The American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA) has released the AAMA 2013/2014 Study of the U.S. Market for Windows, Doors and Skylights. This annual report delivers timely information on residential and nonresidential market trends and product relationships for windows, doors, skylights, curtainwalls and storefronts.

The report provides details for geographic regions and commercial market segments, as well as framing materials, glass usage and configuration types. Historic data for 2006 through 2013 and forecast data for 2014 through 2016 are also included in the report. Forecasts are based on projections of construction activity as of March 2014.

Highlights from the study include:
* Total conventional housing starts in 2013 experienced a considerable increase and are forecasted to grow 20 percent in 2014. Conditions are expected to continue to improve in the following years. Construction activity increased in all regional segments with the South Atlantic experiencing the largest increase at approximately 26 percent.

* Conventional residential window applications for single- and multi-family applications increased by 15.8 percent to 43.9 million units, compared to 37.9 million units in 2011. The market share for wood windows fell 2.8 percent from 20.8 percent in 2011 to 18 percent in 2013, as vinyl continued to make gains as a wood substitute with consumers seeking low-maintenance, cost-effective products for new construction. Remodeling and replacement windows’ usage appears to have stabilized with single-digit increases anticipated for the next two years. Driven by the new construction market, total volumes are expected to continue to increase at double-digit rates to 48.4 million units in 2014 and 54.6 million units in 2015.

* The nonresidential market increased 9 percent in 2013 and is expected to continue to increase in 2014 throughout 2017. Floor area of stores/mercantile buildings increased 14 percent during 2013, while offices, hotels and institutional buildings increased 10 percent. Amongst all buildings and regions, the West experienced the largest increase.

* The nonresidential window market includes commercial windows, curtainwall and storefront systems. After several years of decline, the market is forecast to rebound at a relatively slow rate. Factory-fabricated windows lead for renovation usage. Projected/awning configurations remain the most common for this architecturally rated shop-fabricated window product type, utilized most frequently in education and health care applications. Storefront leads for new construction and total nonresidential buildings. Thermally broken aluminum frames continue to grow in popularity across all nonresidential window product types following the trend of increasing energy-efficiency standards.

* In 2014, demand for nonresidential (commercial) entry doors is predicted to increase at an accelerated pace and sustain growth through 2016. Similarly, an overall increase of approximately 9 percent is expected in the volume of residential entry doors. Steel entry doors represent the largest share of both residential and commercial applications, followed by fiberglass for residential and aluminum for nonresidential.

* After a decrease in 2011, the U.S. market for residential patio doors witnessed a 15 percent increase. The market is projected to grow until 2016. The most common patio doors are two-panel, sliding units that use vinyl framing.

* Residential skylight units experienced a 3.6 percent increase in overall unit shipments compared to 2012. The forecast shows grow in both residential new construction and replacement/remodeling applications through 2016. The market for commercial skylight units has increased 10 percent since 2012 and 20 percent since 2011.

Additional information on the residential and commercial fenestration markets is contained in the 2013/2014 AAMA U.S. Market Studies, which includes the following reports, as well as 2013/2014 AAMA Study of the U.S. Market for Windows, Doors and Skylights:
* AAMA U.S. National Industry Statistical Review and Forecast (April 2014) summarizes residential, nonresidential and remodeling trends from government and industry sources.
* AAMA Distribution of Residential and Nonresidential Windows and Doors in the 2013/2014 U.S. Market Report profiles the residential and nonresidential market for windows and doors as it flows through the identified distribution channels.

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After being honored five years in a row as an award finalist, Wausau Window and Wall Systems has been selected as one of only 13 winners in the state of the prestigious, 20th annual Wisconsin Corporate Safety Award.

Nominees for the Wisconsin Corporate Safety Award submitted safety data and a report describing the company’s occupational safety and health practices. “Every member of our team helped achieve this award through their daily focus and personal ownership of safety,” said Brian Vanden Heuvel, Wausau’s vice president of operations. “At Wausau, our safety-based culture is an essential part of everything we do. It’s wonderful to be recognized for this integral aspect of our company.”

As stated on the Wisconsin Safety Council website, “This awards program honors businesses for exemplary safety records and excellence in safety and health management. These businesses are making safety a top priority. They have gone to extensive measures to assure their most valuable asset — their employees — are safe on the job.”

“Creating a safe and enjoyable work environment is a Core Value at Wausau, and supports our mission to maintain industry leadership in value, quality, service and reliability,” said company president Jim Waldron. “Our employees are dedicated to achieving this mission and to living these Core Values each and every workday. We are very proud of our entire team for earning this honor.”

