© 2008 Door & Access Systems
Publish Date: Fall 2008
Author: Tom Wadsworth
Pages 6-34

NEWSLINES

THE FRONT PAGE
Our Top NewsLines Stories

products
Overhead Announces EcoBuilt Doors
Read the full story in Product News on page 8.

companies
Lawrence Acquires Pacific Rolling Door Assets
See page 26.

industry
Industry Products Removed From New Law
See page 30.

New Tennessee Law Regulates Automated Vehicular Gates
See page 31.

technical
DASMA Fall Technical Forum Coming
See page 32.

PRODUCTS

Overhead Announces EcoBuilt Doors

In July, Overhead Door announced the introduction of the EcoBuilt product line, a result of the company’s recent acquisition of Ankmar assets. The EcoBuilt product line features two new garage door collections, the Verde Collection and the Traditional Panel Collection.

“Our newest collections provide consumers with naturally beautiful, durable, and environmentally friendly garage doors,” says Jason Moreno, product manager.

The Verde Collection offers the look and feel of handcrafted wood in four styles (Yosemite, Acadia, Presidio, and Tahoe), available in a variety of patterns and with several window and decorative hardware options. Available with or without insulation, the doors feature steel-integrated meeting rails.

The new Traditional Panel Collection offers four panel designs: Smooth, Woodgrain, Long, and Flush, with many customization options including insulation.

EcoBuilt panels are SCS (Scientific Certification Systems) certified to use a minimum of 88 percent recycled content. The doors outperform wood in tests of weather and time, resisting splitting, warping, cracking, and bending. They come prepped for painting, eliminating the need for exterior priming. www.overheaddoor.com

Clopay Adds Woodgrain Print to Gallery Collection

In August, Clopay introduced a faux woodgrain finish option to its three-layer insulated Gallery Collection of heavy-gauge steel doors. The door’s baked-on multilayered paint and print system offers an affordable, low-maintenance, natural-looking stain alternative to an actual wood door.

Clopay has invested in a print system that applies the medium-oak-colored grain horizontally and vertically, following the stiles and rails, for a more authentic wood appearance.

“Woodgrain prints are going to become a popular choice for homeowners who like the look of real wood but not the upkeep,” says Pat Lohse, vice president of residential marketing.

No special maintenance is required to preserve the finish beyond standard garage door recommendations to wash and rinse the surface periodically. www.clopaydoor.com

Amarr Introduces New Panel Designs

In June, Amarr Garage Doors introduced new recessed- and raised-panel carriage house designs for its Oak Summit Collection of carriage house garage doors. Amarr also added a new insulated three-layer model, the Oak Summit 3000.

“Amarr’s focus for the past few years has been on giving homeowners more choices than any other garage door company,” says Vickie Lents, residential category director. With the new offerings, the Oak Summit Collection is now available in more than 72 style combinations.

To complement the new carriage house designs, Amarr also has introduced two new window inserts, the four-lite Thames and the four-lite Arched Thames.

The Oak Summit 3000 doors are offered in white, sandtone, and almond colors, and with DecraGlass, obscure glass, or standard glass. www.amarr.com

New Opener Accessories From Hörmann Gadco

In August, Hörmann Gadco announced a new wall console station and safety beam set, replacing the existing components of the SilentDrive opener.

The new wall station covers an existing electrical junction box so no faceplate is needed. It can use the mounting screws of the junction box, and its wire connections use Phillips screws. It also features a large LED-lit button, a vacation lock button, and a button that turns on the opener light.

The new safety beam units are not polarity sensitive, so installers need not worry about which color wire to connect where. Spring wire terminals, located outside the housing, eliminate the need for tools.

Bright LEDs on the sending and receiving units make it easy to check functioning. The sensor automatically adjusts for ambient light, reducing errors due to sunlight or dust. www.hormann-gadco.com

C.H.I. Announces Overlay Carriage House Doors

In July, C.H.I. Overhead Doors announced the new 5000/5100 Series Pan-Overlay Carriage House doors. The new design features a dual-tone look with environmentally friendly accent battens over a woodgrain-embossed steel base section. www.chiohd.com

Linear to Launch 3/4-HP Opener

In October, Linear will introduce its most powerful operator, the new LCO75 garage door opener for light-duty commercial doors and residential carriage house doors. The LCO75 can operate with rails from 7' to 14'.

