New Ideas

Resource prevents property loss

FM Global has released its 2003 Resource Collection CD-ROM, a technical reference library featuring property loss-prevention information, including the company's 2003 FM Global Property Loss Prevention Resource Catalog. The catalog contains property loss-prevention publications and is designed to assist risk, facility and plant managers, as well as others who manage property-related hazards.

In addition, FM Approvals has made available its 2003 Approval Guide CD-ROM, which contains 45,000 fire-protection, electrical and building equipment materials and services tested and approved by FM Approvals. The CD-ROM is designed for architects, engineers, plant managers, contractors and product buyers who purchase products and services to reduce property losses.

Fasteners resist corrosion

PrimeSource Building Products Inc. has made available its line of exterior construction fasteners—PrimeGuard Plus™—that is said to resist corrosion, discoloration and staining. The line includes exterior screws, deck nails, box nails, siding nails, composite deck screws, fiber-cement siding nails, common nails, trim screws and trim nails. The products are available in stainless steel and aluminum.

Shingles withstand harsh weather

Owens Corning has made available its WeatherGuard® HP Shingles that are said to withstand harsh weather conditions, including hail and winds up to 130 mph. The shingles feature TruLoc™ Granule Retention Technology, which prevents loosening and loss of granules; impact-resistant webbing at their bases; and Tru-Bond® sealant, which secures shingles during high winds. The shingles, which are said to withstand foot traffic during high-temperature applications, are available in six colors.

In addition, the company has made available its TruMelt® Asphalt that can be melted with its packaging in a kettle. The rectangular-shaped product is available in a 60-pound piece that can be broken into two 30-pound pieces. As the asphalt melts, the polymer floats to the top and produces a skim layer that reportedly traps odors.

Insulation provides vented space

Atlas Roofing Corp. has released its Vented-R® CrossVent roof insulation that is designed to create cross ventilation over steep-slope roof decks. The product consists of the company's ACFoam rigid board insulation separated from oriented strand board by 1-, 1 1/2 or 2-inch vent strips.

Machine folds thick metals

RAS Systems LLC has released its GIGAbend Folding System that can fold up to 1/4-inch-thick mild steel and 1/6-inch-thick stainless steel. The machine features two PowerBoosters that produce 120 tons of clamping pressure and regulated drive motors that provide a folding speed of 80 degrees per second. The tool's control system includes a flat screen on which a user can use his fingers to draw the part he wants to create. A setup menu displays which folding-machine tool segments are required to achieve a part's length.

Shingles resemble slate products

GAF Materials Corp. has made available its Grand Slate™ fiberglass asphalt shingles that resemble slate.

The 17- by 40-inch shingles feature 7 1/2-inch exposures, which enable 48 shingles to be installed per square. The shingles are manufactured with the company's Super-Heavyweight Plus construction, which is said to provide 60 percent thicker shingle layers compared with standard products. A double row of the company's Dura Grip™ adhesive is said to protect the shingles from winds up to 110 mph, and the Micro Weave® core reportedly protects the shingle layers.

In addition, the company has added EverGuard® EPDM to its line of single-ply membranes and accessories. The membrane was designed for limited-budget projects and can be used with ballasted, fully adhered and mechanically attached roof systems. The product is available in 40- by 100-foot sheets.

Heated cables melt snow and ice

Orbit Manufacturing Co. has released its line of radiant-heat cables that can be used to melt snow and ice on roofs and gutters. The cables are made of a polyethylene-covered copper conductor wire core and corrugated copper ground wire housed in a metallic sheath. A polyvinylchloride material surrounds the cable to protect it from weather and other elements. Cable lengths can be customized, and cables are available for 120- and 240-volt applications.

Hoist features drive controller

Beta Max Inc. has released its Portable Hoist that features a variable frequency drive controller to lift and lower loads at desired speeds. The hoist can be attached to I-beams with adjustable trolleys and configured for horizontal and vertical movement. The product, which features a nonrotating cable, has a 2,000-pound maximum-lifting capacity and can travel up to 110 feet.

Underlayment resists leaks

Elk Corp. has released its Elk All-Climate Self-Adhering Underlayment for use under shingles to prevent a roof from leaking at eaves, in valleys, and around chimneys and skylights. The product consists of a fiberglass mat and features a split-release backing that is said to eliminate wrinkling during installation. The underlayment is available with a Traction Grip™ finish, which provides a granulated walking surface, and Film Finish for standard roof slopes.

Tiles are made of recycled materials

EcoStar™ has made available its Seneca Cedar Shake Tiles™ that are made of recycled rubber and plastic but resemble cedar shakes. The tiles are manufactured in 6-, 9- and 12-inch widths and weigh 4/5 of a pound, 1 pound and 1 2/5 pounds, respectively. The products are available with a 50-year warranty and 100-mph wind warranty.

