Faux Wood Garage Doors Debut at IBS 2008
© 2008 Door & Access Systems
Publish Date: Spring 2008
Author: Tom Wadsworth
Page 6-38
NEWSLINES
PRODUCTS
Faux Wood Garage Doors Debut at IBS 2008
In February, Ackue International displayed its new Fatezzi faux wood garage doors at the 2008 Builders’ Show.
Fatezzi garage door claddings are molded from real wood to replicate the appearance of natural wood. The lightweight claddings, applied at the factory or by authorized dealers, are placed on new flush steel insulated garage doors. The patent-pending adhesive process requires no mechanical fasteners.
George Acha, managing director, says the claddings and adhesives are designed to stand up to extreme hot and cold climates. UV-resistant Fatezzi claddings provide additional insulation and withstand moisture, rotting, cracking, and pests.
The doors are offered in a variety of designs and wood species including pecky cypress, clear cypress, and oak. Other wood species claddings are in development.
Ackue was founded by former Dow Chemical employees with more than 45 years of combined experience in polymer chemistry and manufacturing. www.fatezzi.com or www.ackue.com
Overhead Door Introduces New Opener
In February, Overhead Door announced the Standard Drive, its newest garage door opener that became available on Feb. 1, 2008.
Designed for easy installation and durability, the opener includes a DualDrive chain system for quiet operation. Its SmartSet feature allows easy programming and installation. www.overheaddoor.com
Wayne-Dalton Offers Residential Aluminum and Glass Door
At the International Builders’ Show (IBS) in February, Wayne-Dalton displayed its Model 8800, the company’s first aluminum and glass residential garage door.
Homeowners can customize the Model 8800 with window options in clear, white laminated, or satin-etched privacy glass or tinted in green, gray, or bronze. Tempered safety glass and acrylic are also available.
Section frames come in powder coat finishes in white, hunter green, black, or bronze and anodized finishes in clear, dark bronze, or black. Custom colors and glass options are also available. www.wayne-dalton.com
Chamberlain Offers New Universal Remote and Wireless Entry
At the Builders’ Show in February, Chamberlain introduced the LiftMaster Universal Remote Control and Universal Wireless Keyless Entry.
The new remote control can operate two different garage door opener brands. The new wireless entry pad is designed for easy programming. www.liftmaster.com
Clopay Shows New Generation of Carriage Doors
At the February Builders’ Show, Clopay displayed a new generation of its Coachman steel-and-composite carriage house doors with multiple rows of windows in various panel styles and hardware.
“This look is the next iteration in carriage house designs,” says Pat Lohse, vice president of residential marketing. “Once a style takes hold in the marketplace, consumers naturally build on the trend to make it their own.”
Lohse says this look works well on 12' doors. www.clopaydoor.com
Amarr Debuts Wood-Grain Finish Steel Doors
In February at IBS, Amarr Garage Doors offered a preview of a new wood-grain finish steel garage door. The new finish, on carriage house and traditional panel steel garage doors, is expected to be available this spring.
The doors do not require an initial staining or refinishing over time, says Vickie Lents, residential category director. The wood-grain finish is factory applied as a base wood tone and is then overprinted with a wood-grain pattern using a special printing process. www.amarr.com
Hörmann Flexon Introduces High-Speed SoftEdge Door
At Expo 2008, Hörmann Flexon will display its new Speed-Commander 1400 high-speed roll-up door system with SoftEdge technology. Designed for interior openings up to 14' x 16', the door’s SoftEdge bottom profile is designed to add safety and efficiency.
An integral damage-control breakaway system reduces costly repairs and downtime. In a collision, the curtain breaks away without damage and is easily fed back into the guide tracks. www.hormann-flexon.com
Chamberlain Previews Alternate Power System
In February, Chamberlain revealed the new LiftMaster Alternate Power System at the 2008 Builders’ Show. Low-voltage and UL-listed, this power system serves as a permanent solution to power the side-mounted LiftMaster Residential Jackshaft Opener (Model 3800).
