Each month, hundreds of products hit the market. Here’s our pick of the ones to watch.
Sherwin-Williams Extreme Block
Sherwin-Williams introduces Extreme Block Primer/Sealer, a versatile indoor/ outdoor formula, to its coatings lineup. The new oil-based primer is said to reduce the need for repaints by sealing off stubborn stains such as smoke, fire and nicotine, making it ideal for quickly restoring a property to fresh condition. The fast-drying primer can be topcoated with either acrylic or alkyd products in as little as two hours, Sherwin-Williams says. The product is designed to adhere to multiple substrates including wood, drywall, masonry and prepared metal. Extreme Block has been developed to be easy to sand to a uniform surface and provide adhesion through deep surface penetration. www.s-w.com
Grezzo stone veneer panels from Environmental StoneWorks
Environmental StoneWorks, a national manufacturer and installer of stone veneer, has introduced clear cut contemporary Grezzo panels. The panels feature a new, universal stone that is designed to allow builders, designers, and architects the opportunity to develop unique patterns with stone veneer. A wide range of panel sizes have been developed to allow for expanded customization options and design possibilities. Three colors are available, taking their names from sunny Italian beaches (shown top to bottom): Principe, San Domino, and Sabbie Nere. www.estoneworks.com
Fiskars Pro Utility Knives
Pro Utility Knives from Fiskars feature CarbonMax Utility Blades that are said to stay sharp 24 times longer than standard blades. The knives include a locking system to protect against accidental blade release. Available models include: folding, fixed, and retractable utility knives, a snap-off utility knife, a drywaller’s utility knife, and a painter’s utility knife. Full-body metal constructions and reinforced ends are said to resist pounding and drops. Full lifetime warranty available. www2.fiskars.com
Home visualization from Therma-Tru and Renoworks
Therma-Tru and Renoworks Software have partnered to integrate Therma-Tru’s Design Your Door tool with the Renoworks home visualization platform. This integration is designed to allow homeowners to view the most upto- date library of Therma-Tru doors on their home with participating Renoworks dealers. Therma-Tru’s Design Your Door tool intuitively guides homeowners through various door styles, design choices, finishes and other customization options. Therma-Tru’s Design Your Door experience can be used across all Renoworks visualization technology solutions where Therma-Tru products are available. www.thermatru.com
Combilift’s Combi-OP order picker
The Combi-OP from Combilift is said to be the first order picker on the market built for long products. Previously, customers have had to modify traditional order pickers to cope with the specific demands of long loads. The Combi-OP, a man-up truck, features a long platform to enable the operator to access long products stored at height. It is fitted with guide rollers designed to enable it to operate in existing guided narrow aisles. It is designed to enable operators to easily and safely hand pick orders. Features multi-function steering/function control, dual speed control, and operator display. www.combilift.com
Ply Gem’s Leaf Relief continuous hanging system
This dual-purpose Leaf Relief gutter hangar system from Ply Gem is said to combine the most secure gutter attachment with leaf protection for a low maintenance gutter solution and simple installation. The system, with access panel, is constructed from .019″ aluminum, and was developed to alleviate weak spots along the gutter due to its continuous design. The system is designed to handle heavy snow and ice loads of up to 858lbs., while the new addition of the access panel feature provides access inside the gutter, if needed. Leaf Relief products are backed by a 25-year “no clog, no overflow” warranty. www.leaf-relief.com
New window packaging from ProVia
ProVia has implemented a new packaging system it says will provide increased protection for its replacement windows. Windows are now shipped to dealers in fully enclosed boxes made of corrugated cardboard, and each box is custom-fit to match exact window dimensions. The company says the full-box solution will provide reduced risk of damage and will simplify the stacking process in shipping. The new packaging is used on ProVia’s full line of replacement windows. www.provia.com
