1. Versatile Cladding
TruGrain façade, siding, and decking profiles from Westech Building Products are made with Resysta, a fiber-reinforced hybrid material made up of 60% rice husks. The formulation gives TruGrain the look and feel of tropical hardwood, while remaining completely wood-free. TruGrain resists moisture, fungus, and termites, making it useful for a variety of exterior applications. Projects incorporating TruGrain can qualify for LEED points. tru-grain.com
2. Energy-minded Software
Energos is among the new features in Vectorworks' 2016 software release. Based on the Passive House calculation method, the Energos module gives users a dynamic gauge of a building's energy performance by comparing it to building standards including LEED and ASHRAE. Color-coded graphics let users visualize and fine-tune a project's energy efficiency. vectorworks.net
3. Stick With It
A self-adhesive edge lap on Cosella-Dorken's Delta-Vent SA helps the membrane to stick to itself. Lift the release liner on the front of the membrane to reveal a 2-inch strip of adhesive that will seal to the bottom of the next course. The membrane also fully adheres to the substrate, eliminating the need for mechanical fasteners. Even with self-adhesive properties, Delta-Vent SA maintains a vapor permeability of 50 perms. cosella-dorken.com
4. Spray Foam Options
Previously known as Bayer MaterialScience, Covestro offers Bayseal spray polyurethane foam insulation in both open-cell (OC) and closed-cell (CCX) formulations. Bayseal OC expands to 140 times its initial volume to fill cracks and voids with an R-value of up to 3.7 per inch. The CCX formulation is suited to a variety of applications, including walls, ceilings, floors, foundations, piping, unvented attics, and crawl spaces with an R-value up to 6.9 per inch. covestro.com
