Client news: Kolbe highlights both contemporary and traditional door designs

Kolbe will be exhibiting in booth #C2607 during IBS in the Las Vegas Convention Center, Jan. 22-24, 2013.

Illustrating its versatility, Kolbe’s door products offer both traditional and contemporary styled door designs to create entrances that are as unique as the homeowners themselves.

“Distinctive style deserves distinctive windows and doors,” says Cindy Bremer, Kolbe’s vice president of marketing. “Whether looking for unique sizes, unusual shapes, rare wood species, colorful finishes, finely-crafted glass or universal design hardware, Kolbe’s built-to-order options help make nearly every vision a reality.”

Demonstrating the power of a strong impression, Kolbe’s Ultra Series contemporary, inswing door is configured with asymmetrical panels that each contains four lites of frosted glass. The main door panel provides regular entry, and when desired, the smaller panel also operates for an expansive opening. The door’s extruded aluminum exterior is boldly finished with the door panels in a custom red color, framing in Coal Black and the white oak wood interior in a custom Ebony stain. Satin Nickel, Dallas style hardware completes the striking look.

Highlighting the traditional appearance, Kolbe’s all-wood Heritage Series exterior door communicates a classic, welcoming entrance flanked with sidelites. Crafted from Alder, the 2-1/4-inch-thick door panels are stained with a custom Brown Cherry. The matching sidelites feature a 3-1/2-inch flat casing with back band and insulated Renova glass. The elegant Emtek Charleston handle set punctuates a luxurious greeting.

“Beyond the eye-catching appearance and architectural detailing, Kolbe products are crafted with exceptional attention to quality. Our windows and doors are manufactured with high performance, reliable operation and a lasting impression in mind,” notes Bremer.

Kolbe’s Architect Library and online resources can help simplify the research and specifying process. For example, design teams can easily communicate and visually customize many door product dimensions and functionality using Kolbe’s 3-D Revit® building information models (BIM). In addition to BIM tools, Kolbe’s website offers 2-D drawings; air, water, structural and thermal reports; warranties, installation and maintenance information; and online videos to demonstrate product operation and performance testing.

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Association news: AAMA publishes new standard for performance testing of handle sets

AAMA 903-12, “Voluntary Standard for Performance Testing of Handle Sets used with Multipoint Hardware on Side-Hinged Doors” was recently released by the American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA). Developed by AAMA’s Door Handle Set Task Group, AAMA 903 establishes test procedures and performance criteria for evaluating lever handle sets designed for use with multipoint hardware on side-hinged doors.

“This standard gives industry professionals a more appropriate tool for evaluating door handle sets as a standalone hardware item,” says Matt Taylor (HOPPE North America, Inc.), chair of AAMA’s Door Handle Set Task Group. “Other hardware standards typically test a lock and its handle set together, which often results in many performance requirements for the lock, but few for the accompanying handle set. AAMA 903 defines performance criteria unique to handle sets giving users more capability to evaluate these products specifically.”

AAMA 903-12 references AAMA 907-12, “Voluntary Specification for Corrosion Resistant Coating on Carbon Steel Components,” which covers requirements for corrosion resistant coatings on carbon steels used for hardware components in window, door and skylight applications.

AAMA 903-12, “Voluntary Standard for Performance Testing of Handle Sets used with Multipoint Hardware on Side-Hinged Doors” is available for AAMA members to download at a cost of $10. Non-members may purchase the document at a cost of $30 for download. The specification is also available for purchase on CD and hardcopy. To order AAMA 903-12, visit AAMA’s Publication Store.

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Client news: Three-inch stiles present modern look, perfect match for Kolbe’s folding doors and windows

Kolbe will be exhibiting in booth #C2607 during IBS in the Las Vegas Convention Center, Jan. 22-24, 2013.

Conveying a contemporary appearance, Kolbe presents 3-inch stiles as a new option for folding doors. The doors complement the standard profiles of its folding windows, as well as the high quality craftsmanship, performance and expansive sizes expected with all of Kolbe’s products.

“This model responds to homeowners’ desires for including as much glass as possible to capture the biggest views they can, and an emphasis on sleek, modern styling,” says Cindy Bremer, Kolbe’s vice president of marketing.

