Readers' Choice Products for 2011
By Editorial Staff,
Posted
07/28/2011
The top selections for our readers among all the metal bui
lding products we featured over the last year
Metal Construction News readers are an inquiring lot, and over
the last year they were curious about more than a thousand products
we featured in our product coverage, project descriptions and
regular features.
The editors of Metal Construction News established a one-year
time frame from June 2010 through May 2011 for our identifications.
To determine our top products, we measured the total number of
leads from editorial articles only. Of all of those documented
inquiries, the following 20 products garnered the most leads.
We feature them here, starting with the most popular and the
issue in which the product appeared.
Solatube International Inc.
Solatube Metal Roof Flashing
October 2010
Solatube International Inc. has introduced an innovative,
versatile metal roof flashing that makes it easier for architects
to bring daylight into buildings without sacrificing the elegant
design of metal roofs. The new Solatube Metal Roof Flashing
features a round-edge leak-proof design that reduces the exposed
surface area by 50 percent (as compared to traditional flashings),
eliminates the need for bulky crickets to divert water, and can be
adapted to fit virtually any standing-seam rib roof profile. Its
unique, inverted flange design reduces roof clutter by concealing
the fasteners; while Solatube International's DryLock Technique
provides a triple-seal approach that virtually locks the flashing
to the metal roof deck. Fully paintable, the new flashing provides
a sleek, low profile appearance that complements any roof
design.
www.solatube.com
Tubelite Inc.
Max/Block sunshades
July 2010
Max/Block sunshades by Tubelite Inc. are now manufactured using
EcoLuminum, a high recycled-content aluminum billet composition
featuring environmentally friendly finishes. Along with responsible
resource management, Max/Block sunshades maximize daylighting and
minimize solar heat gain. These benefits are also key criteria for
projects pursuing certification through the USGBC LEED Rating
System. Complimenting buildings' designs, Max/Block sunshades are
available in airfoil, Z-blade and tubular architectural profiles.
Each outrigger type can be extended from the building in various
projection lengths to provide the desired performance.
www.tubeliteinc.com
Chicago Clamp Co.
Joist Grip Framing Clamp System
April 2011
Chicago Clamp Co. has introduced the Joist Grip
Framing Clamp System. Backed with the Florida Product Approval
rating, the new framing system has a distributed load capacity of
4,000 pounds in uplift and download conditions. The new Joist Grip
Framing Clamp System is installed underneath existing corrugated
roof deck and is an ideal framing system for supporting rooftop
units, exhaust fans and skylights. The patentpending Joist Grip
Framing Clamp System is bolted into place offering greater
flexibility in framing installation, removal and relocation as
client needs change. The bolted connections eliminate the hazards
and risks associated with traditional welding methods. The system
offers contractors an engineered and certified solution, cutting
project costs, minimizing installation time, and reducing risks
associated with joist loading and roof framing projects.
www.chicagoclampcompany.com
Bosch Measuring Tools
GLR500 and GLR825 Measuring Tools
January 2011
Bosch Measuring Tools is entering the long-range laser measuring
category with two innovative laser distance measuring tools-the
GLR500 and the GLR825. Capable of quickly and accurately measuring
in 11 different modes over extended distances (825 feet for the
GLR825, 500 feet for the GLR500), Bosch's new range finding tools
are perfect for builders, architects, construction supervisors,
building engineers, finish and trim carpenters, project estimators,
inspectors, plumbers and electricians. And, even over extended
distances, both tools are accurate to within 0.04 inches. That
means users of all types can measure with confidence in any
application.
www.boschtools.com
DEWALT
Hubbed Thin Wheel Abrasives
January 2011
DEWALT's new
line of Hubbed Thin Wheel and Contaminant-Free Thin Wheel Abrasives
are ideal for welders, fabricators and mechanical contractors
tasked with cutting pipe, stainless steel and metal. The new Hubbed
Thin Wheels are built with 5/8- to 11-inch threaded hubs that
eliminate the need for a backing flange and nut. Interchangeable
with other spin-on hub systems, the new wheels offer abrasive users
a versatile solution that helps reduce downtime. DEWALT's new
two-piece hub design allows for maximum cutting depth because the
wheel hub sits on top of the raised center of the wheel. With the
thread on the bottom of the wheel, the wheel tightens onto the
shaft as it's being used and practically eliminates the possibility
of slippage that may occur with conventional hubs.
www.dewalt.com
Diamond Door Products Ltd.
