roducls

easy interfaces at joints and over architectural elements. In addition, the wrap weighs just 14 lbs., and can be repaired quickly with tape, unlike building paper.

The product is available in 5'x200' rolls.

Circle No. 701

Stuck On Stucco Wrap

A weather-resistant barrier with an engineered textured surface that reportedly helps reduce stucco cracking is new from DuPont.

Tyvek StuccoWrap offers protection for traditional and synthetic homes against water, moislure vapor and air infiltration.

Once sandwiched between sheathing and insulating foam board, special grooves create a drainage path for water or moisture to escape.

The product is pliable, allowing for

Vinyl Balusters & Posts

A new vinyl baluster system that reportedly will never peel, blister, rot or rust has been introduced bv PD Products.

Vinyl newel posts and support posts are also available.

Circle No. 702

New Underlayment Panels

A pair of floorcore panels, one manufactured with wood fibers, the other composed of wax emulsion binders, are new from MacMillan Bloedel Building Materials.

FiberFlor Supreme M-R panels are manufactured with wood fibers and moisture-resistant binders to ensure a solid, one piece panel throughout. The panels can be used below grade over plywood subfloors and come with a l0-year warranty.

FiberFlor Premium panels contain wax emulsion binders and are engineered to the same specifications, but are not recommended for use below grade. These panels come with a sixyear warranty.

Both are available in 3/8" thickNESS.

Circle No. 703

A Menu Of Grille Options

A line of grille options that add a personalized touch to a home is new from WeatherShield Windows and Doors.

True DividedLite718" and l3l8" insulated windows precisely duplicate their historical counterparts.

Removable, snap-in perimeter grilles can be quickly affixed to windows and are available in standard or custom configurations.

The balusters are manufactured from IOOVo seamless, virgin PVC, enhanced with UV inhibitors to prevent yellowing and deterioration.

The product adapts to or replaces 7 /8" xl -l /2" standard rectangular pickets, without special routing.

Fashion Grilles snap securely into place on the sash without visible holes when the grille is affixed in place.

All units come in various wood and color patterns.

Circle No. 704

Every Little Bit Helps

A high temperature resistant drill bit for use in concrete drilling is new from Hilti Inc.

The TE-CX Carbide Bit features four cutting edges and, reportedly, the only solid carbide head on the market.

This product replaces the TE-C+ bit and comes in sizes ranging from 3/16" to 3/8" in diameter.

Circle No. 705

Multi-Opening Door Locks

A multi-opening door lock for commercial or residential uses is available exclusively from Setzer Forest Products.

Met-Tile consists of up to 2O'-long x 3'-wide panels that are joined vertically with screw fasteners in one piece from eave to ridge.

The product is available in eight colors and weighs 125 lbs. per square, one-tenth the weight of some concrete and clay tiles.

Circle No. 707

Waterproof Seal With Zeal

A latex polymer emulsion that provides a watertight seal under tile, marble, below grade, or between slabs is new from Crossfield Products Corp.

Designed by Samil Industry Co., Magix Freestyle Door Locks can be fitted to either the right or left side of a door and operated by pushing, pulling, or traditional turning.

The product comes in five colors and finishes, and provides room access for the handicapped, the aged and children.

Circle No. 706

A 230-upx Roof

A Spanish tile panel roof that carries a 230+ mph wind rating and is

Dex-O-Tex Barrier Guard can be applied by roller, trowel, spray or squeegee and reportedly is free of volatile organic content and toxic odor.

The water-based formula product can be used on floors and molded up onto bases and over curbs without additional adhesives.

Circle N0.708 constructed of recyclable zinclaluminum alloy coated steel is new from MerTile Inc. on ony New Producl is ovoiloble by circling the corresponding Reoder Service number opposite the bock cover ond sending the form to New Products Editor, either by FAX to 949-852-0231, by E-moil to ddelvol@ioc.ner, by moil to 4500 [ompus Dr., Suite 480, Newport Beoch, h.92660, or by colling

(e49) 8s2-r eeo.

New Concrete Backerboard

A fire-resistant, rot-proof concrete backerboard for residential, commercial, institutional and industrial applications has been developed by Unifix Inc.

Unipan features a cement with polymer and lightweight aggregate

Extended Enclosures

An extended glass option that affords better vertical views from enclosed patios has been designed by Thermal Industries, Inc.

The Dreamscape 2000 (2") and Dreamscape 3000 (3") enclosure systems are now available in a 5' wide window module.

Both enclosures also come in 3' and 4' sizes.

