Ergonomic Taping Handle

Ames Taping Tools

Drywall finishing contractors will enjoy greater control, safety and productivity with the new model 8000 Wizard handle. Unlike traditional, longer handles, the Wizard places users’ hands directly over the pressure plate, reducing the effort required to do the job.

The compact handle, 40 percent shorter than similar products, allows for greater maneuverability and control by staying directly in front of the user. Ergonomically and intuitively designed, the reversible front handle will grip securely and comfortably into the user’s hand. By eliminating standard brake handles, the handle eliminates the learning curve associated with them, allowing new users to be as fully productive as seasoned pros. Its small size further simplifies work in tight spots, cutting down on wasted job time. Learn more at amestools.com.

Continuous Insulation System

BASF Wall Systems

Platinum continuous insulation systems are exterior wall claddings featuring platinum Neopor advanced insulation technology. Neopor is a patented rigid insulation board with graphite embedded into the polymer matrix. Graphite reflects infrared energy, thus decreasing the material’s thermal conductivity and increasing its R-value. It also exceeds many ASTM C578 Type II requirements including density, flexural and compressive strength. The wall systems utilize a specially selected, high density (1.45 pcf) Neopor board to optimize thermal performance and improve impact resistance. The boards are available in R-5, R-7.5 and R-10 thermal resistance for ease of design and to ensure energy code compliance. For additional information, visit wallsystems.basf.com.

Sound Reducing Drywall

PABCO Gypsum

QuietRock is a technically advanced sound reducing drywall that achieves high sound attenuation and fire-resistance using less space, material and labor. The product family has grown to include six different panel products, a full complement of low VOC acoustic sealants, and has garnered numerous U.S. and foreign patents. QuietRock ES is the only sound reducing drywall that easily scores and snaps using EZ-SNAP technology.  QuietRock ES delivers acoustical ratings of up to STC 55 on single stud construction. For more information, visit quietrock.com.

Job Site Radio

Bosch

The Power Box PB360C Jobsite Radio/Charger/Digital Media Stereo leverages signature 360-degree speakers with Bluetooth technology. Crews on the job site are able to stream internet radio, stored music and more from their smart devices. With a connection range of up to 150 feet, the Bluetooth technology allows users to move freely around the construction zone without being tethered to a cable, and without fear of losing sound quality. It can all be controlled on the free Bosch PowerBox smartphone app. As with previous versions, this model still features a powerful AM/FM radio with advanced digital tuning, that easily locates 20 FM and 10 AM preset stations. To learn more, visit boschtools.com.

Sound Absorbing Fiberglass Ceilings

CertainTeed Ceilings

Ecophon Advantage offers a cost-effective solution for bringing outstanding acoustics and environmental performance to a larger list of projects. Schools, offices and other public buildings can now add the sound absorbing performance of fiberglass in high square footage applications such as classrooms and open-plan offices to basic mineral fiber ceilings and stay within budget. And because the product is manufactured domestically, projects are serviced quickly and easily.The products are engineered to create acoustical environments that enhance occupant well-being. The ceilings can assist specifiers to achieve client acoustical and durability goals. A Class A sound absorber, the product is ideal for maximizing acoustics in areas where speech clarity is important. For more information, visit certainteed.com/ceilings.

Reflective Insulation

Environmentally Safe Products Inc.

Initially sold for use in pole barns, ESP Low-E is light weight, easy-to-install and manufactured using a polyethylene foam core with reinforced double-sided aluminum facings. The product can be used in all facets of the building industry where conventional insulations are used. It can be used alone or in conjunction with mass insulations for high R-systems. From large commercial buildings to residential homes, ESP Low-E insulation can be used in a variety of applications to improve the energy efficiency of your building saving money on heating and cooling costs. For more information, visit low-e.com.

Decorative Flexible Framing System

Flex-Ability Concepts

While Flex-C Trac has become a benchmark product for framing curves, its offspring has not been as widely known. Even while living in the shadows of framing masterpieces of his big brother, Flex-C Angle has been shaping its own place in architectural history and edifices. Flex-C Angle is used in many of the more spectacular and eye-catching features, and in these, is actually performing amazingly efficiently. When a curved soffit has an exterior curved corner, where two perpendicular framing components meet, Flex-C Angle is just the product for the job. So remember, for walls, Flex-C Trac, for soffits Flex-C Angle. The line is available in both 20 and 16 gauge. For more information, visit flexabilityconcepts.com.

Stone Wool Acoustic Baffles

Rockfon

Rockfon Contour frameless, stone wool acoustic baffles provide an alternative, acoustic solution for commercial interiors where suspended ceilings are not suitable. They feature a smooth texture and white color on both sides to optimize light reflection (LR 0.79). The Contour products have earned UL Environment’s GreenGuard Gold Certification for low-emitting products, are water-repellent, provide no sustenance to harmful microorganisms, have a Fire Class A rating and are dimensionally stable even at 100 percent relative humidity. Providing low maintenance and long-term durability, these products supplied in North America are supported with a 30-year warranty. For more information, visit rockfon.com.

Columns, Moldings and Brackets

Foam Factory

The company’s line of columns, moldings and brackets are coated and prefinished in stone, coral, knockdown or wood-look finishes. These durable yet light weight finishes will save time and money. All products are custom made in all shapes and sizes. The company’s super elastomer caulk will expand up to 100 percent to fill a void if a building settles. For more information, visit foamfactory.com.

