Client news: Four LEED accredited professionals at Tubelite share sustainable design knowledge

Tubelite will be exhibiting at CSI CONSTRUCT in booth #628 and at GlassBuild America in booth #912.

As members of the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), Tubelite Inc. supports building projects that are designed and constructed to meet LEED® Rating Systems’ criteria. Exemplifying the company’s commitment to sustainable design, Tom Minnon, eastern regional sales manager, and Brian Tobias, estimator, are LEED Accredited Professionals. Steve Wilkening, engineering manager, and Gerard Schoeb, a structural and applications engineer, are LEED Green Associates.

They share their knowledge of green building products and practices through presentations and articles, such as with the USGBC, Architects’ Guide to Glass and Metal, Metal Architecture, the American Institute of Architects (AIA), and the Construction Specifications Institute (CSI).

Tubelite provides storefront, curtainwall, entrance and daylight control systems to commercial building teams. These products can contribute to projects pursuing certification through the LEED Rating Systems in the areas of daylighting and views, thermal comfort and energy efficiency, low-emitting materials and recycled content. The aluminum used to produce these products can be extruded by Tubelite using EcoLuminum™, a high recycled-content aluminum billet composition with durable finishes.

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Client news: Chicago Metallic EuroStone Sustainable Ceiling Panels offer acoustics, aesthetics

Chicago’s DePaul University’s Ray Meyer CenterChicago Metallic® Corporation’s EuroStone® Sustainable Ceiling Panels provide acoustical performance, environmental responsibility and long-term durability in high-performance buildings. In addition, EuroStone panels receive high marks for aesthetics with a range of finishes, edge details, patterns and custom-embossed designs.

“Maximizing indoor environmental quality, while reducing concerns about microorganism contamination and Sick Building Syndrome, are important issues in commercial building design. That’s why EuroStone Sustainable Ceiling Panels are the product of choice for healthy buildings around the world,” says Brooks Williams, Chicago Metallic’s marketing manager, acoustical ceiling panels.

In support of indoor environmental quality, EuroStone panels are made from an inorganic blend of volcanic stone, and inorganic binders. They contain no volatile organic compounds (no VOCs), surface coatings or biocides. EuroStone panels are composed of non-hazardous and non-fibrous materials. The panels’ inherent properties ensure they will not warp, sag in high temperature and humidity environments. They are fire-resistant and will not burn, smoke or contribute fuel to a fire or high temperate condition.

University of South Carolina’s Williams-Brice StadiumEuroStone panels, backed by a 40-year limited lifetime warranty, have been time-tested in challenging climates and applications, such as in sporting arenas and swimming centers, locker rooms and restrooms, laboratories and health facilities, offshore platforms and coastal settings, passenger and cargo ships.

“EuroStone’s unmatched safety characteristics were a major factor in securing U.S. Coast Guard Approval,” adds Williams. “The panels maintain their high performance and a high-quality appearance throughout the life of the building – even in the most hostile of environments. At the end of its useful life, EuroStone is 100% recyclable.”

Along with the product’s recyclability, material composition and durability, EuroStone ceiling panels can achieve Noise Reduction Coefficients up to 0.65 and have a published light reflectance of 0.76. The benefits of quiet, daylit interiors are recognized qualities of healthy buildings and may contribute to multiple categories in the U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED® Rating Systems.

Iowa State LaboratoriesFor Iowa State Laboratories’ LEED certified building, HDR Architecture’s team specified EuroStone in the Terric fine textured surface. “It’s good. I like the product,” said Taylor Dueker, HDR’s vice president. “We’re very interested in sustainable design. We used EuroStone in our own office in 1999, and we’ve been happy with it.”

Other examples of EuroStone Ceiling Panels can be seen in Chicago Metallic’s own corporate headquarters and in such notable projects as:
* Chicago’s DePaul University’s Ray Meyer Center
* Illinois’ Merle Norman Cosmetics’ store
* University of South Carolina’s Williams-Brice Stadium
* Miami Dolphins’ Sun Life Stadium
* Mexico City’s Grupo Imagen office building
* University of Texas’ Health Science Center
* Houston Astros’ Minute Maid Park
* Frisco Conference Center, Texas
* Bally Total Fitness, North Dallas Texas

For Bally Total Fitness™ in North Dallas, architects at Chipman Adams Ltd. selected EuroStone with the Novum fine textured surface. “Choosing the right ceiling panel was critical to surviving in high humidity environments,” said Burt Andrews, Chipman Adams’ vice president. “If you put in just any mineral fiber ceiling panel, it would belly and stain and look awful. In a matter of months the panels would absorb enough water to fall out of the suspension grid. We didn’t just need a high-humidity-resistant panel, we needed one that could sustain getting wet. EuroStone is not affected by water or humidity.”

