Plumbing Manufacturers Institute “Takes Charge of Change” at Fall Meeting

* PMI will be exhibiting at Greenbuild in booth #357 *

The Plumbing Manufacturers Institute (PMI) hosted its Fall Meeting, Oct. 3-6, 2010, at the Liaison Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. “Taking Charge of Change” was the theme for this year’s meeting. “As organizations are tightening their belts in this weak economy, everyone must creatively adapt to changes and challenges in the workplace or be left behind,” says PMI Executive Director Barbara C. Higgens.

The meeting began on Mon., Oct. 4, with an opening keynote presentation by pilot, author and adventurer Lane Wallace, entitled “Taking Charge: Strength Through Adversity.” Higgens notes, “Her presentation spoke to the idea that change sometimes isn’t enjoyable, but we come out at the end of it better for the experience.” Her presentation was followed by Suzanne Fisher of Pratt Industries, who spoke on the issue of sustainability in packaging.

Larry Muller of Chase Brass and Copper Company gave attendees a lesson in the basics of dezincification and Günter Schieweck of International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials’ Research and Testing (IAPMO R&T) in Germany presented a brief description of certification processes for sanitary products in Europe. Chris Di Iorio and Ian McGaw of CADworks offered a demonstration of Building Information Modeling (BIM) software. Charles White of Repairs, Inc. examined scald and thermal shock issues in American Society of Safety Engineers 1016 and 1017 devices.

The first day of meetings closed with the General Membership meeting. As PMI is expanding its scope of membership, members voted to approve a name change for the organization. The Plumbing Manufacturers Institute will now be known as Plumbing Manufacturers International. In addition to the name change, PMI will roll out a new logo in 2011.

Klaus Fromme of Bradley Corporation was presented with the President’s Award for his outstanding contributions to the plumbing industry. Fromme has been in the plumbing industry for 31 years and has been active with PMI as a committee co-chair.

PMI President Lee Mercer of Moen Incorporated, also welcomed two new committee co-chairs. Mark Malatesta of American Standard is the new co-chair of the Technical Committee and Mike Douglass of Elkay Manufacturing Co. is the new co-chair of the Fair Trade Issue Committee.

The Tues., Oct. 5 meetings opened with updates from PMI’s federal and state lobbyists and were followed by a presentation by Pat Cleary of Fleishman-Hillard on crisis communications.

Elise Owen of the American National Standards Institute spoke on standards and market access in India and China. Gary Stanley and Pat MacAuley of the Department of Commerce spoke on the National Export Initiative.

An international plumbing forum took place on Tues., Oct. 5 to identify mutual goals and solidify partnerships. Representatives of various international plumbing organizations engaged in a lively discussion on the issues they face in their respective countries. The panel included Tim Fisher, Plumbing Products Industry Group (Australia); Yvonne Orgill, Bathroom Manufacturers Association (Great Britain); Günter Schieweck, IAPMO R&T (Germany); Christian Taylor-Hamlin, Bathroom Manufacturers Association (Great Britain) and Ken Tomihiro, Canadian Institute of Plumbing and Heating (Canada).

Retired U.S. Marine Corps General Anthony Zinni was the closing keynote speaker. He spoke of what it takes to weather change on the battlefield and in the boardroom. At the conclusion of his presentation, Zinni autographed copies of his book for attendees, Leading the Charge: Leadership Lessons from the Battlefield to the Boardroom.

Wed., Oct. 6 featured last minute tips for attendees who were participating in Capitol Hill lobbying visits and a presentation by Neil Swiacki of Environmental Carolinas who spoke on promoting environmental achievements.

For more information about the PMI Fall Meeting, visit www.pmihome.org or call 847-481-5500. The 2011 Spring Meeting will take place March 27-30 at the Hotel Monteleone in New Orleans.

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Filed under: ASSOCIATION NEWS, Events, Products | Comments Off on 10.21.10 Association News

Kolbe introduces Ultra EP casement windows with triple pane glass for improved energy performance

* This product will be displayed at Greenbuild 2010 in booth #489 and at International Builders Show 2011 in booth #W929 *

Kolbe announces the addition of Ultra EP (Energy Performance) casement windows to its Ultra Series product family of energy-efficient, aluminum-clad wood windows. The new Ultra EP windows feature triple pane glass to meet the ENERGY STAR® criteria for all Canadian climate zones, which went into effect Oct. 1, 2010.

