20/40/60 Control Switch without the use of any tools.

3 SPAN GEN 2 SMART PANEL

MFG: SPAN WEB: www.span.io/panel INFO: SPAN reinvented the hundred-year old electric panel and won both Best Energy Efficient Product and Best Home Technology Product. It replaces your existing electric panel and lets you control every circuit in your home right from your phone. Furthermore, when paired with SPAN, a home battery can back up your entire home rather than only a fraction of it. SPAN makes this as easy as using a drag-and-drop app. Outage at night? Power your bedrooms. Outage in the morning? Power your kitchen and office. Need to get away from the outage? Power an Electric Vehicle. Every circuit is now a connected circuit. Turn them on and off, from home or away.

4 TIMBERLINE SOLAR

MFG: GAF Energy WEB: www.gaf.energy INFO: GAF Energy launched Timberline Solar, winner of Most Innovative Construction Tool. Timberline Solar is the only roof system to directly integrate solar technology into traditional roofing processes and materials. This new system incorporates the world’s first nailable solar shingle, the Timberline Solar Energy Shingle™ (ES), which will be assembled domestically at GAF Energy’s manufacturing and R&D facility in San Jose, California. Timberline Solar is reliable, durable, cost-effective, and easy to install. The ES boasts an industry-defying depth of less than a 1/4 inch and integrates with traditional shingles to create a sleek and attractive look.

5 PANOLOCK

MFG: PanoLock WEB: www.enduraproducts.com/panolock INFO: Winner of Best Window & Door Product, PanoLock is a one-of-a-kind, multi-point lock that works with off-the-shelf hardware to provide superior home security at an affordable price. The lock installs along the edge of the door with three locking points. It works with most handsets, whether knob, lever or thumb-press via an innovative plug-nplay latch and deadbolt adapters, which mate with multiple brands and styles. PanoLock compatible brands include: Schlage, Kwikset, Gatehouse, Baldwin, Brinks, and Defiant.

6 MURPHY FLUSH PANTRY DOOR

MFG: Murphy Doors WEB: murphydoor.com INFO: Winner of Best Indoor Product, the Flush Pantry Door from Murphy Doors provides the perfect spot for grocery, errand, and chore lists AND you'll gain up to 20 cubic ft. of storage space in previously wasted space. The flush-mount Pantry Door is available in 6 wood selections, 36 finishes, and paint-grade options to perfectly complement your décor. It installs like a regular door.

7 BARRETTE DECORATIVE SCREEN PANELS

MFG: Barrette Outdoor Living WEB: www.barretteoutdoorliving.com INFO: Winner of Best Outdoor Product, the Decorative Screen Panels from Barrette Outdoor Living offer an attractive way to customize an indoor or outdoor setting. Enhance a room, patio, garden, or add a stylish solution for under a deck. Panels can also be installed up to three high in the aluminum frame kit, creating a divider screen for increased privacy wherever it is needed.The panels resist warping, rot, twisting, splitting, discoloration and scratching, and can be used as decorative infill in select railing products. The low-maintenance, impactresistant material ensures stability in extreme climates. Made in the USA and backed with a Limited Lifetime Warranty.

HONORABLE MENTION: CAMO CLIPDRIVE

MFG: Camo Fasteners WEB: www.camofasteners.com INFO: Target screws easily from a standing position and drive CAMO clips up to 5X faster using the CAMO ClipDRIVE, an IBS finalist for Most Innovative Construction Tool. This contractor-grade tool is designed to give you the best experience fastening grooved decking. For exclusive use with CAMO Universal Deck Clips on grooved decking, the tool attaches to your drill and features a height-adjustable handle. The weighted nose easily targets the screw head to speed up decking installation.

