GOLD: The PEX sits below the working surface of the panel, which eliminates trip hazards as well as protecting the PEX from foot and equipment travel.

GOLD WINNER

The judges tended to think that this product would be a time saver. One of the judges said that this is an "outstanding product for time savings by combining vapor barrier, hold down, and spacing and insulation all in one. Also it eliminates coordination of other on the job (for vapor barrier and insulation) and prevents damage to insulation, which is a big concern."

The panels hold either 1/2- or 5/8-inch PEX. The PEX sits below the working surface of the panel, which eliminates trip hazards as well as protects the PEX from foot and equipment travel.

The panels are marked in 2-inch increments so that a tape measure is not needed when cutting. Modular panels provide 8 square feet of useable surface area with a 10-mil polystyrene film, providing a perm rating of 0.56 perms. For installation, staples or twist tying to wire mesh are not necessary.

Another judge remarked that "placing the tubing into the panels would be very easy and safe," while a third said that it is a "nice method of assuring spacing, securing, etc."

"The product comes in bundles of 18 panels, weighing 55 pounds. The bundles will not blow away or turn the handler into a human kite. A one-man PEX installation is possible if used with an uncoiler," said Steven J. Paske, national sales manager, EZ Floor.

SILVER: Envirofab is used as a vibration insulator between the fan and ductwork, in heating, air conditioning or ventilation systems.

SILVER WINNER

"Envirofab is beneficial for IAQ use in applications where UV light is incorporated into the duct system," said Steve Martin, new product development director, Duro Dyne.

The fabric has a black side and a white side. When installed on ductwork incorporating IAQ UV lights, the white side will reflect the UV rays back into the airstream to enhance the sanitizing process.

The judges liked that the Envirofab is made of recycled materials. "The use of recycled materials will always get my vote if all else is equal," said a judge. A second judge went further, saying "The benefits are derived from the product being made of recycled materials, which allow it to be sold and utilized on environmentally sensitive building applications. This is a new take on an existing product category."

Honorees: Miscellaneous

SILVER
Duro Dyne - www.durodyne.com - Envirofab

Publication date: 07/17/2006