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Product Picks: May 2018

Each month, hundreds of products hit the market. Here’s our pick of the ones to watch.

Boise Cascade AJS 24 FMJI

Boise Cascade AJS 24 FMJ I-joist

Boise Cascade has increased production of its AJS 24 FMJ, a single-step, ready-to-install I-joist for unfinished residential basements. The I-joist is designed without a specific top and bottom orientation, to assure correct framing. Web holes for plumbing runs can be cut in the same manner as for non-protected joists. Lighter than equivalent 2×10 and 2×12 floor systems and non-corrosive to fasteners, the AJS 24 FMJ I-joists are engineered to offer a wider nailing surface, along with longer and stronger spans that are said to improve floor performance. The joists feature a foil-faced insulation board, which the company says is critical to passing the ASTM E110 fire test. www.bc.com

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Quick Drive

Quik Drive® PRODW drywall system

Simpson Strong-Tie has introduced a new, lightweight, auto-feed screw driving system for drywall applications. The extension of its Quik Drive line, PRODW drywall system features a lighter-weight tool body said to enhance durability and ergonomics. The system includes a collated-screw feed mechanism designed to provide consistent and efficient screw delivery, a self-locking depth adjustment for accurate drive and depth and a fully rotatable driver adapter for hard-to-get areas. Curved, collated strips are designed to hold screws away from the tool’s nose to prevent scratching or marring the surface of materials. Quik Drive auto-feed screw driving systems are designed for one-handed operation. Backed by a lifetime limited warranty. www.strongtie.com/prodw

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TAMKO waterproofing system

TAMKO® waterproofing system

Balcony and breezeway products from TAMKO are designed to protect against water penetration underneath concrete installations. TAMKO’s lines are designed for use in combination and include TWP-1 Quick Dry Primer and TWP-2 Water-based Primer (for prepping OSB prior to installing waterproofing membranes); TW-60 Sheet Waterproofing Membrane (for above-grade applications over OSB in detail areas); and TWM-1 Mastic (for finishing the edge of seams, overlaps, patches and terminations of properly sealed TAMKO waterproofing membranes). The system is designed to save contractors time by eliminating the need for corner metal flashings. www.tamkowaterproofing.com

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Ply-Gem siding

Ply Gem Performance Collection Siding

Ply Gem has released its first line of vinyl siding, soffit and accessory products sold under the Ply Gem brand name. The new collection is designed to meet demand for durable, low-maintenance and sustainable cladding options with a product that coordinates with other exterior accessories and cladding materials such as stone. With seven distinct product lines ranging from traditional clapboard profiles to the authentic look of cedar shingles, the Ply Gem collection is said to fit every architectural style. The collection includes: Cedar Dimensions™, Dimensions™, Progressions®, Transformations™, Colonial Beaded, and Board & Batten. All Performance Collection Siding products are covered by a limited lifetime warranty. www.plygem.com


Grabber Tie-Master

Tie-Master and Lag-Master fasteners from Grabber

Grabber has released Tie-Master and Lag-Master, two new code-compliant structural framing fasteners designed to be used for nearly all wood-to-wood framing projects. Tie-Master and Lag-Master are both said to provide an allpurpose solution for deck ledgers, stair stringers, LVL beams, cabinet installations, roof trusses, girders, and more. Customers can choose the appropriate fastener length. Tie-Master and Lag-Master both feature a type-17 point which is designed to eliminate the need for pre-drilling. Both Tie-Master and Lag-Master meet ICC-ES 3531 requirements for strength, shear, and pull-out values. Tie-Master is recommended for joining wood to wood when a smooth finish is desired. When attaching structural plates, hinge plates, or when decorative metal pieces are used, Lag-Master is recommended. www.grabberman.com


MiTek Catalog App

Updated MiTek® USP Catalog app

An updated version of the MiTek USP Catalog app is available on Apple, Android, and Windows mobile devices. The update includes improved navigation and graphics to search MiTek’s connector product line. The no-cost MiTek USP Catalog app features new product and application illustrations, installation instructions, and updated fastening schedules, as well as load ratings and reference conversions. The app offers navigation to search the entire MiTek USP product catalog, as well as cross reference specification and product look-ups. Engineered wood products and plated truss connectors are also included in the app. Users can email MiTek product pages directly from the app. www.uspconnectors.com


