New Ideas

Self-stick patch repairs leaks

Cofair Products Inc. has made available its Quick Roof™ self-stick aluminum-surfaced patch that is reinforced with five puncture-resistant layers. The product can be used on metal and low-slope roof systems, gutters, flashings and skylights. The patch is available in four roll sizes and 4- by 6-inch diameters.

Roofing software is updated

True North Estimating Systems Inc. has made available version 4.0 of its RoofCAD software. The software, which draws roof system plans and details, now features sizing for digital photographs and graphics, more space for file names, a new browser and added shortcuts.

Fall-protection accessories released

Spider® has released its fall-protection equipment accessories—the Spider Anchor and Spider Bolt. The Spider Anchor provides a tie-off point by allowing a user to thread a lifeline through it without tying a knot. The Spider Bolt is an anchorage device that is secured by drilling a 5/8-inch hole into a concrete substrate. The device can be reused if it has not arrested a fall.

Both products have 5,000-pound strength ratings and are compatible with the company's harnesses and lanyards.

Clay tiles available in the United States

Trost-Fritz Clay Tiles Inc. has made available its clay roof tiles—Rauenberger Gold RG10-2000 S—in the United States. The product, which is prevalent in Europe, is available in 36 standard colors and several shapes and sizes. The tiles are said to withstand harsh weather, wind and fire.

CD-ROM deciphers contract language

The Foundation of the American Subcontractors Association has made available Fundamentals of Fair Subcontracts on CD-ROM, which helps contractors decipher language contained in The American Institute of Architects A401-1997 subcontract document and A201-1997 general conditions document. The CD-ROM highlights document clauses; defines terms, such as additional insureds; and offers tips for negotiations and communications.

Vehicle can be rented

HSS RentX has made the John Deere Gator Buggie available for rent monthly, weekly, daily or for half a day. The vehicle is offered in gas and electric models and can transport two people and 500 pounds of cargo.

The gas-engine model features a 10-horsepower motor, and the electric-engine model features a 48-volt motor that recharges in 12 hours. The models travel at speeds up to 18 mph and include a low center of gravity for reported stability on rough terrain.

Wig covers ventilators

Advent Product Development has made available its Whirly Bird Wigs, canvas covers for attic ventilators. The products fit over a ventilator and have drawstring closures at their bases to prevent cold air and rain from entering a ventilator. The covers are available in standard 24-inch heights and 102-inch circumferences and assorted colors.

Pin can fasten several materials

Powers Fasteners Inc. has released its exterior insulation and finish system pin for watertight fastening of roof membranes, insulation, plastic sheeting, metal lathe and wire mesh roof systems. The 3/10-inch pin is said to resist pullout and flatten when installed. The product is designed to be installed with the company's powder-actuated tools.

System prevents falls from decks

Dalloz Fall Protection™ has released its Miller® Edge™ Fall Protection System, a portable fall-protection system that protects workers who are constructing roof decks. The system features overhead anchorage points for two workers and is said to move with a worker as the leading edge moves. The system also reportedly reduces swing and tripping hazards; is easy to assemble; and is not affected by surface obstacles, such as nuts, bolts and nails.

Skylight guards prevent falls

Kee Industrial Products Inc. has made available its KeeGuard® Skylight railing system that can be installed around skylights to prevent falls. The system, which reportedly does not penetrate a roof membrane, is made of KeeKlamp® slip-on pipe fittings and 40 1/2-inch standard pipe. The corrosion-resistant railings are available in 10- by 10-foot minimum dimensions and can be expanded and installed around odd-shaped skylights. The system reportedly can be installed without power tools.

Hatch eases safety equipment use

DRA Safety Products and TriStar Skylights of California have released the RailingReady™ roof hatch to ease the installation of the Kee Hatch™ safety railing system. The hatch features prepunched holes and cap flashing that provide the mounting surface for the railing system's bracket. The product, which is said to install in 20 minutes, requires two wrenches and a hex key for installation.

Software features security levels

Management Information Control Systems Inc. has upgraded its Builder Information System accounting and management software with security levels that offer varying levels of access to information. Module-level security allows access to payroll-related information. Access to employee records is available through menu-level security. Functionality-level security allows a user to add to, edit and delete records. And specific information about employees, such as hire dates, can be viewed while other information cannot with field-level security.

Guardrail does not penetrate membranes

BlueWater Manufacturing Inc. has made available its SafetyRail 2000, a nonpenetrating guardrail system that secures up to four rail sections in one cast-iron base. The base reportedly allows 340 feet of the system to be installed in one hour. The system features a gate for access to barricaded areas and roof hatches, as well as optional toe-board brackets. The guardrails are available in 5-, 7 1/2- and 10-foot sections.

Roof pads made from tires

RB Rubber Products Inc. has released its Walkway Roof Pads that are manufactured from recycled tires. The pads, which are designed for single-ply and built-up roof systems, are available in 3/8-, 1/2- and 1/4-inch thicknesses. The products are said to withstand severe weather and not dam water.

Software manages safety equipment

Safety Software® Inc. has released its PPE-LOG™ software system that tracks safety equipment and issues. The system, which can be used alone or integrated with the company's other software tools, assesses job hazards and tracks serial numbers of personal protective equipment, emergency equipment, employee health physicals, drug tests, chauffeur drivers licenses and other issues. The software also records costs associated with equipment repair and replacement.

Drainage system has multiple uses

RHEINZINK has released its RHEINZINK®-Balcony Plug-in Gutter, which can be used on balconies, canopy roofs, pavilion roofs, carports and other roof areas that deliver small rain amounts to drainage systems. The 10-foot-long gutter, which is compatible with the RHEINZINK®-box-type gutter's accessories, plugs into the C-shaped bracket of the RHEINZINK®-snap-lock bracket system. No additional fasteners or brackets reportedly are necessary.

In addition, the company has made QUICK STEP®-The RHEINZINK Stepped Roof available in the United States. The zinc roof system, which can be custom-made, is 22 gauges thick and available in lengths of 79 inches and 118 inches. The system can be connected with plug-in components and features eaves, ridges, hips, valleys and other details as standard parts.