Monday, April 12, 2010
CMA Tech TG To Seek Board Direction
During a brief meeting, the CMA Technical Task Group decided to seek direction from the NFRC Board of Directors regarding the rating and labeling of spandrel systems before proceeding with an RFP for a Spandrel System Performance Validation Study.
Larsen Recruits Seven to Help With Improving NFRC's 302
The Optical Properties Subcommittee convened from 9:00 - 10:00 a.m. During the meeting, the Optical Spectral Data Task Group proposed significant changes in the NFRC 302 to better ensure that accurate optical spectral data are included in the International Glazing Database (IGD).
A number of issues came up during the meeting.
1. Tom Culp, from Birchpoint Consulting, presented a negative. He said he believes a lot of unnecessary details about the review process and appeals process are being deleted. Culp also said people commonly complain about chasing the third decimal point in the U-factor.
2. Steve Farrar, of Guardian, said the proposed ballot provides no analysis of the need for changing the established procedure, whereby glass manufacturers are responsible for providing spectroradiometric data for the IGD. Farrar also said the ballot provides no assessment of the cost of the proposed procedure and the associated impact on the new product commercialization. Furthermore, Farrar said the proposal provides no basis for the recommended four-fold tightening in the tolerance for emittance. Farrar believes the tolerance should be related to its impact on actual product ratings, not to the precision of modern testing equipment. Finally, Farrar said any change in measurement tolerance must be consistent with the instrument manufacturer’s statement of capability for the intended measurement.
3. Joe Hayden, of Pella Corporation, and Chairman of NFRC’s Board of Directors (BOD) said that section 3.3 makes reference to a list of approved labs in an “Appendix TBD.” This appendix, however, does not exist in the ballot’s draft. Hayden said this needs to be corrected before final publication.
4. Steve Johnson, of Andersen, said there is a need for greater clarity around emittance limits and how compliance to those emmitance limits will be demonstrated.
The meeting concluded with Jim Larsen asking the crowd if anyone wanted to work with him study the comments and work on resolving them. Seven attendees volunteered. They include the following:
1.Bipin Shah
2.Brian Crooks
3.Charles Hayes
4.Willie DuPont
5.Tim Singel
6.Dave Duly
7.Lisa Winkler
A number of issues came up during the meeting.
1. Tom Culp, from Birchpoint Consulting, presented a negative. He said he believes a lot of unnecessary details about the review process and appeals process are being deleted. Culp also said people commonly complain about chasing the third decimal point in the U-factor.
2. Steve Farrar, of Guardian, said the proposed ballot provides no analysis of the need for changing the established procedure, whereby glass manufacturers are responsible for providing spectroradiometric data for the IGD. Farrar also said the ballot provides no assessment of the cost of the proposed procedure and the associated impact on the new product commercialization. Furthermore, Farrar said the proposal provides no basis for the recommended four-fold tightening in the tolerance for emittance. Farrar believes the tolerance should be related to its impact on actual product ratings, not to the precision of modern testing equipment. Finally, Farrar said any change in measurement tolerance must be consistent with the instrument manufacturer’s statement of capability for the intended measurement.
3. Joe Hayden, of Pella Corporation, and Chairman of NFRC’s Board of Directors (BOD) said that section 3.3 makes reference to a list of approved labs in an “Appendix TBD.” This appendix, however, does not exist in the ballot’s draft. Hayden said this needs to be corrected before final publication.
4. Steve Johnson, of Andersen, said there is a need for greater clarity around emittance limits and how compliance to those emmitance limits will be demonstrated.
The meeting concluded with Jim Larsen asking the crowd if anyone wanted to work with him study the comments and work on resolving them. Seven attendees volunteered. They include the following:
1.Bipin Shah
2.Brian Crooks
3.Charles Hayes
4.Willie DuPont
5.Tim Singel
6.Dave Duly
7.Lisa Winkler
New Member Orientation Kicks off NFRC's Spring Membership Meeting
NFRC’s Spring Membership Meeting is underway in New Orleans. The meeting began at 8:00 a.m. One of the first presentations was a new member orientation program.
The orientation began with NFRC’s CEO, Jim Benney, mentioning that there are 135 people in attendance, including 31 new attendees. This is the most heavily attended meeting in NFRC’s history.
