Delden Introduces Pinch-Resistant Profile
© 2001 Door & Access Systems
Publish Date: Spring 2001
Author: Tom Wadsworth
Pages 4-16
NEWSLINES
PRODUCTS
Delden Introduces Pinch-Resistant Profile
Delden’s new Delcraft Plus is the industry’s latest pinch-resistant garage door. The door, announced in January, resembles the 1-1/3" DC138 with polystyrene insulation, a silicone thermal break, and a self-lubricating polypropylene weatherseal.
The door’s enhanced features include a safety bottom bracket that allows the bottom roller to be replaced without removing the bottom fixture. The Delcraft Plus includes 14-gauge pivot-type end-hinges that render the sections pinch resistant, a pinch-resistant joint interface, and 14-gauge safety-embedded intermediate hinges.
Delden says they will soon offer the same section in their 2-inch DC200. The Delcraft Plus series will be offered with a limited lifetime warranty (sections only) and an improved 3-year on-door hardware warranty.
Wayne-Dalton Upgrades Quantum Opener
In February, Wayne-Dalton announced that it has improved its Quantum 3412 residential garage door opener to include more wireless advantages.
"Quantum’s new wireless wall station allows our dealers to sell an opener with the most advanced features in convenience and safety," says David Osso, marketing manager. "Combined with our industry-exclusive wireless photo eyes, and optional wireless, keyless entry pad, it all translates into less installation time for the installer." For homeowners, the wall station can be moved anywhere and at anytime, adds Osso.
Other Quantum 3412 features include rolling access codes and a security light. Its hot-dipped galvanized steel trolley with non-metallic glide surface allows for smooth operation. Its direct-drive motor includes permanently lubricated bearings and a thermal overload protector.
Clopay Announces Reserve Collection
In February, Clopay Building Products announced its new Clopay Reserve Collection of upward-acting, custom and semi-custom wood garage doors. The new line allows homeowners and architects to individualize and complement the look of their homes.
Amy Jamieson, director of marketing communications, says the semi-custom line breaks new ground by allowing the creation of a custom-looking door, from a variety of wood, panel, and window options, at an affordable price.
Semi-Custom Doors
Each of the six semi-custom panel designs is offered in cedar, redwood, or hemlock, with a choice of rectangular, square, or arched windows. Each door can be stained before installation, and hemlock doors can be painted. The doors come in seven standard widths and two heights.
"A custom door can run anywhere from $3,000 to $10,000 depending on wood choice, design elements, and door size," says Jamieson. "The approximate price for a semi-custom two-car garage door is $2,800, excluding installation."
Custom Doors
The Clopay custom wood doors can be designed to match a specific architectural style or aesthetic preference. Homeowners can design a completely original door or modify a door from the semi-custom line.
"To create a custom door, a homeowner or architect simply needs to take the design to a Clopay dealer. The dealer will work with the factory to create the door specifications and outline the cost," says Jamieson.
Wood choice on custom doors is limited only by market availability and climate conditions. Custom doors are built three inches thick in an overlay construction method, which provides improved insulation, durability, energy efficiency, and security.
Maintenance
Before installation, the doors should be either stained or painted. Jamieson adds that professional installers should install these doors and that proper care and maintenance are vital to appearance, long door life, and optimum operation of these doors.
German Firm Announces Safety Edge
The Fraba Group, a German firm with a new U.S. subsidiary, has introduced its Vitector safety edge.
The Vitector’s opto-electronic safety edge (OSE) is based on an infrared safety light beam that is inserted into a rubber profile. The system creates a dynamically modulated light beam in the profile.
When the rubber section is compressed, the optical channel is interrupted, and the receiver signals that the dynamic signal is missing. Two red LEDs signal the safety edge’s activated status.
Fraba says that manufacturing and installation of the sensing edge can be performed quickly. The rubber comes in rolls and can be cut to any size. The OSE can be replaced in the field without taking measurements for the certain width of the door.
The components of the Vitector are listed by UL 508 (Industrial Control Equipment). Fraba says it is currently working on the UL 325 listing.
Further information can be obtained by contacting Fraba in Lawrenceville, N.J., at 609-896-1188, info@fraba.com, or at www.fraba.com.