For the light-duty commercial market, the 3/4-HP LCO75 is designed to work with 10'-, 12'-, and 14'-high doors. The LCO75 features an instant-reversing high-torque motor and thermal overload protection. Its sensitivity, limit-adjustment, and transmitter settings are conveniently located on the same side of the operator.

Linear also is introducing two I-beam chain rails with heavy-duty steel. The new HCI-12 is a preassembled and pre-tensioned I-beam rail designed for 12' doors. The HCI+2 is a rail extension kit that works with HCI-12 for 14' door applications.

For residential use, the LCO75 features dual 100-watt lights, deluxe wall station, and a three-channel visor MegaCode transmitter. Standard T-rails can be converted to stronger I-beam rails using Linear’s bolt-on carriage house rail conversion kit.

The LCO75 comes with a lifetime motor, a five-year mechanical warranty, and a one-year electrical warranty. www.linearcorp.com

Goff’s Offers Trailer Curtains

In August, Goff’s Enterprises introduced its new line of vinyl/mesh sliding trailer doors.

These doors attach along the header of the existing trailer door opening to create a controlled environment. They easily slide open and closed.

The vinyl door version seals temperature inside the trailer and protects against outdoor elements while controlling noise. The 18-oz. door curtain is available in seven color options and features a 40-mil clear PVC center window. The curtain material meets fire-retardant standards.

The mesh model has a 17' x 11' mesh that keeps bugs out and provides a 65 percent shade factor. www.goffscurtainwalls.com

Hörmann Flexon Launches Self-Repairing High-Speed Door

In July, Hörmann Flexon launched the Speed-Commander 1400 SE high-speed roll-up door for interior openings up to 14' wide x 16' high. The door’s opening speed of up to 100" per second contributes to energy savings.

In case of a collision, the flexible panel breaks out of the guide tracks. The simple, self-repairing design requires the push of a button; with no tools, the door again becomes operational.

Its flexible SoftEdge profile minimizes damage to goods and greatly reduces risk of injury. Quiet operation is achieved with horizontal spring steel panel stiffeners, accommodating in-plant negative or positive pressure conditions. www.hormann-flexon.com

Chamberlain Adds Economy Residential Gate Operator

In August, Chamberlain announced the LiftMaster LA100, a swing-gate operator for entry-level residential use.

The LA100’s 24V DC motor provides soft start and stop operation. Its on-board 315 MHz radio receiver accepts Chamberlain Passport and Security+ remotes.

Other features include easy-to-use mounting hardware, a simple manual disconnect, and an aluminum housing that eliminates corrosion and prolongs product life. A key switch, doorbell, and battery backup are also available.

The new Wireless Gatebell Keypad with Remote and Monitor can be mounted anywhere outside for visitor access. Its base station, located within the home up to 500' from the keypad, audibly signals when a visitor wants to enter or exit at the gate. Access can also be granted when a visitor enters a four-digit code on the keypad. www.liftmaster.com

DBCI Announces New Guide System

In July, DBCI announced its A.C.E. Guide System and a new spacer strut. Calling it “one of the most advanced rolling sheet door guide systems,” DBCI says the system increases the stability of the product and creates an easier method of installation.

The A.C.E. Guide System consists of a new, wider 1.5" galvanized-steel guide, a polyethylene wear strip, an adjustable bolt on the head stop, pre-punched holes for lock and attachment fasteners, and Tapcon XL fasteners.

DBCI’s new spacer strut improves the problematic spacer and strut assembly. The new one-piece design makes installation easier. www.dbci.com

Canimex Introduces Hand Chain Tensioner

In June, Canimex announced its new hand chain tensioner to control hand chain movement. With the new tensioner, the hand chain is always aligned with the chain hoist.

The new product fits every Canimex hand chain or hoist and offers three installation options: floor, wall, or track mounting. It comes with a protective cover. www.canimex.com

C.H.I. Adds Powdercoat Upgrade

In June, C.H.I. Overhead Doors began offering a new upgrade option: The Appearance Package.

