Technical Corner (Cont'd) 
The Japanese and Australian water test methods attempt to simulate gusting effects by rapid pulsation of the static pressure. These methods were considered by some to be a “step up” from the current ASTM methods used. ASTM most recently developed ASTM E 2268, Standard Test Method for Water Penetration of Exterior Windows, Skylights, and Doors by Rapid Pulsed Air Pressure Difference, which is similar to the aforementioned international test methods in terms of creating rapid pressure pulsation.
Details of AAMA 520
The new AAMA 520 specification establishes 10 different levels of performance utilizing the ASTM E 2268 test method. Each of the established performance levels include both an upper and lower pressure limit (e.g., level 1 includes a 5 psf lower limit and a 15 psf upper pressure limit, with 7.5 psf being the mean). After going through a set of five operation cycles (for operable windows) and a sixty second pre-load pressure test (equal to the pre-established upper limit water test pressure value), the specimen may then be tested to determine the water resistance performance level.
During the test, water is sprayed uniformly across the specimen at the standard rate of 5 gallons per square foot, per hour. With the water spray on, the rapid pulsating pressure is applied in accordance with ASTM
E 2268. The specimen is exposed to 300 pressure cycles that range from the established low pressure to the high pressure. Each pressure cycle lastsw
approximately 2 seconds, which results in about a 10 minute water test.
Round One of Testing is Complete
SE AAMA contracted with Architectural Testing (ATI) to perform research testing on three sliding glass door specimens using ASTM
E 331, ASTM E 2268 and AAMA 501.1 test methods. This research testing produced some very interesting results. One commercial specimen was able to achieve a Level 6 performance, involving 10, 20, and 30 psf pressure levels. This was attained during the 300 pressure cycles when tested in accordance with ASTM E 2268—with no water leakage. This same specimen met a 15 psf water test pressure using the AAMA 501.1 dynamic test method. On the residential side, a modified unit was able to meet similar levels stated above after the application of a sill extender.
This is not to say that all products will be able to meet these new water test protocols, but it is possible that some will! Another important factor is that right now the intent is to allow some minor water penetration during the test; after all it is a hurricane. The current specification allows for 15ml of water for each meter of sill length. This really changes things.
Code Adoption?
Essentially, this standard provides a “stake in the ground” for manufacturers and designers to evaluate new products and product enhancements.
The voluntary specification, according to AAMA, “will serve as an elevated performance characterization, but it is not intended for AAMA to submit this optional test for any building code adoption and enforcement.”
Now is the Time to Evaluate
Now is the time for all manufacturers to evaluate their coastal product lines per this new procedure.
During the review period, manufacturers would be well advised to test their products to see how they will fare. If you would like to test your product(s) to this new standard please contact any of ATI's
regional laboratories.
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2009 Membership Directory
The 2009 Membership Directory ... Notice something different?
In keeping with NWDA's ongoing efforts to provide a more environmentally-friendly organization, take advantage of the most current technology available and maximize your membership-dues dollar, NWDA has switched to a digital format for production and distribution of the 2009 Membership Directory.
This interactive document is not only easy to use, but the digital format will allow us to keep the directory current throughout the year; click here to download your copy.
Thank you to our directory advertisers
Your support makes this valuable resource possible!
DAC Products
John Evans' Sons
Spectra Gases
Wakefield Equipment
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Newsletter Ad Space is Still Available
Looking for a way to showcase your products and services to fellow NWDA members?
There’s still space available in the 4th Quarter edition of the NWDA e-Newsletter!
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November 25: |
Deadline to secure ad space |
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December 4: |
Deadline for artwork |
Advertising is sold on a first-come, first-served basis, so don’t delay!
Click here to view the ad specifications.
Contact Jen Thayer at jthayer@nwda.net immediately if you wish to secure advertising space.
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Congratulations to NWDA’s 2009 Scholarship Recipient
NWDA is proud to announce that this year’s recipient of the NWDA Scholarship is Alyssa Stiles, daughter of Ken Stiles of Winchester Industries.
Currently in her Junior year at Indiana University of Pennsylvania, Alyssa has shown exemplary performance in academics, community service, and extra-curricular activities. The pre-dentistry major maintains a Grade Point Average of 3.35, while serving as the incoming President of the Student Government Association, sitting on the Philanthropy, Education, and Efficiency and Community Service committees of Sigma Sigma Sigma, serving as Secretary of Sigma Alpha Lambda Honor Society, and volunteering as a YMCA softball coach and a Welcome Weekend orientation leader at her university.
