Clopay Unveils Faux Wood Garage Doors
© 2009 Door & Access Systems
Publish Date: Spring 2009
Author: Tom Wadsworth
Pages 6-37
NEWSLINES
THE FRONT PAGE
Our Top NewsLines Stories
products
Clopay Unveils Faux Wood Garage Doors
Read the full story in Product News on page 8.
people
Clopay Announces Changes at the Helm
See page 16.
Founder of Miller Edge Dies
See page 16.
companies
Janus and U.S. Door Merge
See page 20.
technical
UL Adopts Provisions for Unattended Operation of GDOs
See page 36.
PRODUCTS
Clopay Unveils Faux Wood Garage Doors
In January at the International Builders’ Show, Clopay unveiled the Canyon Ridge Collection, a new garage door that uses innovations in polymer composite engineering. The result is a faux wood cladding with a high-definition grain that reflects many aspects of a wood species’ charm and character.
“This door delivers the best of both worlds: the realism and design flexibility of wood with the low maintenance and energy-efficient benefits of insulated steel,” says Pat Lohse, vice president of residential marketing.
“And unlike real wood, it’s UV resistant and impervious to moisture, so it won’t rot, split, shrink, separate, or crack, thereby minimizing the use of materials, energy, and resources necessary to maintain or replace door components.”
The lightweight 1/2"-thick cladding material is attached to an insulated three-layer steel base door for added energy efficiency and strength. Once installed, the durable material is virtually indistinguishable from real wood.
Canyon Ridge Collection doors will be available this summer in three overlay species: Pecky Cypress, Clear Cypress, and Mahogany. The surface can be stained or painted. www.clopaydoor.com
LiftMaster Adds 3/4-HP Screw-Drive DC Opener
In January, Chamberlain introduced the LiftMaster Elite Series Model 3840, a 3/4-HP DC-motor screw-drive garage door opener, the first and only screw-drive unit within the Elite Series product line.
The LiftMaster 3840, to be displayed at Expo 2009 in Nashville, includes the EverCharge Standby Power System, which allows the opener to continue operating during a power outage.
Dan Nixa, director of marketing, says the opener is “the quietest screw-drive model available,” and features variable-speed soft-start/stop to further reduce noise.
The opener also features Premium Remote Control, Smart Control Panel, 200-watt lighting, and automated electronic door travel and force settings which can both be set with simple push-button programming. www.liftmaster.com
Wayne-Dalton Launches Full-View Aluminum Door
In February, Wayne-Dalton announced the launch of its new Model 8850 Full-View aluminum residential garage door.
The 8850 features shiplap joints, reinforcing fins, and heavy-duty track and brackets. It comes in a clear anodized finish as standard with optional paint finishes of white or brown, and is available in more than 200 custom powder-coat RAL colors.
Full-View window choices are 1/8" DSB tempered clear; satin-finish etched privacy; bronze, gray, or green tinted; obscure; and white laminated privacy. They are also available in 1/2" insulated DSB tempered glass in clear; bronze, gray, or green tinted; and obscure. www.wayne-dalton.com
Northwest Adds New Designs
In January, Northwest Door announced the new R-Series of Therma Classic doors. The R-Series adds to the S-Series and M-Series and features high-definition recessed panels embossed into the face of the door.
Prepainted aluminum overlays are inset into the recessed panels to form many design options. The R-Series offers 15 window designs with seven “true arched” windows, creating more than 90 different design variations.
Therma Classic doors use 27", 28", 31", and 32" sections, making both 7'- and 8'-high residential doors. The R-Series three-section doors, with their large windows, more accurately replicate the original swing-type doors used on carriage houses than do many other steel carriage house style doors. www.nwdusa.com
Skylink Launches Garage Door Openers
In January, the Skylink Group announced the launch of a series of new Quiet door openers.
The Easy/Quiet models employ soft-start and soft-stop operation. Offered in three chain-drive models, all models feature “optimal self-learning force,” which detects any obstacles; automatic light dimming and rolling code technology are also standard.
Two Intelligent/Quiet models employ the same features as the Easy/Quiet models plus an intelligent wall console. The console provides a programming interface, timer and vacation locks, an event log that memorizes when the 10 previous openings occurred, and a diagnostic message display.
Established in 1990, Skylink has offices in Brampton, Ontario; Ontario City, Calif.; and Hong Kong; and owns a 58,000-sq.-ft. manufacturing facility in China. www.skylinkhome.com
Carlo Gavazzi Adds Mini Sensors
In January, Carlo Gavazzi announced the launch of a new series of compact photoelectric sensors.
The new CGPS Series sensors feature a universal housing style that can be installed via the threaded M18 barrel or secured with screws to a bracket. All of the sensors have both normally open and normally closed outputs, so the right output choice is always available.
