9 minute read
HOME CONSTRUCTION PRODUCTS FOR 2023
Skyplug
The SkyPlug from SKYX Platforms is a “smart” lighting base that enables an easy and safe plug-and-play installation of light fixtures and ceiling fans to the ceiling in seconds, without touching electrical wires. The “smart” base transforms any light fixture and ceiling fan to a smart fixture with multiple features controlled by a proprietary SkyHome App, which integrates with your home’s “smart” wifi system. The SkyHome feature offers voice control, scheduling, energy-saving mode, dimming, color changing, night light and emergency light, all controlled by the app. Based on the safety features of the technology, it was voted into the US National Electrical Code (NEC), and therefore, is expected to become a US household standard for ceilings, similar to how the GFCI electrical bathroom outlet became a mandated household requirement. Visit www.skyxplatforms.com.
Door Stud
The Door Stud cuts typical installation labor time in half. It has a steel constructed design with a single action clamp and soft-grip handles. By cradling the door in dual wheeled holders, this durable tool simplifies the install of 1-3/4-in. and 2-3/4- in. pre-hung or slab doors. With the Door Stud, the installer handles a door once. The Door Stud is vertically adjustable; holding the door upright and leveling the door in three directions for preparation of installation. It enables the installer to conduct a single-person, hands-free installation by mobilizing the door and preventing it from resting against the interior walls of the home. Visit www.thedoorstud.com.
Hydaway Hydraulic Walls
These unique, patented HydAway doors and walls are built with their hydraulic systems fully concealed when closed for the cleanest profile of any door or window on the market. Visit www.hydawaywalls.com.
Hover Doors
California-based Hover Doors uses permanent magnets to levitate heavy sliding doors afloat at all times and are guaranteed for life. Hover Doors works in a fundamentally different way from any other product on the market. Magnetic levitation technology, previously found on Japanese train lines, to enable doors to open and close more smoothly. The technology could eliminate the need for bearings, pulleys, and other fittings typically found on sliding and bi-folding doors. Visit www.hoverdoors.com.
GE PROFILE ULTRAFAST COMBO WASHER/DRYER
Combining the power of clean and dry for an ultimate one-and-done solution, the new washer/dryer eliminates the laundry hassle of waiting around to transfer a load. The UltraFast Combo combines two jobs into one, allowing owners to do their laundry from start to finish when they are away from home or enjoying other activities. Instead of letting laundry linger between cycles, the washer automatically cycles to dry, taking the load off the owner and reducing time spent in the laundry room. Visit www.geappliances.com.
Overture Automated Indoor Air Quality System
Broan offers the first fully automated fresh air system, which uses sophisticated sensor technology to monitor your home's indoor air quality. When it detects a rise in indoor air pollution caused by increased humidity, VOCs, smoke, carbon dioxide or small particles (sometimes referred to as PM2.5), the system will automatically turn on the nearest ventilation fan to eliminate the pollutant while simultaneously bringing in fresh, clean air from outside. The whole system is easily set up and controlled from your mobile device. Visit www.broan-nutone.com.
Infine Column Shower
The inLINE column shower’s sleek and elegant design is 100-percent made in Italy with high-quality materials. It features adjustable temperature of hot and cold water in one movement, a gentle rainproducing water jet for extra comfort, quick-connect and disconnect technology, and it disassembles without having to shut off the water system, making it ideal for outdoor installations including pools, spas and boats. With its limited water consumption, inFINE consumes only 6 liters per minute. Visit www.sistemaingenius.it.
Camo Structural Screws
National Nail’s CAMO brand of tools and fasteners introduced new CAMO Structural Screws at IBS for the deck structure and beyond. The new Structural Screws are certified IRC/IBC code compliant and feature CAMO’s proprietary ProTech Ultra 4 coating with four layers of industry-leading corrosion resistance. The 0.16-in. structural framing screw is ideal for wood-to-wood connections, deck blocking, and other interior and exterior projects. It replaces 8d, 10d, and 16d nails in interior and exterior applications. The Type 17 slash point removes material as it’s driven, reducing friction and drive time with no pre-drilling. Available in 2-1/2- and 3-in. lengths, the screw’s large, flat head maximizes pull-through holding power and finishes flush with the work area. Visit www.camofasteners.com.
