Top Structural Products for 2019

The products selected for Building Design+Construction’s annual 101 Top Products report are determined by you, our readers. From security doors to metal ceilings, fabric ducts to rainscreen wall systems, linear drains to bacteria-killing LED lighting, these are the products that 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”).

Enjoy!

ULTRA CLEAR SEALANT

Ultra Clear Flexible All Purpose Waterproof Sealant from DAP stays permanently flexible, even in cold weather, and provides a 100% waterproof and weatherproof seal to keep out water, air, and moisture. The sealant will not crack or break down and has a strong adhesion to building materials such as wood, glass, metal, tile, brick, and stone. It can be applied in temperatures as low as 20 F or on wet surfaces to stop leaks instantly. Ultra Clear applies clear and will not haze or yellow over time. Ultra Clear is available in a 10.1-ounce cartridge and a 5-ounce squeeze tube.
DAP

PUREWALL

For light commercial and residential applications, this insulated structural wall panel uses conventional wood frames and polyurethane-based insulation that is both continuous and between framing. The rigid polyiso board continuous insulation reduces thermal bridging and has an integrated weather-resistive barrier that eliminates the need for plastic house wrap. Structural closed cell spray foam enhances performance.
COVESTRO

DESIGNRAIL INFILL PANELS

EDITORS' PICK: This line of aluminum railing systems for interior and exterior applications offers a wide range of design styles for the infill panels, from textured, etched, or decaled glass panels, to patterned resin panels and wood picket designs. All rails and stanchions are made from high-strength 6000-series aluminum extrusions that can be cut and assembled on site using pre-engineered components that snap and screw together. Bottom rails and top rail inserts are available in 10-foot and 20-foot lengths that can be cut to size in the field.
FEENEY

FOAMGLAS cellular glass INSULATION

Owens Corning’s Foamglas cellular glass insulation is new to the North American market. This premium product for commercial roofs is ideal for mission critical projects, such as data centers, that require redundancy and stability to the roof membrane. It can support rooftop equipment such as solar arrays. Foamglas offers high compressive strength and is fire resistant and impervious to moisture.
OWENS CORNING

Icynene ProSeal HFO spray foam insulation

Icynene ProSeal HFO is a high-density, closed-cell spray foam solution ideal for commercial structures and new and retrofit construction. The spray-applied material seals the envelope and acts as an air, moisture, and thermal barrier. The insulation can contribute up to 40% in energy savings over the life of the structure. The material fully adheres to most substrates and is suitable for use across all climate zones. The product meets the requirements set forth by FEMA for flood-resilient building materials, which means it is suitable for use in hurricane and flood-prone regions.
ICYNENE

SOUNDBREAK XP

National Gypsum’s Gold Bond brand SoundBreak XP Ceiling Board is a three-quarter-inch sound-damping drywall comprised of two pieces of high-density, mold-, mildew-, and moisture-resistant gypsum board with a specially designed purple paper, laminated together with a viscoelastic polymer. It was developed for floor-ceiling assemblies where airborne sound and transmitted sound are concerns.
NATIONAL GYPSUM

125 TRI MAX

This thinset for tile and stone applications provides three products in one, which allows tile to be installed faster for a 15-20% reduction in labor and material, according to its maker. 125 TRI MAX provides sound isolation protection while simultaneously protecting the tile or stone finish from cracking by reducing the transmission of stresses in the substrate through to the tile or stone finish. The single-component mix (just add water) is easy to mix and spread. It’s also lightweight: 50 lbs coverage in a 25-lb bag. Greenguard-certified product has 36% post consumer recycled content.
LATICRETE INTERNATIONAL

FIRELINE F140 FIRE BARRIER

EDITORS' PICK: This expansion joint system provides passive fire protection with no mechanical fastening required for installation. The Fireline 140 is engineered for true drop-in installation with adjustable compression springs that provide outward pressure within the throat of the joint. Sections come with factory made male to female ends, eliminating the need for complex field manipulation at seams. The system utilizes a combination of a tough outer wall for transport and installation protection along with layers of intumescences and high-temperature insulation to resist toxic smoke and fire. Fits expansion joints from two to four inches and can accommodate up to 50% movement.
INPRO

CLT CONNECTOR LINE

Simpson Strong-Tie offers a range of load-rated fasteners, tension straps, connectors, joist ties, and surface splines geared for cross-laminated timber (CLT) construction applications. These include the ETB hidden connector, which provides a load-tested beam connection without visible hardware, and the Medium Duty Diaphragm Cord Strap Tie, a 14-gauge high-capacity strap specifically designed to carry tension across a CLT floor or wall panel joint.
SIMPSON STRONG-TIE

STANDING RAILING at Banc of California Stadium

Project: Banc of California Stadium, Los Angeles. Problem: The first standing supporter section in a U.S. stadium needed a custom railing to safely allow fans to watch the match from the unprecedented pitch of 34 degrees. Solution: A custom standing railing with integrated seating. The riser-mounted metal-railing frame angles back to create a comfortable lean rail for standing supporters.
TREX COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS

See the 101 Top Products for 2019: Building Envelope winners
See the 101 Top Products for 2019: Building Systems winners
See the 101 Top Products for 2019: Flooring winners
See the 101 Top Products for 2019: Glass and Glazing winners
See the 101 Top Products for 2019: Interior Building Product winners
See the 101 Top Products for 2019: Plumbing Product winners
See the 101 Top Products for 2019: Structural Product winners
See the 101 Top Products for 2019: Window and Door Product winners