The alternate power system is used when an electrical outlet is not located within 6' of the opener, eliminating the need to hire an electrician to run power to the Model 3800. The new system should be available in April 2008. www.liftmaster.com
Chamberlain to Preview New Commercial Operator at Expo
In April, Chamberlain will offer previews of two new LiftMaster commercial door operator products at the International Garage Door Expo in Las Vegas.
The new LiftMaster medium-duty gear-reduced operator with hoist (Model MGH) is an economical operator designed for taller doors requiring hoist emergency operation. Model MGH, available in early summer 2008, will be offered with 1/2- or 3/4-HP motors and is rated for up to 12 cycles per hour or 50 per day.
Select LiftMaster medium-duty commercial operators will soon be available with Medium-Duty Logic, an integrated circuit control board with a built-in radio receiver and timer-to-close functionality. Medium-Duty Logic will be available in fall 2008. www.liftmaster.com
DoorTech Announces Steel Carriage House Door
In February, DoorTech Industries announced the Chateau, a stamped-steel carriage style door with a variety of window designs. The door will initially be available in white only, 24-gauge skin, and with optional decorative hardware.
Future models will include an almond color and an insulated door with a steel back. www.doortechind.com
Linear Offers Carriage House Conversion Rail
In January, Linear announced its Carriage House Conversion Rail family (CHCR) for the heavier residential garage door market. The rail’s design flexibility gives installers installation flexibility and saves inventory space.
The CHCR rails are available in 7', 8', and 10' lengths and can be field installed on top of Linear’s belt-drive HBT rails or chain-drive HCT rails to form a stronger I-beam rail for heavier carriage house doors.
Larry Foisie, vice president of entry systems, says the CHCR accessories allow installers to stock less and sell more. www.linearcorp.com
Hörmann Flexon to Display New Spiral Door
At Expo 2008 in April, Hörmann Flexon will display its new security door with high-speed spiral technology.
Designed for interior or exterior openings up to 20' wide, the high-speed spiral door has aluminum sections with thermal breaks. Synthetic hinge connectors provide quiet door operation. www.hormann-flexon.com
Cornell Introduces Accordion Fire Doors
In January, Cornell introduced its new TranZform Accordion Folding Fire Doors. Requiring less headroom than rolling fire doors, these new fire doors are stored out of sight.
Designed to provide automatic closing upon alarm, TranZform Fire units can be used in openings that are part of a required means of egress, are built to order, and fit openings of virtually any width and from 3'6" to 22' high.
TranZform Fire units meet the International Building Code criteria for horizontal sliding doors used as egress doors. Up to 3-hour UL fire ratings, UL “S”-label smoke rating, and FM ratings are available. www.cornelliron.com
Goff’s Adds HarshGuard Roll-Up Door
In February, Goff’s Enterprises announced its new HarshGuard roll-up door for harsh conditions found at car washes, food processing operations, and industrial facilities.
The door’s tensioning system enables the door to maintain a seal under gusts up to 70 mph on a 10' x 12' door and prevents the curtain from blowing out of its guides.
Standard on the door is a totally enclosed motor than can take the door speed up to 50"/sec. Using noncorrosive materials and fasteners, HarshGuard resists contamination and ice buildup. The door also has an active edge that senses objects in its path and causes the door to reverse direction upon contact. www.goffscurtainwalls.com
Fehr Adds Zap Operators
In February, Fehr Bros. announced the availability of Zap’s New Innovation 825, 8825, and 8826 series of commercial door operators.
With two motor sizes and three pulley combinations, the operators accommodate doors up to 350 sq. ft. and 1,600 lbs. The 8826 series offers an integrated chain hoist.
Units feature automatic obstruction sensing on any part of the door, with instant stop and reverse without the need for a safety edge. www.fehr.com/door
Linear Introduces New Swing Gate Operator
In February, Linear introduced its new linear-drive swing gate operator, the LRA (Linear Residential Actuator). The new system uses the new Apex gate operator controller with improved diagnostics and communications.