Benney pointed out four of NFRC’s over-riding goals:
1. To deliver valid data to all customers, which include the public and building industry and code officials
2. To deliver a successful energy rating program to the commercial fenestration industry
3. To deliver an improved and simplified ratings program for the residential fenestration industry
4. To deliver new rating procedures and programs for existing and emerging technologies
The meeting wrapped up with NFRC’s new Membership Manager, Anita Marsh, speaking about two of the key benefits of becoming an NFRC member. Marsh said the first one is the ability to make one’s voice heard. The second benefit Marsh mentioned is the ability to vote on issues that influence the fenestration industry.
The orientation began with NFRC’s CEO, Jim Benney, mentioning that there are 135 people in attendance, including 31 new attendees. This is the most heavily attended meeting in NFRC’s history.
Benney pointed out four of NFRC’s over-riding goals:
1. To deliver valid data to all customers, which include the public and building industry and code officials
2. To deliver a successful energy rating program to the commercial fenestration industry
3. To deliver an improved and simplified ratings program for the residential fenestration industry
4. To deliver new rating procedures and programs for existing and emerging technologies
The meeting wrapped up with NFRC’s new Membership Manager, Anita Marsh, speaking about two of the key benefits of becoming an NFRC member. Marsh said the first one is the ability to make one’s voice heard. The second benefit Marsh mentioned is the ability to vote on issues that influence the fenestration industry.
Garage Door Task Groups
With discussion of two ballots and a number of ongoing research projects, the Garage/Rolling Door U-Factor and SHGC task groups kicked off one track on Day One of NFRC's Spring Membership Meeting in New Orleans.
Chair Joe Hetzel, technical director at the Door and Access Systems Manufacturers Association International (DASMA), led a discussion of comments on two ballots regarding garage-door related revisions submitted by DASMA to NFRC 100 and 200. Following a spirited discussion of specimen test sizes and other issues, the group will re-ballot the changes to NFRC 100. Hetzel will bring the ballot for NFRC 200 forward to the NFRC SHGC Subcommittee for approval.
Hetzel also told the groups that DASMA is moving forward with a number of research projects designed to simulate and test garage door provisions proposed for NFRC 100/101/102 and NFRC 200/201. He said he will share the results of the research with NFRC when they are available.
Chair Joe Hetzel, technical director at the Door and Access Systems Manufacturers Association International (DASMA), led a discussion of comments on two ballots regarding garage-door related revisions submitted by DASMA to NFRC 100 and 200. Following a spirited discussion of specimen test sizes and other issues, the group will re-ballot the changes to NFRC 100. Hetzel will bring the ballot for NFRC 200 forward to the NFRC SHGC Subcommittee for approval.
Hetzel also told the groups that DASMA is moving forward with a number of research projects designed to simulate and test garage door provisions proposed for NFRC 100/101/102 and NFRC 200/201. He said he will share the results of the research with NFRC when they are available.
Friday, April 9, 2010
Jordan, Knauff & Company Publishes Report on Foreign Competition in U.S. Building Products Industry
Jordan, Knauff & Company has released an annual report regarding foreign competition in the U.S. building products industry. The report includes information on windows and doors. The following comes from a press release from the company distributed on April 7.
Jordan, Knauff & Company, a middle-market investment bank with a specialized practice in the building products industry, has announced the publication of the second annual issue of the Foreign Competition Report for the U.S. Building Products Industry. The report summarizes import statistics and growth rates of the top importing countries in eleven different building products categories. The report includes information on the following industry segments: windows and doors, vinyl profiles, glass, flooring, fencing, siding, roofing, decking, columns, cabinets, and engineered wood products.
Complimentary copies of the Foreign Competition Report have been posted to Jordan, Knauff & Company’s Research Portal, which is located at http://www.jordanknauff.com/windoor. In addition to the Foreign Competition Report, the portal contains all of the firm’s window and door related blogs, articles, research reports, Industry Update Webinars and industry trade association presentations. All of these documents are available for a complimentary download.