Cornell Adds Fire Door Options
Cornell Iron Works is adding features to its rolling fire doors, counter fire doors, operators, and accessories. The company says these features provide enhancements to life safety and new ways to control operational costs.
Cornell’s M100 FireGard system allows a fire door to be reset from the floor at the touch of a button. The M100 system is said to be ideal for large doors and doors with coils recessed in soffits or above ceilings.
The FireGard EZ Test ‘n Set fire door is similar to the M100, but is chain operated to lower initial costs and to eliminate the need for field wiring. It can be tested and reset by throwing a lever mounted at floor level.
Cornell also introduces its SmokeShield smoke-and-draft control assembly with UL labeling for openings up to 12-feet wide by 10-feet high. SmokeShield can enhance life safety in healthcare facilities, schools, and a variety of public spaces.
DoorKing Introduces Back-up Power System
In January, DoorKing announced its new Model 2000 Power Inverter, designed to provide back-up power for a complete access control system when primary (AC) power fails.
Instead of providing power for a single access system component only, the Model 2000 maintains power to all access system components including the vehicular gate operators, loop detectors, telephone entry systems, card readers, RF controls, etc. Its backup capability is said to be ideal for apartment complexes, gated communities, high-security applications, or wherever maintaining the access control system is critical.
A three-stage battery charger on the Model 2000 maintains proper battery voltage without over-charging or gassing the batteries, and a built-in protection circuit prevents the batteries from being over-discharged. When battery power reaches a level where it can no longer maintain gate operator operation, the system will command up to six gate operators to open sequentially and remain open until AC power is restored.
Taylor Announces Stainable Steel Garage Doors
Taylor Building Products has introduced a stainable steel garage door. The door features a 1-3/4" insulated foam core and a wood-grained pattern embossed into the 24-gauge steel. The steel surface accepts stain and is available in ranch and 4- and 8-panel embossed styles.
The company has also announced a new pan garage door made from 24-gauge steel. The door is available in white, brown, almond, and sandstone.
Wayne-Dalton Adds Two Aluminum Doors
Wayne-Dalton launched two additions to its commercial product line-up, the Model 451 and Model 452 Aluminum Full View doors. The doors were announced in January.
David Osso, corporate marketing manager, says the new models are built to meet the specific needs of tire stores, service stations, car washes, or wherever maximum light and visibility are required.
"These additions are just some of the outstanding commercial product efforts that Wayne-Dalton has planned for 2001," adds Osso.
The Model 451 features 1/8-inch DSB glass as standard with several other options. It can be ordered in sizes up to 16-feet wide by 16-feet high. The Model 452 features 1/2-inch insulated SSB glass as standard with other options. It can be ordered in sizes up to 14-feet wide by 14-feet high.
Both models come in a clear satin anodized finish as standard with an optional baked-on white acrylic finish. Other colors are also available through special order.
Low-Cost Indoor Keypad from DoorKing
In February, DoorKing introduced a new low-cost digital keypad to its line of access control products. The Model 1509 is designed for indoor applications only and mounts into a single-gang electrical box.
The keypad is powered from 12 to 24 volts AC or DC power. The keypad is user programmable with a single four-digit entry code, and can also be programmed with a single four-digit "hold" code.
Coleman Introduces Extended Run Air Compressor
In February, Coleman Powermate announced the expansion of its Contractor series of air compressors with the introduction of a new Extended Run unit, featuring a 3-gallon fuel tank and a fuel-efficient 5.5-horsepower Honda overhead valve engine.
The new Contractor Extended Run is designed to run up to 10 hours at 80 percent duty cycle. The unit includes a wheelbarrow design for easy handling on the job site. It is backed by a two-year warranty.
Coleman Powermate, a subsidiary of the Sunbeam Corporation, is a leading manufacturer of generators, air compressors, and pressure washers. More information is available at www.colemanpowermate.com.
OSCO Offers Emergency Interface
In March, OSCO announced a new Emergency Hold-Open Interface exclusive only to OSCO gate operators.
In an emergency, this device will hold open any OSCO gate with the new solid-state control circuitry when properly installed. The company says the device works with any emergency access device (i.e. SOS, Knox Box, key switch, key pad, etc.).