Internationally, ENERGY STAR-qualified windows are tested and certified by an independent, accredited agency. Window products can qualify for ENERGY STAR based on their U-factor. U-factors for the four Canadian climate zones range from 0.21 to 0.32, expressed in metric units as 1.20-1.80.

Kolbe’s Ultra EP casement and awning windows come standard with 1-3/8-inch (2.54-cm) insulating glass and LoE coatings designed to achieve U-factors as low as 0.19 (approximately 1.00 in metric). Lower U-factor numbers indicate a slower transfer of heat from a warm area to a cold area. This is considered advantageous in colder climates where homeowners want to lower their heating bills by effectively and efficiently keeping the warm air inside.

Helping lower homeowners’ maintenance costs, Ultra EP wood windows’ exteriors are clad in durable aluminum. The aluminum is finished with a protective, fluoropolymer coating that carries up to a 30-year warranty, or with an optional, anodize that enhances the metallic appearance. On the interior, pine is the standard, but many wood species are available including those certified by the Forest Stewardship Council. A broad palette of paints or water-based stains can be specified, along with hardware and accessory choices, to match nearly any décor.

Contributing to smooth installation, Kolbe’s Ultra EP windows’ 3.25-inch (8.255-cm) jamb depth fits most standard applications. Kolbe’s craftsmanship is demonstrated by such construction details as sloped sills to direct water away from the structure and carefully coped corners on the sash. On the Ultra EP window, a 2.25-inch (5.715-cm) thick sash, multi-point keeper and engineered hinges accommodate the thicker, heavier triple pane glass, while ensuring nearly effortless operation for the homeowner.

To learn more about Kolbe’s Ultra EP Series windows and other ENERGY STAR-qualified products, please call 800-955-8177 or visit www.kolbe-kolbe.com.

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Filed under: CLIENT NEWS, Green Goals, Homes + Neighborhoods, Kolbe & Kolbe Millwork Co., Products, USGBC | Comments Off on 10.16.10 Client News

AAMA Announces VMC Profile Certification Course
A new education course focusing on vinyl profile certification has been produced by the American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA). The course, entitled “Exterior Vinyl Profiles of Windows, Doors and Skylights: Customer Confidence through Profile Certification” has been accredited by the American Institute of Architects (AIA). The course accreditation was announced in conjunction with the AAMA National Fall Conference, held in Albuquerque, N.M.

The educational course was developed by the AAMA Vinyl Profile Certification Education Task Group, chaired by Brad Esckilsen (Formosa Plastics) details the importance of vinyl profile certification, as well as an overview of the profile certification process. The course also covers the quality control measures in the certification process, including the testing of vinyl compound prior to extrusion into profiles and the weathering and testing of vinyl profiles that is completed to ensure uniform quality.

Esckilsen says, “Profile certification is an important step in quality assurance, and, therefore, it is important for architects and others in the building products industry to understand the importance and the process of certifying vinyl profiles. In today’s marketplace, testing alone is not always enough. Too many questions about test report validity and post testing production exist to allow customers the peace of mind that they’re getting the same quality product designs that met the specified industry standard. That’s why the certification programs exist.”

In addition to the vinyl profile certification course, AAMA offers four online courses and eight additional classroom courses as part of the AAMA Continuing Education Licensing Program.

“Profile certification is a vital step in whole unit product certification,” says Rich Walker, AAMA president and CEO. “In the AAMA Profile Certification Program, profile performance must be tested and verified by an accredited third-party laboratory for conformance with the appropriate AAMA profile specification. An education course centered on the certification process as a whole is valuable in underscoring the importance of quality assurance through certification.”