In addition, optional factory glazed tempered glass inserts for above or below the single glazed sliding windows have been added to the Dreamscape 2000 patio enclosures.

Circle N0.710 composition wrapped in a fiberglass mesh.

Interior and exterior grade, the water resistant product reduces sound transmission and is dimensionally stable.

Circle No. 709

Fantastic Mastics

A trio of pre-mixed ceramic tile mastics has been introduced by Custom Building Products.

CustomBond is a vertical surface latex adhesive said to offer maximum slip resistance and workability.

AcrylPro and ReliBond are fastsetting, water-resistant and can be easily spread over walls and floors.

Circle No. 7'12

Pneumatic Toolin' Around

Pneumatic and mallet-actuated tools for hardwood flooring professionals are new from Senco Products.

Batten Down The Hatch

Mitten Vinyl Inc. has introduced a new board and batten profile that offers a realistic, rough.cut, woodgrain appearance on a 7" wide section.

The profile carries a lifetime transferable warranty and meets, or exceeds, all North American building codes and specifications.

The product is available in six low gloss finishes.

Circle No. 711

The Hardwood Flooring Family consists of a pneumatic tongue-andgroove stapler, one pneumatic and two mallet-actuated cleat nailers as well as other pneumatic tools, compressors and accessories.

Each nailer installs l/2" to 33132" hardwood flooring with l-112", 1-

3/4", or 2" L-type cleat nails, to allow for the wood's expansion and contraction and minimize splitting.

The 7.6-lb. mallet can drive nails with a sinsle strike.

Circle N0.713

The Drill

Of lt All

A new cordless drill from Makita delivers no-load speeds of 0-450 rpm in low gear and 0-1,400 in high gear.

The 5.5-1b., lS-volt 6343Dwae

Cordless Drill Driver Kit offers l8 different clutch settings that allow the user to choose the amount of torque for the particular application. Its forward/reverse switch is accessible for both left and right-handed operators.

Circle No.714

This Cord's The Reel Thing

An extension cord reel that allows the user to reel or unreel either end of the cord, at the same time or independentlv. is new from BurkTek Inc.

SYP Industriol Lumber

Hem-fir ono Doug fil oimenston -

Excellenf Service

Competitive Prices

CordPro unreels the correct amount of cord as it slides, while the unused length is held neatly inside, preventing the cord from becoming loose or tangled.

Both ends of the cord can be operated independently of the other and the divider's reinforced eyelet allows for reliable hanging of the unit.

Circle N0.715

Roof Shingle Placement Tool

A shingle placement tool for accurate and consistent shingle, shake and tile installation is new from Roofers Edge Corp.

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Roofers Edge is a lightweight tool that is easy to transport and carry. Once assembled, the tool allows professional roofers, general contractors and home remodelers to accurately and consistently install up to l0 squares per hour.

Circle No. 716

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Moulded Architectural Art

Balmer Studios offers gypsum or polyurethane foam architectural mouldings that are reportedly rot-, crack- and decay-free.

cast aluminum Ibeam frame,providing strength and durability.

The front of the tool is angleddownward, allowing for drawing the saw across a longer portion of the blade, even in tight quarters.

Twelve inches angles at either 90" long with a 4" throat, the saw blade or 45".

Circle No. 720

See This Saw

A circular saw with an 1l-amp. 2.4-ttp motor featurins burn-out protection and deliveriig 4,600 no-load nprr.rs ii new from S-B Power Tool Co.

The Balmer VI line includes interior and exterior doorway and archway mouldings, niches, miter blocks, capitals, ceiling centers, domes and mantels.

During manufacturing, the gypsum products are reinforced with glass fibers for added strength. Polyurethane mouldings are mixed at high speed to form durable, high density decorative art with smooth, thick finishes.

All pieces can be worked like traditional wood mouldings and are not subject to insect damage.

Circle No. 717

Stud Finder

A sensor that uses electronic signals to locate the exact position of studs or joists through drywall and other common wall materials is new from Stanley Works.

The IntelliSensor Pro stud sensor detects wood, steel and live wires through up to two inches of concrete or drywall.

Circle No.71B

All Bow To This Ruler

A measuring device that accurately reads rafter lengths directly from blueprints in one step is new from RP Meyers Estimating.

The Rafter Ruler consists of two clear 3"x18" polyester rulers, one scaled for common and jack rafters, the other scaled for hip and valley rafters.

