Content about Architecture

Daikin Industries,  a small presence in the U.S. air-conditioning market, has purchased Goodman Global for $3.7 billion, putting the Japanese firm just ahead of Carrier in the global HVAC business, according to an article in the Wall Street Journal.

Daikin is buying Goodman from a private equity firm named Hellman & Friedman, which paid $2.7 billion, plus the assumption of debt, to take the company private in 2007, the newspaper reported.

The makers of a leading exterior moss, mold, mildew and algae stain remover are rolling out a low-maintenance shower cleaner called Wet and Forget Shower.

The product slogan is: “Spray weekly. Scrub never.” And it expands the company's easy-to-use brand messaging. 

Norfolk, Neb.-based MP Global Products, a manufacturer of fiber acoustic underlayments, introduced VersaStick premium "green" pressure sensitive flooring adhesive.

The no-VOC product works with luxury vinyl tile/plank and multi-ply engineered plank hardwood flooring over approved substrates.

Grip-Rite PrimeGuard MAX

Cali Bamboo, a leading manufacturer of green building materials made primarily from bamboo, is now offering composite decking made from bamboo and recycled plastic. BamDeck Composite Bamboo Decking is composed of 60% recycled bamboo fiber and 40% recycled HDPE plastics. (High density polyethylene plastic products are labeled with the number “2” and include bottles, laundry detergent containers, plastic bags and water pipes.)

Addressing the problem of time-consuming cleanup of drywall finishing projects, CertainTeed Gypsum is rolling out new products in the western United States.

Dust Away Reduced Airborne Dust Drywall Compound and Dust Away Renovation Mud feature innovative technology that reduces the amount of airborne dust generated through sanding by more than 70% compared with standard drywall compound.

The products were originally launched in the Canadian market in 2009.

Gaithersburg, Md.-based lumberyard company TW Perry opened a Design Center in Gaithersburg, reflecting a major new design emphasis for the five-unit pro dealer.

The new Non-Penetrating LCD Moisture Meter with Tricolor Bar Graph from General Tools & Instruments offers professionals and DIYers a powerful and affordable tool, according to the New York City-based manufacturer.

The MMD7NP measures the moisture content of hardwood, softwood, drywall, masonry or concrete. It can also detect moisture below the surface of carpets and subflooring; and locating water leaks above ceilings, below floors or behind walls. 

York, Pa.-based WOLF expanded its service area for kitchen and bath products to include Ohio and parts of Tennessee.

The move brings the number of states WOLF serves to 19. WOLF describes itself as the largest supplier of kitchen cabinets in the United States and a leading provider of composite and PVC decking, railing, trimboards and other building products.

Both kitchen and bathroom renovations have increased 17% from two years ago, according to a survey conducted by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), with bathroom remodels cited as a common job by 78% of remodelers and kitchen remodels at 69%. Since 2009, bathrooms and kitchens have switched places in popularity, with bathroom remodels moving into the top spot as the most common type of remodeling project. 

Trex Company has entered into a licensing agreement with Freud America to introduce the first saw blade specifically designed for cutting composite decking materials.  Diablo, Freud’s premier brand of construction tools, will be introducing the new blade series for maximum performance and highest quality of finish when cutting composite decking materials.

A group of plaintiffs seeking class action status have filed a lawsuit against decking manufacturer Fiberon over its Portico wood composite line. The lawsuit, filed March 14 in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania by Hagens Berman, a Seattle-based firm, claims that the decking has a defect that results in the growth of mold, mildew and other fungal growth. Furthermore, the complaint claims that Fiberon refused to repair the decks under its 20-year warranty.