CityCenterDC offers a transit- and pedestrian-oriented neighborhood experience in downtown Washington, D.C., that blends 2.5 million square feet of shops, restaurants, apartments, condominiums, offices, a hotel and public spaces. One of the largest urban infill projects ever undertaken in the city, this 10-acre, mixed-use, LEED®-certified development occupies 3.5 city blocks and eight buildings. For the two office towers, Valspar’s Fluropon® coating systems were selected to meet the project’s aesthetic, performance and sustainability goals.

As the owner and master developer, Hines was selected by the District of Columbia in 2003 to purposefully create the massive $1 billion campus on the site of the former Washington Convention Center. The project is situated in the heart of downtown’s office core, along a ceremonial stretch of New York Avenue between the new D.C. Convention Center and the U.S. Treasury and White House.

Foster + Partners, an international studio for architecture, planning and design based in London, served as the master-plan architect for the overall project and the design architect for the office and for-sale-housing components. Shalom Baranes Associates, P.C., a Washington-based architectural firm, served as the executive architect for all buildings, associate master-plan architect and the design architect for the two rental apartment buildings.

Each 11-story office tower contains 280,000 square feet with an unobstructed 360-degree view from the inside of every floor with glass pedestrian bridges linking the two office towers. High-end retail shops and restaurants are located around most of the ground level of both office towers with large aluminum and clear glass storefronts.

Defining the offices’ sleek metallic and glass exterior, TSI/Exterior Wall Systems, Inc. installed the aluminum-framed curtainwall and storefront plus the aluminum panels and sun shades manufactured by Baker Metal Products. Texas Finishing Company finished the majority of these architectural building products in a Bright Pewter color using Valspar’s 70 percent PVDF resin-based Fluropon Classic II coatings. A two-coat Fluropon finish in Black Buckle was selected for the ground floor storefront systems.

“We selected Valspar for this project due to superior quality and customer service we receive during all phases,” said Ken Martin, Texas Finishing Company’s general manager. “From bid time and paint selection as well as product application to completion, Valspar has always been there to assist in providing a quality product and service to our customers.”

Valspar’s Fluropon coatings meet or exceed the American Architectural Manufacturers Association’s stringent standard, AAMA 2605 high-performance exterior specification. Fluropon demonstrates reliable performance including resistance to harmful ultraviolet rays, chemical degradation, abrasions and humidity. These attributes and proven durability may contribute to green building criteria, such as the project’s LEED certification.

Intended as a model for responsible, environmentally sensitive multi-use developments, CityCenterDC’s entire development was accepted into the U.S. Green Building Council’s pilot program for LEED Neighborhood Development (LEED-ND) and received Gold certification – the first in the U.S. to achieve this. The project’s office buildings also earned pre-certification at the Gold level for LEED Core and Shell, and the residential buildings have received Silver certification for LEED New Construction.

Hines’ founder and chairman Gerald Hines commented, “It is both a great privilege and a great opportunity to be able to develop a parcel this large starting with a blank slate. The master plan for CityCenterDC is designed to welcome pedestrians, to bring neighborhoods together and to be sustainable for generations.”

Carrying through on this plan, the project’s general contractor is comprised of a joint venture between Clark Construction Group and Smoot Construction. Built in two phases beginning in April 2011, Phase I offers 674 residential units, 515,000 square feet of office space and 295,000 square feet of retail space. Construction is anticipated to begin on Phase II in the third quarter of 2015 on the Conrad Washington, D.C., a 355-room luxury hotel with more than 32,000 square feet of additional retail space.

Throughout its development, CityCenterDC’s accomplishments have been recognized. These honors include: the Associated Builders and Contractors of Metro Washington’s Excellence in Construction Award for Mega Project, the Associated General Contractors of D.C.’s Washington Contractor Award for Joint Venture New Construction Project, Engineering News Record Mid-Atlantic’s Best Project for office/retail/mixed-use development, the NAIOP Commercial Real Estate Association of Greater Washington’s Award of Excellence for Best Mixed Use Project, Urban Land Institute – District Trends Awards “Best Mixed Use Development” and the Washington Building Congress Craftsmanship Awards.

Also offering praise is CityCenterDC’s office towers’ anchor tenant and international law firm Covington & Burling LLP, leasing approximately 420,000 square feet. “CityCenterDC offers a modern, efficient space from which our lawyers and staff can deliver the highest possible level of service to our clients around the globe,” said Timothy Hester, chair of Covington’s management committee.”