For more information on AAMA’s continuing education offerings, please visit www.aamanet.org , or contact Libby Magliolo. Sign up to get the AAMA latest news through the AAMA News and What’s New RSS feeds.
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Filed under: AAMA, AIA, ASSOCIATION NEWS, Products | Comments Off on 10.13.10 Association News

AAMA Seeks Better Provisions within Energy Efficiency Legislation

On October 1, Senator Olympia Snowe (R-Maine) and Senator Jeff Bingaman (D-N.M.) jointly released draft legislation that seeks to modify the existing .30/.30 tax credit criteria to selectively mirror ENERGY STAR standards, but severely reduces the current 30%/$1,500 available credit to 10% with a cap at $200. Additionally, the bill attempts to incentivize homeowner purchases of windows meeting strict R5 standards by implementing a 30% income tax credit, capped at $1,000. The “Reduce Energy Bills at Home” Act would extend the tax credits for two years. Rich Walker, president and CEO of the American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA) has spoken in favor of this type of legislation, but believes that specific provisions of the current draft of the legislation don’t serve as an effective incentive for homeowners looking to make energy-efficient home renovations.

Unfortunately, level one of the proposed legislation attempts to replace the currently available 30% / $1,500 tax credit, which is scheduled to expire on December 31, 2010, with a 10% credit to be capped at $200. Furthermore, the Snowe/Bingaman legislation allows the credit for windows which meet the current ENERGY STAR North Central and South Central Performance Criteria. However, to meet the criteria for the tax credit in the Southern climate zone, the bill calls for a U-factor of .42, not the .60 required by ENERGY STAR. The legislation also dictates an SHGC of .55 to qualify in the Northern climate zone, while ENERGY STAR does not enforce an SHGC in this part of the country.

Level two of the Snowe/Bingaman bill seeks to authorize a 30% credit for purchases of windows meeting the stringent specifications of the DOE’s R-5 program. This credit would be capped at $1,000 per homeowner and scheduled to expire on December 31, 2012.

AAMA president and CEO, Rich Walker, commented, “The untimely and poorly administered EPA Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting (LRRP) regulations have increased the cost of window installations to as much as $200 in some locations. Coupling those additional installation labor costs with an average $150 window purchase, the consumer would pay $350 and receive a paltry tax break of only $15. This is clearly not enough of an incentive to drive consumer sentiment toward energy-efficiency improvements and subsequently will do little to spur job growth.

“The credits offered within this draft legislation to induce homeowners to make vitally important energy-efficient upgrades,” Walker stated. “Any legislation that does not sufficiently address the prohibitive increase in labor costs associated with the LRRP cannot be considered as a viable tool to promote energy-efficiency or claim to spark job growth. AAMA will contact Senators Snowe and Bingaman to ensure that our position on the importance of modifying the existing tax credit to include all windows and skylights meeting ENERGY STAR criteria and amending the tax code to extend this credit through 2011, are considered in any future legislation.”

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

Filed under: AAMA, ASSOCIATION NEWS, Homes + Neighborhoods, Products | Comments Off on 10.05.10 Association News

Linetec’s Tammy Schroeder earns LEED Green Associate certification

Tammy Schroeder, LEED Green Associate

Tammy Schroeder, Linetec’s senior marketing specialist, successfully passed the U.S. Green Building Council’s (USGBC’s) Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design® (LEED®) Green Associate Certification. LEED education, certification and accreditation are encouraged as part of the company’s environmentally-responsible practices and support for customers’ green design and building projects.

Schroeder adds her status as a LEED Green Associate to more than a decade of experience with Linetec, the nation’s largest, independent, architectural finishing company. She has written dozens of articles to give architects, contractors and manufacturers insight into all of the, eco-friendly, architectural finishing technologies – paint, powder coat and anodize.

In addition to authoring articles, Schroeder develops and maintains the company’s American Institute of Architects/Continuing Education System (AIA/CES) programs. She also manages the company’s award-winning website, Linetec.com, as well as its e-newsletters and other educational resources.

Linetec, part of Apogee Enterprises, Inc., provides leadership in green building through practical yet distinctive products and services to enclose green commercial buildings, delivered through sustainable business practices. Exemplifying these practices, Linetec has been a member of the USGBC since 2005.

