New Ideas

Metering unit offers stability

Gusmer Corp. has introduced its 2004 Gusmer H-20/35 Pro Series Metering Unit, a foam and coatings metering unit that offers temperature stability in up to 410 feet of hose length. The metering unit has a 52-ampere Automatic Hose Heating Power Transformer and is digitally controlled.

Substrate for adhered systems

G-P Gypsum Corp. has released DensDeck DuraGuard™ Roof Board for the installation of self-adhered roof membranes. The substrate can be used for all adhered systems and often eliminates the need for field priming. DuraGuard is said to have efficient fire resistance and wind uplift because of a moisture-resistant, high-density gypsum core, as well as a low "R" value, enhanced bonding and fiberglass mats on both sides of the core for strength.

Aluminum roof system is available

Met-Tile® Inc. has made available its Met-Tile roof system in aluminum. The roof system offers vertically applied 3-foot-wide panels secured with weathertight screw fasteners, as well as a weight of 85 pounds per square. The roof system reportedly can be used to reroof all types of roof systems and is said to be fire-resistant and recyclable. In addition, the panels are said to reflect heat, providing cooler indoor temperatures.

Steel hammer absorbs vibrations

A 14-ounce steel shingling hatchet has been made available by Vaughan & Bushnell Manufacturing Co. With a three-position gauge and nail-pulling slot, the steel hammer has a 1 3/4-inch cutting edge, as well as a retractable and replaceable blade for asphalt and composite shingles. The product also includes a grip handle and Shock-Blok™ core in the hammer head, which absorbs vibrations when in use.

Laminated shingles offered nationwide

Elk Premium Products has made available nationwide its Prestique Grandé High Definition® laminated shingles. The 8 1/4-inch exposure shingle features a 1 1/4-inch nail area and is said to reduce installation time by as much as 20 percent. It also meets Underwriters Laboratories Inc. wind-resistance ratings and Class A fire-resistance ratings. In addition, the shingles have a 40-year limited warranty and limited wind warranty for winds up to 90 miles per hour.

Bird repeller reaches farther

QuadBlaster QB-4, an ultrasonic bird repeller created to prevent birds from damaging property, has been released by Bird-X Inc. The repeller now offers remote speakers to stretch sound farther, which can help in areas divided by walls or other unusual space situations. Inaudible to humans, the sound waves repel birds, and the product offers adjustable frequency, speaker sequencing and warble rate. The QuadBlaster QB-4 covers 6,500 square feet and can be used in enclosed or semi-enclosed areas.

Railing system prevents falls

The KeeGuard® Contractor rooftop fall-protection railing system from Kee Industrial Products Inc. can withstand a load of at least 200 pounds. Galvanized for corrosion resistance, the system features optional toe boards, four upright anchor holes and an overall railing height of 42 inches.

Roof systems are comprehensive

W.P. Hickman Systems Inc. has made available GENISYS,™ roof systems that are said to be fully integrated and comprehensive. The roof systems have been tested and engineered to meet various requirements and are said to optimize performance, endurance and sustainability. GENISYS systems incorporate the latest polymer technology and meet wind-uplift and fire-resistance standards.

W.P. Hickman Systems Inc. offers roof systems in hot-applied, cold-applied and heat-welded designs. The hot-applied design is said to provide tough plies and specially modified adhesives for strength and flexibility; the cold-applied design features characteristics such as high elongation and resistance to mold and chemicals. The heat-welded design offers waterproofing abilities and works well in kettle-restrictive areas.

Hot-air welder offers versatility

Sarnafil Inc. has introduced the Sarnamatic 661, an automatic hot-air welder said to be versatile and easy to use. The Sarnamatic 661 features an advanced air trap for tight, clean seams; adjustable nozzle unit; and the ability to store welding parameters in internal memory. It can perform single welding and double welding, as well as welding profiles for Sarnafil's Décor Roof System.

Software tool now available

WennSoft has released WennSoft Business Analytics, a software tool said to improve business analysis and reporting capabilities. Offering accessibility to practically any report or data combination in the WennSoft system, Business Analytics allows customers to receive live company information and current business intelligence information for use in areas such as budgeting and forecasting. Because data retrieval is fast, it is said productivity increases.

Skylights are lightweight

Dome'l has introduced preassembled, "drop-on" pyramid skylights said to be lightweight and self-supporting. Reportedly easy to mount onto curbs, the skylights are available in 4- to 8-foot sizes and feature multiwall carbonate glazing and extruded aluminum framing members. They are offered in clear, bronze anodized or white.

Shingles are durable

GAF Materials Corp. has released its Camelot™ Premium Designer Shingles said to offer strong performance and aesthetic qualities. The shingles feature weather protection and GAF Materials' Super-Heavyweight "Plus" construction (about 460 pounds per square). With a double row of Dura Grip™ adhesive seals and a Micro Weave® core, Camelot shingles are said to be up to 60 percent thicker than many other premium asphalt shingles.

Camelot shingles have a Class A fire rating and offer Algae Eater™ protection from blue-green algae. They are said to be easier to install because of a 7 1/2-inch exposure and 17- by 34 1/2-inch size.

More profile panels offered

Eight new profile panels have been made available by Follansbee® Steel. In addition to its existing 1-inch double-lock standing-seam profile, Follansbee Steel now also offers concealed fastener panels such as a 1-inch double-lock standing-seam with pencil ribs, 1-inch snap seam with striations, 1-inch snap seam with nailer strip and striations, and 1-inch lock seam with striations. The exposed fastener panels offered include 5-V crimp, 2 1/2-inch corrugated and 1 1/2-inch corrugated. Available as concealed or exposed is a 1-inch cap seam.

The panels are said to be easily installed and are offered in lengths up to 50 feet. Curved and embossed options are available, as well as panel options in Follansbee's TCS II,® Terne II® and KlassicKolors.®

Underlayment withstands heat

Polyglass® has introduced Polystick TU Plus,™ a high-temperature and skid-resistant underlayment. Using SA self-adhering membranes and ADESO technology, Polystick TU Plus is made to withstand heat up to 260 F. It consists of homogeneous, rubberized asphalt waterproofing membrane and is glass-fiber-reinforced.

The product can be used for tile underlayment, chimney flashings, ridge and eave applications, valley underlayment and more. Polystick TU Plus also can be installed in mechanically fastened systems and is best used in new constructions.

Polyglass also offers Polystick P, surfaced with polyethylene film laminate for ice-dam protection; Polystick IR-X with a granular surface for ice-and-water shield applications; and Polystick MU and MuBasik for metal roofing applications.

Drill bits cut fast

Bosch Power Tools and Accessories has released the Bosch RapidFeed™ Spade Bit, which is said to reduce the amount of force applied when feeding the bit through wood. Offered in a broad range of sizes, the product has a Bosch RapidFeed tip, an increased cutting angle and cutting spurs that produce a clean hole.

Bosch Power Tools and Accessories also has introduced its High-Speed Steel Black Oxide drill bits, titanium drill bits and cobalt drill bits. The black oxide drill bits feature enlarged flutes with a high helix and a special coating to reduce heat buildup. They are said to last 50 percent longer than uncoated high-speed drill bits. The titanium bits are coated with high-speed steel titanium nitride and said to last up to six times longer than standard black oxide bits. The cobalt drill bits resist heat up to 1,100 F.