“It’s symbolic that a firm with nearly a hundred-year-history in Washington has chosen to relocate to the city’s most cutting-edge project,” stated William B. Alsup, III, senior managing director of Hines. “Covington’s relocation to CityCenterDC embodies one of the most important design themes of the project’s master plan – integrating the new with the old, ‘reweaving’ the fabric of the surrounding neighborhood with the state-of-the-art amenities and components of CityCenterDC.”

Howard J. Riker, managing director of Hines, added, “The success of our office leasing campaign validates our vision for CityCenterDC. Our office tenants will benefit from and contribute to the creation of a vibrant blend of office, shopping, dining, residential and cultural spaces and experiences.”

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CityCenterDC office towers; One and Two CityCenter, 800 Tenth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20001
* Owner and master developer: Hines; Washington, D.C.; http://www.hines.com/home/default.aspx
* Master-plan architect; office tower and for-sale-housing design architect: Foster + Partners; London; http://www.fosterandpartners.com/
* Associate master-plan architect; executive architect for all buildings; residential rental design architect: Shalom Baranes Associates Architects (SBA); Washington, D.C.; http://www.sbaranes.com
* General contractor – joint venture:
Clark Construction Group, LLC; Bethesda, Maryland; https://www.clarkconstruction.com
and The Smoot Construction Company; Washington, D.C.; http://smootconstruction.com
* Curtainwall, storefront, sun shades and panels – installer: TSI/Exterior Wall Systems, Inc.; Upper Marlboro, Maryland; http://www.tsiwalls.com
* Curtainwall, storefront, sun shades and panels – manufacturer: Baker Metal Products Inc.; Upper Dallas
* Architectural coatings applicator: Texas Finishing Company; Carrollton, Texas; http://texasfinishing.com/wordpress
* Architectural coatings provider: The Valspar Corporation; Minneapolis; http://www.valsparinspireme.com/index.html
* Video: Construction process; http://www.citycenterdc.com/construction-progress
* Photos by: Aker Imaging

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Scott Platta celebrated his retirement following a 40-year career that includes founding Linetec in 1983 and serving as its first president. Thanks in part to Platta’s vision and leadership, Linetec is now the nation’s largest independent architectural finisher providing paint and anodize finishing services for such products as windows, curtainwall, entrances, hardware and other components.

“I started my career as a part-time kid, low man on the ladder, and worked my way up to president. I was always given the opportunity to improve and advance in the company. Mistakes were tolerated as long as you were focused and your heart was going in the right direction,” Platta remembers. “I feel very fortunate to have worked for a very competent group of managers and associates. Linetec and Apogee Wausau Group is world-class, and a wonderful company to have spent my career.”

When Platta became president, he oversaw 20 employees and a new aluminum-coating facility in Wausau, Wisconsin. Supported with the financial stability of parent company, Apogee Enterprises, Inc., he helped grow Linetec’s business to the 450 plus employees of today. Platta and Linetec’s team achieved this success by helping manufacturers meet architects’ increasing demand for aluminum windows in a wider variety of colorful, durable finishes.

“He was one of the first in the industry who identified the need for fluoropolymer paint,” praises Linetec’s current president, Rick Marshall. “It was Scott’s initial vision to have Linetec be more than just a finishing company. He added value by expanding services for its customers. Among his many ideas that we continue to build upon are our on-site field service, our in-house paint blending laboratory and capabilities, our Linetec Managed Inventory and our Linetec designated route trucks.”

Understanding customer needs came easily to Platta. Prior to joining Linetec, he worked for its first customer Wausau Window and Wall Systems, then known as Wausau Metals. He continued to grow this and other customer relationships at Linetec. Platta was responsible for acquiring the Polywood Shutter painting business, which for many years, was Linetec’s largest customer. He continued to manage Polywood Shutter’s fabrication facility located in Wausau, in partnership with owners Sunburst Shutters of Las Vegas, and served as its liaison with Linetec.

“Scott’s legacy is more than professional success,” emphasized Marshall. “His accomplishments have benefited thousands of people across our community and our industry. And he has done it along with a great sense humor and humility.”

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Speakers and presenters offered insights into the future of sustainability in the building industry at the American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA) 2015 Summer Conference, held June 28-July 1, in Seattle. Topics covered there included alternatives for green certifications, window technology in Europe and the future of building products.

Rich Mitchell on Alternatives for Green Certifications

On Tues., June 30, Rich Mitchell from Mackenzie presented an overview of his experience as an architect with the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) and the Green Building Initiative rating systems.