The new LRA is an electromechanical screw drive with a 24V DC motor and can handle single- or dual-gate installations. Made of aluminum, the LRA features a stroke length of 16" and can handle up to 600 lbs.
The Apex features an integral entrapment-sensing system with an easily adjusted digital set point. It also features an auto-close timer and a pre-start warning alarm to indicate gate movement. www.linearcorp.com
Canimex Introduces New Decorative Hardware
In January, Canimex announced a new series of stamped-aluminum decorative hardware as part of its Spade collection.
The rust-resistant series includes a lift handle, pull handle, and a 16" hinge, all powder-coated black with a textured finish. www.canimex.com
Re-Source Adds Genie and LiftMaster Products
In January, Re-Source Industries added eight Genie radio controls, 19 Genie residential opener replacement parts, and more than 40 LiftMaster parts and accessories.
The LiftMaster items include gear kits, drive components, control boards, limits, radio controls, and accessories. www.re-sourceind.com
Martin Offers Two-Color Doors
In December, Martin Door began offering two-color garage doors as part of its aluminum door line.
“No other manufacturer has the ability to offer such a product, a finished powder-coat door, in two colors of their choice,” says Dave Haslam, director of national sales.
Martin’s aluminum garage doors come with a lifetime warranty. www.martindoor.com
Linear Unveils New Telephone Entry Systems
At FenceTech in February, Linear demonstrated its new generation of Telephone Entry Systems and Access Controllers. The AE2000Plus, AE1000Plus, and AM3Plus now come with the AccessBase 2000 and the new Axnet Web programmability that significantly increases programming flexibility of Linear’s panels for dealers, installers, and users.
Axnet, a new Web browser-based method of programming from any PC, provides an alternate method of entering information to set up and install Linear’s Telephone Entry Systems. Axnet mode is a new feature with all of Linear’s Plus panels.
Axnet is suitable for small installations where up to four panels will do the job. For larger, more complex jobs, AccessBase 2000 will continue to support eight panels and eight networks, up to 256 doors. www.linearcorp.com
TOOLS
DeWalt Introduces New 3/8" Corded Drills
In February, DeWalt launched its new heavy-duty 3/8" corded drills in two handle grip styles. These drills include a larger, more powerful motor and 0-2,500 RPM for increased reliability and performance.
DeWalt research determined that construction professionals seek more options in handle design and grip. Thus, these drills come with a mid-handle grip or a pistol grip. www.dewalt.com
Hyster Announces New Lift Trucks
In December, Hyster Company launched the Fortis line of lift trucks, representing a transformation in the way lift trucks are designed and built.
Each Fortis lift truck is offered with multiple powertrain configurations to meet specific requirements and optimize productivity. In head-to-head comparisons with similar trucks, the Fortis series is shown to decrease downtime by up to 30 percent and save over $2,200 per year in operating costs.
The Fortis line offers choices of performance transmissions, hydraulic controls, and cooling systems. www.hysteramericas.com
DeWalt Unveils New Portable Compressors
In February, DeWalt announced its new heavy-duty, gas-wheeled portable compressors as part of its focus on residential construction applications.
These compressors are built with cast iron pumps that offer low oil consumption. Two models have a forced-air cooling system that enables the pump to operate 100 degrees cooler than previous models. A low-oil sensor in the pump will shut off the engine if the oil level is low.
Two models are equipped with a 6.5-HP engine, while two others have a 9-HP engine. www.dewalt.com
PEOPLE
Janus Hires Beckley as VP of Sales
In December, Janus International announced that Dan Beckley had joined its sales force as vice president of sales for the rolling steel division. Beckley will lead the development and strategic sales of Janus’ new line of rolling steel doors.
Beckley has 26 years of experience in the door manufacturing industry. He has held managerial positions with Overhead Door and Cornell Iron Works, and he spent the last 10 years at Clopay Building Products as VP of dealer sales and VP of commercial business development.
Rolling steel door production is slated to begin in the first quarter of 2008.
Ken Barnard, National Door VP, Dies
Ken Barnard, vice president of engineering at National Door Industries, died unexpectedly on Feb. 22, 2008, in Fort Worth, Texas. The signs reportedly point to a heart attack.
