The new year provides us a chance to be nostalgic, take a look back at the last year to measure successes and, hopefully, learn from those moments that weren’t so bright.
From surveys we’ve conducted, you tell us you like to learn about new products on the pages of Metal Roofing Magazine. Makes sense. Hopefully every issue or visit to the website, you find something to help you and your business.
New products usually get readers of the magazine excited enough to fill out a Reader Service Card and send it in for more information about the product. Other sections of the magazine generate that interest as well — product profiles, supplier news, etc. So we have a better idea of what you’re looking for, we monitor those responses. At the end of the year, we tally up the response to determine our annual Top 10 Products list.
So thanks to our readers for helping us out with our Top 10 Products list of 2008.
As always, there were some surprises and some regulars. Solar products and underlayments make up half of the 2008 list. Responses also indicated you’re still looking to learn about tools as well as energy efficient products.
So, without further ado, here is our … rather, your Top 10 Products list for 2008, along with another chance to send in for more information.
Bridger Steel
Annually, there are several Top 10 Products that come from “the idea book,” and 2008’s fourth edition was no exception. Bridger Steel presented a project for the first time and garnered a lot of interest from readers with its unique roofing materials. Bridger offers one of the best selections of rustic/aged products in the U.S. The Montana company produces Cor-Ten, cold-rolled, copper, galvanized and bonderized roofing products in a variety of profiles, including three corrugated profiles and five standing seam profiles. Bridger also offers painted steel options in more than 40 colors.
Dawn Solar
Solar products are always a popular item and with the return of national rebates and local incentives for energy saving products, interest will surely be high again. The Dawn Solar System uses heat generated by the sun shining directly onto a roof or wall. Solar energy is absorbed and transferred into a concealed collection system hidden just below the roofing or exterior siding. There is no collector visible from the street. A Dawn Solar System pumps solar-heated fluids through conventional heat transfer and distribution systems. It uses solar energy to heat water for domestic hot water, radiant heating and space heating, while reducing cooling costs as heat is transferred from the roof. When photovoltaic laminates or PV roof tiles are installed on the roof, the systems can generate electric energy from the same space.
Grace Construction Products
We’re never sure what underlayments will pique the interest of readers, but we know there will always be a couple. For the second straight year, Grace Construction Products has claimed a Top 10 spot and in 2008, it was Grace Ice & Water Shield. The self-adhered roofing underlayment is easy to apply, seals around nails, provides dual barrier protection, has a slip-resistant surface and protects under all sloped roof coverings. Tri-Flex Xtreme is a synthetic roofing underlayment featuring Traction XT Skid Resistant Technology. The coating helps boots grip the surface when wet or dry. Tri-Flex Xtreme can be exposed to the elements for up to six months without rotting, cracking or drying out. One roll of Tri-Flex Xtreme measures 41.5 inches by 289 feet and covers 10 full squares.
Kirsch Building Products
Introduced as a new product in the April-May issue, Sharkskin Ultra Radiant is the first energy saving radiant barrier roof underlayment. This radiant barrier underlayment is revolutionary by combining the original heavyweight synthetic Sharkskin Ultra roof underlayment with a low emissive 99.9 percent pure aluminum layer. This highly reflective (low emissive or “low e”) roof underlayment reduces attic temperatures and energy cost during the summer months by reflecting 97 percent of the suns radiant energy. Sharkskin Ultra Radiant meets 2008 California Energy code requirements (Title 24) and has all the features of Sharkskin Ultra guaranteeing moisture protection and long-term durability. Sharkskin Ultra Radiant is easy to handle and install providing optimum efficiency for the installer.
Metl-Span
In our April-May 2008 issue, we ran a product profile of energy efficient products and from that broad description and wide variety of offerings, readers were interested in learning more about Metl-Span insulated roofing panels. Metl-Span III CFR is an insulated metal standing seam roof panel and is the newest innovation in all-in-one composite roof panel design combining durable interior and exterior faces with Metl-Span’s unmatched blister-free polyurethane core. Careful design parameters have enabled Metl-Span to create an incomparable roof system that is easily and quickly installed without dependence on highly skilled labor.
Midwest Tool & Cutlery
In the February-March issue, we featured a product profile of tools for the metal roofing industry. Garnering plenty of attention was the Midwest snips. Midwest manufactures made-in-USA Midwest Snips tradesman quality hand tools including regular, offset and upright hot drop-forged aviation snips and tinner snips; straight and offset replaceable blade snips; a full line of sheet metal tools including seamers, folding tools, notchers. Specialty snips including vinyl siding snip, cable cutter, special hardness aviation snips (for cutting titanium and other hard metals), etc. All aviation and tinner snips exceed ASME standards. Also available are Midwest Snips, Upright Snips, MagSnips replaceable blade snips and Kush’n-Kote comfort grips on tin snip models.
Perma R Products
Another underlayment to attract the attention of readers in our August-September issue was PermaFelt, a premium, nail-down synthetic roofing felt that delivers exceptional weather barrier performance compared to traditional asphalt products and other synthetic underlayments. PermaFelt is 100 percent synthetic and has a proprietary slip resistant coating on both sides. It is lightweight, durable, can be left exposed for up to six months, and can be easily bent for forming around corners, valleys and ridges. PermaFelt can be personalized with custom company logo printing.
Schwabel Corporation
In the height of what was a rainy summer in a lot of areas, the ThermaCell Mini Insect Repellent Lantern was a popular new product in our June-July issue. The ThermaCell insect repellent is the only pocket-size, cordless, portable area insect repellent device on the market. The Mini Lantern provides 98 percent protection from all biting insects within a 225-square-foot area, more effective than any other insect-repellent item available (50 times more protection than coils or citronella candles and 30 times longer lasting than battery operated devices). Great for any outdoor setting, the Mini Lantern is inconspicuous at only 4 inches tall, silent and odorless. Simply press the easy-on button and the Mini lantern easily ignites without any need for matches or lighters. Applauded by organizations ranging from the Good Housekeeping Research Institute to the U.S. Army.
United Solar Ovonic
For a second consecutive year, United Solar Ovonic’s Uni-Solar PV laminate panels made our Top 10 Products list, catching the eye of readers in both the profile of energy efficient products in April-May and in the idea book. The Michigan company is the world leader in thin-film amorphous photovoltaics. Because of characteristics unique to the United Solar Ovonic solar cell technology, such as lightweight, ruggedness and flexibility, it is ideal as building-integrated photovoltaic roofing systems for residential and industrial customers.
Vivilon Products
Introduced as a new product in the October-November issue, Vivilon Crystal Clear polymer industrial coating protective clear coatings refinish, renew, rejuvenate, refurbish, recondition, renovate, revitalize and restore dull, old, chalky, sun bleached, weathered, oxidized or faded metal roofing to like new original color, luster and mirror-like gloss and shine. Vivilon restores, rejuvenates and refurbishes the deep luster, the bright sheen and factory fresh finish and appearance to old, weathered, dull, oxidized, faded surfaces.