Today’s locksets offer more home protection and style

When it comes to builder locksets, security is the most important feature, and with increasingly more functionality, design and technological improvements with lockset products, home protection has never been more secure. But in addition to security-related advances with locksets, manufacturers are also incorporating a higher range of styles and finishes beyond traditional product offerings.

Benefits and design possibilities with concrete and clay tiles

For builders and developers evaluating different roofing options, there are many factors that can be used in the decisionmaking process. While performance, energy savings and longevity may be important to some, others might be more concerned with aesthetics and architectural compatibility. Even the region and the predominating climate can be influential in the decision. However, when taking into account these considerations on a cumulative basis, tile roofing— including clay and concrete tiles—would certainly emerge as leading choices.

Ventilation for the bathroom space

As wall assemblies become more insulated, windows higher performing, and building envelopes tighter, the need for more advanced ventilation has never been greater. This is especially the case in the bathroom, which is one of the most susceptible spaces of the home for moisture-related damage.

“Bathroom ventilation units and systems are essential for removing humidity and controlling moisture levels,” says Chris Miles of Lewisville, TX-based GreenCraft Builders, which specializes in building very well-insulated, highperformance homes. “Moisture breeds mold and mildew, which can lead to a variety of other problems including wall, surface and potential structural damage,” Miles says. “Bathroom ventilation is especially important in cold climates, where homeowners are much less inclined to open the windows.”

Advantage? Builders

The Builder’s Advantage Series by Simpson Door Company balances beauty, performance and cost, offering durable exterior wood doors that are attractive in both appearance and price. The new designs provide a fresh selection for customers to choose from when looking for the right door to fit their homes and budget. The Scarborough (see photo) has one lite covering three-quarters of the door, and two vertical wood panels at the bottom. Simpson Builder’s Advantage Series doors are available in multiple heights, widths and wood species. www.simpsondoor.com :: 800-SIMPSON

Mixed-use project creates a (street) scene

Bluwater Crossing, a high-density, mixed-use, transit-oriented project, helps create a village street scene that is a vibrant and a diverse neighborhood where people can live and work.

For the architectural vocabulary of Bluwater Crossing, MVE & Partners was inspired by the nearby coast, as well as by the transit-oriented urban lifestyle. The elevations utilize a variety of materials, including unfinished block siding and metal roofs. Shading elements, balconies and a concrete-block base are used to break down the building mass and create a commercial/office feeling at the street level.

Design hits the ultra-low maintenance PVC decking market

In the decking industry there has been a surge in the demand for polyvinyl chloride (PVC) products, a category of the market often classified as ultra-low maintenance. While much of the growth in this area can be attributed to homeowner interest for decking products that offer the most long-term durability possible, recent advances in the ability to manufacture a higher range of PVC decking colors and textures are also helping drive its increasing popularity.

PVC decking has always been a technology- and performance-driven product, but now it is also becoming aesthetically oriented, says Toby Bostwick, product manager with TimberTech. “The manufacturing process has improved considerably, and in terms of the design process there is much greater flexibility,” Bostwick says. “Manufacturers can mix and match in order to achieve a higher range of color profiles and textures. It is now possible to mimic the look of exotic hardwoods and create products with dark colors, earth tones, wood-grain textures or stain-washed patterns.”

New codes and regs require builders to install fire sprinkler systems

For residential homebuilders in California, Pennsylvania and Maryland, installing fire sprinkler systems will soon be a requirement. For builders in all other states, it’s only a matter of time before local and state laws will require you to install some version of a fire-prevention system.

“Builders that prepare for and adapt to the requirements will have a competitive advantage,” says Darren Palmieri, Tyco Fire Suppression & Building Products. “Building codes are adopted at the state level or local level. Every state is different, and some leave it up to local jurisdictions. We anticipate that state and local requirements will grow in the future.”

Many builders aren’t familiar with sprinkler systems but need to get ramped up on the technology and the different types of systems, sooner rather than later. “When you have a state like California going statewide soon [Jan. 1, 2011], there’s a lot of getting up to speed very quickly. It’s a big endeavor to educate the builders. Most so far have been very receptive to learn about the new requirements and want to know what’s available and what’s going to work best for them. They want to know if the system is going in correctly, quickly, and that there’s no headache,” says Palmieri.