Barnard had been involved at National Door, his father’s Fort Worth business, for almost 30 years. Survivors include his parents, Bob and Joyce Barnard, and his brothers, Mike and Britt, who are also vice presidents at National Door.
National Door supplies decorative windows, window frames, and hardware for the garage door industry.
Janus Adds Rolling Door Staff
In February, Janus announced two new staff additions to its rolling steel division.
David Dawdy has joined Janus as product and architectural development manager. He will play a key role in rolling steel product development as well as assist Janus in reaching the important architectural community. Most recently employed by C.H.I., Dawdy has more than 25 years of experience in the door industry.
Curtis Schroeder has also joined Janus as rolling steel engineer, working in the research and development of Janus’ new line of rolling steel doors. Schroeder has more than five years of experience in the door industry, most recently with C.H.I.
Chamberlain Promotes Karasek to Chief Technology Officer
In November, Chamberlain appointed Mark Karasek to the newly created position of executive vice president of engineering and chief technology officer (CTO). In his new role, Karasek will develop and implement plans to drive technology and product development-related best practices for Chamberlain and its parent company, Duchossois Industries.
Karasek joined Chamberlain in 1994 as a manager in the engineering department. Before joining Chamberlain, Mark held R&D and project management positions with Illinois Tool Works, Pennsylvania State University Applied Research Laboratory, and Wilson Sporting Goods.
He received a doctorate in polymer science from Penn State and earned a master’s in mechanical engineering and bachelor’s degree in engineering mechanics from the University of Illinois.
New President at Asta Door
On Jan. 1, 2008, Jimmy French was promoted to president of Asta Door. He will also maintain the position of president of Atlanta Door. French started working for Asta Door after graduating from the University of Georgia in 1993.
In addition, Phil Keally was promoted to director of administration. Keally continues to manage the customer service department and now manages information technology, purchasing, and office personnel, and provides inside sales support to the sales department. Keally started working for Asta in 2001, with 20 years of prior experience as an operations manager and customer service manager.
Richards-Wilcox Hires Marketing Manager
In January, Richards-Wilcox Canada announced the hiring of Bette Davies as marketing manager. In this role, she will develop and implement strategic marketing programs that enhance the firm’s global distribution.
Davies has 35 years of advertising and marketing experience. In 2001, she was the founding editor of Door Data International, a trade publication in the door and access industry.
Richards-Wilcox Canada, founded in 1912, operates today on six continents.
C.H.I. Promotes and Hires
In January, C.H.I. Overhead Doors announced that Phil Schrock had accepted the new position of architectural services representative.
In this role, Schrock keeps in contact with specifiers and contractors, promoting C.H.I.’s residential and commercial products for construction projects. Schrock has been a customer service representative for C.H.I. for 10 years.
C.H.I. also hired Paul Grimaldi, a new regional sales manager for the U.S. Northeast. Grimaldi brings an extensive sales career of 20 years, including 15 years in the garage door industry in the Northeastern markets.
Janus Announces Sales Awards
In January, Janus International announced its 2007 Salesmen of the Year recipients. Winners were selected on the basis of their sales performance in 2007.
Scott Garland received Commercial Salesman of the Year, Jim Ponti received Overall Salesman of the Year, and Todd Levy received Self Storage Salesman of the Year.
Chamberlain Appoints General Manager of PTI
In December, Chamberlain announced that David Mack is now the general manager of its wholly owned subsidiary, PTI Integrated Systems of Scottsdale, Ariz. In this role, Mack oversees all company operations and develops new growth strategies.
Mack most recently served as director of advanced development at Chamberlain. Prior to joining Chamberlain, he held engineering and product management positions at System Sensor and Life Fitness. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering and holds a Master of Business Administration from the Northwestern University Kellogg School of Management.
PTI Integrated Systems, acquired by Chamberlain in October 2007, is a developer and manufacturer of access control, security, and site management systems.
