New Ideas

Software assists with solar installation

AppliCad has introduced tools for its roof estimating software that help designers optimize the placement of solar panels.

The software tools are said to place panels on roof models and automatically quantify all accessory items for panel installation. The applications also feature a shadow analysis tool, which accounts for roof fixtures such as vents, HVAC units and chimney stacks that may cast shadows on solar panels. The tools are said to be easy to use and reportedly also can calculate the potential for ice dams and snow loads.

Web site: www.applicad-usa.com
Telephone: (800) 966-1698

Panel increases productivity

Firestone Building Products Co. LLC has introduced its 25-foot-wide RubberGard™ EcoWhite™ EPDM membrane panel, which is said to reduce seaming requirements and increase installation efficiency.

The membrane panel features splices at 10-foot intervals and reportedly reduces labor and material costs. The membrane reportedly has a Cool Roof Rating Council® initial solar reflectance of 0.80 and solar reflectance index of 99.

In addition, Firestone Building Products has added Single-Ply LVOC Bonding Adhesive and UltraPly™ TPO QuickPrime™ LVOC Primer to its LVOC product line. Both products reportedly comply with the Ozone Transport Commission's volatile organic compound regulations.

Single-Ply LVOC Bonding Adhesive is a solvent-based formulation that is said to be compatible with EPDM and TPO membranes. The adhesive reportedly can be used as an alternative to water-based bonding adhesives in lower temperatures and bonds to approved insulation, wood, metal, masonry and other substrates.

UltraPly TPO QuickPrime LVOC Primer is a solvent-based formulation that is said to clean and prime TPO membrane areas before QuickSeam applications. The primer reportedly applies easily and resists weather and aging.

Web site: www.firestonebpco.com
Telephone: (800) 428-4442

Device detects moisture

Tramex Ltd. has added features to its Tramex RWS Roof and Wall Scanner, a hand-held multiple-mode moisture scanner for nondestructive moisture detection and leak tracing.

Tramex RWS Roof and Wall Scanner is a combination of the Tramex Leak Seeker and Wet Wall Detector and has dual operating modes for exterior insulation finish systems and roofing. Each mode has two sensitivity ranges for deep- and low-penetration sensitivity. Tramex RWS Roof and Wall Scanner is said to be lightweight and easy to operate and reportedly can be used with various roofing applications, including built-up roofing, nonconductive single-ply membranes, polymer-modified bitumen and spray polyurethane foam.

Web site: www.tramexltd.com
Telephone: (303) 972-7926

Systems collect rainwater

Englert Environmental has introduced its Englert Rainwater Harvesting System. The system integrates Englert's Kynar®-coated standing-seam roof, LeafGuard® and Gutter Tunnel™ protection systems, and three residential rainwater harvesting systems.

Englert Traditional 225 RHS is a 225-gallon, above-ground rainwater harvesting system that captures water for nonpotable uses, including home landscaping and irrigation, vehicle cleaning, household toilet flushing and laundering. The system's rainbox tank reportedly connects easily to standard residential downspouts, is scalable in 75-gallon increments to increase capacity and is colored to prevent algae growth.

Englert Classic 400 RHS is a 400-gallon system that features an above-ground vertical SlimFit tank that is available in black, forest green and sierra tan. The system features a first-flush diverter, which is said to channel the first flush of water from a roof into the chamber. Once the chamber is full, fresh water flows into the SlimFit tank.

Englert Ultra 1700 RHS is a 1,700-gallon system with a below-ground polyethylene tank. The system includes a downspout basket filter that is said to prevent debris from entering the tank. It also features a calmed inlet that is said to prevent the disturbance and re-suspension of fine sediments that gather at the bottom of the tank.

Web site: www.englertinc.com
Telephone: (732) 826-8614

Helmet keeps wearers cool

Gateway Safety Inc. has introduced its Serpent™ Ventilated Safety Helmet, which features the company's CoolSense™ six-vent airflow system that reportedly keeps wearers cool by allowing heat to escape from the helmet.

Serpent Ventilated Safety Helmet features a cushioned brow pad that reportedly helps absorb moisture and perspiration. The helmet is made of high-density polyethylene, weighs 13.1 ounces, and is said to be comfortable and absorb impacts. Serpent Ventilated Safety Helmet is available with a pin-lock or ratchet suspension, which adjusts to fit 6 5/8 to 8 1/4 head sizes.

