Another reason to start downloading mobile device apps is to become more knowledgeable about the building products you use or are considering to use on an upcoming project. The following apps are listed to help educate you about products the contractor or those in the construction industry should be aware of.

This weeks app trend is: Building Products

CertainTeed QR Code Reader by CertainTeed Corporation: Intended to help you spend more time planning, and less time looking up the information you need, this app utilizes QR codes (2-D bar codes) found on CertainTeed products and allows you to store the products your interested in for future use. It’s free, and CertainTeed claims to be the first building products manufacturer to release a mobile app.

USG Solutions by the manufacturer: This app gives you how-to instructions for specific projects, and is a material estimator for ceilings, interior tiles & tile/flooring, all the while supporting three languages: English, Spanish, and French. It also gives you USG product information for any of your interests. It looks to be a well-designed app, and is free.

ColorSnap by Sherwin Williams: Another free app that allows you to capture a color and it will match it to one of the 1,500 Sherwin Williams colors. Learn about all their products including detailed color information, with color names, RGB values, and LRV numbers.

Color Capture by Benjamin Moore:  This app isn’t just for times when you need to update the wall colors in your bathroom, it allows you to snap photos and upload them to reveal one of the 3,300 Benjamin Moore colors that match the photo.  It also allows you to create custom color combinations, and educates you about all the Benjamin Moore products. For free, why not give it a try?

The Home Depot by The Home Depot, Inc.: Research or purchase any of the company’s products and make your shopping experience easier with this free app. Scan QR codes or purchase products from your phone and pick them up in the store.