Elevation Cable Rail By Barrette Outdoor Living
This system installs 38% faster than the competition and features the patent-pending OneTen built-in centralized tensioning control system. No special tools or fasteners needed. It comes in pre-assembled kits with pre-installed brackets and pre-strung stainless-steel cables. It features a modern, industrial design with a continuous top rail for both level and stair applications. Visit www.barretteoutdoorliving.com.
Revealcut
Arrow Fastener unveiled the Arrow RevealCut, a new all-in-one precision workstation that allows ceiling installation professionals to cut acoustic ceiling tiles in a fraction of the time and at a fraction of the cost with precise results and minimal waste. Eliminating the need to cut tiles with a straight edge and a utility knife, RevealCut delivers up to 80 percent in labor savings. A typical 2-foot ceiling tile can be cut to size and finished with a factory-grade profiled edge in less than 30 seconds. RevealCut is available in two convenient sizes: one for 2-foot tiles and a larger version for up to 4-foot tiles. Visit www.RevealCut.com.
Bilt Home Software
BILT is a 3D app that is free to use and features thousands of official ad-free installation instructions with 3D interactivity, which are paid for by the brands. There are also tool tutorials and DIY projects so simple even a novice can be successful. The app also does highly complex training for the US military. Download the mobile app on iOS or Android. Visit www.biltapp.com.
Tin Ceiling Usa
Certified for both residential and commercial use, these made-in-the-USA tin ceiling panels will enhance your space with the highest quality products available at an ultra-affordable cost. The Premium Faux Finish option is hand painted using a glazing technique to create an elegant, vintage see-through decorative finish. Visit www.tinceilingusa.com.
Schlage Encode Plus Smart Wifi Deadbolt
The Encode Plus Smart WiFi Deadbolt from Schlage offers homeowners unparalleled flexibility for even greater convenience and security. The Schlage Encode Plus lock is among the first to support Apple’s latest enhancement to the HomeKit experience with home keys capability. With home keys in Apple Wallet, consumers can simply tap to unlock the Schlage Encode Plus deadbolt using their iPhone and Apple Watch for easy and secure access to their home. Visit www.Schlage.com.
Flowban
Flowban stops tub floods. It shuts off the water to the faucets, so bathtub overflows are a thing of the past. It can also be used on certain types of lavs and sinks to stop them from overflowing. Even when a tub doesn’t overflow, the water flowing down the drain is wasted, as is the energy that has been used to heat it. Flowban saves water and saves energy. Flowban is an insurance policy against tub flood damage. Flowban can stop the flooding before it even starts. It uses no electrical sensors or a “memory” of normal flow and usage. It is a purely mechanical system that reacts when the water reaches a certain level in the tub. It resets itself automatically as soon as the faucets are turned off. Visit www.flowban.com.
The Dryer Drawer
The Dryer Drawer is a quick and heat-free solution to drying your hand-washed dishes. The Dryer Drawer allows you to dry your hand-washed dishes more quickly and with less clutter than countertop air drying and without the effort and germ-spreading rags of hand drying. A small, quiet fan pulls air into The Dryer Drawer. The air circulates in and around the dishes. The Dryer Drawer takes advantage of convection to hasten drying time, no heating element is needed. The humidified air is forced out the opposite side of The Dryer Drawer and exhausted back into your kitchen. Visit www.thedryerdrawer.com.
Clipstone Mortarless Stone Veneer
Cornerstone Building Brands exhibited the new ClipStone product offerings that expand the line of mortarless stone veneer products, including the Pro Panel. With larger panels for quicker installation and a stair-stepped design that hides joints, the Clipstone ProPanels make it easy for remodelers and contractors to bring the beauty of stone into their projects with no mortar and less mess. Visit www.myclipstone.com.
Clopay Garage Doors
Clopay Garage Doors exhibited new modern, custom, and “carriage house” style garage doors, which are insulated and feature a decorative faux wood look in a variety of colors and finishes. Visit www.clopaydoor.com.