Further contributing to the morale, health and safety of its employees and community, Wausau’s manufacturing facility was designed and built to meet the U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED® Silver level certification for energy and environmental leadership. Multiple studies have documented measurable benefits for improved daylighting, natural ventilation and indoor air quality in buildings including reduced illness and absenteeism, and productivity gains of up to 16 percent.

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* Chicago Metallic/ROCKFON will be exhibiting at the AIA Expo in booth #963 *

As part of Toronto Transit Commission’s (TTC’s) renovation of Islington Subway Station, Rockfon® Planostile™ Snap-in specialty metal ceiling system met the requirements for performance, appearance, longevity and for ease of installation, which was managed by TTC’s own team. The master specification developed on Islington Station serves as the basis for all ceiling replacement needs in the TTC stations currently scheduled for renovation.

TTC is the third largest public transit system in North America servicing some 4.5 million people in the Greater Toronto Area from nearly 70 stations. Located at 3286 Bloor Street West, at the corner of Islington Avenue, Toronto, Islington Subway Station is housed within a 1,208-square-meter (13,000-square-foot) concrete building with underground access to the subway. TTC moves 460 million people annually — about 1.5 million riders every weekday. Of these weekday commuters, approximately 41,000 arrive and depart from Islington Subway Station.

After enduring for decades, Islington station’s ceiling system was ready for a fresh look. Another manufacturer’s linear metal ceiling had been installed during the early 1980s. “It was showing its age, was difficult to remove and re-install, and was difficult to keep clean,” said John Amaral, senior designer with TTC’s plant maintenance department/engineering.

TTC worked in partnership with GO Transit, Mississauga Transit and the City of Toronto to initiate a multi-phased, multi-year construction project to significantly improve Islington Station. In 2009, Islington Station’s old, interior ceiling had been removed, leaving the plenum open and unfinished. In addition to the unkempt appearance, commuters complained about disrepair of lighting and exposed wiring, pigeons roosting, water infiltrating and bad odors permeating the station.

Helping remedy this negative perception and the physical realities, ROCKFON’s district manager for Ontario and Quebec, Isabelle Champagne, CDT, and her colleagues, vice president of sales Steve Noeth and project manager Dave Jahn, were involved from the project’s earliest stages. Together, they offered construction services and technical support to the TTC in development of a master specification.

Jahn explained, “This master spec not only addressed Islington Station, but would serve as the basis for all ceiling replacement needs in the TTC stations scheduled for renovation.”

Ceiling specifications were driven by TTC’s engineering, construction and expansion department with priority to performance. Amaral also emphasizes that ease of installation and maintenance was critical, as TTC’s team at Islington would take on these responsibilities themselves.

“Our Rockfon Planostile Snap-in ceiling systems hide the suspension systems, provide very tight joints and offer a high degree of security. The strength of snap-up systems and their metal panels makes them a reliable choice for challenging interior designs like these,” described Champagne.

The ceiling systems also needed to meet TTC’s requirements for positive and negative air pressure, withstanding a wind load of up to 1.24 kPa without additional bracing or tie-downs. “Due to the fact that the system is designed as a friction fit engagement, it was imperative that the ceiling system could withstand the piston affect air pressures of incoming and departing trains. As such, meeting the air pressure criteria was crucial to its approval for use,” said Amaral.

TTC’s design criteria also necessitated a strong, yet lightweight material. The Rockfon Planostile Snap-in aluminum panel ceiling system was selected and the tested for compliance. The metal comprising the Rockfon Planostile panels contain 100 percent recycled aluminum content. At the end of the ceiling system’s useful life, it is 100 percent locally recyclable. “It was an ideal choice as it neither accumulates moisture nor supports substances supporting mold or microbial growth,” said Champagne.

Material choice focused on color and finish continuity with consideration to future replacement needs and visual appearance. “Aesthetically, we were aiming for clean lines and tight joints between the panels to result in a seamless looking ceiling,” noted Amaral. The 2-by-2-foot aluminum panels were fabricated with beveled edges and finished in Satin Silver anodize. Following the master specification, a series of mock-ups also were created to ensure that the actual system met TTC’s criteria.

“We brought the material to TTC’s maintenance crew on-site at Islington,” Jahn remembered. “We met during the night shift to avoid bothering the riders. We showed TTC how the Rockfon Planostile system installed and what it looked like in place. We’d get their feedback and make modifications. Based on this process, the final ceiling system for Islington includes a custom-sized panel and C-channel to integrate the existing light fixtures. We didn’t want TTC’s crew to have to cut anything other than maybe trimming the perimeter edge. The installation team reported it went smoothly, as planned.”

