Home and Garden

ESI professional, USB electronic guitar ‘JamMate UG-1’

2009-02-02T06:38:00.000-08:00

NEW YORK, USA (AVING) -- ESI professional has announced that it plans to release its new USB Electric Guitar ‘JamMate UG-1’ in January, 2006. You can present a performance with other USB Jamate instrument series by connecting together to a pc.

Since ‘amplitube’ amp simulator software is provided together with the model, if you have a pc, it is possible to do amp and speaker simulation.

The company said that it is going to release USB bass guitar and USB drum as well as a premium version of UG-1, ‘UG-2’.

It comes in four colors: red, black, cobalt blue and Tobacco Sunburst.
Suggesting price is $199.

Source Aving.net

Enjoy homemade ice cream with kids!

2009-01-26T08:30:00.001-08:00

CHICAGO, USA (AVING Special Report on 'IHS 2007') -- NUC displayed ice cream maker 'NIM 2000' which allows kids to enjoy homemade ice cream during IHS 2007.

AVING Special Report Team for 'IHS 2007': Sheri Choi, Grace Won

Source Aving.net

Electronic-Spin Golf Launchpad/PS2 Edition LPCPS2

2009-01-26T08:26:00.000-08:00

LAS VEGAS, USA (AVING Special Report on '2006 CES') --

Electronic-Spin's Electronic Gaming Honoree of the Innovation Design & Engineering Showcase at CES 2006.

AVING Special Report Team for 2006 International CES: Editor & Publisher, Brain Park, Joshua Shim, Rose Kim, Yoojin Kim / IKKim, Alliyah Seo correspondents of AVING to CES / edited by Daniel Sirh

Source Aving.net

Electrolux introduced a black color premium coffee maker 'ECM3000' in Korean market

2009-01-26T08:24:00.000-08:00

NEW YORK, USA (AVING) -- Electrolux introduced its black color premium coffee maker 'ECM3000' in Korean market

Source Aving.net

Dorco, 3-blades razor ‘Shai’ for women

2009-01-25T12:21:00.001-08:00

NEW YORK, USA (AVING) -- Dorco(www.dorco.co.kr) presents its new 3-blades razor ‘Shai’ for women. Its green color and slender design remind us of a fresh leaf.

‘Shai’ features micro tilted grinding system coated with micro thin film, and its long lasting blade leaves moist and comfortable feeling after shaving.

Also, ‘rubber guard bar’ helps to do cleaner shave by pulling your skin more gently.

Dorco said that it is going to develop a new product which adds a lubricant appropriate to body in order to minimize skin irritation in the near future.

Source Aving.net

Dongwon Ceramic, ‘ROHAS’ Premium Bidet

2009-01-25T12:20:00.002-08:00

SEOUL, Korea (AVING Special Report on 'Housing Brand Fair 2006') -- Dongwon Ceramic (www.interbath.co.kr) has unveiled its brand-new premium bidet ‘ROHAS(model :IB-500)’ at Housing Brand Fair 2006.

It offers a gentle, warm aerated stream with continuous warm water supply. With just one button, you can also enjoy sitz bath.

It has two separated nozzles; one dedicated for females and the other for anal region. This compact design is suitable for being installed to most of toilets in the market.

A curved seat employs ergonomic design for comfort.

If you need more information, contact 82-2-2601-0141.

AVING Special Report Team for ‘Housing Brand Fair 2006’: Brain Park, Min Choi, Jason, Lee, Caleb Ma, Phoebe Kwon, Miso Kim, Any Park, Sophia Kwag, Paul Shin, Joshua Shim, Rose Kim / edited by Daniel Sirh

Source Aving.net

Do You Think It’s Just a Bathroom?

2009-01-25T12:20:00.001-08:00

SEOUL, Korea (AVING Special Report on 'Housing Brand Fair 2006') -- A bathroom is one of the main considerations when people choose a house. Interbath has presented various brand-new bathroom items that help to make a bathroom a more pleasant place at Brand Fair 2006.

AVING Special Report Team for ‘Housing Brand Fair 2006’: Brain Park, Min Choi, Jason, Lee, Caleb Ma, Phoebe Kwon, Miso Kim, Any Park, Sophia Kwag, Paul Shin, Joshua Shim, Rose Kim / edited by Daniel Sirh

Source Aving.net

Dinosaur Resurrected

2009-01-25T12:18:00.001-08:00

NEW YORK, USA (AVING) -- GNF Enterprise (www.all4baby.co.kr) has introduced an artificial intelligence dinosaur robot ‘RoboRaptor’ on Korean market.

It is a relatively huge size of 80cm and it can walk or run like a real dinosaur. It can also turn its head or neck, and wave its tail. You can control the robot with a remote controller. It also has stereo sound sensor and infrared visual sensor to perceive light.
It is manufactured by Hong Kong’s Wow Wee and available for 180,000(KRW)
If you need more information, visit the website www.all4baby.co.kror 82-2-471-6431

Source Aving.net

Digital Motor Powered 'DCCB-baby dyson'

2009-01-24T05:03:00.000-08:00

NEW YORK, USA (AVING) -- Dyson Korea is planning the release of 'DCCB-baby dyson', a vacuum machine equipped with cyclone typed digital motor in Korea market for the first half year of 2007.

It features 5 cyclone tubes and one-touch button for easy opening of clear bin. According to the company, it is equipped with a digital motor and has twice durability compared to the original vacuum cleaner equipped with an analog motor.

Source Aving.net

Digital incubator ‘RCOM’

2009-01-24T05:01:00.000-08:00

NEW YORK, USA (AVING) -- AUTO ELEX(www.autoelex.com) presents an interesting digital incubator ‘RCOM’ for educational purpose.

Since it employs a micro-chip storing information about birds, you can control appropriate temperature and humidity according to a different kind of bird.

For example, if you buy any fertilized eggs at supermarket and put them in the incubator, it is hatched after 21days. You will be informed how many days are left to be hatched by ‘D-day counting function’ on the screen.

Source Aving.net

Delonghi's stainless steel espresso machine ‘Gran Dama’

2009-01-24T04:59:00.000-08:00

CHICAGO, USA (AVING Special Report on 'IHS 2007') -- Delonghi(www.delonghi.com) presented its new espresso machine ‘Gran Dama(moel: ESAM6600)’, a digital super automatic machine, during IHS 2007. Featuring digital programmable menu setting, the stainless steel Gran Dama is able to make coffee, espresso, latte, cappuccino and Italian macchiato.

Other features of it include LCD display and height adjustable coffee spouts to accommomdate any size mug cup. It is available in late March in USA market for 2,499.95(USD).

Source Aving.net

Delonghi to present a compact size Toaster Oven 'RO2050'

2009-01-23T12:52:00.000-08:00

CHICAGO, USA (AVING Special Report on 'IHS 2007') -- Delonghi presented during IHS 2007(International Housewares Show) in Chicago a compact size Toaster Oven 'RO2050' which can bake up to 12-inch pizza at once.

It is expected to be available in the US market until September 2007 with MSRP of $79.95.

AVING Special Report Team for 'IHS 2007': Sheri Choi, Grace Won

Source Aving.net

Delonghi to present 20~50 cup coffee urn ‘DCU500T’

2009-01-23T12:51:00.000-08:00

CHICAGO, USA (AVING Special Report on 'IHS 2007') -- Delonghi(www.delonghi.com) presented its 20~50 cup coffee urn ‘DCU500T’ during IHS 2007. It equipped with coffee level indicator and drip tray to prevent unwanted coffee from dripping or spilling on any surfaces.

AVING Special Report Team for 'IHS 2007': Sheri Choi, Grace Won

Source Aving.net

DATECHNO drunkometer ‘AL5000’

2009-01-23T12:50:00.000-08:00

NEW YORK, USA (AVING) -- DATECHNO(www.datechno.co.kr) has launched its drunkometer ‘AL5000’ designed to take a more precise drunkometer test.

It examines a person’s sobriety with his deep breath in terms of certain time and pressure.

Suggesting price is 110,000(KRW).

If you need more information, visit the website www.datechno.co.kr or contact 82-32- 868-0844

Source Aving.net

Curtain master, Durable & Quiet Automation Curtain

2009-01-21T12:03:00.001-08:00

NEW YORK, USA (AVING) -- Technogate has presented its automation curtain ‘curtain master’ featuring durable design and low noise level.
You can control the curtain with a remote controller, wired switch or a home network system. It is a DIY(Do It Yourself) product.
Suggesting price is 350,000(KRW) for home use and 700,000(KRW) for a large-sized stage use.

Source Aving.net

Commerical food waste disposer 'LF-50'

2009-01-21T12:01:00.002-08:00

NEW YORK, USA (AVING) -- Loofenlee Co., Ltd (www.loofenbif.net) exhibited its commercial food waste disposer ‘LF-50’ at Eco Products Korea 2006. The exhibition was held from November 23 until 26.

This product decomposes food waste through an odor-free and dehydrated system. The freestanding unit also features a sophisticated design that ensures a good display in any places.

Source Aving.net

Commax, Bluetooth All-in-One Remote Control

2009-01-21T12:01:00.001-08:00

SEOUL, Korea (AVING Special Report on 'Housing Brand Fair 2006') -- Commax has introduced its new Bluetooth all-in-one remote control at 'House Brand Fair 2006', which is different from the conventional RF or infrared one.

This bluetooth-enabled model can communicate with other devices, and you can even make a call with this. 2.2-inch LCD helps you to identify visitors. Simply put, this is a kind of portable home network system.

It is expected to be released in October, 2006.

AVING Special Report Team for ‘Housing Brand Fair 2006’: Brain Park, Min Choi, Jason, Lee, Caleb Ma, Phoebe Kwon, Miso Kim, Any Park, Sophia Kwag, Paul Shin, Joshua Shim, Rose Kim / edited by Daniel Sirh

Source Aving.net

Clean your carpet at home easily with 'Rainbow e2'

2009-01-20T11:34:00.001-08:00

NEW YORK, USA (AVING) -- Rainbow e2 is a professional cleaning system with 'aqua-mate' nozzle with which you can sprinkle clean water on the floor or carpet and then suck up dirty water again after cleaning them with soap. Depending on the floor, you can sprinkle soap or water selectively.

(Picture: You can wash the carpet by sprinkling clean water)

(Picture: soap bottle)

(Picture: you can choose between soap and water.There are different hoses)

Source Aving.net

ChefsChoice to present its electric knife sharpener ‘Commercial Diamond Sharpener 2100'

2009-01-20T11:33:00.003-08:00

CHICAGO, USA (AVING Special Report on 'IHS 2007') -- ChefsChoice(www.chefschoice.com) presented its electric knife sharpener ‘Commercial Diamond Sharpener 2100' during IHS 2007 in Chicago.

Featuring precise angle guides and diamond abrasives, the Commercial Diamond Sharpener 2100 enables users to quickly and easily sharpen their cutlery, according to the company.

AVING Special Report Team for 'IHS 2007': Sheri Choi, Grace Won

Source Aving.net

Check out the items in the fridge without opening the door

2009-01-20T11:33:00.001-08:00

NEW YORK, USA (AVING) -- Samsung presented its side-by-side refrigerator 'smart zippel' equipped with retractable 10.4" TFT-LCD wireless home pad.

The smart zippel allows you to check information related to the items in the fridge such as expiration date through LCD monitor; so you do not actually need to open the door to figure out the items. Moreover, you just pull out the screen, set it up in front of sink and watch TV or listen to radio wirelessly.

Source Aving.net

Cell-phone type portable escort system ‘CarryGuard’

2009-01-19T10:50:00.001-08:00

NEW YORK, USA (AVING) -- Although it looks like a cell phone, ‘Carryguard’ is an effective portable escort system when you are under attack.
If you open the folder with a right thumb and press the button inside, while pulling the cover of the antenna with a left hand, it emits gas as much as three times of the conventional gas gun.
If you are snatched your bag by a thief, ‘Carryguard’ makes alarm right away and draws attention.
It is available for 248,000(KRW).
If you need more information, contact 82-2-907-0113

Source Aving.net

Built-in gas & oven range ‘Oranier EKG6+UDH6’

2009-01-19T10:48:00.001-08:00

NEW YORK, USA (AVING) -- CCL KOREA, a Korean distributor of Oranier, has released a new built-in gas & oven range ‘Oranier EKG6+UDH6’ in Korean market.