Lacantina Doors
The LaCantina V2 Folding Door is a state-of-the-art folding door system redesigned to align with the latest design trends and to meet the needs of architects, homeowners and designers. The new system provides unlimited opportunities for indoor and outdoor spaces, while creating a fresh, elevated and modern feel to any home. Ultra-thin stiles and rails, hidden hardware and larger panel sizes deliver more glass and a sleek aesthetic, while the automatic locking system allows for effortless, one-handed operation. Expect more natural light and expansive views, improved energy efficiency and a clean, minimalist look and design flexibility. Visit www.lacantinadoors.com.
NIAGARA ONE-PIECE PHANTOM TOILET
Niagara’s sleek, ultra high-efficiency Phantom toilet is now available in an easy-to-clean, one-piece model. It touts Niagara’s patented Stealth Technology with a whisper-quiet and powerful flush, using only 0.8 GPF. With eco-minded luxury in a lean silhouette, the narrow tank and smooth, skirted bowl add a sleek touch to a modern bathroom. With its large, extended footprint design, the Phantom makes it effortless to forget your old toilet by easily covering the existing footprint. Visit www.niagaracorp.com.
EMPAVA 12” DROP-IN COOKTOP
This 12” cooktop is perfect for current and prospective “tiny home” owners. There’s no need to sacrifice product quality because of space constraints. The Empava IDC12 allows users to cook a variety of meals with an efficient 12-in. induction cooktop. It includes nine power settings from 100W up to a total of 1800W power-sharing. Heating levels range from as low as 100w to fast boiling. It offers accurate and easy temperature changes at the touch of a button. Boil, stew, fry, stir fry, and switch from one mode to another as needed. Visit www.kitchenappliancestore.com.
SUPREME FREESTANDING FIREPLACE FROM HEAT & GLO
The Heat & Glo Supreme Freestanding Indoor Gas Fireplace will allow remodelers to install a gas fireplace without needing to tear into a wall or build out a custom mantel in order to add an eye-catching centerpiece to their home. Taking a page from Nordic home designs, these clean-lined, easy-to-install gas fireplace units can be ready in one day as the design allows the unit to sit out in the open, much like a wood-burning stove. All that’s required is access to a gas line, electrical and vertical venting through the roof. With 32,700 BTUs, it’s ideal for small to medium spaces and the ceramic glass and integrated fan help move the heat faster into the room. As the firebox is elevated above the floor, a hearth pad is not needed, allowing it to be used on any floor surface. Visit www.HeatnGlo.com.
Davinci Roofscapes Province Slate
The new Province Slate composite roofing tile from DaVinci Roofscapes features the realistic, authentic look of natural slate. It’s constructed of a composite material made of virgin resins, UV and thermal stabilizers as well as a highly specialized fire retardant. The result is a state-of-the-art tile made with a great degree of color control and consistency in the manufacturing process for an end product that endures beautifully in any climate. Visit www.davinicroofscapes.com.
Vero Building Systems
Vero panels are considered Structural Concrete Insulated Panels, built with a polystyrene core with welded wire mesh on both sides. These two mesh layers are additionally welded together through the panel for added strength. Once erected, a concrete shell is applied on front and rear, creating a well-insulated, indestructible component for building concrete walls with R-19 insulation value. Vero Building Systems custom manufacture components designed specifically for your structure and deliver them directly to your job site (maximum width of 60” and length of 40’). The lighter components, reduced complexity, and smaller teams save time and money so you can build more with less. Visit www.verobuildingsystems.com.
U2 Fasteners
Favorite fasteners among the HIR staff, U2 fasteners are premium wood-to-wood residential construction screws. They’re all code-compliant structural and corrosion-resistant screws that don’t strip, or snap, and stick on the bit. The U2 screws are code-approved for ACQ pressuretreated lumber and structural strength. U2 offers Construction screws that replace lag screws, Universal screws that are “deck screws on steroids,” Trim screws, Cabinet screws and the Top Start fastener, which replaces shimming when hanging doors. U2 offers screws from 1/2" up to 20” in length for your largest projects. Plus, 316 stainless steel options are available in the most popular sizes. Visit www.u2fasteners.com
30 YEAR TRANSFERABLE WARRANTY
THE BEST IN THE BIZ