The LEED Green Associate credential, introduced in 2009, demonstrates comprehensive knowledge in green building and the LEED building rating system. It distinguishes individuals who support, but may not directly participate in, green building in their regular professional work. This credential is also a prerequisite to pursue the next tier of accreditation, LEED Accredited Professional with Specialty. For more information on the USGBC and LEED, please see www.usgbc.org and www.gbci.org.

To learn more about Linetec and its green initiatives, please visit http://www.linetec.com or e-mail sales@linetec.com.
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Filed under: AIA, CLIENT NEWS, Green Goals, Linetec, People, USGBC | Comments Off on 10.04.10 Client News

AAMA Publishes Installation Standard Practice for Windows with Mounting Flange

The American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA) has published AAMA 2400-10, Standard Practice for Installation of Windows with a Mounting Flange in Open Stud Frame Construction for Low Wind/Water Exposure. The document details the installation of windows in new construction for detached one- and two-family dwellings and townhouses not more than three stories above-grade in height with a separate means of egress.

“This revision of the 2002 version of the document features some very helpful additions, including some additional and revised figures as well as references to the InstallationMasters™ manual. This document, in addition to other AAMA installation documents, is quite popular and has served as a useful installation resource,” stated Ken Brenden, AAMA technical services manager.

The document was developed by AAMA’s Residential Window Installation (2400) Task Group, chaired by Kim Flanary (Milgard), and addresses the recommended methods and/or sequences used to apply or modify the water-resistive barrier or other flashing and sealing materials to the open-framed opening. The techniques demonstrated in the standard practice were developed specifically to create a moisture barrier to incidental liquid water penetration at the external interface between the window and rough opening.

Flanary explains, “Any water intrusion; whether through the interface between the window and rough opening, the window joinery or the sealant joints around the perimeter of the window will not have a means to exit to the building exterior. As a result, this standard is recommended for buildings/installations considered at low risk of water intrusion.”

Standard Practice for Installation of Windows with a Mounting Flange in Open Stud Frame Construction for Low Wind/Water Exposure is available to AAMA members at a cost of $10 for download, $20 for paper copy and $25 for CD. Non-members may purchase the document at a cost of $25 for download, $50 for paper copy and $55 for CD. To order AAMA 2400-10, visit the AAMA Online Publication Store. AAMA 2400-10 is also available to AAMA Category 1 members through the Publication Licensing Program.

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

Filed under: AAMA, ASSOCIATION NEWS, Homes + Neighborhoods, Products | Comments Off on 10.01.10 Association News

Peter Fuchs named Advantage by Wausau Wall Products Manager
overseeing pre-engineered, high-performance, competitively-priced curtainwall and window wall systems for fast-paced construction

Wausau Window and Wall Systems has named Peter Fuchs as the Advantage by Wausau wall products manager. For more than 10 years, Advantage by Wausau has offered a broad line of standard, high-performance products. In 2009, selected wall products were added, including Wausau’s SuperWall systems. Fuchs will be responsible for enhancing the wall products offering and anticipating customers’ future needs.

Fuchs will report to Michael Weis, general manager of Advantage by Wausau. Weis says, “Peter’s vision for this newly-created position brings the insight needed to bring Wausau’s pre-engineered wall products to market, the experience to enhance these competitively-priced offerings, and the resourcefulness to meet the fast pace of today’s construction timelines.”

Working closely with general contractors and glazing contractors, architects and designers, Fuchs has been involved with such notable projects as California Institute of Technology’s chemistry building in Pasadena, Calf.; Providence Holy Cross Medical Center in Mission Hills, Calif.; Dane County Courthouse in Madison, Wis.; and Kingsbridge Library in Bronx, N.Y.

“All of these projects have featured Wausau’s SuperWall systems,” says Fuchs. “Available with three-week shipping, customers count on SuperWall’s, screw-spline construction for, quick installation. The recycled aluminum framing that comes standard on these systems is protected with durable, low-maintenance and eco-friendly finishes. These finishes can be specified in nearly any color for a bold new look or a perfect match with existing surroundings.”