The option includes powdercoating for all hardware, excluding drums, springs, and cables. This upgrade comes standard in white, with custom colors also available. www.chiohd.com

Linear Offers Key-Ring Transmitter Package

In July, Linear began offering a Trans Prox radio transmitter and Wiegand access control, integrated in miniature key-ring packages. Homeowners can now carry one product on a key ring to enter buildings through multiple entry points.

The transmitter is compatible with Linear’s telephone entry systems, multi-door access controllers, and gate receivers. The proximity access is compatible with Linear’s AM-PR proximity reader in 26-bit Wiegand format. The ACT-31D and ACT-34D are suited for multi-tenant gated communities.

The ACT-31D is a single-button Trans Prox that sends a unique code to an entry point. The ACT-34D four-button Trans Prox sends a unique code for each button and is suitable for activating radio receivers near community access gates, automatic doors, residential garage doors, or other entry points. www.linearcorp.com

C.H.I. Announces Impact-Approved Doors

In June, C.H.I. Overhead Doors introduced the iSeries Impact-Approved line of garage doors for use in windborne-debris areas. The iSeries provides protection from strong wind gusts, volatile pressure fluctuations, and the damaging effects of windborne projectiles.

These reinforced, heavy-duty steel pan doors provide this protection without the cumbersome use of locking posts or other means of securing the door. www.chiohd.com

doorLink Redesigns Stiles

In August, doorLink announced redesigned commercial stiles that feature a rolled/hemmed edge. This modification eliminates sharp edges and provides additional strength to the stile. www.doorlinkmfg.com

Re-Source Expands Aluminum Hardware Line

In August, Re-Source Industries announced the addition of new items to its Rustic Series Aluminum Decorative Hardware Collection.

The items include three new two-piece decorative hinges in Mission, Barcelona, and Fleur-de-Lis styles. These hinges allow the addition of hardware to doors that cannot accept conventional strap-style hinges because of the narrow rails between sections.

Re-Source has also added three new Ring Pulls, the 4-1/2" Rustic Misson, 4-1/2" Rustic Diamond, and 4-1/2" Rustic Tall with 7" x 3" backer plate. All are solid aluminum with fixed rings.

A new Rustic Cane Bolt with a 10"-tall surface-mount bolt replicates the appearance of a pair of swinging carriage doors. The Cane Bolt is mounted on the center stile and bottom rail of the door.

New clavos, available in four sizes, include screw-mount Round Clavos for use on wood, steel, or composite doors. www.re-sourceind.com

PremierGarage Debuts New Cabinetry

In June, PremierGarage, a garage-enhancement franchisor, unveiled PremierAccess, a new line of cabinetry with a bypass sliding door system, ideal for smaller spaces.

The new cabinets feature an upper and lower track mechanism that prevents the doors from coming out of their tracks. Available in all PremierGarage finishes, the new sliding doors can be mixed and matched with the company's traditional garage cabinets.

PremierAccess will be available in the fall. www.PremierGarage.com

MMTC Adds a Universal Mounting Bracket

In July, MMTC announced the UB-1 Universal Industrial Photocell Mounting Bracket.

The bracket can be used with all major brands of photocells. The new UB-1 is adjustable from 4" to 8", allowing the photocell to clear garage door tracks and other obstacles.

Made of heavy-gauge steel, the bracket is plated with a silver-looking finish for durability, rustproofing, and appearance. www.mmtcinc.com

DuPont Expands Hurricane-Resistant Glass Offerings

In August, DuPont expanded the range of DuPont SentryGlas interlayers to meet a broader range of needs for protective windows, doors, and safety-glazed building elements. The newest SentryGlas is available in thinner sheets that provide protection while replacing thicker traditional interlayers.

The company says SentryGlas interlayers are 100 times stiffer and five times tougher than traditional interlayers.

DuPont has also provided counsel to Gulf and Atlantic Coast states on stronger building codes and storm-proofing, helping to enact hurricane building codes in Florida in 2007 and in Mississippi and Louisiana in 2005. Hundreds of SentryGlas systems have been tested and approved to meet tough new codes. www.dupont.com

Blue Giant Introduces Edge-of-Dock Levelers

In June, Blue Giant announced a new line of mechanical and hydraulic edge-of-dock levelers with capacities from 20,000 lbs. to 30,000 lbs.