Illinois’ Merle Norman Cosmetics’ storeEuroStone panels are available in 24-by-24 inches for installation into standard 15/16-inch and 9/16-inch ceiling suspension grid systems. In addition to wall-to-wall applications, EuroStone acoustical panels integrate with Infinity™ Perimeter Trim to create clouds and canopies, circles and triangles in nearly unlimited configurations.

Assisting with design and installation details, LEED documentation, cutting and handling recommendations, cleaning and maintenance instructions, project case studies and other resources also are on demand at www.chicagometallic.com.

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Association news: AAMA and WDMA release updated review and forecast that predicts industry trends

The American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA) and the Window and Door Manufacturers Association (WDMA) have jointly released an August 2012 update to the “2011/2012 U.S. Industry Statistical Review and Forecast.” This report delivers timely information on window, door and skylight market trends and product relationships. Historic data for 2006 through 2011 and forecast data for 2012 through 2015 are also included in the report. Forecasts are based on projections of construction activity as of August 2012.

According to the updated study’s data, multi-family and single family starts are expected to experience a slightly better increase than what was initially thought, up to 19 percent over 2011 with additional increases in 2013 and 2014. Residential improvement expenditures are expected to see a similar shift.

As of mid-year, residential skylights are tracking at a growth rate slightly higher than the 2011 volume. New construction skylight activity has proven to be greater than expected with double-digit growth percentages. Remodeling and replacement skylight activity has fallen behind initial expectations with only minor growth, though the replacement market is benefiting from weather-related replacement in the first half of the year.

The updated study continues to show little change in the segmentation for residential interior door material types over the next five years. However, significant volume is expected to return to the entry and interior door market as new construction demand is expected to grow at double-digit rates, outpacing remodeling and replacement activity as the housing market recovers.

Nonresidential construction declined slightly in 2011 and is forecasted to continue to remain slow through 2012, tempering growth in the nonresidential architectural interior door categories. However, the updated study predicts a slight improvement in architectural door shipments in 2012 over earlier forecasts. Lagging slightly behind the residential market, nonresidential construction is expected to rebound significantly in the subsequent three years through 2015.

Additional and more detailed information on the residential and commercial fenestration markets is contained in the “2011/2012 AAMA/WDMA Study of the U.S. Market for Windows, Doors and Skylights” (published in May 2012), which includes all of the items listed below.

* “AAMA/WDMA U.S. Industry Statistical Review and Forecast” (August 2012 Update) summarizes residential, nonresidential and remodeling trends from government and industry sources.

* “AAMA/WDMA U.S. Industry Channel Distribution Report” profiles the residential and nonresidential market for windows and doors as it flows through the identified distribution channels.

* “AAMA/WDMA U.S. Industry Market Size Report” quantifies residential and nonresidential market volumes, both historic and projected.

* “AAMA/WDMA U.S. Industry Regional Statistical Review and Forecasts” detail information for 11 individual regions.

The updated “2011/2012 U.S. Industry Statistical Review and Forecast,” as well as the other reports listed above, are available for purchase online from both AAMA and WDMA.

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Wausau triple-glazed INvent windows support net-zero energy and LEED Platinum goals for NREL RSF expansion

Building on a successful 2010 effort to help the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) create the “greenest office building” in the nation, Wausau Window and Wall Systems returned to contribute to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory’s (NREL’s) Research Support Facility (RSF) planned expansion. For RSF’s expansion, Wausau provided its highest performing triple-glazed windows and custom curtainwall, and assisted the design/build team in improving upon the initial structure’s exceptional energy performance.

Completed in November 2011, the RSF expansion’s occupants finished moving into their new Class A offices at the end of February 2012. In all campus development, NREL serves as a “living laboratory” integrating energy efficiency and renewable energy, high-performance buildings and sustainable transportation. At NREL’s 327-acre South Table Mountain Campus near Golden, Colo., NREL’s RSF is designed and built to attain U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED® Platinum certification.