Jordan, Knauff & Company, a middle-market investment bank with a specialized practice in the building products industry, has announced the publication of the second annual issue of the Foreign Competition Report for the U.S. Building Products Industry. The report summarizes import statistics and growth rates of the top importing countries in eleven different building products categories. The report includes information on the following industry segments: windows and doors, vinyl profiles, glass, flooring, fencing, siding, roofing, decking, columns, cabinets, and engineered wood products.
Complimentary copies of the Foreign Competition Report have been posted to Jordan, Knauff & Company’s Research Portal, which is located at http://www.jordanknauff.com/windoor. In addition to the Foreign Competition Report, the portal contains all of the firm’s window and door related blogs, articles, research reports, Industry Update Webinars and industry trade association presentations. All of these documents are available for a complimentary download.
Thursday, April 8, 2010
NFRC to Provide Meeting Coverage Through Live News Service
Using its live news service, NFRC will provide continuously updated coverage of the proceedings during its Spring Membership Meeting in New Orleans, April 12-15.As you know, many of us have recently changed the way we seek information. What used to be a weekly magazine or a nightly news broadcast is now at your fingertips the instant it happens. That’s why NFRC will continue to provide the latest news directly from its meeting room.
We invite you to visit often so you can read highlights of each day’s meetings as they happen, view photos and videos, receive summaries of key proceedings throughout the week, and share your thoughts on what happens.
NFRC is dedicated to giving everyone a chance to keep up with the latest decisions being made during the meeting -- no matter where your schedule takes you. Even if you won’t be able to join us in New Orleans, we’ll keep you informed every step of the way.
The Spring Membership Meeting is shaping up to be one of the most active in several years. NFRC expects 143 total attendees. This includes 104 members, 31 new attendees, and 20 non-members.
Additionally, NFRC is going green for the meeting. There will be no printed copies of the program booklet available onsite. Instead, NFRC will provide convenient flash drives that contain all the information attendees will need. If you require a hard copy of the program booklet, please print it before coming to the meeting. Otherwise, you will need to use the hotel's business center.
NFRC is also pleased to announce that China Southern Glass Holding (CSG), Co., Ltd. will be a sponsor during the meeting.Finally, please contact Cheryl Gendron, NFRC's Meeting Manager, with any questions about the Spring Membership Meeting or about becoming an NFRC sponsor.
Friday, April 2, 2010
CSG Sponsors NFRC Membership Meeting
NFRC is pleased to announce that China Southern Glass Holding (CSG), Co., Ltd. will be a sponsor at NFRC’s Spring Membership Meeting, which will be held in New Orleans, La., April 12-15.
Established in 1984, CSG is one of the leading enterprises in China’s glass industry. The company manufactures and supplies all categories of architectural glass products, and it is the first and largest low-e glass manufacturer in China.
Sponsorship Opportunities
NFRC holds two face-to-face and one virtual membership meeting each year in different cities across the United States. These meetings typically attract between 90 and 120 of the nation's top fenestration industry professionals, including engineers, scientists, government officials, and building code experts who gather to participate in the serious work of keeping NFRC programs on the cutting edge of modern advances and energy- saving technology.
NFRC's Sponsorship Program affords numerous benefits.
Sponsors receive widespread recognition in NFRC's publications, on our Website, and during our meetings. Click here to download the brochure detailing the varied levels of participation.
Contact Cheryl Gendron, NFRC's Meeting Manager, to open this exciting window of opportunity for your organization in 2010.
Established in 1984, CSG is one of the leading enterprises in China’s glass industry. The company manufactures and supplies all categories of architectural glass products, and it is the first and largest low-e glass manufacturer in China.
Sponsorship Opportunities
NFRC holds two face-to-face and one virtual membership meeting each year in different cities across the United States. These meetings typically attract between 90 and 120 of the nation's top fenestration industry professionals, including engineers, scientists, government officials, and building code experts who gather to participate in the serious work of keeping NFRC programs on the cutting edge of modern advances and energy- saving technology.
NFRC's Sponsorship Program affords numerous benefits.
Sponsors receive widespread recognition in NFRC's publications, on our Website, and during our meetings. Click here to download the brochure detailing the varied levels of participation.
Contact Cheryl Gendron, NFRC's Meeting Manager, to open this exciting window of opportunity for your organization in 2010.
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