He continues, “Along with our products’ worry-free, proven performance, building teams repeatedly turn to Wausau for the expertise to help ensure prompt approval of shop drawings and calculations. Wausau’s design and submission engineering tools include AutoCAD® details, test reports, wind load charts, guide specifications, thermal models, and other instructive recommendations.

Fuchs values Wausau’s data-rich sources and highly experienced staff. Before accepting his new position, he served as a process improvement manager. During his eight years with Wausau, his previous roles have included project management, technical, and administrative roles. He received a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Continuing his professional development, he also successfully completed Six Sigma Black Belt training in lean manufacturing, reducing waste, increasing efficiencies and process optimization.

In addition to efficient operations, Wausau’s manufacturing center also promotes environmentally-responsibly practices. Recognizing the facility’s green design and construction, U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED® Green Building Rating System awarded it Silver certification. Wausau’s high-performance products and submissions support also may aid building teams seeking similar certification.

Along with Advantage by Wausau‘s window and wall products, pre-engineered light shelves and sun shades are available. Complementing these standard products, the company offers a full line of insert vents, including zero-sightlines; terrace and patio doors; and custom-engineered systems.

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Filed under: Buildings + Infrastructure, CLIENT NEWS, People, USGBC, Wausau Window and Wall Systems | Comments Off on 09.30.10 Client News

Corey Roland serves as Wausau’s architectural sales representative in Florida and Georgia

Drawing from nearly 30 years of experience with Wausau Window and Wall Systems, Corey Roland now serves as the company’s architectural sales representative for Florida and Georgia.

Roland moved from Wisconsin to Altamonte Springs, Fla., to work closely with the area’s building owners, architects, general contractors and glazing contractors. Most recently, he worked as an estimating technical specialist responsible for quotation and order processes. His previous roles at Wausau have included production planning and scheduling, estimating management, enterprise resource planning, and other business process implementation.

“Corey brings a longevity in this industry and a breadth of knowledge of our products to enhance opportunities and support for Southeastern customers,” says Kevin Robbins, Wausau’s regional sales manager. “In particular, we see growth potential in education, government and health care projects markets and in providing the construction community with our dependable, hurricane impact resistant windows and curtainwall systems.”

Part of the Advantage by Wausau standard products, Wausau’s Hurricane Series window systems are manufactured with recycled aluminum to meet green building goals and available with accelerated delivery to meet fast-track installation schedules. Roland adds, “For multi-floor spans, our SuperWall and unitized curtainwall systems also are popular for this market, especially when paired with matching sun shades.”

Wausau’s windows, doors, curtainwall systems and daylighting devices may be finished in a choice of 30,000 different colors. The finishes are durable, low-maintenance and eco-friendly. Combining environmentally-responsible finishes, recycled content, thermal performance, condensation resistance, natural ventilation, daylight and outside views, Wausau’s window systems may aid buildings seeking certification under such programs as the U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED® Green Building Rating System.

Helping architects and designers expand their green building knowledge, Roland is available to present “Window Selection for Sustainability and Long-Term Performance,” “Daylighting and Integrated Façade Design,” “Understanding U-Factors,” and other continuing education programs approved by the American Institute of Architects.

To learn more about Wausau’s products, presentations and personnel, please visit http://www.WausauWindow.com, or call 877-678-2983.

Filed under: AIA, Buildings + Infrastructure, CLIENT NEWS, People, USGBC, Wausau Window and Wall Systems | Comments Off on 09.27.10 Client News

Appleton Coated Moves the High-Speed Inkjet Web Platform into New Market Opportunities
New Utopia Inkjet Web provides a coated surface to expand applications for this emerging technology

Paul Bradshaw, Sr. VP Publishing Papers for Appleton Coated, oversees Utopia Inkjet printing on an HP T300 Color Inkjet Web Press.

Appleton Coated introduces Utopia® Inkjet and Utopia® Book Inkjet products for high-speed, four-color, inkjet web platforms in North America. Utopia Inkjet coating technology was developed jointly with HP to supply coated product to early adopters of high-speed, inkjet web presses. With the optimized coating of Utopia Inkjet, printers can run high-quality, full-color jobs at 400+ feet per minute – an industry first for high-volume continuous-feed inkjet production platforms.