The sensors also feature a dual LED indication, and many models offer sensitivity adjustment via a potentiometer for easy setup. Connection options include hard-wired cable, an M8 quick-disconnect plug, or a pig-tail option that combines the two.
The CGPS Series is available in a diffuse-reflective technology (100- and 300-millimeter ranges), retro-reflective (6-meter range), and through-beam models (6- and 20-meter ranges). www.gavazzionline.com
Wayne-Dalton Home Controls Available at Fry’s
In December, Wayne-Dalton announced that its Home Controls product line is available at Fry’s Electronics stores nationwide.
“For the first time, homeowners will have direct access to affordable home control products,” says Yan Rodriguez, director of Home Controls.
Fry’s Home Controls retail displays will include Wayne-Dalton’s Z-Wave thermostat, Teleport remote control, wireless Gateway controller, garage door conversion module, transmitter, USB for PC, light switches, and remote control units. www.wayne-dalton.com/homecontrols
Amarr Introduces New Rolling Steel Door
In February, Amarr announced a new rolling slat steel door for commercial applications. Called the 5700 Series, the door provides medium-duty service at the price point of sheet roll-up or sectional doors.
The door’s curtains are constructed of 3" slats with a curved profile (Model 5700) or a flat profile (Model 5701). Slats are easily replaceable. Standard wind-load ratings exceed industry standards for comparable roll-up and sectional doors, says Steve Roesner, commercial products manager.
The 5700 series is available in galvanized or prepainted white, lightstone tan, and duro-bronze colors with a white interior prime coat. The doors have a 12" steel enclosure barrel and are available in widths up to 14' and heights up to 14'. www.amarr.com
Wayne-Dalton Makes Rolling Door Changes
In February, Wayne-Dalton’s Rolling Door Division announced several changes.
The color options for rolling doors have expanded to include having the hood, guides, and bottom bar painted to match the standard curtain colors: gray, white, brown, beige, and blue. The change responds to customer requests for matching color schemes.
The Rolling Door Division also changed its standard operator offerings from mechanical contactor style to Logic 3 controls. Multiple wiring types, contained within the panel, are radio-control ready. The Logic 3 panel features a maintenance alert system, a timer to close, and on-board diagnostics.
The division has also released the Rapid Order Program, allowing rolling door dealers to expedite orders to gain a lead-time advantage. The program features two-day lead times on many complete rolling door orders and one-day lead times on many repair part assemblies. www.wayne-dalton.com
Rytec Announces Next-Generation Wireless
In February, Rytec announced the new Ry-Wi Wireless System, its next generation of “smart” wireless technology, for longer up-time and safer operation.
The system employs directional antennae, frequency controls, and “frequency-hopping” technology to eliminate signal interference. The system is self-contained on every door, enabling the System 3 control box to be mounted in a remote location.
A low-battery indicator signals the need for battery replacement before the low power is detected. The heavy-duty hardware operates in virtually all temperatures and weather conditions. Rytec is integrating the new Ry-Wi platform into next-generation door products. www.rytecdoors.com
Gavazzi Launches High-Performance Mini Sensors
In February, Carlo Gavazzi announced the launch of miniature photoelectric sensors with exceptional features. Housed in a world standard style, these sensors are ready for global applications.
The new PD30 Series sensors feature push-button programming, eliminating the trial and error setup required with potentiometer-based sensors. For tamper resistance, the same models also provide an option for locking the sensor settings.
A muting version provides mutual interference protection, sensor alignment aid, and the ability to verify remotely the sensor’s proper operation. A dust alarm signals when the lens needs to be cleaned.
The PD30 Series is available in six sensing technologies, several with advanced ranges up to 15 meters. All of the new sensors carry cUL, RoHS, and CE approvals. www.gavazzionline.com
Wayne-Dalton Introduces Home Manager
In January at the International Builders’ Show, Wayne-Dalton’s Home Access and Controls Division previewed the Home Manager, a new technology that allows easy access and management of a home control network. The Home Manager provides for the creation, configurations, and maintenance of a home control network using Z-Wave technology.
The product can control home lighting and temperature to maximize energy conservation, can set schedules to control functions such as water usage for lawn irrigation, and can configure the home’s security system. The Home Manager is no larger than a standard PC router and houses a complete Web server.
At the show, Wayne-Dalton also previewed its new LCD Touch Screen Controller. The 3.5" LCD display offers visual access to the network and simpler control of a home’s automated devices. www.wayne-dalton.com/homecontrols
Jeld-Wen Eliminates Use of Added Formaldehyde
In January, Jeld-Wen announced that it is “the first window and door manufacturer to offer all of its interior molded door skins with no-added formaldehyde (NAF).” Jeld-Wen wood-composite garage door skins also boast no-added formaldehyde and are made with 80 percent pre-consumer recycled content.
