Content about Materials science

A price index of lumber and panels used in actual construction for April 6, 2012

Demand for wood-plastic composite and plastic lumber, used in decking, railing, trim and other building materials, is projected to rise 13% per year until 2015, according to a report from The Freedonia Group.

Fastener maker Simpson Strong-Tie has announced the acquisition of Fox Industries, a manufacturer of cementitious, epoxy, urethane, elastomeric and polyester coatings, grouts, mortars, adhesives, sealers, sealants, and membranes and custom manufactured fiberglass parts for the marine, industrial, transportation, commercial building and public works industries. The Baltimore-based company was founded in 1969.

Saint-Gobain Performance Plastics said its Green Glue Noiseproofing Compound and Sealant is now available at Menards stores.

Previously, Green Glue products were obtainable only through the Green Glue website or a network of specialty acoustic distributors. Now the products are available for contractors, DIYers and home theater enthusiasts to purchase directly in the building materials section of 232 Menards stores in the Midwest, the company said.

Demand in the wood-alternative decking market is driven by aesthetics, according to Fiberon marketing director Edie Kello.

Fiberon, the manufacturer of PVC and composite decking and railing products, is introducing an expanded color palette for the new Pro-Tect capped composite decking line. The new Pro-Tect Chestnut and Gray Birch colors add exotic aesthetics to low- maintenance outdoor living products.

A price index of lumber and panels used in actual construction for Oct. 21, 2011

*Western - regional species perimeter foundation; Southern - regional species slab construction.

Formica will be building a new laminates plant in Jiujiang, China, in the Jiangxi Province, to satisfy the demand for its products in Asia. The 500,000-sq.-ft. facility, Formica’s second laminates plant in China, will double the company's capacity in China and allow for additional market growth. Its completion is slated for 2013. 

AZEK Building Products, a manufacturer of PVC-based molding, trim and decking, has entered into a strategic alliance with VAST Enterprises, a maker of composite masonry products. Under the agreement, AZEK Building Products has purchased an interest in VAST and will make the VAST brand available to AZEK's distribution network. AZEK and VAST will collaborate on sales and marketing initiatives to drive brand awareness among architects and contractors, according to the announcement.

Milwaukee Electric Tool introduced the M18 Cordless Caulk and Adhesive Gun, with a pitch built around additional power.

Capable of delivering up to 950 lbs. of force for the highest viscosity materials, this powerful applicator supplies unmatched pushing force for the toughest applications, even in cold temperatures. The variable speed trigger and six-setting maximum speed dial optimize the tool’s 0-21 IPM (inches per minute) flow rate.

RPM Performance Coatings Group, a Medina, Ohio, holding company that owns consumer brands Zinsser, Rust-Oleum, DAP and Varathane, has purchased API, an Italian flooring and deck coating business. The purchase price was not disclosed.

Based in Genoa, Italy, API is a $28 million company that produces and installs epoxy and polyurethane flooring systems for the Italian building market. It specializes decking solutions for cruise ships, mega-yachts and naval applications.

Liquid Nails Adhesive has launched an acoustical sound sealant (AS-825), an elastic, durable sealant designed to reduce sound transmission in all types of wall systems.



Available alongside Liquid Nails Brand Drywall Adhesive (DWP-24) at building material distributors nationwide, Acoustical Sound Sealant remains flexible, has a very low odor, is VOC compliant and can be cleaned with water.