Dark Is Cool
Reflective shingles don't have to be light-colored. IKO has expanded its existing line of Cambridge Cool Color shingles. Each new color of shingle has a Solar Reflective Index (SRI) of 20+, which complies with Los Angeles' new solar reflective roofing standard, the most stringent in the country, exceeding the state-level California Title 24 minimum code standards for solar reflectance. The reflectance standard is about reducing home cooling costs: The higher the SRI, the more solar energy is reflected, and the less heat is absorbed into the shingle where it can transmit into the attic. These "cool shingles" come in three distinct color blends: Cool Plus, Cool, and Natural Cool. The Cool Plus color line includes the new darker options—weatherwood, Harvard slate, dual brown, and graphite black. Cool color options include medium tones canyon oak and sand dune. The original Natural Cool collection has an SRI of 16+, plus an algae-resistant option, dual grey, and the highly-reflective arctic white, with an SRI of 23+. To achieve these SRI ratings, IKO has embedded granules with infrared-reflective pigments.
Right-Sized Kickout Diverters
DryFlekt performed kickout diverters are manufactured from a recyclable, UV-resistant Thermoplastic PolyOlefin (TPO) designed for extreme weather conditions. They will not rust, corrode, or conduct electricity, and the flexible, seamless construction reportedly resists shattering in cold temperatures, making them able to withstand ice damning. DryFlekt diverters come in six standard colors and are sold in left-and right-hand configurations. Price about $12 to $15 each.
Anywhere Flashing
Wakaflex is a quick and easy flashing solution for any roof, but it's especially useful for hard-to-flash areas such as roof intersections or tight, hard-to-access areas, and around odd-shaped roofing components. The butyl flashing with an integral aluminum mesh is listed through IAPMO UES as a permanent flashing (ER-579) and passed a rigorous 2,000-hour UV exposure test. During testing, the product maintained its original performance properties, which include adhesion to concrete, clay, stone-coated steel, polymer roofing, aluminum, galvanized steel, vinyl, and wood structured panels. The approval also includes the use of Wakaflex as a permanent flashing for solar applications under California building codes. According to the manufacturer, Wakaflex chemically seals to itself, so lapped applications make for a weathertight bond. The flashing may be used for step flashings, headwalls, pip penetrations, pitch transitions, valley junctures, valley soakers (shown) chimneys, and skylights. Wakaflex may also be used as a solution for solar panels, hip and right junctures, sidewals, splayed gables, and a variety of repair applications. This material essentially replaces what old timers used to do with sheet lead but provides a better bond and, of course, avoids all the safety issues around using lead. It's available in 22-pound, 11-by-33-inch rolls and 27-pound, 22-by-16.5-inch rolls.
Serene, Durable Type
Pacific wave is the latest hue in the Owens Corning TruDefinition Duration Designer Colors Collection, a collection of shingles that integrates unique color combinations to create high-contrast dimensional depth, according to a news release. The Pacific wave color was inspired by the deep, powerful, and constantly shifting hues of the ocean. Pale blue is mixed with dark and light gray granules to add dimension and provide a relaxed, coastal vibe or a strong, stately look. The name, Duration, stems from a number of shingle features that provide increased strength and durability. These include three-layer construction, a "SureNail" fabric strip along the nailing area that provides holding power around the nail to reduce the chance of blow-offs, and "StreakGuard" algae resistance that inhibits the growth of blue-green algae to help avoid ugly black streaks.
Ferocious Bond
T-Rex Brute Force, the newest duct-tape offering in ShurTech Brands' T-Rex brand, is reportedly stronger than other T-Rex tapes, providing more holding strength and adhesion. According to the manufacturer, a single 36-inch loop of T-Rex Brute Force tape can hold more than 700 pounds of weight. The tape features a double-thick, high-bond adhesive that can stick to rough, dirty surfaces, and a waterproofing backing for all-weather performance. The T-Rex Brute Force tape is sold in 25-yard rolls for around $15 each.