Marquise Series Door System
March 2011
The Marquise Series Door System (Knock Down and Preassembled)
from Diamond Door Products Ltd. is designed to fit a large segment
of contractor/owner needs for steel doors with high-quality
components, a large selection of options and accessories, and
applications to every wall type. The Marquise system provides:
3070, 4070 and 6070 sizes, smooth or textured door skins, 20- and
18-gauge doors, kerf frames, complete lines of hardware, and white
or bronze baked-on finish paint.
www.diamonddoorltd.com
MAX USA CORP.
RB397 Rebar Tier
January 2011
MAX USA CORP.'s new RB397 replaces the MAX RB395. This
extraordinary new tool is an incredible labor-saving device capable
of reducing costs up to one-fifth of current budgets. The MAX Rebar
Tier quickly pays for itself and then turns over a profit in no
time. The MAX RB397 tying times per charge was increased by more
than 400 percent to 2,000 ties per charge. MAX was able to achieve
this performance with its 14.4v lithium-ion battery. The life of
the twisting motor is also extended by introducing a brushless
motor. The simple operation of the RB397 reduces potential wrist
damage and helps reduce medical costs. Carpal tunnel claims are
greatly reduced when workers use the rebar tools instead of tying
by hand.
www.maxusacorp.com
Super Stud Building Products Inc.
The EDGE
April 2011
Super Stud Building Products Inc. has unveiled its
new drywall framing system, The EDGE. The EDGE features an
innovative design that not only sets new standards for performance,
but also new levels of safety for the framer. The EDGE drywall
framing system is designed with the framer's needs and safety taken
into major consideration. The EDGE has been awarded one patent and
several additional patents are pending. The EDGE is UL-approved for
use in one-, two-, three- and four-hour wall assemblies and also
meets every criteria as spelled out in ASTM C645 and C754. The EDGE
is manufactured using 40KSI steel, making it easy and reliable to
screw into.
www.edgesteelframing.com
Kingspan Insulated Panels Inc.
KingZip Insulated Standing Seam Roof System
October 2010
To address the increasing design, performance and energy
requirements of today's builders and architects, Kingspan Insulated
Panels Inc. has introduced its KingZip Insulated Standing Seam Roof
System. KingZip is a preengineered, zip-up roofing system that
provides enhanced performance, design flexibility, aesthetic appeal
and fast-track construction. Available in a 1000 Series version,
KingZip offers maximum thermal performance and a modern,
streamlined look. Featuring a thermally broken hidden clip design,
KingZip comes pre-engineered as a single component with the
insulation already foamed in place, allowing for single-step
installation.
www.kingspanpanels.us
Miller Electric Manufacturing Co.
Arc Armor Titanium Welding Helmet
January 2011
Miller Electric Manufacturing Co.'s line of Arc Armor Titanium
Series welding helmets is designed for industrial protection,
performance and comfort. The Titanium Series is built upon a shell
design that is lightweight for extended wear, provides excellent
skin coverage, reflects radiant heat and features a quickrelease
front cover lens to reduce welder downtime. Featuring Miller's
top-performing lenses and an exclusive aluminum heat shield secured
within a durable shockabsorbing gasket, the Titanium Series is made
to withstand the rugged abuse commonly associated with industrial
welding.
www.millerwelds.com
Therm-All
Interior Pre-finished Hollow Metal Doors
March 2011
Therm-All's interior pre-finished hollow metal doors are
available in 20- and 18-gauge steel, and come with a polystyrene
core. These doors are offered in a complete range of fire ratings
(up to three hours) and are certified by Underwriters Laboratory.
In addition, Therm-All also offers pre-finished hollow metal frames
in 16-gauge galvanized steel. Frames are a knock-down construction
and are designed to be installed in standard and non-standard wall
sizes over prefinished or unfinished drywall.
www.therm-all.com
United Solar Ovonic
Photovoltaic Panels
August 2010
United Solar Ovonic's photovoltaic panels have created a smart
solar wall for the Fairbanks North Star Borough District's facility
on Minnie Street in Fairbanks, Alaska. The wall incorporates
innovative thermal insulation techniques, which will reduce energy
consumption.
www.uni-solar.com
Knight Wall Systems Inc.
