New Product Hits from IBS-KBIS Day Three

Donna H Chiarelli

At this year’s show, CertainTeed unveiled its new SmartBatt pr… Read More At this year’s show, CertainTeed unveiled its new SmartBatt product, an industry-first fiberglass batt insulation that contributes to healthier homes and buildings by intelligently managing moisture. The insulation adapts based on moisture levels in the wall cavity, blocking moisture from entering when humidity is low and allowing the wall to breathe when it senses high humidity that needs to be released, helping reduce the potential for mold and mildew growth. SmartBatt also offers highly efficient thermal performance and enhances acoustical control by helping to block disturbing outside noise.

Hallie Busta

Although Cosentino launched its high-performance, compact façad… Read More Although Cosentino launched its high-performance, compact façade material Dekton last fall, the surfaces maker brought it to the Kitchen and Bath Industry Show (KBIS) with a look at what’s next—a forecast that includes an 8mm-thick profile (shown) whose lightweight construction will help to decrease structural loads without sacrificing design value. For use in residential and commercial building skins as well as interiors, the architectural material, which is made from a combination of inorganic raw materials found in glass, porcelain, and quartz that are sintered to achieve a compact composition, represents a shift by the company away from its trademark interior surfaces and onto the envelope. With a 3D finish, it is offered in 12 earth tones (Kadum, shown), as well as white and black, in addition to polished, matte, and slate finishes. Company representatives at KBIS said to expect more textures and finishes to be released in the series this year.

Halo

This winner of the Best Kitchen Product of IBS 2014 is a creativ… Read More This winner of the Best Kitchen Product of IBS 2014 is a creative and flexible solution for undercabinet lighting. The Halo HU20 Magnetic Undercabinet Lights system is made up of LED luminaires that connect to the low-voltage track system with magnetic contacts so that each one can be easily moved and relocated. It’s a flexible, modular, easy-to-install system that homeowners will love as a way to personalize their undercabinet lighting, said the IBS awards judges.

Armstrong

Armstrong’s new line of engineered stone tiles, Alterna, is ma… Read More Armstrong’s new line of engineered stone tiles, Alterna, is made with a composite material consisting primarily of crushed limestone. The material mimics stone or ceramic in looks, is stain-, crack- and slip-resistant. Color options range from solid to intense color variation. Multiple sizes and shapes can be mixed to different patterns to offer homeowners a variety of custom designs. Armstrong says Alterna installs in about half the time of traditional tile.

Electrolux dishwashers

While some appliance manufacturers are focusing on electronics a… Read More While some appliance manufacturers are focusing on electronics and high-tech features, Electrolux is working on improving the basics and adding features that will make their products more valuable and convenient for users. Take this little detail in one of their well-designed dishwashers. Flip up the blue tab and clip your sports bottle in to give it a dedicated water jet for more thorough cleaning. Flip the clip over again to direct the stream into the wash tub. It’s a clever feature that supplements the dishwasher’s other benefits of a unique wash arm, top level utensil tray, and attractive 30-minute wash cycle feature.

Johns Manville Insulation

The last time Johns Manville attended IBS was in 2007 when it wa… Read More The last time Johns Manville attended IBS was in 2007 when it was mostly known for fiber glass insulation. During the past seven years, however, Johns Manville doubled-down on its product lines by adding spray foam, sheathing, backer board, and mineral wool insulations to offer builders flexibility. The most recent introduction is mineral wool batting that delivers performance benefits for both building occupants and contractors such as sound abatement, moisture protection, and fire resistance. Dense and durable, mineral wool products can be easily cut, plus are available in a range of thicknesses and sizes.

Metrie Moldings

Interior trim company Molding & Millwork used IBS/KBIS to de… Read More Interior trim company Molding & Millwork used IBS/KBIS to debut its reinvented identity and product line, Metrie. The brand not only set aside its former generic name, but has taken a new look at how they design and inspire with interior moldings. Elaborate ceiling treatments, unique rosette placement, and refreshed profiles marked the brand’s inspiring booth design. Check out their iOS app and new website (metrie.com) to tour the five new collections: Fashion Forward, French Curves, Pretty Simple, True Craft, and Very Square.

Quick Drain

Quick Drain’s new decorative channel drains have a lot to offe… Read More Quick Drain’s new decorative channel drains have a lot to offer: beautiful design, easy installation, ADA compliance, and a shower pan solution. The grilles from architect Michael Graves create an attractive curbless universal designed shower. They are an easy way to set your bathrooms apart with a product that is usually more of an afterthought than an asset, said the IBS Best Product Award judges, who named the drains the Best Bath Product of this year’s show. Choices include the fluid-looking Waves and contemporary Cosmo styles, both available in brushed and polished stainless steel and oil-rubbed bronze finishes.

NEOLITH THESIZE

A term meaning “new stone,” Neolith combines raw materials w… Read More A term meaning “new stone,” Neolith combines raw materials with state-of-the-art technology to create a high-tech surfacing with unlimited applications. Selections are offered in 35 colors within six product lines, including designs inspired by natural stones, minerals, industrial materials, textiles, steel, wood, and marble. Composed of clay, feldspar, sand, and natural mineral oxides, the product is stain and heat resistant, easy to clean, and impervious to chemicals.

Nexabond

Nexabond 2500 wood adhesives can help pros save time and money b… Read More Nexabond 2500 wood adhesives can help pros save time and money because they allow for sanding and finishing in minutes as opposed to hours and reduce the need for clamping. Designed for cabinetry and millwork professionals, they apply easily and allow for the wood to be adjusted into place. The adhesives come in three formulations based on handling time: long handling, medium handling, and short handling. They received an Honorable Mention from the 2014 IBS Best Products Awards program.

Moen floor-mounted tub fillers

With freestanding tubs gaining more use in bathroom designs, Moe… Read More With freestanding tubs gaining more use in bathroom designs, Moen has added floor-mounted tub fillers to two of its popular collections: traditionally elegant Weymouth and sleek, modern Arris. A specialized installation system makes adding a freestanding tub filler easier for builders and remodelers, and helps make the stand more secure. Choose from chrome or brushed nickel to complete your next spa bathroom project.

Rohl

Handcrafted in Italy, Rohl’s line of commercial-grade copper s… Read More Handcrafted in Italy, Rohl’s line of commercial-grade copper stainless sinks are designed to appeal to luxury home buyers. Unlike traditional stainless models, these sinks are constructed of high-grade stainless steel for extreme durability. The beautiful, long-lasting sinks are crafted with a rounded, easy-to-clean bottom edge radius and zero-edge side walls. Each one also features an insulating undercoat on the entire sink which reduces splash-back sound. www.rohlhome.com.

trutankless

Celebrating its debut at the show this week and winner of Best o… Read More Celebrating its debut at the show this week and winner of Best of IBS 2014 for Best Home Technology product, trutankless from the Bolllente Companies claims its electric tankless technology eliminates issues with scaling and mineral build-up. The heat exchanger—actually four copper heat exchangers with ceramic insulation—comes with a lifetime limited warranty. The units are Wi-Fi compatible and have self-aware features that can detect leaks, automate service calls, and communicate directly with the installer. A user App, available for iOS and Android phones and tablets, allows remote temperature settings, calendar settings, and error notifications. www.trutankless.com

trutankless

The heat exchanger—actually four copper heat exchangers with c… Read More The heat exchanger—actually four copper heat exchangers with ceramic insulation—comes with a lifetime limited warranty.