ZIP System R-sheathing

ZIP System® R-sheathing

ZIP System R-sheathing for residential, multifamily and light commercial construction is an insulating sheathing panel with built-in control layers to manage water, air and thermal bridging. The panels meet structural requirements and provide a nailable, flash-able substrate for windows and wall covering. Comprised of an engineered wood panel with built-in water-resistive barrier on the face of the sheathing and polyisocyanurate continuous foam insulation on the back of the panel, the system is completed with taped panel seams for a continuous air and water barrier. ZIP System R-sheathing’s water-resistive barrier is said to eliminate the need for housewrap, with additional benefit of increased R-value available in multiple insulation thicknesses. Backed by a 30-year limited warranty and 180-day exposure guarantee. www.zipsystem.com/r-sheathing


Belco XT Plank

XT Plank from Belco Forest Products

Belco Forest Products has introduced the XT Plank, its latest ArmorCoat XT preservative treated wood product. The XT Plank is offered as a natural board, kiln dried and conditioned to approximately 12% MC. The new plank is available as a 1×6 WP-4 V4E v-groove profile that is a reversible SPF board with two smooth-sided faces, and as a 2×6 DF WC-200 V2E decking plank, graded on the groove side. The XT Plank is said to be suitable for soffits, porch and patio ceilings, walls, covered floor decks and interior cladding. The 1×6 comes in 16′ lengths, unfinished, primed or stained. The 2×6 comes in lengths from 10′ to 20′ feet and ships unfinished, primed or stained as well. www.belcofp.com


Barn Door Hardware

Barn Door Hardware from Mockett

Barn Door Hardware is designed as a space-saving tool and can easily be applied to any interior door, including glass. The product is said to turn a shared space into a partitioned sectional with an easy-gliding sliding door for privacy. Users can also substitute traditional hinged door hardware for barn door hardware, to open up extra space otherwise reserved for a swinging door radius. Brackets, rail, back-to-back door handles, and all mounting hardware included. Door not included. www.mockett.com


Hy-Lite windows

New Operable Decorative Glass Windows from Hy-Lite®

Hy-Lite has introduced an operable awning window to its Home Designer Collection of decorative glass windows. The windows come in an opening size of 52″ x 16″ and are available in the Mission and Prairie styles. A square 29″ x 29″ awning window is also available in the Mission, Prairie and Baroque styles. The new windows are available with white, tan and driftwood vinyl frames. Each window features coordinating screens, latches, fold-down handles and anticorrosion hardware. www.hy-lite.com


MI Windows brickmould

MI Windows Brickmould aesthetic

MI Windows now offers a Brickmould aesthetic option to double-hung, awning, and casement products. MI Brickmould is designed to provide a decorative look around the exterior of the window frame while combining the appearance of classic wooden trim with the easier care and lower maintenance of a vinyl window. The new MI Brickmould option is applied to the window frame after welding, framing the head and jambs, and a sill nose finishes off the sill. Featuring a prepunched mounting fin, windows with the Brickmould exterior are designed to be easy and efficient to install. www.miwindows.com


Deckorators Fastendry

Deckorators Fastendry

The Deckorators Fastendry system is designed to help deck builders create dry zones while also providing labor and cost savings. Fastendry combines weatherproofing and deck board fastening capability, enabling builders to add under-deck living space or storage, while saving up to 50% on installation time and 25% on installation cost, the company says. Fastendry fits in the slotted edges of Deckorators composite decking, forming a water-tight seal that prevents rain, melting snow and debris from passing through the spaces between boards. The polymer insert has a rigid base plate that fastens decking to joists with a nail gun, resulting in a fastener-free look without the use of hidden fasteners. Available in black 12′, 16′ and 20′ lengths, and covered by a 25-year limited warranty on manufacturing defects. www.deckorators.com


CertainTeed Restoration siding

New CertainTeed® siding colors

CertainTeed has introduced four new shades in its siding products: Castle Stone, Espresso (shown), Midnight Blue, and Slate. The colors are available options in many vinyl siding profiles, including Monogram®, Restoration Classic™, Board & Batten and Northwoods®. The new color profiles are available in the Restoration Classic select cedar Double 4″ clapboard and Double 4-1/2″ dutchlap profiles. Monogram features the new colors in three profiles: Double 4″ clapboard in standard and extended lengths (16′, 20′ and 25′), Double 5″ clapboard and Double 5″ dutchlap. The new colors are also available in the Board & Batten Single 7″ profile and Northwoods Single 7″ Straight Edge Perfection Shingles. A full line of complementary Vinyl Carpentry® accessories is also available in the new colors. Each color is backed by PermaColor™ Lifetime Fade Protection. www.certainteed.com/colortools


