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Wireless
networking
On-Q Home has announced a new wireless network product solution that can bounce
data around a house. The new Wireless Access Point (WAP) combines flexibility
of wireless with the reliability and security of wired networks. Indoors,
the signal will reach approximately 100 meters (328 feet), outside to 400
meters (1312 feet). On-Q's WAP is powered over Ethernet using a single Cat
5E cable, which enables the necessary high-speed signal. The On-Q WAP creates
an IEEE 802.11g WLAN, which is the latest standard and is "backwards
compatible to 802.11b", for all you technophiles.
Regional PVC windows
Edmonton-based All Weather Windows has three new PVC products this spring,
each aimed at specific Canada markets. Leading the pack is Distinction, a
quality PVC window targeted at the competitive Ontario market. Carriage PVC
Windows are designed for tract builders in both Alberta and the B.C. lower
mainland. They are also considered to be a popular choice for low-rise multifamily
projects. HyDistinction is a metal clad PVC window designed for use in high-rise
apartment buildings in urban centres.
All three products were developed based on market demand, according to All
Weather Windows president Gord Wiebe.
Cable
rod pullers
Tuff-Rod "fishing pole" kits are designed by to simplify the installation
of electrical and data cables in walls, raised floors and suspended ceilings,
as well as to pull wire where insulation is already installed. Tuff-Rod features
non-conductive, flexible connectable fibreglass rods in 1/4-inch and 3/16-inch
diameters. There are even "glow in the dark" models, ideal for installations
in poor lighting. Tuff-Rod is available, with three attachment ends (J Hook,
Bullet tip and Wisp) that provide a wide range of electrical and data line
installation solutions, from Ideal Industries in Illinois.
Clean central vacuum
Beam Industries has teamed with Gore-Tex in creation of its new Serenity Plus
Central Vacuum System, a completely redesigned central vacuum with super filters
to relieve allergy symptoms. Exclusive to Beam Systems is the CleanStream
Filtration developed by Gore-Tex fabric maker W.L. Gore Co., in collaboration
with Beam's research and development unit. The self-cleaning CleanStream Filtration
system traps dust on a thin surface membrane and then sheds it into the collection
receptacle when the unit is turned off.
One tough bathtub
Mirolin of Toronto has created a bathtub from a new high-tech material that
should survive rough handling during construction. Released this January,
Cerilian is a new material that incorporates a thermoset composite with an
acrygel surface. The result is a high-gloss solid material for bathing fixtures
designed to withstand the challenges in the construction process. The Cerilian
fixtures are smooth and easy to handle with no sharp fibreglass strands. The
hard surface is less susceptible to common damage such as a dropped tool or
careless handling and is resistant to cracking and flexing. Accompanying the
Cerilian is a protective liner that helps keep dirt out and further lowers
the risk of damage.
Single-mount faucets
Moen Canada has launched two new single-handle faucet designs in the popular
Kingsley (shown) and Monticello bathroom collections. Like all Moen faucets,
the new single-handle models contain Moen's patented one-piece washerless
cartridge. The self-contained unit has fewer parts, meaning greater reliability
and fewer callbacks.
The Kingsley also includes a faucet extension available in two lengths - three-inch
or six-inch - so the faucet can be easily elevated above vessel sinks that
are all the rage in bathrooms.
Colourful
vinyl windows
Pollard Windows makes it easy for builders to have that competitive edge in
the market. The newest product from Pollard, the Advantage Split Finish Line,
combines a white interior finish with a choice of three exterior vinyl colours.
The Advantage Line also offers thicker vinyl walls. Traditional painted PVC
is 1.5- 2.0 mils thick, while Pollard's Split Finish Laminate is 7.0 mils
thick, ten times thicker than painted aluminum. Each style is available in
standard or custom sizes for new construction or renovation/remodeling projects.
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Quick
nail ridge vents
On the job site, especially on the roof, time is money so it's important to
be efficient. The new Trimline Ventilation System offers one-pass installation,
which means the vent and cap shingles can be simultaneously secured with the
same nail. And Trimline Rigid Roll Plus Ridge Vent is the only rolled ridge
vent that can be easily installed with a coil nail gun. Trimline is being
distributed in Canada through Polar Distribution.
Insulating
wall panel
Thermolok Inc. of Miramichi, New Brunswick, has developed a unique new sealed
composite insulation wall panel that the company claims is "30 to 50
per cent" more thermally efficient than conventional construction because
Thermolok eliminates thermal bridging in the structure. The panel is a sandwich
made of a facing material, such as OSB or plywood, a recycled PVC channel,
a sheet of foil and polyuerethane foam. The components are set in a press
and the mould is then injected with polyurethane foam. The foam expands and
laminates all the components together. When installed with 2x4 framing, Thermolok
delivers an R-value of 21.2. While new, the Thermolok panels are already being
used in new R-2000 and EnviroHomes houses and renovation projects in Atlantic
Canada.
Slim stylish faucets
In the first quarter of 2004, Blanco Canada added three new kitchen faucet
models to its current range: Maestro pull-down, Maestro solid spout and Opus
pull-out. The common design theme across all models is fluid, simple lines.