CI-Girt Rainscreen System
December 2010
Knight Wall Systems Inc.'s CI-Girt, available in steel and
aluminum, is a new rainscreen system that accommodates continuous
rigid insulation on the exterior of a building, significantly
increasing the structure's energy efficiency. CI-Girt offers
superior moisture handling and thermal performance and reduced risk
of condensation, and is adaptable to any façade or cladding system.
The new system enables a continuously insulated exterior wall that
will meet or exceed current and future energy codes.
www.knightwallsystems.com
Kingspan Insulated Panels Inc.
Series Minor Rib Panels
February 2011
Kingspan Insulated Panels Inc.'s versatile 300 Series Minor Rib
panels are suitable for exterior applications in commercial and
industrial buildings, as well as interior walls, partitions and
suspended ceilings in cooler/freezer applications. The 42-inch-wide
panels are available in 10- to 48-foot lengths and a wide range of
colors and thicknesses (2 to 6 inches). The panel's
polyisocyanurate core is chemically bonded to non-permeable steel
facings to provide continuous insulation and retain insulating
values over time. R-values range from 16 to 49, and improved side
joinery offers excellent foam-to-foam contact for full thermal
seals. The exterior profile provides a clean, flat appearance and
ensures excellent sealing of vapor barriers.
www.kingspanpanels.us
Englert Inc.
SunNet Blue Standing-Seam Panel
June 2010
The SunNet Blue standing-seam panel and flat sheet coating from
Englert Environmental, a unit of Englert Inc., is designed to match
the color of its SunNet Building Integrated Photovoltaics, a
standing-seam roofing technology that delivers solar-generated
electricity. The new SunNet standing-seam panel matches the color
of the SunNet PV laminates so that the PV material is
indistinguishable from the standing seam to which it has been
adhered.
www.englertinc.com
Whirlwind Steel
Weather Snap Metal System
August 2010
Used to create a smart solar wall for the Fairbanks North Star
Borough District's facility on Minnie Street in Fairbanks, Alaska,
the 5.44 kW solar array is laminated to Whirlwind's Weather Snap
metal system. Comprised of approximately 80 photovoltaic laminates
measuring 16 feet wide and 9 1/3 feet long, each panel is
approximately 1/4-inch-thick. The panels fit between the ridges of
the building's standing-seam metal system and face south for
maximum efficiency. Covering an area of approximately 1,000 square
feet, the combined weight of the panels is approximately 1,000
pounds.
www.whirlwindsteel.com
pinta acoustic inc.
SQUARELINE Metal Ceiling Tiles
May 2011
SQUARELINE Metal Ceiling Tiles from pinta acoustic inc. are
constructed of expanded metal that has a recycled material content
between 35 and 50 percent, which qualifies for LEED credits. These
tiles are available in three distinct patterns and provide a
contemporary European flair in a choice of white or chrome metal.
SQUARELINE tiles allow for custom dimensions and distinctive colors
of metal to match the décor.
www.pinta-acoustic.com
Kingspan Insulated Panels Inc.
Benchmark Designwall Series
October 2010
Kingspan Benchmark Designwall Series was the material of choice
for the Central Ohio Transit Authority. The insulated metal panels
used in the new addition help with the wall's R-value. Metal was
chosen due to its durability, aesthetic, fresh look, cost
effectiveness and flexibility.
www.kingspanpanels.us
Ennis Steel
Custom Aluminum Brise-Soleil Shading
November 2010
When working on the sustainable site at 6550 Cedar Springs,
Dallas, Ennis Steel custom-manufactured the aluminum brise-soleil
used to shade the west façade. This has helped to revitalize the
area surrounding Love Field Airport in Dallas.
www.ennissteel.com
U.S. Door & Building Components
Roll-up Doors
March 2011
The roll-up doors and hallway system by U.S. Door
& Building Components were used to create a stateof-the-art,
four-story self-storage facility that sits on 0.92 acres near the
580 Freeway, in Oakland, Calif. The 102,500-square-foot building
includes 3,150 square feet of street-level retail space, security,
loading area, two elevators, covered parking and a
1,200-square-foot manager's apartment. The facility offers 68,828
square feet of rentable storage space in 792 units, with 487 that
are climate controlled. Unit sizes range from 5 by 5 feet to 10 by
30 feet.
www.usdoor.com