The new interface, when put in line with any emergency actuating device, will hold the gate open until manually reset by the reset button on the front of the operator. In a multi-family complex, for example, as different emergency vehicles arrive on the scene, each will not have to reopen the gate, saving critical time. When the reset button is pushed, the unit is put back into service.
Arrow Tru-Line Has New Track
In February, Arrow Tru-Line introduced two new 2-inch track, one with 32-inch radius and one with 20-inch radius. Arrow Tru-Line (ATL) also manufactures a large variety of horizontal track for residential, commercial, and industrial sectional garage doors. ATL's 2-inch horizontal track is also available with the normal 10-inch, 12-inch, and 15-inch radius. More information on ATL horizontal track is available at 1-800-446-6433.
Gadco Adds Two Colors
In January, GADCO announced that two new colors have been added to their Pioneer line of garage doors. Hunter green and deep crimson now bring the total number of Pioneer colors to seven. The other five colors are white, brown, almond, sandstone, and teratone.
The Pioneer garage door is constructed of 25-gauge roughsawn embossed steel sections. The doors feature a ship-lap design and are available with insulation and a variety of window options. Pioneer garage doors are backed with a 10-year limited warranty on sections and a two-year limited warranty on components.
New Spartan Rolling Door from W-D
In January, Wayne-Dalton expanded its rolling door product line with the addition of the new Spartan Rolling Service Door. The door is designed for businesses that require secure departmentalization of their facilities while still providing immediate access.
The Spartan door is priced affordably and includes a design that is factory tested to over 20,000 cycles, says Mark Hedquist, director of commercial products for Wayne-Dalton. Its fully adjustable G-guides make it installer friendly, allowing possible installation in about 30 minutes.
The door’s flat slats are galvanized, bonderized steel with a baked-on white finish to maximize light reflection. An optional slatted hood with white baked-on finish is available. Hedquist says the Spartan rolling door is shipped in one carton and has a short production lead-time.
New PPG Primer Reduces Changeovers
In December, PPG introduced 1PMY5650 Multipurpose Primer, a urethane coil primer formulated for compatibility with a range of substrates and PPG topcoats. This new primer offers the potential to reduce or in some cases eliminate primer changes in their coating operations when switching from one type of substrate or topcoat to another.
The new primer can be used on Galvalume/Zincalume, hot-dip galvanized steel, cold-rolled steel or aluminum, in conjunction with several PPG topcoats. The primer is said to exhibit excellent corrosion and delamination resistance, making it useful in applications exposed to high levels of UV (ultraviolet) radiation.
The primer also exhibits exceptional flexibility for fabricating a wide range of metal profiles, including many tight bends. It is thus designed for high line speeds and features a broad cure window.
COMPANIES
Cornell Receives ISO Certification
Cornell Iron Works announced in December that it has earned ISO 9002 registration from Underwriters Laboratories, Inc. (UL).
Developed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), the ISO 9000 series standards are quality management system requirements that are internationally recognized. By earning the ISO 9002 registration, Cornell says it has demonstrated its commitment to increasing company efficiency and to continuous manufacturing process improvement.
Cornell says that, since ISO certification is accepted by more than 90 countries as a quality assurance benchmark, its ISO registration demonstrates Cornell’s dedication to providing customers with superior products.
"ISO certification is not a requirement in our industry, but we believe it is an effective tool for improving quality," says Andrew Cornell, president of Cornell Iron Works.
MMTC Acquires Signalling Systems
In December, MMTC, announced the acquisition of Signalling Systems, the exclusive importer of the Albano Long Distance Radio Control product line.
Signalling Systems and Albano both develop and manufacture specialty radio controls, photocells, and warning devices for the access control market. Albano Electtronica’s specialty radio controls are said to be effective in applications with range problems.
MMTC (www.mmtcinc.com) is a supplier of residential and commercial controls and accessories to the commercial door and gate operator markets.
Fraba Opens U.S. Subsidiary
In August 2000, the Fraba Group, a manufacturer of sensor and safety systems for industrial automation, opened its first U.S. subsidiary, Fraba Inc., in Lawrenceville, N.J. The firm’s headquarters are located in Cologne, Germany.
