New Ideas

Video presents weather effects

Air Vent Inc. has released "Forces of Nature," a 17-minute video that illustrates how excessive heat, humidity, moisture and wind-driven precipitation can deteriorate shingles if ridge vents are not installed. The video also features testing footage from the University of Florida at Gainesville of several ridge vent systems.

Winches are rugged

Thern Inc. has made available its rugged TA2 air winches with radial piston air motors and heavy-duty construction. The winches feature welded steel frames and drums, motor-mounted control valves and manual band brakes. The products are available with 16- or 24-inch-wide drums that include planetary reducers to fit the winches in small spaces. The winches' 1/2-inch wire ropes feature a 990- or 1,490-foot capacity.

Membrane is self-adhered

Johns Manville Roofing Systems Group has released its DynaGrip™ self-adhered polyester mat membrane that is blended with SBS rubber and asphalt. The product, which is said to have tensile strength and puncture resistance, is designed for use on low-slope roof systems that require two or more plies.

The membrane features self-adhered base and cap sheets, a granular surface, self-sealing seams, and peel-and-release plastic film. The membrane reportedly can be installed using a knife and roller and minimal adhesive.

Crane has higher reach

Stellar Industries Inc. has increased the reach of its Model No. 10628 telescopic service crane to 28 feet. The 55,000-foot-per-pound capacity crane includes a planetary winch system and hydraulic and mechanical brake system, as well as hexagonal tub boom construction that reportedly eliminates boom flex and side-to-side movement. In addition, the crane's radio remote control allows an operator to lift materials while avoiding danger.

CD-ROM helps with product purchases

The Home Depot® has made available its Worksite™ CD-ROM that allows contractors, purchasing agents, government agencies, school districts and architects to view and purchase Home Depot products. By entering their ZIP codes, customers receive local pricing to estimate orders and can create bids and invoices when the CD-ROM is downloaded to Quickbooks Pro accounting software. Customers can print orders to be filled at their local Home Depot, telephone or fax orders, and order online.

Scissor lifts are electric

JLG Industries Inc. has released its Pro-Fit™ Series electric scissor lifts. The lifts feature control stations that can be operated one-handed and include two independent motors for the drive wheels. In addition, a combined hydraulic lift pump, reservoir, motor and lift cylinder are said to reduce leaks. The noncorrosive aluminum platform decks feature heights that range from 19 feet to 32 feet and capacities of 500 pounds to 1,000 pounds.

Hand tools bend metal

Klenk Tools has released its Fairmont Tongs for bending, forming and seaming sheet metal and nonferrous metals. The tools' 3-inch-wide, 1 1/8-inch jaws feature bending marks for reported precise depth bends. The tools are available with optional cushion grips.

Membrane features Elvaloy® modifier

Stevens Roofing Systems has released its 45- and 60-mil-thick Stevens EV Elvaloy-based single-ply roof membrane. Elvaloy, a thermo-plastic modifier, is said to lock into the molecular structure of base materials, such as PVC, to provide permanent flexibility.

The membrane can be installed as a vented roof system, ballasted roof system or mechanically attached roof system. For FM Global-insured buildings, Stevens Roofing Systems has designed the Stevens Deckgrip Fastener to mechanically attach the membrane. The fastener, which is said to assist in wind resistance, is a No. 15 screw with a 2 5/8-inch metal seam plate. The screw and plate can be purchased separately or pre-assembled.

CD-ROM features personnel forms

Made E-Z Products Inc. has made available its Personnel Forms CD-ROM that features more than 200 human-resources forms. The forms are categorized as Recruiting and Hiring, Employment Agreement, Processing New Employees, Personnel Management, Performance Evaluation/Employee Consultation, Benefits and Termination/Separation.

Plywood is used as a radiant barrier

Georgia-Pacific Corp. has made available its Plytanium™ Sheathing as an alternative to oriented strand board radiant barriers in residential and light commercial construction. The product, which is made from Southern pine backed by aluminum foil, is designed for hot, humid climates and reportedly reflects up to 97 percent of radiant heat. The sheathing is said to be lightweight, stiff and durable and is available with a lifetime limited warranty.

