The American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA) recently published the first North America standard for multipoint locking hardware for side-hinged door systems. AAMA 909-13, “Voluntary Specification for Cycle Performance and Testing of Side-Hinged Exterior Door Multipoint Locking Hardware” establishes a minimum performance requirement and test procedure to evaluate the durability of multipoint locking door hardware.

“As the use of multipoint locking hardware increases, products tested to AAMA 909 will help manufacturers confidently incorporate compliant locks into their door systems,” says Mark Fortun (Endura Products, Inc.), member of AAMA’s Door Hardware Task Group.

Prior to the publication of AAMA 909, the only existing North American standards that were considered to be applicable dealt with single point locking hardware, such as a typical latch and dead bolt. “There was never a standardized set of basic product requirements unique to multipoint locking hardware despite their use for several years,” says Matt Taylor (HOPPE North America, Inc.), member of AAMA’s Door Hardware Task Group.

The reliable functionality of multipoint locking hardware is an essential factor for long-term performance of side-hinged door systems. “The test methods and evaluation criteria in AAMA 909 ensure a rigorous representation of real-world lock use,” says Fortun.

AAMA 909-13 may be purchased from AAMA’s Publication store.

###

Filed under: AAMA, ASSOCIATION NEWS, Products | Comments Off on Association News: AAMA releases first North American multipoint locking hardware standard for side-hinged doors; Test methods ensure representation of real-world lock use

Wausau Window and Wall Systems has named Russell Williams as its architectural sales representative serving customers in upstate New York, Connecticut, western Massachusetts, Vermont and southern Quebec and southern Ontario. With a customer-focused perspective, he will work closely to meet the needs of building owners, architects, general contractors and glazing contractors.

Williams previously worked with Wausau’s long-time customer, Colorado-based glazing contractor J.R. Butler, Inc. As a project manager, plant manager and project engineer, he relied on Wausau’s high-performance products and developed an expertise in unitized curtainwall applications. He was involved with such notable projects as National Renewable Energy Laboratory’s research support facility and the University of Colorado’s biotechnology building, as well as buildings certified at all levels through the LEED® Green Building Rating System™.

Now located in Albany, N.Y., Williams is collaborating with building teams throughout his territory. He says, “Having worked for a glazing contractor previously, I have a deep understanding of the curtainwall and window industry from both an engineering and project management perspective. I have experience with assisting architects with product selection by balancing structural, thermal and daylighting performance goals. I look forward to working with architects and glazing contractors alike to help them achieve success on their next project.”

Trained in lean manufacturing, Williams earned an architectural engineering degree with an emphasis in construction management from the University of Colorado at Boulder.

###

Filed under: CLIENT NEWS, People, Wausau Window and Wall Systems | Comments Off on Client News: Russell Williams joins Wausau as an architectural sales representative

Jim Waldron has been named president of Wausau Window and Wall Systems, a manufacturer of custom aluminum window systems and curtainwall for the commercial construction market, located in Wausau, Wis. He joins Wausau on April 29 and will report to Joe Puishys, chief executive officer of Apogee, parent company of Wausau.

“Jim brings extensive leadership experience to Wausau, most recently in the building products industry,” said Puishys. “He has successfully grown top- and bottom-line results in the businesses he has run, and I am excited that he will be leveraging his experience and expertise to help Wausau meet its growth goals.”

Most recently, Waldron was president of Metal Sales Manufacturing Corporation (MSMC), a $300 million premier provider of metal roofing, siding and building components for the commercial construction market. Prior to running MSMC, he was with The Timken Company, a $5 billion global technology provider of high-performance bearings and steel, for more than 20 years. He had positions of increasing responsibility at Timken; his last was as president of a Timken joint venture with two Japanese companies.

Waldron earned an M.B.A. from Illinois Benedictine College in the Chicago area and a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Georgia Institute of Technology in Atlanta. He and his wife, Ava, along with their son, Ryan, and daughter, Katrina, will be relocating from Louisville, Ky., to Wausau.

###

Filed under: CLIENT NEWS, People, Wausau Window and Wall Systems | Comments Off on Client News: Jim Waldron named president of Wausau Window and Wall Systems

Alabama Army and Air National Guard’s new auditorium at the Dannelly Composite Operations and Training Facility features Chicago Metallic® Corporation’s SpanAir™ Torsion Spring Panels for durable, acoustic performance and sophisticated style at a better-than-expected value. The 1,800-square-foot auditorium is part of a $1.9 million project expanding upon the existing operations facility. The addition complements the established high-quality, high-performance building materials using Chicago Metallic’s Infinity™ Perimeter Trim and a custom WoodScenes® walnut painted finish.

