New Ideas

Guide and video focus on steel

DECRA® Roofing Systems Inc. has introduced an updated Shingle Installation Guide and Video that provides a step-by-step look at installing a stone-coated steel roof system.

The guide, which is said to be easy for contractors to use on job sites, offers drawings, dos and don'ts, and a DECRA Shingle parts list.

The complementary 15-minute video addresses questions about application, features hands-on application methods from an installation and shows a chronological residential DECRA shingle application over asphalt shingles.

The installation guidelines in the video and guide address underlayments, hip and ridge installation, roof-to-wall flashings and more.

Work gear offers protection

Gorgonz Performance Work Gear™ has introduced the Gorgonz Performance Work Hat and Gorgonz Pro Dex 500 work glove.

The work hat (made with Hydroweave® and Coolmax® fabrics) is said to offer comfort by keeping a worker's head cool with layers that repel heat and provide rapid sweat evaporation. After the hat is put in cold water and left to soak, the Hydroweave absorbs the moisture. The sun then causes the moisture to evaporate. The hat is said to produce an "air-conditioning effect." Coolmax moves perspiration to the outmost layers of the hat for evaporation.

The Gorgonz Pro Dex 500 work glove has two finger openings and a thumb opening, allowing workers to easily access small screws or nails while still having grip and protection. The glove offers Toughtek® reinforcements for solid grip, as well as Neoprene knuckle protection.

Safety device protects workers

The Miller® Relief Step Safety Device from Miller Fall Protection is said to help avoid suspension trauma on job sites. The Relief Step attaches to a harness and is said to provide comfort and added safety. A worker deploys the Relief Step by activating a tab and then stands in a loop-like step until being rescued. This allows leg movement and proper blood flow, decreasing the chance of suspension trauma.

Marketing guide now on CD-ROM

The Foundation of the American Subcontractors Association has made available a CD-ROM version of its second edition of The Specialty Trade Contractor's Guide to Marketing Success, a marketing guide for subcontractors.

The expanded guide emphasizes the importance of an effective marketing strategy in the construction industry and provides tips and examples that illustrate a subcontractor's practical approach to marketing. Other aspects of the guide include discussions about jump-starting a new company plan, diversifying marketing efforts and boosting current efforts.

Saws have composite foot

The new CS10 and CS20 saws from Bosch Power Tools and Accessories are said to reduce worker fatigue, increase productivity and save time. The saws have a composite foot that has been created to withstand pressure and glide easily across surfaces.

With a 15-ampere motor, the saws have lightweight magnesium upper and lower guards that are said to provide balance and a faster cutting speed. Other features include detent systems for accuracy; blowers for sawdust removal and clearer sight; and on the CS20, a rafter hook for stowing between cuts.

The CS20 also comes with the Direct Connect™ cord-management system to protect cords from damage. The system has a 180-degree cord channel for reducing cord stress, as well as a mechanism that locks a cord into position. Engineered so the CS20 can be lowered safely to the ground by its cord, the system is said to increase job-site efficiency.

Adhesive is solvent-free

Tremco Inc. has released a product line of Solvent Free BURmastic Adhesive, a solvent-free, asbestos-free, cold-process adhesive that reduces the risk of fire by eliminating the use of open flames, hot kettles or torches.

Designed as an interply adhesive for application with Tremco's BURmastic Roofing Systems and PowerPly MB Systems, it is said to have a fast curing time, as well as low odor. The product also is said to reduce equipment needs and setup times.