We’re in Las Vegas this week at the International Builders’ Show, one of the largest gatherings for manufacturers and tool makers in the building industry.
Fine Homebuilding editor Brian Pontolilo, associate editor Rob Yagid, and I spent the first day walking part of the show floor in search of new tools and materials that are worth a second look.
We’ll be reporting back all week as we continue to walk the hundreds of thousands of square feet of the show floor over the next few days. One thing that you won’t hear much about are new tools, as this year’s show is noticeably void of tool makers. Nonetheless, there’s a lot to see.
| HEADLINES FROM THE INTERNATIONAL BUILDERS’ SHOW | |
 |
IBS 2010: The Model Home Gets a Reality Check
A case study in irony: Construction stops on 6,000-square-foot showcase home dubbed ‘The New American Home’ after falling victim to the credit crunch. Read more… |
 |
IBS 2010: Schluter Introduces new Foam Core Tile Backer System
Structural panels will ease the process of making tile partitions, walls, and structures for bathrooms and more. Read more… |
 |
IBS 2010: More Bang for Your Flush in Kohler’s 1.28 gallon Toilet
With water conservation top of mind Kohler showed off its new 1.28 gallon one-piece toilet at the International Builders’ Show here in Las Vegas. Read more… |
 |
Generac Standby Generator is Smarter than Me
A tour of Generac’s booth left me wondering why more homes aren’t equipped with emergency power. Read more…
|
 |
IBS 2010: Spray Insulation Rigs for the Rest of Us
Looking to get into the spray insulation business but don’t want the huge investment? Here’s a new portable unit you might be interested in. Read more… |
 |
IBS 2010: Promising new water heater
GE released the first Energy Star rated water heater that uses heat pump technology and smart controls for significant energy saving potential. Read more… |
 |
IBS 2010: Stiletto to Introduce New Titanium Square and Knife
The maker of high-end titanium hammers and prys shows off prototypes of its upcoming speed square and utility knife, due out later this year. Read more… |
 |
IBS 2010: Day One Round Up of New Tools and Products
From entry-level spray foam applicators to a rainwater collection system to some smaller gadgets and accessories, here’s what caught our eye at day one of IBS. Listen to the audio slideshow… |
Some highlights from this slideshow…
 |
Tiger Claw Deck Fasteners
This aren’t anything new, but the new deck fastening system from Tiger Claw appeared to be a pretty slick method for installing synthetic decking. On a side note, a company rep told us that Tiger Claw experienced more than 150 percent growth last year. We’re not exactly sure what that means but we like any good news we can get. Read more on their Web site. |
 |
Rainwater Collection Pillow
One of the first booths that caught our attention was a small booth run by a husband and wife team who came up with the idea for this rain water collection system. Jim Harrington, a horticulturist who designed the rig, came up with the idea while trying to provide his high end clients in drought-stricken Atlanta with water for their pricey landscaping. “We came up with the idea of horizontal storage in wasted space,” Harrington said. It stores underneath a deck or crawl space and can be used for irrigation and eventually, Harrington hopes, to flush your toilets and run your laundry machine. Read more on their Web site. |
 |
Scalemaster Pro from Calculated Industries
Best known for its building calculators, Calculated Industries was showing off two new products for estimating materials and square footage from blueprints. The smaller, handheld model pictured left does its calculation by rolling the tip around the perimeter of the space, but the company was also showing off a more sophisticated version. The gadgets also come with estimating software that allow you to punch in the numbers to calculate cost and materials. Read more on their Web site. |
 |
Touch n’ Seal Spray Foam System
We really liked this portable spray foam insulation system from Touch n’ Seal, a brand operated by the company Convenience Products. They were showing off the CPDS 100 Constant Pressure Dispensing System, which is basically a portable and affordable version of the big spray foam rigs. After a quick test of the machine in the booth, it appeared to have a strong and consistent spray, which already makes it better than most of the portable systems available to non-certified installers. You can read more about it on their Web site. |
Fine Homebuilding Recommended Products
Fine Homebuilding receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.
Reliable Crimp Connectors
8067 All-Weather Flashing Tape
Handy Heat Gun
View Comments
This video was really well done. I felt like I was there and didn't need to go. Really liked the honest comments. Videos like this really make my FHB membership worthwhile. Thanks
How about something for us who can't use Adobe/macromedia flash videos, it's reasons like this that make signing up for memberships useless.
I agree with Fonzie - very nicely done, Matt!