This ceramic burner is powered by gas and the oven can be readily disassembled into three parts.

This ceramic burner is powered by gas and the oven can be readily disassembled into three parts.

There are 12 heat settings and it is possible to heat up to 690 degree constantly.
Even if it is turned off, red lamp is on until the heat drops off to less than 50 degree to prevent from get burned. It also tells whether it is possible to cook with the remaining heat.
It features a special motor to reduce noise level.

The holes in each rack help to maintain the temperature evenly and to filter smoke or smell, which enable you to cook several kinds of food simultaneously while keeping their unique aroma.

Source Aving.net

Braun to present PowerMax Blender

2009-01-19T10:47:00.000-08:00

CHICAGO, USA (AVING Special Report on 'IHS 2007') -- Braun presented its ‘PowerMax Blender(MX2050)’ during IHS 2007

AVING Special Report Team for ''IHS 2007'': Sheri Choi, Grace Won

Source Aving.net

Bosch to present its new food processor ‘MCM5540’

2009-01-18T12:49:00.002-08:00

CHICAGO, USA (AVING Special Report on 'IHS 2007') -- Bosch presented its new food processor ‘MCM5540’ during IHS 2007 in Chicago.

AVING Special Report Team for 'IHS 2007': Sheri Choi, Grace Won

Source Aving.net

Bissell’s ‘ProHeat 2X CleanShot’ designed for deep cleaning

2009-01-18T12:49:00.001-08:00

CHICAGO, USA (AVING Special Report on 'IHS 2007') -- BISSELL(www.bissell.com) introduced its ‘ProHeat 2X CleanShot’ during IHS 2007, which is designed for deep cleaning. It features two brushes with 12 cleaning rows and surround suction for edge-to-edge cleaning. It also adopts ‘DryAire’ that uses heated air to dry carpets while deep cleaning. It is expected to be available in May and suggested price is 299.99(USD).

AVING Special Report Team for 'IHS 2007': Sheri Choi, Grace Won

Source Aving.net

BISSELL to introduce its improved ‘Steam Mop’ during IHS 2007

2009-01-04T23:33:00.000-08:00

CHICAGO, USA (AVING Special Report on 'IHS 2007') -- BISSELL(www.bissell.com) introduced its improved ‘Steam Mop’ during IHS 2007 in Chicago. After filling a water tank, it takes 30 seconds until it is ready to use continuous steam.

The Steam Mop adopts detachable microfiber mop pads which can be washed and reused. It is also available to fit into hard-to-reach places thanks to swiveling mop head. It is expected to be available in April in USA market, and suggested price is 79.99(USD).

AVING Special Report Team for 'IHS 2007': Sheri Choi, Grace Won

Source Aving.net

Beautiful Flower Urinals Cost 11,000 dollars

2009-01-04T23:31:00.000-08:00

GOYANG, Korea (AVING Special Report on 'Kyung Hyang Housing Fair 2006') -- Clark Sorensen has displayed its beautiful hand-made flower urinals made out of ceramic.

"Since each item is the only one in the world, I think it is worth possessing. I want people to look at it as an artistic work, not just a product" said Clark Sorensen, CEO of the company.

AVING Special Report Team for ‘Kyung Hyang Housing Fair 2006: Brain Park, Min Choi, Jason, Lee, Caleb Ma, Phoebe Kwon, Miso Kim, Sheri Choi, Any Park, Sophia Kwag, Paul Shin, Joshua Shim, Rose Kim / edited by Daniel Sirh

Source Aving.net

Automatic cereal dispenser 'BREAKFIX'

2009-01-02T17:56:00.001-08:00

CHICAGO, USA (AVING Special Report on 'IHS 2007') -- BREAKFIX demonstrated automatic cereal dispensers during IHS 2007(International Housewares Show) in Chicago. This enables to keep cereals fresh for a long time and to release certain amount each time with one simple button.

AVING Special Report Team for 'IHS 2007': Sheri Choi, Grace Won

Source Aving.net

AUTEC sushi machine makes 3,000 pieces per hour !

2009-01-02T17:54:00.000-08:00

NEW YORK, USA (AVING) -- AUTEC sushi machine(model: ASM3000TW) makes 3,000 pieces per hour !

Source Aving.net

Andis to present its curling iron 'CI-34' with LCD display

2008-12-27T06:09:00.003-08:00

CHICAGO, USA (AVING Special Report on 'IHS 2007') -- Andis Company presented its curling iron ‘CI-34’ during IHS 2007, which adopts LCD digital display to read temperature and heat setting.

According to the company, its nano-silver technology has anti-bacterial properties and tourmaline crystals emit negative ions that eliminate frizz for healthy and shining hair.

AVING Special Report Team for ''IHS 2007'': Sheri Choi, Grace Won

Source Aving.net

Andis to display its lighted clipper ‘PM-3L’ featuring three LEDs

2008-12-27T06:09:00.001-08:00

CHICAGO, USA (AVING Special Report on 'IHS 2007') -- Andis Company displayed its lighted clipper ‘PM-3L’ during HIS 2007, which adopts three LEDs for safer and more precise cutting. It features stainless steel blade and 4x power motor.

AVING Special Report Team for 'IHS 2007': Sheri Choi, Grace Won

Source Aving.net

All-in-one stand lamp with a built-in speaker and MP3 connector

2008-11-25T22:11:00.000-08:00

NEW YORK, USA (AVING) -- SEUNGCHANG unveils its new convergence air purifier 'SCANA SSP-015T'. The SCANA SSP-015T is an all-in-one model with a built-in speaker, MP3 connector, and three-save system lamp, which could be useful for students. According to the company, 3-step air purifying filter helps to enhance the quality of air in your home, eliminating virus, bacteria, and bad odor. This all-in-one stand lamp could be also useful to use a limited desk space more efficiently.

Jongeun Yoon, CEO of SEUNGCHANG, said that he noticed that listening to music with earphone for a long time could damage students’ hearing ability and that was how he invented this new stand lamp with MP3 connector. He also added that the company will continue to bring more products with new concepts, thereby offering convenience to users.

Source Aving.net

All-in-one pan ‘Sandwichman’ featuring removable plates

2008-11-25T21:18:00.000-08:00

SEOUL, Korea (AVING) -- Dokdo presented its all-in-one pan ‘Sandwichman’ during Canton Fair 2007. The Sandwichman has various removable plates, which enables you to make your own sandwich, waffle and grill cooking. It features external indicator lamps and easy handling to use and store.

All Visual Internet News of Goods
by Grace Won ( aving.net )

Source Aving.net

A toy computer for children ‘KongSuni’

2008-11-15T13:04:00.001-08:00

NEW YORK, USA (AVING) -- YOUNG TOYS(www.youngtoys.com) has introduced its toy computer ‘KongSuni’ for children. It has English/Korean translating function, so it helps to learn languages for children. It also provides a function to let children write down each letter. As for math, it helps to learn figures and simple calculation while melody game is useful for them to have a good ear.

It features the same interfaces of a regular computer, but it’s designed simple enough for children to use.

It is available for 62,000(KRW)

If you need more information, visit the website www.youngtoys.com or contact 82-2-557-8330.

Source Aving.net

A Shoeshine Robot

2008-10-18T01:47:00.001-07:00

NEW YORK, USA (AVING) -- If you put shoes into the slot and 1,000 won together, it shines the shoes in just two minutes. It can be used for men’s black and brown shoes.

Source Aving.net

A shield telephone

2008-10-18T01:45:00.000-07:00

NEW YORK, USA (AVING) -- American Paramount Corporation’s a shield telephone made in brass.

The buttons imitates the shape of a shield in the medieval times while the rotating grip of the rear is boasts about its antique beauty.

If you need more information, contact to 82-2-718-1575

Source Aving.net

A Bidet Decorated with A Flower Pattern

2008-10-15T17:32:00.002-07:00

SEOUL, Korea (AVING Special Report on 'Housing Brand Fair 2006') -- Dongwon Ceramic(www.interbath.co.kr) presented a bidet decorated with a flower pattern at Housing Brand Fair 2006.

If you need more information, visit the website www.interbath.co.kr or contact 82-2-2601-0141.

AVING Special Report Team for ‘Housing Brand Fair 2006’: Brain Park, Min Choi, Jason, Lee, Caleb Ma, Phoebe Kwon, Miso Kim, Any Park, Sophia Kwag, Paul Shin, Joshua Shim, Rose Kim / edited by Daniel Sirh

Source Aving.net

180-degree rotating fireplace ‘Trias’

2008-10-15T17:32:00.001-07:00

NEW YORK, USA (AVING) -- Samjinfire presents a German Spartherm fireplace ‘Trias’. Since it is 180-degree rotating, you can readily change the direction according to your location. Sliding-type door and tilt-type ceramic glass pane are designed with your comfort and convenience in mind.

Using special insulating firebricks, it preserves heat for a long time and stylish casting design is impressive. It burns 4~5 hours per each.

If you need more information, visit Samjinfire(www.samjinfire.co.kr / T.82-2-547-2003), Korean distributor of foreign fireplace.

Or visit Spartherm (www.spartherm.com), German manufacturer.

Source Aving.net

100-year-old wooden record player

2008-10-09T21:12:00.000-07:00

NEW YORK, USA (AVING) -- 100-year-old wooden record player ‘The Pioneer Johnston Model V’ manufactured by Victor in 1906.

Source Aving.net

38cm-wide mini washing machine

2008-09-24T09:25:00.001-07:00

BERLIN, Germany (AVING Special Report on 'IFA 2006') -- DIGITREX presented 'Health Cartoon Washing Machine' a mini washing machine that is only 38cm in width.

AVING Special Report Team for 'IFA 2006': Publisher & Editor, Min Choi, Kevin Choi, Phoebe Kwon, Annie Park, Rose Kim

Source Aving.net

‘Riding’ a silver nano bath tub

2008-09-24T09:22:00.000-07:00

NEW YORK, USA (AVING) -- Wordin has presented its new silver nano half bath tubs at the 2nd Korea International Health Functional Industry Exhibition.

With a neat design, you can use it in a living room and you can even feel like riding a mini car. Silver nano technology is famous for its anti-bacteria effect and deodorization effect.
It is convenient to use with automatic thermostat.

It comes in two colors and suggesting price for blue color is 1,200,000(KRW) and 3,000,000(KRW) for brown color.

Source Aving.net

‘Magic pen’ that reads books for your children

2008-09-24T09:18:00.000-07:00

NEW YORK, USA (AVING) -- DAEGEON Technology (www.daegeontech.com) has introduced its new ‘magic pen’ that reads books by detecting DPI (dot per inch) with a camera scanner equipped on the tip of the pen.

If children push letters or pictures on books with the ‘magic pen’, children can learn while listening certain sound of animals and correct pronunciation of 26 alphabet letters.

The book is organized such a way that it distinguishes its section to ‘Sing, Do, Chart, Play, Game, Story, Daily, and Talk’ that children can utilize the book according to their levels.

The company said that it is going to develop other kinds of the product that applies languages such as Chinese or Japanese.

If you need more information, visit the website www.daegeontech.com or contact 82-32-621-1134.

Source Aving.net

‘EZON’ Control your home network with voice

2008-09-22T17:54:00.000-07:00

NEW YORK, USA (AVING) -- SEOUL COMMETECH (www.scommtech.com) has introduced its home networking system ‘EZON’ that you can take control of home appliances with voice.

For instance, if you enter into a living room saying to turn on/off the light, heating system or air conditioner, they operate exactly according to your command.

Previously, the system was able to recognize only ‘terms’, now it is able to do with sentences with the development of voice recognition technology.

It acquired iF award this year and is going to be applied to several Korean apartment complex soon.

It is available for about 3,000,000(KRW).

If you need more information, visit the website or contact 82-2-2225-6000

Source Aving.net

‘Easy steam’ A Lower-end Steam Cleaner of Polti

2008-09-22T17:53:00.000-07:00

NEW YORK, USA (AVING) -- JUNGNCHO, a Korean distributor of Polti, has presented 'Easy steam' a lower-end steam cleaner from Polti, an Italian cleaner manufacturer.