Unlike typical office buildings, NREL’s RSF is designed to be a carbon-neutral, net-zero energy building, developed to produce as much power as it consumes. For the RSF expansion, the design/build team of Haselden Construction and RNL’s Denver area architects were challenged to achieve a 17% savings in overall energy performance compared with the highly efficient first phase of RSF.

Funding to build the second phase of RSF came through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act as a “shovel-ready” project. Along with ongoing energy savings, upfront financial savings were emphasized during construction of the 138,000-square-foot RSF expansion. Construction costs for the RSF expansion were $264/square foot, compared to $335/square foot for the cost of a typical newly constructed commercial building designed to achieve LEED certification. Calculated as a whole, the total construction costs for RSF’s 360,000-square-foot ultra-high-performance structures were $254/square foot with total energy use of only 34.4 kBtu/sf/yr. Together, RSF supports a combined building occupancy of more than 1,325 people.

Keeping building occupants comfortable, the four-story RSF expansion features a 60-foot wide office space that allows for deep penetration of natural daylight and cross ventilation – primary drivers in visual and thermal comfort, as well as in energy conservation. Wausau worked closely with glazing contractor J.R. Butler, Inc., to incorporate innovative approaches to optimize visible light and views, to provide natural ventilation and control unwanted heat gain, while managing the abundant natural daylight.

More than 450 bays were installed on the RSF expansion using Wausau’s triple-glazed 2250i XLT Series INvent™ fixed and projected windows. In addition to the window bays, Wausau provided J.R. Butler with 4,600 square feet of custom curtainwall and accessories.

J.R. Butler worked directly with Rocky Mountain Prestress and installed the windows into concrete exterior wall units. These units were pre-fabricated and assembled in Rocky Mountain Prestress’ factory and then crane-lifted into place on RSF’s job site. “This unitized approach offered tremendous time savings and cost savings, as well as ensured the proper performance,” explains Wausau’s Colorado-based representative, Cynthia Workman-Snow.

“In response to increased stringency of Model Energy Codes, as well as net zero energy buildings and carbon neutral sustainability goals, many Wausau products are designed to accept triple glazing for buildings of the future,” says Wausau’s government market manager and senior design engineer, Tom Mifflin, LEED Green Associate. “More than 25 years of triple-glazed product development gives us a unique, ‘no problem’ perspective on energy-saving technology.”

Like the first phase of RSF, every workstation in the expansion has 100% daylighting and no workstation is more than 30-feet from an operable window. The operable window units can be opened automatically and manually. “The profile of the RSF expansion matches that of the first phase, but it is designed with more significant thermal constraints and a new window and curtainwall system,” explains Russell Williams, project manager with J.R. Butler.

To meet the challenge, Wausau provided 2250i XLT Series INvent windows with recycled aluminum framing, extra-wide polyamide thermal barriers supplied by Linetec, and triple insulating glass supplied by Viracon. The combination of these high-performance components, experienced engineering and quality fabrication allow the windows to achieve NFRC U-Factors as low as 0.19, equivalent to R5.3. Condensation Resistance Factors range from 59 to 68.

Validating the windows’ performance, INvent Series’ products are tested to meet AAMA AW-100 Architectural Performance Class ratings, including new AAMA 910-10 lifecycle testing to 4000 operating cycles and stringent requirements for air infiltration, water resistance, thermal cycling and structural integrity.

“Wausau’s AW Class hardware carries the added weight of triple glazing with ease,” adds Kevin Robbins, Wausau’s regional sales manager. “INvent windows offer the low required U-Factors without compromising reliable operation, aesthetics or durability.”

Matching the look of RSF’s first phase and enhancing the products’ durability, Linetec also finished all of the recycled aluminum framing material for the RSF expansion in a silver-hued mica, polyvinylidene fluoride coating. The durable finish presents an eye-catching, metallic shimmer that withstands the exterior elements. The liquid coating is applied in Linetec’s factory using specialized equipment to safely capture 100% of the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) released in the painting process, and to use these captured VOCs as an energy-efficient, environmentally sensitive process input.

Along with the window systems’ durable finishes, recycled content and high thermal performance, many of the sustainable features used in the original structure have been further enhanced due to technological advances. These include:
* Improved efficiency of rooftop photovoltaic panels
* Improved lighting control systems
* Increased flexibility in mechanical systems integration

“If we can inspire the industry to achieve higher energy performance with new builds or retrofits, then we’ve met our challenge with this project,” said Haselden’s president, Byron Haselden.

