New Ideas

Lifelines weigh less

Spider, a division of Safeworks LLC, has released its 25- and 50-foot self-retracting lifelines that weigh 14 pounds and 19 pounds, respectively. Despite weighing less than other self-retracting lifelines of the same lengths, the products, which contain galvanized steel cables, are said to be as durable as heavier lifelines.

Roof system combines materials

GAF Materials Corp. has made available its TriPositeXL™ Extra-Long Life Roofing System. The system features polyisocyanurate insulation with a fiberglass facer that is said to eliminate warping and provide mold and wind-uplift resistance. Asphaltic waterproofing layers, which are available in built-up and modified bitumen versions, reportedly eliminate blisters between the insulation and base sheet. And a single-ply, fleece-backed weathering membrane, which is available as a TPO or PVC membrane, is said to provide puncture resistance and be durable against foot traffic and debris.

In addition, the company has improved its Country Estates™ and Country Mansion® shingles with its Super-Heavyweight-Plus design to make the shingles 20 percent heavier than their original weights; the shingles now weigh 425 pounds per square. The shingles feature a double row of Dura Grip self-adhesive, which is said to protect them from winds up to 110 mph. The products also include a Micro Weave® core for impact resistance.

Roof sheathing is energy-efficient

Georgia-Pacific has released its GP Radiant Barrier Roof Sheathing that is said to promote energy efficiency in residential and commercial roofing applications. One side of the plywood barrier is covered with aluminum foil, which is said to reflect up to 97 percent of the sun’s radiant heat and lower attic temperatures by 30 degrees Fahrenheit. The product is available in 4- by 8-foot panels.

Product resembles cedar shakes

CCMS has made available Enviroshake,® a blend of postindustrial plastics, rubber elastomers and cellulosic fiber materials that is formed to resemble cedar shakes. The composite product reportedly is ultraviolet-, wind-, hail-, mold-, mildew- and insect-resistant. The product does not require pretreatment coatings and is said to be maintenance-free.

Handlers are redesigned

OmniQuip Textron® has released two models of its PlaceAce™ Series™ rough-terrain telescopic handlers—Lull® 644E-42 and Lull® 944E-42. Lull 644E-42 features a 6,000-pound lifting capacity, 42-foot landing height and 99-horsepower turbo diesel engine. Lull 944E-42 features a 9,000-pound lifting capacity, 42-foot landing height and 110-horsepower turbo diesel engine.

The handlers, which have four-speed forward and three-speed reverse transmissions, feature a steel piece that spans the length of the frame to provide a stronger structure for lengthened vehicle life. The models include side-mounted engines, enhanced hydraulic and systems controls, and improved cab ergonomics.

Radiant barrier is energy-rated

ElkCorp. has made available its EchoTherm™ Radiant Barrier that has received an ENERGY STAR® rating.

The product is available with one side covered with perforated foil for installation in attics and crawl spaces and two sides covered with perforated foil for installation under rafters. The barrier is said to reduce up to 23 percent of cooling costs and 10 percent of heating costs in houses.

Conference papers are on CD-ROM

Snell Infrared has released its Thermal Solutions® 2003 Conference on CD-ROM. The CD-ROM contains 24 papers that were presented at the conference about condition monitoring and nondestructive testing of materials. Topics include thermography at U.S. Embassies around the world, in aerospace components and as a tool for process monitoring.

Metal tile is enhanced

Dura-Loc Roofing Systems has introduced Continental II, an enhanced version of its Continental Tile. The updated version features a 50 percent increase to the back shelf, which is said to allow the panel to better sit on a batten and reinforce overlapping panels’ strengths; 17 percent higher upstand; and water-channel alignment grooves for reported installation ease. In addition, the tiles’ 80-degree left profiles provide increased height, and the tiles’ ribs are said to allow more foot room.

Underlayment is self-adhered

Polyglass has released Polyprotector™ UDL, its self-adhered underlayment for use with asphalt and composition shingles, as well as tile, metal, shake, self-adhered membrane and cold-applied roof systems. The polyolefin, multilaminate product features anti-skid protection and reportedly is puncture-, ultraviolet-, water-, insect- and rot-resistant.

The underlayment, which can be used in hot and cold climates, is said to have high tear and tensile strengths. The product can be used as a steep-slope underlayment or base sheet for the company’s Adeso self-adhered membranes without using mastics or caulk.

Service truck has more space

Stellar Industries Inc. has released its Model No. 1302 Elite commercial fleet service truck that features 72 cubic feet of hauling space, 26-inch-wide compartments and 22-inch-wide panels.

A front vertical compartment includes standard 3/8-inch by 50-foot and 1/2-inch by 50-foot hose reels, as well as an air filter and lubricator mounted on the compartment. All compartments feature compression-style T handles with tamper-resistant locks. A direct-drive hydraulic-powered air compressor or gas-powered air compressor is available.

Software manages project aspects

Dexter + Chaney has made available version 11 of its Forefront® Construction Management Software that has been enhanced to help everyone involved in a roofing project, including accountants and project managers.

The software features a screen that displays submittals, memos and change order requests all team members may view or print. Data-entry screens include a spell-check feature and improved windows in which notes can be entered. Job-related documents, photos and spreadsheets also can be filed within the software for electronic access.

Metal base sheet is improved

Follansbee Steel has improved its metal base sheet, Terne II,® by adding 22 Valspar Floropon® SR solar-reflective paint coatings. The coatings reportedly will give a roof a dull, traditional appearance compared with other prepainted reflective metal base sheets.

The new coatings are known as KlassicKolors® and available in blue, gray, green and red tones, as well as earth tones. Terne II is a carbon steel base sheet coated with the company’s ZT Alloy, which is composed of zinc and tin, and is said to be corrosion-resistant.

Service bodies are installed on vans

H & H Sales Co. Inc. has begun distributing Knapheide KUV® Series Service Bodies with Ford Commercial Pool’s Model SRW E350, Model DRW E350 and Model DRW E450 van chassis.

The vehicles feature K-Coat, an electrocoat priming for rust resistance; a 14-gauge, two-sided galvanized steel body shell; and 20-gauge, two-sided galvanized steel hat section. The vehicle includes rotary door locks, flat advertising panels and built-in 250-pound capacity adjustable shelves.

Roof membrane resists moisture

Carlisle Coatings and Waterproofing Inc. has released Barricoat,™ a water-based asphalt emulsion that has been mixed with a synthetic rubber blend and additives to form a waterproofing and vapor retardant membrane for concrete, wood, metal, and other roof deck and foundation types.

The nonflammable membrane is solvent-free and available in a single-coat sprayed system—Barricoat-S—and double-reinforced roller-applied system—Barricoat-R.