By utilizing a high temperature steam, this item helps you to eliminate dirt or virus in the house easily.

It has adjustable temperature setting, up to 120-degree. Boiler capacity is 1.2 liter which can produce continuous steam stream for about one hour.

Two nozzles with different thickness are available to clean many surfaces in and around the home, including floors, kitchen & bathroom surfaces, upholstery and mattresses.

It comes up with two different colors: red and silver.

Source Aving.net

[VIP ASIA 2006 Home appliances] Water Ionizer- KOREATRIM ‘TRIM ION H-1

2008-09-22T17:48:00.000-07:00

SEOUL, Korea (AVING Special Report on 'VIP ASIA 2006 AWARD') -- AVING, global news network, selected KOREATRIM corporation's premium semi-permanent water ionizer ‘TRIM ION H-1’ for 2006 VIP (Very Important Product) Honoree in the Home Appliances Category. It adopted the company’s exclusive ‘double autochange cross-line system).

Source Aving.net

[Top 10 Home Appliances]Plasma air cleaner 'PLDA’ regulating humidity of air

2008-09-18T11:13:00.003-07:00

HONG KONG, China (AVING Special Report on 'Hong Kong Electronics Fair 2007') -- AMCOR(www.amcorgroupe.com) presented its plasma air cleaner 'PLDA series' during Hong Kong Electronics Fair 2007, which can regulate humidity of the air.

AVING Special Report Team for ''Hong Kong Electronics Fair 2007'': Min Choi, Paul Shin, Sheri Choi, Sophia Kwag, Danyan Yu

Source Aving.net

[Top 10 Home Appliances] Richen to present its fireplace-shaped heater

2008-09-18T11:13:00.001-07:00

HONG KONG, China (AVING Special Report on 'Hong Kong Electronics Fair 2007') -- Richen(www.richenchina.com) presented its fireplace-shaped interior heater during Hong Kong Electronics Fair 2007.

AVING Special Report Team for ''Hong Kong Electronics Fair 2007'': Min Choi, Paul Shin, Sheri Choi, Sophia Kwag, Danyan Yu

Source Aving.net

[Top 10 Home Appliances] Bokuk Electronics to present its 1.5L blender 'ZENUS'

2008-09-17T16:45:00.003-07:00

HONG KONG, China (AVING Special Report on 'Hong Kong Electronics Fair 2007') -- Bokuk Electronics(www.bokuk.com) presented its 1.2~1.5L blender 'ZENUS' during Hong Kong Electronics Fair 2007, which adopted LCD display. It is expected to be available in September.

AVING Special Report Team for ''Hong Kong Electronics Fair 2007'': Min Choi, Paul Shin, Sheri Choi, Sophia Kwag, Danyan Yu

Source Aving.net

[Top 10 Home Appliances] Binatone to present its digital cordless telephone 'iDECT'

2008-09-17T16:45:00.001-07:00

HONG KONG, China (AVING Special Report on 'Hong Kong Electronics Fair 2007') -- Binatone(www.binatoneonline.com) presented its digital cordless telephone 'iDECT' during Hong Kong Electronics Fair 2007, which can store 200 names and numbers.

AVING Special Report Team for ''Hong Kong Electronics Fair 2007'': Min Choi, Paul Shin, Sheri Choi, Sophia Kwag, Danyan Yu

Source Aving.net

[Novelty] Antique CD player

2008-09-16T16:10:00.005-07:00

HONG KONG, China (AVING Special Report on 'Hong Kong Electronics Fair 2007') -- Leetac presented its antique CD player during Hong Kong Electronics Fair 2007 which supports LP playback and recording.

AVING Special Report Team for ''Hong Kong Electronics Fair 2007'': Min Choi, Paul Shin, Sheri Choi, Sophia Kwag, Danyan Yu

Source Aving.net

[VIP ASIA 2006 Home appliances] Water Ionizer - BION-TECH '500’

2008-09-16T16:10:00.003-07:00

SEOUL, Korea (AVING Special Report on 'VIP ASIA 2006 AWARD') -- AVING, global news network, selected BION-TECH's water ionizer ‘BION-TECH 500’ for 2006 VIP (Very Important Product) Honoree in the Home Appliances Category.

By adopting an artificial intelligence sensor, the 'BION-TECH 500' informs you of filter replacement time as well as any problem with the product with voice indicator and message on LCD screen. With a self-evaluation system, it maintains appropriate pH.

Source Aving.net

[VIP ASIA 2006 Home appliances] Vacuum Cleaner- Rainbow ‘e2'

2008-09-16T16:10:00.001-07:00

SEOUL, Korea (AVING Special Report on 'VIP ASIA 2006 AWARD') -- AVING, global news network, selected d'Youville's vacuum cleaner ‘Rainbow e2' for 2006 VIP (Very Important Product) Honoree in the Home appliances Category.

It adapted a powerful ‘Hurricane’ motor which absorbs air dust, formaldehyde, and ammonia gas and then submerge them in the water inside the machine. ‘AQUAMATE' nozzle allows users to clean the carpet with soap, thereby eliminating harmful substances in the house that might cause allergy or atopy disease.

Source Aving.net

[VIP ASIA 2006 Home appliances] Vacuum cleaner - Dyson ‘DC08 TW Parquet’

2008-09-15T12:02:00.005-07:00

SEOUL, Korea (AVING Special Report on 'VIP ASIA 2006 AWARD') -- AVING, global news network, selected Dyson's vacuum cleaner ‘DC08 TW Parquet’ for 2006 VIP (Very Important Product) Honoree in the Home Appliances Category.

It comes equipped with 'Mattress Tool' for efficient cleaning of mattress, bedding sheet, blanket and fabric sofa as well as 'Soft Dusting brush' for TV tube, PC monitor and furniture.

Dyson's 'root cyclone' system can separate dust and air through powerful spinning and maintains continuous suction power.

Source Aving.net

[VIP ASIA 2006 Home appliances] Steam Cleaner - Polti ‘VL700’

2008-09-15T12:02:00.003-07:00

SEOUL, Korea (AVING Special Report on 'VIP ASIA 2006 AWARD') -- AVING, global news network, selected Polti Corporation's two-in-one steam and vacuum cleaner ‘VL700’ for 2006 VIP (Very Important Product) Honoree in the Home appliances Category.

This two-in-one cleaner (steam cleaner and vacuum suction) allows users to clean the room as they eliminating bacteria or any filthy substances simultaneously with vacuum cleaning, thereby saving time and electric bills.

Source Aving.net

[VIP ASIA 2006 Home appliances] Robot Cleaner - Yujin Robot ‘i-Clebo Li’

2008-09-15T12:02:00.001-07:00

SEOUL, Korea (AVING Special Report on 'VIP ASIA 2006 AWARD') -- AVING, global news network, selected Yujin Robot’s robot cleaner ‘i-Clebo Li’ for 2006 VIP (Very Important Product) Honoree in the Home appliances Category.

The i-Clebo Li features 2-step-cleaning system (dust-weeping with brush and vacuum suction) as well as side-brush and ‘corner-cleaning mode’. Powered by lithium ion battery, it can run up-to 2 hours and half per two-hour-charge. Its 7 infrared sensors combined with the company’s exclusive silicon bumper sensor technology prevent the robot from hitting any piece of furniture in the room, thereby protecting costly articles.

Source Aving.net

[VIP ASIA 2006 Home Appliances] Range Hood - KUSENS ‘KHNWA-E190'

2008-09-12T05:09:00.002-07:00

SEOUL, Korea (AVING Special Report on 'VIP ASIA 2006 AWARD') -- AVING, global news network, selected Ntec range hood ‘KHNWA-E190' for 2006 VIP (Very Important Product) Honoree in the Home Appliances Category.

The KHNWA-E190 is a wall-mounted model that adopted glass-mirror for the front part of the hood, creating sleek modern style. Any toxic waste is filtered along with the slope of the hood in the first place; then, the rest of them are drawn off through the second aluminum filter located inside the hood. The glass-mirror part is detachable.

Source Aving.net

[VIP ASIA 2006 Home Appliances] Oven- KUSSHAND ‘KRD-MG90'

2008-09-12T05:09:00.001-07:00

SEOUL, Korea (AVING Special Report on 'VIP ASIA 2006 AWARD') -- AVING, global news network, selected Kusshand moving oven ‘KRD-MG90' for 2006 VIP (Very Important Product) Honoree in the Home Appliances Category.

The KRD-MG90 is an innovative range wood combined with grill oven; so, it helps to you’re your kitchen pleasant and clean by eliminating unpleasant smoke and odors while material is being cooked at the same time. ‘Automatic lifting’ feature is useful to put in the material and pull it out from the oven safely while Convection oven system helps to cook quickly and evenly.

Source Aving.net

[VIP ASIA 2006 Home appliances] Mixer - L'EQUIP ‘r.p.m’

2008-09-12T04:57:00.000-07:00

SEOUL, Korea (AVING Special Report on 'VIP ASIA 2006 AWARD') -- AVING, global news network, selected L'EQUIP’s blender ‘r.p.m’ for 2006 VIP (Very Important Product) Honoree in the Home Appliances Category.

This model adapted a gauge from automobiles to show the movement of needle when the blender is working. Powerful motor can even crush ice easily. Aluminum black color brings a classic image to the kitchen.

Source Aving.net

[VIP ASIA 2006 Home appliances] Kimchi Refrigerator - Dimchae ‘LV-A267TJ'

2008-09-11T09:43:00.000-07:00

SEOUL, Korea (AVING Special Report on 'VIP ASIA 2006 AWARD') -- AVING, global news network, selected WINIA MANDO;s Kimchi Refrigerator Dimchae ‘LV-A267TJ', for 2006 VIP (Very Important Product) Honoree in the Home appliances Category.

By adopting innovative fermentation technology, the LV-A267TJ creates optimal environments that facilitate the activities of Kimchi lactobacillus. LCD screen gives you convenient guidance for usage instead of manual book.

Source Aving.net

[VIP ASIA 2006 Home Appliances] Humidifier- HANIL ‘UHH-500SMR'

2008-09-11T09:41:00.000-07:00

SEOUL, Korea (AVING Special Report on 'VIP ASIA 2006 AWARD') -- AVING, global news network, selected HANIL humidifier ‘UHH-500SMR for 2006 VIP (Very Important Product) Honoree in the Home Appliances Category.

’Hydroxide ion generator’ feature can sterilize water inside the device; so, it emits ‘mineral water-drop’ in the air while swiveling humidifier is automatically spinning, performing towards all directions. You can adjust the amount being sprayed and the machine has a hygrometer that updates changes of humidity in the room.

Source Aving.net

[VIP ASIA 2006 Home appliances] Heater - WINIX ‘WH-496HF’

2008-09-11T09:37:00.000-07:00

SEOUL, Korea (AVING Special Report on 'VIP ASIA 2006 AWARD') -- AVING, global news network, selected WINIX’s heater ‘WH-496HF’ for airplane for 2006 VIP (Very Important Product) Honoree in the Home appliances Category.

The WH-496HF is a 2.8KW hot wind heating system equipped with ceramic PTC and it offers clean hot wind with a built-in air purification function. It can work immediately without warming-up when turned on, and it stops working when overheated. Bongyoung Yoon, executive director of the company, said that the WH-496HF is economical since it could reduce heating cost by nearly 68%.

Source Aving.net

[VIP ASIA 2006 Home appliances] Food Treatment System - LOOFEN 'LF-03Q'

2008-09-10T23:43:00.000-07:00

SEOUL, Korea (AVING Special Report on 'VIP ASIA 2006 AWARD') -- AVING, global news network, selected LOOFEN's food treatment system 'LF-03Q' for 2006 VIP (Very Important Product) Honoree in the Home Appliances Category.

Source Aving.net

[VIP ASIA 2006 Home appliances] Cooker- OCOO ‘OC-7000’

2008-09-10T03:17:00.000-07:00

SEOUL, Korea (AVING Special Report on 'VIP ASIA 2006 AWARD') -- AVING, global news network, selected HealthCookingHi-tech's steam cooker 'OC-7000' for 2006 VIP (Very Important Product) Honoree in the Home appliances Category.