The Green Building Initiative uses a one thousand point system for Green Globes, whereas USGBC uses 100 points for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®), said Mitchell. Green Globes assessors are able to use judgment in scoring.

“With LEED, the box is either checked ‘yes’ or ‘no,’” said Mitchell. “Alternately, the Green Globes assessor is coaching you to the finish line.”

The Green Building Initiative’s Green Globes is going to pull more people into sustainability and encourage them to get involved, said Mitchell.

Professor Ulrich Sieberath on Window Technology in Europe

Professor Ulrich Sieberath of ift Rosenheim spoke to Summer Conference participants about the technical performance and sustainability of window technology in Europe. He compared past design standards with those of today and demonstrated how these changes have been for the better in terms of design and features.

For example, one product standard he cited characterized windows with 24 different features. Similar design standards of the past covered only fundamental designs, and few related characteristics, such as frame material groups instead of U-values.

Sieberath also provided examples of sustainable buildings around the world, from those in the U.S. and Canada to others in Europe and Japan. He also covered the popular topic of environmental product declarations, and how to get them for different certification systems.

James Connelly on Reflections on Transparency: The Future of Building Products

James Connelly of the International Living Future Institute spoke about the future of building products in the industry.

“The majority of energy savings in a building come from fenestration products, which is why I’m excited to talk to you,” Connelly told the crowd of residential and commercial window, door and skylight professionals.

He explained that sustainability has been all about reducing your footprint and, instead, creating handprints. “Handprints are the sum total of positive impacts we create,” said Connelly

Connelly discussed the three ways to create handprints. Reduce your own footprint; reduce others’ footprints and focus on generative actions, he stated.

AAMA’s focus on sustainability continues to drive change within the industry. The AAMA Sustainability Committee is dedicated to championing sustainability efforts and addressing green, life cycle assessment oversight and product transparency issues.

More information about AAMA and its activities can be found via the AAMA Media Relations page or on the AAMA website, http://www.aamanet.org.

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Author and researcher Mic Patterson addressed the audience at the 2015 American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA) Summer Conference, held June 28-July 1, in Seattle. Patterson’s keynote address at the event reviewed the recent evolution in façade technology and applications. He identified current and emerging drivers that are powering this change and discussed the challenges and opportunities now facing the glass industry.

Patterson discussed some of the drivers of change, such as geometric complexity, material and process diversity, and acoustical performance. “Most projects referred to as high performance have little to do with performative considerations, but are largely driven by appearance,” he said.

“The building skin combines considerations of performance and appearance like no other building system,” explained Patterson in his address.

Performance considerations typically focus on operational energy consumption and new construction. However, Patterson implored, “it’s not all about energy — adaptability, durability and recyclability should all be considered, as well. Beyond that, it’s not even just about operational energy. Factors like embodied energy, embodied energy debt, maintenance, renovation and end-life disposal are all crucial.”

His presentation also defined differential durability as a measure of performance over time in a specific environmental context. “Materials and service life matter,” said Patterson. He encouraged those in attendance to think about environmental impacts and the impact of your carbon footprint as well as cost.

“Our markets, our products, our systems — the built environment — are ripe for transformation,” said Patterson. “This presents both opportunity and threat.”

However, there are other factors to consider. “Barriers to adoption of high-performance green façade technology include energy, cost, energy prices, building standards and codes, innovation, risk aversion, integration and other factors,” said Patterson.

“We are building our future problems today,” he concluded.

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Mic Patterson is a designer, researcher, educator and entrepreneur whose work focuses on the building skin. He has concentrated his professional and academic career on advanced façade technology and structural glass facades. Patterson earned a master’s of building science degree at the University of Southern California School of Architecture, where he is currently a Ph.D. candidate. He has taught, written extensively and lectured internationally on diverse aspects of advanced façade technology. He is the author of Structural Glass Facades and Enclosures.

More information about AAMA and its activities can be found via the AAMA Media Relations page or on the AAMA website, http://www.aamanet.org.

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The American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA) celebrated 15 consecutive years of furthering the careers and education of students pursuing a degree related to the building products industry by awarding seven AAMA scholarships to children of employees of AAMA member companies. The scholarship award winners were announced during the 2015 AAMA Summer Conference, held June 28-July 1, in Seattle. The recipients of nine partner scholarships also were announced.