Caddy holds tools on a roof

M.F.G. Tool Sales has made available The Roof Caddy,™ a plastic product that can hold various tools and paint cans on a steep-slope roof system. The product features a foam-rubber base to prevent slipping and adjustable lever to keep the caddy level on roofs with slopes up to 6-in-12. The product also accommodates paint trays.

Coating protects aging roof systems

Volatile Free Inc. has released VFI 540/540FR, a polyurea hybrid coating that protects aging roof systems, including metal, built-up and spray polyurethane foam roof systems. The spray-applied coating reportedly protects a roof system from water leaks, ultraviolet deterioration and thermal cycling. The coating, which resembles metal as it ages, is said to have abrasion, tensile and tear resistances.

Hot-air gun welds materials

Hy-Tech Products Inc. has released its HAWG™ hot-air welding gun that welds PVC and TPO roof systems, softens thermoset adhesives and can be used in other applications. The 120-volt gun produces heat 7 degrees Fahrenheit to 12 degrees Fahrenheit hotter than standard welding guns. The 3-pound welding gun's accessories reportedly are interchangeable with most hot-air welding gun brands.

Mat's scrim is multidirectional

Johns Manville Corp. released its DuraGrid™ polyester mat that features machine and cross-machine yarns in its scrim. The mat, which is intended to be used with modified bitumen roof membranes, reportedly rolls flat for 20 percent quicker installations. The mat is said to eliminate delamination and resist stretching and shrinkage.

Time clock is portable

Exaktime Inc. has released Jobclock, a hardware and software package that records employees' hours worked at job sites. The company's battery-operated time clock is installed at a job site, and employees use iButtons attached to their key chains to clock in and clock out each workday.

Using infrared technology, a personal digital assistant can download information from the time clock. The information then can be transferred to a computer where Jobclock software prints reports about an employee, crew or job site.

Roof systems resist common problems

U.S. Intec® has made available its Buster™ Series Roofing Systems that are designed to resist common roof system problems, including mold, energy loss, impact and puncture leaks, blow offs, fire and heavy foot traffic.

Mold-Buster Systems feature an UltraShield™ fiberglass-based facer that is said to discourage mold growth and eliminate cupping and warping. The system's thick layers reportedly reduce the potential for leaks. Energy-Buster Systems are ENERGY STAR®-rated and available in built-up, modified bitumen and single-ply roof system options. Impact-Buster Systems feature Dens-Deck,® which is said to prevent crushed insulation and membrane damage. Wind-Buster Systems are said to have a wind-uplift resistance of 300 pounds per square foot, and Fire-Buster Systems, which are said to minimize external flame spread, have been approved by Underwriters Laboratories Inc. and Factory Mutual. Traffic-Buster Systems also feature Dens-Deck to meet excessive compression loads.

Saw can cut roof debris

Garlock Equipment has made available its Enforcer twin-blade saw that has a 25-inch cut width to cut debris to fit down a trash chute. The saw's standard features include a 20-horsepower Honda motor, remote air cleaner, foam-filled tires and a headlight. The product features forward and reverse capabilities and a foot-operated control so a user can keep his hands near the saw's controls.

Workbench has four uses

The Stanley Works has released its ZAG® Folding Workbench that also can be used as a vise, sawhorse and storage unit. The 27 1/2- by 20-inch work surface features a molded ruler, built-in storage compartment for vise clamps, drill holder and fastener organizer. A shelf under the workbench holds large tools and a detachable tool bag that features 13 pockets, straps and pouches.

In addition, the company's ZAG® Stack & Slide Organizer Drawer System allows users to organize tools in a storage unit that can be taken apart to bring individual drawers to a job site as needed. Each drawer features a clear lid so workers can identify its contents and two latches that open a drawer and connect stacked drawers.

The company also released its ZAG® Tool Organizer that features 39 compartments that provide storage for small items, such as nuts, bolts and nails; large items, such as hammers, screwdrivers and wrenches; and tools' accessories and parts. The polypropylene organizer is said to resist harsh job-site conditions.

The Stanley® PowerLock® 25-foot Tape Rule has been improved with BladeArmor™ Coating, a thermoplastic coating that is said to prevent tape from breaking during uncontrolled retractions. The tape is housed in a chrome-plated casing that is 10 percent smaller than the original product's casing. The new casing features a protective wearplate to prevent it from being cut by the tape's blade and a forward lock that prevents the tape from spontaneously retracting.

Tool removes asphalt shingles

Malco Products Inc. has released its Uni-Ripper™ tool that slides under asphalt shingles to remove them. The tool features a 10-gauge steel head and neck to prevent wearing and resist breakage. The tool's beveled teeth remove nails, and its head lacks fasteners that may get caught on roofing materials.