By adopting a sort of caldron cooking method with a double boiler, the 'OCOO' allows users to cook more than 100 different kinds of food at home including yogurt, fruit jam, soup, stew, and etc while keeping nutrimental elements not destroyed during cooking. ‘6-step system’ ensures safety by making the cooker not be opened when you don’t lock the lid.

Source Aving.net

[VIP ASIA 2006 Home Appliances] Coffee maker - SAECO ‘Primea Cappuccino Touch Plus'

2008-09-10T03:16:00.002-07:00

SEOUL, Korea (AVING Special Report on 'VIP ASIA 2006 AWARD') -- AVING, global news network, selected SAECO automatic espresso coffee machine 'Primea Cappuccino Touch Plus' for 2006 VIP (Very Important Product) Honoree in the Home Appliances Category.

This compact fully automatic coffee maker is designed for household use with user-friendly touch-screen interfaces. You can also move the cup plate up and down with a simple touch.

Source Aving.net

[VIP ASIA 2006 Home appliances] Coffee maker - JURA ‘IMPRESSA Z5 Chrome’

2008-09-10T03:16:00.001-07:00

SEOUL, Korea (AVING Special Report on 'VIP ASIA 2006 AWARD') -- AVING, global news network, selected JURA's automatic espresso coffee machine 'IMPRESSA Z5 Chrome' for 2006 VIP (Very Important Product) Honoree in the Home Appliances Category.

In addition to its sleek shiny design with chrome, this computerized smart coffee machine takes only 23 seconds to go through all the process of grinding, tamping and brewing coffee. It has a self- diagnosis auto washing system. Users can adjust all those process of making coffee according to their preferences, thereby enjoying premium coffee quality anytime they want.

Source Aving.net

[VIP ASIA 2006 Home appliances] Bidet - SAMHONG 'USPA UB-6535R'

2008-09-09T09:01:00.000-07:00

NEW YORK, USA (AVING Special Report on 'VIP ASIA 2006 AWARD') -- AVING, global news network, selected Samhong Tech's slim bidet 'USPA UB-6535R' for 2006 VIP (Very Important Product) Honoree in the Home Appliances Category.

It features a hipbath function with continuous warm water, far infrared ray typed hot air dry system and slim design with colorful bidet panel for replacement to match versatile bath image.

Source Aving.net

[VIP ASIA 2006 Home appliances] Beauty - UNIX 'It's magic romance'

2008-09-09T08:59:00.000-07:00

SEOUL, Korea (AVING Special Report on 'VIP ASIA 2006 AWARD') -- AVING, global news network, selected UNIX Electronics' hair-roll series 'It's magic romance' for 2006 VIP (Very Important Product) Honoree in the Home Appliances Category.

At glance, it looks like a jewelry box with impressive flower pattern decoration. When it becomes heated enough to be used as reaching a certain temperature, color of the flower pattern turns pink from purple.

Source Aving.net

[VIP ASIA 2006 Home Appliances] Air Purifier- PURE AIR 'EOS-204'

2008-09-08T06:14:00.001-07:00

SEOUL, Korea (AVING Special Report on 'VIP ASIA 2006 AWARD') -- AVING, global news network, selected PURE AIR air-purifier 'EOS-204' for 2006 VIP (Very Important Product) Honoree in the Home Appliance category.

By adopting the company’s patent anion-generator, the EOS-204 creates a cluster anion, more than 100,000 anions with 3m distance as much as a waterfall creates in natural environment, thereby facilitating high metabolism for those staying in house.

Source Aving.net

[VIP ASIA 2006 Home Appliance] Dish Washer - SIEMENS ‘SE28A260RK'

2008-09-08T06:13:00.003-07:00

SEOUL, Korea (AVING Special Report on 'VIP ASIA 2006 AWARD') -- AVING, global news network, selected SIEMENS Dish Washer ‘SE28A260RK' for 2006 VIP (Very Important Product) Honoree in the Home Appliance Category.

Siemens’ hydro dry system feature can condenses moistures and dry dishes while the washer remains airtight; so, it helps to dry dishes that are particularly temperature-conscious ones like porcelain or glass safely. It employs 5-step soundproof system and direct water supply system to reduce noise. Boomerang-type water spray increases the washing performance while reducing the water amount used.

Source Aving.net

[VIP ASIA 2006 Home Appliance] Coffee Maker - WMF ‘PRESTO'

2008-09-08T06:13:00.001-07:00

SEOUL, Korea (AVING Special Report on 'VIP ASIA 2006 AWARD') -- AVING, global news network, selected ‘WMF automatic espresso coffee machine PRESTO’ for 2006 VIP (Very Important Product) Honoree in the Home Appliances Category.

By adopting modular built to customer requirement and double milk frothier, the 'PRESTO' can produce any type of coffee, one even with milk, thereby ensuring quality of premium coffee without the help of barista. You can change color(pink, blue, yellow, orange) of the front part of the coffee machine suitable for interior accordingly while touch-screen type products key is simple to use. DOOREE is an official partner of WMF in Korea market.

Source Aving.net

[Top 10 Home Appliances] ZENUS to present its high-end humidifier 'ZENUS'

2008-09-06T21:23:00.000-07:00

HONG KONG, China (AVING Special Report on 'Hong Kong Electronics Fair 2007') -- ZENUS presented its high-end humidifier 'ZENUS' during Hong Kong Electronics Fair 2007, which is equipped with touchpad controller, mirror panel, and mood lamp.

AVING Special Report Team for 'Hong Kong Electronics Fair 2007': Min Choi, Paul Shin, Sheri Choi, Sophia Kwag, W Yoo

Source Aving.net

[Top 10 Home Appliances] XENIC to present its shaver '9675'

2008-09-06T12:19:00.000-07:00

HONG KONG, China (AVING Special Report on 'Hong Kong Electronics Fair 2007') -- XENIC(www.payergroup.com) presented its shaver '9675' model during Hong Kong Electronics Fair 2007.

AVING Special Report Team for ''Hong Kong Electronics Fair 2007'': Min Choi, Paul Shin, Sheri Choi, Sophia Kwag, Danyan Yu

Source Aving.net

[Top 10 Home Appliances] The Kitchen Prep to present its built-in mixer

2008-09-06T12:16:00.000-07:00

HONG KONG, China (AVING Special Report on 'Hong Kong Electronics Fair 2007') -- The Kitchen Prep(www.thekitchenprep.com) presented its built-in mixer during Hong Kong Electronics Fair 2007.

AVING Special Report Team for 'Hong Kong Electronics Fair 2007': Min Choi, Paul Shin, Sheri Choi, Sophia Kwag, W Yoo

Source Aving.net

[Top 10 Home Appliances] SOVOV to present its soccer-ball shaped cooling/heating cabinet

2008-09-05T10:41:00.003-07:00

HONG KONG, China (AVING Special Report on 'Hong Kong Electronics Fair 2007') -- SOVOV(www.sovov-china.com) presented its soccer ball shaped cooling/heating cabinet 'GT-04' model during Hong Kong Electronics Fair 2007, which can store up to 5 cans.

AVING Special Report Team for 'Hong Kong Electronics Fair 2007': Min Choi, Paul Shin, Sheri Choi, Sophia Kwag, W Yoo

Source Aving.net

[Top 10 Home Appliances] GOODWAY to presented its steam brush

2008-09-05T10:41:00.001-07:00

HONG KONG, China (AVING Special Report on 'Hong Kong Electronics Fair 2007') -- GOODWAY(www.goodwayhk.com) presented its steam brush during Hong Kong Electronics Fair 2007.

AVING Special Report Team for 'Hong Kong Electronics Fair 2007': Min Choi, Paul Shin, Sheri Choi, Sophia Kwag, W Yoo

Source Aving.net

[Best Product 50] Swiss travel products to present its all-in-one adapter

2008-09-05T10:40:00.000-07:00

HONG KONG, China (AVING Special Report on 'Hong Kong Electronics Fair 2007') -- Swiss travel products presented its all-in-one adapter 'World Travel Adapter' during Hong Kong Electronics Fair 2007, which can be used in 150 countries.

AVING Special Report Team for 'Hong Kong Electronics Fair 2007': Min Choi, Paul Shin, Sheri Choi, Sophia Kwag, W Yoo

Source Aving.net

[Best Product 50] Oticdigitech to presented its a variety of DVD players

2008-09-02T07:24:00.001-07:00

HONG KONG, China (AVING Special Report on 'Hong Kong Electronics Fair 2007') -- Oticdigitech(www.oticdigitech.com) presented its a variety of DVD players during Hong Kong Electronics Fair 2007.

AVING Special Report Team for 'Hong Kong Electronics Fair 2007': Min Choi, Paul Shin, Sheri Choi, Sophia Kwag, W Yoo

Source Aving.net

[Best Product 50] One Touch to present its one touch jar opener ‘KC04’

2008-09-02T07:23:00.002-07:00

HONG KONG, China (AVING Special Report on 'Hong Kong Electronics Fair 2007') -- One Touch(www.onetouchproducts.com) presented its one touch jar opener ‘KC04’ model during Hong Kong Electronics Fair 2007.

AVING Special Report Team for 'Hong Kong Electronics Fair 2007': Min Choi, Paul Shin, Sheri Choi, Sophia Kwag, W Yoo

Source Aving.net

[Best Product 50] Moving mini wine cooler 'GS-1188' with mp3 player connectivity

2008-09-02T07:23:00.001-07:00

HONG KONG, China (AVING Special Report on 'Hong Kong Electronics Fair 2007') -- Gold Sight Holdings(www.goldsight.com) presented its moving mini wine cooler 'GS-1188' during Hong Kong Electronics Fair 2007, which enables users to listen to misic via mp3 player connectivity.

AVING Special Report Team for 'Hong Kong Electronics Fair 2007': Min Choi, Paul Shin, Sheri Choi, Sophia Kwag, W Yoo

Source Aving.net

[Best Product 50] KENFORD to present its hair dryer 'HD609'

2008-09-01T18:32:00.001-07:00

HONG KONG, China (AVING Special Report on 'Hong Kong Electronics Fair 2007') -- KENFORD(www.krnford.com.HNtr) presented its hair dryer 'HD609' model during Hong Kong Electronics Fair 2007.

AVING Special Report Team for 'Hong Kong Electronics Fair 2007': Min Choi, Paul Shin, Sheri Choi, Sophia Kwag, W Yoo

Source Aving.net

[Best Product 50] GOODWAY to present its steam iron with 1.7L separated water tank

2008-09-01T18:11:00.000-07:00

HONG KONG, China (AVING Special Report on 'Hong Kong Electronics Fair 2007') -- GOODWAY(www.goodwayhk.com) presented its steam iron with 1.7L separated water tank during Hong Kong Electronics Fair 2007.

AVING Special Report Team for 'Hong Kong Electronics Fair 2007': Min Choi, Paul Shin, Sheri Choi, Sophia Kwag, W Yoo

Source Aving.net

[Best Product 50] Geowoo to present its space-saving refrigerator 'COzetta'

2008-09-01T17:57:00.000-07:00

HONG KONG, China (AVING Special Report on 'Hong Kong Electronics Fair 2007') -- Geowoo Engineering(www.geowoo.com) presented its space-saving refrigerator 'COzetta' during Hong Kong Electronics Fair 2007, which can be hung on the wall.

AVING Special Report Team for 'Hong Kong Electronics Fair 2007': Min Choi, Paul Shin, Sheri Choi, Sophia Kwag, W Yoo

Source Aving.net

[Best Product 50] Clatronic to present its toaster featuring blue light

2008-08-31T17:57:00.005-07:00

HONG KONG, China (AVING Special Report on 'Hong Kong Electronics Fair 2007') -- Clatronic(www.clatronic.com) presented its toaster ‘TA3071’ model during Hong Kong Electronics Fair 2007, which features blue light in the bottom.