Renovation on Islington Station’s ceiling began in June 2012 and was completed in December. TTC’s maintenance team installed the specialty metal panels at the station’s concourse level and also above the pedestrian access to the fare booths, the bus platforms and the escalators to the subway platforms.

Throughout the seven-month, $200,000 ceiling installation project, TTC’s on-site team averaged four people per shift. Amaral shared special recognition for “Andrew Marsh and his night crew for their exceptional workmanship. Toronto Transit Commission takes pride in the excellent in-house skilled labor force that we employ.”

“They did a great job,” praised Jahn. “It’s a pleasure to work with TTC’s team.”

Champagne agreed and added, “As soon as the new Rockfon Planostile system was in place, it was like a day and night transformation.”

Amaral also noted, “The sales and technical staff always made themselves available to us from early on when we were developing a new ceiling standard to the various ceiling mock-ups that were installed for testing purposes to the first installation at Islington Station.”

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Toronto Transit Commission, Islington Subway Station
3286 Bloor Street West, Toronto, Ontario; http://www.ttc.ca/Subway/Stations/Islington/station.jsp
* Owner: Toronto Transit Commission; Toronto, Ontario; http://www.ttc.ca
* Architectural designer and ceiling system installer: Toronto Transit Commission, Plant Maintenance Department; Toronto, Ontario
* Distributor: Arrlin Acoustics; Etobicoke, Ontario; http://www.arrlin.com
* Product: Rockfon™ Planostile™ Snap-in ceiling system, http://www.rockfon.com
* Photographer: Mark Borosch Photography

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Kolbe is exhibiting at AIA Expo in booth #4441

During the American Institute of Architects (AIA) Expo and Convention 2014, Kolbe will showcase its Teutonic™ Series window and door product line for commercial buildings. Ideally suited for hospitality, multi-family and mixed-use projects, the new Teutonic Series includes fixed and tilt-turn windows, tilt & slide doors and outswing hinged doors. These steel-reinforced uPVC products are designed to meet commercial buildings’ requirements for enhanced energy efficiency, occupant safety, low-maintenance and longevity.

“The energy performance of the Teutonic Series is simply outstanding. The new products meet many of the same structural performance values that aluminum systems provide, yet far exceed aluminum on thermal performance,” says Mark Harger, general manager of Kolbe’s Manawa location. “The results of using these products in commercial buildings can be seen in lesser HVAC loads and lowered heating/cooling costs, compared to traditional commercial aluminum products. Polymer-based frames limit condensation, reducing risk of water damage to commercial interiors.”

Kolbe’s Teutonic windows and doors are displayed in two frame styles: North American 3-1/4-inch frame with nailing fins and European 2-3/8-inch frame. Dual overlapping neoprene gaskets provide a tight seal against air and water infiltration. One-inch insulated glass is standard, and 1-3/8-inch triple pane insulated glass is available, which allows fixed windows to achieve U-values as low as 0.17. Window units with laminated glazing options attain sound transmission class (STC) ratings as high as 39.

In addition to high thermal and acoustic performance, Teutonic Series products may be specified for buildings with blast mitigation needs and those in high wind zones and coastal areas. Fusion-welded corners enhance structural strength and offer a clean finish. Locking points for extra security are added to the interior of the windows and hidden from view. Optional custodial locks, thermally broken doorsills, screens and extension jambs are offered, as are a variety of mulling schematics.

Kolbe’s Teutonic Series products are available in White, Beige or Sand integral colors. Enhanced exterior finishes include Silver D or Bronze NA Renolit Exofol FX foil laminate, which contains Solar Shield Technology (SST) to control heat build-up in the laminated component. Custom exterior laminates also can be selected from a broad palette of colors.

The Teutonic Series can be ordered through selected Kolbe distributors. Further supporting the needs of commercial building owners, architects and contractors, these distributors can assist with take-offs, mock-ups and project management. For a list of distributors, detailed product descriptions and project success stories, visit http://www.kolbecommercial.com.

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ROCKFON® Infinity™ Perimeter Trim integrates with standard suspension systems and other ceiling systems to create smooth transitions, distortion-free projections and free-floating clouds.

“Ideal for hospitals, retail, airports, hospitality, offices and schools, Rockfon Infinity Perimeter Trim offers infinite design possibilities. Ceilings can be transformed with soaring heights, imaginative shapes and faux skylines,” said Cory Nevins, ROCKFON’s director of marketing for North America. “Easy to install, this perimeter trim saves time and labor on the job site helping keep projects on schedule and on budget.”