Jeld-Wen’s NAF door skins meet the most stringent formaldehyde requirements in the nation as established by the California Air Resources Board (CARB). The California requirements took effect Jan. 1, 2009.
The CARB regulations limit the amount of formaldehyde in products that include medium density fiberboard, hardwood plywood, and particleboard in their assembly. The regulations help people who are sensitive to formaldehyde, such as children and people with asthma. www.jeld-wen.com
Hörmann Flexon Introduces Plug-and-Play Control Box
In December, Hörmann Flexon introduced the Quick Connect HFC1 plug-and-play control box for powering up the company’s high-performance doors.
The Quick Connect HFC1 control box is now standard equipment on all Speed-Master, Speed-Commander, and Speed-Guardian high-speed roll-up doors. The box has receptacles located on the bottom that match up with the specific electrical cables that bring power to the door.
The system reduces installation time and replaces more complicated wiring processes typically required when starting up a new high-performance door. www.hormann-flexon.com
TMI Unveils Screen-Pro Door System
In January, TMI revealed the new Screen-Pro modular roll-up door system.
The TMI design allows users to design their own doors by choosing bug mesh, bird mesh, clear PVC, solid PVC vinyl panels, or any combination thereof. Panels are replaceable; customers can use bug mesh panels in the summer and solid vinyl panels in the winter.
Other features include a breakaway bottom bar, attractive valance, optional photo-eye, and optional reversing edge. www.tmi-pvc.com
PEOPLE
Clopay Announces Changes at the Helm
In January, Clopay Building Products announced that company president Gene Colleran had been promoted to president of Clopay Corporation, with responsibility for Clopay Building Products and Clopay Plastic Products. Steve Lynch, senior vice president of marketing, succeeds Colleran as the new president of Clopay Building Products.
Lynch joined Clopay in 2001 as vice president of marketing. His sales and marketing career also includes 25 years of experience in various assignments with manufacturers Donn Corporation, United States Gypsum, and Newell Rubbermaid.
John Palazzolo has accepted an expanded role as senior vice president of sales and marketing for Clopay Building Products. Palazzolo has more than two decades in the sectional door and operator industry. With Clopay since 1975, he became vice president of sales and marketing in 1999.
“We see this economy as an opportunity to strengthen our commitment to our dealers and help differentiate them in the marketplace versus their competitors,” says Lynch. “Our success is built on the success of our dealers.”
Founder of Miller Edge Dies
In January, Norman K. Miller, founder and CEO of Miller Edge, died at the age of 94. Miller has been described as an entrepreneur, inventor, philanthropist, family man, survivor, and “the epitome of the U.S. immigrant dream come true.”
He was born as his family fled Armenia to survive the Turkish invasion in 1914. He spent his childhood at refugee camps and orphanages in Romania, France, and Italy before coming to the United States and Philadelphia in 1935.
Majoring in accounting at the University of Pennsylvania, he was drafted into the U.S. Army during his junior year in 1941. He served in the Guadalcanal Campaign and fought at the Battle of the Coral Sea and the Battle of Leyte, earning commendations for making improvements to weapons.
Developing the Edge
In 1955, he developed a method of protecting service personnel by making hangar doors safer at Wright Patterson Air Force Base in Ohio. A year later, Miller developed the first electrically activated safety edge for hangar doors and was awarded his first patent in 1958. He and his company would eventually earn more than 125 patents.
His company grew as the product line expanded to include edge sensors for industrial and commercial doors and motorized gates. In 1967, the company moved from Philadelphia to Concordville, Pa., then later to Jennersville, Pa. In 1994, Miller Edge opened a manufacturing and sales office in Tempe, Ariz.
Devoted to the industry, Miller received the Distinguished Service Award from the Door and Operator Dealers Association in 1991 and the Humanitarian Award from the International Door Association in 2003. Door & Access Systems extends sympathy to his wife, Virginia, and their five children.
Arrow Tru-Line Appoints New Managers
In December, Arrow Tru-Line (ATL) hired Tom Hamilton as national accounts manager for its newly formed Rolling Door Components Division and promoted Deborah Nagele to strategic account manager.
Hamilton has 25 years of experience in the manufacturing and sales of rolling doors. Previously, he worked 10 years with The Cookson Company and 15 years with Wayne-Dalton.
In the door industry since 1997, Deborah Nagele spent seven years with OMI Industries, responsible for customer service, domestic purchasing, and sales. ATL acquired OMI in 2004.
Amarr Announces Regional Directors, Promotions
In February, Amarr announced the restructuring of its Door Center organization into three new regions, each with a director who manages district managers.
Tony East, who has worked with Amarr for 11 years in engineering and manufacturing, is director of Amarr’s Eastern U.S. region (east of the Mississippi River). Hosea Thibodeaux, with Amarr for 12 years as general manager and district manager, is director of Amarr’s Central U.S. region (Midwest and Texas). Kevin Welsh, who has served Amarr for nine years as general manager and district manager, is director of Amarr’s Western region (Rocky Mountains to the Pacific Coast).
