New Ideas

Drill/driver can reach tight spaces

DEWALT® has made available its XTREME™ 12V MAX Brushless Cordless 5-in-1 Drill/Driver (DCD703). Designed for use in hard-to-reach spaces, the drill/driver is less than 5 inches long and has a two-speed transmission with 15 clutch settings for enhanced control. The XTREME 12V MAX Brushless Cordless 5-in-1 Drill/Driver features four attachment solutions. A ¼-inch hex right-angle attachment allows a user to drill and fasten in confined spaces with ease, and a ¼-inch hex quick-release offset accessory is said to improve performance in corners. A user can load the ¼-inch hex accessory bits using one hand with a ¼-inch hex quick-release add-on and complete precision applications with a ⅜-inch ratcheting chuck attachment. The drill/driver also features a built-in ¼-inch hex bit holder with an internal magnet to help keep accessories on hand.

Digital tool compatible with measurement tools

Paradigm® as announced Paradigm Vendo,™ a digital selling solution that helps sales professionals showcase home improvement options to customers, now is compatible with Bosch laser measurement tools. Bosch device users now can automatically transfer measurements to Paradigm Vendo. Paradigm Vendo is compatible with Bosch’s Blaze™ lineup of Bluetooth®-enabled measuring tools, including the Blaze 165-foot Laser Measure, Blaze Connected Green-Beam 165-foot Laser Measure and Blaze Outdoor 400-foot Connected Lithium-ion Laser Measure with Camera. The integration reportedly allows users to access stored measurements, configure and quote products, showcase options to homeowners and quickly close sales.

Solar panels install without roof penetrations

Sunflare has introduced its PowerFit 20 solar panels for standing-seam metal roof systems. The thin, flexible 60-watt solar panels lie flat between a roof system’s seams and can’t be seen from the ground. PowerFit 20 solar panels feature a butyl adhesive backing for peel-and-stick installation without roof penetrations and can be seamlessly connected to cover the length of a roof. The solar panels have bypass diodes for individual cells enabling a panel to continue producing power when only some cells are shaded. PowerFit 20 solar panels are manufactured without glass, don’t need aluminum racking and are said to be one quarter of the weight of a silicon panel.

Metal finishes will not rust

Petersen has made available PAC-CLAD® Ore finishes designed to replicate the look of natural metal patinas. The PVDF finishes reportedly will not tarnish, discolor or rust. Available on PAC-CLAD roof and wall panels, coil and sheet in 16 colors, Ore finishes are said to enhance architectural style. PAC-CLAD Ore finishes are available on 22- and 24-gauge steel and .032- to .063-gauge aluminum, as well as coil in 36.25-inch widths.

Weather barrier for steep-slope roof systems

Georgia-Pacific has announced its ForceField® Weather Barrier System now is approved for use with steep-slope roof systems. The system reportedly helps reduce weather-related delays by drying in multifamily and residential structures faster than traditional weather barrier systems. The ForceField Weather Barrier System is composed of integrated weather-resistant sheathing panels and compatible wall and roof tape accessories. Together, the components are said to have more than 90% drainage efficiency. The ForceField Weather Barrier System is available in 4- by 8-, 4- by 9- and 4- by 10-foot panel sizes.

Sealant is available in clear

Mule-Hide Products Co. has added clear to the color palette for JTS 1 joint and termination sealant, allowing users to complete projects without needing to color match. JTS 1 is a 100% solids, moisture-cured urethane joint and termination sealant said to be ideal for applications where significant movement or vibration is expected. The sealant adheres to dry and wet surfaces without shrinking and can be used to seal larger joints up to 2 inches wide and 1 inch deep. JTS 1 adheres to concrete, masonry, EPDM, PVC, wood, vinyl and most other common building materials. The sealant is available in 10-ounce cartridges.