Demonstrating its design acumen, Kolbe’s folding door unit on display at the 2013 International Builders’ Show in booth #C2607 also features a matching 3-inch top rail, satin nickel hardware, Verona handle and an interior painted in an Abalone color with the exterior in a Slate finish.

The folding doors are offered in numerous panel configurations and with accessories befitting upscale designs and décor. The IBS display model stands more than 9 feet high by 11 feet wide. The three panels on the right fold back against each other. Up to eight panels on each side can be accommodated to create grand openings that span up to 45 feet. Optional sizes for stiles, rails and thickness are available, as are hardware, screens, sills, divided lites and glass types.

Double pane insulating glass with LoE2-270 coating is standard for most Kolbe products, blocking 96 percent of the sun’s infrared heat and 83 percent of potentially damaging UV rays. In addition to making energy-efficient products, Kolbe’s Ultra Series products’ exteriors are clad in low-maintenance extruded aluminum with recycled content.

For the folding doors and windows’ interiors, a range of sustainably harvested wood species can be selected, such as those certified by the Forest Stewardship Council™ (FSC® license code FSC-C019541). Kolbe products’ enduring, environmental attributes also support projects pursuing green goals including U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED® Rating System™, Green Globes™ and ENERGY STAR®.

Design teams can easily communicate and visually customize Kolbe’s folding doors and windows’ dimensions and functionality using Kolbe’s 3-D Revit® building information models (BIM). In addition to BIM tools, the website offers 2-D drawings; air, water, structural and thermal reports; warranties, installation and maintenance information, and online videos to demonstrate product operation and performance testing.

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Association News: Minnesota Do-Gooders Club hosts marketing and communications series on Mondays, Feb. 25-April 1, 2013

Minnesota Do-Gooders Club announces a nonprofit marketing and communications series beginning Feb. 25 and continuing each Monday through April 1, 2013. Each event will be held 5:30-7:30 p.m. at Joule, 1200 Washington Ave. S., Minneapolis. Series passes are available at www.mndogooders.org for $50 if ordered before Jan. 31 and for $75 if ordered later. Individual tickets will be for sale beginning Feb. 1. Seating is limited. Tickets are transferable.

“We believe connecting with peers leads to the best ideas and biggest inspirations, so we provide a forum where nonprofit professionals can exchange insights about our industry’s best practices and technology,” says co-founder Matthew Foster, owner of My favorite Matthew, a company that specializes in web design and development for nonprofits.

“Our goal is to increase the amount of good we are able to do by learning from one another’s experiences, to strengthen our own work, and to raise the profile of all communications work done in Minnesota’s nonprofit sector,” adds co-founder Wendy Ruyle, co-owner of 5 by 5 Design, a strategic marketing, graphic design and creative communications firm.

The 2013 Minnesota Do-Gooders Club series features six panel discussions with some of Minnesota’s most innovative nonprofits and marketing consultants.

Feb. 25, 5:30-7:30 p.m., “Beauty is a Beast: Creating a Strong Visual Brand,” panelists include Andrew Blauvelt, Walker Art Center; Carlo Cuesta, Creation in Common; Scott Mikesh, Scott Mikesh Creative; Adam Turman, illustrator; Mary Wickstrom, Mill City Farmers Market

March 4, 5:30-7:30 p.m., “It Takes a Village: Marketing through Volunteers and Advocates,” panelists include John Capecci, author of Living Proof; Vince Opheim, Children’s Hospitals & Clinics; Janene Riedeman, St. Cloud Hospital

March 11, 5:30-7:30 p.m., “Media Mayhem: Managing Public and Press Relations,” panelists include Natascha Shawver, League of Rural Voters; Quentin Skinner, Guthrie Theater; Robin Smothers, Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board; Heather West, Heather West Public Relations

March 18, 5:30-7:30 p.m., “Cash in on Good Advice: Marketing for Fundraising,” panelists include Jeff Achen, GiveMN; Peter Dross, Center for Victims of Torture; Doug Powell, Schwartz Powell; Nicole Anderson Stern, Minnesota Public Radio; Bob Weidman, Weidman Consulting