The tool is placed over the roof framing plan and aligned at the ridge or peak on the ruler's "0" reference line. The rafter length can then be determined in the time it takes to place an architectural scale on the blueprint.

Circle No.719

A Hacksaw For Tight Spaces

A high-tension, low-profile hacksaw that cuts hard-toreach pipe and other materials is new from Stanley Works.

The Hi-Lo hacksaw is manufactured from a heavv dutv

The 5155K Skilsaw Leeend can cut to a maximum depth of 2-7 l16 at 90' and 1:15/16" at 45".

The 9.6-lb. unit comes with a lower guard that preopens on bevel cuts and features a lateral lock-off trigger switch to reduce accidental starts.

Circle N0.721

Power Nailer

A compact cordless finish power nailer that can drive two to three nails per second is new from Paslode.

Weighing 5.5 lbs., the Imoulse IM250II

Cordless Finish Nailer does not require a hose or compressor, allowing freedom of movement in the jobsite.

The unit drives 314" to 2I12" l6-gauge, smooth galvanized finishins nails and can be used for mouldings, paneling and other applications.

Circle No. 722

Here's The Scoop!

A galvanized steel shop tool that scoops up anything from sawdust to sludge is new from The Scoop Works.

guaranty against fading and peeling for decks and five years for siding.

The product is abrasion, chalk and mildew resistant and is available in an array of pre-mixed and custom colors.

StainStrip Exterior Stain Remover removes latex, oil-based solid-hide, cetol-based and semi-transparent coats from railing spindles, siding, decks and fencing.

The product's one-gallon container will clean from 100'-125', without thinning or mixing.

Circle No. 725

Saw Blade Trio

A trio of reciprocating saw blades designed for cutting wood, metal and other materials is new from Bosch.

Oil and corrosion resistant. the Shop Scoop features over a one gallon capacity. The tool is designed to make short work of liquid and non-liquid spills and comes in two colors.

Circle No. 723

New Laminated Flooring

Laminate flooring that sports a satin gloss surface finish on a highwear, abrasion-resistant overlay is now available from Wilsonart International.

Bi-Metal Progressor Reciprocating Saw Blades are available in metal, wood and all-purpose models, each featuring a progressive tooth pitch. The blades come in packs of two, five,25 and 100.

Circle N0.726

Hinge Benefits

Universal Industrial Products Co. has introduced a hinge that provides ample security and a clean, no hardware look.

The SOSS Invisible Hinge effectively hides the hardware from either side when the door is closed.

The hinge comes in brass and chrome finishes and is also available for fire rated applications from 20 minutes to three hours.

Circle No. 727

The Welcome Home Collection features a wear-resistant decorative surface, high density fiberboard core and an enhanced water-resistant edge treatment.

The product comes in four woodgrain patterns: tawny oak, southern oak, golden maple and Scandia pine.

Matching laminate-wrapped trim is also available.

Circle No. 724

Deck/Siding Stain Products

An exterior wood stain and a stain remover are new from The Flood Co.

Flood Semi-Transparent Deck & Siding Stain comes wlth a three-year

Wildfires Scorch Florida Timberlands

Around 2 million cords of firekilled wood fell during wildfires that ravaged Florida timberlands from late May through mid-July, according to industry and government estimates. Some 499,265 acres were burned during the 2,2'77 fires, an estimated $390 million loss of commercial timber. The firefighting cost for private landowners and the public will be at least $133 million.

Georgia-Pacific's The Timber Co. is believed to have sustained the heaviest loss, but no large landowner was spared, according to The Florida Forestry Association. Also hard hit were Jefferson Smurfit, Rayonier, Foley Land and Timber, and St. Joe Land and Timber. The average market life of the scorched wood is approximately 90 days. Landowners were unanimous in expressing their disbelief about being able to salvage all of the dead timber, despite the temporary lifting of weight restrictions for log and pulpwood trucks.

A forecasted 130 million-plus seedlings will be needed for reforestation over the next two years, according to The Florida Division of Forestry, a figure too high for the state's nurseries to supply alone.

Order Entry Via The Internet

Order entry has evolved from handwritten multi-part forms and early computer-based systems with limited power to customer remote entry systems based on dial up concepts, electronic faxing with the onset of EDI, electronic catalogs on stand-alone PCs, and laptop-based systems lor outside salespeople. The next generation is here; Internet-based business transaction systems.

