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Laser leveller
The new Qube, from Zircon, is the next generation in laser levelling devices.
The LaserVision Qube consists of an auto-levelling or manual-levelling base,
and modular laser "qubes" that are only 1-1/2 inches square. The
precision cubes generate laser lines or dots, making any makeover task as
easy as stacking building blocks. It eliminates the need for multiple layout
tools. It is especially handy with cabinets and shelf installation jobs. The
Qube costs around $120. Zircon also has the smaller iLine, for around $50,
that shoots laser lines and can be mounted right to the wall. Both lasers
are available this spring at hardware retailers.
Fireplace anywhere
FPI Fireplace Products International of Delta, British Columbia, is among
the distributors for a new line of Regency direct-vent gas fireplaces the
company says can be installed in any room, such as basements or bedrooms,
in just hours. The Regency three-step process involves choosing one of the
fireplaces, cutting a hole in the wall, running venting pipes and insulation,
positioning the fireplace and installing the mantel. Direct-vent gas fireplaces
don't need a chimney. There are more than 100 designs. The entire installation
can normally be completed in one day, according to Amanda Daniels of FPI.
Compact dryer
The new Maytag Neptune Drying Centre is a special stacking unit that saves
time and mess with an upper drying cabinet that can dry a dozen items. This
should be a popular upgrade for condo or town home builders. The electric
Neptune dries clothes faster than conventional units, keeps most of them wrinkle
free and protects them from shrinking, according to Maytag. Available at Maytag
dealers across Canada, it costs about $1,200.
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Hand-held laser sensor
Leica Geosystems has introduced the Rod-Eye Classic hand-held laser sensor
for general construction. The new laser sensor features an LCD on both the
front and rear for fast and easy visual reference, and has a working diameter
of 2,500 ft. (750 m). It comes with a 24-month warranty.
"The Rod-Eye Classic delivers consistent, reliable results in harsh construction
environments," said Doug Plantenga, product manager for lasers at Leica
Geosystems. The unit works with any rotating laser.
Easy stairs
Ravenwood Stairways of Elmsdale, Prince Edward Island, says it can cut time
and costs for contractors with its Easy Stair system. "By installing
our Easy Stair as soon as the house is weather tight, the installation can
be done in a few hours," said Ralph Clark, company president. The pre-built
staircases are protected with tread guards and wrapped in heavy poly for protection
as the house is finished. When the house is near ready, the poly is removed,
the rail system is installed and the final finishing is applied. A big advantage
is that the builder knows the cost of the staircase up front and doesn't have
to install temporary stairs. Kevin Adams of Adams and Buchanan Contracting
Ltd. in P.E.I. has used the system. "When people are paying a lot of
dollars for a new home, a housed stringer staircase with glued wedges means
a better quality job," he said.
Easy shower stalls
A new system allows shower stall tiles to be installed without a cement board
or other waterproof tile backers. "The Schluter Shower System permits
the installation of ceramic tiles on shower walls constructed with standard
drywall," according to Schluter Systems' Canadian office in St.-Laurent,
Quebec. The Schluter Shower System uses a waterproof membrane, a prefabricated
shower floor tray and a drain that come together to create a fast watertight
shower stall. It is available through dealers across Canada.
Stylish faucets
The Windermere Line is particularly catching in Moen's Show House series.
The faucets, in chrome or stainless steel, have a quick connection feature
for easy installation and a single swinging 13-inch-high spout. A companion
model has a pull-out spout. And they both look great. The faucets are priced
from around $600 at any of the Moen dealers in Canada.
Tough
corner post
Mitten Vinyl's foam-backed corner post gives extra stiffness, eliminates twisting
and gives a tight clean, professional finish to a vinyl siding job. The foam
backer even provides extra insulation and contains insect repellent to guard
against the accumulation of insects inside the materials. It comes in 20-foot
lengths, five and a half inches across. It is also virtually-maintenance free.
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Quincy the mould-sniffing
dog
Quincy is not a new product but a refinement. He is Canada's first certified
mould detection dog, trained and owned by Haverkate & Associates of Toronto,
which specializes in healthy houses. One of the healthy house characteristics
is elimination of mould, which has led to the training of Quincy, who can
sniff out mould under floors or behind walls. Quincy works in Toronto but
there are plans to train other mould detection dogs across Canada.
