Product Picks: February 2023

According to Simpson Strong-Tie, its new Aluminum Concealed Beam Hanger (ACBH) is designed for mass timber structures and engineered to support loads up to 20 kips (equivalent to 20,000 pounds of force). Designed to provide a concealed connection for fire performance and architectural aesthetics, the ACBH joins the existing CBH concealed beam hanger as part of a family of connectors and solutions for mass timber construction. Fabricated from machined aluminum, the ACBH allows for the use of 45° countersunk fasteners, delivering significantly higher loads and stiffness per screw. For situations where a single ACBH is still not sufficient for the design loads, two connectors can be used on a single beam end to achieve twice the allowable download of a single connector. strongtie.com

According to manufacturer Digger Specialties, Inc., its Westbury VertiCable railing offers the blend of lasting beauty and resilient strength deck builders and contractors are looking for. Available in multiple colors and textures, VertiCable railing is USA-made, with an architectural-grade coating that ensures a lasting finish. As well, VertiCable is compliant with IBC, IRC and Florida building codes, is reported to save up to 60% on labor costs compared to traditional horizontal cable systems, and can boast faster delivery in pre- assembled and tensioned sections for easy installation. VertiCable is available in section heights of 36″ and 42″, with lengths of 4′, 5′, 6′, 7′ and 8′, and is backed by a lifetime limited warranty. diggerspecialties.com

Like something from science fiction, Hover Doors’ magnetically-levitating sliding and bi-fold doors utilize magnets to support the door panels, thus eliminating bearings, pulleys, and other typical door hardware. According to Hover Doors (a research and development firm), magnetic levitating doors operate via the principles of opposing magnetic poles. When a negative pole of a magnet comes within range of the field of another negative pole, it generates a force of repulsion over short distances. Hover Doors’ idea is to leverage this physical law to oppose the force of gravity, eliminating the need for conventional moving parts in its door sets. Unlike conventional doors which only have the illusion of hovering in space, Hover Doors remain levitated without any anchoring or supporting structure. hoverdoors.com

New from TruStile, its Resilient Wood Entry System was designed and developed in partnership with Marvin. According to TruStile, the system utilizes innovative materials, including resilient Accoya, an acetylated wood product with unprecedented reliability and durability, while the system’s Tricoya top layers provide exceptional stability, durability, and paintability for challenging outdoor environments. Most configurations are delivered pre-hung with a premium prime finish, ready to paint to match any design. Resilient entry doors come with a 10-year warranty for limited to no overhang applications, depending on system design specifications. trustile.com

Allied Air Enterprises recently introduced two new Pro Series heat pumps along with a Pro Series air conditioner. Available exclusively through the Armstrong Air and AirEase brands, the new 4SHP22LX and 4SHP18LX heat pumps offer up to 22 SEER (20.9 SEER2) and 20 SEER (19 SEER2) respectively, while the new 4SCU23LX air conditioner features up to 23 SEER (21.5 SEER2) efficiency ratings. Allied Air’s new Pro Series products work with existing indoor components to simplify the 2023 regulatory transition for their distributors and dealers. According to the manufacturer, these units operate at less than half the sound of traditional 14 SEER equipment, and they will allow qualifying consumers to take advantage of new federal incentives available through the Inflation Reduction Act. alliedair.com

KEEN Utility’s outdoor-inspired medium-duty Insulated Dover boot is designed with 600 grams of KEEN.WARM insulation for cold weather use. It features the KEEN KONNECTFIT Heel Locking System along with the KEEN Utility LUFTcell midsole comprised of nearly 100,000 air bubbles per cubic centimeter for lightweight all-day wear. Non-metallic and weighing nearly 15% less than traditional steel, the carbon fiber asymmetrical safety toe caps offer a roomier and unobtrusive fit. An ergonomically-designed, removable PU footbed provides underfoot support while a Cleansport NXT antimicrobial liner offers natural odor protection. The Dover boot also features a waterproof leather upper, KEEN.DRY breathable waterproof membrane, and an EH-rated abrasion-, oil- and slip-resistant non-marking rubber outsole. keenfootwear.com