AVING Special Report Team for 'Hong Kong Electronics Fair 2007': Min Choi, Paul Shin, Sheri Choi, Sophia Kwag, W Yoo

Source Aving.net

[Best Product 50] Clatronic to present its stainless steel kettle adopting wooden handle

2008-08-31T17:57:00.003-07:00

HONG KONG, China (AVING Special Report on 'Hong Kong Electronics Fair 2007') -- Clatronic(www.clatronic.com) presented its 1.7L stainless steel kettle 'WKS 3042' model during Hong Kong Electronics Fair 2007, which adopted wooden handle.

AVING Special Report Team for 'Hong Kong Electronics Fair 2007': Min Choi, Paul Shin, Sheri Choi, Sophia Kwag, W Yoo

Source Aving.net

[Best Product 50] Clatronic to present its 12-cup coffee machine 'KA3094'

2008-08-31T17:57:00.001-07:00

HONG KONG, China (AVING Special Report on 'Hong Kong Electronics Fair 2007') -- Clatronic(www.clatronic.com) presented its 12-cup coffee machine 'KA3094' model during Hong Kong Electronics Fair 2007.

AVING Special Report Team for 'Hong Kong Electronics Fair 2007': Min Choi, Paul Shin, Sheri Choi, Sophia Kwag, W Yoo

Source Aving.net

Residential re-roofing with metal

2008-08-29T10:00:00.003-07:00

Source constructionmagnet.com

Gutter Opportunities, August '08

2008-08-29T10:00:00.001-07:00

Gutter Cap photos

Stone-coated metal roofing products, as previously reported in these pages (see “Metal Up Close,” December 2006-January 2007), are quickly gaining a share of the market. One metal roofer in California, who installs products with the look of tile and shake, predicted that “stone-coated metal shingles have the potential to be the top seller of the three.” Another installer in Nebraska commented that stone-coated metal roofing shingles “haven’t been on the market as long as tile and shake facsimiles, but the shingles are getting more popular.” And a Kansas roofer concluded, “I think that metal shingles will eventually outsell the metal shake and tile products.”

So if stone-coated metal shingles that faithfully recreate the look of asphalt shingles are catching on — then could stone-coated metal gutter covers be far behind? After all, one of major challenges for gutter contractors is blending the gutter profile with the homeowner’s roof. If the gutter covers rise up too high, or if the colors don’t match, then customers aren’t too happy.

Thus it stands to reason stone-coated metal gutter covers, because they recreate the look of asphalt shingles, might offer an aesthetically seamless blend. Or at least, that’s what president Steve Tenute of Gutter Cap believes. Based in Naperville, Ill., the company in 2006 introduced its Gutter Roof product with the slogan, “Put a Roof over Your Gutter!”

“With domed gutter protection products,” Tenute explains, “the finish has always been an issue. Baked-on enamel finish, which is used by most metal dome systems, eventually fades. Dirt and tree resin forms an unsightly crust that also affects the overall performance. And many homeowners simply don’t like the noticeable contrast between the enamel finish of the gutter protection and the gritty texture of the roof.”

Thus in January 2008, continues chief operating officer Patrick Huff, Gutter Cap launched its Gutter Roof as “a metal dome gutter protection product with roof granules incorporated into the finish. We made the finish so that it’s very similar to the stone coating on high-end metal roofing and has the same durability. Our aim was to provide a product that would look different than other metal dome gutter protection products, blend in better with the roof line and increase the water cohesion. The roofing granules helped us to achieve this purpose.”

From a marketing standpoint, Tenute affirms, the distinctive look of its stone-coated gutter cover has enabled the company to set itself apart from the dozens of competing systems on the market. “The product can’t be mistaken for another product,” he states, “is almost invisible on the home and handles a large magnitude of water without the fly-over that’s common with many metal dome systems that have smooth finishes.”

By featuring a stone-coated finish, Gutter Roof enjoys “the best of both worlds” by lending itself to installations on either asphalt or metal roofs. “We’re getting interest from both sides of the roofing business,” Tenute points out, “because in its appearance, Gutter

Roof actually becomes your first row of shingles.” The company sells six colors which, he notes, allow installers to blend the product with nearly 40 different roof-shingle colors.

Yet the product is also proving itself through solid performance. “The granules slow down the water, as well as providing more surface area, so that you get better cohesion and reduced fly-over,” states Tenute. And because Gutter Roof is a retrofit product, rather than a one-piece gutter-and-hood system, contractors can install between 300 and 500 feet per day. A proprietary installation system, developed for the company’s original Gutter Cap product, cuts installation time and labor.

Tenute patented his Gutter Cap system in 1993 and launched his business a year later. “I’d been installing siding since 1976,” he recalls, “and then after a hailstorm in 1983, I started doing additional jobs on the side. Since the economy was coming out of a recession, it was a good time to go into the siding business for myself.” That company, Selective Seamless Siding, was renamed Home Improvements USA in 2005 and now installs siding, windows and gutters throughout the Chicago area.

Gutter Cap did well in Chicago and soon attracted dealers nationwide. With its premium Kynar finish, plus the proprietary one-piece installation system that eliminates brackets and straps, the product “is mostly sold around the country through high-end window companies,” says Tenute. “These companies are really savvy marketers. With all respect to gutter contractors, the window companies know how to sell the benefits of a product.”

Those benefits include a durable X-10 metal alloy, no vertical openings to clog, plus a unique no-clog channeling system. And since Gutter Cap does not fasten with clips or brackets, it can even be removed and re-installed on a replacement roof.

“Yet with so many gutter protection products on the market,” Tenute recounts, “you’ve always got to be looking for ways to gain an edge. So we took our basic 1993 patent for Gutter Cap, added stone coating and came up with a new Gutter Roof product that meets a real need. Hood systems are commonplace today for both contractors and consumers. But a stone-coated product really makes people do a double-take.”

Since Gutter Roof was introduced in January, Tenute and Huff have been recruiting dealers nationwide. The product is sold direct from the manufacturer only to home improvement companies. Installers who enroll in the company’s Gold Program pay a deposit — which goes toward promotional materials and displays — and receive training in installation, marketing and sales at the Gutter Cap corporate offices in Chicago.

“We provide classroom instruction,” says Huff, “and then have three different rooms where we teach practical applications. Each room becomes progressively harder. By the end of the course, you’ll encounter every roof application imaginable. And until you demonstrate consistency and proficiency in one application, you can’t progress to the next room.”

The training is rigorous, Tenute maintains, because “we measure our success by the success of our dealers.” Though he realizes that installers have a wide array of gutter protection products from which to choose, he also knows that “installers need to set themselves apart from the crowd — and we’ve designed Gutter Roof with that need in mind. It’s made to be a product with distinctive benefits that you sell to your customers.”

Tenute believes that Gutter Roof can capture at least a 10 percent share of every market where the product is sold. “But for us and our dealers to grow together,” he says, “as an installer you must be willing to always sharpen your skills in order to get better and succeed. Often times, gutter installers only think about installing more linear feet. But you can’t think that you’re too busy to learn new things.”

In fact, Tenute advances the heretical thought that “maybe you should be willing to install less feet — and instead learn how to sell better. Your objective isn’t just to be the lowest-cost provider. Your objective is to identify solutions for homeowners and then educate them so they can see how your solutions provide them with real value.”

Source constructionmagnet.com

Editor's Log: "It's not your fault, it's the asphalt"

2008-08-29T09:56:00.000-07:00

by Jim Austin, senior editor

Advanced Metal Roofing photo

Thanks to Advanced Metal Roofing Corp., for providing an easy headline to write. It’s simple and to the point.
Advanced Metal Roofing of Wilmington, N.C., applied for and received trademark certification for its new company slogan: “It’s not your fault, it’s the asphalt.”

Advanced is a residential metal roofing company serving eastern North Carolina. Owner Jim Kenton believes metal roofing is a superior material for homes, especially when compared to an alternative (one might say temporary) material such as asphalt.

Like many great ideas, the slogan was inspired by a meeting of the minds.

“A couple of managers and I were just hanging around one night having a few beers and talking about the business — our wives would tell you that’s all we talk about,” Kenton says. “At the time we were contemplating an ad campaign and decided that we needed a catchy slogan. No one actually takes full credit for the slogan — we were just bouncing ideas around and someone came up with one part of it, someone else put the finishing touch on it.

“We applied for the trademark because of the immediate response the slogan generated. It seemed like whenever someone saw our logo they were telling the person next to them, ‘That’s the get off your asphalt company.’ Realizing we had a valuable commodity, I checked into whether this slogan was ever trademarked or copyrighted. I then searched the web for usage of this phrase relating to roofing and again came up empty. In the retail environment, I believe intellectual property is at least as important as your trucks or your office — it determines how your business is perceived by the consumer.”

Advanced forms roofing product in-house, including all trim components, using Schechtl machinery. The company purchases coil from MBCI and McElroy Metal.

Advanced Metal Roofing’s slogan may bring a smile to the faces of customers and potential customers, but Kenton is serious about metal roofing.

“Metal roofing is superior to asphalt shingles and is the best choice for your home,” he says.

You all know that or you wouldn’t be in the business of selling and installing investment grade roofing. Metal roofing products cost more than asphalt products, although some say the gap in price is closing. That can only mean good news for you and your customers.

While it may be true, for the time being, the number of new homes being built is down, there are still plenty of homes already built in need of new roofing because the asphalt shingles are no longer able to do the job they were installed to do.

Asphalt shingles are the inexpensive temporary fix, but again, I’m not telling you anything you don’t already know. What Metal Roofing Magazine hopes to provide in this issue is some help at increasing your share of the residential re-roofing market.
We rounded up stories from a dozen roofing contractors from throughout the U.S., all making a big part of their living in the residential re-roofing market. They’re installing everything from standing seam roofing to stone-coated shingles.

In their stories, they share what works for them. What are customers really looking for? What eventually sells them on investing in metal? What do they understand about metal roofing and what do they need to be educated on?

Maybe some of their ideas can help. Take a look and good luck. You’re offering the superior product — get off your asphalt and let them know about it.

Source constructionmagnet.com

Supplier News (August '08)

2008-08-28T21:08:00.002-07:00

N.B. Handy photo

N.B. Handy Company, a Metal of Honor winner, honored its “Preferred Vendors” for outstanding performance during the 2007 calendar year at its eighth annual Vendor Performance Recognition Event on May 13 in Lynchburg, Va., home to its corporate office.

The top nine performers included two vendors consistently on the list since the programs inception eight years ago — Ideal Tape and Johns Manville. The top nine 2007 winners were Berger Building Products, Carlisle SynTec, Coleman Cable, Ductmate Industries, Fabral, Heating & Cooling Products, Ideal Tape, Johns Manville and The Techs.

Five special awards were acknowledged at the event:

— Vendor of the Year — Fabral (third consecutive year)

— Most Improved — Duro Dyne

— Most Innovative — Honeywell

— Outstanding Sales Achievement

— Jerry Wandel, Fabral

— Outstanding Customer Service Rep.

— Mary Turek, Ductmate

ATAS tabs projects of the year
ATAS International announced the winners of its annual Project of the Year awards. The awards were created to recognize those individuals who further the advancement of metal in construction. The 2007 ATAS Project of the Year Awards were open to any project completed in 2007 using systems manufactured by ATAS.

The winning project in the commercial division was the New York State Thruway Rest Stop building in Chittenango, N.Y. The slate grey Dutch Seam panels were distributed by Bradco Supply of Syracuse, N.Y., and installed by Henderson-Johnson of Syracuse, N.Y.

The winning project in the residential division was a private residence in Covington, Ky., and featured in the idea book this year. The Mission Red Scan Roof tiles were distributed by Roofing Supply Group of Louisville, Ky., and installed by Estate Systems, also of Louisville, Ky. The architect for the project was Batson and Associates of Covington, Ky.

— ATAS held its 19th annual Customer Appreciation Day in Allentown, Pa. Customers were invited to learn more about ATAS products and services and take tours of the plants.

During the continental breakfast, customers were encouraged to visit product education booths to learn more about ATAS products and services. The booths included information and products such as ventilation solutions and products, mix-and-match wall panel systems, accent extrusion trims, perimeter edge trim products, the InSpire Wall system, perforated products, column covers, rainware, ATA-Solar PV laminate, new website features, embossing capabilities, the redesigned Standing Seam Shingle and the Crown Line of mouldings. Plant tours of both Allentown facilities were also provided.