“AAMA is very proud of this year’s group of AAMA Scholarship Program winners,” says Rich Walker, AAMA’s president and CEO. “We are pleased to support the efforts of a new generation of leaders and to help expand their knowledge in the building industry.”

The AAMA scholarship is a one-time award of $2,000. All children of employees of AAMA member companies are eligible to obtain this financial aid for higher education in pursuit of a degree in an engineering or technical field relating to the building products industry. Applicants are judged on grade point average, college entrance exam scores and a 500-word essay. Eligible candidates must be high school seniors or college students who are children of employees of AAMA member companies in good standing.

Company representatives from left to right (back): Steven Saffell (Simonton), Mark Ammer (Chelsea Building Products) and Mike Balasko (PolyOne); (front): Darold Horkley (Milgard), Brent Slaton (Keymark), Ray Garries (MI Windows & Doors), Kevin Gaul (Pella) and Joe Hayden (Pella).

The 2015 Florence Nicolici Honorary Scholarship Award was awarded to Paige Shovelton, a soon-to-be freshman at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. She will be pursuing a degree in engineering, and she is interested in math and science. Her father, Robert Shovelton, is an employee of Keymark Corporation, in Fonda, New York.

The first 2015 AAMA Scholarship Award recipient is Kate Carpenter, who will be a freshman at Purdue University this fall. She is pursuing a degree in biomedical engineering and ranked number one in her class. Her father, Chris Carpenter, works for Pella Corporation in Chicago.

The second recipient is Travis Dingeman, who is a soon-to-be freshman pursuing a degree in mechanical engineering this fall at Iowa State University. In his essay, Dingeman said he hopes to use his degree someday to help improve the world we live in. His mother, Jean Dingeman, works for Pella Corporation in Pella, Iowa.

The third recipient is Catherine Hawrylko, a soon-to-be freshman at Ohio State University (OSU). Hawrylko plans to major in mechanical engineering and is enrolled in the Honors Engineering Program at OSU. Her father, Roman Hawrylko, works for PolyOne Corporation in Chicago.

The fourth recipient is Veronica Ammer, who will be a freshman this fall at the University of Arizona, where she will pursue a degree in chemical engineering. She would like to use her degree to improve environmentally friendly products in the building industry. Her father, Mark Ammer, works for Chelsea Building Products in Oakmont, Pennsylvania.

The fifth recipient is Kayleen Horkley, who will start this fall at Brigham Young University-Idaho. She plans to pursue a degree in architectural engineering and enjoys the process of designing buildings. Her father, David Horkley, works for MI Windows and Doors in Fife, Washington.

The sixth, and final, recipient is Hayley Hoag, who will start her freshman year at Stephen F. Austin State University in the fall. She will pursue a degree in engineering, and would like to use it to help advance society. Her father, Christopher Hoag, works for Simonton Windows in Columbus, Ohio.

The nine partner scholarship recipients are as follows:
* Abigail Barnhart, winner of a scholarship from Graham Architectural Products
* Tyler Bixler, winner of a scholarship from MI Windows and Doors
* Marvin Lu, Natalia Quatraro and Sarah Elzinga, winners of scholarships from Milgard Manufacturing
* Brandon Grisales, winner of a scholarship from PGT Industries
* Zane Cope, winner of a scholarship from Quanex Building Products
* Breah Keim, winner of a scholarship from Simonton Windows
* Morgan Lutz, winner of a scholarship from VEKA

For more information, visit the AAMA Scholarship Program web page or contact Jannine Klemencic, AAMA’s executive department assistant. Videos of the AAMA Scholarship Award winners accepting their awards can be found on AAMA’s YouTube Channel, along with those of past winners.

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Linetec offers the use of antimicrobial protection for architectural metal products’ high-touch surfaces such as handrails, entrance systems, window frames, panels and column covers. These high-performance coatings are available in more than 30,000 color choices.

“Linetec provides architectural coatings in nearly any imaginable color with protection that exceeds other conventional finishes on metal building products’ interior and exterior surfaces,” says Jon Close, Linetec’s vice president of sales. “Anywhere the growth of stain and odor-causing bacteria is a concern, projects can benefit from this extra level of protection. We understand that this is especially important for those working on health care facilities, educational campuses and other public building projects.”

Providing further description of the uses and advantages of antimicrobial coatings, Linetec co-authored a white paper titled, Antimicrobial Protection for Public Building Applications. According to the paper, “The need for microbial control stems from the fact that there are an estimated 4.5 million bacterial and fungi species throughout the planet, many of which travel and migrate via the constant ebb and flow of human foot traffic through an ever-changing population of people visiting public buildings. Under the right conditions, some microbes can double in number every 30 minutes or faster.”

