© 2006 Door & Access Systems
Publish Date: Winter 2006
Author: Tom Wadsworth
Page 68-70

Door & Access Systems Manufacturers Association
DASMA: The First Ten Years
1996-2005

DASMA celebrated its tenth year at the DASMA Annual Meeting in January. Here is a timeline of some of the key events of DASMA’s first 10 years.

1996

The Beginning. DASMA is officially established on Jan. 1, 1996, with the merger of the National Association of Garage Door Manufacturers (NAGDM) and the Door Operator and Remote Controls Manufacturers Association (DORCMA).

Inaugural Meeting. The first meeting of DASMA is held Jan. 17-20 at the Registry Resort in Naples, Fla.

The Benefits. Howard Burns, NAGDM president, writes, “The creation of a single manufacturers’ trade association will present some economies of scale for our members and will result in all of us making optimum use of our time as well as our financial and human resources.”

86 Members. The new organization has 86 companies in its active and associate divisions. Nearly 200 people representing 60 manufacturers attend the meeting.

First Officers. The first officers are Joe Kee of General American Door (president), Brian Bolton of Overhead Door (first vice president), John Moravec of Chamberlain (second vice president), and Geoff Foreman of Wayne-Dalton (treasurer).

New Magazine. NAGDM’s magazine, Garage Door Business, publishes its final issue in winter 1995. DASMA then takes over the magazine, changing its name to Door & Access Systems and broadening its product focus to include coverage of opener products and rolling steel doors.

DASMA Hires Technical Director. In early 1996, DASMA hires Joe Hetzel as its first technical director to help the industry present a united voice to building code and regulatory groups.

1997

First-Year Success. In early 1997, DASMA’s first president, Joe Kee, writes about DASMA’s first year of successes in 1996: (1) initiating more effective communications with building code bodies, (2) addressing issues of garage door system safety with the Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC), (3) responding to news media inquiries about garage door systems, and (4) accelerating the projects of the association’s various technical committees.

International Code Council (ICC). When the ICC first begins work in 1997, DASMA’s technical director stays involved throughout the development of the new International Building Code (IBC), ensuring that industry products are properly represented.

First Research Project. In 1997, DASMA sponsors its first research project, a successful test of a rolling steel fire door welded to steel guides. The joint test saves several DASMA members the cost of conducting independent tests.

Safety Campaign. In late 1997, DASMA launches a major safety campaign, using television, radio, newspapers, and other media to educate consumers about safe operation of a garage door system.

1998

Wind Load Guides. In the summer of 1998, the DASMA technical committees publish new wind load guides for the various requirements of the different building codes.

Hurricane Bonnie hits coastal North Carolina and South Carolina in August 1998. On Aug. 29, a team of eight DASMA members, the first of its kind, investigates garage door damage in the affected areas within days of the event. Their work generates helpful research into the key role of garage doors in high winds.

1999

Mock Trial. At Expo 1999 in April in Toronto, DASMA sponsors a mock trial that demonstrates what can happen in the courtroom after an accident involving industry products.

Impact Standard. In the summer, DASMA makes progress on developing a standard (DASMA 115) for garage door impact tests.

Gate Standard. In April, representatives of AFA (American Fence Association), NOMMA (National Ornamental and Miscellaneous Metals Association), and DASMA meet in Dallas to begin development of a standard for automated vehicular gates.

www.dasma.com. That summer, DASMA secures www.dasma.com as the official address for its Web site. The association had previously used www.taol.com/dasma.

Research Project. In late 1999, DASMA successfully completes its second rolling door research project at ITS in Madison, Wis., again saving the cost of many individual tests.

New Spring Standard. In late 1999, DASMA approves the new DASMA 103, the voluntary standard for spring systems on residential sectional garage doors.

UL and Gate Operators. In late 1999, DASMA wraps up significant, successful participation in sweeping changes to UL 325. The changes, affecting gate operators, would become effective March 1, 2000.

2000

Industry Education: UL 325. In 2000, DASMA sponsors presentations on the new UL 325 changes affecting gate operators at AFA, NOMMA, and IDA events.

IBC and IRC Published. In March, the new International Building Code (IBC) and the International Residential Code (IRC) creates one code for all the United States. DASMA had actively contributed to the new codes.

2001

Rolling Door Research Project. In early 2001, DASMA sponsors a successful joint test of a rolling steel fire door mounted to independent steel tubes.

Pinch Standard. In July, DASMA 116, the new voluntary “pinch standard” for residential garage doors, takes effect. The standard requires pinch-resistant section interfaces or handles on the interior and exterior.

4-Color Magazine. With the summer issue, the DASMA board approves upgrading the industry magazine to a four-color publication. The magazine quickly attracts more advertisers and grows in size, circulation, and importance in the industry.

DASMA at 90. By the mid-year meeting, DASMA membership grows to 90 companies. All four DASMA divisions add members.

Publications on the Web. In the fall, DASMA posts its 30 approved Technical Data Sheets (TDS) on its Web site.

2002

FBC. In March, the new Florida Building Code (FBC) takes effect. DASMA had actively participated in the development of the code.

NFPA. In the summer, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) releases a building code. DASMA extends its code-monitoring activities to NFPA.

ASTM Gate Standard. In the fall, ASTM publishes ASTM F2200-02, the new standard for automated vehicular gates. Again, DASMA had assisted in developing the standard.

First Technical Summit. In October, DASMA holds its first Technical Summit, attended by top engineers throughout the industry, advancing a long list of key technical projects.

2003

DASMA Certification Program. In January, DASMA launches a garage door certification and labeling program, but with a limited response. More discussion on the program would resume later.

Web Site Overhaul. In the summer, an overhauled DASMA Web site gives free access to all DASMA standards, all 56 DASMA Technical Data Sheets, and an extensive collection of DAS articles.

2004

Texas Senate Bill 1252. In early 2004, Texas passes legislation that requires licensing of certain access systems installers. DASMA moves quickly to participate with IDA and AFA in fighting the bill. Texas amends the law in the spring of 2005.

High Performance Door Division. In August, DASMA adds a new division for “high-performance doors,” with seven companies as members: Albany, ASI, Dynaco, Megadoor, Overhead Door, Rite-Hite, and Rytec.

IBHS and DASMA. After four hurricanes strike Florida in the fall, the Institute for Business and Home Safety (IBHS) invites DASMA to participate in ground-breaking post-hurricane investigations.

2005

DASMA and IDA Projects. That summer, DASMA and the International Door Association (IDA) begin work on educational and safety programs.

Thermal Performance Research. By mid-year, potentially flawed thermal information about garage doors and rolling doors prompts DASMA to initiate a research project to develop accurate procedures and data.

Garage Door Labels. Impending labeling requirements in high-wind areas for residential structures prompts DASMA to begin development of a code-compliant labeling program.

Membership Reaches 104. By the end of its tenth year, DASMA membership reaches 104 member companies, an all-time high. The association had grown 20 percent since its beginning in 1996.