Rockfon Infinity Perimeter Trim products include:
* Rockfon Infinity Standard with straight lengths from 2 to 12 feet;
* Rockfon Infinity QuickShip with stocked straight panels in 2-, 4- and 6-inch heights for immediate shipment;
* Rockfon Infinity Engineered with factory-sized, curved and mitered to meet specific project requirements;
* Rockfon InfinityR with factory-engineered components that feature an integral, continuous reveal;
* Rockfon InfinityZ Razor edge with the ability to give a ceiling the appearance of being zero-depth;
* Rockfon Infinity Paired with back-to-back applications for visual details including double-sided circles, snakes and arcs; and
* Rockfon InfinityD, a factory-engineered alternative to built-up drywall framing that accepts standard 5/8-inch gypsum panels, with grooved and primed taping flanges ready for joint finishing and painting.

Supporting projects’ environmental goals, the extruded aluminum used in Rockfon Infinity Perimeter Trim may be specified with a high-recycled material content and is 100 percent locally recyclable. The metal contains no organic compounds to support mold and microbial growth.

Assisting with design and installation details, ROCKFON offers LEED® and “Buy American” documentation, three-part specifications, CAD drawings, project case studies and other resources at http://www.rockfon.com.

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ROCKFON® introduces Chicago Metallic® 1494 SSC seismic separation joint clip for use with ceiling suspension systems. This shaker table-tested clip not only complies with the current International Building Code (IBC), but also provides a neat, clean appearance on the finished ceiling.

According to the current IBC, every construction project must meet a Seismic Design Category (SDC), regardless of geography. The IBC outlines six SDCs, A through F, ranging from the least to the most stringent. For projects in SDCs D, E and F with ceilings larger than 2,500 square feet, IBC requires a separation joint that allows cross tees to move laterally during a seismic event.

“Our 1494 SSC seismic separation joint clip offers a tested alternative solution to providing the unsightly, traditional separation joint that currently is prescribed by the IBC. Easily attached to the ceiling suspension system, the clip sits on top of the grid members, hidden from view,” explained Cory Nevins, ROCKFON’s director of marketing for North America.

“Helping save material and labor costs, the 1494 SSC’s one-piece design works on all applications,” Nevins added. “Optimizing inventory, the clips can be used on both main runners and cross tees. Minimal screw attachments are needed and the clips can be placed anywhere along the main runner, maximizing joint spacing and maintaining ceiling system strength.”

The patent-pending 1494 SSC seismic separation joint clip currently is approved for use on Chicago Metallic 1200 and 4000 ceiling suspension systems. Shaker table test reports are available upon request by Authorities Having Jurisdiction.

ROCKFON’s product portfolio in North America includes an extensive range of solutions from suspended and concealed ceilings to clouds and baffles. To learn more about its Chicago Metallic of metal ceiling suspension systems or other ROCKFON products, please visit http://www.rockfon.com.

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Registration is now open for the American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA) Summer Conference, to be held in downtown Indianapolis, June 1-4. In addition to keynote speaker, Dr. Elizabeth Watson, addressing the future of ADA principles and design, AAMA will be introducing a new app, offering several optional events for attendees and announcing this year’s scholarship winners.

AAMA members can save $50 by registering online. The cut-off date for hotel reservations is May 14. After that date, rooms will be confirmed on a space-available basis and the special reduced group rate of $149 (plus 17% tax) may not be available. This rate includes in-room internet access.

Keynote Speaker
In her presentation, “Moving from ADA to Universal Design: A Road Map,” Watson will cover designers’ and manufacturers’ desires to move to the next level of inclusion, using the principles of Universal Design (UD). She will focus on creating a workflow for integrating UD principles and design into products. Watson has worked with people with disabilities for more than 24 years and has specialized in higher education for the past 14. She currently serves as the director of the Center for Students with Disabilities at the University of Wisconsin.

Introducing the AAMA App
A new feature at this conference will be the introduction of the AAMA app, which will soon be available for both Apple and Android devices. Members are encouraged to download this app prior to the event as a way to keep up to date, as well as gain access to the conference schedule, agendas, map and more. Details about the app will be presented to attendees during the Opening General Session, and a representative will be on hand to answer any questions.

Optional Events
On Sunday, before sessions begin, several events will be open to attendees, including a visit to the famed Indy Motor Speedway and Hall of Fame museum. A golf tournament will also be taking place from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Indianapolis Motor Speedway Brickyard Crossing Golf Course, or attendees can see the Indianapolis Indians, a minor league baseball team, play at Victory Field in the afternoon. A welcome reception will follow all events Sunday night at 5:30 p.m.

Scholarship Winners
Later in the week, this year’s AAMA scholarship winners will be announced and recognized during lunch on Tues., June 3.