After breakfast, the annual Advanta installation contest was held. The winner was Scott Raffo of Raffo Construction, located in Staten Island, N.Y., with a time of nine minutes and 46 seconds to properly install 10 square feet of the ATAS Advanta Shingle. The “State of the Industry” address presented annually by ATAS president Dick Bus focused this year on the evolution of ATAS and Jack Bus, founder of ATAS, who recently passed away at the age of 80.

“Customer Appreciation Day allows us to educate our valued customers about ATAS products and services while providing tours of our state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities,” says Bus. “Of course, the afternoon golf outing and other activities are always popular with our customers too.”

After lunch, customers were invited to participate in a golf outing, a trap shoot or bet on the ponies at the local off-track betting facility. Dinner was at a local country club and many donated prizes, both by ATAS and their vendors, were raffled off. Visitors to the morning sessions were also awarded extra prizes.

Berger becomes registered AIA/CES provider
Berger Building Products announced it is a registered American Institute of Architects Continuing Education Systems program provider. The program is an hour-long course that reviews knowledge and proper use and improves specification practices of snow guards. The course is designed to:

— Help participants understand the effects of accumulating snow and ice on sloped roofs.

— Explain the benefits of snow retention on sloped roofs.

— Understand the limitation of snow retention on sloped roofs.

— Improve details and specifications of snow retention systems.

The one-hour course is worth 1 Learning Unit of credit and falls into the Health, Safety and Welfare category. There is no cost to present this program to a group.

Met-Tile featured on Planet Green network
Met-Tile, Inc., a manufacturer with a “cool roof” system that combines the popular look of tile with Energy Star performance, is featured on Episode #5 of Renovation Nation, a new television series on the Planet Green network. The episode was expected to debut in June and will air multiple times.

The segment, which centers on a visit to the Met-Tile factory in Ontario, Calif., includes a plant tour with company president Terry Holman and a discussion of what makes Met-Tile green. Renovation Nation producers selected Met-Tile for coverage because of the many green attributes of its roofing product. In addition to earning an Energy Star rating for its solar reflectivity, Met-Tile is made of recyclable steel, it can be repainted instead of replaced after a number of years and its light weight can translate into reduced substructure requirements during construction and renovation, saving on resources.

In a series of hour-long episodes, Renovation Nation addresses the many questions homeowners have about “going green.”

Sheffield Metals continues expansion to Texas, Colorado
Sheffield Metals has completed a strategic growth initiative in the Western United States to better serve its customer base. To maintain consistent customer service and ship orders out within three days, Sheffield opened a facility in Mansfield, Texas, in November 2007. This full-line facility has a maximum coil size of 20,000 pounds. To assist customers in the Texas office and territory, Sheffield hired Nathan Johnson as its new southwest sales manager and Kourtney DeParvine as inside sales representative.

“Nathan and Kourtney make a great team,” says Mike Blake, president of Sheffield Metals. “Nathan is an industry veteran with 10 years experience and Kourtney gained valuable experience at a major mill for three years.”

In April 2008 Sheffield continued its expansion by opening a Denver facility. It stocks all of Sheffield’s 24-gauge painted flat stock and most colors in 20- and 24-inch painted coil. In addition to coil and flat sheets, Sheffield offers spin-down services as well as slitting for custom coil widths. Dale Showalter was brought on board as the western sales manager and Adam Mazzella joined as the inside sales representative for the Denver facility.

Simpson Strong-Tie volunteers travel to Gulf Coast to re-build
Simpson Strong-Tie volunteers from across the country traveled to the Gulf Coast in May to work alongside former U.S. President and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Jimmy Carter and his wife, Rosalynn. Simpson Strong-Tie employees join thousands of volunteers to build 30 new homes, rehabilitate 30 homes and frame up to 48 more in the host cities of Biloxi, Gulfport and Pascagoula, Miss., as part of the 25th annual Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter Work Project hosted by Habitat for Humanity of the Mississippi Gulf Coast.

“Simpson Strong-Tie is committed to helping build safer and stronger homes economically in collaboration with families in need,” said Terry Kingsfather, president of Simpson Stong-Tie. “By sharing similar goals with Habitat and working together at the 25th annual Carter Project, we can provide more people in the Gulf Coast with homes that are built to last.”

In addition to sending a team of eighteen volunteers from California, Ohio, Texas, Mississippi, Louisiana, North Carolina and Alabama, Simpson Strong-Tie is supporting Habitat’s Carter Project with a cash donation and a supply of structural connector products to be used in the 30 new homes built during the week-long project. Simpson Strong-Tie reinforced its support, which extends more than a decade, to Habitat for Humanity in 2007 when it announced it would make a $1 million donation to the organization — the donation made up of cash and gift-in-kind products spans a four-year period. The donation is being used to help underwrite Habitat for Humanity projects, such as the Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter Work Project and the Home Builders Blitz.

AppliCad launches multi-language website.
For almost 12 years, AppliCad has been developing its international business strategy. To this end, AppliCad has added a “gadget” on its website home page that allows visitors to select their native language and the rest of the visit to the website will be displayed in their language.

Some of the languages automatically translated include — German, Finnish, Swedish, Dutch, Chinese, Korean and Arabic. Check it out at www.applicad.com.au. The translation “gadget” has also been applied to AppliCad’s other sites — www.roofestimating.com and www.staircasesoftware.com.

Supplier Briefs
— Drexel Metals Corporation has restructured and expanded its Denver branch staff to support its continuing growth in the Rocky Mountain region. Dan Clark was hired as general manager and Ernie Coronado was added as an outside sales representative. Christina Davis is a new inside sales coordinator. In the warehouse, Brian Chochol will serve as warehouse manager and Dan Molina as warehouse operator.

— Makita U.S.A. is the Official Power Tool Sponsor of Championship Off Road Racing. Makita also has become a sponsor of longtime CORR Series racers Team LeDuc, creating Rockstar Makita Team LeDuc Racing. Both sponsorships are an extension of the brand’s growing presence in live race events. CORR brings high action, four-wheel motorsports — including 2-wheel drive and 4-wheel drive trucks — to the closed course off road arena. The 2008 CORR season includes eight events at tracks in Los Angeles/Pomona, San Diego/Chula Vista and Las Vegas/Primm, NV.

— Exceptional Metals, a division of Duro-Last Roofing, has expanded its production capacity due to increased demand for metal components that are installed with the Duro-Last roofing system and other single-ply systems. Exceptional Metals began operating in Jackson in July 2007 and the location’s doubling of sales during the year has enabled Exceptional Metals to relocate production operations to a larger facility in Jackson.

According to Art Gilles, national production manager, the new 16,000-square-foot building will help keep up with the increased demand for custom made metal products.

Source constructionmagnet.com

MRA Update: Metal gains in popularity

2008-08-28T21:08:00.001-07:00

by By Bill Hippard, MRA president

Driven to reduce their energy costs and make long-term improvements to their homes, more and more homeowners are installing durable and environmentally friendly metal roofing systems. Contractor members of the Metal Roofing Alliance are seeing the evidence in markets across the country. The demand for metal roofing has never been greater and contractors are adding crews to keep up with the increased interest in metal.

A recent study conducted by the Freedonia Group, Inc., a Cleveland-based industry market research firm, reported that renovation activity in the residential market would provide growth opportunities for roofing. Metal was sighted as being one of the products that will see the fastest growth in the U.S. through 2010. Tiles, metal panels and shingles will be used as alternatives to roofing tile and asphalt shingles.

There are a number of reasons the metal roofing industry continues to flourish. The trend toward cool roofing and environmentally conscious energy codes has had a huge impact on our industry. Metal roofing is recognized as a sustainable building material as many metal roofs typically have a minimum of 25 percent recycled content. This level of recycled content allows metal roofing to be routinely included on listings for “green” and recycled content products. Metal roofing is 100 percent recyclable where other roofing materials are routinely removed and disposed of by the tons in landfills.

A study conducted by Oak Ridge National Laboratory found the installation of reflective metal roofing can save homeowners up to 40 percent in summer cooling costs while highly emissive metal roofs can reduce urban air temperatures by as much as 12 degrees. A basic unpainted metal roof will reflect much of the solar radiation usually absorbed in the attic and home with an asphalt roof. However, for homes in warmer climates, pre-painted or granular coated metal roofing systems not only reflect solar energy but they also cool the home by re-emitting most of the solar radiation that is absorbed.

Metal roofing is a great investment for contractors looking for high margin, high quality products to add to their product offerings. In addition to educating consumers, the MRA continues to focus on educating contractors on the many benefits of metal roofing for residential application. “From the very beginning, one of our key objectives has been to increase the number of metal roofing installers in the United States and Canada,” says Tom Black, executive director of the MRA. “Many roofers and contractors don’t realize that the metal roofing industry has changed dramatically over the last several years. There are a number of products on the market that are easier to install and the margins on metal roofing are very attractive. Homeowners tell us there are many reasons they’re choosing metal roofs. The two most compelling reasons to get a metal roof are the environmental benefits coupled with energy costs savings.”

The metal roofing industry is poised to grow substantially in the coming energy-efficient, ecologically friendly marketplace. For more information on the many environmental benefits of residential metal roofing, or to join the MRA, please visit www.metalroofing.com.

Bill Hippard is the president of the Metal Roofing Alliance and vice president for sales at Precoat Metals.

To learn more about the Metal Roofing Alliance visit www.metalroofing.com.

Source constructionmagnet.com

Residential retrofit '08: SteelRock

2008-08-28T21:07:00.000-07:00

SteelRock photos

In the age of daily occurrences of severe weather and the rising costs of energy, how are property owners better able to protect their structures?

Increasingly, property owners have decided to re-roof their existing structures with metal roofing.

In Mansfield, Texas, homeowner Mary Gaines’ one-story composition roof sustained severe damage due to a recent hailstorm. She had been hit with hailstorms repeatedly and was becoming tired of replacing her roof after each storm.

It was at that point she decided to call Dallas-based Horn Brothers Roofing to discuss the benefits of re-roofing her home with a metal roofing system.

Her concerns were typical: she wondered if a metal roof could improve the value of her home, whether or not it would save her money on her energy bills and how long the roof would last.

There are many benefits to having a metal roof installed on a structure. It is important that property owners understand these benefits. The key points important to remember when selling a metal roof: durability, environmental impacts, energy efficiency, long-term value, tax and insurance discounts and the wide variety of product choices.

Composition roofing is the most common roofing system and the most often replaced. Asphalt roofing is made of fiberglass or oil saturated paper which starts to decompose as soon as it is exposed to the elements. A metal roof can withstand the weather and will not deteriorate.

If consumers decided to re-roof with a metal roofing system, it would greatly reduce the amount of waste in our landfills. According to the National Association of Homebuilders Research Center, 20 billion pounds of composition shingle waste is dumped into U.S. landfills each year. A metal roof will always be 100 percent recyclable.

Metal roofing is an excellent insulator. While shingles deteriorate as a result of UV rays, metal roofing deflects the rays, which keeps the home cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter.

The long term value of a metal roof always far exceeds the cost of putting on a metal roof. The market value of the property is increased immediately after the installation. Warranties for metal roofing are the best in the industry; metal roofing is installed for a lifetime, thus avoiding costly maintenance or replacement costs.

In states where severe weather is prevalent, insurance discounts up to 35 percent are available for property owners who have metal roofing installed.

Metal roofing is designed to fit any taste and style. Do not underestimate the power of aesthetics.

SteelRock manufactures three distinctive styles of stone coated steel. Roman Villa Tile, Pacific Tile, and Pacific Shake panels have deep and crisp forming methods, making the strongest and most defined shapes. Each panel is protected with natural ISP stone granules for vivid colors that will not fade and will last a lifetime.

One of the key selling points in the presentation was the fact that Gaines was given many different styles, colors and designs to choose from.

After careful consideration, she chose SteelRock stone-coated steel in Pacific Shake, Shadow Wood. Horn Brothers also installed its trademark “Full Envelope System,” which saves her approximately 20-30 percent on the home’s energy bills each month.