The company also announced that Val Sigmon, director of Amarr’s Carolina Plant in Mocksville, N.C., has taken on additional responsibilities to oversee production for the entire plant. Sigmon has more than 13 years at Amarr, including serving as general manager, district manager, and director of national accounts.
COMPANIES
Janus and U.S. Door Merge
In December, Janus International of Temple, Ga., and U.S. Door & Building Components of Orlando, Fla., announced the merger of their two firms. David Curtis, Janus president, cited the current economy as a driving force behind the merger.
“We feel that due to decreasing levels of available business and the increased level of supply on the market that a merger was in our best interests,” says Curtis. “Combining the professional talents of the two companies will offer a new synergy to the door and building components industry that will offer unparalleled product design and service.”
The new company will continue to offer a full line of self-storage, commercial, and rolling steel doors. Corporate headquarters will be in Temple, Ga.
Carriage House Door to Make All Amarr Wood Doors
In late 2008, Amarr forged a relationship with Carriage House Door Company to manufacture all of the existing wood garage door collections offered by Amarr.
The collections include Biltmore For Your Home, Bob Timberlake, and Amarr by Design. Amarr also is offering some additional custom door designs as a result of this agreement.
The Amarr doors manufactured by Carriage House Door are available from two manufacturing plants, one in Sacramento, Calif., and one near Asheville, N.C. The doors are made using wood-on-wood construction with polystyrene insulation and will operate using standard garage door openers.
Carriage House Door has made wood garage doors for 35 years. Vickie Lents, Amarr residential category director, says delivery is now even faster than before.
Chamberlain Achieves Green Recognition
In December, Chamberlain announced that the entire line of LiftMaster residential garage door openers and commercial door operators have been identified for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). LEED, a third-party certification program developed by the USGBC, is the nationally accepted benchmark for the design, construction, and operation of high-performance green buildings.
Chamberlain achieved green recognition in two key categories. The category highlighted that the entire line of LiftMaster residential garage door openers and commercial door operators are more durable and require less maintenance than similar products. The second category noted that the products are recyclable or biodegradable after use.
1st United Door Adopts Green Policy
In January, 1st United Door Technologies announced its adoption of energy-efficient technologies for their products and practices. Their Green Policy is a commitment to responsibly use resources and safeguard the environment.
The approach includes product manufacturing and business processes, creating products with minimal environmental impact throughout product life cycles, and “reduction, reuse, and recycling” to minimize use of nonrenewable resources.
Hörmann at World’s Largest Building Show
In January, Hörmann displayed its complete product range at the BAU exposition in Munich, Germany. BAU is the world’s largest building show, extending across 17 large halls with nearly 2,000,000 sq. ft. and more than 1,900 exhibitors from 42 countries.
Hörmann’s booth, with 11,280 sq. ft., featured the company’s residential, commercial, and industrial doors. A virtual tour of the show is available at www.hoermann.de.
In April, Hörmann will also exhibit at the IDA Expo 2009 in Nashville, where the company will present new products.
Two Huge Wayne-Dalton Rolling Doors Installed at Power Plant
In February, Wayne-Dalton announced that two 24-ton Titan rolling steel doors had recently been installed at the Power Vista plant, a part of Niagara Electric Power in Lewiston, N.Y. The two 50' x 50' doors took special processes to produce, assemble, and install.
The doors replaced two Kinnear doors of the same size that were manufactured in 1956. Wayne-Dalton acquired Kinnear in 1990. Alvin Eiterman, a designer who helped with the original doors, was the lead engineer for the project in 2008.
The new doors require a 15-HP operator and seven barrels loaded with springs to lift each 24-ton door. Due to strong winds at the plant’s location, each door’s 105 slats were equipped with 7.5-lb. heavy-duty articulating windlocks. Other unique features include special safety brakes, heated guides and brakes, and all stainless steel fasteners.
Hamburg Door of Hamburg, N.Y., facilitated the purchase and delivery of the products. Installation was performed by Hohl Industrial Services in conjunction with Wayne-Dalton technical representatives.
HySecurity Automates Unique Curved Gate
In November, Seattle City Light chose HySecurity to automate a one-of-a-kind curved gate. Seattle’s Entrance Control oversaw and installed the gate at the utility’s headquarters near downtown Seattle.
“Only a pinch roller system like HySecurity’s hydraulic SlideDriver could automate this gate,” says Richard Woltjer, VP of marketing and international business development. “It’s impossible with a traditional chain-driven system.”
The cantilever gate is 15' wide x 10' tall and weighs 1,000 lbs.