Basecoat and Adhesive

Parex USA

Parex 121 Cool Base is a premium white EIFS basecoat and adhesive. Its formulation allows the surface of the basecoat to remain up to 30 percent cooler than traditional EIFS basecoats. The cooler surface temperature and reduced surface suction promote easier application of the finish. And, because it’s a white basecoat, the product can eliminate the need for a primer under lighter colors. It is designed to be used in hot weather. For more information, visit parex.com.

Blow-in Insulation

Johns Manville

The Spider Plus blow-in insulation is a re-engineered blow-in system and the latest addition to the industry’s most complete line of insulation products. This product replaces JM Spider spray-in fiberglass insulation and is ideal for residential, commercial and manufactured buildings. The insulation is designed for installation by professionals using a blowing wool machine and features “Interlocking Fiber Technology,” the company’s latest building science innovation, which allows the insulation fibers to spring and lock into cavities with no adhesive or netting. The product achieves an R-value of 15 in a 2x4 cavity and an R-23 in 2x6 walls. Visit jm.com for more information.

Cement-based Waterproof Coating

Merlex Stucco

Super Blockade is a cement-based waterproof coating that stands up to hydrostatic pressure in applications like retaining walls, pools, basements, and public works, above and below grade. Made with a sophisticated blend of hydrophobic polymers, the product should be considered a “go-to” waterproofing product over cement substrates. For more information, visit merlex.com.

Angle Finish Nailer

Ryobi

The 18V ONE+ System introduces the newest addition to the AirStrike family of tools.
This 15 gauge nailer features AirStrike Technology, which eliminates the need for noisy compressors, bulky hoses or expensive gas cartridges. This means faster setup and easier maneuvering on the job site or at home. Common applications for this tool include installing crown molding, hanging doors, stair treads and exterior trim. The tool works with any 18V ONE+ battery (sold separately).

For more information, visit ryobi.com.

Fire-rated Radius Wall

National Gypsum Co.

XP Fire-Rated 5/16-inch Radius Wall is used in double-layered construction. A one-hour UL tested assembly can be achieved with two layers, and a two-hour UL tested assembly can be achieved with four layers. The special Purple XP paper protects against mold, mildew and moisture, and is also abrasion-resistant. Combined with a denser core, it provides greater resistance to surface abuse when tested. The product scores and snaps easily, with no special handling requirements. Tapered edges allow joints to be reinforced with quality joint tape and concealed with quick set setting compounds. For more information, visit nationalgypsum.com.

Reveal Cornerbead

Trim-Tex

Add the company’s Reveal Cornerbead to 90-degree outside corners to create a beautiful reveal detail. The beads create the look of drywall layers without needing to install a second sheet of drywall. The next time contractors want to add a simple and modern room accent, these cornerbeads should be a consideration. For more information, visit trim-tex.com.

Heavy-duty Podium Ladder

Werner Ladder

The Podium is a new style of ladder that allows the user to work facing any direction and is now available with factory installed casters. With the addition of casters, the Podium ladder is easier to move around the job site to further improve productivity. The factory-installed casters are spring loaded to deactivate automatically when the ladder is in use.

The 36-inch extended guardrail securely wraps around the work zone and the LOCKTOP secures an arsenal of tools where they are needed at the top of the ladder. For more information, visit wernerpodium.com.

High-performance Acrylic Plaster

Vella Venetian Plaster

The Vella Fino product is a high performance acrylic plaster that is crack and water resistant. It may be used as a decorative finish for interior and exterior projects. This acrylic plaster can create a variety of finishes from an ultra smooth, to a Santa Barbara, to a rustic Old World look. It may also be used with VellaStain to add natural color variation. The product requires a two coat application with a stainless steel plaster trowel. The plaster may be applied over interior drywall, plaster or properly prepared concrete. For exterior application, it may be applied over EIFS, properly prepared masonry, stucco and concrete surfaces. Visit vellaplaster.com for more information.

Rebar and Metal Locator

Zircon Corp.

The MetalliScanner x8 metal locator efficiently locates and determines the depth of 1/2-inch diameter rebar and 1/2-inch diameter copper pipe up to 8 inches deep and automatically differentiates between ferrous (steel, iron) and non-ferrous (aluminum, copper) metal. The tool incorporates three adjustable sensitivity levels for easy unit of measure selection and provides simpler and more accurate scanning over rougher, textured surfaces, even lath and plaster, and detects and pinpoints targets at a much greater depth than conventional technologies. With its ergonomic design, large backlit transflective display for better viewing in both low light and bright light conditions, integrated marker system, and pivoting handle attachment for easier scanning of walls, floors and ceilings, the tool is a high-grade choice.  For more information, visit zircon.com.

Veneer Finish Plaster

USG

The company’s Norfolk Special Veneer Finish plaster delivers versatile finishing characteristics, creating a beautiful, white monolithic finish. Similar in appearance to Imperial Finish Plasters, but at a lower strength, the Norfolk Special Veneer Finish:

• Offers smooth or textured veneer plaster finishes.
• May be left undecorated when skip-troweled, floated or applied with other texture techniques.
• Dries in as little as 24 hours under normal environmental conditions.
• Is generally ready for next-day decoration with a latex-base breather type paint (PVA paints are not recommended).

For more information, visit usg.com.

Cordless Drywall Fastener

Makita

The 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Brushless Drywall Screwdriver (XSF03M) is powered by an 18-volt battery. The tool features Push Drive Technology so contractors can set the lock-on setting and the motor will start only when the fastener is engaged, saving battery power and reducing noise for a quieter work environment. In addition, the BL Brushless motor is electronically controlled to optimize battery energy use for up to 50 percent longer run time per charge than similar non-brushless tools. For more information, visit makita.com.