A. Mapei Designed as an underlayment for ceramic, porcelain, and natural stone tiles, Mapelath synthetic lath offers several advantages over wire lath, according to the manufacturer. Mapelath comes in rolls rather than sheets, is lighter weight than wire lath, is easy to fasten to substrates, and is less prone to cause cuts and injuries during installation, the company says. 800.426.2734. www.mapei.com.
B. Fortifiber Building Systems Group WeatherSmart housewrap combines a high-strength, non-woven polymeric substrate and a monolithic, non-perforated coating of “smart” polymers to deliver balanced moisture control in any weather condition without the use of perforations or micropores in its surface. The product’s construction makes it more resistant to surfactants, protects against elements, is UV stable, and provides a reliable air infiltration barrier, the manufacturer says. 800.773. 4777. www.fortifiber.com.
A Johns Manville Designed to decrease air infiltration and control moisture, Gorilla Wrap non-woven polymeric housewrap is non-perforated to reduce the potential for bulk water penetration and is translucent to allow installers to see framing, nails, and windows through it during application. The housewrap also has a tear-resistance 300 percent higher than the leading housewrap, the maker claims. 800.251.1660. www.jm.com.
B DAP Featuring the manufacturer’s DryDex dry time indicator, Premium Lightweight Joint Compound goes on pink but dries white to eliminate guesswork. The formula, which weighs 25 percent less than conventional joint compounds, is de-aired during production to ensure a smooth finish without bubbling, the maker says. The square container accommodates a 6-inch taping knife, so users don’t have to transfer the compound to a mud pan. 800.543.3840. www.dap.com.