The first person in her family ever to attend college, Alyssa’s hard work has been recognized through various other scholarships and honors such as a Student Employee of the Year nomination and a Volunteer Service of the Year award nomination.
With the ultimate goal of becoming an orthodontist, Alyssa’s sights are also set on maintaining a high academic standard for herself all while positively impacting her campus and community.
We could not be more pleased to award the 2009 NWDA Scholarship to such a deserving candidate.
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Summer Meeting and Golf Outing Wrap Up
Thank you to all who attended the annual Summer Meeting and Golf Outing at the Seaview Resort. A longtime favorite of our members, this year’s meeting proved once again to combine excellent educational opportunities, valuable networking and a fantastic day of hitting the links (as you can see thanks to the fantastic pictures taken by Todd Woods of DAC Products).

After a beautiful day out on the greens and a fantastic dinner that brought together our members and their families, Tuesday’s educational sessions provided an excellent learning opportunity for our meeting attendees.
In a year of significant uncertainty and change, the topics presented addressed several timely issues affecting the way NWDA members conduct daily business. The speaker program was kicked off with our traditional “Codes and Specs Update” presented by Mike Mackereth of Architectural Testing. Mike was followed by Justin Aruck of EMO Energy Solutions and James R. Selsor, Jr. of Gunnip who spoke on “The Other Tax Credit … IRS 2005 Commercial Building Energy Tax Deduction.” Closing out our line-up were Paul Gary of The Gary Law Group and Scott Warner of Architectural Testing, who explored “Fenestration Liability Issues—Current Trends and Future Perspectives.”
Didn’t make it to the meeting?
Visit NWDA online to download copies of the presentations from Seaview.
NWDA would like to thank everyone involved in making this event a success, including members of the board who helped secure the speakers, our attendees, and the event sponsors and door prize contributors.
Special thanks
To Four-Jaks for sponsoring the Hole-in-One contest and giving all of our golfers something to shoot for, and to Strybuc for sponsoring our beverage cart and ensuring that our golfers stayed well-hydrated.
Thank you to our golf hole sponsors
Barracuda Manufacturing • Cardinal IG • Chelsea Building Products • DAC Products • Fenetech • Harvey Building Products • North East Windows • PPG Industries • Quality Lineals USA • Ritescreen • Royal Window and Door Profiles • Ultrafab • Ventana USA • Vytex
And to our generous door prize contributors
AGC Flat Glass • Barracuda Manufacturing • Chelsea Building Products • DAC Products • Harvey Building Products • ITW Futura Coatings • Ritescreen • Royal Window and Door Profiles • Venture Tape
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Member Profile—Learning about your fellow NWDA members (Cont'd)
Accolades
Murph has been named one of Most Influential People in Millwork Industry (they let his mom have a lot of votes apparently!), Drexel University’s Marketing Executive of the Year, and in 2001 was presented with the Alumni Achievement Award from his high school, Devon Prep.
Murph and NWDA
Murph’s favorite thing about NWDA is the people; he has tons of friends in the industry and one of the things he enjoys the most is spending time with reps, vendors and customers at NWDA events. In fact, the first manufacturing rep he met in the industry was Bruce Zurka and to this day the two are still best of friends—Bruce even married a Murphy!
Additionally, Strybuc has co-sponsored the beer cart with Caldwell at NWDA golf outings for over 20 years with Murph's buddy, Bill Cochrane. Bill retired so Murph is looking for a riding partner—actually a driving partner.
More About Murph … The Personal Side
Murph and his wife, Maria, will be married 29 years on May 1. They have a daughter, Irene, who is currently getting her Masters Degree in Classics at Catholic University; Maria is still a little mad at NWDA for not getting a scholarship … but she is still accepting contributions.
In his down time, Murph likes to play basketball (or any sport really), and read; He always reads two books at a time, and at the time of this interview was reading Outliers and Hot, Flat, & Crowded.
In addition to his involvement as a member of NWDA, Murph is a Past-President and current Board Member of the Devon Prep Alumni Association. He inspires their graduating Seniors each year when he speaks to them about his mistakes, time management and goal setting.
About Strybuc
Strybuc is a family-owned wholesale distributor of window and door hardware with 3 locations: a main office and warehouse in Sharon Hill, PA; a machine shop and manufacturing location in Prospect Park, PA; and an office and warehouse in Miami, FL. Murph and his partner purchased the company from Bob Strybuc 28 years ago—Bob stayed with the team until he passed away over 4 years ago. Strybuc has partnered with virtually every OEM supplier of hardware in the industry beginning with Caldwell and now including Truth, Amesbury/BSI, Hoppe, Roto, Intek, GU, Ashland, W&F, Interlock, Ritescreen, Genius, Unique and Mighton. Strybuc purchases obsolete and out-of-production products from window and door manufacturers, and keeps these items available for the replacement industry.