Located in Selma, Alabama where it is supported by the Montgomery Regional Airport, Dannelly Field has been home to the 187th Fighter Wing since 1953 and hosts a squadron of F-16C Fighting Falcon aircraft. Recent, world-changing deployments include the 187th Fighter Wing’s participation in combat air patrol missions on Sept. 11, 2001 through 2002. In 2003, it was the lead unit in largest integration of coalition Air and Special Forces Operations in history, comprising the 410th Air Expeditionary Wing mission whose mission was to prevent Iraqi missile launches against coalition forces and neighboring countries. The 187th continues to be recognized as a leader in safety and mission preparedness.

With a discernible amount of pride in his work and in his country, Chicago Metallic’s district manager Carlo Grohovac notes, “This is a very special facility where they brief the team before they are sent out for special operations. They’re reviewing tactical maneuvers and establishing how they go into battle. It’s essential that the personnel in the room hear clearly and correctly the important information being communicated.”

A full year before the new auditorium was completed in August 2012, Grohovac began collaborating with Dannelly project team to recommend ceiling system solutions. Seay-Seay & Litchfield Architects and installing contractor E&E Acoustical and Drywall, Inc. were involved with the 2007 construction of the 45,000-square-foot, $10.2 million Dannelly Composite Operations and Training Facility. Starting in October 2011 on the expansion and build out, they teamed with general contractor Bear Brothers, Inc. with which they had worked on previous projects.

Grohovac learned that when the training facility’s auditorium was not in use, utilities were optimized for efficiency. “Given the special nature of the facility, it’s not in use every day. They shut down the HVAC when they didn’t need it. The air base is located just south of Montgomery, which means it is incredibly humid. Originally, the project was specified with wood veneer and a composite substrate, and it was priced accordingly. Can you imagine how much moisture a system like this would absorb? Like a full sponge, eventually you would see the bowing, deflection and possible mold growth.”

Understanding that a metal ceiling system would perform better for a longer lifespan under these conditions, the next question was an aesthetic one. Chicago Metallic recommended a metal ceiling painted with its WoodScenes finish. Grohovac remembers, “They like the cost savings that the WoodScenes provided at nearly 30% less than their original estimate for a wood and composite substrate. But they weren’t certain they liked the standard colors for metal ceilings. When they saw the deep, burgundy tone that was possible with our SpanAir panels and custom WoodScenes painted finishes, their decision was made.”

“It looks like real wood and matches the color of the trim in the existing facility,” says E&E’s Adam Easterling. “The all-metal product will hold up better than real wood and still gave them the look they wanted.”

SpanAir Torsion Spring Panels are constructed of recycled aluminum. The metal used in SpanAir Metal Ceiling Systems contains no volatile organic compounds (no VOCs), which mitigates mold and microbial growth. Further enhancing the environmental attributes, the metal may be specified with a high recycled material content and is 100% locally recyclable.

Beyond sustainability, durability and appearance, Easterling emphasizes the importance of acoustic performance. “There’s a lot of external noise on base. Inside the auditorium, they wanted the sound to reverberate off the front and project toward the audience.” To maximize this, he explains that the ceiling panels are specified with different Noise Reduction Coefficients (NRCs) and installed on a slope, pitched toward the back. “Near the stage, the panels are solid to refract the sound. In the middle, they are a standard perforation with an Acoutex™ backer for an NRC of 0.70. In the back of the auditorium, the panels are perforated with an acoustical blanket for an NRC of 0.90.”

Grohovac continues the description: “The panels are each a trapezoidal shape and connect into 30-inch by 5-foot tapered pods. Each pod of panels is installed for increased acoustic performance. The pods are suspended at the proper angle and aligned with equal spacing for a uniform appearance. In between the pods, light fixtures, sprinklers, vents and other necessary equipment are carefully positioned.”

Chicago Metallic’s project manager, Dave Jahn, visited Dannelly Field House as E&E Acoustical and Drywall started installing the ceiling system in March 2012. “E&E has great skills and good ideas, but with Dave on-site right at the beginning, they can bounce questions off of him. Our construction services team brings a technical expert on-site at the earliest stages of installation,” says Grohovac. “Dave offered answers and suggestions about how and where to start, guidelines for critical measurements, and installation tips such as laying out the panels on the floor and assembling the pods at ground level then bringing the assembled pod up to ceiling height.”

Easterling heard the installation went smoothly and easily. “It wasn’t that big of a deal to put up. Each section was organized by shop drawings and showed up exactly as drawn.” By June 2012, the ceiling installation was completed and two months later, the auditorium opened on schedule.

