by Patrick
McCombe
Lock and
Load. The Trakloc Steel Framing System installs up to
50 percent faster than conventional steel studs, says the
maker, because the telescopic studs — which lock into
place without fasteners — don't have to be cut to length.
According to the company, costs run about 25 percent higher
than for traditional light-gauge metal studs.
Trakloc, 866/787-2556,
www.trakloc.com.
Mega Brace. Unlike many other manufactured
shear panels, the iLevel Shear Brace can be trimmed to length
in the field. Made from LSL lumber, it comes in 12- and 18-inch
widths in lengths up to 20 feet. Predrilled holes help with
mechanical installation; the mounting system allows some
front-to-back adjustment. For pricing and availability, the
manufacturer suggests contacting a dealer.
Weyerhaeuser, 888/453-8358,
www.ilevel.com.
Dormers To
Go. Framing an eyebrow dormer can be difficult and
time-consuming — so why not leave it to the experts? The
Eyebrow Construction Co. specializes in preframed eyebrow
dormers for projects nationwide. Standard models come with 3-,
4-, 5-, or 6-foot-wide windows, zinc-coated copper sill pans,
and preformed casing. Prices start at $9,300. The
Eyebrow Construction Co., 631/653-7800,
www.eyebrowconstruction.com.
Door Hardware
Deep Pockets.
Johnson's original pocket-door kit has long been a favorite
among carpenters and GCs who know their stuff, but until now
there wasn't a version available for really heavy doors. The
new Series 2060 pocket-door frame has a 300-pound capacity and
can accommodate 21/4-inch doors up to 9 feet tall and 5 feet
wide. It's made for a 2x6 wall. Prices start at $240.
Johnson Hardware, 800/837-5664,
www.johnsonhardware.com
Hold It Together. It's actually pretty easy to pry
open an entry door secured with a conventional lockset and
deadbolt — unless Don-Jo's Wrap-Around Door Reinforcer
has been installed. Available in six finishes, the 22-gauge
metal plate resists prying and banging tools and keeps the door
edge from splitting. In other words, it makes breaking in a lot
harder to do. The product costs about $10.
Don-Jo, 978/422-3377,
www.don-jo.com.
Extra Security. If your clients want a door
that seals tight and provides heightened security, suggest a
model with a multipoint lock. Once reserved for big-dollar
patio doors, three-point locks are now showing up on regular
doors. Therma-Tru offers a Multi-Point Hardware upgrade on all
of its entry doors. The company says multipoint hardware costs
about $200 more than conventional lever sets.
Therma-Tru, 800/843-7628,
www.thermatru.com.