SNEAK PEEK: MONSTER PIVOT DOOR SYSTEM COMING IN 2022

Simpson Door Company is taking customization and efficiency to new heights in 2022 with its Monster Pivot Door System. The oversized doors can be custom-made to span up to 12 feet tall and up to 10 feet wide to create a showstopping entrance. A contemporary alternative to traditional assemblies, the company’s latest offering makes it possible to marry the sought-after look and functionality of an oversized door on a pivot hinge with the simplicity of a ready-to-install system. Featuring a no-fuss option that takes the guesswork out of the installation process, the Monster Pivot Door System comes with high-performance hardware that makes it easy for home builders to purchase and install a truly one-of-a-kind door. Like anything from Simpson Door Company, the Monster Pivot Door System can be customized to accommodate a range of design aesthetics.

DEAL BREAKERS FOR HOME BUYERS

Planning on selling a house anytime soon? Take note of the new HomeAdvisor Inc. survey results of nearly 2,000 American homeowners, all of whom have bought their homes within the past five years. There are several deal-breakers that will cause buyers to pass on a property. The most common deal-breakers are: • Exterior issues, such as damaged or discolored siding • Weatherproofing issues in an area of the house • A significant number of repairs needed • Noticeable flaws in the foundation • Cracked walls or ceilings

However, homebuyers are not turning away homes just because they need some work. The following reasons were the least likely to dissuade buyers:

• Home being in a fire zone

• Lead paint or the presence of radon

• Yard or landscaping issues

You can remodel a home and hire local lawn care professionals to fix outdated landscaping. But at what cost?

Price was the most important factor for homebuyers, and the size of the home was nearly as important. Yet, over 60% of responders said they’d go over budget. In fact, one in four were willing to go over budget by more than $100,000.

Learn more at HomeAdvisor.com.

NEWSWIRE

LEADING CONSTRUCTION TRADE SHOWS TO BE HELD AT THE SAME TIME IN LAS VEGAS

Three of the leading trade shows will take place at the same time in 2023, furthering the offering of what attendees can see next year. The National Hardware Show® (NHS), NAHB International Builders’ Show® (IBS) and NKBA’s Kitchen & Bath Industry Show® (KBIS) at Design & Construction Week® will be held in Las Vegas, NV January 31 to February 2.

“We are absolutely thrilled that the National Hardware Show (NHS) will be in Las Vegas during the same time that Design & Construction Week takes place,” says NAHB CEO Jerry Howard. “NHS creates synergy with the International Builders’ Show and NKBA’s Kitchen and Bath Show. Co-locating NHS with IBS and KBIS will allow attendees to explore additional products and opportunities to grow their businesses and maintain a competitive edge in the market.”

For more information on the National Hardware Show, visit www.nationalhardwareshow.com.

5 SPRING CLEANING TIPS FOR A PEST-FREE HOME

Spring cleaning is a time to get organized, but don’t forget to take steps to combat unwanted pests. Follow these handy tips from Aptive Environmental, one of the leading pest control companies in North America.

“Home should be a haven, and a place where families can spend time together. Aptive’s expertise in pest control can play a big part in helping people enjoy their homes,” says Aptive’s CEO and Co-Founder, Vess Pearson.

• Get rid of any unwanted boxes. After the holiday season, many empty boxes can quickly pile up. This can become an easy shelter for roaches, spiders, crickets and silverfish. To deter pests from invading your home or garage, get rid of any unwanted shipping or gift boxes.

• Tackle areas in the home that are usually forgotten. Overlooked places such as air filters, vents, and ceilings should be cleaned regularly to prevent any unwanted bugs like dust mites and spiders.

• Keep the kitchen clean and organized. Spring is the perfect time to reorganize. Use chip clips and sealable food containers, choose waste bins with lids, and regularly clean the trash can. Having a clean, organized area and food sealed can prevent infestations.

• Don’t forget to clean outside. Prune branches and shrubs to ensure they are not touching the side of the house or roof. Remove any leaves and debris from areas near the home, including the gutters, windows, walkway, deck and patio. Pests like to linger in the yard during the warmer months, so it is important to start the season with a clean environment.

• Hire a professional. An expert with extensive training can take care of pests with a service designed to treat and prevent an infestation. Service professionals can provide you with custom pest-management solutions for your home. Learn more at www.GoAptive.com.