The new MD Comfort Series hydraulic levelers feature dual maintenance-free cylinders to operate the deck and lip. The cylinders and motor come prefitted to the edge-of-dock assembly. The leveler is operated with a remote-mounted, single-push-button NEMA 4 control station.

The new mechanical levelers feature a spring-balanced lifting system. These levelers are available in 66", 72", and 78" widths with up to 30,000-lb. operating capacities and working ranges of 5" above and 5" below dock level. www.BlueGiant.com

TOOLS

Makita Adds Cordless Hammer Driver-Drill

In July, Makita U.S.A. released its new Compact Lithium-Ion Cordless 1/2" Hammer Driver-Drill. This new hammer driver-drill uses an 18V/1.5Ah compact lithium-ion battery that reaches full charge in just 15 minutes.

The Makita-built motor delivers 450 in.lbs. of torque in a compact design weighing only 3.6 lbs. Its variable 2-speed motor generates 400 RPM and 0-6,000 blows-per-minute (BPM) in low speed, and 1,500 RPM and 0-22,500 BPM in high speed.

The tool comes with built-in high-impact LED lights that illuminate the work area. It’s ideal for drilling holes into wood or masonry. www.makitatools.com

DeWalt Launches New 38W Worklight

In September, DeWalt began selling its DC020 cordless/corded fluorescent worklight, ideal for dark garage areas, crawl spaces, and basements.

The DC020 worklight has a 38W fluorescent bulb that generates a softer, brighter light. It also has a low amp draw and runs at a much cooler temperature than halogen portable worklights.

The DC020 can be powered by AC power and all 12V-18V DeWalt batteries. The new light also features two AC power outlets and roll cage protection. www.dewalt.com

PEOPLE

doorLink Hires Industry Veteran

In August, doorLink Manufacturing announced that Angus Lewis has accepted the position of engineering manager.

Lewis, formerly with Ankmar, has been in the garage door industry for more than 45 years. His experience includes engineering management, research and development, programming of automated product configuration tools, and development of wind-load code-compliant products.

Lewis has served as vice chairman of the Commercial and Residential Garage Door Technical Committee of DASMA. In 2005, he was part of a 40-member team of experts that investigated product performance in Louisiana and Mississippi after Hurricane Katrina.

DASMA Gets More Technical Help

Jay Johnson is now part of the technical resources available to DASMA. In June, he participated in the DASMA Mid-Year Meeting and is now involved in several activities of DASMA technical committees.

In 2007, the DASMA board approved the addition of a part-time person to assist Joe Hetzel in the growing technical duties of DASMA. Increasing DASMA’s technical strength is the association’s top objective in its new strategic plan.

Johnson has degrees in architectural engineering and architectural studies from Penn State and has almost 20 years of experience in light commercial and residential construction.

Sommer Adds U.S. Sales Manager

In August, Sommer USA announced the hiring of Jay Hutcher as U.S. business development manager. Hutcher comes to Sommer with more than 17 years of sales experience with several fortune 500 companies, including Capital One, FedEx, and Johnson & Johnson.

Hutcher will lead the company’s sales efforts for continued growth of the U.S. market. Sommer, a leading maker of residential openers in Europe, has been producing garage and gate operators for more than 28 years.

U.S. Door Hires Director of Dealer Sales

In August, U.S. Door & Building Components announced that Sam Stone has joined the company as director of dealer sales. He will develop the company’s commercial door dealer network throughout the United States, Caribbean, and South America.

The addition of Stone “supports our goal to be the most diversified rolling door supplier in the industry,” says Chip Cordes, vice president.

Stone previously worked for 12 years in the pre-engineered metal buildings sector and steel curtain rolling doors for the self-storage and commercial markets.

New Leaders at Upwardor

In August, Upwardor announced new appointments to its sales and marketing team.

Lee McDermott-Hotte, as Upwardor’s new sales and marketing manager, will implement marketing and growth strategies to expand Upwardor’s global distribution. She has experience in marketing, sales, and client services at market leaders in Canada and the United States. Most recently, she was the director of sales for a North American management consultancy in Toronto.

Robert Zanatta is Upwardor’s new national sales representative. He brings experience in sales, account management, and customer service management in the building and construction industry. Zanatta recently served as territory manager for an Ontario-based North American company.