Safe-Way Door Completes Tooling Upgrade
In February, Safe-Way Door announced the completed installation of new equipment at the Warsaw, Ind., manufacturing facility. The new equipment has enabled the upgrading of Safe-Way’s entire residential door line and key segments of its commercial product line.
The new equipment and retooling have resulted in the introduction of more than 20 new products in 2008. Safe-Way plans more products and programs in 2009.
Garaga Holds Canada-Wide Contest
From February through May, Garaga is conducting a Canada-wide contest that will award four homeowners a new Garaga garage door. The contest is open to anyone planning to build a garage or turn their car shelter into a garage.
“A garage door can represent 30 to 40 percent of a home’s façade, and we know that 70 percent of garage doors in Canada face the street,” says Nancy Labbé, public relations coordinator.
The contest seeks to emphasize the importance of garage door design and to help homeowners with the decision-making process. Contest rules and entry details are at www.BeautifulGaraga.com.
Clopay Model 902 Named “Reader’s Choice”
In February, Clopay announced that its commercial Model 902 aluminum door was recognized with a Reader’s Choice Award in the January issue of Metal Construction News magazine. Products were selected according to the number of reader inquiries received in 2008.
The Model 902 features a double-wall honeycomb 1/4"-thick polycarbonate window panel. The polycarbonate material is durable, lightweight, and virtually unbreakable, providing impact strength 200 times greater than glass. The ribbed configuration of the multi-walled sheets traps hot or cold air within, providing better thermal insulation.
Safe-Way Fleet Sports New Graphics
In February, Safe-Way Door announced that it has outfitted its entire truck fleet with new graphics with the company’s new logo and tagline “Make A Statement.”
The truck graphics also display large, full-color product application photos. The new graphics provide an additional source of marketing support for the company and its dealers.
Wayne-Dalton Conducts Commercial Door Academy
In October 2008, Wayne-Dalton began holding its new Commercial Door Academy to help Wayne-Dalton dealers expand their knowledge and market share in the commercial door arena.
Training sessions have been held every month since October and will continue through May 2009. The Academy has held sessions in both Dalton and Mt. Hope, Ohio, for rolling doors and commercial sectional doors. Attendees may attend one or both of the two day-long sessions offered.
The training focuses on product education, key selling differentiators, sales and marketing tools, fire door codes and regulations, and wind-load regulations. Hands-on installer training for rolling doors is included, as well as training for Partner Connect, Wayne-Dalton’s exclusive estimating and order entry program for dealers.
Kingspan Opens New U.S. Headquarters
On Dec. 15, 2008, Kingspan Insulated Panels moved into the new official headquarters for its U.S. metal panel division, a new 10,800-sq.-ft. facility in Deland, Fla. The move follows the acquisition of MeTecno USA in August 2008.
The Florida location serves as both the Kingspan ASI facility and the U.S. headquarters for Kingspan Insulated Panels. Kingspan ASI manufactures the Max-R sectional garage door panels for commercial applications.
The site also includes a new 14,400-sq.-ft. warehouse across from the Deland manufacturing plant. The new location features two floors of offices and conference rooms.
Encon Hosts Testing for Gate Operator Certification
On Feb. 28, 2009, Encon Electronics was one of the first companies to administer the new Gate Operator Installation Certification exam.
“Now that our industry has a certification process accredited by the reputable IDEA, quality companies and dealers can and should become certified,” says Encon’s general manager Jeff Harris. “By implementing a nationwide standard, superior companies are validated and recognized in our industry.”
Encon’s entire technical support team was scheduled to take the certification exam in February. In addition to hosting the exam, Encon offered a review before the exam and a four-hour Q&A session on Feb. 21, led by Tim Nordstrom, Encon’s training director.
Therma-Tru, Wayne-Dalton Renew Agreement
In January, Wayne-Dalton and Therma-Tru Doors announced that they have renewed a supplier agreement to provide complementary fiberglass entry and garage doors.
Through this relationship, first announced in January 2008, Wayne-Dalton provided the first fiberglass-clad garage door with a patented woodgrain texture developed by Therma-Tru Doors, the nation’s leading manufacturer of fiberglass and steel exterior door systems.
INTERNET
Overhead Launches Visualization Software
In February, Overhead Door announced the introduction of DoorView, its new visualization tool for the Overhead Door Ribbon Distributor network and the Overhead Door Web site.
Now, a Ribbon Distributor can upload a photo of a customer’s home into a computer and use DoorView to show the customer how all Overhead Door garage doors and options look on the customer’s home. Additionally, visitors to www.overheaddoor.com can view a gallery of homes, select the doors and options they like, then upload photos of their own homes to send to a local distributor.
DoorView was developed for Overhead Door by RenoWorks Software of Calgary, Alberta. RenoWorks produced approximately 10,000 product combinations for the Overhead Door configurator, making it one of the most comprehensive product selections in the industry.
