Top Building Envelope Products for 2020

The products selected for Building Design+Construction’s annual 75 Top Products report are determined by you, our readers. These products appeared in the pages of the magazine over the past 12 months that readers wanted to learn more about. The products were selected based on the number of reader service inquiries. BD+C editors selected a few of our favorites as well (marked “Editors' Picks”). 

Lacobel T Warm Grey Spandrel back-painted decorative glass

The Lacobel T Warm Grey Spandrel, the latest in AGC’s portfolio of back-painted decorative glass, provides architects and designers with a fully opaque, neutral-colored spandrel that complements the aesthetics of most low-e coatings used today. Lacobel T Warm Grey Spandrel withstands thermal shock, resists both impact and scratches, and will never fade, as its temperable paint is fused into the glass. The glass is pre-painted, so fabricators can easily cut and temper the product, enabling them to more easily manage production and inventory. The product is Cradle to Cradle Certified Silver.

AGC GLASS NORTH AMERICA 

Midtown Thin Stone

The Midtown thin-clad brick collection provides a modern aesthetic similar to linear brick, with two slim face rises, in long lengths. The units can be installed with or without mortar depending on the desired look. The stone can also be laid separately (one size, continuously) or the two sizes can be combined. The maker’s Natural Process technology uses only natural materials (plus color pigments) to create stone products with the natural aesthetics and durability of quarried stone.

ARRISCRAFT

ACFoam-HD CoverBoard-FR (Editors' Pick)

Atlas Roofing’s latest polyiso roof insulation, ACFoam-HD CoverBoard-FR, is a lightweight cover board option that can help achieve a UL Class A fire-rated roof assembly when used over combustible wood roof decks. It can achieve UL Class A fire ratings using only one layer, saving labor and materials. The insulation is comprised of Atlas’ ACFoam closed-cell polyisocyanurate (polyiso) foam core integrally bonded to inorganic ACFoam-III coated glass facers.

ATLAS ROOFING

Versawall H+ insulated metal panel

The latest expansion to Centria’s Versawall product line, the Versawall H+ insulated metal panel is comprised of a galvanized steel face and foam insulation, making it strong but lightweight. Available in modules of 30 and 36 inches and in two- and three-inch thicknesses, the panels can be manufactured in a wide variety of finishes and colors. The panels are ideal for large-scale buildings that have lower, wider profiles, such as warehouses, schools, and shopping centers.

CENTRIA

CupaClad 101 logic

Cupa Group’s CupaClad 101 Logic is a comprehensive, easy-to-install rainscreen system, complete with concealed attachments, which results in natural slate being the main aesthetic of the building’s exterior façade. By offering optimal visual balance, CupaClad 101 Logic portrays natural slate’s texture and sheen, while also complementing each project’s other building materials. CupaClad 101 Logic is durable, easy to maintain, and has proven lifecycle savings.

CUPA GROUP

Tyvek Roof Protector (Editors' Pick)

This synthetic roofing underlayment protects roof decks from wind and water with a lightweight, durable weather barrier. Its slip-resistant surface makes it suitable for steep slope roofing applications, under asphalt shingles or metal cladding. The barrier features a high strength to weight ratio and tear-resistant material, which eases installation and improves performance. Rolls provide 1,000 sf of coverage.

DUPONT BUILDING GROUP

Timberline HDZ Shingles (Editors' Pick)

Timberline HDZ Shingles offer the industry’s first wind warranty for roofing shingles with no maximum wind speed limit. To meet the requirements for the warranty, roofing contractors must install the shingles with four qualifying GAF accessories, as well as the company’s LayerLock technology. LayerLock mechanically fuses the common bond between overlapping shingle layers for added strength. To speed installation, GAF designed an oversized nailing area. 

GAF

Watsontown Brick

Watsontown Brick manufactures full lineups of face brick, lightweight face brick, brick pavers, and vehicular paving brick in a variety of textures, colors, and styles—from matt to tumbled to knife cut. Mudbox, one of Watsontown’s oldest textures, is made with fine clays that are first given a slurry coating, and then coated with sand for a rustic look. Mudbox Watex adds texture to Mudbox for an irregular appearance. 

GENERAL SHALE

DensDefy Accessories

Georgia-Pacific has expanded its DensElement Barrier System with the launch of DensDefy Accessories, which includes liquid flashing and a transition membrane. DensDefy Liquid Flashing seals and protects against water intrusion for transitions between substrates and unwanted air movement in new or existing wall assemblies as part of the DensElement Barrier System. The fast-cure product eliminates the need for joint reinforcing tape, reducing overall preparation time. DensDefy Transition Membrane is a flexible, self-adhering membrane used to maintain continuity of the above-grade, water-resistant barrier and air barrier at complicated transition areas of the DensElement Barrier System. It is ideal for gaps greater than one inch, resulting from transitions between dissimilar materials, vertical expansion joints, or at the base of a rough opening.

GEORGIA-PACIFIC

Bronze Collection metal fabric

GKD Metal Fabrics has unveiled new patterns and expanded enhanced collections of metal mesh products. Its Bronze Collection now offers a complete portfolio of rigid/PC metal fabric. Its Helix and Ellipse weaves now are available in cost-effective aluminum materials. The pattern of a new rigid metal fabric called Choptank (pictured) has smaller open areas. Ripple and Tigris—previously custom weaves—are now part of GKD’s standard product offering.  

GKD METAL FABRICS

Metro Brick

This kiln-fired thin brick is manufactured following stringent guidelines for use in all types of brick veneer applications and construction types, from schools to hospitals to hotels. Thin brick like MetroBrick uses 70% less resources to manufacture than full bed brick, says the maker. The product line is available in a variety of sizes, colors, textures, and blends, and can be customized to match existing buildings.

