CBP Magazine: Articles

Products of the Year

Our 2007 published products that received the highest number of inquiries from readers.

While we hope our feature articles inform and educate our readers, Commercial Building Products is, at heart, a product magazine. Our readers want to know about new building products that will help them do their jobs better, and we have responded with coverage every issue of new products in six categories: Exteriors; HVAC & Plumbing; Interiors; Lighting & Electrical; Security & Life Safety; and Windows & Doors.

Readers are able to use our reader-response cards to get more information about the products that most interest them. That also gives us a way to track which were the most popular products of the past year.

The editors of Commercial Building Products spent an afternoon crunching the numbers until we came up with Gold, Silver, and Bronze winners in each category.

We also added a "Green" product category for products that clearly owed their popularity to their green attributes.

In case you missed some of these star products the first time around, we've reprinted all of them with new circle numbers. Congratulations to the winning companies!

The Editors

Exteriors Gold

Concrete revitalizer

Provides uniform, fresh finish to worn steps, sidewalks, and patios.
Fast-setting, one-component product can be applied from featheredge to a depth of 3/16 in.
Light gray in color and compatible with most sealers, dyes, and stains
Formulated with advanced polymers, highly resistant to freeze/thaw cycles
Use a broom or trowel for decorative final finishes.

Mapei
Deerfield Beach, FL
Free Information: Click here, choose July 2008, enter 128

Exteriors Silver

Sound-abatement material

Pliable, 1/8-in. material is said to reduce more sound than 12 in. of poured concrete
Uses thermodynamic process to transform sound energy into undetectable trace amounts of heat
Contains no lead or asbestos, is fire and UV resistant, and impervious to water and mold
UL-approved for walls, floors, and ceilings.

Acoustiblok
Tampa, FL
Free Information: Click here, choose July 2008, enter 129

Exteriors Bronze

Stucco-like system

Strength for and protection of cement board without numerous installation stages
Provides three choices for different surfaces and applications
Incorporates moisture- and abuse-resistant cement board and the company’s reinforced base coats
Wide variety of colors, textures, and design options.

Sto Corp.
Atlanta
Free Information: Click here, choose July 2008, enter 130

Green Gold

Solar hot-water storage tank

Combines domestic hot-water storage with gas-fired backup
Sealed-combustion unit delivers space heating and domestic hot water in one energy-saving package
Side tappings in the jacket permit auxiliary connections to a hydro-air system for space heating
Unit can also power hydronic radiant floor heating and snow-melting systems
Dedicated solar heat exchanger at the base transfers heat from solar panels to water in an 80- or 119-gal. storage tank
Made of 316L stainless steel, the corrosion resistant tank requires no anode rods.

Heat Transfer Products Inc.
East Freetown, MA
Free Information: Click here, choose July 2008, enter 125

Green Silver

Electronically tintable glass

Clears and darkens with the push of a button
Controls solar heat gain to reduce energy bills
Blocks 98% of solar radiation
Available in four tint colors
Durable for heavy use and extreme climates
Qualifies for LEED credits.

Sage Electrochromics Inc.
Faribault, MN
Free Information: Click here, choose July 2008, enter 126

Green Bronze

Recycled, lightweight tiles

Chisel Point tiles are part of the
Majestic Slate series
Made of 98% recycled, post-industrial rubber and plastic
Diamond design enhances sophisticated architecture
Withstand hail, driven rain, and high winds
Suitable for steep-slope roofing.

EcoStar
Carlisle, PA
Free Information: Click here, choose July 2008, enter 127

HVAC & Plumbing Gold

Ductless air-conditioning systems

Ductless, mini-split multi-zone design
Technology cools and heats as many as four rooms from a single compact outdoor condensing unit
Variety of installation options for retrofit or new construction
24,000 or 36,000 BTU capability, suitable for small- to mid-sized buildings
High efficiency and quiet operation, as low as 50 dB
Suitable for offices, restaurants, and businesses
Multiple-speed compressor ramps up and down, based on load.

Fujitsu General America
Fairfield, NJ
Free Information: Click here, choose July 2008, enter 131

HVAC & Plumbing Silver

One-piece, wall-hung toilet

No external water tank; self-contained wall hung unit can be installed in limited space
Unit uses 1.1 gal./flush
Internal macerator can pump water away from a nearby hand basin
Copper or plastic discharge pipe pumps 9 ft. vertically, 100 ft. horizontally, or a combination.

SFA Saniflo Inc.
Edison, NJ
Free Information: Click here, choose July 2008, enter 132

HVAC & Plumbing Bronze

Spiral sheet-metal duct system

Line of products includes Safe Round and Safe Double Wall
Fittings include factory-installed EPDM rubber gaskets
Insulated round duct features interior retention system
Fiberglass is kept out of air stream
Components slip together and are secured with sheet-metal screws.