U.S. Door Launches New Web Site
In December, U.S. Door redesigned its Web site (www.usdoor.com) to feature the newly expanded product line including Olympian Series rolling steel service doors. The new site includes separate navigation systems for the self-storage-related building products and the commercial overhead roll-up door lines offered by U.S. Door.
In addition to new products, an Architect’s Corner is now available, featuring shop drawings, brochures, case studies, and wind-load certifications. The Design Center has also been expanded to include more photos of completed projects, self-storage conversions, and refurbished facilities.
Wayne-Dalton Opens New Commercial Web Site
In January, Wayne-Dalton announced the launch of a new commercial Web site (www.wayne-dalton.com/commercial) in support of its commercial sectional and rolling door products. The site is geared toward contractors, architects, building managers, and maintenance supervisors, with a specific section just for dealers.
The site also has much more detailed information for all of its models. Included are brochures, drawings, specifications in CSI and text formats, clearance information, instruction manuals, and recent news. There is a section for architects and a dealer locator that lists only Wayne-Dalton commercial dealers.
Safe-Way Launches New Web Site
In February, Safe-Way Door unveiled a redesigned Web site (www.safe-waydoor.com) for easier access to product information.
The site’s improved product menu displays a preview photo and brief description of each product while a Door Selection Guide guides the user through Safe-Way’s products and options. A virtual Door Designer allows the user to visualize a final product in a variety of settings and get a customized quote. A Going Green feature identifies products that qualify for energy tax credits.
An Education Center offers safety tips and frequently asked questions, and a Dealer Locator lists Safe-Way Door dealers by state. A secure Dealer Section allows dealers to update their company information and provides detailed product specifications, pricing, downloadable literature, and news and information.
Clopay Site Gets New Functionality
In January, the Clopay Web site (www.clopaydoor.com) premiered a new look and new functionality for 2009. The updated version retains all previous content but has been reorganized and enhanced on the basis of feedback from consumer research.
The biggest functional change is the addition of the Door Imagination System, a tool that allows users to see the impact a new door has on their own home’s appearance. Users upload digital photos of their homes and “try on” garage door designs in a variety of materials and colors to find the perfect match.
Once a selection has been made, the Door Imagination System provides a summary of the door components, including the product style and decorative options, so the user can print out the details and take it to their local dealer to purchase the door and schedule installation.
INDUSTRY
Wayne-Dalton Wins Ad of the Year
In January, Wayne-Dalton received the ninth annual Door & Access Systems Advertisement of the Year award. Bob Cookson, DASMA president, presented the trophy to Jeff Franklin of Wayne-Dalton at the DASMA Annual Meeting in Tucson, Ariz.
The Winning Ad
Wayne-Dalton’s “Smart. Very Smart.” ad appeared in the spring 2008 issue of Door & Access Systems. The ad, selected from more than 100 entries, earned the highest scores in four of the five judging categories.
Judges said the images of brains in jars pulled the reader’s eyes into the ad. The headline was attractive and clean, and the copy was quickly digested. As one judge said, “The ad made me want to learn more about the idrive Pro.”
Top Five Finalists
Four other ads were awarded certificates as Top Five Finalists: Chamberlain’s “Less is More” ad, Marantec’s “Wimpy” ad for its Locmatic digital deadbolt, Steel Dynamics’ “Leopard” ad, promoting its ability to coat in a variety of colors, and Wayne-Dalton’s “New Dealer Tools” ad.
Judging Criteria
The judging panel was composed of 11 independent judges, including nine design experts and two industry observers. Most of the judges have more than 20 years of experience in marketing and advertising. None of the judges were employed by any DASMA member company.
The panel assessed each ad on the basis of creativity, attractive design, helpful copy, integrity/professionalism, and overall effectiveness. All ads that appeared in Door & Access Systems magazine in 2008 were automatically considered as entries.
DASMA Elects New Leaders
As a result of elections at DASMA’s Annual Meeting in January, several changes have taken place on the board of directors. The board manages the affairs of DASMA, oversees all five divisions, and is responsible for strategic planning and policy making.
Brad Hollis of GTO Access Systems was also elected to the board as the new chair of the Operator & Electronics Division. Hollis is senior director of western U.S. and international sales at GTO, a manufacturer of gate operators in Tallahassee, Fla.
Steve Lynch of Clopay was elected to the board, replacing Gene Colleran. Lynch is the new president of Clopay Building Products in Mason, Ohio.
Warren Craft of Roll Coater was elected chair of the Associates Division. A member of the DASMA board of directors since 2008, Craft is senior director of mill sales and strategic accounts at Roll Coater in Indianapolis.
John McLaughlin of Arrow Tru-Line was elected vice chair of the Associates Division and has replaced Dan Knight of Akzo Nobel on the DASMA board of directors. McLaughlin is director of sales for Arrow Tru-Line in Archbold, Ohio.