More Information
To learn more about the conference or to register, visit the AAMA National Annual Conference web page or contact Kaydeen Laird, AAMA’s senior meetings coordinator.

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Kolbe & Kolbe Millwork Co., Inc. promoted Keith Koenig to vice president of manufacturing and added him as the newest member of the company’s executive leadership team. In his new role, he will oversee operations of Kolbe’s manufacturing facilities in Wausau and will remain actively involved in leading Kolbe’s continuous improvement efforts.

During his 27 years of millwork industry experience, Koenig has served the last eight years as director of manufacturing. Prior to this, he worked in a number of management roles for the company including as exterior doors manager, as plant supervisor, as a manufacturing software implementation team member and as plant manager.

“Keith has a breadth and depth of industry manufacturing experience that few can match with an in-depth knowledge of Lean and continuous improvement process,” said Jeff De Lonay, Kolbe’s president.

Koenig added, “Superior craftsmanship is a Kolbe hallmark, and I am excited to lead our manufacturing team in providing products that meet the market’s highest standards for quality and innovation.”

In his leisure time, Koenig enjoys hunting, fishing, snowmobiling and downhill skiing. He shares his passion for the outdoors as a Wisconsin educator in hunting and archery education. Koenig and his wife are residents of Wausau, and their son is a sophomore at University of Wisconsin-Platteville.

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Knutson Construction opened a new office five miles east of Eau Claire in Altoona, Wis., at 2423 Rivers Edge Drive.

After 15 years of managing Wisconsin construction projects through its Minneapolis office, Knutson has expanded its commitment to the region with its new Altoona office. Knutson has led the construction of many projects in the surrounding community including Osceola Medical Center; Wild River Fitness Center in Osceola; Douglas-Hanson Company offices in Hammond; Marshfield Clinic; and 3M manufacturing facility in Prairie du Chien.

“We have had a presence in Wisconsin for many years and wanted to further strengthen our commitment to our clients and the community,” said David Bastyr, Knutson’s executive vice-president of Knutson.

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ROCKFON®’s extensive North American portfolio of stone wool acoustic ceiling solutions has earned UL® Environment’s GREENGUARD Gold Certification for low-emitting products. GREENGUARD is an internationally recognized product emissions certification and labeling program for manufacturers of low-emitting indoor products, furnishings and materials. Receiving certification confirms these products meet the stringent GREENGUARD Gold emission standards, contributing to healthier and safer interiors.

To achieve certification, ROCKFON voluntarily submitted its North American stone wool product line of suspended and monolithic ceilings, clouds and baffles to a series of rigorous tests as determined by UL Environment. During the strict manufacturing review, product samples from ROCKFON’s ceilings were selected for profile study testing as well as comprehensive certification testing.

“Fulfilling the GREENGUARD Gold Certification’s health-based criteria secures that ROCKFON’s North American portfolio helps create healthy and safe indoor environments in important facilities such as schools and hospitals,” said Cory Nevins, ROCKFON’s director of marketing for North America. “GREENGUARD Gold Certification provides customers with further assurance that our products have met stringent emissions limits, which contribute to sustainable indoor environments. This fulfills the low emission requirements of the U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED® v4, the Collaborative for High Performance Schools’ Criteria (CHPS) for low-emitting materials and other green guidelines.”

“People spend most of their time indoors, making it critical that materials brought inside emit the fewest possible pollutants,” said Sara Greenstein, president of UL Environment. “We are pleased to award ROCKFON’s ceiling panels with our highest certification for low chemical emissions, recognizing its efforts to make its products healthier for people in the indoor environment.”

GREENGUARD Gold Certification is only given to products that are compliant with the certification requirements, which among others, include stringent limits on emissions of more than 360 volatile organic compounds (VOCs). GREENGUARD Certification emission criteria incorporate health-based emissions requirements as denoted among others by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the State of California Department of Public Health’s Section 01350. More than 400 green building codes, standards, guidelines, procurements policies, and rating systems give credit for GREENGUARD Certified products.

Earning GREENGUARD Gold Certification for its complete North American stone wool portfolio marks another achievement for ROCKFON with regard to its sustainability efforts. ROCKFON products are made from stone wool, which is produced from an abundant resource, volcanic rock, and recycled material. Stone wool features unique, inherent properties to provide a number of superior performance characteristics including high sound absorption, dimensional stability, fire protection and humidity resistance.

ROCKFON North America stone wool products are audited regularly by UL Environment in order to maintain GREENGUARD Gold Certification. GREENGUARD Certified products are recognized, referenced and preferred by more than 450 federal purchasers, retailers, green building rating tools and building codes.

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