New from fastener manufacturer SPAX, its online interactive whole-home feature, found at spax.us/ products, enables builders to quickly find the correct fastener for specific jobsite applications. The SPAX interactive whole home feature showcases 11 clickable areas within a home where fasteners may be used, from deck ledger attachments to multi-ply sawn lumber assemblies. For each project, options are given to provide guidance as to which fastener is best for that application. spax.us

Feeney, Inc. recently introduced Stainless Steel Intermediate Pickets for its DesignRail aluminum railing systems. Offering a sleek alternative to square, powder-coated pickets, the new pickets provide a lower profile alternative for DesignRail with CableRail infill where posts are spaced more than three feet apart. Available in three configurations including 36″ Level, 42″ Level, and Universal Stair, the 5/8″-dia. 316 stainless steel tubes are available pre-drilled for 1/8″-dia. cable at 3″ spacing, and are field trimmable for quick installation. According to Feeney, the Stainless Steel Intermediate Pickets are compatible with all DesignRail rail heights, all Top Rail profiles, and all mounting options, and can be used on frames with or without a bottom rail. They have no visible fasteners for a clean, streamlined aesthetic. feeneyinc.com

Exclusively available from Permalatt Products Inc., its new aluminum lattice is designed to enhance outdoor lifestyles with elegance and distinctive aesthetics. Permalatt’s decorative 3-D aluminum lattice panels can be used for a myriad of applications including pergolas, creating patio rooms, skirting for decks, enclosures for HVAC systems, and patio covers for protection from the sun and elements. Permalatt’s lattice panels are available in nine different colors including black for an impressive accent to outdoor living spaces. permalatt.com

Fastener manufacturer CAMO’s new full line of code-compliant structural screws are engineered to start fast, drive smooth, and hold strong. According to CAMO, the screws feature a flat head for a flush finish, a chamfered neck and underhead nibs that reportedly help with countersinking, along with a straight knurl that reduces driving torque, aggressive thread TPI and angle, and slashes for reduces splitting. The structural screws require no pre-drilling and feature proprietary coating for superior corrosion resistance. As well, CAMO’s structural screws have been third-party tested, audited, and certified as IBC and IRC code-compliant. camofasteners.com

New from Tando, its 5″ architecturally precise Beach House Shake is designed as a low-maintenance alternative to natural cedar shake. According to Tando, these shakes won’t discolor, fade or stain, never need painting, and are significantly faster to install when compared to natural cedar shakes. As a 5″ re-squared and rebutted shingle, Beach House Shake is available in four natural cedar shades that include white cedar Sandcastle, silver gray Atlantica, deep gray Hatteras, and western red cedar Pacifica. beachhouseshake.com

MoistureShield (part of Oldcastle APG), recently launched its new Solid Core Composite Series Railing. Made in the USA, it’s available in three series: Traverse, a traditional T-Rail profile with a smooth, glossy finish in White, Clay and Gray can be paired with Square Composite or Round Aluminum infill options; Discovery, a traditional bread loaf profile with a smooth glossy finish in White, Clay and Gray with color-matched infills as well as black; and Navigator, a premium composite railing in Capital, Contempo and Graspable Stair top rail styles with an acrylic satin white finish and look and feel of natural wood. Each Solid Core Composite Railing kit includes top rails, infill options and hidden brackets. Accessories include post sleeves, gate kits, wired or solar lighting options and ADA components. All MoistureShield railings are code-approved for safety and security and include a Transferable Limited Lifetime Warranty. moistureshield.com

DEWALT has released new FLEXTORQ Square Drive Modular Right Angle Attachments, available in a 1/4″ or 3/8″ square drive. According to DEWALT, the benefits of these new attachments include sockets that seamlessly attach without the need for additional adaptors, forged gears withstand tough applications and provide up to ten times longer life, a design that allows users to quickly switch between standard and ultra-compact attachments, and a 1-1/2″ head height for increased accessibility. dewalt.com

Stay Updated

Get our email newsletter with LBM industry trends, data, new products, and best practices.