In addition, the company has introduced its Scorpion® SM Safety Eyewear, which is 10 percent smaller than its original Scorpion Safety Eyewear and reportedly fits smaller faces.

Scorpion SM Safety Eyewear features adjustable-length, four-position ratcheting temples and a venting system between the frame and lens that is said to minimize fogging. The safety eyewear reportedly is lightweight and durable.

Web site: www.gatewaysafety.com
Telephone: (800) 822-5347

Fall-protection devices resist damage

Norguard Industries has introduced its Bioseal™ line of fall-protection equipment, including harnesses, body belts and lanyards.

Bioseal fall-protection products feature a polyurethane coating that is said to resist chemicals, liquids, dirt and abrasion. Bioseal products reportedly can be cleaned with liquid soap and water and resist cuts, mildew, aging and welding splatter.

Web site: www.norguard.com
Telephone: (800) 267-6855

System is environmentally friendly

The Garland Co. Inc.'s Millennium® multiple-ply membrane system, which is composed primarily of pre-consumer industrial waste, now can be installed as part of the company's two-ply SBS polymer-modified system using the company's Green-Lock™ Membrane Adhesive. The resulting system reportedly offers performance benefits of a coal tar product.

In addition, The Garland Co. has introduced its Green-Lock Flood Coat, a polyether-based membrane and aggregate adhesive that is said to be environmentally friendly. The adhesive contains no volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and can be used with the company's VOC-free membrane adhesives.

Web site: www.garlandco.com
Telephone: (800) 321-9336

Various finishes are available

Fabral Architectural Systems has introduced a line of specialty finishes for architectural metal.

The product line features numerous colors and designs, including semi-transparent pigmented clear coats; metallic; embossing; and various patina, stone and wood designs. The finishes are available in aluminum substrates for painted coils; flat sheets; and Fabral Architectural Systems' complete panel profile of standing-seam, concealed and exposed fastener panels.

Web site: www.fabral.com
Telephone: (800) 477-2741

Tapes adhere to roofing materials

Chem Link has added BARR™ X-Link Repair Tapes to its line of commercial maintenance and repair products. BARR X-Link Repair Tapes include BARR X-Link ReBarr Fabric Tape, BARR X-Link Power Tape and BARR X-Link Pro Tape, all of which are cross-linked solids adhesive tapes.

BARR X-Link ReBarr Fabric Tape reportedly adheres to most metal roofing materials and can be used to seal joints, seams and voids on metal details and for seam seals, flashings, coping, gutters and areas to be recoated.

BARR X-Link Power Tape and BARR X-Link Pro Tape reportedly adhere to PVC, EPDM, TPO, galvanized steel, Kynar® 500 PVDF, copper and most construction plastics and can be used to seal joints, seams, tears and voids. BARR X-Link Power Tape and BARR X-Link Pro Tape are available in black and white.

Web site: www.chemlinkinc.com
Telephone: (800) 826-1681, ext. 202

Covers protect equipment

A.R.E. Inc. has introduced its line of truck caps and tonneau covers for Ford's 2009 F-150 pickup truck. The truck caps and tonneau covers are available in all cab and box configurations.

A.R.E.'s fiberglass truck caps and tonneau covers reportedly can be painted using the original equipment manufacturer paint code to match a truck. The caps and covers are equipped with locks that are said to be strong and reportedly protect stored equipment from theft.

Web site: www.4are.com
Telephone: (800) 649-4ARE (4273)

Software manages services

Digital Facilities Corp. (DFC) has introduced Service Manager-Pro,™ an ASP.net solution for managing roofing services.

Service Manager-Pro works with DFC's RoofPro® asset management software and is said to provide large roofing companies an efficient way to report, track and manage information about service cases. Companies can offer Service Manager-Pro through their Web sites to internal users and clients for permission-based access to selected facilities. Users then can report, update and track roof system repairs with the option to attach photos, estimates and key documents.

The software also includes internal administrative tools, pre-set e-mail notifications, custom site configuration to match company graphics and colors, and user management tools.

Web site: www.digital-facilities.net
Telephone: (978) 266-1725