Lindab Inc.
Portsmouth, VA
Free Information: Click here, choose July 2008, enter 133

Interiors Gold

Wood ceiling tiles

Bioline tiles made from renewable, recyclable material
Available in several finishes
Class 1 fire-rated
Available with perforations and custom cut-outs
Certified green, UV-cured
Use a waterborne finish with UV blockers for color stability
Applications include offices, churches, conference rooms, showrooms, and training rooms.

Illbruck (Pinta) Acoustic Inc.
Minneapolis
Free Information: Click here, choose July 2008, enter 134

Interiors Silver

Wood ceiling, wall panels

Natura wood tile systems can be installed horizontally or vertically
Tiles are available in 18 wood veneers
Variety of perforations and grooves available for decorative and acoustical needs
Wall panels clip onto surface-mounted track
Ceiling panels are installed using a T-grid.

Hunter Douglas Contract
Thornton, CO
Free Information: Click here, choose July 2008, enter 135

Interiors Bronze

Mesquite wood wall tiles

Crafted from mesquite wood harvested from Texas
Warm appearance with an open grain and reddish tone
Material does not splinter, warp, or adsorb
Available in several finishes, both UV and non-UV protected
Tile is butt-jointed and applied with
a strong adhesive.

Ann Sacks
Portland, OR
Free Information: Click here, choose July 2008, enter 136

Lighting & Electrical Gold

Wall sconces with invisible wire

Low-voltage wall lighting system for a range of installations
System needs no wall drilling, wire pulling, or extension cords
FlatWire is easily installed and virtually invisible after painting
Wide selection of sconces in a variety of finishes
Each kit comes with two fixtures, connectors, a wall plate, transformer, and 25 ft. of low-voltage FlatWire.

Southwire Co.
Carrollton, GA
Free Information: Click here, choose July 2008, enter 137

Lighting & Electrical Silver

Underwater LED fixtures

LED Aqua is a thin-profile, disc-shaped stainless-steel submersible light fixture
Submersible to depth of 6 ft., it allows LED lamps to be clustered in a variety of patterns
Versatile design permits a range of simple or complex color changes
Units are individually addressable with standard DMX controllers.

Jesco Lighting Group
Glendale, NY
Free Information: Click here, choose July 2008, enter 138

Lighting & Electrical Bronze

LED sconces

Galileo sconces use LED lamps
Available in round, triangular, and rectangular shapes, and styles and sizes from 9 to 48 in. tall
All 11- and 13-in. Galileo sconces meet ADA requirements
Applications include decorative or accent lighting for restaurants, auditoriums, schools, malls, and offices.

Eclipse Lighting Inc.
Schiller Park, IL
Free Information: Click here, choose July 2008, enter 139

Security & Life Safety Gold

Ballistic protection

ShotBlocker is a Class 1-A fire-rated, projectile-resistant building material
Serves as a reinforcing substrate for bullet-resistant architectural and building projects
Material is lighter than steel, ricochet-resistant, and installs using ordinary hand tools
Can be field-cut and drilled with commercial circular, table, or panel saws
Surface on-site with veneer, drywall, wallpaper, or other wallcoverings
Complies with applicable federal and state flame- and smoke-protection regulations.

Norplex-Micarta
Postville, IA
Free Information: Click here, choose July 2008, enter 140

Security & Life Safety Silver

Wide-range network camera

Network camera uses DynaView wide-dynamic-range function to provide clear image capture in high-contrast lighting situations
Balljoint lens mount allows easy pan-and-tilt adjustments
Built-in intelligent motion/object detection
Multi-codec capability supports jpeg, mpeg-4, and H.264 compression formats
Vandal-resistant housing.

Sony Electronics Inc.
Park Ridge, NJ
Free Information: Click here, choose July 2008, enter 141

Security & Life Safety Bronze

Domed IP cameras

FlexiDome IP cameras provide discreet surveillance
IP connectivity is combined with high digital image quality
Easy to install and operate, vandal resistant
Use mpeg-4 video encoding and tri-streaming technology.

Bosch Security Systems Inc.
Fairport, NY
Free Information: Click here, choose July 2008, enter 142

Windows & Doors Gold

Vinyl window sills

Prefabricated and finished solid vinyl window sills in depths from 3 to 9 in.
Protect window area from moisture, condensation, and leak damage
Each sill is prefinished on all exposed edges, requires no priming or painting, but can be painted
Available in Classic and Streamline profiles.

Sill-Rite Sill Protection Systems
Ontario, CA
Free Information: Click here, choose July 2008, enter 143

Windows & Doors Silver

Architectural light shelf

Designed for use with company’s CW-250 and Reliance curtainwall systems
Deflects daylight deeper into a building to reduce artificial light costs
Available in depths to 30 in. with three standard covers
Uses shear-block and screw-spline assembly.