Holmes Spring Expands Team

In August, Industrial Spring announced that Holmes Spring of Tempe, Ariz., has expanded its Arizona-based team in response to increased sales.

Industry veteran Shiv Dass has joined Holmes as western region sales manager. Dass will be responsible for customer relations and for developing and implementing new sales and customer service initiatives. Dass brings 15 years of garage door sales and customer service experience to the Holmes team, having spent eight years with Westgate Door Industries and seven years with Helton Industries.

Mike Parker has been promoted to plant manager and is responsible for overseeing daily operations and customer service for Holmes Spring. Parker has 19 years of experience as a shipping manager, most recently with Industrial Spring. He also served 4-1/2 years in the U.S. Army.

Holmes Spring Manufacturing, a division of Industrial Spring Company, makes springs for sectional, rolling, and one-piece garage doors. Industrial Spring acquired Holmes Spring from Clopay in November of 2007.

Midland Names Information Manager

In May, Midland Garage Door announced that Larry Bormann has been promoted to information manager.

In this role, Bormann works with architects, project specifiers, and dealers to promote and facilitate their needs. He also works closely with all computer-related issues.

In his 20 years with Midland, Bormann has served in many capacities, including customer service, outside sales, and management.

Blue Giant Adds Marketing Manager

In June, Blue Giant, a maker of loading dock equipment, announced the addition of Michael Poeltl as marketing manager.

“Mike brings a wealth of international marketing and Internet experience,” says Steve Greco, director of international sales and marketing. “One of Mike’s first priorities will be expanding the value of Blue Giant’s Web site with new planning, design, and specifying features.”

Poeltl brings five years of marketing and Web site experience, most recently with an internationally recognized legal support firm. He will be responsible for Blue Giant branding, advertising, and public relations.

COMPANIES

Lawrence Acquires Pacific Rolling Door Assets

In June, Lawrence Roll-Up Doors announced the purchase of the assets of the former Pacific Rolling Door from Alumatek-Pacific. The purchase included the Pacific Rolling Door name, contacts, manufacturing equipment, intellectual property, and UL fire door listings/procedures.

Lawrence plans to offer select replacement parts for various Pacific Rolling Door products, including parts for Pacific fire doors and counter fire doors. Some of the best aspects of the Pacific designs will be adopted into the Lawrence product line.

Lawrence Roll-Up Doors, a third-generation family business, was established in 1925. Pacific Rolling Door started business in 1946.

Chamberlain Forms Access Solutions Division

In July, Chamberlain announced the formation of Chamberlain Access Solutions, a new division that combines the recently acquired Digitech International and PTI Integrated Systems with Chamberlain’s Telephone Entry Systems group. David Mack, who served as general manager of PTI Integrated Systems, will lead this new division.

Chamberlain’s current access solution product lines, as well as existing Digitech and PTI branded products, will be offered through Chamberlain Access Solutions. This includes LiftMaster gate access systems and door operators.

Managers from all three businesses will form the division’s leadership teams. Operations are planned to continue from the Asheville, N.C. (Digitech), Scottsdale, Ariz. (PTI), and Tucson, Ariz. (Chamberlain’s Telephone Entry Systems) locations.

Clopay Receives “Best Buy” Rating

In July, Clopay Building Products announced that it received a Consumers Digest “Best Buy” award for its Clopay Classic Line Value Series of garage doors.

Products were selected on the basis of appearance, construction, hardware durability, and materials. The rating is typically awarded to less than 3 percent of the competing models in any given product category.

Researchers at the magazine called Clopay’s Value Series the “best value available for those who don’t want or need an insulated steel garage door.”

Consumers Digest Recognizes C.H.I.

In July, C.H.I. Overhead Doors announced that Consumers Digest magazine named two C.H.I. door models to its list of “Best Buys in Garage Doors.”

C.H.I.’s 2216/2217 urethane sandwich door and model 2255 insulated pan door were recognized as premium and midrange selections, respectively.

Janus Ranked on Inc. 5000 List

In August, Janus International announced that it had been named to Inc. magazine’s 2008 “Inc. 5000” list.

Janus earned the rank of 4,264 of the 5,000 fastest-growing private companies in America. The companies were ranked according to percentage revenue growth from 2004 through 2007.