At Linetec, 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. As a fluoropolymer finish containing a minimum of 70 percent PVDF resin, this three-coat system meets requirements of AAMA 2605, the most stringent specification for architectural coatings.

An environmentally responsible finisher, Linetec safely captures and destroys the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) present in liquid paints at the factory before arrival on the building site. These industry-leading practices complement other health-conscious and green building choices such as maintaining indoor air quality (IAQ) guidelines, using recycled aluminum content, and ensure a long-lasting, durable and sustainable finish.

For more information about Linetec’s high-performance finishing services, please visit http://www.linetec.com. The white paper is available free for download at http://www.linetec.com/PAINT/Antimicrobial-Protection-Whitepaper.pdf.

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The American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA) has updated and released two documents specific to aluminum finishes: AAMA 612-15, Voluntary Specification, Performance Requirements, and Test Procedures for Combined Coatings of Anodic Oxide and Transparent Organic Coatings on Architectural Aluminum, and AAMA 2603-15, Voluntary Specification, Performance Requirements and Test Procedures for Pigmented Organic Coatings on Aluminum Extrusions and Panels (with Coil Coating Appendix).

AAMA 612 describes test procedures and performance requirements for architectural quality combined finishes of anodic oxide sealed with a transparent organic coating, commonly referred to as the “combined coatings,” applied to aluminum extrusions and panels for architectural products. Similarly, AAMA 2603 covers procedures and requirements for pigmented organic coatings applied to aluminum extrusions and panels. This standard covers factory-applied coatings only.

According to Neil Chrisman (Spectrum Metal Finishing), chair of the AAMA Aluminum Material Council (AMC) Finishes Committee, both of these documents needed to be updated per the group’s commitment to keeping up with the latest developments in the industry and in finishes technology.

“The changes made to these documents are a continuation of the AMC Finishes Committee’s plans to address current issues, test methods and bring specifications up to date with current technologies and ASTM standards,” says Chrisman.

AAMA 612-15, along with AAMA 2603-15, as well as all other AAMA documents, may be purchased from AAMA’s Publication Store.

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Jim Conte joins Tubelite Inc. as a client development manager in the Mid-Atlantic territory concentrating on clients in Maryland, Delaware, northern Virginia, West Virginia and Washington, D.C.

A resident of Maryland, Conte will report to Tubelite’s eastern regional sales manager, Jim Oberlin. They work closely with glazing contractors and architectural teams across the region to provide assistance with storefront, curtainwall, entrances and daylight control systems.

Drawing from more than 30 years of experience in architectural aluminum products, Conte most recently worked as an architectural sales representative for United States Aluminum, a division of C.R. Laurence Co., Inc. Prior to this, he worked for two decades as a glazier gaining knowledge in all aspects of the glass and fenestration industry.

A member of the Construction Specifications Institute (CSI), Conte earned his Construction Documents Technology certification. Helping others maintain their professional credentials and continuing education, he shares Tubelite’s informational presentations with other members of CSI and approved courses to American Institute of Architects’ members. He also volunteers with the design/build LAB at the Virginia Tech School of Architecture + Design, helping guide the next generation of architectural and building professionals.

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Constructed during the 50th anniversary of Salt Lake City’s Ballet West, the new Jessie Eccles Quinney Ballet Centre opened as scheduled for the 2014 production of “The Nutcracker.” Helping distinguish this new cultural center, Valspar’s Fluropon® coating systems were selected in four colors for the building’s exterior wall panels, automatic entrances, louvers, interior metal doors and storefront, column covers, skylights and other aluminum framing systems.

Designed by HKS Architects, the 68,000-square-foot, $24 million facility is owned by Salt Lake County Center for the Arts. Housing Ballet West and the Ballet West Academy, the new dance center contains five rehearsal studios, an expanded costume shop, event and entertaining spaces, offices for artistic and administrative staff, and an expanded public lobby that connects with the historic Capitol Theatre lobby. With respect to its surrounding community and environment, and in accordance with Salt Lake County building standards, the project was designed, built, and certified to the U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED® Gold criteria.

General contractor Okland Construction sought to achieve all of the project’s goals. The groundbreaking was in September 2013 and construction was completed the following year. Working closely with Okland, Steel Encounters installed many of the project’s finished architectural products.