NREL has committed to DOE’s goal of achieving LEED Gold or Platinum certification for all new construction and to exceed American Society of Heating Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) 90.1-2004’s requirements. RSF is anticipated to be 50% more energy efficient than the ASHRAE baseline building performance. NREL also upholds the new Better Buildings Initiative to make commercial and industrial buildings 20% more energy efficient by 2020 and accelerate private sector investment in energy efficiency.

Construction of NREL’s new high-performance buildings and renewable energy systems take advantage of alternative financing mechanisms, including power purchase agreements (PPA), energy savings performance contracts (ESPC), partnerships with energy service companies (ESCO), and cooperative research and development agreements (CRADA). NREL also continues to review the use of overhead funds, cost savings reinvestment, and leveraging of alternative finance for retrofits or new projects.

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National Renewable Energy Laboratory’s Research Support Facility expansion,
South Table Mountain Campus, Colo.; http://www.nrel.gov
* Owner: U.S. Department of Energy; Washington, D.C.; http://www.doe.gov
* Architect: RNL; Denver; http://www.rnldesign.com/markets/government//nrel/#
* General Contractor: Haselden Construction LLC; Centennial, Colo.; http://www.haselden.com
* Glazing contractor: J.R. Butler, Inc.; Denver; http://www.jrbutlerinc.com
* Glazing systems – manufacturer: Wausau Window and Wall Systems; Wausau, Wis.; http://www.wausauwindow.com
* Glazing systems – glass assemblies: Viracon, Inc.; Owatonna, Minn.; http://www.viracon.com/
* Glazing systems – finisher: Linetec, Wausau, Wis.; http://www.linetec.com
* Photos by: DOE/NREL, Dennis Schroeder, http://www.nrel.gov/news/rsfnews/photos.html

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Client news: Tubelite 400 Series curtainwall featured on Pompeys Pillar National Monument in Montana

Tubelite will be exhibiting at CSI CONSTRUCT in booth #628 and at GlassBuild America in booth #912.

Designed for low- and mid-rise applications, the durable framework of Tubelite Inc.’s 400 Series curtainwall can be seen on such notable projects as Pompeys Pillar National Monument.

Located 25 miles east of Billings, Montana, Pompeys Pillar is the site of the only remaining physical evidence on the trail of the Lewis and Clark Expedition of 1803-1806. It was designated as a National Monument in 2001 to commemorate and emphasize Captain William Clark’s journey along the Yellowstone River from Bozeman to the confluence of the Yellowstone and Missouri Rivers.

Captain Clark carved his name into the face of the 150-foot butte on July 25, 1806 during his return to the United States through the Yellowstone Valley. He named the Pillar “Pompeys Tower” in honor of Sacagawea’s son, Jean Baptiste Charbonneau, whom he had nicknamed “Pomp.”

The Apsáalooke Tribe, also known as the Crow Nation, continues to use the Pillar for vision quests and as a prayer site. The Apsáalooke people called the Pillar “the place where the Mountain Lion lives,” because the north face’s natural sandstone formation resembles a mountain lion’s head.

The Pompeys Pillar National Monument is open April 30-October 15. The information center was designed by Denver-based Anderson Mason Dale Architects. CCM Inc. of Hardin, Mont., was the general contractor. Glazing contractor Associated Glass of Billings, Mont., installed Tubelite’s system in 2005.

Tubelite’s 400 Series curtainwall provides industry-leading structural performance reducing the need for steel reinforcing. This system has a 2.5-inch sightline and the strength of back members varying in depth from 4 to 8 inches. An exterior screw-applied pressure bar secures the glass. Snap-on covers, available in a wide range of colors, allow for different finishes on interior and exterior exposed surfaces. Silicone glazed verticals are available for a seamless appearance.

The aluminum used to produce this curtainwall can be extruded by Tubelite using EcoLuminum™, a high recycled-content aluminum billet composition with eco-friendly, durable finishes. For Pompeys Tower, a Dark Bronze anodize was used to complement the natural woodwork and natural landscape.

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Association news: PMI returns to Washington, D.C., for Fall Conference

Plumbing Manufacturers International (PMI) returns to Washington, D.C., for its Fall Conference, Oct. 7-10 at the Hyatt Regency Washington on Capitol Hill.