Summarizing the team’s accomplishments, Bear Brothers’ project manager Jon Hilyer says, “Chicago Metallic and E&E offered a cost savings to the government and gave them a very attractive ceiling that met the project’s requirements. They did a good job.”

Grohovac also praises the team effort: “We had a strong partnership and good alliance. All involved were very happy with the end result. It looks phenomenal. Everyone loves it.”

**

Dannelly Composite Operations and Training Facility’s Auditorium, 4445 Selma Highway, Selma, Alabama 36108
* Owner: Alabama Army and Air National Guard, home of the 187th Fighter Wing; Selma, Ala.; http://www.187fw.ang.af.mil
* Architect and interior designer: Seay-Seay & Litchfield Architects; Montgomery, Ala.; http://www.sslarchitecture.com
* General contractor: Bear Brothers, Inc.; Montgomery, Ala.; http://www.bearbrothers.com
* Installing contractor: E&E Acoustical and Drywall, Inc.; Jemison, Ala.; http://eandeinc.net
* Ceiling system manufacturer: Chicago Metallic Corporation; Chicago; SpanAir™ Torsion Spring Panels, Infinity™ Perimeter Trim, custom WoodScenes® walnut painted finish; www.chicagometallic.com

 ###

Filed under: Buildings + Infrastructure, Chicago Metallic, CLIENT NEWS, Green Goals, Projects | Comments Off on Client News: Alabama Army & Air National Guard relies on Chicago Metallic metal ceiling systems for long-lasting performance and custom aesthetic

Greg Hall has been hired as a product development engineer working at Tubelite’s facility in Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas.

Hall brings nearly 30 years of experience with storefront, curtainwall, windows, and hurricane impact systems. He says, “After learning about the company’s vision, growth and goals for the future, I decided I wanted to be a part of the team. The thing that impressed me the most about Tubelite was its reputation for customer service.”

Prior to joining Tubelite, Hall worked for 10 years with Oldcastle Building Envelope (formerly Vistawall) as a senior product development designer. Previous to that, he was a design engineer at International Aluminum and at U.S. Aluminum.

Before moving south, he attended the University of Northern Iowa where he earned a Bachelor of Technology in industrial technology. Today, he lives in Forney, Texas, and shares his industry knowledge as an active member of the Glass Association of North America (GANA). Most recently, he has been involved in writing GANA’s new Commercial Fenestration Systems Manual (CFSM) manual.

In addition to Tubelite’s GANA membership, it is a member of the American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA), the Construction Specification Institute (CSI), the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) and an approved continuing education provider through the American Institute of Architects (AIA).

###

Filed under: AAMA, AIA, Buildings + Infrastructure, CLIENT NEWS, CSI, GANA, People, Tubelite Inc., USGBC | Comments Off on Client News: Tubelite adds Greg Hall to engineering team in Texas

The Western Region of the American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA) will host its Spring Summit, April 30-May 1, at the Tempe Mission Palms Hotel in Tempe, Ariz. The meeting will feature a panel discussion on energy-efficient fenestration, an economic update from Dr. Esmael Adibi, as well as a tour of the Palo Verde Energy Education Center. Online registration for the event closes April 24.

Tues., April 30
During the first day of the Summit, presentations will feature topics important to the future of the fenestration industry, which include a panel discussion on how windows can positively influence home energy savings. Additionally, updates on the Department of Energy, Title 24 building efficiency standards, as well as recent code changes pertinent to the Western Region, will be given.

“Fenestration manufacturers have been at the forefront of ensuring that each newly introduced product offers an opportunity to harness the attributes of energy efficiency,” says Rich Walker, AAMA’s president and CEO. “Summit attendees will get to hear from some of these industry leaders on how high-performance fenestration can contribute to more energy-efficient homes.”

Dr. Esmael Adibi of Chapman University also will deliver a presentation on Tuesday on the U.S. economic outlook, specifically addressing states in the Western Region. During the AAMA 76th Annual Conference, Adibi noted the continued growth of the housing market, including a significant increase (13.4 percent) in housing starts for 2013.

“Dr. Adibi has been a frequent speaker at both AAMA national and regional conferences and is very well respected among meeting attendees,” says Tony Thiret (Quanex Building Products), AAMA Western Region’ board president. “His insights on the current and future economic climate are especially enlightening to those within our industry.”

Wed., May 1
A tour of the Palo Verde Energy Education Center in Buckeye, Ariz., will take place during the second day of the Summit. The LEED® Gold Certified facility serves as a base of operations in the event of a crisis at the Palo Verde Nuclear Generating Station and was designed as an energy-efficient, state-of-the-art building that incorporates the latest technologies in creating sustainable structures. Some of the green building concepts utilized in the facility include heavy insulation for the building envelope, specialized sizing and shading on all the windows, as well as an air distribution system.