The SteelRock panels have a 2-1/2-inch Hail Class 4 UL 2218 resistance rating, so she qualified for a significant discount on her homeowners insurance and the Energy Tax Credit. The SteelRock system came with a non-prorated lifetime limited warranty; she will never have to replace her roof again.

In the end, Gaines is able to see how the product will not only continue to save her money, but also will allow her home to stand out amongst the other homes in her neighborhood.

Metal roofing is not only the smart alternative, but it is the most cost effective, environmentally conscious and versatile product on the market today.

Source constructionmagnet.com

Residential retrofit '08: Drexel Metals

2008-08-27T11:17:00.004-07:00

Drexel Metals photos

With today’s technology, there are many more avenues for building owners, architects and consumers to learn about all types of roofing products. It also seems anyone and everyone is looking for a marketing advantage especially when it comes to making the presentation for a project to re-roof. This makes everyone’s job more difficult during the selling process as you are telling your potential customer something they may already know. Why metal and why should they purchase this from you? Do you focus on the green benefits of cool metal roofing, aesthetics, functionality or dependability? With the threat of a recession, lack of consumer confidence and soaring fuel costs it is becoming more difficult to sell the benefit of the installed price of metal roofing versus the less expensive roof systems even though a metal roof offers so many long term benefits.

Bob Delise is a commercial product manager for Harvey Industries in Waltham, Mass., a large roofing, window and home improvement distributor serving all of New England. “Metal roofing is one of the most durable roofing materials on the market today,” he says. “Metal roofing allows snow to come off more easily than other roofing materials and thus offers homeowners relief from snow dam conditions. It will be the last roof the owner will need to install.

“Metal roofing can be installed directly over asphalt shingles with the proper barrier — weight is not an issue and it eliminates the need for (and expense of) disposal.”

A quick fact: According to the National Association of Homebuilders Research Center, 20 billion pounds of asphalt shingles are dumped into U.S. landfills every year. If one loaded those in 40,000 pound trailers and lined them up end-to-end they would make a line from New York City to Los Angeles, back to New York City and on to Chicago.

Selling points for metal roofing?
It’s a green product that meets “cool” roofing standards and easily accepts photovoltaic (solar) panels. Metal roofing is low maintenance, durable, lightweight and aesthetically pleasing — and it’s the last roof a homeowner will need. Metal roofing ...

— Is wind resistant

— Reflects rather than absorbs the suns energy

— Is manufactured from recycled content

— Is fire resistant

Let the customer know!

Delise says a company can gain a competitive advantage by eliminating layers and manufacturing their own metal roof systems. “Our mobile metal roofing trucks allow us to service metal roofing customer needs with short lead times,” he says. “By having the products and accessories in stock we can provide the product in a timely manner; we are less reliant on a fabricator. We can also sell the same coil and accessories to our contractor customers who have their own roll forming machine.”

What profiles and why?
The philosophy at Harvey Industries is to go with a single profile in each of markets. “We chose the profile that is the most popular in each of these markets,” Delise says. “For Vermont we chose the 1-inch mechanical and for New Hampshire/Northeastern Massachusetts we chose the 1-1/2-inch snap lock panel.”

Delise says Drexel provides his company with exceptional support in the field. Drexel can assist a contractor in estimating and installation of his first project or a new detail he’s encountered for the first time. This takes much of the fear of metal roofing away for the new user.

“A big challenge for the residential re-roofer is educating the consumer of the benefits of using metal roofing over traditional asphalt shingles,” Delise says. “Also getting traditional asphalt roofers to offer metal as an option is difficult. Overcoming their fear of the product has been a challenge. By having this service and the support of Drexel in the field we’ve successfully converted many roofers to using this product.

“I once heard a owner say ‘why would I install a temporary roof and accept the fact that I’ll have to replace my roof in 10 to 15 years — my roof is the most important part of my home as it keeps my family safe and protects everything I worked for.’ With that being said, why would anyone choose not to install a metal roof — it will be the last roof they’ll need.”

Source constructionmagnet.com

Residential retrofit '08: MetalWorks by TAMKO

2008-08-27T11:17:00.003-07:00

by Dan Perkins, Dan Perkins Construction

Dan Perkins Construction photos

Residential re-roofing is a challenging trade in general. The work is hard and dangerous and the profit margins are generally tight.
By specializing in metal shingles, a residential roofing contractor can increase profit margins while installing a product less than half the weight of composite shingles and substantially more durable.

When customers ask how much more a metal roof costs than asphalt, I reply without hesitation that I will be 2 to 3 times more than my colleagues with asphalt. The only task left is explaining why it’s worth it.

I have found the type of customer who is open to the idea of spending more money for a better product is exactly the type of customer I want to service. They pay promptly and appreciate a job well done.

My installers prefer working with steel because it’s physically easier work and because the end product is more satisfying to behold. We install standing seam products and metal shingles, MetalWorks by TAMKO.

The margins are stronger because we have specialized in steel roofing products and price points have not become as highly competitive as with asphalt. Strong margins are a key factor in providing a good service and keeping a good reputation. With money in the bank we can afford to satisfy our customers’ whims and complaints without haggling over pennies.

We have built our business by selling and installing quality. We have developed our own system for flashing chimneys, skylights, valleys and vents. We make our own drip edge and hem our metal roofing over it on all roof edges. One of our advantages is we continue to promote and ride an ever-growing wave of consumer interest in metal roofing products. The National Roofing Contractors Association recently reported a membership survey found architectural metal roofs in new home construction reached a projected 30 percent of the market in 2007 — this is a 23 percent increase from 2004.

Because we have always enjoyed a growing demand for what we do we have been able to keep our price point strong.

One of the most gratifying aspects of metal roofing is seeing the finished product and knowing that it will still be beautiful and functional long after I’m retired.

Dan Perkins is the owner of Dan Perkins Construction in Ishpeming, Mich. You can visit his website at www.danperkinsroof.com.

Source constructionmagnet.com

Residential retrofit '08: Central States Manufacturing

2008-08-27T11:17:00.001-07:00

Central States Mfg. photos

If selling a metal roof were easy, we would see metal roofs on every home in America. But while the percentage of metal roofs is narrowing the gap with conventional roofing materials, metal roofs still make up a small portion of the market. With every sales pitch there are obstacles to overcome. Whether it is price, aesthetics, improper perceptions or simply indifference, each of us must help the homeowner understand the value a metal roof can bring to their home.

Miller Metals of Lowell, Ark., has success in simply helping the customer understand the key advantages of metal as a roofing material.

Matt Miller founded Miller Metals in 2002 and quickly became a leading metal roof installer in the booming Northwest Arkansas region. Miller Metals stresses simplicity in its presentation. “People are smart. Usually they have researched options and they want someone to verify the information that they have,” Miller says. “They are looking for a person that has experience and speaks confidently. When I am selling the homeowner on a metal roof, I bring every topic back to two main selling points: product-life and energy savings.”

Because metal roofs can cost up to three times more than conventional roofs, Miller believes selling value is the key to getting the job. Today’s metal roofs can last from 30-40 years, with some manufacturers offering lifetime warranties on their products. “When you compare the lifespan of metal to the lifespan of shingles, metal always comes out being more valuable. But people do not always connect the dots,” says Miller. “My job is to help them see that buying a metal roof is like buying 2-3 asphalt shingle roofs. But I can do it all at once, without them having to constantly worry about their roof every 10-12 years.”

Most of Miller’s residential re-roofing projects call for the Horizon Loc 16-inch concealed fastener panel from Central States Manufacturing. Customers are sold on the combination of durability and beauty of the panels.

One point to always bring up when talking about the lifespan of metal is the “storm-resistance” of a metal roof. This is the reason many insurance companies offer discounts to homes with metal roofs. “Homeowners like to know a strong wind is not going to blow off sections of a properly installed metal roof. It’s always good to bring out pictures of hurricane areas, where shingle roofs are gone and the only roofs for miles are metal roofs,” Miller continues. “It’s hard to argue with that.”

With “green” products being advertised everywhere, homeowners are more aware of the ecological benefits of a metal roof. Miller says, “People want to help the environment, but the environment won’t convince people to install a metal roof — but energy savings can.” When you convince people installing a metal roof will lower their electric bill by as much as 30 percent, they begin to listen to you. “With some people, you can talk reflectivity and emissivity, but with most homeowners I simply tell them that certain metals reflect more heat than shingles. I keep it simple,” says Miller. Miller directs his prospects to various websites where they can learn more if they desire.

In the end, selling a metal roof is like selling any product. You have to show the customers the value of the product is worth more than the cost. “Bring every topic back to value,” says Miller. “A metal roof will save a homeowner more than it cost to install. Convince them of the product-life and the energy savings and your business will flourish.”

Metal roofing is growing each year and its success lies in the salesmen on the front line of the battle.

Source constructionmagnet.com

Residential retrofit '08: Decra Roofing

2008-08-24T14:45:00.004-07:00

Decra Roofing photos

The roof can be the largest surface on the exterior of a home. The color, style and material chosen will affect the curb appeal of the home. Time and attention go into choosing a roofing material, especially when it is time to replace the old roof. Benefits and limitations are carefully reviewed, so it’s important someone can explain them to homeowners.

When the owners of this home in Alamo, Calif., were choosing a roofing product for their re-roofing project, they wanted to enhance the look of their home with a more classic look. The original roof was a laminated asphalt shingle and it did not provide the classic look the stucco exterior and curved sections of the roofline demanded.

Tony Farber of Western Sierra Roofing promotes products that contribute to resale value, are durable with long life cycles and have a strong warranty. The homeowners said they were looking for a product that could be installed over their existing asphalt shingles, as they were concerned about their roof ending up in the landfill. Farber told them about the new Villa Tile product Decra Roofing Systems was preparing to introduce. The classic look of a tile roof was exactly what they were looking for to enhance the look of their home. The Villa Tile was the perfect product for the project because it weighs less than conventional tile and does not require the existing material to be torn off.

Additionally, the benefits of stone-coated steel were attractive to the home-owner. With a 50-year limited warranty, a hail penetration warranty and a wind warranty of 120 mph, the owners knew their home would be well protected. In fact, they liked the product so much they waited a full year for the product to be available. According to Farber, “the homeowner was so taken by the high profile and realistic barrel design that they waited for the Villa Tile to re-roof.” Their home was the first Villa Tile project in California. The homeowners chose the roof color Venetian Gold, with a solar reflectance value of .23, another selling point.

Because the new stone-coated roof went directly over the existing asphalt shingles, that material was diverted from the local landfill. This diversion, says Farber, “fits in with my commitment to green roofing practices.” Customers like hearing that — almost as much as saving the expense of tear-off, hauling it away and dumping it. Steel is another important component in his green roofing practices. Stone-coated steel products are manufactured of upwards of 25 percent recycled steel content. The product is recyclable at the end of its useful life and can, in turn, be used to make yet another steel product thereby reducing the burden on raw materials.

The design of the Villa Tile also helps to reduce as much as 30 percent of heated air entering the attic space. The barrels are 3-1/4 inches high, providing an offset from the roof deck. This offset contributes to the continuous airflow across the deck and helps pull the heated air away from the attic. Less heated air in the attic moving into the conditioned space equates to less stress on the cooling system and lower energy consumption.

Installing products on a batten system is another way to achieve the necessary offset for the heat reduction benefit. Other stone-coated steel profiles are installed on battens and Farber discusses this with his customers. “I’ve always known there was a benefit to having an airspace between the deck and the roofing product,” he says. “Recent studies are helping to prove my case and I tell my customers about this benefit.”

Source constructionmagnet.com

Residential retrofit '08: ABC

2008-08-24T14:45:00.003-07:00

ABC photos

It’s not quite as easy as sitting back and waiting for the phone to ring, but that’s how most of Dennis Wenger residential re-roofing jobs come in.

Actually, Wenger’s roofing company, Skyline Roofing of Harrisonburg, Va., works hard to stay busy. And Skyline Roofing stays pretty busy.

“We do a local home and garden show every year,” Wenger says. “We have a slide show of jobs we’ve done. This year’s show was about two months ago and we’ve picked up three or four jobs from that already. More and more people are shopping for metal and there’s about three or four contractors around here we compete with.”