“While the word ‘water’ evokes an emotional response, the word ‘plumbing’ conjures an entirely different image. It is fact that safe plumbing has saved more lives than the medical profession. Plumbing is responsible for delivering water, essential for life itself. Why then the disconnect?” muses Barbara C. Higgens, PMI’s executive director. “The 2012 PMI Fall Conference will feature a keynote address and a panel of individuals from diverse backgrounds to explore the source of the misperceptions, the impact of these misperceptions, and most importantly, what we can do to turn around these perceptions.”

Keynote addresses will be given by Annie Longsworth, CEO of Saatchi and Saatchi, and Erin Streeter, vice president of National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) who will speak about the importance of a positive image and how to maintain and protect that image.

“Plumbing as a Profession” panelists on Tues., Oct. 9, will represent a cross-section of the industry:

* Jim Kendzel, executive director, American Society of Plumbing Engineers (ASPE);
* Gerry Kennedy, executive vice president, Plumbing Heating Cooling Contractors Association (PHCC);
* Tom Bigley, director of plumbing services, United Association (UA) union of plumbers, fitters, welders and HVAC service technicians;
* Bryan Albrecht, president, Gateway Technical College.

The panel will be moderated by Paul Patton, senior product development manager of Delta Faucet Company and Barbara C. Higgens, PMI’s executive director.

The Fall Conference will begin Mon., Oct. 8, with a keynote speech from political analyst Donna Brazile who will speak on the upcoming political elections and the current environment in Washington, D.C. PMI will demonstrate its new online training platform. This training program is the outgrowth of a Memorandum of Understanding between PMI and the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO).

Christian Richter of the Nickel Institute will provide a timely update. Pete DeMarco from IAPMO will inform attendees on the status of the drain line carry research being conducted by the Plumbing Efficiency Research Coalition (PERC).

Monday’s sessions will close with the dual track format. Meeting tracks for both the Advocacy and Outreach Council (formerly the Marketing Council) and the Technical Council will be held Mon., Oct. 8. “PMI has had great attendance for the dual track sessions and encourages attendees to take advantage of this popular format,” notes Higgens. “After a long day of informative sessions, attendees are invited to take an optional evening networking boat cruise down the Potomac River to see the nation’s capitol at its best.”

Tuesday’s sessions on Oct. 9 will feature presentations by Ann Mason of the American Chemistry Council, who will discuss hexavalent chromium, and Rex Pace of the U.S. Access Board. Gary Stanley and Norbert Gannon, both with the U.S. Department of Commerce, will discuss anti-dumping filings during the Fair Trade portion of the meeting. After the close of the “Plumbing as a Profession” panel discussion, attendees will sit down for dinner and entertainment by the improvisational group The Capitol Steps.

Wed., Oct. 10, will start with a tutorial session on lobbying visits. Afterward, attendees will visit Capitol Hill to meet with their state legislators.

Registration and hotel information for the PMI Fall Conference are available here.

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Client news: Tubelite adds Larry Richert as continuous improvement manager

Larry Richert has been named continuous improvement manager for Tubelite Inc., serving both facilities in Reed City and Walker, Mich. His responsibilities include the development, standardization, training and implementation of the company’s continuous improvement tools used across all business levels.

After joining Tubelite, Richert moved to Ludington, Mich., where he, his wife and their four children live on a family fruit farm. For more than 15 years, Richert previously owned and operated Operations Management Group in Kalamazoo, Mich., helping companies improve communication, productivity and profitability. His practice specialized in rapid implementation of continuous improvement and Lean manufacturing principals.

Before returning to Michigan, Richert worked in Minnesota for Marvin Windows & Doors as the company’s continuous improvement manager. His career experience also includes plant and production management, and mechanical engineering for Richard-Allan Medical. He earned a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Western Michigan University and is a certified Lead Assessor. Richert has led more than 16 organizations to ISO9000, ISO/TS16949, VDA6.2, AS9000, D1 9000, ISO1400, and cGMP Quality System registration.

He will apply his expertise in these methodologies, applications and tools to support all of Tubelite’s operations. Earlier this year, Lean manufacturing principals were applied to optimize workflow and performance at both of Tubelite’s recently expanded Michigan locations.

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Client news: Tubelite names Charlie Hall as client development manager for Virginia

Tubelite, Inc. has named Charlie Hall as client development manager in Virginia working with G. Bowie and Associates. As part of the manufacturer’s representative team, he will provide Tubelite’s glazing contractors and architectural clients with storefront, curtainwall, entrance and daylighting systems.