No Sign of Crisis at R+T 2009
In February, approximately 60,000 visitors and 750 exhibitors from all over the world descended on the new Stuttgart Trade Fair Centre in Germany for R+T 2009, the leading trade fair for doors/gates, roller shutters, and sun protection products.
At the previous R+T event in 2006, there were 545 exhibitors and 54,117 visitors present. The percentage of international exhibitors climbed in 2009 from 60 to 65 percent. The percentage of international visitors increased from 46 to 50 percent, coming from more than 90 nations on all continents, but primarily from Europe.
“This was our first time participating in R+T,” says Chris Long of the International Door Association. “I must confess that I am overwhelmed, plain and simple; such a large amount of exhibitors from countries we had definitely not expected. We were able to make important contacts, establish an international network, and thus make a global name for our organization.”
DASMA Joins Fix Housing First Initiative
In February, DASMA officially joined the Fix Housing First Coalition to push Congress to see the importance of boosting the residential building market. The coalition was launched in December by the National Association of Home Builders.
The coalition is a diverse group of housing stakeholders—including homeowner and community groups, home builders, and manufacturers—dedicated to addressing the root cause of our economic troubles. The coalition has advocated for short-term incentives for qualified home buyers that would stop the drop in home values, restore consumer confidence, create jobs, and lift our entire economy.
More than 2,000 groups are supporting the coalition, including Overhead Door, Clopay Building Products, Andersen Window, and many other national associations tied to the housing industry. For more information, visit www.fixhousingfirst.com.
DASMA Schedules Green Building Forum
On April 1, 2009, in response to increasing nationwide attention to green requirements, DASMA will host a Green Building Forum in Cleveland for its members.
The forum will feature an overview of existing green building standards, guidelines, rating systems, certification programs, and the development of a DASMA green building strategy. DASMA technical staff members Joe Hetzel and Jay Johnson will present drafts of applicable Technical Research Documents and a checklist for exterior doors.
Checklist subjects identified to date include U-factor, glazing solar heat gain and visual light transmittance, air infiltration, shipping containers/package material used, longevity of product, recycled content, origin of door components, rapidly renewable materials, certified wood, volatile organic content, and urea-formaldehyde content.
Joe Hetzel, DASMA technical director, sees this activity as a long-term, high-priority item. He encourages dealers to keep their manufacturer suppliers apprised of any green-related requirements in their markets.
National Green Building Standard Approved
On Jan. 29, 2009, the National Green Building Standard, known as ICC-700-08, was approved by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) as an American National Standard. The publication, to be available this spring, was co-developed by the International Code Council (ICC) and the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB).
The new standard provides guidance for safe and sustainable building practices for residential construction, including both new and renovated single-family to high-rise residential buildings. Key provisions of the standard include construction of smaller homes to conserve resources, energy performance, the use of low-VOC materials, promoting detached garages, and homeowner education on proper maintenance and operation.
DASMA staff member Jay Johnson, a LEED Accredited Professional, reviewed the latest draft of the standard and has found relevance to DASMA member products concerning air infiltration limits, NFRC ratings, certified wood specifications, and others.
“The ICC-700-08 standard is 15 percent or greater in energy performance requirements than the baseline requirements of the 2006 International Energy Conservation Code,” he says.
DASMA Marks 10 Years of Mock Trials
In January, various DASMA members volunteered their acting skills to present an automated vehicular gate-oriented mock trial at the AFA FenceTech event in New Orleans. The event marked the tenth year of mock trials presented by DASMA members.
The AFA presentation featured testimony regarding a mock incident in which a young child becomes injured as a result of an accident involving a moving automated vehicular gate. Naomi Angel, DASMA legal counsel and the organizer of the presentations, says the new mock trial highlights the importance of knowing and following the requirements of both UL 325 and ASTM F2200.
A similar mock trial is scheduled for the International Garage Door Expo in Nashville on April 22, 2009.
TECHNICAL
UL Adopts Provisions for Unattended Operation of GDOs
In January, UL announced that the 325 standard now includes additional requirements for unattended operation of garage door openers. Under study for at least two years, the new UL 325 requirements address products that automatically close a garage door or that allow a garage door to be closed when the door is not intended to be in the line of sight of the person activating the opener.
The new provisions prohibit unattended operation of one-piece garage doors or swinging garage doors. Unattended operation is allowed on sectional garage doors, but only when the opener system meets the new requirements in UL 325.
For example, the opener must provide an audible and visual alarm signal. The alarm must signal for a minimum of five seconds before the door moves.
The audible signal must be heard within the confines of a garage, using “devices such as bells, horns, sirens, or buzzers.” The standard specifies the volume and frequency of the audible signal and the brightness of the visual alarm signal.
