Association news: AAMA announces specifications for non-integral door bottom weatherseals

AAMA 703-11, “Voluntary Specifications for Non-Integral Door Bottom Weatherseals,” has been published by the American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA). This document establishes minimum performance requirements for sweep type non-integral door bottom weatherseals.

“The standard for AAMA 703-11 is based on the in-service requirements of door products to maintain acceptable levels of air leakage resistance, water penetration resistance and operating force throughout its design life. Accordingly, door products are manufactured from various framing materials, such as aluminum, steel, wood, vinyl and fiberglass, which interact with sealing systems in two ways,” according to Mark Fortun (Endura Products), chair of the Door Bottom Weatherseals Task Group.

Fortun explains that the first interaction is attributed to “user stresses” that are induced through repeated opening and closing of door panels throughout the design life of the product. Secondly, door bottom weatherseals and framing materials experience environmental weathering elements, such as heat, UV and moisture. Together, these elements affect door framing materials and over time, induce mechanical, chemical and thermal stresses on door bottom weatherseals.

“The document was developed by the Door Bottom Weatherseals Task Group to establish minimum performance criteria for door bottom weatherseals and to verify installed performance through further testing in accordance with AAMA, ASTM or other test methods. Provisions included in AAMA 703-11 are performance requirements (consisting of compression set and weatherability), test specimens, accelerated weathering attribute tests and formulas for calculations, and product cycling evaluation and test reports,” stated Andrea Rhodes, AAMA’s technical operations supervisor.

The “Voluntary Specifications for Non-Integral Door Bottom Weatherseals” is available to AAMA members at a cost of $10 for download, $20 for a paper copy and $25 for a CD. Non-members may purchase the document at a cost of $30 to download, $60 for a paper copy and $66 to receive a CD. To order AAMA 703-11, visit the AAMA online Publication Store.

Association news: AAMA sets performance requirements for exterior stain finishes on wood, cellulosic composites and fiber-reinforced thermoset components

Schaumburg, Ill. — AAMA 633-11, “Voluntary Specification, Performance Requirements and Test Procedures for Exterior Stain Finishes on Wood, Cellulosic Composites and Fiber Reinforced Thermoset Window and Door Components” has been published by the American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA). This standard covers factory-applied coatings intended for service in exterior environments and describes test procedures and performance requirements for exterior stain finishes for windows, doors and similar building products.

AAMA 633-11 is intended to assist the architect, owner and contractor in specifying and obtaining factory-applied stain finishes. Ken Brenden, AAMA’s technical services manager, noted that “the architectural community has recognized the outstanding attributes associated with wood, cellulosic composite and fiber reinforced thermoset components for many related building products.” As such, “AAMA created a technical document in order to demonstrate product performance to our organization’s customers.”

Provisions within AAMA 633-11 include a general overview, specific test specimens and procedural tests sampling for color uniformity, specular gloss and film adhesion, chemical resistance and detergent resistance, humidity resistance, cold crack cycle and oven aging and weather exposure.

“Many window and door profiles have exterior stain finishes to provide selected colors and appearances and to enhance the durability of the product,” says Wallace Kesler (Valspar), chair of the AAMA Exterior Stain Task Group, who spearheaded the development of this specification together with the Fiberglass Material Council and the Wood and Cellulosic Composite Material Council. “AAMA has now set the one performance specification for exterior stains finishes, which will provide a good level of performance of film integrity, exterior durability and general appearance over a period of many years.”

The “Voluntary Specification, Performance Requirements and Test Procedures for Exterior Stain Finishes on Wood, Cellulosic Composites and Fiber Reinforced Thermoset Window and Door Components” is available to AAMA members at a cost of $10 for download, $20 for a paper copy and $25 for a CD. Non-members may purchase the document at a cost of $30 for download, $60 for a paper copy and $66 for a CD. To order AAMA 633-11, visit the AAMA Online Publication Store.

###

Client news: Tubelite names Sage Architectural Products as sales representative in Texas

Tubelite Inc. announces that Sage Architectural Products, LLC of Austin, Texas, will serve the state’s central and southern region. As manufacturer’s representatives, the firm will provide Tubelite‘s clients with storefront, curtainwall, entrance and daylight control systems for commercial building needs.

As the owners of Sage Architectural Products , Todd and Kim Joubert share nearly 30 years of experience in architectural products, specializing in fenestration products for the commercial building sector. “We are impressed with Tubelite’s product selection, quality and service, and its financial strength and stability,” says Todd Joubert.

Prior to beginning their own business, they worked with ACE Glass Co., Inc., a specialty glazing contractor in Little Rock, Ark. Todd Joubert began his career in 1984 with Vistawall. He later worked with U.S. Aluminum and Efco, where he held the title of vice president of sales and marketing for each company.