To be eligible, companies must be U.S.-based, privately held, for profit, independent, and have been generating revenue since 2004 at the latest.

Clopay’s Avante Ranks in 100 Best New Products of 2008

In July, Clopay announced that its Avante Collection door had been named one of the 100 Best New Products of 2008 by Professional Builder magazine. Publication editor Paul Deffenbaugh describes the list as a showcase of “products that will change our view of home building over the next few years.”

Products were judged on a variety of criteria, including innovation and the ability to inspire market competition. Top product picks were featured in the June issue of Professional Builder magazine and at www.housingzone.com.

Clopay’s Avante line features a new double-wall honeycomb window with 1/4"-thick polycarbonate material. The window is available in both a clear and a bronze-tinted material.

Northwest Door Named Recycler of the Year

In May, the Washington State Recycling Association presented a 2008 Recycler of the Year Award to Northwest Door of Tacoma, Wash.

After instituting a recycling program in April 2007, Northwest Door now annually diverts over 1,200 tons of materials from the landfill by recycling more than 85 percent of their solid waste, including steel, tin, wood, plastics, paper, cardboard, cans, bottles, and plastic insulation foam. A direct economic benefit has been a 70 percent reduction in their garbage bill.

Clopay Doors Seen on TV, Online

In August, Clopay announced that its carriage house garage doors will be seen in print, online, on television, and on tour.

Clopay provided two Reserve Collection Limited Edition doors for the 2008 Southern Living “Green” Idea House located in Whisper Mountain, N.C. The house, expected to attract 20,000 visitors, is featured on the Southern Living Idea Homes Web site. Asheville Garage Door Service managed the installation.

Home magazine selected a Coachman Collection door for a garage tune-up featured in its July/August issue. Clopay dealer Aquarius Door installed the door.

A Long Island, N.Y., home of a New York Mets executive is getting a makeover from producers at the DIY Network. Its outdated front-facing garage door will be replaced with a Clopay Coachman Collection door for a future episode. A crew from Ed Mojica is handling installation.

Chamberlain Announces 2008 College Scholarships

In June, the Chamberlain Group announced the recipients of its Duchossois/Chamberlain College Scholarship Awards. This year's award recipients are Anna-Paula Lopez, Charles Partridge, Joanna Smith, Eric Trine, and Christine Willmott.

The scholarships recognize outstanding academic achievement by the children of employees at Duchossois Industries, Inc. and its subsidiaries, including Chamberlain. This year, three renewable $4,000 scholarships and two one-time $1,000 scholarships were awarded.

Overhead Door Featured in Job Recruiting Study

In April, Overhead Door was featured in a webcast titled, “Competitive Advantage in Talent Acquisition: Job Design that Maximizes Business Performance.” The program was produced by the Human Capital Institute, a global provider of research and educational programs for the study of strategic talent management.

In the webcast, Rob Goldberg, director of customer services for Overhead Door, provided insight on the importance of coordinating business performance metrics with recruiting processes to achieve measurable results.

Overhead Door’s customer services call center works with Veritude to develop processes that define jobs and success profiles. These processes have resulted in an increase in improved overall performance and a 20 percent turnover rate compared to a regional average of 48 percent for call centers.

Blue Giant Celebrates 45th Anniversary

Blue Giant Equipment of Ontario, Canada, is celebrating 45 years in the loading dock and material-handling equipment business.

Blue Giant was founded in 1963, specializing in the manufacturing of dock levelers and hand pallet trucks. In 1973, dock lifts and scissor tables were added. In 1978, the company started a 120,000-sq.-ft. manufacturing and distribution facility in Alabama.

International expansion began in 1972 with a licensee partnership for providing dock equipment in Australia. A similar program began in 1991 in Southeast Asia, with expansion in India and China. Distribution expanded to Mexico in 1998 and to Latin America in 2004.

The company is now a leader in loading dock solutions with worldwide facilities and distribution.

INTERNET

DoorKing Adds Internet Programming Feature

In August, DoorKing announced the release of version 6.1 of their Remote Account Manager software for programming DKS telephone entry and access control systems. The new version allows programming through an Internet connection.

The software accesses the DKS server through the Internet, which then transfers data to and from a DoorKing access system. When the transfer is complete, the DKS server will send a message to the computer.

