As we turn the calendar pages into the second half of 2016, it's finally starting to feel like the housing downturn of the late 2000s is firmly in the rearview mirror. Housing is back on track as a driver for economic growth, and May exisitng-home sales hit their highest pace in nine years. What's lacking, the Harvard Joint Center for Housing Studies says, is inventory. Thankfully, as we celebrate our great nation this Independence Day weekend, there are plenty of reminders that not only do American builders make great homes that propel the country forward, they can build them with materials made right here in the U.S. of A. Here's a look at a several of those American-made products, and check out our 2015 list, plus a 2014 American-made roundup from our friends at Remodeling.
CAESARSTONE
Caesarstone began production in its first U.S. manufacturing facility in May of this 2015. The new plant outside of Savannah, Ga., is currently producing a limited number of colors, including Blizzard. The crisp, cool white is part of the Classico collection and can serve as a neutral backdrop for any kitchen design you can dream up. Use Caesarstone as a countertop, waterfall island (shown), backsplash, or shower wall. The Georgia facility will increase the number of colors produced over the coming months. caesarstone.com
CHANNELLOCK
For small jobs that need big toughness, Channellock's Little Champ line has been reintroduced with slimmer, lighter, and better balanced designs. The product line includes 4-inch side cutting and end-cutting pliers, a 6-inch snipe-nose plier, 5-inch long-nose plier with a side cutter, and a 4.5-inch slip joint plier with shear. Each tool is designed for precision work and is manufactured from high carbon steel with Channellock Blue comfort grips. Celebrating its 130th anniversary in 2016, Channellock continues to focus on making high-quality tools while advancing the technologies used to make them, by integrating advancements like robotics and 3D printing, into its manufacturing processes. channellock.com
EMPIRE LEVEL
Designed with dual ultraviolet LEDs, an optical brightener, and high-contrast e-Band vials, Empire Level's e95 UltraView LED series of box levels brings technology and high-definition viewing to the jobsite. The design offers more utility in low-light environments when users often have to rig flashlights or come up with other solutions to highlight he bubble meniscus. The level itself features precision-milled edges and is IP54-rated for protection from dust and water. The high-strength, all-metal frame offers jobsite durability and resists frame deformation. Empire's patented Reinforced Vial Locking System further protects the center acrylic block vial for longer life and accuracy without compromising the viewing window. Magnetic and non-magnetic models are available in 24- and 48-inch lengths. empirelevel.com
FORTIFIBER
With a goal of balancing breathability with water protection, Fortifiber’s WeatherSmart Drainable weather-resistive barrier (WRB) uses patented technology to channel liquid away from the wall assembly with better than 95% efficiency. Matching drainage with a perm rating of 15 makes WeatherSmart Drainable usefl behind most claddings, including fiber cement, brick, vinyl, and wood siding. The UV-stable material is made from spunbonded polypropylene fabric with a non-perforated breathable polymer layer and embossing for drainage efficiency. The cloth-like, non-woven material resists tears, abrasions, and punctures, and is also designed to provide a reliable air-infiltration barrier. fortifiber.com
MANNINGTON
Inspired by oak barrels with authentic Southern charm, Whiskey Mill laminate adds a refined,-but-rustic touch to any room of the home. Available in char (gray), barrel (brown), and wheat (beige) colorways, the flooring offers an attractive two-strip visual. The material offers a click system installation with square-edge strips measuring 7 9/16-by-50 1/2 inches and a 12mm thickness. Based in Salem, New Jersey, Mannington is celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2016, in its fourth generation as a family-owned company. mannington.com
PALADIN
The Paladin Case Light helps extend working hours and lets crews work more safely in dark and wet areas - even without power cords. The newest model CLU10K features ultra-durable construction, including a new body and light head build with aircraft-grade aluminum, glass-filled polycarbonate, and heavy-duty rubber. These materials can withstand jobsite wear and tear, as well as harsh weather. The CLU10K offers up to 10,000 lumens of LED light for four hours on battery power, or can be set to 5,000 lumens. Set-up takes as little as 15 seconds. paladinprotect.com
SAUDER
Simple white meets sleek Shaker in the latest closet organization offering from Woodtrac by Sauder. The Flat White Shaker-Style Panels bring a transitional or contemporary design aesthetic to storage upgrades. In closets, the shelving, door, and drawer combinations give users plenty of ways to sort and hide away clothing, while the solid shelving improves storage options in pantries and bathrooms by potentially keeping spills from falling all the way to the floor, and a surface that wipes clean. woodtrac.com
SONOMA FORGE
Expanding on its popular WaterBridge collection, Sonoma Forge introduces the WaterBridge Exposed Shower System in a new application - mounted on a glass wall. Showcasing the brand's industrial chic style, the WaterBridge Exposed Shower System blends the aesthetic of rustic metal with country elegance. New accessories conceal the mounting hardware to give the installation a clean, seamless appearance. Other products in the collection include lavatory and bar faucets, and Roman tub fillers, all showcasing several spout designs including popular waterfall or new "elbow," which directs water straight down. The WaterBridge Exposed Shower System offers a choice of wall, glass, or floor-mount installation, and can also accommodate outdoor applications. Optional accessories include a hand shower, tub filler or foot wash, and alternate showerheads. Choose from a variety of finishes. sonomaforge.com
STINGER
National Nail has expanded it's line of Stinger roofing products to include three synthetic underlayments: EXO25, EXO35, and EXO50. EXO synthetic underlayments are UV-resistant and can remain exposed for up to six months during construction. The synthetic woven fabrics offer high tear strength and proprietary, non-skid additives for better roof deck contact and high slip resistance. Each roll covers 10 squares, but weighs just 20 to 28 pounds depending on the product. This, in combination with pre-printed nailing patterns and overlap lines, helps increase roofers' productivity. stingerworld.com
STRASSER
Strasser Woodenworks' newest bath cabinetry collection, Birch Bay, brings relaxed coastal styling to the bath with a refreshed and contemporary aesthetic. Fitting easily into a range of home styles, Birch Bay features maple construction and is available with plain or beaded Shaker doors and slab drawers. Painted finishes include satin white, satin biscuit, satin silver, powder gray, and satin black. Choose from 24-, 30-, and 36-inch widths, along with coordinating medicine cabinets and a 70-inch-tall linen tower. Each piece is made in the USA and built to order. strasserwood.com
TWIST & SEAL
Designed specifically for the jobsite, the Twist & Seal Maxx cord protector accommodates commercial-grade electrical cord connections up to 10 gauge, while automatically adjusting to protect smaller-diameter 16 gauge homeowner cords. A patented, integrated cord strain relief system prevents the cord connection from being pulled apart. The safety product helps prevent electrical cord shocks, accidental disconnections, and other hazards. Models are also available for coupling outdoor holiday or bistro lights, and for protecting outdoor power strips from the elements. twistandseal.com
