New Ideas

Fire vent controls smoke

JL Industries has made available its UFV Double Leaf Fire Vent that controls smoke, heat and gasses inside a building during a fire. The vent automatically opens when temperatures reach 165 F and features handles for manual operation. The vent is available in various sizes from 48 square inches to 48 inches by 96 inches. The product includes 14-gauge galvanized steel curbs and frames and 11-gauge aluminum covers that are fiberglass-insulated.

Case protects and stores sealants

CHEM LINK has made available its 16-cartridge Field Pack, a transparent case that protects, stores and transports the company’s moisture-cure sealants. Empty cartridges also can be transported to disposal sites in the case. The product features a waterproof lid and steel handle.

Air compressors feature mobility

Coleman Powermate® has released its line of air compressors that feature increased mobility and Invector™ Technology, a motor that reportedly requires half the starting current of induction motors. The six compressors have motors ranging from 3 horsepower to 5.5 horsepower and air tanks ranging from 4 gallons to 27 gallons. The compressors feature multifin cooling designs that reportedly allow the products to run 30 percent cooler and provide 16 percent to 19 percent more air.

In addition, the company made available its Trak-Air™ unit that features an 8-gallon pancake air tank and four caster wheels for mobility, which are said to eliminate the need for long air hoses. The compressor features a 3-horsepower motor with Invector Technology.

The company also released two PowerBench™ portable power center models. The premium model features a 6-horsepower motor, and the premium plus model features a 5-horsepower motor.

Both models are available with a 95-pound-per-square-inch (psi) to 125-psi air compressor, 20-gallon air tank and 23- by 48-inch workbench that can hold up to 300 pounds. The workbench also includes an 18-inch-wide drawer to store tools and other accessories.

Sealant is solvent-free

Bostik Findley Inc. has made available its Bostik® Chem-Calk® 2000 Ultimate Formula Sealant that contains no solvents and has a low volatile organic compound content. The product can be used on most metals and various woods.

The product is said to cure in 24 hours to 36 hours and can be used for new construction, repairs, renovations and remodeling. The sealant can be painted and reportedly will not yellow as it ages.

Roof vent is solar-powered

CertainTeed Corp. has released its Solar Powered Roof Vent for residential roofing applications. The vent features a Siemens solar panel that reportedly collects and delivers solar energy in reduced light and poor weather conditions to a 24-volt direct-current motor within the vent. The vent’s low-profile galvanized steel dome can be installed up to 10 feet from the solar panel and connected with a cord. The vent’s fan reportedly provides an attic with 800 cubic feet of air per minute.

Software works with the Internet

Propeller Head Software Inc. has improved its roof asset management database software by integrating it with the Internet.

The software system, RoofManager® Online, tracks and manages multiple job sites, budgets and orders, as well as produces more than 50 standard reports that can be customized with a project’s site plans, drawings and digital photographs. The reports then can be sent to clients via the Internet. The software system features a Microsoft SQL Server.®

Gutter expansion product is waterproof

Matthew Hebden has released its waterproof T-Pren® gutter expansion product to the U.S. roofing market. The product is made of two metal strips, which can be composed of aluminum, copper, lead, stainless steel, terne-coated stainless metal and zinc. The metal strips are connected by a neoprene expansion joint. The product is said to resist the effects of ultraviolet rays, ozone, moss, and industrial and oceanic atmospheres. The expansion product, which can be used instead of step details, also is compatible with copings, roof perimeters and walls.

Solar panels can enhance roof systems

RHEINZINK America Inc. has released its QUICK STEP®-RHEINZINK® Solar PV, solar panels that are part of the company’s QUICK STEP®-roofing system. The solar panels are pre-attached to the QUICK STEP®-base profiles by using a 3M binding technique, which is said to resist ultraviolet rays and severe weather conditions. The panels connect with a plug-in system that also connects them to a converter.

In addition, the company has made available its RHEINZINK®-Eavestrough Protective Screen for use with half-round gutters. The perforated screen fits in a gutter to keep leaves, branches and dirt from obstructing it. The screen is made of the company’s RHEINZINK® Aero 63 material.

Book helps reduce insurance costs

The International Risk Management Institute Inc. has released its third edition of 101 Ways to Cut Business Insurance Costs without Sacrificing Protection. The book is said to outline strategies to prevent premiums from increasing while maintaining necessary risk protection. The guide provides tips about lowering workers’ compensation costs, choosing a professional insurance agent or broker, and avoiding being overcharged.

Products extend to residential market

Perimeter Systems has made available its Designer Series Residential Gutter and Cornice Systems for the residential roofing market. The systems are available in four profiles: Roman, which replicates historic cornice work; Colonial, which imitates Colonial-era cornice work; Batten, which matches board and batten materials and is designed to withstand heavy snow and ice conditions; and Contemporary, which combines trims, fascia covers and soffits with a gutter and cornice system. The systems are available in 56 EZ-Mix colors and can be custom-colored.

Clay roof tiles enter U.S. market

U.S. Tile Co. has made available Australia’s Montoro clay roof tiles to the U.S. roofing market. The tiles, which interlock at head and side laps for reported weather protection, are said to have a water-absorption rate of less than 6 percent and resist repetitive freeze-thaw cycling. The tiles are available in Tuscan and French profiles.

Weather service expands availability

Digital Cyclone Inc. has expanded its Mobile My-Cast® service to AT&T Wireless’ mLife service plan. Mobile My-Cast delivers current weather conditions, a nine-hour or seven-day forecast, and severe weather warnings to cellular telephone users. The system is said to isolate weather patterns within a few blocks of a user. The weather service also is available with Motorola Inc.’s and Nextel Communications’ service plans.

Book offers Spanish translations

Made E-Z Products Inc. has released its pocket-sized reference book, English/Spanish for Painters & Contractors. The book features translations of construction terms, job-site instructions, safety issues, emergencies, office requests, personal information and other phrases.