Hall says that he is particularly impressed with Tubelite’s ForceFront™ Storm and Blast products: “For much of Virginia, hurricane impact products are required by code to protect occupants against the extreme coastal conditions. For many government projects in the area, blast mitigating systems are essential. There also are many opportunities in the area to help healthcare facilities, universities and schools that need products with protective performance, low-maintenance durability and long-lasting, reliable operation.”

Prior to joining G. Bowie & Associates in 2011, Hall worked in construction and property mortgage financing. Earlier in his career, he was a television news journalist and videographer, as well as a marketing representative for various NASCAR sponsor displays. He earned a bachelor’s degree in mass communications from East Tennessee State University.

G. Bowie & Associates draws from more than 30 years of experience in commercial building products and services, working closely with architects, glazing contractors and consultants throughout the Southeast and mid-Atlantic regions. Based in Nashville, Tenn., the company acts as knowledgeable, educational and technical resources on building enclosure products serving Tubelite’s clients in Tennessee, Alabama, Kentucky and now Virginia.

Further supporting its clients, Tubelite is a member of the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), the Construction Specification Institute (CSI), 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).

To contact Charlie Hall and to learn more about Tubelite’s products, please click here.

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Client news: Chicago Metallic helps designers turn dreams into reality with custom metal ceilings

Blending multiple systems, sizes, configurations and finishes, Chicago Metallic(R) Corporation helps design teams define one-of-a-kind spaces that reflect the occupants’ brand and tastes.

“From traditional to contemporary, we can help you achieve nearly any look you desire. What others find challenging, we excel at solving,” says Edward Williams, an IIDA affiliate, who serves as Chicago Metallic’s business unit manager, metal ceilings. “We offer the industry’s broadest palette of colors and finishes. We know the importance of maintaining a uniform aesthetic from one ceiling component to another.”

Drawing from more than 100 years of experience, the company offers nearly limitless possibilities. Along with developing completely custom products, Chicago Metallic assists customers in modifying standard products to suit their particular applications. Williams explains, “We apply our knowledge and capabilities to make an existing product in a new way. We even build this custom capability right into standard products like CurvGrid and Infinity engineered perimeter trim, where every project is made-to-order. We let the architect determine the shape and we size, form and finish to meet their need.”

Williams continues, “Working closely with installing contractors, we alleviate the worry and deliver on our promises for a successful installation. The earlier we are involved in the design discussion, the more easily we can help bring your vision to reality within the project’s scope.”

Supporting custom ceiling designs, Chicago Metallic can assist with:
* Forming and finishing panels to create distinctive designs
* Developing full-scale mock-ups
* Applying perforated metals for sound control
* Complying with performance requirements and codes
* Creating suspension systems for ease of installation, maintenance and access to building systems

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Association news: AAMA encourages year-round window safety

With cooler weather approaching, many homeowners may leave windows and screen doors open for ventilation. While open windows and doors can increase airflow and cut down on cooling costs, they also can be dangerous for children who are not properly supervised.

According to a 2011 study conducted by the American Academy of Pediatrics, window falls injure more than 5,000 children every year, with the majority of falls occurring from two-story windows. In order to reduce this number, the American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA) encourages households to practice year-round window safety.

The beginning of the school year is an effective time to both survey the possible dangers in the home as well as to educate children and other family members about the dangers of open windows and the importance of accident prevention.

“While Window Safety Week is held every year during the first week of April, education on window safety should be an ongoing effort and occur throughout the year,” says Rich Walker, AAMA’s president and CEO. “AAMA is proud to partner with the National Safety Council (NSC) and other industry organizations, as a part of the Window Safety Task Force, to provide education that will keep families safer and aid in the prevention of accidental falls from windows and related injuries year round.”

The NSC’s Window Safety Task Force offers these tips to protect children from window falls:
* Avoid the placement of furniture near windows to prevent children from climbing.
* Do not rely on insect screens to prevent a window fall.
* Keep children’s play away from open windows and doors.
* Install building code-compliant devices designed to limit how far a window will open or window guards with release mechanisms to help prevent a fall.
* Teach your child how to safely use a window to escape during an emergency.

To help teach children about window safety, an activity book is available on the task force’s website, as well as additional information for parents and caregivers. To learn more about window safety, visit the Window Safety and Fall Prevention webpage on the AAMA website.

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