Skyline Roofing installs roofing from American Building Components for residential applications in approximately an 80-mile radius. Wenger says most home-owners he deals with choose the SL-16 profile with striations. ABC’s SL-16 is a 16-inch wide snap-lock panel with one-inch leg. Wenger says most customers prefer panels with striations to keep the appearance of oil canning to a minimum. “There’s always a few customers who like the flat pan and they understand it will show oil canning more, but that’s what they want,” he says. If they know what they want, he doesn’t try and talk them out of it.

The good news is Harrisonburg-area consumers are becoming more knowledgeable about metal roofing. “A lot of people want metal until they see the price,” Wenger says. “The up-sell of metal right now for us is the energy efficiency. Asphalt absorbs heat; metal reflects heat. Energy savings get people excited. And we sell on the fact that metal is a long-term investment.”

While residential installations comprise of only about one-third of Skyline’s work, Wenger honestly says the attraction to maintaining a residential presence in the market is the margins. It’s a niche market that requires a true craftsman to install it correctly. Wenger says the quality metal product from ABC and his craftsmanship are the selling points to residential customers. “Anyone can nail down an asphalt shingle,” he says. “Plus customers recognize this will be the last roof they will have to put on. They’re sick and tired of messing with shingles every few years. With metal, they never have to mess with their roof again.”

Source constructionmagnet.com

Residential retrofit '08: Metro Giveaway

2008-08-24T14:45:00.001-07:00

Lifetime Shingles photos

The Marik family of Mauston, Wis., was in desperate need of a new roof. Vince Marik is a baker and his wife, Laura, is a stay-at-home mom to their seven children. Two of their children are disabled. Their prayers were answered when they were chosen by radio station WCOW-FM, Cow 97, to win a new investment grade metal roof.

The Metal Roofing Alliance sponsored the radio promotion to highlight the many benefits of metal roofing. Metro Roof Products donated the stone coated steel shingles used to transform the Mariks’ home.

On May 19th, the Mariks experienced a bit of an “extreme” home makeover when the Lifetime Shingles crew arrived, along with representatives of Metro Roofing and a radio team. Cow 97 interviewed Vince Marik about the project during a live remote broadcast.

Wisconsin contractor Wayne Stanek, owner and president of Lifetime Shingles, was happy to work with Metro Roof Products to install the new metal roof. “We’re always happy to help someone in our community.” He continued, “The energy efficient Metro metal roof we installed is extremely durable and will protect the family for many, many years. All Metro Roof Products are supported by a long term warranty; therefore, the Mariks will no longer need to worry about curling, cracking, breaking or shedding heavy snow loads.”

Lifetime Shingles is an independently owned company specializing in the installation of stone-coated steel roofing systems. Lifetime Shingles is committed to providing quality products and services to their customers. Through their many years of experience, they’ve found that steel roofing is an excellent roofing material, particularly in the harsh extremes of the Midwestern climate.

Source constructionmagnet.com

Residential retrofit '08: Metro Roof Products

2008-08-20T01:40:00.003-07:00

Lifetime Shingles photo

Just like every roof is different, so is every customer. You never know for sure what you’re dealing with until you’re onsite.

That’s why Wayne Stanek of Lifetime Shingles, with offices in Jordan, Minn., and Marshfield, Wis., makes sure he always meets with all of the decision makers. The sooner you can answer all the questions, the better chance you have of getting the project. You want to answer any possible objections — not leave it up to someone else.

“When you’re dealing with a church, you’re best bet is making a presentation to the whole board,” Stanek says. “When we can meet with the whole board, we do pretty well. If we get to meet with one board member and trust that board member to relay our message to the rest of the board, we got about a 90 percent failure rate.”

Stanek says the same rule applies when selling metal roofing to homeowners — make sure all decision makers are there. Your chances of closing the deal after meeting with only the husband or only the wife are not as good as they are meeting with both.

You never know what’s going to tip a customer to purchase investment grade roofing. One selling point that comes up more frequently is the fact metal roofing is “green.” Stanek says the best thing is metal has always been green or environmentally friendly. He’s devoted a page on his company website (www.lifetimeshingles.com) to the green benefits of metal. “You never know what people are going to grab on to,” Stanek says.

Education is still the key component to selling metal roofing. Asphalt shingles are a habit, a bad habit, the way Stanek tells it.

“They’ve been puffing along with asphalt shingles for years and it’s my job to find a way to make them quit,” he says. “Sooner or later, something clicks, it makes sense and they can relate to it and say, ‘I want that.’

“People know more about steel than they did a few years ago, but it’s still a process.”

Source constructionmagnet.com

Residential retrofit '08: ATAS International

2008-08-20T01:40:00.001-07:00

ATAS International photos

If every new home had been topped with a metal roof, there would be no residential re-roofing market. That market is where a lot of metal roofing installers make their living.

Bill Zeigler of Zeigler Contracting in New Ringgold, Pa., is a third generation metal roofing contractor and he’s happy most people installed asphalt shingles on their homes.

“We don’t want to get too big and we don’t want to get into commercial,” Zeigler says. “Housing is down right now, but we’re staying busy. We’ve always got work. We’ll take the small jobs, the little porch or the bay windows. Those jobs often lead to bigger jobs.”

Most residential re-roofing sales are similar, Zeigler says. He humbly admits if he gets a chance to talk with a customer, he can help them see the light when it comes to choosing metal as a re-roofing product. “I had a good teacher,” he says. “My father taught me well.”

For this particular project in Fogelsville, Pa., the homeowner was familiar with metal, but wanted to learn more about re-roofing options for her 30-year-old home. Once Zeigler explained the benefits of metal roofing, it was a no-brainer.

“She lost her husband a while back and she’s got a 12-year-old son,” Zeigler says. “She has no intention of moving in the near future, so she wanted a one-and-done roof. It’s one less headache in the long run.

“The roofing products available nowadays are so much better, with the Kynar finishes and all. Any roofing I do now, I certainly won’t have to worry about going back to replace.”

This home is topped with the Advanta Shingle from ATAS International. The color is Desert Tan. ATAS is Zeigler’s main roofing supplier. In fact, he even does some training for the company with new customers.

“There are some people out there who get into metal to make money,” he says. “It’s not a get-rich-quick thing. At least it isn’t for us. Every roof is different and has to be approached that way.”

For Zeigler, word of mouth is his top salesperson. “That’s why we take the time to install it right,” he says. “We don’t cut corners. On this project, we had to work with four skylights, four valleys — it was a little bit challenging, but not impossible.”

Good work leads to more work, especially in the residential re-roofing market, where people are looking for the best value. A metal roof, installed properly, will provide the best deal.

“When you can offer a lighter material that can be installed right over the top of old shingles, you lower labor cost,” Zeigler says. “When we get up in the Poconos, we find a lot of people who want to ‘keep ahead of the Joneses.’ They’ll say they want something different and better than their neighbor. That’s good for our business.”

Residential re-roofing in eastern Pennsylvania farm country occasionally can be challenging because of the initial investment, Zeigler says. With new homes, price is less of an issue to the customer. “Some people simply don’t have the funds,” he says. “We’ll try to cut them a break on labor to help people out. They know it’s the best choice.”

Better educated customers and a growing customer base in the residential re-roofing market has forced Zeigler to learn more about the wide array metal roofing products available. The first two generations of Zeiglers ran 1-inch field lock panels off a roll former from ESE Machines. Working with ATAS International, Zeigler has more arrows in the quiver, a variety of profiles. Zeigler says ATAS will even make up special trim pieces for him if he draws them up. “Sometimes, the standard trim pieces just don’t look right,” he says.

“I’ve learned that as stuff changes you have to keep up with the times,” he says. “There’s not a panel out there I don’t know at least a little bit about. I have to be able to answer those questions as they come up. I have to know what I’m talking about.”

Source constructionmagnet.com

Residential retrofit '08: Met-Tile

2008-08-20T01:08:00.000-07:00

Met-Tile photos

Metal “tile panel” or tile facsimile roofing is a premium re-roofing product, so some contractors believe it is suited only to high-end residential projects. “Not so!” says Belinda Loosen of Classic Roofing Systems by K.F. Loosen Construction in Cloquet, Minn., a general contractor and roofer who specializes in metal systems for residential and light commercial projects.

“Our company has used metal tile panels to re-roof hundreds of projects over the years, on everything from small homes and cabins to high-end custom residences,” Loosen says. “Even though the customers may be very different, the sales approach is essentially the same.”

Selling an upgrade
“We sell the customer on upgrading to premium metal roofing to increase the value of their home,” Loosen says. “A new shingle roof will simply maintain value, but a top quality metal roof is like earning instant equity. We know homeowners who have had their homes reappraised after re-roofing and the increase in property value is equal to or even greater than the cost of the roof. So it can virtually pay for itself.”

Though the initial cost of a metal system is higher, Loosen feels the gap is closing. “With the rising cost of oil, which of course is used in the production of shingle products, metal is starting to be competitive with a 430-pound shingle,” she says. “But you can’t just compare raw materials. When you re-roof with shingles, you usually have to tear off the existing roof to ensure that the warranty will not be voided. The resulting labor and disposal costs factor into the equation. With metal, you can usually go right over the existing roof and you only have to do it once: When it’s time for a ‘new’ roof, you can repaint the existing panels instead of having to replace the whole roof. And during the years in between, a good metal roof will be leak-free and will save on maintenance and repairs.

“These are all selling points that can help convince the homeowner to upgrade to a premium metal roof system.”

The company is a manufacturer’s representative and installing contractor for Met-Tile, Inc., a leading metal tile panel roof manufacturer. Met-Tile offers an Energy Star cool roof system that combines energy savings and high performance with the popular look of Spanish tile. Classic Roofing Systems installed its first Met-Tile roof in 1983.

“With any re-roof project, you have to start by looking at the R-value,” Loosen says. “We always want to make sure the home is properly insulated so that it will be cool in summer and warm in winter. With the Met-Tile system, the Energy Star rating ensures that the finish will be highly reflective and will stay cooler in the warm months. Another benefit is that the tile panel has a stepped design, which creates a ventilating air space between the roof and the substructure. Flat panels do not offer that advantage.”

Metal vs. metal
Metal systems are not all created equal, says Loosen. To make an educated buying decision, she recommends looking at a variety of design and performance factors:

— Finish: As noted, a solar-reflective paint finish will reflect away more heat in the summer, but that is not the only thing to look for. “A stucco-embossed finish, like that used on the Met-Tile panel, is less likely than a smooth finish to show dents and dings from hail or other severe weather,” says Loosen. “Also, a good metal system will be far more hail-resistant than shingles. Last year we had several customers whose shingle roofs were badly damaged by hailstorms, and they used their insurance checks to re-roof with metal.” She recommends looking for a product with UL Class 4 impact resistance, the highest level of protection against hail.

— Thickness of metal: “There are many products to choose from and some are only 29-gauge steel, which will not deliver the same performance as a sturdier panel,” says Loosen. “A 26-gauge thickness might be fine for a corrugated tile-facsimile profile, but flat panels are not as strong as corrugated, so 24-gauge might be required for those applications.”

— Dimensions and orientation of panel: Loosen also notes the dimensions of the panel and the manner of installation (i.e., horizontal versus vertical) can have a big impact on performance. “Some tile facsimile panels measure about 1x4 feet and are applied horizontally, so there are a lot of visible seams,” says Loosen. “These products may not be as weather-tight and if there are any existing insulation or ventilation issues, they will not protect against these problems. We have found that full-length, vertically installed panels that extend from eave to ridge offer a better solution.

“Panels of 16 to 18 feet are standard for most houses, though sometimes we go with longer lengths. Anything above 25 feet becomes problematic because the panels are hard to handle and flatbeds are needed to transport them.”

— Insurance credits and tax rebates: “Insurance companies are starting to pony up and give discounts for products with good ratings for fire, hail and/or wind protection,” Loosen says. She notes that local tax credits or incentives may also be available to homeowners and to contractors for use of energy-efficient systems. “Not all products have the same ratings, so you need to explore these discounts and credits both with local insurers and with the roofing manufacturers.”

Source constructionmagnet.com