Mad About Metal
Click here for Metal Roofing editor Jim Austin's daily blog covering the metal roofing industry.
Metal Detector
Click here for Metal Roofing account manager Kyler Pope's blog covering the metal components industry.
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Each winter, we delve into pages and pages of reader responses from the
previous year to decipher which products drew the most interest from
the readers of Metal Roofing Magazine.
Sometimes we’re
surprised by the results and sometimes we’re not, but it’s always
interesting to see what readers are searching for.
How do you
vote for a favorite product? You may so without realizing it. The
ballots are disguised as those little bingo cards toward the back of
each issue. If you want more information on a particular product,
circle the corresponding number on the card and mail it in. You’ll get
that information and that’s one vote for that product.
Many
products generate interest in the metal roofing industry and that’s why
we feature sections like new products and product profiles. Like
everything else in Metal Roofing Magazine, it’s our attempt to
help you do a better job and make your job easier. So take a look at
the Top 10 Products that created the most buzz in 2006.
 Berger Building Products
was proud to announce that its Pro-Master Roof Shield UDL synthetic
underlayment received Florida Building Code approval. Readers were
interested in that because if the Pro-Master Roof Shield qualified to
be used in high velocity hurricane zones as per TAS 104, it will
probably meet similar codes in their areas. Pro-Master Roof Shield is
made of UV stabilized material rated for one-year exposure. Anti-slip
coated for safety, rolls come in 10 and four squares, weighing only 28
pounds and 11.2 pounds, respectively.
 Berridge Manufacturing
has been producing Victorian shingles since the 1970s, and they caught
the attention of readers in the idea book. Berridge offers the
Victorian stamped shingles prefinished with Berridge color finishes or
satin finish Galvalume or galvanized. Originally developed for
restoration applications to match the authentic appearance of 19th
century metal roofing shingles, the shingles are suitable for either
residential, commercial, new or renovation/restoration projects. The
shingles have a 9-inch by 12-inch exposure to the weather and a stamped
scalloped design.
 Custom-Bilt Metals
introduced the Olympian shingle in 2006 and it drew huge reader
responses as a new product and then in our shingle issue. The Olympian
is the next generation of the popular Vail metal shingle line. The
panel measures 48 inches long, 16 inches longer than existing Vail
shingles, and adds more than 1.25 square feet of coverage to each
panel, allowing for faster, more efficient installation. The Olympian
features an additional nailing or screwing strip to eliminate the
burden of clips. Manufactured from 28-gauge Zincalume alloy, the
Olympian is offered in smooth or embossed styles of wood grain and
stucco.
 In our underlayment product profile, the Tri-Flex 30 from Grace Construction Products
garnered plenty of interest. Tri-Flex 30 is a high performance water
shedding underlayment designed to overcome the shortcomings of
traditional felt. It is lighter and stronger than 30-pound felt and
withstands high wind conditions. Tri-Flex 30 mechanically attaches to
the roof and can be used alone or in conjunction with Grace
self-adhered underlayments. Tri-Flex 30, a spunbounded
polypropylene-based roofing underlayment coated with a layer of UV
stabilized polyolefin, is available in 10-square rolls (41-1/2 inches
by 300 feet long) and 5-square rolls.
 Another popular new product was the Turn-Up Tool from J.S. Design.
The Turn-Up Tool can be used on all types of metal roofing panels to
field bend the high side of the panels to give added protection from
moisture, insects, and birds from getting behind the closures. The
company says the tool puts an end to leaky gaps, expensive closures,
and labor cutting Z-closures. The Turn-Up Tool features a 1/8-inch gap,
2-inch depth, and is 6-1/2 inches wide. It is zinc-chromate plated and
features a rubber grip handle.
 Also in the product profile on underlayments, the Sharkskin Ultra from Kirsch Building Products
was a popular choice for readers. Sharkskin Ultra is a synthetic roof
underlayment to be used as part of long-term metal roofing systems,
requiring no slip-sheet. It installs with 3/8-inch roofing nails and
carries a 12-month UV exposure rating.
 Malco Products
introduced a new metal cutting circular blade, model 53147, for making
cool clean cuts on metal roofing and metal building panels in 2006 and
it went over big with readers. Constructed with a specially formulated
tough C-6 carbide tipped blade, it fits all popular brands of portable
circular saws. The company says it lasts up to 30 times longer than
abrasive disks for cutting unhardened ferrous metal. The 7-1/4-inch
blade has 56 teeth and makes true, flat cuts without burning paint or
protective coatings.
 Readers were curious about the Titanium Nitride Gold shingles from Millennium Tiles
showcased in the idea book. The shingles are manufactured from T304
stainless steel to provide durability. The Titanium Nitride Gold finish
was selected for an Illinois banquet hall for its elegant look.
Millennium Tiles includes a 50-year warranty on all of its metal
roofing tiles. Maintenance-free metal tiles are available in natural
and color.
 MetalWorks by TAMKO
introduced a new color to its AstonWood series and it caught the eye of
readers in our shingle issue. Canyon Copper Bronze, a Kynar 500/Hylar
5000 coating, provides another way to add lasting beauty and
contemporary distinction to a project. The AstonWood line offers the
traditional look of real wood shingles with a modern twist. Shingles
are manufactured with industry standard G90 steel and carry the
company’s 50-year limited warranty.