"We opened up a U.S. subsidiary to better meet the growing needs of the American door market," says Christian Leeser, Fraba president. "We realized that there is a high demand for fail-safe sensing edges in the U.S."
Christoph Schmidt, Fraba vice president, adds, "In the first six months, we became a member of DASMA, IDA, and ARDI. Working in these associations, we mean to understand the requirements of our customers."
Raynor Web Site Gets a New Look
In February, Raynor Garage Doors opened a redesigned Web site, Raynor.com, with a new look and updated information about its latest products and services.
"Our new Web site is a great educational tool that consumers can use to learn more about garage doors," says David Bullard, director of marketing.
The new site shows consumers how to choose a residential garage door, and shows architects and contractors where to use Raynor commercial products. Using the latest Web technology, the innovative Design-A-Door allows users to instantly design their own residential garage door with custom panels and many window options.
With the new Find-A-Dealer, users can search for the nearest distributor by clicking on a map or by entering a zip code.
Chamberlain Expands Professional Products Division
The Chamberlain Group has expanded its Professional Products division to include Sentex Systems and a new Custom Applications group. Chamberlain Professional Products formerly included only the company's LiftMaster Residential Garage Door Openers and Commercial Door Operators.
Sentex Systems provides a complete line of access control, telephone entry, and radio control products designed to secure, control, and monitor property management.
The Custom Applications group specializes in custom designed motion control devices tailored to the specifications of architects, developers, and manufacturers.
UK’s Henderson Buys Birtley
P.C. Henderson, a leading manufacturer of residential garage doors in the United Kingdom (UK), has acquired Birtley Garage Doors, according to What’s New in Building, a UK construction magazine.
Since Henderson became a part of the Cardo Door group in February 2000, they have reportedly taken on responsibility for UK sales of Crawford Door. The Henderson-branded portfolio now includes garage doors of all types and materials.
Wayne-Dalton Expands Web Site
In January, Wayne-Dalton added two sales tools on its Web site at www.wayne-dalton.com.
The new Design Center is an interactive segment where a potential customer can try various combinations of Wayne-Dalton door colors, designs, and windows against a variety of siding colors.
The Builder/Architect segment shows what features of the WayneGard and DoorMaster system can help builders and architects sell their own homes and design plans.
Marketing Manager David Osso says the next site development is the Dealer Locator. This give dealers the opportunity to have their business name and location(s) listed on the site. It will also allow someone searching for the nearest Wayne-Dalton dealer to have instant access to that dealer’s information.
Chamberlain Opens New Technical Center
In January, the Chamberlain Group announced the opening of a new Technical Support Center and Warehouse in Tucson, Ariz. The new 45,000 square-foot facility will be located adjacent to Chamberlain's existing 120,000 square-foot distribution center.
"The growth of our business, coupled with the expansion of the commercial door and gate operator business, drove our decision to move to this larger facility," says Woody Utter, director of the center.
The Technical Support Center and Warehouse will employ more than 100. The new 30,000 square-foot warehouse was built to utilize a high-density, narrow-aisle warehouse design that allows for maximum space utilization and increased product availability.
The 15,000 square-foot Technical Support Center is expected to handle more than one million technical assistance requests each year from consumers and dealers in North America, South America, and Europe.
Raynor Introduces Marketing Manual
Raynor has prepared a new marketing tool for distributors. The Raynor Distributor Marketing Support Manual is designed to provide turnkey tools to help Raynor distributors get their message out to potential customers in their local markets.
The manual also includes ideas and strategies for successful local marketing campaigns using the local newspaper and Yellow Page ads, radio scripts, direct mail pieces, photos, line art, and logos.
"This level of marketing support from Raynor allows distributors to tap into the same resources for local advertising that Raynor uses on a national scale," says Paul Accardo, advertising manager. Electronic files of certain materials are supplied on CD-ROMs for both Windows and Macintosh operating systems.
PEOPLE
Manaras Restructures
In February, Manaras announced a restructuring that adds new personnel, develops Manaras’ sales in the U.S., and integrates Manaras more fully into Somfy, its parent organization.
Jean-Louis Bened, chief executive officer of Manaras, says the integration will place Manaras in a position to better serve its customers and offer new and innovative products.
