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Technical Corner

Severe Wind Driven Rain Resistance; AAMA 520
By Architectural Testing, Inc.

What is AAMA 520?
AAMA 520 is entitled, Voluntary Specification for Rating the Severe Wind Driven Rain Resistance of Windows, Doors and Unit Skylights. The development of this spec. was authorized by the AAMA Board and overseen by the AAMA Southeast Region's technical committee. The purpose of the voluntary document is to provide a standard test method for evaluating and rating the performance of fenestration products subjected to “severe wind driven rain conditions.”



What's the Issue?
While windows and doors, at least those which have been tested to meet impact resistance, fared well in terms of structural performance, there were reportedly numerous complaints regarding uncontrolled water penetration at and around these products.

Based on these complaints, and subsequent discussions with the Florida Building Commission, AAMA's SE Technical Committee took on the challenge of reviewing the existing water penetration testing protocols with the intent of establishing more realistic water performance standards for hurricane coastal areas.

The current industry standard requires windows and doors to resist water penetration at 15 or 20% of the rated design pressure using static pressure test methods. While these test methods may be appropriate for most inland areas of the U.S., it seems appropriate to review the current test methods and available research data to determine if there are other procedures that may be more representative of the severe conditions found in coastal areas.

Review and Comparison
of Test Methods

Several test methods were studied during the AAMA research period including, the Japanese (JIS A 1517), Australian (AS/NZS 4282:1985), ASTM E 331, E 547 and E 2268, and AAMA's 501.1.

The AAMA certification program utilizes ASTM E 331 and E 547, two longstanding standards for water penetration. These standards use static pressure to simulate wind driven rain, however they do not replicate wind gusts or pulsating wind.  The AAMA 501.1 dynamic test utilizes a wind generator to create pulsating winds, but there are some pressure limits due to the equipment used.

Continue reading here.


 

President's Message

As predicted, the summer meeting at Seaview was great: plenty of fellowship, plenty of good times and a bevy of excellent speakers presenting timely and relevant educational material.

I have two more predictions.

The first is obvious to anyone following the programming for the winter educational meeting to be held at Architectural Testing Inc. (ATI) in York on January 26. This winter meeting will provide a plethora of information about blockbuster topics that will benefit everyone: designing, testing, certifying, supplying, marketing or manufacturing fenestration products.

This year’s winter meeting will be fantastic, more for its content than its pageantry. The NWDA has a tradition of holding Winter Meetings in destination-locations, and this year is no different. ATI is a fantastic property; the facility is home to a lab that is a leader for the testing of fenestration products and is outfitted with the latest equipment including a bomb blast chamber. I ask: is there a better place to meet and get involved in serious discussions about the fenestration industry?



Moreover, the NWDA Board of Directors has taken inventory on how we can best serve our membership and uphold our mission. The NWDA has a tradition of providing low-cost access to fenestration educational topics and has recently expanded on that mission to include access as a “stakeholder” to ENERGY STAR, NFRC and as, a source of information, to the legislative process. In an effort to ensure that all NWDA members continue to have access to the education and networking afforded at our meetings during this tough economic climate, we have scaled back the “pageantry” of the winter meeting while packing the event full of value. Our speakers are serious fenestration experts presenting relevant industry information, and in keeping with NWDA tradition, attendees will find fellowship, sponsorship opportunities and plenty of networking.

The second prediction is one I am sure everyone is hoping to come true. This prediction is that there will be a push by consumers to get their energy improvement projects completed and “in service” prior to the end of the 2009 tax year.

This will happen provided we are educating the consumer and preparing a plan to handle the anticipated spike in demand that is likely to start after Thanksgiving and not let up until December 31, 2009.  For many of us, this predicted spike is well after the traditional end of the Fall rush and at a time when we are traditionally winding down for the upcoming Holidays. This is all compounded further for many of us with the onset of the hunting season.

As manufacturers, we need to make plans now to adjust our production schedules. We also need to ask our dealers how they are going to provide the manpower to complete the increased number of installations. Without our dealers on schedule, we can potentially miss sales opportunities that might be put off until ... you guessed it ... 2010. Be sure you have a solution for 2009 so that the worst case scenario is that you will not have to use it until 2010.

Let’s hope that I am right and even if you think I am not, let us all choose to be positive for the remainder of 2009. We have all worked hard to stay the course and, quite frankly, everyone still standing in our industry has earned the right to be positive.

In friendship,

Darryl Huber
President Northeast Window
and Door Association

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Winter Meeting Gets a Makeover ...

But mark your calendar
Because NWDA is heading to York, PA on January 26 for our Winter Educational Program.

Just added to the agenda
Don't be caught off guard
with the new glass certification requirements for 2010. Get up to speed in York.

See what else is on the agenda!

What's changed?
Taking your feedback into consideration, NWDA has postponed the Winter Meeting and Table Tops until next year. The significant level of industry cutbacks and ongoing budget constraints continues to prohibit many of our members from participating in costly, multi-day events.

NWDA is re-visiting the structure of all of our programming for 2010 to ensure that manufacturers and suppliers have every opportunity to attend educational and networking programs; that Sponsors and Table Top exhibitors can realize a strong return on their investment; and that host facilities can benefit from the business that NWDA provides.

NWDA’s focus continues to be on education, advocacy, and building relationships between manufacturers and suppliers. Our intent is to find new ways to continue to offer these things to you and your colleagues while our industry works to rebound.

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Welcome New
Active Member

QUALITY LINEALS
Jeffrey Kaiserman
105 Bennington Ave
Freeport, NY 11520
516-378-6577
jeffkaiserman@newindow.net


Member Profile — Learning about your fellow NWDA members

Spotlight on Jim Murphy "Murph" and the Strybuc team

What does Murph do all day?
At Strybuc, Murph is responsible for sales, marketing, vendor and product development, research, coaching, strategy … a little of everything.

How/why did you get started in the industry?
“My father-in-law (my biggest mentor and hero) had a plumbing supply company, Pier-Angeli Plumbing Supply, and he wanted to offer window & door parts but I wanted to be in my own business. My brother-in-laws and I are best friends and I didn’t see how it would work being friends, in-laws, and partners but it has been an incredible journey, and I wouldn’t change a thing, especially now that our nephews and nieces are in the business and enjoying it too.”

Prior to acquiring Strybuc 29-30 years ago, Murph worked for another of his mentors, Tom Orsato, at Delaware Valley Aluminum (DVAC). He earned his Bachelor Degree from Drexel University where he majored in Marketing & Management

Read more about Murph.



NWDA Thanks our Generous Sponsors
NWDA would like to thank DAC PRODUCTS, SPECTRA GASES, and VISION PRODUCTS for their generous support with newsletter sponsorship.

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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!

 
November 25:
Deadline to secure ad space
  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 ProfileLearning 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 • Chuck Scalzott, Vytex Windows Corporation, First Vice President • Tom Channell, Chelsea Building Products, Second Vice President • Bob Sullivan, Harvey Industries, Treasurer

NWDA Active Directors
Al Dixon, Southwest Vinyl Windows • Alan Hinkle, Lockheed Window Corp. • Art Poland, Thermal Industries • Rob Rose, Northeast Building Products Corp. • 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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