Janus President Named Entrepreneur of the Year
In December, David Curtis, president of Janus International, was named Entrepreneur of the Year by the Carroll County (Ga.) Chamber of Commerce.
The Chamber based its criteria on outstanding business performance, local support, and economic impact on the community. Curtis is the second recipient of this honor.
PPG Names Director of Market Development
In January, PPG Industries’ industrial coatings business announced that Roger Sieja has been named director of market development for coil coatings.
In this post, Sieja will direct PPG’s marketing efforts in the coil coating industry and provide strategic direction to the sales and marketing teams.
Sieja has more than 30 years of experience in the three key elements of the coil coating industry: metals, coatings, and the coil coating process. He is currently president of the National Coil Coating Association.
COMPANIES
Overhead Door Buys Ankmar’s CladPanel Operations
On Feb. 22, 2008, the Harris Bank of Chicago conducted a sale and disposition of all assets of Ankmar. Overhead Door’s Access Systems Division purchased Ankmar’s Sweet Home, Ore., facility where CladPanel is manufactured, while DH Pace purchased the Colorado installation business and the Ankmar name.
After the sale, Harris Bank continued to own the Kansas City, Kan., steel door business and resumed its efforts to find a buyer.
“We’ve seen industry sales on wood garage doors double over the past two years,” says Dennis Stone, president and CEO of Overhead Door. “Enhancing our line with an eco-friendly wood composite residential garage door is a natural progression.” CladPanel doors panels are made from more than 85 percent recovered and recycled content.
Founded in 1956 by Bob Martinez, Ankmar began as a garage door installation company in Denver. The firm began manufacturing wood doors in Denver in 1974, steel garage doors in Kansas City in 1982, and recycled wood composite doors in Oregon in 2002. In 2005, Ankmar Door was purchased by Gallagher Industries, a private equity firm in Denver, Colo.
Able Door Ceases Operations
In February, the Able Door Web site announced that the company was ceasing its manufacturing operations and closing its three distribution centers on Feb. 29, 2008. The firm made residential and commercial sectional garage doors.
The Web announcement, from Jim Marino, general manager, says that “a substantial drop in the new housing and construction market” and “several steel price increases … have made it very difficult for us to compete in the sectional door market.”
Able Door had been in business since 1981 and had opened a manufacturing plant in Houston, Texas, in 1990. In 2003, Able Door filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection and was then acquired by NCI Building Systems.
Safe-Way Acquires Taylor’s Garage Door Business
In December, Safe-Way Door announced the acquisition of Taylor Building Products’ garage door business. Taylor Building Products will continue to manufacture and distribute entry door systems.
“The acquisition of Taylor’s garage door business provides us with wonderful opportunities to provide more for our customers and to work with the customers that Taylor has worked so hard to develop,” says Frank Gallucci, Safe-Way president.
R & K Mockler Closes
In December 2007, R & K Mockler Manufacturing, a wood door manufacturer in Palisades Park, N.J., closed its doors.
Established in 1947 by brothers Robert and Karl Mockler, the business focused on making wood garage doors but also had installation and service operations. At its peak in the early 1980s, the company had about 35 employees, according to Ron Mockler, vice president and owner.
He says that Mockler’s business became difficult after a growing number of distribution centers entered the area. Ron Mockler now operates Ron’s Garage Doors as an installing dealer in Harrington Park, N.J.
Zap Signs Agreement With Overhead Door
In January, Zap Controls UK announced that it had signed a private label agreement with Overhead Door for the supply of the Zap range of DC operators. The projected launch was scheduled for the first quarter of 2008.
The Zap operators allow a one-man quick installation and self-calibration. They also feature automatic obstruction sensing and operation without limit switches.
Chamberlain Acquires Digitech
In January, Chamberlain announced that it has acquired Digitech International of Asheville, N.C., as part of its ongoing growth plans in the integrated access control industry.
For 20 years, Digitech has developed and marketed access control and security systems for the worldwide self-storage industry. Products include automatic gates and keypads, video surveillance and recording systems, door alarms, and onsite communications systems.