Sewer
valve protection
Ever had a municipal sewer line back up into the basement? It won't anymore
with the Mainline Fullport Backwater Valve, developed by Edmonton-based Mainline.
This is a valve that prevents sewage from backing up into homes during municipal
sewer reversals. Reports Calgary builder Danny March of Deerbridge Homes:
"This system is light years ahead of anything else on the market. It
is a cost-effective fully automatic protection package that protects the home
whether the owner is home or not." The Mainline Fullport Backwater Valve
is generally installed in the basement very near where the sewer lateral enters
the building, and under the clear-top Mainline Access Box for easy inspection.
Mould-resistant sheathing
Georgia Pacific, which introduced the DensGuard line of paperless glass mat
panels last year, unveiled the new DensGlass Silver sheathing for homes this
spring. The new sheathing is highly resistant to mould and mildew. It comes
7/16-inch thick and in standard 4-foot-by-8-foot panels and is easy to install
as an exterior sheathing for wood and vinyl siding or under any cladding,
like bricks or stone. It is non-combustible and comes with a three-year limited
warranty against defects. DensGlass Silver is available wherever GP Gypsum
wallboards are available.
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$4,500(US)
towel warmer
Just the option for that super high-end custom home - a $4,500(US) towel warmer
with a Plasma TV hidden behind the mirror. This new Myson inspiration features
a full-length, one-way mirror with built-in, remote-control plasma television.
(When the TV is off, your secret is hidden.) Projecting less than 4",
the hydronic, wall-mounted towel warmer is 34"w x 48"h, is made
from the highest quality de-zinc brass and delivers over 2000 BTU/hr. Myson
Towel Warmers carry a five-year warranty. Myson is based in Peterborough,
New Hampshire.
Click-in "hardwood"
floor
Weyerhaeuser has launched its Hercules Uniclic, a high-quality laminate flooring
system designed with an advanced tongue-and-groove shape for an unusually
tight "click-in" connection without glue. The floor panels snap
together about 50 per cent faster than traditional glue products, which allows
for easier installation, dismantling and re-installation, the company claims.
Hercules Uniclic features first-rate moisture resistance. Engineered with
a sturdy laminate, clear resin overlay and a special water resistant core,
the flooring system resists everyday wear and tear and comes in 16 designs.
Roof foam insulation
Falcon Foam, a division of the Atlas Roofing Corp., has introduced a new foam
sheathing product, the Thermal Star line in sheet and fan fold styles. It
is meant for both residential and commercial projects but the lightweight
insulation makes it easy to hoist, handle and install on steep house tops.
It also does a good job of providing insulation.
Electrician
pliers
U.S.-based Ideal Industries, Inc. says its new Smart-Grip™ line of heavy-duty
hand tools are "engineered for the electrician who demands control and
comfort in pliers, cable cutters and crimping tools." The Smart-Grip
tool line is comprised of two side-cutting "linesman" pliers, two
diagonal pliers, two needle-nose pliers, two tongue-and-groove pliers, a cable
cutter and a multi-crimp tool, all featuring no-slip grip.
Hardwood look-alike
Torlys Inc. of Mississauga claims to have developed the most authentic hardwood-like
laminate floor on the market. And the new Steps Elegance does look good. "Steps
Elegance is difficult to distinguish from a solid wood floor because of the
attention to detail that creates all the apparent natural variations of a
real wood floor. The attention to detail is unsurpassed," said Tom Giancani,
vice-president of sales at Torlys. The planks have micro bevels on all four
edges that create a traditional V-groove between planks when they are installed.
The flooring comes in 16 different planks in each package, and three varied
plank lengths (short, long and medium) that provide the traditional random-length
look of hardwood.
No-fade coloured siding
Builders and renovators are now able to choose a far wider range of dark colours
for home vinyl siding, thanks to Lucite International's new acrylic-based
capping material, Lucite TufCoat. Until now, rich dark colours have not been
successfully used on home siding because they tend to fade over time when
exposed to sunlight or adverse weather conditions. Lucite TufCoat is able
to ensure that the colours will not fade whatever the local climate.
