Constructing a well-built roundup

Total housing starts jumped 15% in October. Whether that’s the beginning of a sustained comeback remains to be seen. But it’s the kind of news that casts a light glow on the products and solutions gathered here. From entryways to rooftops, here are products that are built to last, built to save or built for style.

LP FlameBlock

LP Building Products has introduced a new insulation option in the UL-listed BXUV.U349 wall assembly with LP FlameBlock Fire-Rated Oriented Strand Board Sheathing. FlameBlock offers structural strength and fire resistance in one panel. Created by applying a proprietary, non-combustible, fiberglass-reinforced Pyrotite coating to LP OSB panels, it is an ICC-certified, PS2-rated structural sheathing with a Class A Flame Spread Rating. The product is also Exposure-1 rated, provides burn-through resistance, delivers a 20-minute thermal barrier (ASTM E119), and contains no hazardous chemicals. (lpcorp.com)

Armstrong AirGuard

Armstrong World Industries’ AirGuard is a coating for ceiling tiles that actively removes formaldehyde and other aldehydes in indoor air. AirGuard Coating is applied to the back of ceiling tiles and actively removes aldehydes during the commissioning and early occupancy of a building. Tests show that it eliminates more than 90% of formaldehyde during the first year of use. It also helps reduce exposure level during “spike” periods, which occur when formaldehyde concentrations increase due to human activity and indoor air reactions with consumer products such as cleaning agents and office equipment. (armstrong.com)

Clopay Clayton Window

Clopay has added the Clayton window design to its Leaded Glass Series for the Gallery Collection. Clayton glass is also available on Clopay’s complementary entry door systems, giving homeowners the ability to coordinate their garage door and front door. Clopay is adding bronze as a color option on its 1-3/8-in. polystyrene insulated garage door Models 4050, 4051 and 4053. Long and short designs, as well as inserts, caulk, finishing nails, touch-up paint and various types of stop molding, including double flap and hollow stop, are available. (clopaydoor.com)

Dow PowerHouse Solar ShingleThe Dow Chemical Co. has announced it is bringing the Dow PowerHouse Solar Shingle to U.S. markets. The solar shingle combines the performance and protection of a conventional asphalt roof with an integrated photovoltaic (PV) system that powers the home. The product provides energy that saves the homeowner money. It is installed directly onto the roof deck, along with standard asphalt roofing shingles. The product acts as both the roof and the solar energy generator. (dow.com)

Pella entry doors

Pella has introduced three new entry door lines featuring Energy Star and Pella-exclusive performance innovations. The three new products are Architect Series wood-grain fiberglass entry door systems, Pella entry door systems in fiberglass or steel, and Encompass by Pella entry doors. Architect Series entry door systems offer the look of wood. Pella entry door systems offer the flexibility of fiberglass or steel in an extensive array of finishes. Redesigned from the inside out, the new Pella entry doors have the design flexibility of a prefinished stained or painted entry door. Encompass by Pella entry doors offer homeowners a competitive price and options in low-maintenance fiberglass or steel panels. (pella.com)

Garland Insul-Lock E HR

The Garland Co.’s new Insul-Lock E HR roof insulation adhesive is a highly elastomeric, one-step, VOC-compliant, foamable adhesive that sets in minutes. Insul-Lock E HR adhesive, which contains no solvents, offers the benefits of a two-component urethane adhesive and features a unique packaging construction that eliminates the risk of improper mixing through the use of special static mixing nozzles. It eliminates the need for deck penetrations and fasteners, leaving the deck intact. This lessens the possibility of structural damage and moisture entry, and minimizes the disruption of interior operations. Insul-Lock E HR adhesive bonds to a large variety of substrates, including structural decks, approved base sheets, insulation board layers and properly prepared graveled surfaces. (garlandco.com)

Versatex Soffit System

Versatex Trimboards has introduced a complete low-maintenance Versatex Soffit System, coupled with fascia and frieze boards. The Soffit is available in full 12-in. and 16-in. widths and is at premium lengths of 18 ft. to reduce joints. The vented soffit has a series of 1/8-in. grooves, designed to keep insects out. The venting pattern features 10 in. of free airspace per lineal foot. The Versatex Soffit System was designed to work in conjunction with the new Notched Fascia, which requires no flashing to be installed over the sub-fascia board, and the Frieze Board, featuring a ¾-in. by ¾-in. wide groove to accept nearly all siding products. (versatex.com)

CertainTeed CertaCoat

CertainTeed’s new CertaCoat IC Intumescent Coating, designed for use with CertainTeed’s CertaSpray open cell polyurethane spray foam, is a single-component, latex-based coating that enhances the fire-rated performance of CertaSpray open cell foam insulation and delivers coverage at 200 sq. ft. per gallon. It is designed to provide an ignition barrier over CertaSpray open cell foam in attics or crawl spaces where access is restricted to service of utilities. CertaCoat IC complies with the AC377 Appendix X requirements, which requires all surfaces in an attic or crawl space with restricted access to be covered with an ignition barrier. CertaCoat IC can be administered with an airless sprayer, roller or brush. In addition, it is a latex-based product and cleans up with water. (certainteed.com)