Richard Sedivy, director of marketing, says the process is simple, fast, reliable, available 24/7, “and best of all, we offer it as a free service to our customers.” The 6.1 software and user manual is available for free download from www.doorking.com.

C.H.I. Offers New Web Features

In June, C.H.I. Overhead Doors announced two new Web tools, one for distributors and one for homeowners. C.H.I. now offers distributors a Web site template to help them launch an attractive Internet presence.

For homeowners, C.H.I. has partnered with RenoWorks to update its Door Visions program at www.chiohd.com. The upgrade allows homeowners to select from many home styles and add any C.H.I. garage door and change options such as colors, windows, and hardware.

RenoWorks is also working on a door visualization program to be available soon as a sales tool for C.H.I. distributors.

DBCI Launches New Web Site

In June, DBCI announced the launch of its new Web site at www.dbci.com. The site offers information about DBCI, its products, and color options.

A new Resource Center allows visitors to submit requests for literature or a quote, obtain installation instructions and installer support, or review a glossary of industry-related terms.

Iowa Spring Launches Web Update

In August, Iowa Spring announced new features at www.iowaspring.com.

The update allows users to interact with the company through breakout pages for each industry that Iowa Spring serves. Each market segment page offers a downloadable PDF capabilities sheet. A growing resource library also provides users with key information and documents needed in the ordering process.

Users can also now submit a Request for Quote and upload technical documents and CAD drawings.

INDUSTRY

Industry Products Removed From New Law

On Aug. 14, President Bush signed the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008. Noticeably absent was a “Garage Door Opener Standard” amendment that had been included in early drafts of the law in late 2007. The new law contains nothing that affects any industry products.

If earlier language had been approved, the law would essentially have banned all external secondary entrapment-protection devices that allow contact. Photoelectric eyes or any non-contact reversing system would have been the only approved technologies.

On Feb. 8, 2008, and again on Feb. 29, DASMA faxed a formal letter to key U.S. senators, opposing wording found in the proposed amendment. DASMA’s letter opposed the amendment because it would have short-circuited the normal process for reviewing and amending UL 325, the standard governing garage door entrapment protection.

DASMA’s work continues in this area. Its Door Operator Committee has a subcommittee currently working to clarify UL 325 provisions pertaining to openers and reversing mechanisms.

The full text of the final act can be accessed at www.cpsc.gov/cpsia.pdf.

New Tennessee Law Regulates Automated Vehicular Gates

On May 22, Tennessee House Bill 649 was signed into law. The new state law requires all automated vehicular gates (1) to be installed via the permit process, (2) to be equipped for emergency access through radio-controlled receiver/controller devices, and (3) to be maintained and kept in good repair.

Joe Hetzel, DASMA technical director, says that the permit requirement adds significance to DASMA’s efforts to reference UL 325 and ASTM F2200 in model codes. The permit also supports DASMA’s work toward a DASMA Technical Data Sheet on emergency access.

The 2009 International Fire Code will require compliance to UL 325 and ASTM F2200. Hetzel believes that the International Building Code and other codes may follow suit.

R+T 2009 to Focus on Energy Savings

The 2009 R+T global trade fair for doors/gates, roller shutters, and sun protection systems will focus on solutions for reducing worldwide energy consumption. The event, slated for Feb. 10-14, 2009, will be held at a new exhibition site in Stuttgart, Germany. About 700 exhibitors and 60,000 trade visitors from throughout the world are expected.

Energy efficiency will be the subject of lectures for architects on Feb. 11 and 13. Exhibitors will display many products that make a key contribution to reducing energy costs.

A recent survey by the ES-SO (European Solar-Shading Organization) revealed that constructive sun protection and shutters have the capacity to reduce 31 million tons of carbon dioxide emissions in Europe alone. There is no comparable survey for doors and gates, but it is undisputed that they can contribute substantially to a reduction in energy use. More information on the show is at www.messe-stuttgart.de/rt.

TECHNICAL

DASMA Fall Technical Forum Coming

Several technical experts will speak at DASMA’s Eighth Annual Fall Technical Forum, to be held Oct. 20-23, 2008, in Kansas City, Mo.