Building product distributor Iron City Sash & Door Co., Pittsburgh, Pa., is currently accepting orders on-line with their new EntryNET program, a Web-enabled order entry system developed by DMSI. Iron City's Web site is precise and functional, featuring company information, a graphic of their service area, links to window and door manufacturers, e-mail shortcuts, and a "Dealer Only" area where participating dealers can build and submit orders, get quotes, inquire on order status, review and edit previous quotes, and upgrade existing quotes to orders.

Some argue customer service suffers from automating the order entry process with customer-enabled systems. Is it really easier to pick up a phone and place an order? What if your supplier is already on the phone taking orders from another customer? Dealers are left waiting or have to call back at an inconvenient time-wasting valuable time and money.

Internet order entry systems allow for anytime, day or night ordering. "(Our customers) like to do business at their convenience, not at our convenience," explains Dick Scherer, system manager at Iron City. "In a lot of cases, that convenience is after hours.

With EntryNET, they can access our Web site, open the program, enter their user name and password. and begin placing their own orders."

He adds, "If you aren't sure how your customers will respond to this convenience, ask yourself how often you stand in a teller line to get spending cash versus the convenience of an ATM.''

Additionally, with Web-based business-to-business ordering systems, the end user has complete control over the order. He can select the items, make changes to the order, enter desired ship dates, and more. "The one thing our retailers like most about our system and the Internet is that they like to control their orders," Scherer says. "They don't like the fact that they have to fax or phone it to us and have them get misinterpreted. They know when they place an order in EntryNET, they placed it themselves. They can view it and know it is exactly what they want. And, with its instant order acknowledgement, they have immediate confirmation of their order."

Depot lnsiders Sell Shares

Six Home Depot executives or directors sold or indicated plans to sell a total of 624,982 shares as the company's stock fell along with the overall market.

One analyst termed the Aug. 19 to Sept. 16 selloff by Berry Cox, Mark Baker, Bruce Berg, Bill Hamlin, Arthur Blank and Annette Verschuren atypical. During the period, he said, "the norm had become for insiders to buy, or retain their shares through the market weakness."

FIBER CEMENT educator is going into all 104 of McCoy's stores'

McGoy's Sides With Fiber Cement

McCoy's Building Supply Centers, San Marcos, Tx., is installing fiber cement project centers in its 104 stores in Texas, Oklahoma, New Mexico, Arkansas and Louisiana.

Developed by James Hardie Building Products, the l0ft. by l6-ft. displays aim to educate builders and consumers about fiber cement siding and backerboard, as well as cobranded products including Maze Nails and OSI Sealants.

What Makes Customers Loyal?

About 5l%o of home improvement store shoppers say they have been loyal to the same store for more than five years, reflecting consolidation in the industry, according to the American Express Retail Index on shopper loyalty.

The top reasons for remaining loyal to a particular store are that it offers a large variety/selection (cited by 807o) and convenient location (72Vo). Other desirous features are: a helpful, courteous staff; stocking desired brands/styles; a pleasant, fun environment, and ability to find or specialorder hard-to-fi nd items.

Conversely, factot's prompting a change in store loyalty include: o prices tend to be high

. merchandise is often out of stock o racks/shelves are disorganized o employees are not helpful o found a new store closer to home

The study grouped home improvement store shoppers into three categories:

Do-it-yourselfers (representing 36Vo of all home improvement store shoppers and 4lVo of total sales volume) generally seek ways to improve their homes, like to browse, and are handy. Completing home projects gives them a sense of accomplishment.

Informed shoppers (35Vo of all shoppers, 3670 of sales volume) are in and out of the store quickly, price focused and value oriented, and only shop when they must.

Thrifty/all thumbs shoppers (29Vo of shoppers, 22Vo of sales volume) spend little time shopping, often buy sale items, are price focused and are not handy.

Our Gustomers Think the Davrm of a New Millennium is Something to look Forward to.

Building material dealers using SPRUCE computer systems have nothing to fear when it comes to the Year 2000.

Happily, 92o/o of our customers can still use the original hardware they purchased from SPRUCE when the clock snikes midnight on December 31, 1999.

And because we're not in the midst of the Year 2000 Upgrade Crisis, we can continue to provide the best support in the industry.

How can we be so sure we have the best support? Because we can make these claims:

A we've never lost a single customer.

A We answer and resolve support calls immediately.

A We offer unlimited free training at our corporate headquarters.

/l Our support fees are virtually the same today as they were 10 years ago.

Can your softvvare supplier say the same?

If you want a computer company with the foresight to save you money over the long haul-one that will know you by the sound of your voice when you call for support-call SPRUCE today. You'll be happy you did (especially when the year 2000 rolls around).