 Milwaukee Electric Tool
was featured in the product profile on tools for the metal roofing
industry and presented its 8-inch Metal Cutting Circular Saw with dry
cutting technology. Equipped with durable, fast cutting cermet-tipped
blades, the saw produces a virtual spark-free wake and cool, burr-, and
scorch-free edges that doesn’t require post-cut finishing.
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Whether you realize it or not, you may have had a hand in selecting
Metal Roofing Magazine’s Top 10 Products for 2005. So thanks.
Any time you fill out a reader service card in the back of the magazine
and send it in, you are unwittingly voting for the product you’re
seeking more information on. We monitor these responses to sections
like New Products and Product Profile.
During 2005, you were looking most to learn more about tools,
underlayments, and some of the newer metal roofing profiles. Two tools
featured in a product profile in the February-March 2005 issue topped
out Top Products list, so we’ll take another look at tools for metal
roofers in the October-November issue.
If it interests you, we’ll find a way to get it in the magazine, so please enjoy the list of Top 10 Products for 2005.
Malco Products caught the attention of readers in our tools for metal roofing product profile in the February-March issue with its TurboShear HD.
It inserts directly into the chuck of an electric power drill for
making straight or left cuts, including tight patterns and square holes
in all types of sheet metals. It’s capable of cutting up to 18-gauge
galvanized steel. The larger jaws of the HD can navigate crosscuts
through profiles of metal building panels, stone-coated metal shingles,
and the ribs of 20-gauge spiral duct.
 The Excalibur from North American Bocker also drew rave
reviews in the February-March issue. The Excalibur is a patented
attachment that fits almost any drill — electric, cordless, or
pneumatic — and cuts sheet metal with ease, speed, power, and
maneuverability. The company says it can cut sheet metal up to 20-gauge
at 12 inches per second and can handle material up to 16-gauge.
In the April-May issue, readers noticed the Vail Majestic Copper Shingles from Custom-Bilt Metals.
Vail Majestic Copper Shingles offer the classic beauty of solid copper.
Available in three rich fascimiles, they are fabricated from 16-ounce
solid copper coil, using an exclusive process that adds dimension,
depth, and strength to each shingle. A patented system interlocks
panels securely on all four sides, offering excellent resistance to
high winds, snow loads, and nature’s harshest conditions.
Also in our April-May issue, the RoofTopGuard II underlayment from Drexel Metals
caught the attention of our readers. The all-purpose high-performance
synthetic underlayment is tear resistant and light, at less than 40
pounds per 10-square. The RoofTopGuard II features a non-slip
fiber-grip surface and a four-month UV exposure rating. Available in
60-inch rolls, it installs fast and easy.
KasselWood from Kassel & Irons was a popular metal
shingle in The Idea Book. It offers the beauty and elegance of a
natural wood shake roof with the low maintenance, durability, and
performance of steel. KasselWood’s design uses texturing and multiple
panel profiles to achieve a completely random appearance. The panels
have a proprietary, low gloss coating system that includes wood grain
patterning, presenting a truly authentic cedar shake appearance. Panels
fasten securely on all four sides and feature a unique design feature
that redirects wind-driven rain and prevents moisture from reaching the
underside. Integrated nail tabs eliminate the need for separate clips
and save time and money for distributors and contractors by reducing
the number of required parts and installation steps.
In the profile of underlayment products in the August-September issue, TW Metal and Tile underlayment from TAMKO
drew plenty of inquiries from readers. TW Metal and Tile is designed to
provide protection in extreme temperature conditions. The flexible,
self-adhering rubberized asphalt membrane has a polymeric film surface
and split silicone-treated release sheet on the adhesive side. the
product has a temperature tolerance of up to 260 degrees, and can be
left exposed for up to 90 days.
Also in The Idea Book, the Decra Shingle Plus from Decra Roofing Systems
attracted a lot of response from the readers in the metal shingles
product profile. The Decra Shingle Plus is a batten-mounted
stone-coated panel that offers a heavyweight architectural look with
distinctive shadow lines and the dimension of wood or slate. With its
increased edge thickness and deep distinctive shadow lines, Decra
Shingle Plus provides greater dimension and a robust appearance. This
profile adds wonderful appeal to traditionally styled homes and is
ideal to those who prefer the look of heavy-cut wood shingles.
The X-10 VersaVent from Atlas Bolt & Screw was a
popular product in the December 2004-January 2005 issue. The X-10
VersaVent can be ground applied to the ridge cap by one person for
safety and comes in 10-foot lengths, matching ridge cap lengths. It’s
tear resistant, flame resistant, and won’t scratch the roof panel. The
X-10 VersaVent prevents infiltration from insects, animals, and snow,
while meeting all building codes. It’s not profile sensitive, which
allows for less SKU’s and scrap material at the jobsite.
The June-July issue featured a product profile on ventilation and the New Concept Cupolas
from New Concept Louvers piqued the interest of readers.
Maintenance-free stock, and custom cupolas from New Concept are wrapped
with PVC-coated aluminum and copper. Made from the same materials as
the company’s custom louvers, they never require painting. They arrive
in three easy-to-install pieces, pre-cut to fit any roof pitch, and can
be ordered in stock sizes of to custom specifications.
Berger Building Products introduced the DryFlektas a new product in the
October-November issue. A molded kick-out diverter, DryFlekt is a water
management strategy for sloped roofs that meet vertical walls.
Dryflekt’s patented design creates a down and outward water flow away
from walls and helps prevent water intrusion at roof to wall
intersections. It’s constructed of durable polypropylene copolymers
with UV and heat stabilizers.
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