“Appleton Coated is very excited to be at the forefront of this innovation by providing Utopia Inkjet coated paper optimized for this technology. The new products are designed to help move this growing segment forward by providing the first viable coated paper solution for high-quality, color printing,” says Ann Whalen, Appleton Coated’s senior vice president of marketing and services.

“This new high-speed inkjet web technology gives marketers a unique opportunity to drive value in direct mail and commercial printing applications by bringing together high-quality, four-color print and personalization, at much higher speeds and lower costs than traditional digital presses, “she continues. “The direct mail and book publishing segments are poised to take advantage of the new technology – hence the two product offerings.”

For direct mail applications, Utopia Inkjet is offered in 60-, 70-, 80- and 100-pound text in dull and matte finishes, and 65- and 80-pound cover in dull finish, and 7-point and 9-point cover in matte finish. A gloss finish product is in development with expected availability by year end.

Research indicates that personalized, four-color direct mail drives a 5.5% increase in response over static, black-only print. Whalen adds, “Marketers realize this and look to printers to provide value by producing projects in the most efficient, high-quality, and personalized manner possible. This trend allows printers to increase their revenue, while reducing cost and waste in the process.”

For the publishing market, Utopia Book Inkjet is offered in 45-pound matte text.

“High-speed, inkjet web press technology is a game-changer for the book publishing business,” says Paul Bradshaw, Appleton Coated’s senior vice president of publishing papers. “This technology can have a dramatic impact on improving the publisher’s supply chain by lowering finished goods inventories and reducing the cost of obsolescence. It will immediately improve the supply chain by lowering costs for the custom publishing business and has even more potential for improvement on the short-run offset side of the business.”

Utopia Inkjet products contain a minimum of 10% post-consumer recovered fiber and are available with Forest Stewardship Council™ (FSC) certification and green power.

To contact Appleton Coated for more information or print samples, visit www.utopiapaper.com. For book publishing inquiries, contact Bulkley Dunton at 212-863-1888, e-mail yen.lam@bulkleydunton.com, or visit www.bulkleydunton.com.

Filed under: Appleton Coated, CLIENT NEWS, Green Goals, Products, Type-Paper-Print | Comments Off on 09.24.10 Client News

AAMA, IGMA and GANA Launch Joint Glass Documents Website

A new website has been created as a one-stop resource for all glass-related documents for fenestration and is accessible at www.glassdocs.com. The American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA), the Glass Association of North America (GANA) and the Insulating Glass Manufacturers Alliance (IGMA) have joined forces to create this resource featuring documents from all three organizations.

AAMA, IGMA and GANA are active in standards development and publications of manuals, technical bulletins, test methods and reports in North America. The documents featured on the joint website encompass all areas of glass for fenestration and are available within the following categories:
* Codes & Standards
* Design & Fabrication
* Voluntary Test Methods
* Post Fabrication & Installation
* Thermal Performance
* Care & Maintenance

The three associations have joined forces to create this one-stop reference site for the benefit of the architectural and code communities in North America. This website is intended to provide the information needed in order to ensure both code compliance and good design.

Rich Walker, AAMA president and CEO stated, “AAMA has long made the development of standards and specifications a priority initiative as this furthers the goals of our members as well as the progress of our industry, and we’re proud to be partnering with GANA and IGMA in efforts to make these documents even more accessible.”

“These documents covering all areas of glass for fenestration are valuable resources to professionals in the design and construction communities and making the work of our three associations available in one place will serve as a reference that is both informational as well as convenient,” Bill Yanek, GANA executive vice president added.

Marg Webb, IGMA executive director stated, “Our standards, manuals and technical bulletins represent an enormous amount of work done in conjunction with industry professionals for the benefit of our industry. This joint website will work to the benefit of those who use our standards and brings together the work that our three associations have to offer.”

All three organizations will be updating the site on a continuous basis with document references as they become available.
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Filed under: AAMA, ASSOCIATION NEWS, People, Products | Comments Off on 09.23.10 Association News