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10 STORM & SECURITY PROTECTION / DIRECTORY & RESOURCE GUIDE 2014 | by Howard Shingle | Design & Construction Week mirrors upward trends in residential construction. Building professionals feeling the lift from an improving economy and expecting to see a resurgence in the annual International Builders' Show shouldn't be surprised to learn more than 75,000 builders, remodelers and suppliers walked the aisles at the first ever Design & Construction Week in Las Vegas, NV, in February. Design & Construction Week featured the 2014 International Builders' Show (IBS), the Kitchen and Bath Industry Show (KBIS) and the Interna- tional Window Coverings Expo collocated in the Las Vegas Convention Center in order to present exhibition and education programs for all facets of the residential construction industry. IBS exhibitors alone filled 440,000 square feet of exhibit space with everything from millwork to marketing services, a leap from last year's total of 355,000 square feet. In all, Design & Construction Week offered attendees more than 650,000 square feet of exhibits. "It's great to see the economy coming back, the exhibitors coming back and the members building again," said Randy Strauss, chair of the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) Convention & Meetings Committee. Storm and Security Products Home building and remodeling have always been a boon to the storm and security protection industry, bringing more business to those working in the field and those providing products and supplies to them. At the 2014 IBS, several exhibiting companies showcased products for this market segment. Simonton Windows presented its SafePoint® impact-resistant laminated glass package engineered to withstand high winds and flying debris, deter intruders and reduce unwanted outside noise. It's available nationwide as an option on its Profinish® Brickmould 600 windows and doors. Simpson Strong-Tie offered its extensive line of connectors, fasteners, fastening systems and anchors to help build stronger and safer homes and buildings. Many of its products are recognized for helping structures resist high winds and hurricanes. Generac showcased its line of home backup genera- tors, including its Guardian line, which can be sized to run essential items or an entire house. Additional features include remote monitoring so users can check the generator's status via computer, tablet or smartphone. DaVinci Roofscapes' multi-width slate and shake style roof shingles were featured. Its polymer shingles are impact resistant, Class A fire rated with specific underlayments, UL2218 Class 4 impact rated and wind resistant to 110 mph. They also resist water absorption and are impervious to freeze/thaw cycles. New from Therma-Tru is its impact-rated Salinas decorative glass now available with Oceana glass instead of clear glass for increased privacy. The laminated glass construction passes a large missile impact test (nine-pound two-by-four at 34 mph), the company states. Smart Vent Products, Inc. showcased its foundation flood venting systems that are FEMA-accepted and ICC-ES certified. Trend for Now There's always more to the IBS than the exhibit hall. The annual convention hosts guest speakers and a wide curriculum of educational sessions. Understandably, many IBS Review Building Again Crowded aisles at the IBS, with more than 75,000 attending, reflect upward trends in the industry.