Manufacturers of exteriors and structural products continue to offer a combination of aesthetic appeal and simplicity for installation. Weather resilience is also becoming more commonplace, including fire resistance.
Westlake Royal Building Products
Westlake Royal Building Products introduced a new V-Groove profile to its Celect cellular composite siding line (pictured above). With a modern look in both horizontal and vertical applications, the V-Groove profile can match any home style. The profile’s distinctive 12-foot length makes it especially suitable for vertical applications with high ceilings. westlakeroyalbuildingproducts.com
Cornerstone Building Brands
Exvent and Exvent6 louvered exhaust vents ply Ply Gem offer an enhanced design to promote a greater ease of installation. The 4- and 6-inch louvered exhaust vents feature optional, removable screens to protect against insects and pests. The product’s easy-to-install trim ring eliminates the need to disassemble multiple components. cornerstonebuildingbrands.com
InSoFast
The X-Bracket system from InSoFast is suitable for a range of applications, from exterior walls and roofs to basements and concrete walls. X-Brackets do not create a thermal bridge that allows heat transfer through insulation and are compatible with closed cell spray foam or blown-in insulation. The system is available in 2-1/2, 3-3/4, 5-1/2, 7-1/2, and 8-1/2 inch heights. insofast.com
LP Building Solutions
LP BurnGuard fire-retardant-treated OSB from LP Building Solutions is engineered with fire-retardant material blended directly into the wood strands, providing protection throughout the entire panel. It is manufactured in a one-step, code-compliant process and delivers through-panel, fire-retardant protection and meets extended 30-minute ASTM E84 requirements. lpcorp.com
Simpson Strong-Tie
Simpson Strong-Tie says its PFPS24 purlin splice connector for post-frame construction keeps purlins in line along the entire length of a trussed gable roof and eliminates the need to offset and overlap members. The PFPS24 is available with minimum and maximum fastener options for value engineering and promotes the use of shorter, less expensive purlin stock. strongtie.com
Glen-Gery
Extruded from traditional clay and fired at extreme temperatures, SK1N cladding provides a terra cotta aesthetic to exteriors. Suited for vertical applications, the tiles install shingle-style with staggered seams on horizontal furring over a weather-resistant membrane. An integrated rear-ventilated rainscreen improves thermal performance and air circulation. glengery.com
Nakamoto Forestry
Nakamoto Forestry launched Weathering Stain Silver available in both Gendai yakisugi and unburned sugi wood products. A two-part formulation combines a binder-free silver pigment and a reflective ferrous sulphate component; the pigment deposits a silver tone that washes away while the mineral reacts with the wood’s tannins to naturally bleach the surface. nakamotoforestry.com
Sto Corp.
Sto Corp.’s StoShield SA high-performance, self-adhered air- and water-resistive barrier is available in two configurations. The StoShield SA VP is a vapor-permeable barrier that resists air leakage and water intrusion, while allowing water vapor to escape and the assembly to dry. A non-permeable version—StoShield SA NP—resists air, water, and vapor movement. stocorp.com
Typar
Typar’s FlangeFlash is a double-sided flashing tape with a clear adhesive for flashing non-flanged doors and windows. The tape forms a permanent mechanical bond between the frame and the exterior wall, providing a verifiable air and water barrier. The tape provides 12 months of ultraviolet resistance and a temperature application range from 0 to 180 degrees Fahrenheit. typar.com
Benjamin Obdyke
AeroNet from Benjamin Obdyke is designed for use with both roof and wall systems, ensuring proper drainage and drying behind roofing and cladding materials. The product offers straightforward installation, uniform application, the elimination of wood furring strips, and better compression resistance. AeroNet’s grid system offers higher compression strength versus entangled net matrix products. benjaminobdyke.com
Deckorators
Altitude FR Decking from Deckorators is a Wildland Urban Interface-approved decking line with a fire-resistant core and class B flame spread rating. The boards are capped on three sides, including through the groove, for enhanced moisture protection. Third-party testing found Altitude decking slows the advance of flames more effectively than traditional wood or composite decking. deckorators.com
