New Ideas

CD-ROM guide is released

FM Approvals has released the 2004 edition of its Approval Guide CD-ROM. The CD-ROM provides engineering and technical information about products and has more than 45,000 listings of materials and services that have been approved by FM Approvals.

The Approval Guide is included on FM Global's new 2004 Resource Collection CD-ROM, a technical reference library that also contains the 2004 FM Global Property Loss Prevention Resource Catalog and more than 350 property loss-prevention data sheets. These resources give users access to industry questions; property loss-prevention guidelines; and information about kits, publications and videos.

Slicing wheels are faster

Metabo Corp. has introduced Choice Cuts™ Original Slicer wheels that are said to increase cutting speed through light-gauge materials such as piping, tubing and rebar. The aluminum oxide cut-off wheels, available in 4 1/2- and 6-inch versions, combine resin, blade thickness and abrasives to provide as much as a 300 percent increase in wheel life.

In addition, Metabo has released the BSP15.6 Plus cordless drill driver that drills, taps and drives screws for various applications. The 15.6-volt drill has an oversized motor with advanced cooling features and is said to have 8 percent more torque and up to 20 percent more power. The drill features a spindle-stop system, ergonomic side handle and "Impuls" technology for finding points of resistance. With a capacity of 1/2 of an inch in steel and 1 3/4 inches in wood, the 6-pound drill has 20 torque settings and a battery capacity of 2.4 ampere hours per hour.

Shingles offer easy installation

Owens Corning has introduced its Woodcrest™ and Woodmoor™ Collection of shingles. Similar in appearance to wood shakes, the shingles have a WoodStart™ laminated starter shingle for protection and fast installation, as well as SureNail™ extra-wide nailing area. Available in seven colors, the shingles have a Class A fire rating, TruBond® sealant for sealing during low temperatures, lifetime 110-mph wind-resistance limited warranty and 50-year 90-mph wind-resistance limited warranty.

Specifications guide is on CD-ROM

SPRI has made available the seventh edition of Flexible Membrane Roofing: A Professional's Guide to Specifications on CD-ROM. The guide includes installation information about thermoset, thermoplastic and modified bitumen roof membranes; updated industry standards, guides and product data; and data sheets about sealants.

Vents offer easy installation

SMARTvent from Metro Roof Products is said to improve vent installation. The steel product is 3 1/2 inches high and has the same length and width as Metro Shake,™ Metro Shingle™ and Metro Tile™ roof panels, eliminating the need to bend flashings around a vent. The vent has a net free vent area of 82 1/2 square inches to 90 square inches.

Shingles are weather-resistant

Georgia-Pacific Corp. has released Centura® Plus steel shingles made with Galvalume® steel that are meant to resist weather damage. Said to last almost twice as long as average asphalt shingles, the steel shingles have a DuPont Tedlar® polyvinyl fluoride coating to prevent cracking and fading, as well as shed snow and avoid roof system damage and gutter damage. The shingles qualify for Class B fire ratings and can be installed over existing asphalt roof systems.

Base sheet offers compatibility

Firestone MB Base SA, from Firestone Building Products Co., is compatible with APP- and SBS-modified bitumen cap sheets. The self-adhering base sheet is meant to be the first layer of a two-ply modified bitumen roof system with a torch-applied cap sheet. With each roll covering 300 square feet, the base sheet has flexible specifications, permitting the choice of the best-suited cap sheet.

Firestone Building Products also has released APP Cool, a cold-applied modified bitumen roof membrane. Sand has replaced traditional plastic burn-off film on the membrane's underside, which allows the product to be installed with Firestone cold adhesive. APP Cool also can be torch-applied.

SPF system is energy-efficient

The Dow Chemical Co. has introduced a new spray polyurethane foam (SPF) commercial roof system made with Honeywell's Enovate® 3000, a blowing agent said to be environmentally friendly. After application, the SPF is covered with a silicone or acrylic coating for ultraviolet protection. The barrier created by the SPF allows maximum moisture management and thermal performance and does not need mechanical fasteners.

In addition, the company has introduced its STYROFOAM™ DECKMATE™ FA, an extruded polystyrene insulation board with a perforated skin that offers a strong adhesive bonding surface. Recommended to be used with The Dow Chemical Co.'s INSTA-STIK™ Professional Roof Insulation Adhesive, STYROFOAM DECKMATE FA comes in 2- by 8-foot or 4- by 8-foot sheets and thickness of 1 inch to 4 inches. The insulation board is for fully adhered roof systems.

Underlayment is versatile

InterWrap Inc. has announced TITANIUM-PSU,™ its Peel & Stick self-adhered underlayment that has SURE-FOOT™ anti-slip technology and reported compatibility with all roof system types. The underlayment features a rubberized asphalt formulation with performance in low and high temperatures, as well as effective nail sealability.

Snow guard is stronger

The Pro 100 Snow Guard Shoe and Assembly from Berger Brothers Co. is said to be five times stronger than typical residential snow guards because of a 1-inch gusset that reinforces the shoe. The product, available in copper and stainless steel, reportedly can hold a 300-pound point load when applied to the gusset.

Publications tout roof maintenance

GAF Materials Corp. has published Roofing Solutions Reference for Specifiers and Property Managers and Scheduled Maintenance Checklist to educate building owners about preventing roofing problems and extending roof system lives.

Roofing Solutions Reference for Specifiers and Property Managers is a 32-page reference booklet that explains the importance of roof system maintenance to building owners. Scheduled Maintenance Checklist, which contains information about roof system problems and maintenance instructions, is provided for free with every GAF Materials low-slope roof system that has a material and workmanship guarantee.

GAF Materials also has made available its Freedom™ TPO Self-Adhering Roofing Systems that reportedly provide quick installation and energy efficiency. Offered as self-adhering Freedom SA or heat-weldable Freedom HW, the membranes have split-back film to provide easier installation.