CertainTeed. Landmark Solaris (at right) reflective roofing shingles help reduce energy costs by lowering the temperature of a home’s roof by 15 degrees, the maker says. Unlike other “cool roof” products that are limited to a white color, Landmark Solaris shingles are available in five brown and dark-gray hues. Backed by a limited lifetime warranty, the shingles are designed to withstand winds up to 130 mph when installed with the maker’s starter products and hip and ridge accessories. 800.233.8990. www.certainteed.com.
DaVinci Roofscapes. Fancy Shake synthetic roofing shingles (at left) imitate cedar shingles and are available in three widths and four color blends, including autumn (shown). The shingles, which can also be installed as siding, have subtle color variances, resist fading, and can be customized with specific color blends. 800.328.4624. www.davinciroofscapes.com.
Thor Systems. Roofers who have had enough of the complicated math, unevenness, and other frustrations that come with laying out shingle roofs have a handy tool at their disposal. Thor Roofing Layout Tapes (at right) create accurate hash marks for shingle placement with 4-, 5-, 5 3/8-, and 8?1/4-inch reveals. The disposable tapes have been independently shown to increase productivity by as much as 36%, the maker says, by increasing accuracy and allowing multiple crews to work simultaneously. The tapes accommodate all types of roofs and roofing materials, including slate, asphalt, metal, and more. 800.398.0376. www.thortools.com.
Arrow Fastener. Featuring an ergonomic handle with a soft rubber grip, the HTX50 Professional Tacker (at left) is comfortable enough for all-day jobsite use. A recessed grip and knuckle guard protect against finger scrapes on rough surfaces, while the rear guard prevents the HTX50 from slipping. The tool’s surface guard flange helps reduce damage to roof underlayment and housewrap surfaces. The HTX50 accepts two strips of the maker’s T50 staples in 5/16-, 3/8- or 1/2-inch sizes and features a jam-proof mechanism. 201.843.6900. www.arrowfastener.com.