Sharing their knowledge and experience, Sage Architectural Products provides educational and consultative support to architects, building owners and glazing contractors. The company regularly presents continuing education seminars for members of American Institute of Architects (AIA) and the Construction Specifications Institute (CSI). The Jouberts are members of the Texas Society of Architects/AIA, AIA Austin and Austin CSI, and Todd also is certified as a CSI Construction Documents Technologist (CDT).

The work of Sage Architectural Products in south and central Texas is supported by Tubelite’s new office and team in Dallas, and by Mike Efeney, who covers clients in north Texas and Oklahoma. To learn more about Tubelite’s products and connect with its representatives, please visit http://www.tubeliteinc.com.

###

Association news: PMI welcomes new Executive Board member

Plumbing Manufacturers International (PMI) is pleased to announce C.J. Lagan as the newest addition to the PMI Board of Directors.

Lagan was appointed by the Board to fill a recent vacancy. A senior manager of compliance engineering for American Standard Brands, Lagan began his appointment in July. His term expires at the end of 2012, when he will be eligible to run for a full three-year term.

“I am very happy to be offered a position on the PMI Board. I look forward to contributing the best way that I can,” he said.

Lagan recently completed a term as the co-chair of the Water Efficiency and Sustainability Issue Committee.
###

Client news: 5 by 5 Design conducts focus groups for the Minnesota Fringe Festival

5 by 5 Design conducted a series of focus groups for the Minnesota Fringe Festival. Held prior to the non-profit organization’s main event in August 2011, 5 by 5 Design worked within budget and time constraints to gather audience insights and outside perspectives.

Feedback from the focus groups led to ideas for engaging both current and new audiences, organizing information to better communicate with them, and improving their online experience at FringeFestival.org. The website serves as the Minnesota Fringe Festival’s primary, year-round communications tool, which largely includes the annual festival, which runs Aug. 4-14, 2011 featuring 168 productions at 18 venues across the Twin Cities.

“Along with new suggestions about the organization’s communications, an extraneous result was that the participants felt special for being asked to contribute their input, further strengthening their relationships with the Fringe as external brand advocates,” says Diana Lillicrap, co-owner of 5 by 5 Design.

“Working within an organization, living the brand inside and out, it’s easy for marketers to get so close to their work. It doesn’t need to cost thousands of dollars and dozens of weeks to gain valuable insights from external perspective,” adds Wendy Ruyle, co-owner of 5 by 5 Design.

Robin Gillette, executive director of the Minnesota Fringe Festival, agrees, “Leading the focus groups, 5 by 5 Design asked questions and captured input that may have been overlooked by our internal team entrenched in the day-to-day operations. The process was quick and cost effective. We learned a lot and look forward to incorporating what we learned into our strategic plan and future communications.”

Creative, strategic and resourceful, 5 by 5 Design, Inc. offers marketing communications and design services delivered through a comprehensive set of tools and channels that include branding, interactive and print. Located in Minneapolis, the company celebrates its fifth year in business as leaders in its industry and its community. Learn more at www.5by5design.com.

###

Client news: Tubelite names Mike Gilbert to serve Georgia clients

Tubelite Inc. hired Mike Gilbert as a client development manager. He will work closely with clients in Georgia to provide storefront, curtainwall, entrance and daylight control systems that meet their commercial building needs.

Drawing from 27 years of experience in architectural aluminum products, Gilbert most recently worked at YKK AP America Inc. During his 18 years with the company, he focused on serving Georgia’s architects, specification writers and glazing contractors. He has served as an architectural sales representative and brand manager of YKK’s hurricane and blast mitigation line of commercial products an architectural sales representative.

Gilbert says that he’s excited to join Tubelite as the company launches its new hurricane impact resistant and blast hazard mitigating products. “Tubelite has earned a strong reputation for the high quality of their products and also for their reliability, dependability, and on time delivery.” He adds, “Glazing subcontractors are really stretched thin these days. Sending their installers to pick up materials can be a huge loss of time and labor. If the storefront materials will be delivered on the Tubelite truck, damage free guaranteed and on time, that’s one less worry for the day. I am all about keeping it simple and I believe the clients of Georgia will feel the same way.”

Easing the worries of buildings seeking to meet green building goals, Gilbert also is impressed that all of Tubelite’s architectural products are manufactured using EcoLuminum™, a high recycled-content aluminum billet composition featuring environmentally-friendly finishes. Tubelite’s storefront, curtainwall, entrance and daylight control systems can contribute to projects pursuing certification through the U.S. Green Building Council’s (USGBC’s) LEED® Rating Systems in the areas of daylighting and views, thermal comfort and energy efficiency, low-emitting materials and recycled content.

