New Ideas

Gloves are double-coated for cut resistance

Brass Knuckle® has made available SmartCut™ BKCR4420 gloves. The gloves offer cut resistance with double-coated protection. A foam nitrile topcoat adds grip security, and a sandy grip finish reportedly increases abrasion resistance and cut protection. The gloves have a water-based polyurethane coating that helps reduce liquid penetration. The polyurethane is infused into the gloves with water instead of chemicals for gloves that feel softer and provide breathability, fit and manual dexterity. SmartCut BKCR4420 gloves also feature seamless, full-knit wrists to prevent dirt, debris and cold air from getting inside.

Asphalt shingles look like stone

BP Building Products of Canada has introduced its line of Manoir laminated asphalt shingles designed to mimic the appearance of European castles. The shingles feature Building Products of Canada’s Weather-Tite® PLUS Technology for increased wind resistance. The shingles’ Weather-Tite Band protects against wind-driven rain, and a Hurricane Band® reportedly helps prevent shingles from blowing off. Manoir shingles also feature an extensive dual-layer construction, and their polymer-modified asphalt formulation adds flexibility and long-term granule retention. Manoir shingles are available in five colors that replicate the look of natural stone and slate finishes.

App connects users to safety experts

Rabbit Run Ventures has introduced Safety Badger,™ a mobile app that provides 24-hour on demand access to qualified safety experts said to help a user avoid accidents, injuries and fines. Safety experts can review job site issues, offer corrective solutions, cite relevant Occupational Safety and Health Administration codes and help support a user during OSHA visits. The Safety Badger app enables a user to take a photo on-site and upload it with a brief description or question, and a safety expert will respond to the user in less than 15 minutes. Users also will receive product recall notices and regulatory updates.

Vents improve energy efficiency

Atlas Roofing Corp. has added three vents to its line of ventilation products. TruRidge® PRO 25, HighPoint® AL 50 Slant Back and HighPoint GL 50 Slant Back vents are designed to improve energy efficiency, optimize roof performance, and reduce excessive attic heat and moisture that can contribute to structural damage. The TruRidge PRO 25 rolled exhaust vent provides the rigidity of a sectional ridge vent with the flexibility of a lightweight roll for easy installation. The HighPoint AL 50 aluminum vent is designed to extend roof and shingle life with a one-piece base and throat said to be durable and weather-resistant. HighPoint AL 50 includes fixed louvers and an 8-inch throat with a 50-square-inch net-free area to maximize airflow. The HighPoint GL 50 vent is constructed from heavy duty galvanized steel with a one-piece base and throat design and fixed louvers. The 8-inch round throat provides 50 square inches of net-free area for unobstructed airflow. The three vents are designed for roof slopes of 3:12 to 8:12.

Workstation has multifunctional tabletop

KNAACK® has introduced PLANZBOARD,™ a mobile planning workstation developed for the construction industry. PLANZBOARD features a multifunctional tabletop that can be used as a plans table, whiteboard or collaborative meeting station. The 42-inch heavy-duty tabletop provides a sturdy work surface that can be positioned horizontally, vertically or at an angle. The tabletop’s white powder-coat finish doubles as a whiteboard surface. The workstation is magnetic and has a built in lip to hold pens and markers. PLANZBOARD features powder-coated 16-gauge steel and dual heavy-duty locking hinges said to withstand tough job site conditions. The workstation can be assembled using hand tools and fits through 36-inch door frames.

Ladder supports up to 375 pounds

Werner has made available its Multi-Max Pro ultra-flexible multiposition ladder with a load capacity of 375 pounds. The aluminum ladder reportedly combines the functions of five ladders: It can be used as a twin-step ladder, stairway-step ladder, wall ladder, extension ladder and leaning ladder. A user can adjust a hinge at the ladder’s central pivot point to easily change positions. The Multi-Max Pro ladder features slip-resistant feet and 7 inches of built in leveling to keep a user safe on uneven surfaces. The ladder’s top can lean securely against walls, poles, corners and studs and can be used to hold tools and paint. A single-rope height-adjustment system can be used to convert the ladder into an extension ladder with one pull. The Multi-Max Pro multiposition ladder is rated for a 375-pound load capacity meaning it can support two workers at a time along with their tools while in twin-step ladder mode.