Product Picks: October 2021

Simpson Strong-Tie now offers its patent-pending LSSR rafter hanger in 2x lumber sizes that can install with both miter-cut and square-cut joists for plated truss. The three new models — LSSR26Z, LSSR28Z and LSSR210Z — feature a ZMAX finish designed for extra corrosion protection and respectively accommodate 2×6, 2×8 and 2×10 lumber. Like the original LSSR models, the new sizes are field-adjustable for skews up to 45° and feature an innovative hinged swivel seat that adjusts up to a 45° slope. LSSR hangers can be installed after all of the rafters have been tacked into place, which the manufacturer says boosts contractor versatility, productivity, and efficiency on the jobsite. All LSSR models, including these new 2x sizes, are tested and code listed in IAPMO ER-280. The new models fully replace 2x LSU/LSSU sizes. strongtie.com/lssr

Feeney has launched ColorEasy, a new powder coating program for its DesignRail Aluminum Railing System and Awning Kits. ColorEasy features 18 colors, including 15 colors along with three wood grain finishes: Cherry, Walnut, and Weathered Gray. Feeney is also introducing showroom displays and color selection tools designed to enable retailers to assist customers in choosing the right railing and awning colors for their projects. ColorEasy sampling tools include color chips with textures and a fan deck that shows how specific railing and awning colors will look in different settings. In addition, retail customers can access Feeney's online VisualBuilder tool to build and visualize exterior spaces featuring DesignRail railings and Awning Kits in the full range of ColorEasy colors. feeneyinc.com/coloreasy

According to FastenMaster, the combination of the TC-G Hidden Clip for Grooved Decking and the Tiger Claw Installation Gun is the fastest way to attach hidden clips on all leading deck brands including Fiberon, Trex, and more. The TC-G Hidden Clip works in pre-grooved or non-grooved decking planks using the TC-150 slot cutter. The clip's sharp prongs are designed to embed into the upper portion of the groove for strong holding power, and the stainless-steel screw ensures a lasting connection between decking board and joist. While the TC-G clips can be hand driven, the Tiger Claw pneumatic installation gun features a nose piece engineered to hold clips in the correct position every time, firing a screw nail (scrail) through the clip into the joist—fastening the deck board to the joist in one step. fastenmaster.com

Spruce software is industry-specific and designed to help operations improve productivity, control costs, increase profitability, and remain competitive. Spruce is cloud-based with an intuitive interface. Built with comprehensive document management functionality, all transactions are automatically linked. Spruce also offers the Spruce AnyWare mobile app, where employees can capture proof-of delivery, submit orders, receive inventory, and more. Spruce ProLink is available in a browser or mobile app, and allows customers to access their account information, make payments, and place orders online. ecisolutions.com

BlueTape is a payment and financing solution for the construction industry. Construction pros can use BlueTape to make and receive payments on their mobile device. BlueTape is geared towards providing a payment and lending solution for contractors and construction material suppliers. Building material suppliers, dealers, distributors, manufacturers, and retailers have the ability to automate accounts receivable, send invoices and payment reminders via text, and offer their customers an easy way to pay for building material with credit cards and ACH on their mobile device. bluetape.com

Buildxact's quoting and construction management software for builders, remodelers, and contractors features point-and-click estimating said to create detailed price lists, automatic quote generation, and the ability to remotely assign work and manage schedules. With its intuitive estimating and project management tools, home builders and remodelers using Buildxact can cut the time required to estimate, quote, and win work by 80%, the company says. buildxact.com

Fortress Building Products’ newest category, pergolas, combine steel's weatherability and low maintenance qualities with its modern aesthetic that the manufacturer says brings lasting style to the backyard. The structural steel is dual-layer protected against fire, corrosion, twisting, insects, and rot. Customers can select from three freestanding pergola styles, including one Traditional and two Modern options. Customers can preview the Traditional and Modern pergola styles in a variety of formations using the Pergola Visualizer. Fortress pergolas offer dealers and distributors that currently stock Evolution steel deck framing a low barrier to entry, as the two steel building products share the same SKU. The assembly is backed by a 25-year limited manufacturer warranty. fortressbp.com/pergolas