Rick Ford, Digitech’s president and co-owner, will remain with the company in a consulting role. Co-owner Jon Loftin, vice president of engineering, will remain in a management role.
QMI Acquires Roll-A-Way Shutters
In January, QMI of Itasca, Ill., announced it had acquired the assets of Roll-A-Way Storm and Security Shutters of St. Petersburg, Fla.
QMI says the acquisition combines the two industry leaders in security and storm shutters and enables QMI to have an expanded presence in the Florida residential market. Roll-A-Way will operate as a wholly owned subsidiary of QMI.
Linear Launches Unified Brand
In January, Linear announced that all of the company’s products will be offered under a single Linear label.
The announcement is part of Linear’s objective to make Linear a household name in the residential and commercial home technologies markets. For over a decade, Linear has been acquiring companies with complementary product brands, such as AllStar, Osco, M&S Systems, Open House, and ChannelPlus.
These acquired brands will now simply be known as Linear, but the model numbers of existing products will not change.
Clopay Earns Top Ranking
In February, Clopay announced that three separate industry trade media surveys ranked its doors in the top tier of preferred brands in the garage door category. For the second year in a row, Clopay was named the category leader in Remodeling magazine, and the company appears in the top three in Professional Builder magazine’s query.
Both publications interviewed a random sample of subscribers to determine which brands they specified most often and which brand they are most likely to consider using.
Clopay’s Avante Collection garnered a position in Residential Architect’s annual “Top Picks” list, which will appear in the April 2008 issue.
Three LiftMaster Openers Receive Best Buy Rating
In February, Chamberlain announced that Consumers Digest magazine had given Best Buy ratings to the LiftMaster 3220, 3595, and RJO3800 residential garage door openers.
Consumers Digest tested garage door openers in four categories: screw drive, chain drive, belt drive, and wall-mounted. Openers were compared according to quietness, safety features, ease of installation, and build quality. These openers took the top spot in three of the four categories.
In the screw drive category, the LiftMaster Premium Series 3220 (pictured) was awarded the “Premium Selection Best Buy.” The 3220 features a 1/2-HP motor, a permanently lubricated screw, and a lifetime motor warranty.
Among chain drive openers, the LiftMaster Elite Series 3595 took first place. The 3595 has a 3/4-HP motor, a commercial I-beam rail system, the Smart Control Panel, and Premium Remote Control.
In the wall-mounted category, the LiftMaster Residential Jackshaft Operator (RJO3800) was rated the “Premium Selection Best Buy.” The opener mounts on either side of the garage door and attaches to the torsion bar.
Northwest Door’s Therma Classic Wins Honor
In December, Northwest Door’s Therma Classic steel garage door was included among Builder News magazine’s “Best Products of 2007.”
The program honors outstanding or unusual benefits for builders and buyers. Therma Classic was the only garage door included in this fifth annual list. Editors of the magazine cited Therma Classic’s wide selection of striking designs.
Clopay Doors Featured on Show Home
Clopay Custom Reserve Collection doors were featured on Country Home magazine’s 2007 show home in Portland, Ore.
The builder selected stained cedar carriage house doors to complement the French country style of the home. The magazine’s editor describes the doors as “the warm welcome-home we were looking for on this woodsy mountain retreat.”
The home was featured in the February 2008 issue of the magazine and at www.countryhome.com. Authorized Clopay dealer TF Draper managed the installation.
Amarr’s Top Dealers Go to Hawaii
In October, Amarr presented its annual dealer awards during its VIP Adventure trip. More than 200 dealers and Amarr personnel spent four days in Hawaii as a reward for outstanding sales.
Allied Doors from Florida was honored as the Dealer of the Year for the second time in the history of the program. The International Dealer of the Year was GDO Wholesale/Electromatic of Puerto Rico. And for the second year, Portones Garcia Mancillas was named the Mexican Dealer of the Year.
VIP Adventure 2008 will take place in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.
New Manufacturers’ Rep Agency Formed
In January, JD Access Associates was announced as a new manufacturers’ representatives’ agency for the door and gate access industry.