In the U.S., Mark Dammeyer has become USA sales manager. Besides leading the USA sales team, Dammeyer is also in charge of the distribution centers, including the new facilities in Boca Raton, Fla., and Brea, Calif.
In addition, Roy Bardowell has been promoted to U.S. product manager for customer training. With 28 years in the industry, Bardowell has been an installer, company owner, production director, and distribution center director. He will enact training programs and seminars across North America.
In Canada, the company has appointed Jean-Michel Perache as marketing manager. He has been with the Somfy Group for the past 17 years in sales and product marketing positions.
Sophie Brochu has been promoted to the position of sales manager, responsible for the Canadian sales team. She will work to introduce the new Manaras product line into the Canadian market through strategic partnerships. Brochu has been with Manaras for over five years.
Chamberlain Names VP/Law & HR
In January, Mark B. Tone was named vice president - law and human resources for The Chamberlain Group, reporting to David Rolls, president. Tone most recently held the position of vice president - general counsel.
In his new position, Tone will continue to serve as Chamberlain's general counsel and will have primary responsibility for Chamberlain's human resources department.
Tone joined Chamberlain in 1990 as attorney in the legal department of Duchossois Industries, Chamberlain's parent company. In 1997, he was appointed to the position of assistant general counsel - consumer products group, and was named secretary for Chamberlain in 1998. Tone received his J.D. from New York University School of Law and received a bachelor of arts at Coe College in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
INDUSTRY
Who Will Win: IBC or NFPA?
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) is developing a building code for 2001 to compete with the new International Building Code (IBC) and International Residential Code (IRC). Which one will dominate?
Joe Hetzel, DASMA technical director, says it is not the publishing of a building code that affects industry, but its adoption, implementation, and enforcement by a particular municipality. Hetzel has actively represented the door and access systems industry in developing international, national, and regional building codes.
"Any entity can publish a building code," he says. "But it’s like a vehicle that just sits on an auto dealership lot. Someone has to buy it, arrange to pick it up, and then drive it away before it has any use."
Meanwhile, some states such as South Carolina and New York have adopted the International Codes, while others are waiting. In another example, NFPA reported that late last year the California Building Standards Commission voted not to use the IBC as it updates the California Building Standards Code, electing instead to continue using the 1997 Uniform Building Code.
Hetzel says the bottom line for our industry is, "Know your local codes. Keep in mind that local and state amendments can adopt a code unique to your area."
If you are encountering any code-related issues affecting products manufactured by DASMA members, contact Hetzel at DASMA at 216-241-7333, fax 216-241-0105, or e-mail Jhetzel@dasma.com.
Florida Code Update
By Joe Hetzel, DASMA Technical Director
If you plan to do business in the state of Florida, you may wonder when the new code and the new Product Approval program will go into effect, and how they will affect your business.
At press time, here is some relevant information:
- The Florida Building Commission (FBC) recommended to the Florida Legislature that the Florida Building Code take effect on October 1, 2001, a three-month delay from the previously recommended implementation date.
- The FBC also recommended that the statewide Product Approval program take effect on October 1, 2003. One major reason for the two-year lag is that industry will need time to evaluate their means of supplying products in Florida.
- Until the Product Approval program is implemented, existing product approvals will continue to be recognized. This is contingent on code compliance, including compliance with the new code.
- A manufacturer will be able to obtain a statewide product approval, or a series of local approvals, for a particular product. The manufacturer can choose which option would be best.
Questions for Dealers to Ask
Until the final details of the code and program are worked out, dealers are encouraged to communicate with their manufacturer suppliers on this matter. Here are some helpful questions dealers may ask:
- "Are you keeping up with developments in Florida on the new code and new Product Approval process?" (DASMA members receive monthly updates from DASMA.)
- "What changes do you anticipate making to your products and/or the documents that support your products?" (This will require a manufacturer-specific response.)
- "When will you make changes to your products and/or the supporting documents?"
Meanwhile, DASMA is developing Wind Load Guides based on the Florida Building Code, preparing a briefing on Florida developments for members attending the Spring 2001 Technical Committee meetings, and evaluating how future DASMA programs may mesh with the Florida Product Approval process. We will work with all involved parties to contribute to a smooth transition for selling DASMA member products in Florida.