It may still be the deep freeze of winter for many dealers, but in Orlando, Fla., builders and dealers alike will be basking in the sun and the promise of increased sales at the 2005 International Builders' Show, Jan. 13–16. This year's show will include about 1,600 exhibitors, 200 education programs, and, of course, thousands of building pros on the lookout for new products, techniques, and ideas.
PROSALES is proud to be the official dealer publication of the International Builders' Show. And once again we've assembled just a few of the things worth checking out at this year's event. For a complete listing of educational programs and exhibitors, visit www.buildersshow.com. See you there!
Hilti Hilti WSJ 750-ET and WSJ 850-ET jig saws feature Smart Power to provide constant blade speed under load and a blade stroke of 1 1/8 inch. The saws' Active Orbital Action removes more material on the upstroke, the manufacturer says. The PrecisionGuide clamping system secures the blade against wandering and bending, and a six-position stroke rate adjustment matches cutting speed to each job. Four orbital action settings range from smooth to aggressive cutting. 800. 879.8000. www.us.hilti.com..
Fypon Made from reinforced polymer, these round and square structural columns can be used for interior and exterior applications. Ranging in height from 6 to 24 feet, they feature hollow centers that can be used as channels for downspouts, wiring, and plumbing. The columns are non-porous, waterproof, and termite resistant, and they come ready to be finished with oil- or acrylic/latex-based paints. 800.446. 3040. www.fypon.com.
PL Adhesives & Sealants Formulated to provide a strong, permanent bond to wood, metal, and concrete in interior and exterior applications, PL 400 Heavy Duty Construction Adhesive is water- and weather-proof. The adhesive meets all the requirements of the American Plywood Association, the maker says, and its bond strength helps reduce nailing, floor squeaks, and vibrations in subfloor and decking applications. 888.445.0208. www.stickwithpl.com.
Crane Performance Siding The Fluted Lineal features a solid core backing that provides added energy efficiency and 300 percent more impact resistance than traditional vinyl siding, the company says. Available in 20-foot lengths in an Aspen-white finish, the Fluted Lineal features a 1 1/8-inch pocket that will accept the manufacturer's solid core siding. A ¾-inch pocket for use with the company's regular vinyl siding also will be available. 800.366.8472. www.vinyl-siding.com.
Versatex Manufactured in a free-foam cellular PVC extrusion process, Versatex trimboards offer the look of wood without weathering and maintenance, the company says. The product line includes all primary trimboard profiles from 4- to 16-inch widths and three thicknesses, as well as 10-foot and 20-foot outside corners, beaded soffit/wainscoting, and 4-foot-wide sheets. The reversible boards and corners can be installed with a Timber Ridge or Smooth Matte finish. 724. 266.7928. www.versatex.com.>
Pella The Architect Series double-hung window offers a traditional appearance with modern performance, with up to 7 percent more visible glass than leading competitors, the company says. Two options, the Luxury Edition (LX) and the Style Edition, are available. The LX model features Steady-Tilt for cleaning and LC-50 design pressure performance. The optional VividView screen allows up to three times more airflow than standard fiberglass screens. Pella Corp. 888.847.3552. www.pella.com.
Heatilator Designed to accommodate the trend toward larger and more traditionally styled fireplaces, Icon Series direct-vent gas fireplaces, models 60 and 100, do not have to be framed with non-combustible materials. The fireplaces use a patented DVP pipe that makes installation easier and makes them more cost effective, the manufacturer says. The Icon 60 generates 55,000 BTUs and has a 36-inch-wide opening; the Icon 100 measures 50 inches wide and puts out 8,000 BTUs. 800.927.6841. www.heatilator.com.
PAM Fastening Technology The MSV-9 autofeed screw system is newly designed to meet contractor-grade applications, the manufacturer says, with a collated screw belt guide, fast-click depth changing, and tool-free maintenance and bit removal. The tool can be used for close-up work such as drywall, or it can be converted with a universal extension system for extended applications such as subflooring and decking installations. 800.699.2674. www.pamfast.com.
ODL The Arts and Crafts family has been added to the manufacturer's collection of Decorative Doorglass. The Arts and Crafts–inspired pattern has nickel-finished caming along with thin reed glass, seedy glass, hammered glass, granite glass, and clear beveled glass. The units come in seven sizes; a coordinating rectangular transom also is available. For easy installation, the units are encased in SmartFrame, a snap-in screw-less frame. 800.253.3900. www.odl.com.
Vetter Insulated Hurricane Impact Products feature a polyvinyl butyral layer bonded between two panes of annealed laminated glass, offering impact protection that meets wind-borne debris codes for the Eastern United States, along with insulating properties. Double-hung, casement, and direct set/picture windows, and out-swing patio doors are available. Exterior aluminum cladding comes in a variety of colors; interiors are offered in pine or with a hardwood upgrade. 800.838.8372. www.vetterwindows.com.
Simpson Strong-Tie The new Strong-Wall is an engineered composite of steel and wood with allowable loads that are two to three times more than the manufacturer's original product, the company says. The steel design maintains its integrity to support gravity loads even after reaching peak capacity. The Strong-Wall features two anchor bolts, fewer top-of-wall screws, pre-attached wood studs, and numerous pre-drilled holes to allow for mechanical requirements. 800.999.5099. www.strongtie.com.
Georgia-Pacific An improvement over the previous-generation product, Enhanced DensArmor Plus moisture- and mold-resistant interior wallboard panels have no paper facing, but rather feature a new glass mat facing that finishes just like paper-faced wallboard. The core of the paperless wallboard panel is reinforced with inorganic glass fibers, and organic materials in the core have been reduced, as well, too eliminate a food source for mold. 800.225.6119. www.gpgypsum.com.