March 25, 5:30-7:30 p.m., “Lights, Smartphone, Action! Telling Your Story through Video,” panelists include Chris Hudson, American Institute of Architects; Brant Miller, Four Humors Theater; Chuck Olson, Vidtiger; Bill Stiteler, Studio Meddling

April 1, 5:30-7:30 p.m., “Great White Fail Whale: Managing Your Social Media Presence,” panelists include Kate O’Reilly, CleverKate; Laura Zabel, Springboard for the Arts

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Client news: Kolbe announces retractable screens now available for crank out casements and awnings

Kolbe unveils new, retractable screens for crank-out casement and awning windows at the 2013 International Builders’ Show in booth #C2607. The screens are available as factory-applied or field-installed for Ultra Series crank-out casements and awnings, crank-out EP casements and awnings, as well as the newly introduced crank-out XL awnings with dimensions as large as 60-by-84-inches.

“Finally, crank-out windows’ screens can tuck out of the way when they’re not in use to provide unobstructed views. When the screens are needed, they simply pull down to accommodate fresh air and natural ventilation without inviting pests,” explains Kolbe’s vice president of marketing, Cindy Bremer. “These new, retractable screens are offered for both our new windows and can be added to homeowners’ existing Kolbe windows. Customers also will appreciate our attention-to-detail as the screens are crafted to match their windows’ interior wood species and finish.”

The screens’ GreenGuard® Certified BetterVue® fiberglass mesh offers smooth operation and improved visibility compared to other screens. They are tested to ensure the screens do not corrode, stain, rust, crease or dent. The screens fit crank-out casement and awning frame sizes of 20- to 75-inches wide and 16- to 96-inches high. Because the screen is applied within the stops of the window unit, there is no minimum required jamb depth.

Kolbe’s Ultra Series crank-out casement and awning windows have exteriors clad in low-maintenance, extruded aluminum containing recycled content. The outer, metal surfaces may be finished in environmentally friendly, durable coatings using a broad palette of colors. For the interior, a range of sustainably harvested wood species can be selected, such as those certified by the Forest Stewardship Council. Kolbe products’ environmental attributes also support projects pursuing green goals including U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED® Rating System™, Green Globes™ and ENERGY STAR®.

Kolbe’s website contains a database for thousands of Kolbe’s ENERGY STAR qualified products, as well as air, water, structural and thermal reports. The site’s Architect Library and online resources can help simplify the research and specifying process. For example, design teams can easily communicate and visually customize many Ultra Series’ product dimensions and functionality using Kolbe’s 3D Revit® building information models (BIM). In addition to BIM tools, visitors can access 2-D drawings; warranties, installation and maintenance information, and online videos to demonstrate product operation and performance testing.

Learn more about Kolbe’s retractable screens for crank-out casements and awnings at www.kolbe-kolbe.com or in-person at booth #C2607 during IBS in the Las Vegas Convention Center, Jan. 22-24, 2013.

Client news: Wausau provides historically styled, blast-mitigating, hurricane-resistant window system for renovation of modernist federal buildings in Puerto Rico

Helping protect federal government offices and occupants in Puerto Rico, while preserving the Modern aesthetic, Wausau Window and Wall Systems provided high-performance systems for the Federico Degetau Federal Building and the Clemente Ruiz Nazario U.S. Courthouse. Glazing contractor Koch Corporation of Louisville, Ky., installed six types of Wausau’s windows to meet the various security and environmental requirements including energy efficiency, ballistic and blast mitigation, and moisture and hurricane resistance.

The project was one of several funded in Puerto Rico by the Federal Government. The window replacement was funded as part of the U.S. General Services Administration’s (GSA’s) Security Enhancement, Glass Fragmentation Program.

Located on a 26-acre campus in the Hato Rey section of San Juan, the buildings represent the largest GSA-owned asset in the Caribbean. Federico Degetau Federal Building houses more than a dozen federal agencies. The imposing, seven-story, 460,000-square-foot structure features a steel-reinforced, poured-in-place, exposed concrete facade. Connected to the federal building with a 1,600-square-foot addition, Clemente Ruiz Nazario U.S. Courthouse spans 100,000 square feet.

