With an overall theme of dialogue, attendees at the 2008 Pacific Coast Builder’s Conference were recently welcomed back to the Moscone Center in San Francisco for three days of viewing and presenting the coolest new products, networking, educational conferences and keynote sessions. K&A was there to capture all of the breakthrough building trends, pioneering product introductions, and insight from the building industry’s illustrious educational speakers.
Green and energy efficient products ruled the roost
In tune with the state of the industry, PCBC was abuzz with discussions of green and energy efficiency. The Eternal hybrid water heating system drew a multitude of attendees to its booth. This hybrid system, which combines the best of tank and tankless water heaters, saves on energy and water while still providing homeowners with the pressure and temperature that they demand.
Cool home solutions
A leader in the art of curb appeal, MonierLifetile introduced a “cool” roofing component to work in conjunction with solar panels. The components attach to the MonierLifetile Energy Efficient Roofing system (EER) and work with any solar panel that a builder or homeowner chooses. This novel system’s ventilated assembly provides a 50 percent reduction in heat penetration into the conditioned space of a home. This decreases heat and energy costs by up to 22 percent as compared to an asphalt shingle roof.
Among the many window and door manufacturers exhibiting at this year’s show, Hurd Windows & Doors set an industry precedent. The 85 year-old company is now offering free anodizing on all of its doors and windows within its residential and light commercial product lines. This process gives the aluminum on clad wood windows and patio doors a more durable and robust finish.
Professional performance
On the water conservation front, Gerber Plumbing Fixtures is leading the pack. Showcasing several High Efficiency Toilets (HETs) and multiple low-flow faucets, Gerber is a committed partner in the EP’s WaterSense Program and continuing to provide products that increase conservation efforts.
Increasing a home’s resale value in tough economic times was on everyone’s mind. Improving curb appeal is unquestionably one of the best tactics employed by homeowners to accomplish this. One of the easiest ways to build curbside aesthetics and get the biggest return on investment is by adding fiber cement siding from Nichiha. Manufactured in one of the most energy efficient plants in the industry, Nichiha products come in a variety of colors and are available for commercial or residential applications.
Moreover, adding KOMA Trim Products to the exterior of a home is another way to increase curb appeal and add value. KOMA introduced several new products including soffit systems, water tables, as well as an extension to its popular Allure Collection of extruded PVC mouldings.
Rounding out the show were incredible seminars and educational programs led by a diverse and inspiring group of leaders, visionaries and vanguards. Speakers included the likes of Carly Fiorina, chairman and CEO of Hewlett-Packard and Todd Buchholz, a former White House director of economic policy.
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Want more insight into the show? Contact Steve Kleber at sk@kleberandassociates.com or call 770.518.1000. And don’t forget to visit www.kleberandassociates.com for our ongoing series of trade show reports.