Vistawall Architectural Products
Terrell, TX
Free Information: Click here, choose July 2008, enter 144

Windows & Doors Bronze

Curved trim boards

For interior and exterior use
Fit a variety of custom-shaped windows and doors
Made from PVC and composite extrusions, so products are maintenance free
Available styles include WM180 brickmould and wide New England style.

Fen-Tech Inc.
Superior, WI
Free Information: Click here, choose July 2008, enter 145

This article does not have any comments. Yours could be the first!

LOG IN TO ADD YOUR COMMENT

Not already a user? Register here.

Exteriors Gold
	Concrete revitalizer Provides uniform, fresh finish to worn steps, sidewalks, and patios. Fast-setting, one-component product can be applied from featheredge to a depth of 3/16 in. Light gray in color and compatible with most sealers, dyes, and stains Formulated with advanced polymers, highly resistant to freeze/thaw cycles Use a broom or trowel for decorative final finishes. Mapei Deerfield Beach, FL Free Information: Click here, choose July 2008, enter 128
Exteriors Silver
	Sound-abatement material Pliable, 1/8-in. material is said to reduce more sound than 12 in. of poured concrete Uses thermodynamic process to transform sound energy into undetectable trace amounts of heat Contains no lead or asbestos, is fire and UV resistant, and impervious to water and mold UL-approved for walls, floors, and ceilings. Acoustiblok Tampa, FL Free Information: Click here, choose July 2008, enter 129
Exteriors Bronze
	Stucco-like system Strength for and protection of cement board without numerous installation stages Provides three choices for different surfaces and applications Incorporates moisture- and abuse-resistant cement board and the company’s reinforced base coats Wide variety of colors, textures, and design options. Sto Corp. Atlanta Free Information: Click here, choose July 2008, enter 130
Green Gold
	Solar hot-water storage tank Combines domestic hot-water storage with gas-fired backup Sealed-combustion unit delivers space heating and domestic hot water in one energy-saving package Side tappings in the jacket permit auxiliary connections to a hydro-air system for space heating Unit can also power hydronic radiant floor heating and snow-melting systems Dedicated solar heat exchanger at the base transfers heat from solar panels to water in an 80- or 119-gal. storage tank Made of 316L stainless steel, the corrosion resistant tank requires no anode rods. Heat Transfer Products Inc. East Freetown, MA Free Information: Click here, choose July 2008, enter 125
Green Silver
	Electronically tintable glass Clears and darkens with the push of a button Controls solar heat gain to reduce energy bills Blocks 98% of solar radiation Available in four tint colors Durable for heavy use and extreme climates Qualifies for LEED credits. Sage Electrochromics Inc. Faribault, MN Free Information: Click here, choose July 2008, enter 126
Green Bronze
	Recycled, lightweight tiles Chisel Point tiles are part of the Majestic Slate series Made of 98% recycled, post-industrial rubber and plastic Diamond design enhances sophisticated architecture Withstand hail, driven rain, and high winds Suitable for steep-slope roofing. EcoStar Carlisle, PA Free Information: Click here, choose July 2008, enter 127
HVAC & Plumbing Gold
	Ductless air-conditioning systems Ductless, mini-split multi-zone design Technology cools and heats as many as four rooms from a single compact outdoor condensing unit Variety of installation options for retrofit or new construction 24,000 or 36,000 BTU capability, suitable for small- to mid-sized buildings High efficiency and quiet operation, as low as 50 dB Suitable for offices, restaurants, and businesses Multiple-speed compressor ramps up and down, based on load. Fujitsu General America Fairfield, NJ Free Information: Click here, choose July 2008, enter 131
HVAC & Plumbing Silver
	One-piece, wall-hung toilet No external water tank; self-contained wall hung unit can be installed in limited space Unit uses 1.1 gal./flush Internal macerator can pump water away from a nearby hand basin Copper or plastic discharge pipe pumps 9 ft. vertically, 100 ft. horizontally, or a combination. SFA Saniflo Inc. Edison, NJ Free Information: Click here, choose July 2008, enter 132
HVAC & Plumbing Bronze
	Spiral sheet-metal duct system Line of products includes Safe Round and Safe Double Wall Fittings include factory-installed EPDM rubber gaskets Insulated round duct features interior retention system Fiberglass is kept out of air stream Components slip together and are secured with sheet-metal screws. Lindab Inc. Portsmouth, VA Free Information: Click here, choose July 2008, enter 133
Interiors Gold
	Wood ceiling tiles Bioline tiles made from renewable, recyclable material Available in several finishes Class 1 fire-rated Available with perforations and custom cut-outs Certified green, UV-cured Use a waterborne finish with UV blockers for color stability Applications include offices, churches, conference rooms, showrooms, and training rooms. Illbruck (Pinta) Acoustic Inc. Minneapolis Free Information: Click here, choose July 2008, enter 134