Before allowing door movement, the opener must monitor for proper operation of both the visual and audible alarms when they are external to the opener. Other requirements apply. Those who wish to sell such products must acquaint themselves with the new requirements.
Georgia Bill Targets Licensing of Gate Operator Installers
In January, Georgia began considering legislation that would require state licensing for automated vehicular gate operator contractors (installers) and fence contractors. Georgia House Bill 218 was developed with the input of American Fence Association (AFA) representatives and has been revised using input from AFA and DASMA representatives, staff, and legal counsel.
Among other provisions, the bill provides for the creation of a board of industry participants to oversee licensing functions and prepare and approve appropriate examinations. Hopefully, the final legislation will allow the industry-sponsored Certified Automated Gate Operator Installer examination to fulfill the testing requirement for gate operator contractors.
Naomi Angel, DASMA legal counsel, says the legislation has the potential to serve as a template for legislation in other states. “The proactive work of AFA, DASMA, and NOMMA toward installer certification is reaping a significant benefit,” she says. Angel and other industry participants are monitoring the bill toward its conclusion, expected in the spring of 2010.
Guidelines Approved for Publishing R-values and U-factors
In December, the DASMA Commercial & Residential Garage Door Division approved guidelines for the publishing of R-values and U-factors associated with residential and commercial garage doors. The guidelines, an informational tool to be used with Technical Data Sheet (TDS) 163, became effective on Jan. 1, 2009. Modifications to manufacturer literature must be achieved by July 1, 2009.
The guidelines, posted at the DASMA Web site, discuss calculated ratings for a door section, tested ratings for installed doors, door section R-value, published R-value qualification, and U-factor. The guidelines apply if manufacturers choose to advertise and market the R-values and U-factors of their residential and commercial garage doors.
John Jellá, division chair, says the guidelines were the culmination of a year-long cooperative effort between the division, the technical committee, and the steering committee.
Wind-Load Seminar: From CSDDA to Expo 2009
In February, DASMA technical director Joe Hetzel gave a presentation on wind loads and on code development, adoption, and enforcement at the Central States Door Dealer Association (CSDDA) conference in St. Charles, Mo.
Jointly presented with Pat Hunter of C.H.I., chair of DASMA’s Commercial & Residential Garage Door Technical Committee, the seminar focused on increasing code adoption and enforcement in states such as Minnesota, Iowa, Missouri, Wisconsin, and Illinois.
Attendees shared insights on subjects such as new versus retrofit installations, adoption and enforcement uniformity, and specification neutrality. Hetzel says these insights could be used in an expanded, two-part wind-load seminar at the International Garage Door Expo in April. The Expo seminars will also include recent International Code Council activity involving future code development.
DASMA Publishes TDS on Wind-Load Ratings
In December, DASMA published a new Technical Data Sheet (TDS) on wind-load ratings for non-tested garage door and rolling door sizes. The Commercial & Residential Garage Door Division and Rolling Door Division cooperated in developing TDS 180 with input from Florida product approval staff.
According to the TDS, a manufacturer may rate a door for a higher wind-load pressure if a door is smaller in size than a tested door of the same model and construction. Conversely, a manufacturer may rate a door for a lower wind-load pressure if a door is larger in size than a tested door of the same model and construction.
Supporting rationale is given for the above statements. The TDS is expected to be used as an additional reference document when developing rational analyses on a matrix of door sizes for a particular door model. All TDS documents are posted at www.dasma.com.
New TDS: Rolling Door Component Substitution
In January, DASMA published a new Technical Data Sheet with guidelines for when it becomes necessary to substitute one or more components in an installed rolling door. TDS 287, Rolling Door Component Substitution, is intended to help rolling doors perform their intended functions.
The TDS includes substitution information on some common rolling door components including slats, guides, bolts, hoods, and operating chain. Special considerations are described for rolling steel fire doors, air-leakage-rated doors, and wind-rated doors.
The original rolling door manufacturer should be consulted if a part cannot be verified as an acceptable substitution. Dealers are encouraged to review the new TDS, available online at www.dasma.com.
ICC Enters “Code Maintenance” Mode
After nearly 10 years of “code development,” the International Code Council recently announced a transition to “code maintenance,” which slows down the process of approving provisions. The transition becomes effective with the 2012 code cycle, which begins on the April 24, 2009, deadline for change submittals.
The three-year cycle will remain in place, but one opportunity for code change processing will be allowed instead of two. More details are at http://www.iccsafe.org/cs/codes/schedule_advisory.html.
Joe Hetzel, DASMA technical director, says that DASMA will continue to submit code change proposals as needed. He says the emphasis on code adoption, training, and enforcement may greatly increase since code content could be held relatively static for the future.
He advises dealers to stay informed on code adoption and enforcement issues and communicate news with manufacturers.