The firm includes David Meyer and Jerry Buckley, longtime veterans of the industry. Meyer owned Edwards Power Door for 11 years and served 10 years as vice president of sales and operations at Allstar. Jerry Buckley is a former member of the International Door Association (IDA) board of directors.
When fully staffed, the agency expects to have 10-12 associates calling on door and gate dealers, distributors, and OEM accounts in the USA. While JD Access Associates will consider both small and large principal accounts, their focus is more toward mid-sized regional manufacturers with national aspirations.
Clopay WindCode Doors in Green Projects
In February, Clopay provided its WindCode garage doors for two residential green building projects in Florida. Each builder selected a Clopay three-layer insulated steel door that met local and International Building Code requirements.
The Green Builder Vision House, part of the International Builders’ Show in Orlando, used Clopay Coachman Collection doors with a WindCode rating of W-5. Green Builder Media and leading building-science organizations monitored the project to collect data about the performance of the home.
The Building Green home, sponsored by PBS and Building Green TV, also selected insulated Coachman doors with a W-5 rating. This project, also in Orlando, attempted to create a home that’s better for the environment without sacrificing style and convenience.
INTERNET
Wayne-Dalton Site Allows Photo Uploads
In February, Wayne-Dalton announced its Web site’s new Garage Door Design Center that allows users to upload photos of their own homes to see what each door, color, and window option would look like on their garages.
The software can match exact colors of other items in the user’s photo. For example, a person can see what his or her house would look like if the shutters matched the garage door. The software also has a color chart of many popular exterior colors to help the homeowner achieve the right look.
The upgrade includes Model 9800 and 9700 doors with almost every variation of design, color, window offering, decorative hardware, and opener.
Amarr Introduces Door Designer for Dealers
On Jan. 15, Amarr launched a new version of its Door Designer product exclusively for dealers. Dealers can now purchase the Amarr Door Designer for their own Web sites.
The designer is a Web tool that allows homeowners to select a house style similar to theirs and then insert different Amarr door models to find the right fit for their home.
After purchasing the tool, dealers can customize it with their company and contact information, and they can choose which products to feature. When a customer submits a Request for Quote, the dealer will receive it instantly via e-mail.
Chamberlain Launches New LiftMaster.com
In February, Chamberlain announced the launch of Chamberlain Professional Products’ redesigned consumer Web site, www.liftmaster.com.
The revamped site’s home page, content, navigation, and tools have been rearranged with the end user in mind. The home page displays icons for all residential and commercial product categories and informs visitors of consumer rebate opportunities and new products.
The site includes a more intuitive shopping cart, enabling customers to purchase products more easily and save items for up to seven days.
INDUSTRY
DASMA Opposes Senate Bill
Proposed Law Would Favor Non-Contact Sensors
On Feb. 8, DASMA faxed a formal letter to key U.S. senators, opposing a specific portion of the proposed Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) Reform Act of 2007.
Section 32 of Senate Bill 2045, known as the “Garage Door Opener Standard,” would essentially ban all external secondary entrapment protection devices that allow contact. Photoelectric eyes (or any device that can cause the door to reverse without contacting a person or object) would become the only approved technology.
Section 32 reads:
“Notwithstanding section 203(b) of the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 1990 (15 U.S.C. 2056 note) or any amendment by the American National Standards Institute Underwriters Laboratories, Inc. of its Standards for Safety--UL 325, all automatic garage door openers that directly drive the door in the closing direction that are manufactured more than 6 months after the date of enactment of this Act shall include an external secondary entrapment protection device that does not require contact with a person or object for the garage door to reverse.”
DASMA’s letter opposed this section because it would short-circuit the normal process for reviewing and amending UL 325, the standard that regulates garage door openers. The letter noted that DASMA is currently working “to clarify, if necessary, the provisions of ANSI/UL 325 related to such systems.”
The letter was faxed directly to the senators who sponsored the bill, to the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, and to the Subcommittee on Consumer Affairs, Insurance, and Automotive Safety.