There are over 75 people at Strybuc that include not only family members but long-time contributors to its success that are like family. Michael McCauley "Mac" is the General Manager and has been with Strybuc from the start; his son Del is its purchasing manager.
Featured in the Strybuc picture
From left to right: Pete Pierangeli (Murph's nephew), Murph Himself, Nikki Kasper (Murph's niece; bringing in the 3rd generation), Ren Pierangeli (Murph's brother-in-law/partner/best friend), Renny Pierangeli (Murph's nephew and godson), Marc Pierangeli (Murph's nephew and godson )
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Member News—What’s New With You?
Architectural Testing is pleased to announce the opening of their New England testing laboratory in Chelmsford, Massachusetts. The scope of product testing currently performed in the 11,000 square foot, easy-access facility includes forensic investigations; air, water, and structural evaluation of fenestration products in the laboratory and in the field; and Miami-Dade impact testing. Future expansion of testing services will include safety glazing and insulating glass evaluations.
Architectural Testing opened the New England laboratory as part of their on-going effort to meet the diverse needs of the building product and construction industries. The newest laboratory location is Architectural Testing's anchor into New England for providing forensics services to the region, especially the Greater Boston area.
DAC Products, manufacturer of window and door samples and displays is offering a new customizable soft-side case to their program. Responding to the industry need for small quantity custom pitch kits, they say this case is the perfect solution for the dealer or smaller manufacturer. The unique, pull out one inch squares in the foam insert allow the user to configure the case to meet their particular needs while not requiring large quantities or tooling costs.
DAC has designed and produced custom soft-side presentation kits for the window and door industry for many years using their in-house sewing and engineering departments. Soft-side presentation cases are an excellent way for in-home sales representatives to professionally tell the story of a product’s features and benefits.
Gorell Windows & Doors is celebrating its tenth year as an ENERGY STAR manufacturing partner. The manufacturer of vinyl windows and doors became a partner in 1999, shortly after the ENERGY STAR Windows program was introduced in 1998. “We’re proud that Gorell has been an ENERGY STAR partner for a decade,” said Wayne Gorell, President & CEO. “As many in the industry know, ENERGY STAR is an integral part of Gorell’s business—it’s become the cornerstone of our commitment to energy efficiency and the Green movement in America. Receiving the ENERGY STAR Sustained Excellence Awards from 2006 to 2009 reinforced this commitment.”
Since its inception in 1993, Gorell Windows & Doors has made energy efficiency a top priority in every facet of its business. Gorell continuously strives to produce the most energy-efficient products available because it recognizes the value this brings to homeowners—and to the country. Gorell also educates its employees, dealers and consumers to ensure that they have a clear understanding of the benefits ENERGY STAR labeled products provide.
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Make Sure that NWDA is on Your Distribution List
Don’t see your member news included here? Make sure that your communications team is sending copies of your press releases to info@nwda.net. Members love to read about what’s going on with each others’ companies, so we can’t get too much news!
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Mission Statement
The Northeast Window and Door Association represents window and door manufacturers, supported by suppliers, for the goal of providing affordable access to information and education regarding market, government, building code, and business influencers shaping the window and door marketplace.
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NWDA Officers
Darryl Huber, BF Rich Co., President
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Chuck Scalzott, Vytex Windows Corporation, First Vice President
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Tom Channell, Chelsea Building Products, Second Vice President
• Bob Sullivan, Harvey Industries, Treasurer
NWDA Active Directors
Al Dixon, Southwest Vinyl Windows
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Alan Hinkle, Lockheed Window Corp.
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Art Poland, Thermal Industries
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Rob Rose, Northeast Building Products Corp.
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Chuck Wetmore, Serious Materials
NWDA Associate Directors
Nancy Bostwick, Caldwell Manufacturing Company • Randy Cohen, Frank Lowe Rubber and Gasket Company • Kelly King, RiteScreen • Mike Mackereth, Architectural Testing Inc.
NWDA Past-Presidents
William Langfelder • William Carmichael • Alan Ungerleider • Robert Williams • Lee Borellis • Herb Steigler • Art Poland • John Mesko • Chris Lorber • Keith Oakley • Terry Rex • Michael Sugrue • Bill Donnelly
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