In addition to the company’s support and membership in the USGBC, Tubelite’s staff shares their knowledge through presentations with the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and the Construction Specifications Institute (CSI). For more than a decade, Gilbert has provided continuing education through AIA, CSI and other associations and publications. He has been a CSI member since 2004 and also is a CSI Construction Documents Technologist (CDT).

###

Association news: PMI Hosts Executive Roundtable Moderated by George Will at Fall Conference in Washington, D.C.

Plumbing Manufacturers International (PMI) President Jack Krecek, vice president and general manager of commercial dhannels for Elkay Manufacturing Company, has announced that PMI will host its Fall Conference, Sept. 18-21, at the Liaison Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C.

Highlighting the conference is an Executive Roundtable to be held on Mon., Sept. 19, moderated by political pundit and journalist, George Will. Invited participants are Keith Allman, president of Delta Faucet Company; Don Devine, chief executive officer of American Standard Brands, Tim Jahnke, president and chief executive officer of Elkay Manufacturing Company; David Lingafelter, president of Moen Incorporated; Tim O’Keeffe, chief executive officer of Symmons Industries; William L. Strang, chairman of TOTO Mexico and senior vice president of operations for TOTO USA and Jim Westdorp, group president of kitchen and bath at Kohler Co.

These industry leaders will address top-of-mind topics and answer attendees’ questions. After the panel discussion, George Will offers a recap and the opening keynote address. “It is an honor to feature this esteemed panel of top notch executives at our fall conference. We appreciate the ongoing support of and active involvement in PMI initiatives by these executives. The PMI Executive Round Table provides attendees with a unique look at our industry through the eyes of seven influential thought leaders,” says PMI Executive Director Barbara C. Higgens.

For those attendees who are interested in attending the Executive Roundtable event only, PMI is offering a special admission rate of $250 for members and $400 for non-members. This rate also includes lunch. For more information, visit the PMI website at www.pmihome.org.

PMI will again offer a dual track format at the Fall Conference. Meeting tracks in both marketing and technical subjects will be held Mon., Sept. 19. The dual track format made its debut at the Spring Conference and received rave reviews. PMI hopes attendees will take advantage of this popular format.

Closing the meeting on Wed., Sept. 21, Wisconsin Republican Congressman Paul Ryan has been invited to give a special presentation to attendees. As the Liaison Capitol Hill, the conference hotel, is located only two blocks from Capitol Hill, PMI will offer Hill visits at the conclusion of the Fall Meeting. Attendees are encouraged to allow enough time to visit their state representatives and take this opportunity to let their voices be heard.

###

Client news: 5 by 5 Design creates award-winning look for Gloryland Gospel Band CD

5 by 5 Design‘s CD package design for the Gloryland Gospel Band was honored with “Best of Category” in the American Graphic Design & Advertising (AGDA) 27th annual awards. The winning, new look for the Minnesota-based band and its “I’ll Fly Away” CD helped increase its fan base and elicit more performance bookings.

The AGDA Awards‘ panel of judges receives tens of thousands of submissions for this annual competition. Each entry is evaluated for concept, execution and effectiveness. No more than 30 percent of all entries are chosen as winners. The distinctive Best of Category award may only be given to the top winner in each category within the contest. 5 by 5 Design earned Best of Category for CD/DVD Package Design and is one of 20 firms across the nation selected by AGDA for superlative design.

“Motivated by the music and mission of the group, we developed an uplifting design to house the inspirational music,” says Diana Lillicrap, co-owner of 5 by 5 Design. “The new look and marketing tool is doing the trick. Since launching the CD, the band is now booked a year in advance.”

“We had done all we could working on our own and sought out 5 by 5 Design’s help to take us to the next level. Our expectations were far exceeded and we’ve been blown away by the results,” praised Mark Mosior, music director of Gloryland Gospel Band. Read more about the Gloryland Gospel Band at ReverbNation.com.

Creative, strategic and resourceful, 5 by 5 Design, Inc. offers marketing communications and design services delivered through a comprehensive set of tools and channels that include branding, interactive, print and packaging. Located in Minneapolis, the company celebrates its fifth year in business as leaders in its industry and its community. Learn more at www.5by5design.com.

###

Client news: Tubelite expands into South Carolina and Texas

As part of its planned market expansion, Tubelite Inc. has opened two offices in South Carolina and Texas and added five, experienced personnel to its team. Both locations are fully operational to support clients’ needs for storefront, curtainwall, entrance and daylight control systems. These offices also extend support for the markets Tubelite already serves through increased sales representation in Virginia, the Carolinas and Georgia, as well as South Texas.

“Expanding to serve clients in these markets has been part of our long-term strategic plan. This thoughtful approach has positioned us for growth and helped us attract knowledgeable, talented people who deliver the high service levels to our clients,” says Ken Werbowy, Tubelite’s president.

