by Jeff Stortz | Sep 12, 2023 | Education
Snow retention systems should be installed on roof systems that will incur snowy winter weather. However, many people are unaware that snow guards are necessary until they incur damage to their gutter systems or injured below a fall. The information below outlines...
by Tom Stortz | Jun 7, 2023 | Product Reviews
Answering product questions for many years has enabled us to know issues contractors run into repeatedly. These can range from what hand seamer do I need, how do I solder so and so material, and will these snips cuts 22 gauge metal? This post will do the best we can...
by Tom Stortz | Feb 22, 2023 | Education
A new report from experts in Europe who delve into the science behind roofing slate has been published. Testing Natural Slate as a Fire Resistant Material Another quality post by Victor Cardenes Fake Roofing Slates Highlights Roofing slates are metamorphic rocks used...
by Jeff Stortz | Feb 3, 2023 | Projects, Uncategorized
A major thanks to Gillespie Contracting for the invitation to this copper and slate installation. Marcelino is an incredibly skilled slate worker blending a variety of sizes for look. The panels are 1″ mechanical lock roll formed in 16oz copper. Scroll...
by Jeff Stortz | Jan 27, 2023 | Uncategorized
Mechanical lock panels are a tried and true part of the metal roofing industry. Long before snap lock profiles existed, metal workers were hand seaming panels together to achieve watertight roof surfaces. Rather than physically hammering seams into panels, now the...
by Tom Stortz | Jan 6, 2023 | Education
The Problem: You shouldn’t need to replace your tin snips after every metal job THERE IS A BETTER WAY Below are the reasons why Bessey and Stubai Snips are going to outperform and outlast the “Box Store” snips, but it is up to the roofer to choose the path he...
by Jeff Stortz | Jan 5, 2023 | Product Reviews
The Seaming Pro v2.0 is back in stock. This new model still provides the roofer ultimate versatility. 3 functions in 1 tool – Single seaming, double seaming, and seam cutting/removal. This lightweight, portable power seamer attaches to a cordless drill and...
by Jeff Stortz | Dec 9, 2022 | Education
What is a mechanical lock roof system? Mechanical lock roofs are standing seam roof systems that utilize concealed fasteners. The main identifier of a mechanical seam system is that the panel profiles are folded into one another as opposed to just overlapping. The...
by Tom Stortz | Nov 10, 2022 | Education
Rau 106 Eaves Seam Locker – Are you still making the eaves crimp with short, 3″, hand seamers? Give your forearms a rest and start locking your drip edge or rake with the tool that is created for the job. Plus you avoid crimp marks every 3 inches. This...
by Tom Stortz | Oct 21, 2022 | Trip Report
National Slate Association Conference ’22 The NSA held its bi-annual conference in Saratoga Springs, NY & the Slate Valley (Granville / Poultney), the first weekend of October which was peak leaf changing season. This conference brings together the...
by Tom Stortz | Oct 19, 2022 | Uncategorized
Stortz Tools exhibited at Metalcon in Indianapolis during October 12th through the 14th. Metalcon is a tradeshow that focuses on sheet metal and includes over 200 exhibitors and thousands of attendees. There are many metal manufacturers, sheet metal roofing...
by Tom Stortz | Sep 27, 2022 | Uncategorized
The Evolution of Power Seamers The Portable Mechanical Lock Power Seamer Power seaming mechanical lock panels is typically done by 60 lb. tortoise-like machines running up panels with electrical cords. With enhancements in cordless drill batteries, the new way of...