Clamping ring fits all drains

Portals Plus has released its Overflow Clamping Ring that fits all Portals Plus roof drains. The ring is made of cast aluminum and features a corrosion-resistant epoxy coating. The product is said to reconfigure any roof drain into an overflow drain according to plumbing codes.

Book describes roof failures

Spon Press has released Roofing Failures by Carl Cash, a principal with Simpson, Gumpertz & Heger Inc., Arlington, Mass. The book features case studies that outline roof system failures and ways to prevent them. Chapters include information about fires, shrinkage, stretched membranes, bitumen incompatibility, blistering, foam insulation problems, torch applications, inappropriate venting and other topics.

Metal manual is revised

The Metal Building Systems Manual, published by the Metal Building Manufacturers Association, has been revised to include updates in the following sections: Load applications; Crane loads; Serviceability; Common industry practices; Guide specifications; AISC-MB certification; Wind load commentary; Fire protection; Wind, snow and rain data by U.S. county; and Glossary. Commentary about applying the International Building Code 2000 to metal buildings also is included.

Nailer is enhanced

Paslode has enhanced its PowerMaster Plus™ pneumatic framing nailer to increase its durability. The tool now has wider upper and lower work contact elements to prevent breakage, a one-piece aluminum magazine to decrease downtime, and a redesigned tool cap and main valve for improved airflow. The 8-pound product drives 2- to 3 1/2-inch nails through engineered lumber.

Attic vent is solar-powered

Air Vent Inc. has made available SolarCool™ Solar Powered Attic Vent. The vent dome features a tempered glass solar panel that can be adjusted for maximum sun exposure. The collected energy powers a 24-volt direct-current motor that provides up to 800 cubic feet per minute of air in up to 1,200-square-foot attics. Multiple units can be used for larger spaces. No wiring or electrical hookups are required.

Spray machine is hydraulic

Gusmer Corp. has made available its HV-20/35 Hydraulic Vertical Driven High Pressure Proportioner that sprays polyurethane foam and polyurea coatings. The product, which has pressures of 3,000 pounds per square inch (psi) at 20 pounds per minute and 2,000 psi at 25 pounds per minute, is available with a 6,000- or 9,000-watt heater to reportedly reduce viscosity and enhance homogeneity of the spray. The machine's ball-valve design is said to equalize pressure, and its lack of O-rings reportedly eliminates leaks.

CD-ROM features roof details

GAF Materials Corp. has made available its Smart Details CD-ROM that contains photos of more than 50 roof details that may cause problems during roof system installations. Each detail features a drawing and step-by-step photos of an installation, which can assist with training, especially when a language barrier is present. The CD-ROM is available to GAF Materials-certified low-slope roofing contractors.

Adhesive formula is improved

The Dow Chemical Co. has improved the formula of its INSTA-STIK™ Professional Roof Insulation Adhesive. The formula increases the product's shelf life to 15 months and allows the product to be applied when outdoor temperatures are near freezing. The adhesive, which does not contain volatile organic compounds, reportedly produces foam longer to bridge gaps between a roof deck and insulation board. The product's dispenser includes a flat-bead nozzle for contact with a deck or substrate.

Software manages numerous buildings

Umbrella Asset Management has released Building Manager 4.0 software that manages an unlimited number of buildings' envelope information. The password-protected software allows users to view plans, drawings, work orders, replacement costs, repair history and system makeup through the Internet, as well as generates interactive management reports.

Service bills customers online

EZPaymentservices has made available its online payment system that eliminates sending paper invoices, reminders and replacements, as well as depositing checks. Companies now can send e-mail invoices to customers who then make payments on a Web site. Electronic funds are available in four days compared with the typical one week needed for a check to be mailed and processed. Companies can view customers' transaction histories and balances online and impose fees on customers who use the service.

Product fills pitch pockets

Bostik Findley Inc. has released its Chem-Calk® Syl-a-Pocket® pourable pitch-pocket filler. The product features a high solids content and elastomeric quality that reportedly prevents it from shrinking or becoming brittle. The filler contains no solvents and few volatile organic compounds, as well as emits little odor. The product, which is said to be ultraviolet- and weather-resistant, produces a skin in 60 minutes.