IRONROCK

Aspyre Collection

James Hardie’s Aspyre Collection pairs the thick, distinctive profiles of the company’s Artisan siding with the smooth, geometric of its Reveal Panel System. The result is a collection that allows architects and builders to create a range of design styles, from traditional to ultra-modern. The ⁵/8-inch-thick Artisan siding profiles cast deep shadow lines to create strong horizontal and vertical definition. Reveal panels can be installed horizontally or vertically, and can be cut to size on-site. Two trim profiles: Reveal Recess accentuates deep channels, while Surround trim adds dimension and emphasizes height.

JAMES HARDIE

Omega-Lite ACM panels

Architecture firm Vocon specified Omega-Lite ACM panels to clad The Quarter, a 194-unit luxury apartment complex in Cleveland’s Ohio City neighborhood. RC Glass installed 27,000 sf of the product on the five-story mixed-use development using Laminators proprietary 1-Piece, Tight-Fit system. The panels give The Quartet a Class A fire rating and meet NFPA 285, Miami–Dade Product Control, and Florida Product Approval requirements.

LAMINATORS

Perforated coil anodized aluminum products

Lorin Industries has updated its coil anodized aluminum for perforated aluminum products to include new hole patterns, including a square pattern. The cost-effective coil anodizing process protects the aluminum while also improving its aesthetic properties and durability. Perforated anodized aluminum is gaining popularity in various architectural and construction applications for its benefits, like screening sunlight, particulates, noise, and rain. Lorin perforated anodized aluminum can be installed with standard electric hand tools. Once sized for installation, most panels are lightweight enough to install without a crane.

LORIN INDUSTRIES

McNichols Infill Panels

Engineered for balconies, façades, partitions, railings, and signage, Infill Panels from McNichols offer a range of perforated metal, expanded metal, and wire mesh options. The durable, low-maintenance panels are cut to exact specifications and frame pieces by welding angle, flat bar, and U-edging along the perimeter to create a precise, sturdy structure. 

MCNICHOLS

8-inch cold storage panels

Metl-Span expanded its line of cold storage panels with an 8-inch product. Two inches thicker than the thickest profile in the company’s current line of cold storage panels, the 8-inch panel provides among the highest insulating values on the market, according to the maker. The panel functions as walls and ceilings in new and retrofit construction.

METL-SPAN

PAC-CLAD 7.2 Perforated

Two entry canopies at the Eloy (Ariz.) City Hall create a distinctive shading element and added texture to the facility. SmithGroup specified PAC-CLAD 7.2 perforated panels with an Aged Copper Finish for the canopies to blend with the building’s EIFS exterior walls. The west canopy extends into the interior spaces to create a signature ceiling element. “It really brings that texture and layering into the building,” said SmithGroup designer Stacia Ledesma. Photo: alanblakely.com

PETERSEN ALUMINUM

Polyflex G APP granulated cap sheet (EDITORS' PICK)

Polyglass’ latest modified bitumen roofing membrane, the Polyflex G APP granulated cap sheet for heat-welded applications, features the company’s patented FASTLap technology for speedier installation and potential labor savings. FASTLap is a granule-free end lap that allows for a more reliable seal at roll-end, says the maker. With zero granules to remove at end laps during install, Polyflex G APP adheres quicker and the result is a stronger, watertight roof system. 

POLYGLASS U.S.A.

Emerald Rain Refresh

Sherwin-Williams successfully leveraged the Self-Cleaning Technology developed in Loxon Self-Cleaning Acrylic Coating and applied it to the latest addition to the Emerald product line: Emerald Rain Refresh. The coating sheds dirt upon contact with rain or water, simplifying upkeep. The self-priming application helps to save time during the painting process, and UV- and weather-resistant qualities reduce common exterior coating issues such as blistering and peeling. The product is suitable for most exterior surfaces, including wood, masonry, and concrete.

SHERWIN-WILLIAMS

StoVentec Rainscreen (Editors' Pick)

This ventilated rainscreen cladding system is comprised of glass-faced composite panels, thermal insulation, and robust sub-construction that includes steel and aluminum brackets, mineral wool thermal insulation board, render carrier board, reinforcement plaster, reinforcement mesh, and Sto textured finish. The result is a system that combines the qualities of an engineered façade system and a sleek modern design aesthetic. StoVentec Rainscreen Cladding panels are manufactured in a variety of shapes, with extensive color options.

STO CORP.

TamlynWrap

This three-in-one water resistive barrier enhances the drainage efficiency and drying proficiency of wall assemblies. TamlynWrap is available with two air cavity gap sizes: the TamlynWrap Rain Screen 6.3 provides a 6.3mm air cavity in between the cladding and the sheathing material; TamlynWrap Rain Screen 10.1 creates a 10.1mm gap. The barriers’ thick filament is uncompressible, so it can act as furring strip and reduce the installation cost and liability.

TAMLYN

MetroWrap

Designed for use on multifamily dwellings, light commercial projects, and large commercial structures, this breathable building wrap offers superior UV protection—it can be exposed for up to 12 months with no UV degradation—and tear strength up to five-times greater than other wraps on the market, says the maker. Typar MetroWrap will not support mold growth, and it can stand up to harsh chemicals and jobsite cleaning techniques. 

TYPAR

Trex Cladding

This product line adapts the proven performance and aesthetic features of Trex’s composite deck boards for exterior rainscreen or open-joint façade systems. Mix and match colors and styles from the Trex Transcend square-edge deck board line to create the look of exotic wood siding. The cladded can be orientated horizontally or vertically. The board’s shell is impact-, scratch-, and fade-resistant. The core is made using 95% recycled materials. Available in three lengths: 12, 16, and 20 feet. 

TREX