New Ideas

Unit controls temperature

Gusmer Corp. has introduced its 2004 Gusmer HV-20/35 Hydraulic Vertical Metering Unit, a plural-component foam and coating metering unit with patent-pending hybrid heaters for tighter process temperature control. The 12,000- or 18,000-watt heaters are said to maintain stable operating temperatures. A heat-control system automatically matches voltage and amperage to hose length, and the unit is controlled digitally. QuadRing technology is said to offer cleaner operation and increased pump service life.

Cordless tools offer upgrades

DEWALT has upgraded its XRP™ cordless tools, including the 18-volt Heavy-Duty Cordless Reciprocating Saw, Heavy-Duty 18-volt Cordless Circular Saw and 12- to 18-volt Heavy-Duty cordless drill/drivers.

The reciprocating saw is said to offer a 20 percent faster cutting speed than the previous model, operating at up to 2,900 1-inch strokes per minute. The upgraded model has a keyless blade-change lever, pivoting shoe and textured grip.

The circular saw has a redesigned handle for user comfort, as well as a magnesium shoe and upper guard and lower guard. The drill/drivers offer a 500 inch-pound DEWALT motor; three-speed, all-metal transmission; and newly designed switch. They also feature ratcheting chucks, all-metal sleeves and carbide jaws.

DEWALT also has released its 15-pound variable-speed band saw that can cut material up to 4 3/4 inches thick. With a 6-ampere motor, the saw has a material-stop thickness of 0.18 inches, as well as an ergonomic soft-grip handle. The band saw has eight ball bearings and variable speed.

Membrane is energy-efficient

Polyglass® has introduced Polykool,™ a modified bitumen, self-adhered roof membrane said to offer emissive properties and high reflectivity. Reportedly resistant to contaminants such as oil and grease, Polykool meets ENERGY STAR® solar reflectivity requirements and is said to reduce the use of electricity.

In addition, Polyglass introduces Elastoflex® SA V Base Vent membranes that allow accumulated moisture and condensation to escape. The product separates the roof membrane and underlying insulation to impede thermal bridging, and spot-welded areas of the membrane act as shock absorbers. Said to function at low temperatures, the Elastoflex SA V Base Vent membrane's top layer consists of an SBS-modified bitumen compound, and the bottom layer features a self-adhesive compound.

Tool line offers variety

Englert Inc. has released its Metalman tool line, which offers more than 20 tools for metal roof system installation. Able to be purchased individually or as a set, the tool line features a variety of tools, such as pelican pattern tin snips, Swenson shears, plastic wedge hammer and straight-seaming pliers.

New tiles are offered

EcoStar™ has introduced beveled roof tiles in its Majestic Slate™ Designer Series. Made with 100 percent recyclable rubber and plastic polymers, the Victorian-style tiles weigh 1 1/4 pounds and offer a 100-mph wind warranty. The tiles can be used alone, as well as with other Majestic Slate tiles.

Videos are educational

CertainTeed Corp. has made available three 15-minute VHS/DVD recordings that detail the process of wood shake roof system replacement: "Installing Presidential Shake and Presidential TL," "Replacing Your Shake Roof" and "Flintlastic SA Application Guidelines."

"Installing Presidential Shake and Presidential TL" offers a look at an application by professional installers, explaining the correct layout, fastening procedures and roof color combinations for the company's Presidential products.

"Replacing Your Shake Roof" targets homeowners and walks them through the process of reroofing a shake roof system.

"Flintlastic SA Application Guidelines" features a look at the company's Flintlastic SA product and its application methods and mainly is for contractors who are unfamiliar with the product.

Angle grinders receive upgrade

Metabo Corp. has upgraded seven angle grinders to provide up to 15 percent more power, featuring an 8-ampere motor instead of the previous version's 7-ampere motor. The 4 1/2- and 5-inch angle grinders have winding protection grids to deflect debris, as well as epoxy resin coatings on field coils and S-automatic safety clutches. Five of the seven upgraded models also offer quick tool-change systems that enable safe, tool-free wheel changes.

Curbs offer versatility

ThyCurb offers insulated metal building curbs cut with laser technology and custom-designed to accommodate any rooftop equipment and fit any roof slope.

Made with Galvalume,® the curbs have conforming notches and feature removable duct channels and insulated pans. Other features include built-in rib configuration; 3-inch attachment flanges; factory-installed rigid insulation; and 10-inch minimum height.

Aviation snips offer redesign

Klenk Tools has redesigned its offset aviation snips to provide more strength and durability. With improved heat-treating and forming processes, the snips now offer thicker alloy steel blades, as well as a blade design said to help the snip glide easily through metal. The handles of the snips open 5 inches and permit a full-length cut.