Interiors Silver
	Wood ceiling, wall panels Natura wood tile systems can be installed horizontally or vertically Tiles are available in 18 wood veneers Variety of perforations and grooves available for decorative and acoustical needs Wall panels clip onto surface-mounted track Ceiling panels are installed using a T-grid. Hunter Douglas Contract Thornton, CO Free Information: Click here, choose July 2008, enter 135
Interiors Bronze
	Mesquite wood wall tiles Crafted from mesquite wood harvested from Texas Warm appearance with an open grain and reddish tone Material does not splinter, warp, or adsorb Available in several finishes, both UV and non-UV protected Tile is butt-jointed and applied with a strong adhesive. Ann Sacks Portland, OR Free Information: Click here, choose July 2008, enter 136
Lighting & Electrical Gold
	Wall sconces with invisible wire Low-voltage wall lighting system for a range of installations System needs no wall drilling, wire pulling, or extension cords FlatWire is easily installed and virtually invisible after painting Wide selection of sconces in a variety of finishes Each kit comes with two fixtures, connectors, a wall plate, transformer, and 25 ft. of low-voltage FlatWire. Southwire Co. Carrollton, GA Free Information: Click here, choose July 2008, enter 137
Lighting & Electrical Silver
	Underwater LED fixtures LED Aqua is a thin-profile, disc-shaped stainless-steel submersible light fixture Submersible to depth of 6 ft., it allows LED lamps to be clustered in a variety of patterns Versatile design permits a range of simple or complex color changes Units are individually addressable with standard DMX controllers. Jesco Lighting Group Glendale, NY Free Information: Click here, choose July 2008, enter 138
Lighting & Electrical Bronze
	LED sconces Galileo sconces use LED lamps Available in round, triangular, and rectangular shapes, and styles and sizes from 9 to 48 in. tall All 11- and 13-in. Galileo sconces meet ADA requirements Applications include decorative or accent lighting for restaurants, auditoriums, schools, malls, and offices. Eclipse Lighting Inc. Schiller Park, IL Free Information: Click here, choose July 2008, enter 139
Security & Life Safety Gold
	Ballistic protection ShotBlocker is a Class 1-A fire-rated, projectile-resistant building material Serves as a reinforcing substrate for bullet-resistant architectural and building projects Material is lighter than steel, ricochet-resistant, and installs using ordinary hand tools Can be field-cut and drilled with commercial circular, table, or panel saws Surface on-site with veneer, drywall, wallpaper, or other wallcoverings Complies with applicable federal and state flame- and smoke-protection regulations. Norplex-Micarta Postville, IA Free Information: Click here, choose July 2008, enter 140
Security & Life Safety Silver
	Wide-range network camera Network camera uses DynaView wide-dynamic-range function to provide clear image capture in high-contrast lighting situations Balljoint lens mount allows easy pan-and-tilt adjustments Built-in intelligent motion/object detection Multi-codec capability supports jpeg, mpeg-4, and H.264 compression formats Vandal-resistant housing. Sony Electronics Inc. Park Ridge, NJ Free Information: Click here, choose July 2008, enter 141
Security & Life Safety Bronze
	Domed IP cameras FlexiDome IP cameras provide discreet surveillance IP connectivity is combined with high digital image quality Easy to install and operate, vandal resistant Use mpeg-4 video encoding and tri-streaming technology. Bosch Security Systems Inc. Fairport, NY Free Information: Click here, choose July 2008, enter 142
Windows & Doors Gold
	Vinyl window sills Prefabricated and finished solid vinyl window sills in depths from 3 to 9 in. Protect window area from moisture, condensation, and leak damage Each sill is prefinished on all exposed edges, requires no priming or painting, but can be painted Available in Classic and Streamline profiles. Sill-Rite Sill Protection Systems Ontario, CA Free Information: Click here, choose July 2008, enter 143
Windows & Doors Silver
	Architectural light shelf Designed for use with company’s CW-250 and Reliance curtainwall systems Deflects daylight deeper into a building to reduce artificial light costs Available in depths to 30 in. with three standard covers Uses shear-block and screw-spline assembly. Vistawall Architectural Products Terrell, TX Free Information: Click here, choose July 2008, enter 144
Windows & Doors Bronze
	Curved trim boards For interior and exterior use Fit a variety of custom-shaped windows and doors Made from PVC and composite extrusions, so products are maintenance free Available styles include WM180 brickmould and wide New England style. Fen-Tech Inc. Superior, WI Free Information: Click here, choose July 2008, enter 145