“Utility companies, especially those found in the Southwest, continue to offer funding opportunities to retrofit buildings for energy efficiency,” says Mike DeSoto (MI Windows and Doors), AAMA Western Region’s board vice president. “Summit attendees will learn about these important efforts and how Palo Verde values fenestration as a means to ensure energy-efficient buildings.”

###

Filed under: AAMA, ASSOCIATION NEWS, Events, Green Goals, Products | Comments Off on Association News: AAMA Western Region to host Spring Summit focused on energy-efficient fenestration

Tubelite, Inc. named Mike Kwasny, CDT, as a client development manager serving Utah and southern Colorado. Kwasny provides glazing contractors with storefront, curtainwall, entrance and daylighting systems.

“With Tubelite’s breadth of product and reputation for dependability, I see strong potential for assisting the glazing contractors and architects in my territory who are concentrating on low-rise commercial buildings, such as schools, churches, medical offices and mixed-use retail/office spaces. In addition to working directly with glaziers, I enjoy assisting architectural firms with the design and specification details needed to bring these projects to life,” says Kwasny.

He continues, “With stricter energy codes, we have a great opportunity with our 300ES curtainwall, Max/Block sun shades, aLuminate light shelves and our other products contributing to thermal performance.” Kwasny adds that he is excited about Tubelite’s continued growth and its expansion of operations with a Dallas/ Fort Worth facility.

Most recently, Kwasny worked as a sales representative for Manko Windows Systems in Colorado. Prior to that, he dedicated 28 years to Oldcasstle (Vistawall) as a sales representative in Colorado, Utah and Wyoming. Before moving to Colorado, Kwasny lived in the Midwest and earned a B.S. at the University of Wisconsin-LaCrosse.

As a member of the Construction Specification Institute (CSI), Kwasny successfully completed the certification exam to become a Construction Documents Technologist (CDT). He enjoys sharing his industry insight and looks forward to presenting Tubelite’s educational and technical resources through involvement in associations and events.

In addition to Tubelite’s CSI membership, it is a member of the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), the American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA), the Glass Association of North America (GANA), and an approved continuing education provider through the American Institute of Architects (AIA).

###

Filed under: AAMA, AIA, Buildings + Infrastructure, CLIENT NEWS, CSI, GANA, Green Goals, People, Tubelite Inc., USGBC | Comments Off on Client News: Mike Kwasny serves Utah and southern Colorado as Tubelite client development manager

In response to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), many of Wausau Window and Wall Systems® INvent™ Series family of windows, as well as 4250-Z zero sightline awning and casement insert vents, now feature hardware options capable of meeting the operating force and limited motion requirements of ICC/ANSI A117.1.

Photo by Phil Weston

“Accessibility is an essential concern for skilled nursing facilities, university residence halls, condominiums, apartments and hotels,” says Wausau’s health care market manager, Lisa May, LEED® Green Associate. “Wausau’s accessible projected windows operate with one hand, and require an operating force of five pounds or less to unlock, open, close and lock without making users need to tightly grasp, pinch or twist their wrists. This helps ensure that fresh air and connection to the outdoors are made accessible to people with physical disabilities.”

May and her colleagues can assist with other accessibility design considerations, such as locating and detailing operable windows to meet the project’s “reach,” protrusion and approach area requirements. Wausau has tested a broad range of product options in compliance with the American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA) 513-12 guide specification, which outlines laboratory test methods for accessible operable window products.

To maximize energy efficiency and condensation resistance, most accessible INvent Series projected and casement windows are available with triple insulating glass, integral between-glass blinds and 24 mm XLT polyamide thermal barriers. Accessible options are also included within the INvent Retro™ Series of historical replication windows.

INvent and 4250-Z zero sightline project-out awning and casement windows are provided with linear-operation keeper latches and roto-operators for accessible operation, allowing the use of attractive and durable “flat” insect screens. Accessible INvent Series project-in casement windows are hand-operated with a Euro-style multi-point locking handle, are available in large vent sizes and allow for cleaning of exterior glass surfaces from the building’s interior.

Operable units present a seasonal opportunity for natural ventilation. Integral between-glass blinds minimize maintenance, while managing light and glare. Combined with the advantages of natural light, outside views and thermal performance, these qualities may aid buildings seeking certification under such programs as the U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED Green Rating System™.