Utah-based Ameritech applied Valspar’s coatings to the formed metal wall panels and metal plate wall panels. The exterior metal wall panels’ diagonal pattern and Champagne Bronze color finish, visually connect the new building to the brick patterning and terra cotta façade of its 101-year-old neighbor, the recently renovated Janet Quinney Lawson Capitol Theatre.

“The brick pattern is reinterpreted in the diagonal metal panel rain-screen system with integrated color-changing LED backlighting,” explained Brian Junge, director of design at HKS Salt Lake City. “The new building edifice takes numerous cues from the historic building and interprets the classic design in a modern way. This similar, but different approach is the essence of the overall project, as the new building relates in many ways to the scale, proportion and color palette of the old building, but interprets these elements as contemporary abstraction.”

Welcoming patrons to the new building, the Center’s automatic entrance systems were manufactured by Kawneer, as were the louvers, interior metal doors and storefront, column covers, skylights and other aluminum framing systems. All are finished in Valspar’s 70 percent PVDF resin-based Fluropon coatings in Gatwick Silver, Black, Dark Bronze or, matching the exterior wall panels’ Champagne Bronze.

“Whenever more than one architectural product manufacturer or finishing applicator are collaborating on a single project, careful coordination is needed to ensure the correct color match. Our architectural coatings experts assist with color evaluation, performance recommendations and product selection,” says Jeff Alexander, vice president of sales for Valspar’s global coil and extrusion businesses. “For Ballet West’s new facility, our Fluropon coatings provide color retention, long-lasting performance, reliable quality, batch consistency, application ease and highest value.”

Valspar’s Fluropon coatings meet or exceed the American Architectural Manufacturers Association’s stringent standard, AAMA 2605 high-performance exterior specification. Fluropon demonstrates reliable performance including resistance to harmful ultraviolet rays, chemical degradation, abrasions and humidity. These attributes and proven durability also support green building goals as the project seeks LEED Gold certification.

In addition to creating an environmentally responsible, world-class facility, “we believe it will become an important anchor in the Salt Lake Cultural Core, attracting new businesses and audience members, and increasing our capacity to service the community,” predicted Scott Altman, Ballet West’s executive director.

Previously serving more than 100,000 students and teachers each year, the new space allows the Ballet West Academy to quadruple its existing programs and enrollment, and to improve the quality of educational programs for pre-professional dancers. The program expansion supports new opportunities to reach a larger audience.

Recognizing the project’s achievements, the new Jessie Eccles Quinney Ballet Centre earned the Utah Construction & Design 2014 Outstanding Projects of the Year – Entertainment.

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The Jessie Eccles Quinney Ballet Centre, 52 West 200 South, Salt Lake City, Utah; https://www.balletwest.org
* Owner: Salt Lake County Center for the Arts; Salt Lake City; http://www.slccfa.org
* Architect: HKS Architects, Inc.; Salt Lake City; http://www.hksinc.com/offices/salt-lake-city
* General contractor: Okland Construction; Salt Lake City; http://www.okland.com
* Specialty contractor: Steel Encounters; Salt Lake City; http://steelencounters.com
* Entrances, skylights, storefront, louvers and column covers – manufacturer: Kawneer Company, Inc.; Norcross, Georgia; http://www.kawneer.com
* Wall panels – architectural coatings applicator: Ameritech; Salt Lake City
* Architectural coatings provider: The Valspar Corporation; Minneapolis; http://www.valsparinspireme.com
* Photos by: Dana Sohm

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The American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA) has updated and released a document specifying performance requirements for liquid-applied flashing used to provide a water-resistive seal around exterior wall openings in buildings that includes fenestration products such as windows and doors, as well as other through-wall penetrations. AAMA 714-15 was previously updated in 2011 and again in 2012.

In this iteration, the minimum requirements for adhesive bond and accelerated aging were defined. The reporting requirements were updated, and the use of mortar slabs was replaced by anodized aluminum strips for water immersion testing.

According to James Katsaros (DuPont Building Innovations), chair of the AAMA Flashing Task Group, this revised document provides rigorous material specification requirements for a new class of flashing products used in the building industry.

“These ‘Liquid Applied Flashings’ have many advantages over traditional flashing products, including ultimate conformability for complex geometries and the potential for vapor permeability,” says Katsaros. “But, they still must demonstrate the durability and gap bridging properties of conventional flashing materials. The AAMA 714-15 specification ensures that these property requirements are met for the successful use of these products.”

AAMA 714-15, as well as other AAMA documents, may be purchased from AAMA’s Publication Store.

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