The key speakers include Dave Collins, AIA, co-chair of an ICC code technology committee. Collins will speak on balanced fire protection, a hot topic in the rolling fire door industry. He will be joined by Rick Thornberry, a code consultant to the Alliance for Fire and Smoke Containment and Control.

Ted Berman, a Florida product approval contractor, will discuss the latest developments with the Florida product approval program. Mike Fischer, director of codes and regulatory compliance for the Window & Door Manufacturers Association, will provide valuable information about the U.S. Department of Energy’s Energy Star program.

Other topics include wood door finishing and the U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED program. The forum also includes meetings of the Rolling Sheet Door Committee, the Rolling Door Division, the High Performance Door Division, and the Commercial & Residential Garage Door Technical Committee.

DASMA Publishes New Rolling Sheet Door Standard

The DASMA Rolling Door Division recently approved DASMA 207, a new standard for rolling sheet doors. The document provides standards for terminology, guide assemblies, curtains, and operation of rolling sheet doors.

“We believe that the standard satisfies an important market need to address the unique design and performance characteristics of rolling sheet doors within the family of rolling door products,” says Bray Allen. The standard was developed within the DASMA Rolling Sheet Door Committee, led by Allen.

The document defines a rolling sheet door as “a vertically operating, coiling door typically used in commercial, industrial, or self-storage applications, with a curtain consisting of formed metal sheets seamed together.” DASMA’s Joe Hetzel says that the document will undergo canvassing for recognition as an American National Standard.

California Issues Emissions Requirements for Composite Wood Products

California has issued a final regulation order for reduction of formaldehyde emissions from composite wood products. The new California Code of Regulations provisions become effective Jan. 1, 2009, but manufacturers will be given until June 30, 2009, to sell doors compliant with the new regulation.

Garage doors that contain composite wood products are exempt from the requirements if either of these statements is true:
1. The doors are made from composite wood products manufactured with no-added formaldehyde based resins or ULEF based resins.
2. The doors contain less than 3 percent by volume of HWPW, PB, or MDF combined in relation to the total volume of the finished exterior or garage door.

Joe Hetzel, DASMA technical director, recommends that dealers stay in contact with their manufacturer suppliers of affected products to determine how such products may qualify for exemption.

Further information can be obtained at http://www.arb.ca.gov/toxics/compwood/compwood.htm.

MBMA and DASMA Discuss Metal Buildings and Rolling Doors

In June, representatives of DASMA and of the Metal Building Manufacturers Association (MBMA) met in Chicago to continue discussions on the wind-load forces applied to rolling steel doors on metal building framing. The two groups have already jointly tested a full-scale rolling door.

The groups will further investigate (1) determining typical forces applied to rolling steel doors and rolling sheet doors based on wind loads up to 65 PSF, (2) establishing maximum door sizes for doors without windlocks, and (3) conducting further testing and computer simulation to assess applied forces. MBMA is examining the door-type selection process, the door specification process, and code applications.

Lee Shoemaker, MBMA director of research and engineering, says that adequate metal building framing design for rolling doors will require effective communication among several parties in the building development process.

“The door specification and selection process will need to take place as early as possible so that building owners, contractors, design professionals, and code officials can be confident in both door jamb structural framing design and door performance,” says Shoemaker.

The groups are expected to convene again later in 2008.

Dealers Share Insights in Wood Garage Door Survey

In May, more than 100 dealers responded to an online survey on recommended guidelines for finishing wood garage doors. The current guidelines are contained in DASMA Technical Data Sheet 162.

Survey responses indicated the following:

• 17 percent of respondents install 100 or more wood garage doors annually.
• 36 percent of these dealers fabricate their own doors.
• 69 percent require a finish coat on the doors.
• 90 percent recommend at least two finish coats.
• 64 percent recommend an oil-based finish stain; 36 percent recommend a latex-based stain.
• 59 percent do not recommend caulking.
• Of dealers that recommend caulking, 61 percent recommend silicone-based material.

Mark Westerfield, who is currently leading a DASMA wood garage door subcommittee, notes that the feedback may affect how information is presented in DASMA TDS 162. “The information should be geared to accommodate any and all finishing, caulking, and repair options for wood in garage doors, without promoting one type over another,” he says.

Westerfield adds that the survey findings may result in changes to TDS 162.