From Palram Americas, PVC cladding is designed to be much more durable, easier to install, safer, and more sustainable than drywall. Palram's PVC cladding products are said to be an ideal option for interior cladding projects as they are: Class A fire rated, USDA/FDA compliant, require no special equipment for installation, extremely durable, water-resistant for high-moisture and humidity environments, 100% recyclable, withstand harsh chemicals and repeated cleaning cycles, and inherently resistant to bacteria, mold, and mildew. Palram's PVC cladding is available in three product lines: Palclad Pro solid PVC panels, Palclad Pro HYG antimicrobial PVC wall cladding system, and Duraclad interlocking multiwall panels. palram.com

YellaWood has launched its first-ever line of stain and sealants: YellaWood Protector products. The line of acrylic-oil hybrid stain includes water repellents and UV inhibitors. The products are offered in four shades in both 1-gallon cans and 5-gallon buckets: Crystal Clear, American Classic Cedar, Rich Walnut, and Smoky Gray. According to the manufacturer, the premium stain product can be used for decks, fences, siding, pergolas, gazebos, and outdoor furniture. Formulated to offer a professional-grade, acrylic-oil hybrid that offers excellent protection, YellaWood Protector stains and sealants are private label products that YellaWood says adhere to the brand's high standards. yellawood.com

Milwaukee has expanded its Modular Storage System with the newPACKOUT Deep Organizer. This new organizer was developed to provide users with another versatile and durable solution for storing large fittings and accessories. With a 50 lb. weight capacity, the PACKOUT Deep Organizer features quick-adjust dividers and a depth of 5.5″ to customize internal compartments to fit users’ needs. To keep contents secure, the transparent lid seals the compartments to prevent contents from traveling during transport. The IP65 rated weather seal protects tools, accessories, and jobsite materials from rain and debris. With the addition of the new PACKOUT Deep Organizer, the Milwaukee PACKOUT Modular Storage System now has more than 35 solutions designed to fully customize users’ storage. milwaukeetool.com

Deckorators has added two new vertical-grain color options to its line of Vista wood composite decking, which is designed to offer the appearance of exotic hardwoods without the maintenance. Silverwood (light gray) and Dunewood (medium brown) join Driftwood (gray) and Ironwood (brown), to give builders and their clients more color pairing possibilities. All four Vista colors are available in 5-1/2″ width and 12′, 16′, and 20′ and grooved-edge options. Vista is backed by a 25-year structural, 25-year stain-and-fade, 25-year removal-and-replacement limited warranty. deckorators.com

Versatex Building has expanded its portfolio of color options in maintenance-free PVC for porch ceilings, soffits, and accent walls. The Canvas Series, a tongue-and-groove system that was developed to marry durable PVC with a variety of realistic, permanent, wood-tone laminates, is available in new colors including: Turner Oak, a contemporary shade that's lighter than walnut, and Kitami, which simulates the carbonized surface of shou sugi ban, an age-old Japanese preservation technique. versatex.com

DEWALT's new 20V MAX 2.5 Gallon Cordless Air Compressor with FLEXVOLT ADVANTAGE Technology delivers max 140 PSI, which the manufacturer says allows up to 81% more nails per cycle. The OneTurn Regulator was developed to allow users to precisely adjust the regulated pressure quickly and efficiently without manually gauging pressure. The cordless, compact design weighs just 21.5 lbs. and can be easily transported, carried, and stored without the hassle of extension cords and power sources. Made in the USA with global materials, the 20V MAX 2.5 Gallon Cordless Air Compressor with FLEXVOLT ADVANTAGE Technology is designed for use by general contractors, remodelers, finish carpenters, and cabinet and trim installers, and can be paired with DEWALT staple guns and brad or finish nailers. The brushless motor and oil-free pump are said to provide efficiency and long compressor life, while the covered On/Off switch and heavy duty rollcage offer durability on the jobsite. dewalt.com

XtraBond 250 is a 100% acetoxybased, high-performance silicone engineered for applications that require a 100% silicone solution. The product is formulated as a one-component, mildew-resistant sealant that is permanently flexible and offers excellentadhesion. XtraBond 250 anti-microbial formula is NSF approved and FDA compliant, so it can be used around food applications. According to the manufacturer, its resistance to moisture makes it ideal for use in high moisture areas such as marine, baths, and walk-in coolers. premierbuildingsolutions.net

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