Both buildings were designed in the 1970s by local architects O’Kelly, Mendez & Brunner and Miami-based engineers Smith, Korach and Associates. The architectural style is described by some as “Brutalist Modernism.” To administer historically appropriate, exterior upgrades for both buildings, the GSA retained Wank Adams Slavin Associates LLP (WASA/Studio A) as the project architect. Weidlinger Associates was the structural engineer for the project.

According to the Design and Construction Division of the GSA Public Building Service Northeast and Caribbean Region, the existing windows were original to the building and showed signs of significant deterioration. The GSA’s documentation cautioned, “The performance criteria for these windows are not typical.”

Typical condition of existing windows prior to renovation

Koch Corporation served as the general contractor, as well as the glazing contractor using Koch’s team and local tradespeople. The window replacement portion of the project began in May 2010 and was completed it May 2012. The buildings remained fully occupied and operational throughout the renovation.

“It was quite a difficult job and we wanted an exceptional engineering team. We didn’t want to go in with an untested company. With Wausau, we invested the time and resources and came up with a good plan to do it right,” says Benjamin Feinn, Koch Corporation’s CEO. “We shared a good old-fashioned attitude that we’re in this together and it turned out very well.”

Wausau brought together a team with extensive experience in engineering glazing systems that address multiple performance criteria. Comprehensive project-specific testing validated the performance.

Removal of existing windows during renovation

For the federal building, Wausau engineered, fabricated and shipped more than 1,500 glazed units, including six types of windows, to meet different performance requirements for blast, ballistic and hurricane protection. Wausau’s 3250i-V Visuline™ and 3250i-HP INvent™ Series hurricane-resistant windows comprise the majority.

Attaining the buildings’ thermal comfort and energy efficiency objectives, the windows employed polyamide frame thermal barriers to meet the required maximum U-Factors and Solar Heat Gain Coefficients. Viracon provided the low-e coated, high-performance, insulated, laminated, blast- and ballistic-resistant glass for both the federal building and its attached courthouse.

Scaffolding supported a phased, exterior window renovation to minimize occupant disruption To minimize disruption for the occupants, different approaches were considered, including performing the work from either the interior or the exterior. The latter approach was deemed more suitable to meet the project installation schedule and would provide the least amount of occupant interruption. Pipe frame scaffolding was installed in phases around the building perimeter. A different sequence, however, was used for each building.

For the federal building, the glazing team began at the top, on the 7th floor, with the north (front) façade, followed by the south (rear). Once this floor was completed, they moved to the 6th floor, beginning again at the front of the building and then to the back, and progressed down the building. All work was performed at night.More than 1,500 glazed units were engineered, fabricated, shipped and installed

After the last of the federal building’s basement rear-facing windows were replaced, the glazing team began on the courthouse. With respect to these building occupants, the field crew removed and replaced an entire façade rather than a full floor. The on-site team sequenced the new windows from the northwest to the southwest, southeast to the northeast, wrapping around the structure.

In addition to meeting the performance criteria, the window systems were designed to closely resemble the original, architectural character with narrow sightlines. Wausau’s aluminum frames were finished by Linetec in bronze anodize.

“The goal was to satisfy the project requirements without increasing the existing sightlines,” states WASA/Studio A’s senior associate for preservation, Angel Ayón, LEED® AP. “The project gained accolades …due to the sensitive approach that it followed to minimize the impact of the window replacement on the significance of this modernist building.”

One of six types of high-performance window configurations installed during renovationThe resulting efforts earned praise from the Puerto Rico State Historic Preservation Office. Wausau and Koch’s team happily accepted the compliments. “It’s always nice to be recognized for a job well-done,” says Wausau’s government market manager, Tom Mifflin, LEED Green Associate. “The project was extremely challenging from an engineering standpoint due to the slender historic sightlines and very high blast and windborne debris requirements.”

“Thankfully, there was no asbestos or lead that needed abatement, which is rare on a building of this type and age – something we are accustomed to seeing,” adds Feinn. He continues, “Wausau provided field support at critical moments, especially at the beginning. During the installation Hurricane Irene hit the Koch team causing damage to many uninstalled windows. Wausau helped us restore the inventory and with some excellent field management we stayed on schedule.”