Wausau’s extruded aluminum frames contain recycled content averaging 70% or greater. Quality-controlled, factory fabrication and glazing ensure the intended performance and accommodate dual-color finishes. With a palette exceeding 30,000 color choices, painted finishes may be requested as liquid or powder coatings with ultra-low volatile organic compounds (VOC) and VOC-free content. Durable, VOC-free anodize finishes also may be selected.

As part of the Advantage by Wausau® standard product offering, these high-performance windows are pre-engineered and factory-glazed to not only meet buildings’ accessibility and sustainability goals but also can contribute to blast mitigation, hurricane impact-resistance and energy efficiency needs. These competitively priced windows are backed with an industry-leading warranty of up to 10 years and are available on an accelerated delivery schedule.

Filed under: AAMA, Buildings + Infrastructure, CLIENT NEWS, Products, USGBC, Wausau Window and Wall Systems | Comments Off on Client News: Wausau’s INvent Series and zero sightline windows help meet ADA accessibility criteria

Appleton Coated’s new Utopia Swatchbook helps designers and printers map their creative course with the power of print. A comprehensive “Print Demos” section helps in selecting the best paper option and techniques. “The Utopia GPS – Green Product Selector” guides users toward achieving compatibility of print excellence and environmental stewardship.

“Combining vivid photography by Patrick Fox and superb printing, our latest swatchbook demonstrates Utopia’s unique attributes, while emphasizing the excellent value and first-class service that comes with every order,” says Ferkó X. Goldinger, Appleton Coated’s marketing manager.

The swatchbook helps navigate the entire Utopia family of six high-quality, coated papers’ grades, shades, finishes and distinct personalities:
* Utopia® Premium in Gloss, Silk and Ivory Silk – an exceptionally smooth, uniform surface with a balanced blue-white shade favored by artists and galleries for fine art and photography reproduction
* U1X® in Gloss, Silk and Matte – ultra-bright blue-whiteness for extra “pop” and surface smoothness that provide even light reflection for greater clarity and very smooth ink lay
* Utopia One® in Gloss, Dull and Matte – classic, clean, balanced blue-white shade that is perfect for flesh tones and warm colors – a shade-match to Premium
* U2:XG® in Gloss, Dull, Matte and Ivory Matte – versatile, dependable with an environmental pedigree supporting sustainability initiatives without compromise
* Utopia Two® in Gloss, Dull and Matte – dependable and economical in a clean, blue-white shade delivering performance and value for high-volume projects that need true-to-life reproduction
* Utopia Three® in Matte and in Gloss for web-only – made-to-order for high-volume direct mail projects requiring reliable performance and competitive value

Goldinger continues, “Utopia’s complete range of matching text and cover weights, in extra bright white, blue-white, and warm ivory shades, delivers the right solution for every project and budget. It offers reliable, consistent performance and the smoothest, most uniform surface available today. Plus, most grades are manufactured with Green Power renewable energy, and all are acid-free and elemental chlorine-free.”

Appleton Coated was the first coated paper mill to secure Forest Stewardship Council™ (FSC®) certification in 2006. All six Utopia grades also are sourced from forests certified to be sustainable, are recyclable and contain at least 15% less wood fiber than uncoated sheets.

For a copy of the new Utopia Swatchbook and for more information about Appleton Coated and the Utopia family of coated papers, visit appletoncoated.com.

###

Filed under: Appleton Coated, CLIENT NEWS, Type-Paper-Print | Comments Off on Client News: Visit Utopia with Appleton Coated’s new swatchbook

Linetec introduces the use of antimicrobial protection for high-touch, architectural metal products’ exterior and interior surfaces, such as doors, windows, curtainwall, entrances, panels and column covers.

Image provided by BE&K Building Group

Antimicrobial protection is infused into select polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) finishes to inhibit the growth of stain and odor-causing bacteria on the coating of aluminum surfaces for health care facilities, educational campuses and other buildings. As a fluoropolymer finish containing a minimum of 70% PVDF resin, this three-coat system meets requirements of AAMA 2605, the most stringent, high-performance specification for architectural coatings.

“Continually investing in industry-leading innovation, Linetec provides our customers’ products with protection that exceeds other conventional finishes,” says Jon Close, Linetec’s vice president of sales. “Anywhere the growth of stain and odor-causing bacteria is a concern, architectural aluminum manufacturers can benefit from this extra level of protection.”

Utilizing the latest antimicrobial coatings technology, Linetec helps prevent stain and odor-causing bacteria that may cause deterioration of the physical properties of the coating. When moisture is present, the silver ion exchange mechanism infused into Linetec’s select finishes acts to disrupt the growth of such stain and odor-causing bacteria.

###

Filed under: AAMA, CLIENT NEWS, Linetec, Products | Comments Off on Client News: Linetec offers antimicrobial protection for architectural products