Presenting the finest in new materials and mechanical systems for construction and remodeling projects
WHETHER YOU’RE building new or fixing old, you want the final results to look great, make your life more comfortable, and keep maintenance to a minimum. These are the criteria we applied when vetting the candidates in this category ; then we added an extra twist: Each of them also had to show that it’s truly innovative, either in its design, how it’s made, or the way it incorporates leadingedge technology. Here are the ingenious products that made it through our selection process.
1. PERENNIAL ROOF TILE Daltile
Porcelain, known for its great durability and resistance to fading and moisture, is now going on roofs. The 9mm- and 12mm-thick tiles, which resemble slate, clay, or wood shingle roofing, can be used anywhere in the country, have a lifetime warranty, and should last for at least 75 years. From $3 per square foot; daltile.com
2. PHYN PLUS SMART WATER ASSISTANT + SHUTOFF Phyn
Unlike less sophisticated whole-house shutoff valves, this one utilizes an ultrasonic sensor that detects and identifies leaks and freezing pipes, then notifies your smartphone where they’re occurring. The app also reports water pressure and usage, both current and historical. In the event of a catastrophic leak, Phyn stops the flow in just 60 seconds. $850; phyn.com
3. CORKOLEUM WE Cork
From the bark that plugs wine bottles comes this cushiony, waterproof flooring that’s only 1⁄8 inch thick. Glued down, then coated with wood-floor finish, it’s warranted to last 20 years, with proper care. From $6.50 per square foot; wecork.com
4. OPTIM-R VACUUM INSULATED PANEL Kingspan Insulation
Denne historien er fra July/August 2019 -utgaven av This Old House Magazine.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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Denne historien er fra July/August 2019 -utgaven av This Old House Magazine.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
Mobile kitchen island
TOH DIY expert Jenn Largesse shows how to build a rolling kitchen cart with a butcher-block top
Bathtub tray
TOH general contractor Tom Silva and TOH host Kevin O'Connor construct a slatted zebrawood caddy to hold grooming essentials, a book, and even a glass of wine, for those who like a long soak
Navigating the rise in mortgage rates
Looking to buy—or refinance—and feeling frustrated by lenders’ sky-high interest rates? Here’s how to get the best deal
Graceful grasses
With dramatic foliage and distinctive plumes, ornamental grasses come in sizes to suit virtually any garden
A better asphalt driveway
It's long-lasting and recyclable, and it weathers extreme temperatures. You can repair small cracks and divots in asphalt, too. Here's what you need to know to get-and maintain-a great-looking asphalt driveway
Modernizing a mid-century house
A family turns to TOH to renovate a 1960 house that had been awkwardly expanded over time. Their goal: to create a contemporary, energy-efficient, open-plan home that is fully accessible for a son with mobility issues
Making a house her own
Renovating in stages over nearly two decades, a homeowner transforms a once forlorn bungalow into a cozy, very personal space
A little house that lives large
A reimagined interior and second-story addition double the living area inside a narrow shotgun house, while respecting its historical roots
Before & After: Bath Fit for a Queen Anne
Classic meets modern in this primary-suite retreat
Before & After: Kitchen Moving a wall makes it work
Grabbing a few feet from the adjacent dining room yields major layout improvements