GUIDE TO WINDOW LOCKS FOR HOME SECURITY

Crime is on the rise in most major cities, and home security is a hot topic. Windows can be vulnerable entryways for burglars and are just as important to secure as your doors. Here is a quick guide to the types of window locks to consider for home security.

Lock and Key: Window locks do not allow key access from the outside. With no lock to pick, an intruder will be forced to find another means of entry. Although you can find key locks attached directly to windows, most are coupled with another variation of lock. For example, the folding latch lock is a common key combination available on casement windows.

Smart Technology: Smart locks are a new and innovative way forward when it comes to home security. With a smart lock on your window or glass door, you will require a smart panel or an app on your phone to open your windows, along with a security code that you set. Although these locks come with their own challenges, such as how to open a window during a power outage, this secure system has many other benefits for home security. For example, a smart window lock can be connected to other security features in your home, send you a message when a window has been opened, set off an alarm, record CCTV, and even call the police.

Window Pins: A window pin lock is not a very secure option but does have its uses. Window pins work in a similar way to door chains. They allow the window to open, but only so far. One part connects to the window frame and the other part connects to the sash. The cable or chain between them prevents the window from opening very far. How far it opens will depend on the length of the chain or wire. Although this is an effective option for letting air into the home, with the right tools an intruder can use that gap to cut the chain or cable, making it ineffective for security.

Folding Latches: A good folding latch on a window brings the two sashes together and folds the latch down. This then holds the window firmly closed. Many folding latches come with the added benefit of a key lock, so you can lock it from the inside. This is a secure option when it comes to window latches, although other latch options are available.

Latches such as the swivel latch simply clasp together, holding a window closed. The strength of these types of latches can vary greatly, depending on quality of design and how well they have been secured to the window.

A Note on Window Glass: A burglar is not afraid of a little noise. Do not think that they won't throw a rock through the glass if it will give them entry. Consider stronger glass or impact windows to discourage this type of forced entry.

(Source: David Davidof, Quickly Locksmith Miami).

ASK MATT

QUESTION: A local landscaper recommended we install a “dry creek bed” to help with drainage in our yard. How does that work?

ANSWER: A dry creek bed made of stone can provide a natural drainage solution. By redirecting the flow of water during rainy weather, the creek bed can protect your house foundation and prevent excess water from pooling in low spots on your property. A dry creek bed is a shallow trench lined with landscape fabric and filled with boulders and stones of various sizes. With a little planning, it can also serve as an attractive, organic landscape feature that needs little maintenance. Arrange the bed in a curving course down the slope of the yard. Line the edges of the trench with the heaviest stones, using the flattest shapes for capstones along the borders. Incorporate plants along the sides for more decorative appeal. Slope the soil at the edges toward the bottom of the trench and line the creek bed with smaller rocks. Remember that it is illegal to channel the water into the street or onto someone else’s property, so aim for a zone within your property lines where the water can pool and soak into the soil.

YOUR FAVORITE NON-SCRATCH SCRAPER WIDER!TOOL JUST GOT

Save Time and Effort When Cleaning Small Surfaces, Edges & Grooves!

ORIGINAL MODEL AND NEW WIDE BLADE FEATURES: ROUNDED TIPS —BETTER SCRAPER THAN A FINGERNAIL FLAT-EDGED TIPS—WON’T SCRATCH LIKE A SCREWDRIVER POINTED TIPS—BETTER THAN A TOOTHPICK FOR CLEANING GROOVES AND CORNERS

Remove stickers, tape,caulk, putty, grime & more!

Available in original 2-packs, 5-packs and new wide blade 3-packs QUESTION: How can I kill kudzu?

ANSWER: Follow the kudzu vines down to the ground until you find the nodes/crown. Use a handsaw to cut the vines as close to the crown as possible and treat it with herbicide. Treat within 5-10 minutes, otherwise, the wound will dry and the herbicide will not be absorbed. Use a high concentrate (between 18-50%) glyphosate-based herbicide solution. An indicator dye will help keep track of what areas have been treated. Be sure not to spray the herbicide anywhere but on the woody stem. Repeat applications may be necessary.

Need more info? Visit Matt’s blog at HomeImprovementAndRepairs.com.

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