Drain Away
Using technology that has been available in Europe for six years, Quick Drain is a linear shower drain that allows the use of any size tile or stone slab in the shower. Instead of draining to a single point, water flows to a long drain along the base of the shower pan. The company says the unit is versatile and easy to install. QuickDrain USA. 970-389-6582. www.quickdrainusa.com.
Solar So Good
TheSpace-Saver residential solar water heater combines solar and auxiliary electric hot water in a single tank. It can provide from 50 percent to more than 80 percent of a household's annual water-heating needs, depending on geographic location, the company says. A programmable digital controller displays temperatures, amount of energy produced, economic savings, and other information. EnerWorks. 519-268-6500. www.enerworks.com.
Warm Fronts
Radiant floor heating is as easy as this cable. Ideal under tile, stone, and laminate/engineered wood floors, the cable is easily installed with 12-inch plastic guides that lay flat on the subfloor. The system can be used in wet environments such as showers, shower benches, saunas, and steam rooms. Nuheat Floor Warming Systems. 800-778-9276. www.nuheat.com.
Nigel Maynard is senior editor, products, at BUILDER magazine.
Learn more about markets featured in this article: San Francisco, CA.
