Finding skilled labor is a growing problem for many construction teams. Luckily, there are a number of new products that are both easy and quick to install.
From pre-primed siding panels and oversized roof tiles to fast-drying adhesives and a one-piece, screwless doorframe, these 16 products will save your crew time and energy on the job.
Pre-primed Engineered Siding
Featuring a natural texture molded from cedar planks, CertainTeed’s new Icon siding panels are lighter and more flexible than fiber cement or wood, says the company. Engineered for moisture resistance, Icon’s thermoset polyurethane composite (which includes fly ash, glass fiber, and quartz) minimally expands and contracts, so panels can be butted tightly together, CertainTeed says. The panels’ “Stack Lock” design helps ensure they are aligned properly and hung securely. Icon siding comes in 12- and 16-foot lengths, primed and ready to paint.
Quick and Easy Closet Organization
ClosetMaid’s new ExpressShelf is a pre-finished solid shelf and rod system that provides an affordable alternative to traditional, painted-MDF or particle-board plank and pole systems. ExpressShelf installs quickly, and can be mounted directly to wall framing or attached to drywall using easy anchors with no need for cleats. The customizable system has color and upgrade options and is pre-painted with trim, requiring no re-caulking and low maintenance, according to the manufacturer.
Pre-Insulated Wall Components
Polymer-manufacturing company Covestro’s new prefab PureWall panels are made using conventional wood frames, with polyurethane-based insulation between the framing and with a rigid polyiso board that provides continuous insulation to reduce thermal bridging. Configurations reportedly can offer R-values ranging from R-17 to R-33. The company claims that Pure- Wall provides a similar unit shear capacity to continuously sheathed wood structural panels. The all-in-one panel arrives ready to install.
A Compact Home Comfort System
Honeywell’s new HM750A1000 Advanced Electrode Humidifier brings indoor air comfort to homes with a small footprint. The humidifier— which comes in 11- or 22-gallons-per-day-output models—reportedly adjusts to changes in the weather, is compatible with several models of Honeywell thermostats, and can be controlled through the company’s Total Connect Comfort and Lyric apps. The company claims that the small unit can be installed quickly by a single contractor in both ducts and walls.
Time-Saving Shingles
Roofing contractors can now cover more area in a shorter amount of time with the new HP42" shingle format from Atlas Roofing. The company says that the 42-inch-wide, 14-inch-high shingle is the largest on the market and reduces installation time by up to two hours on a standard 40-square job by requiring 320 fewer shingles and 6,000 fewer nails. The system comes with a 130-mph wind warranty with a four-nail install. The HP42" became available in July and is the new standard for the Atlas StormMaster Shake and Pinnacle Pristine shingle lines.
A Clean Trim Finish
The QuickTrim System by Trim Solutions is an exterior PVC trim with a hidden-fastening system, allowing for a clean finish and fast installation— with no face-nailing, caulking, or painting necessary. The PVC flat board stock is fitted standard with a nailing flange and starter strip and can be used for corners, sub rakes, mantels, frieze boards, casings, and sills. An optional J-channel is available for added protection from water.
Easy-to-Install Rafter Hanger
Simpson Strong-Tie is aiming to make roof framing easier with the LSSJ field-adjustable jack-rafter hanger, which has a hinged seat that adjusts to typical rafter slopes and connects rafters to hip or valley beams. The gripper seat frees up a hand for the installer at the time of attachment, and the hanger attaches to the open side of the jack rafter for easier fastener placement. The LSSJ is sold in two versions and is available in three sizes.
New Vapor-Open Liquid WRB
Kemper System America’s Wall Guardian FW-100A is a liquid-applied fibered acrylic air barrier that reportedly acts as a vapor-open (17.3 perms) water and weather barrier. The water-based, low-VOC material is designed to resist air and water infiltration and to bond to a range of wall materials, including extruded polystyrene, CMU and brick masonry, and concrete. Applied in a single coat with a heavy-duty sprayer, roller, or brush, the barrier offers unified substrate protection, even on curved or other unconventionally shaped walls.
A Time-Saving Adhesive
DAP’s new DynaGrip Heavy Duty Max adhesives reportedly cut installation time with a moisture-curing formula that the maker says is easier to gun and sets up five times faster than competitive polyurethane adhesives. The maker claims that the “instant grab” of the adhesive reduces the need for nailing, bracing, and clamping most building materials. The adhesive formula is low-odor and low-VOC, and cleans up with water.
Hassle-Free Mortar
1-2-3Mortar is a polymer-enhanced sand and cement mortar pre-blended for easy and fast application. Contractors simply add water to the applicator bag, mix, and apply from the bag when laying block, brick, and stone—no extra tools required. The company says the product’s strength “allows for thinner joint application and higher yields.” One 11.3-pound bag is enough to lay 30 blocks.
Predrilled Stair Posts
Feeney’s new pre-drilled stair posts and pickets allow for faster installation by eliminating the need to drill holes in the field. Slotted holes minimize the size of openings while allowing for angle flexibility. The posts are compatible with all Feeney Design- Rail Aluminum Railing systems that use 1/8-inch CableRail infill. Extra material on the top and bottom of the posts facilitates trimming once post locations are determined. Three angle ranges and railing heights are offered, with custom options available.
A Screwless Door Frame
Trimlite’s Solution Series is a one-piece, screwless door frame system that cuts down on installation time with no frame plugs needed. Its low-profile appearance and clean lines integrate with modern, craftsman, or mid-century architectural styles, the company says. Trimlite’s Solution Series frame features a 3/16-inch Shaker style profile and a compression seal to protect from water infiltration. ABS plastic frames are available in white or tan vertical wood patterns and can be paired with 11 energy-efficient glass style options.
Streamlined Duct Installation
Panasonic Eco Solutions North American’s new EZ Soffit Vent allows contractors to complete all ducting work before the soffit needs to be installed. Its low-resistance back-damper eliminates drafts in the home and improves blower door test results, the company says, while the grille can be rotated 180 degrees to align discharge with ductwork. By streamlining the duct installation process, the EZ Soffit Vent allows for higher fan performance, lower callback rates, and increased energy efficiency, says Panasonic.
Water Tank Replacement Simplified
The EZTR40 condensing tankless water heater from Noritz America is designed to replace existing 40-gallon tank-type water heaters. Installers don’t need to change out the vent, as the heater vents with 2-inch, flexible polypropylene tubing that can be threaded directly through an existing B-Vent. The EZTR40 also uses the same half-inch gas line used by existing tank units.
Easy Guide for Shower Subfloors
The Pre-Pitch is a stay-in-place screeding guide for use underneath shower pan liners. It creates the proper slope for water to flow towards the weep holes in the floor drain, helping to keep water, which could encourage mold and mildew growth, from being trapped between the mud bed and the liner. The Pre-Pitch is easily cut with a hacksaw, PVC cutters, or grinder and can be used on wood subflooring or concrete. Using both kits, a contractor can pitch a 10-foot-by-10-foot area with a centered drain.
Hidden Tank and Flushing System
Geberit has updated its Sigma 2x4 in-wall concealed tank and carrier system for wall-hung toilets to fit a standard 2x6 frame, which the manufacturer says will make it easier to prep walls during installation. The new tank allows more space for removal and replacement of fill and flush valves, without tools. The single-piece system has L-supports for added stability for long or narrow bowls, and adjustable legs to accommodate floor construction up to 8 inches.
