New Ideas

Panels are acoustical

Curveline Inc. has released its custom-curved metal panels that serve as self-supporting roof decks and acoustical ceilings for large facilities where sound control is necessary. Perforated 22- to 18-gauge-thick, 1 1/2- to 3-inch-deep steel B deck panels and N deck panels can be curved into domes, arches, multiple-radius curves and S-shape designs. The curved panels reportedly produce 15 percent to 20 percent longer panels.

Publication offers consulting ideas

FMI has made available FMI Quarterly, a journal that provides information about construction industry management issues and replaces the Contractors Management Journal. The first issue, 50 Lessons Learned in 50 Years, features 50 best practices FMI has used in the construction consulting business during the company's history. Future issues will feature articles about management topics, interviews with construction industry leaders and opposing opinions about controversial industry topics.

Specifications can be accessed online

Plus Consulting LLC has launched its Plus Construction Power Portal,® a software package that allows architects, engineers, contractors, distributors, customers and others to gain access to project information. The portal features navigation that controls content searches; reporting capabilities; and what each user can access, such as specifications. In addition, the software can be integrated with other computer systems to allow company employees to access personnel files, company documents, e-mail and other information.

Railing mounts around roof hatches

The Bilco Co. has released its BIL-GUARD™ Hatch Railing System that can be mounted permanently to the cap flashing of a roof hatch without penetrating a roof membrane. The corrosion-resistant product, which reportedly can be installed around any roof hatch, features a quick-mount bracket and pivoting mounting sleeve for flexibility. The railing is yellow for high visibility.

Weather block improves ventilation

MonierLifetile LLC has released its Zephyr Roll,™ an aluminum and polyester hip and ridge weather-blocking product. The product is bonded to a ventilating fleece center section for improved ventilation of tile roof systems. The product's backing strips are said to ease installation.

The company's new Ridge Riser can be used with the Zephyr Roll to increase attic ventilation without using field venting. The galvanized steel riser is elevated with a 2- by 2-inch ridge nailer and spaced 2 feet on center allowing trim tiles to be installed into the ridge nailer.

In addition, the company has introduced its Vented Eave Riser designed to increase aesthetics while improving tile ventilation. The galvanized steel riser can be installed like traditional risers and features decorative patterns.

Screens mount on skylights

Roof Products Inc. has released its interior-mounted Skylight Safety Screens to protect workers from falling through skylights. The screens and structural roof curbs can be built into new skylights, and the screens can be mounted inside the curbs of existing self-flashed or curb-mounted skylights. The screens reportedly can withstand 200 pounds of force.

Software eases proposal writing

Digital Facilities Corp. has made available ProWriter 3.0 software that streamlines preparing, writing and tracking proposals. The program can be integrated with Microsoft Outlook® to create follow-up correspondence and store client information.

Users can attach PDF files and computer-aided drafting drawings, as well as highlight roof features and problems. The software includes ProWriter Wizard, which guides users through proposal-writing steps, and three photo albums. It also separates databases.

Welding machine is for membranes

Malcom Hot Air Systems has made available its Leister® UNIPLAN Overlap Welding Machine that creates 3/4- and 1 1/4-inch overlap welds on thermoplastic membranes. The product's temperature, air flow and speed can be controlled. The 26 1/2-pound machine features a trolley attachment for added speed on large

Cap stapler is lightweight

Spotnails and National Nail Corp. have released the 2-pound Crossfire-Cap Stapler that can be used to install roofing felt and foam board. The product's cap staples, which reportedly are 20 times stronger than typical staples, are available in packs of 2,000 plastic caps and 2,000 staples.

Shingle resembles wood shake

Elk Premium Roofing Products Inc. has released its Domain® Winslow™ 14 1/2- by 40-inch shingle that resembles a wood shake. The shingle features the company's VersaShield® technology, which is said to make the shingle fire-resistant.

The shingle is installed by flipping up the interply and fastening through a printed guideline. The product includes a 110-mph wind warranty and is available in four colors.

Module increases storage space

Stellar Industries Inc. has released its 1184 Interchange Module that increases storage space for tools and a gas- or hydraulic-powered compressor. The module fits behind the 1184 tire service body's cab and can be replaced with a crane. The 94- by 22-inch module features 23 cubic feet of storage space.

In addition, the company has released its Model No. 4420 telescopic service crane that has a 16,000-foot-per-pound capacity and can lift up to 4,000 pounds at 4 feet. The crane features a 12-volt electric and hydraulic configuration or hydraulic configuration, as well as a hexagonal tube boom that is said to eliminate side-to-side movement. The crane includes a planetary winch with a hydraulic and mechanical brake system.

Saw cuts shingles

ProQuip LLC has made available its Shingle Saw for cutting fiberglass and laminated shingles. The 5-pound product features an air regulator valve that adjusts cutting speed. The saw's blade is coated with Teflon® to protect it from tar and can be replaced to cut different materials.

Knife blade resists shattering

American Saw & Manufacturing Co. has released The Lenox Edge™ utility knife blade that features a flexible steel backing to resist shattering.

The 0.025-inch-thick blade has steel edges that are said to be sharper than carbon steel blades' edges. The product is sold in packs of three, five, 50 and 100 blades and is said to fit all standard utility knives.

Thermometer is for roof systems

Flame Engineering Inc. has made available its Red Dragon GT-1000, an infrared thermometer that gauges a roof system's temperature after materials have been installed.

The product features a built-in laser pointer for reading temperatures without contacting materials, as well as a liquid crystal display. The thermometer is said to measure temperatures within 4 degrees Fahrenheit of actual temperatures.

Service bodies install on trucks

H & H Sales Co. Inc. has made available its KBA Series knuckleboom crane aluminum installation service bodies that can be installed on Ford F-550, Ford F-650, Chevrolet C5500 and Chevrolet C6500 trucks.

The service bodies are available in 10-, 12-, 14- and 16-foot lengths and feature an Auto Crane Articulating Crane Model A40 or similar crane model. Optional features include drop-down side rails, pipe racks, concrete block holders, side-entry ladder access, above- and below-bed tool boxes, and hydraulic lift gates.

Spray gun is improved

Gusmer Corp. has improved its GX-8 Pro Spray Gun that outputs polyurea at rates as low as 0.1 of a gallon per minute. The gun's air passages have been widened, which is said to keep the spray tip clean and provide faster opening and closing of the gun for detail spraying while retaining mixing quality. The product's module reportedly is more durable to prevent locator pin breakage.

Lifeline is horizontal

Spider has released its Concrete Horizontal Lifeline System that allows two workers to be tied off per 60-foot system. The product features a 42-inch cable height that can serve as a handrail and eliminates web straps and tie-back cables.

The reusable product meets Occupational Safety and Health Administration and American National Standards Institute requirements.

Coating is fire- and wind-resistant

Barrier Dynamics LLC has released its StahrCoat SS coating that is said to be fire- and wind-resistant. The coating, which can be used on aluminum, gypsum board, oriented strand board, plywood, steel and wood substrates, reportedly will not flake and has no volatile organic compounds.

The product's flame-spread index is 0, and its smoke development index and mold inhibiting rating are 10. The coating can be sprayed, brushed or rolled onto a substrate and is available in four colors.