Other storms during the period made for a challenging exterior installation. In August 2010, Hurricane Earl generated sustained wind speeds in San Juan of 29 knots with gusts up to 39 knots. The next year in August 2011, Tropical Storm Emily hit Puerto Rico, followed 20 days later by Hurricane Irene. Nineteen days after Irene, Tropical Storm Maria caused devastating flooding.

“We wrapped up on site in May 2012 and haven’t had a single call back. This was put to the test in August when Hurricane Isaac passed through. We did not hear of a leak or any issues associated with the windows’ performance,” Feinn says with pride.

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Federico Degetau Federal Building and Clemente Ruiz Nazario U.S. Courthouse; 150 Carlos Chardon Avenue, Hato Rey, Puerto Rico 00918

* Owner: U.S. General Services Administration; http://www.gsa.gov

* Project managed by: Design and Construction Division, Public Building Service Northeast and Caribbean Region; New York, N.Y.

* Construction manager: Jacobs Engineer Group Inc.; New York, N.Y., and San Juan, Puerto Rico; http://www.jacobs.com/

* Project architect: Wank Adams Slavin Associates LLP (WASA/Studio A); New York, N.Y.; http://www.wasallp.com

* Blast consultant: Weidlinger Associates, Inc.; New York, N.Y.; http://wai.com

* General contractor and glazing contractor: Koch Corporation of Louisville, Ky.; http://www.kochcorporation.com

* Glazing systems – manufacturer: Wausau Window and Wall Systems; Wausau, Wis.; http://www.wausauwindow.com

* Glazing systems – glass fabricator: Viracon, Inc., Owatonna, Minn.; http://www.viracon.com/

* Glazing systems – finisher: Linetec, Wausau, Wis.; http://www.linetec.com/

Association news: AAMA releases test method for operating forces of CW and AW class windows, sliding and terrace doors

AAMA 513-12, “Standard Laboratory Test Method for Determination of Forces and Motions Required to Activate Operable Parts of CW and AW Class Operable Windows, Sliding Glass Doors and Terrace Doors in Accessible Spaces” was recently released by the American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA).

“AAMA 513-12 provides a consistent, repeatable, laboratory test method for validating the capability of operable window designs, properly installed and maintained,” says Steve Fronek (Apogee Enterprises/Wausau Window and Wall Systems), chair of AAMA’s ADA Test Methods for Hardware Task Group. “Design teams can help ensure that fresh air and a connection with the outdoors are made accessible to people with physical disabilities, by specifying windows capable of meeting operating force and motion requirements of ICC/ANSI A117.1.”

Developed by AAMA’s ADA Test Methods for Hardware Task Group, AAMA 513-12 references important industry documents which include AAMA 910, “Voluntary ‘Life Cycle’ Specifications and Test Methods for AW Class Architectural Windows and Doors,” as well as the following ASTM documents: ASTM E283, ASTM E331, ASTM E330 and ASTM E547.

“AAMA 513-12, Standard Laboratory Test Method for Determination of Forces and Motions Required to Activate Operable Parts of CW and AW Class Operable Windows, Sliding Glass Doors and Terrace Doors in Accessible Spaces” is available for AAMA members to download at a cost of $15. Non-members may purchase the document at a cost of $45 for download. The specification is also available for purchase on CD and hardcopy. To order AAMA 513-12, visit AAMA’s Publication Store.

Client news: Kolbe introduces Ultra tilt-turn window, brings European functionality to the U.S.

Kolbe announces its new Ultra Series tilt-turn windows, ready for launch at the 2013 International Builders’ Show (IBS) in booth #C2607.

“This dual-action product can swing in for access and easy cleaning, or tilt in like a hopper for ventilitation, all with the simple turn of a handle,” says Kolbe’s product and market manager, Lance Premeau, LEED® Green Associate. “These versatile tilt-turn windows combine American flush-to-frame design with European functionality.”