DAP Platinum Patch

DAP Platinum Patch™

Platinum Patch from DAP is an advanced exterior filler with multi-material adhesions. The product was developed to handle demanding outdoor repairs and provide exceptional weatherproof protection that prevents discoloration, cracking and crumbling. Powered by Weather Max™ Technology, the sealant provides a waterproof repair that won’t swell, soften, blister or breakdown and is mold-, mildew- and algae-resistant. Platinum Patch is designed for interior or exterior applications such as the installation, finishing or repairing of fiber cement siding, PVC trim board, vinyl siding, metal, composite, concrete, brick, wood and more. www.dap.com


Safe-Way garage door

New Safe-Way garage door color

Safe-Way Door has introduced the color grey to two of its top selling door lines. The Safe-Way Choice Series of door is constructed of 25-gauge steel in a 2″ thick panel. The Choice Series is available in both insulated and noninsulated models. The Deluxe Series of Safe-Way Door features both flush or raised panels and embossing in the steel designed to give the appearance of wood. Deluxe Series doors are also available as both insulated and noninsulated doors and are available with a variety of window and color options. www.safewaydoor.com


Trex Protect tape

Trex® Protect™ joist and beam tape

The new protective tape from Trex is a self-adhesive butyl tape designed to protect wooden joists and beams from moisture that can lead to rot and the loosening of deck screws and fasteners. Trex Protect is used to shield the tops of joists, rim joists, ledger boards and beams from moisture that can lead to the development of rot and wood decay. It also acts as a barrier between wood and galvanized metal commonly used in construction hardware such as joist hangers. Additionally, Trex Protect is said to seal deck fasteners and help deck screws hold longer and stronger by preventing moisture penetration and defending against splitting. Available in two widths: 1-5/8″ for joists and 3-1/8″ for beams. Trex Protect works on horizontal and vertical surfaces and is applied as a “cap” (vs. wrapping), which the company says allows the wood to breathe. www.trexprotect.com


Authintic Meridian Brick

Authintic Brick by Meridian™Brick

The new Authintic Brick product is designed for interior or exterior use, from new construction to renovation. The 100% fired clay brick is made like real brick, but includes just the face. The product is designed to maximize floor space at just 5/8″ off the wall, which is 3″ less than traditional brick. Authintic Brick also weighs 70% less than traditional brick. The product is manufactured from natural materials and features colors and profiles that are said to be easily matched with existing façade or cladding materials. Authintic Brick is marketed to be used anywhere from exterior to interior applications such as ceilings, accent walls, fireplace surrounds, and more. www.meridianbrick.com


Atlantis Rail NOVA system

Atlantis Rail NOVA Nautilus System

The NOVA Nautilus System from Atlantis Rail utilizes predrilled aluminum posts with a 2″ stainless steel top and optional bottom rail. The rails are structural strength stainless steel so it can be configured with a top rail only or a bottom rail can be added. Cable spacing at 2-3/4″ allows the posts to be spaced up to 6′ apart when using a cable stabilizer in the middle, which the manufacturer says further reduces the cost and expedites installation. Available in color options of black, white or bronze. A proprietary sidemount fitting with an insulating gasket is used to mount the rails to the post, which is designed to eliminate concern about potential issues in combining dissimilar metals. HandiSwage™ components hide the cable connections inside the post and the swage tool and cover nut sets provide an easy install and a finish look. www.atlantisrail.com


Milwaukee random orbit sander

Milwaukee 18V Random Orbit Sander

The new M18™ Random Orbit Sander is capable of reaching 12,000 OPM max. The 7,000 – 12,000 electronic variable speed control is said to provide the versatility to optimize speed for material removal and finish work. The dust canister provides a durable dust containment solution, while the integrated filter is designed for efficient dust filtration. For added utility, the M18 Random Orbit Sander comes equipped with a universal hose adapter to connect to the most commonly available vacuum hose sizes. Includes M18 Random Orbit Sander, (2) Sheets 80 Grit Sandpaper, Universal Hose Adapter, (1) M18 REDLITHIUM™ 3.0ah Battery, M18/M12™ Multi Voltage Charger, and Contractor Bag. Also available as bare tool. www.milwaukeetool.com

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