These faucets are European inspired with Canadian preferences in mind. Performance
is ensured, thanks to a ceramic disk cartridge, lifetime finishes and an aerator
that ensures strong water flow longer. All faucets are fully assembled in
the factory and the braided stainless steel flexible hoses make the plumber's
work easy and fast. Blanco Canada Inc. is a subsidiary of Blanco GmbH Co.
KG headquartered in Germany.
Multi-purpose
sprinkler
Rehau has introduced its new PEX residential fire protection program, which
integrates sprinklers with cold water plumbing for a multi-purpose system
that makes fire sprinklers - now mandatory for new homes in some Canadian
cities - easier to set up. The streamlined design reduces installation costs
while providing safety and reliability for homeowners, according to Jonathan
Bittenbender, engineer for Rehau's heating and plumbing group.
Routinely, the system will supply the home's domestic cold water, providing
added assurance that the fire protection system is in working order. In the
event of a fire, the system is expected to significantly control the fire
in the room of origin.
Quartz countertops
A new player in the solid surface countertop market is solid quartz. Though
new to the North American market, quartz has been used in high-end homes and
restaurants in Europe and Asia for 15 years. Now U.S. Quartz Products, based
in California, has introduced CaesarStone, a countertop made of 93 per cent
quartz and 7 per cent polyresin. The stuff wears like granite but is non-porous
and resistant to mould, mildew and bacteria, virtually stain-resistant and
never needs polishing. It looks like a winner, at least in the upgrade option
field.
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"Perfect"
basement envelope
Superior Waterproof Coatings
of Gander, Newfoundland, claims to have developed the perfect basement envelope
system. The system consists of 1.5 inches Dow rigid insulation and Code Blue/Graywall,
a seamless rubber membrane. The package delivers an energy-efficient and water-resistant
basement wall that ensures a basement has the same standards for comfort and
energy savings as above-ground rooms. Superior also sells separate sealants,
such as Rubberclear, RubberTite and DuroFlex, the latter being a waterproof
roof coating.
Ultimate smart toilet
Toto has just introduced a super smart toilet, the Neorest. Operated by wireless
remote, the Neorest seat's multi-task functions provide gentle front- and
back-aerated warm water spray, which can be regulated for preferred water
pressure and temperature. Other features include oscillating spray massage,
heated seat, automatic catalytic air deodorizer, and warm air dryer - all
of which are governed by its "Fuzzy Logic" energy-saving mode. Upon
installation, the toilet records usage frequency, then re-educates itself
weekly. The lid even automatically opens when you approach it. When you rise,
the lid closes, and the unit automatically flushes The low silhouette results
from the elimination of the tank and the integration of toilet and Washlet.
Suggested retail price for Toto's Neorest is $5,750 to $6,661.25 CAD.
Light
bathtub
The Gibraltar is a new lightweight bathtub that could prove a hit in the bathroom
renovation market. Released this spring by Eljer Plumbingware Inc., it weighs
only 80 pounds, light enough that one person can put it in its place. The
tub is made of a product designed for crash protection in the auto industry
and Eljer claims it is as tough as a regular cast iron tub and keeps water
hot longer. It also comes with stabilizer bars that make it easy to sit level.
The tub is available through a number of local Eljer distributors across Canada.
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Solar-powered
attic vent
Dallas, Texas-based Air Vent Inc.'s new solar-powered attic vent can be adjusted
to capture the maximum sunlight. This is just one of the features of the easy-to-install
Solarcool attic vent. The efficient solar collectors draw energy from the
sun and convert it into electricity. This powers a 24-volt DC motor inside
the attic vent to provide non-stop ventilation. The vent does not require
any wiring or electrical hook-ups and it can move up to 800 cubic feet of
air per minute in attics up to 1,200 square feet. The automatic operation
hits peak performance in the early afternoon when most heat and moisture builds
up.
"Green"
floor warmer
Flextherm, the Quebec-based leader in electric floor-heating systems, has
launched a new cable systems this year. Topping the list is Flextherm's "green
cable". The green cable produces no electromagnetic field. This makes
it ideal, the company notes, for wet environments, like bathrooms and kitchens.
It features super simple installation because no thermostat return connection
is required. It can be installed beneath subfloors or with concrete floors.
Flextherm has also introduced a commercial version, for use under ceramic
and natural stone flooring, called Econo Yellow cable.
Flip grip pliers
We know, this is more of a consumer item but the Flip Grip pliers work so
well we couldn't resist including them in the Product Showcase. The Flip Grip
Pliers switch in a second from regular pliers to needle-nose, complete with
wire stripper and spring-loaded jaws. The rugged pliers are super handy on
small projects and are probably tucked into a lot of professional tool belts.
The Flip Grip is available at Home Hardware stores.
Lightweight
roof nailer
Stanley Works is now offering one of the lightest and yet most powerful roofing
nailers on the market: the Bostitch RN46 Roofing Nailer. The magnesium-framed
nailer weighs just 4.9 pounds but delivers 410 inch-pounds of driving power
at 100 PSI. It is also packed with some innovative features, including a tool-less
shingle guide and stop depth adjustment to prevent overdrives. Its single-action
side canister allows one-hand loading even on ladders and roofs.
HB
