A new year is upon us, and with a new year comes new product introductions. In January, we saw the 2014Consumer Electronics Show (CES) debut a range of new high-tech products, many of which have high-tech home written all over them. That event was followed by the final run-up to the first Design & Construction Week, which will showcase a co-located International Builders' Show (IBS) and Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS) to be held February 4-6. Look for more news on that big event coming soon. In the meantime, here are a few of our favorite product gems from January.
REMODELING
7 Intriguing New Products from CES 2014
The "connected home" concept is changing how consumers move through their homes and their daily routines. From sensors to monitor and adjust HVAC systems to a refrigerator that will tell you if you're out of butter, these new products could change how builders and remodelers design homes and solve problems for their clients. Get your tech fix by checking out this article on Remodeling's newly redesigned website. TOOLS OF THE TRADE
Flir One Maybe Be the Only Tool You Need This Year
Keeping with the high-tech concept, Flir used the Consumer Electronics Show to debut its latest gadget: an iPhone add-on that turns the phone into an infrared camera. At a fraction of the cost of a standalone IR camera, remodelers and builders will be able to detect and photograph air leakage, hot and cold spots, and more just by using their iPhone. (And everyone else will want to borrow it for camping trips.) Sorry, no Android version yet. Read more about this cool gadget. CUSTOM HOME
Lenova Ledge Prep Sink
Maximize efficiency and usable workspace in the kitchen with the Ledge prep sink from Lenova. The geometric basin features a ledge that accommodates a collection of optional and attractive accessories. See the available options and configurations here. BUILDER
Fortifiber L7 Flashing
Fortifiber has a new angle on waterproofing. The L7 flashing material is pre-cut into L shapes to easily fit around utility boxes and other through-wall penetrations. The strips offer a wider range of application and service temperatures than other self-adhesive materials, and can integrate with other water-resistive barriers. Take a look at an installation shot here. ARCHITECT
How Good Design Will Make a Better Energy-Efficient Bulb
Who needs lampshades when the light bulbs look this good? London-based design studio Hulger launched its second CFL lamp, the Plumen 002, with a familiar Edison-style shape. Production of the 30W CFL was funded by investors via Kickstarter. Read Architect's Q&A with Hulger co-founder Nicolas Roope. PROFESSIONAL DECK BUILDER
XLM Decking Moves to Azek
Remodelers and deck builders will want to make a note of this change. With the marriage of Azek and TimberTech under the CPG Building Products parent company, some product lines are changing hands. The Tropical and Natural collections of XLM (extra low-maintenance) PVC decking are moving from TimberTech into the Azek brand. Professional Deck Builder magazine has the details and specs on XLM. JOURNAL OF LIGHT CONSTRUCTION
Proposed Silica Dust Standards Inspire New Products
Heightened silica dust regulations recently proposed by OSHA have manufacturers working to introduce new products that will help improve dust removal on jobsites. Fiber cement siding manufacturer James Hardie is partnering Roan Tools to introduce a new dust extracting solution, while Bosch introduced a new series of jobsite vacuums. Could these new tools end up on your jobsites? REMODELING
Look for Bold, Bright Entry Doors in 2014
Therma-Tru partnered with color expert Kate Smith to take a look at opportunities for entryways to make a statement in the new year. Smith's forecast includes some bold choices for the front door. (Dynamo raspberry, anyone?) From Capri blue to raucous orange, in the right context, these color options speak to homeowner trends toward vibrant lifestyle and community culture. Visit Remodeling Online to see the 10 colors Smith chose.