At IBS, visitors will see four Ultra tilt-turn units mulled together into an impressive 108-by-94-inch display. Black hardware and a recycled aluminum clad exterior painted in a Truffle color, enhance the European-inspired style.

Kolbe’s tilt-turn model at IBS also features energy-efficient, double pane, insulating glass with LoE2-270 coating, which is standard on most Kolbe products. On the interior, an engineered, laminated veneer bamboo product (sourced from suppliers such as Lamboo®) extends the environmental statement. Bamboo is the most renewable material of its kind currently available for the building products industry.

A wide range of wood species also is available for Ultra Series tilt-turn windows, including those certified by the Forest Stewardship Council™ (FSC® license code FSC-C019541). FSC-certified options, recycled content and energy efficient glass choices further support projects’ green building goals, such as those pursuing recognition by ENERGY STAR®, Green Building Initiative’s Green Globes™, and the U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED Rating Systems.

Kolbe’s Architect Library and online resources can help simplify the research and specifying process. For example, design teams can easily communicate and visually customize many Ultra Series product dimensions and functionality using Kolbe’s architectural drawings. In addition to architectural drawings, the website includes air, water, structural and thermal reports; warranties; installation and maintenance information; and online videos to demonstrate product operation and performance testing.

 

Learn more about Kolbe’s Ultra Series tilt-turn windows at www.kolbe-kolbe.com or in-person at booth #C2607 during IBS in the Las Vegas Convention Center, Jan. 22-24, 2013.

Association news: AAMA launches blogs; provides information on the industry, membership and social media

AAMA recently launched three blogs on www.aamanet.org/blog: “Trade Secrets,” written by Rich Walker, AAMA’s president and CEO; “Member Edge,” written by Janice Yglesias, AAMA’s association services director; and “Socially Speaking,” written by Sam Sinkhorn, AAMA’s communications coordinator.

“We are pleased to announce the launch of the AAMA blogs as they will enhance our online communications and better serve our members by providing the latest information on hot industry topics, association membership and social media,” says Walker.

Specifically, “Trade Secrets” will feature monthly posts on Walker’s perspective on issues affecting the fenestration industry, including updates on ENERGY STAR® and relevant federal legislation, in addition to topics that are applicable across all industries, such as the importance of taking vacation time.

Also featuring monthly posts, “Member Edge” will focus on AAMA’s membership initiatives. According to Yglesias, “The ‘Member Edge’ blog will provide an excellent forum to highlight the value of various AAMA programs and services as well as to share conversations with our members about their perspectives on our association and the future of the fenestration industry.”

AAMA’s third blog, “Socially Speaking,” will include weekly updates that highlight platform-specific social media best practices. “Now that AAMA is actively participating on both LinkedIn and Twitter, ‘Socially Speaking’ will supplement the how-to presentations given at AAMA Conferences by serving as an additional resource for the latest in social media news, tips and trends,” says Sinkhorn.

Client news: Jack Spelman joins Wausau as architectural sales representative serves eastern Pennsylvania, southern New Jersey, northern Delaware

Wausau Window and Wall Systems names Jack Spelman as its architectural sales representative in eastern Pennsylvania, southern New Jersey and northern Delaware. Drawing from ore than 30 years of industry experience, he works closely with the building owners, architects, general contractors and glazing contractors in the region.

For the past 18 years, Spelman served as president of JDS Enterprises, Inc. of Exton, Pa. As the company’s founder, he worked closely with many commercial window system manufacturers. Throughout his career, he held various leadership positions in sales and management, including as a distributor of Traco and YKK.

“There are very few, highly rated, well thought of manufacturers. Wausau is definitely one of them,” says Spelman. “For this region, I see strong opportunities for Wausau’s unitized curtainwall and Advantage window products, which are competitively priced, pre-engineered to save labor, and meet tight timelines.”

Spelman has earned a reputation for being a knowledgeable resource. Beyond customers, he has shared his expertise as a member of the Construction Specifications Institute (CSI), Associated Builders & Contractors, Inc. (ABC) and the National Glass Association (NGA).

In his free time, Spelman enjoys golfing, alpine skiing and power boating. A resident of Downington, Pa., he often visits Denver where his son, John, lives and also works in the glazing industry.

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