He continues, “Our reputation for dependability is not only embodied by our employees, client services representatives and distributors, it is integral to every aspect of our business — from our factory-controlled extrusion presses and eco-friendly finishing, to lead times that are typically half of the industry average, to our Damage Free Guarantee delivery.”

Werbowy notes that all of Tubelite’s personnel may be reached through the toll-free national phone number at 800-866-2227. A map of local representatives and distributors also is available online at www.TubeliteInc.com.

Serving Tubelite’s clients from the new office in Mesquite, Texas:

* Tony Evans, client services manager — He most recently worked as U.S. Aluminum’s engineering products manager. Prior to this, he worked for 23 years with Vistawall as its national products manager and director of client services. He earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Northern Iowa.

* Cynthia Waller, client services representative and estimator — She has served in similar roles at U.S. Aluminum, YKK and Oldcastle. She earned an associate’s degree from Navarro College in Corsicana, Texas, and a bachelor’s from the University of North Texas.

Serving Tubelite’s clients from the new office in Rock Hill, S.C.:

* Kenny Skaggs, client services representative — For more than 15 years, he worked in the inside sales and customer service department at U.S. Aluminum. He earned his Bachelor of Science in business administration from Winthrop University in Rock Hill, S.C.

* Scott Marquess, estimator — He also worked at U.S. Aluminum and draws from 22 years as the estimating manager and inside sales manager. He graduated with a bachelor’s from Troy University in Alabama.

* Adam Swofford, estimator — Working in the glass and architectural industry for 12 years, he most recently served as estimator for U.S. Aluminum. He holds a Bachelor of Science industrial management from Clemson University in South Carolina.

###

Client news: Hurricane-zoned Houston Galleria’s skylights successfully replaced by Super Sky, finished by Linetec

Renovation of The Galleria II Mall project in Houston was underway when Hurricane Ike struck the shopping center in 2008. Super Sky Products provided two, vault skylights to help protect the property and its occupants in future storm events, while providing daylighting to enhance their retail experience.

renovated skylights at The Galleria Mall II,  courtesy of Super Sky Products Enterprises, LLC; photographed by William Lemke

The Galleria’s skylights are synonymous with its brand image. Owned by Simon Property Group, The Galleria is one of the nation’s largest shopping centers and one of the top tourist destinations in Houston with more than 24 million annual visitors. With two hotels, three office towers, 2.4 million square feet of retail space, and a variety of restaurants, The Galleria is a city within a city.

As with any city and its structures, age takes its toll. The existing skylights were replaced with new watertight, structurally-sound vault skylights with gable ends. Each of the units spanned approximately 81 feet in length and 42 feet in width. Ten thousand square feet of Viracon’s VS2-14 insulated, laminated glass was specified to mitigate Texas’ severe heat and storms.

Enhancing the durability and longevity of the skylight system, Linetec finished all of the aluminum framing in a clear anodize. This finish meets the AAMA 611-98 specification, which anodize finishes to meet rigorous testing performance standards including 3,000 hours of salt spray resistance. Linetec’s senior marketing specialist, Tammy Schroeder, LEED® Green Associate, notes its other benefits: “Unlike other finishes, as an integral part of the substrate, anodizing highlirenovated skylights at The Galleria Mall II,  courtesy of Super Sky Products Enterprises, LLC; photographed by William Lemkeghts aluminum’s metallic appearance. Anodized aluminum is 100% recyclable, contains no VOCs, and resists the ravages of time, temperature, corrosion, humidity and warping, adding to its long life-cycle.”

Under the guidance of French Engineering, LLC, the glazing team carefully removed and installed one unit, then the other. During the installation of the second unit, Hurricane Ike impacted Houston. “Although all of the glass units were set, the caulking operations were only 50% completed when the hurricane hit,” recalls Todd Wilde, Super Sky’s project manager.

 

He continues, “Every attempt was made to keep the unit watertight, however some water infiltration did occur causing minor damage. After the hurricane had passed, the installation of the second unit was completed and repairs were made to the interior finishes.” The Galleria’s overall renovations were finalized in March 2009.

**

Houston Galleria, 5085 Westheimer Rd., Suite 4850, Houston
* Owner: Simon Property Group, Inc.; Indianapolis
* Specialty engineer: French Engineering, LLC; Houston
* Glazing system – manufacturer and installer: Super Sky Products Enterprises, LLC; Mequon, Wis.
* Glazing system – glass fabricator: Viracon, Inc.; Owatonna, Minn.
* Glazing system – finisher: Linetec; Wausau, Wis.
* Photos courtesy of: Super Sky Products Enterprises, LLC
* Photographer: William Lemke