The purpose of the overall legislation is to reform the CPSC “to provide greater protection for children’s products, to improve the screening of noncompliant consumer products, to improve the effectiveness of consumer product recall programs, and for other purposes.”
As of Feb. 28, the bill was scheduled for a vote, but a vote had not yet been taken. The summer issue of this magazine will publish an update on this issue.
Chamberlain Fingerprint Ad Wins Ad of the Year
On Jan. 29, Chamberlain received the eighth annual Door & Access Systems Advertisement of the Year award. Rick Sedivy, DASMA president, presented the trophy to Dan Nixa of Chamberlain at the DASMA Annual Meeting in Florida.
The Winning Ad
Chamberlain’s “An Unforgettable Mix” ad appeared in the fall 2007 issue of Door & Access Systems. The ad, selected from more than 100 entries, earned the highest scores in four of the five judging categories.
“The judges liked the way the ad creatively draws the reader’s attention to the fingerprint. The image strongly supported the concept of mixing convenience and cool,’” says Tom Wadsworth, magazine editor. “It’s a memorable ad.”
Top Five Finalists
Four other ads were awarded certificates as Top Five Finalists: Amarr’s “Variety & Style: Delivered,” Iowa Spring’s “One-Track Mind,” Linear’s “Remember One Name,” and Wayne-Dalton’s “It’s Small.”
Judging Criteria
The judging panel was composed of nine independent judges including seven 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 2007 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.
Bob Cookson, president of the Cookson Company, is now DASMA president, succeeding Rick Sedivy of DoorKing. Cookson will serve a two-year term leading the association. (See related story on p. 56.)
Chuck Miller, vice president of new business development at Overhead Door, now serves as the board’s first vice president. He previously served as second vice president.
Mark Schram, vice president of Napoleon-Lynx, was elected to the board from the Operator & Electronics Division. He was also elected to serve as the board’s second vice president.
Dan Knight, central region sales manager of Akzo Nobel, was elected chair of the Associates Division, replacing Jerry Hennen of Arrow Tru-Line. Knight will continue serving on the DASMA board.
Warren Craft of Roll Coater was elected as a new member of the DASMA board of directors. Craft is senior director of mill sales and strategic accounts at Roll Coater in Indianapolis.
Larry Murphy of Overhead Door/Genie was also elected to the board as chair of the Operator & Electronics Division. Murphy is director of engineering at Genie.
In the Commercial & Residential Garage Door Division, John Jellá of First United Door Technologies was elected chair of the division, replacing Steve DeWitt of Northwest Door. Jellá, president of First United Door, will continue to serve on the DASMA board.
DASMA Offers Six Seminars at Expo 2008
Of the 35 seminars offered at Expo 2008 in Las Vegas, DASMA will present six. Seminars are scheduled for Wednesday and Thursday, April 23-24, 2008, at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.
Scenes From a Mock Trial (Wed. 10:30 a.m. – noon)
This legal seminar will be led by Naomi Angel, DASMA legal counsel, and will expose dealers to key liability issues from actual lawsuits. “This session will open your eyes to things you do every day that could put you on a witness stand, and how to avoid letting that happen,” says Angel.
Wind Load Update (Wed. 3:30 – 4:30 p.m.)
Wind-loaded doors, once limited to certain coastal areas, are now spreading throughout the United States. “More dealers will need to comply with local codes requiring doors to be wind loaded,” says Joe Hetzel, DASMA’s technical director and seminar presenter.
New Garage Door Video for Home Inspectors (Wed. 3:30 – 4:30 p.m.)
In late 2007, IDA and DASMA released a jointly produced DVD to teach home inspectors how to inspect garage doors for safety and operation. Tom Wadsworth, the video’s narrator and director, and Randy Oliver of Hollywood-Crawford Door will discuss how dealers can use the video tool to increase business.
NFPA 80 as a Sales Tool (Wed. 5:00 – 6:00 p.m.)
“The sale of a fire door is often the end of the transaction, but it should be the beginning of a relationship between the door dealer and a facility owner,” says Steve Hahn of Lawrence Roll-Up Doors. Hahn, a leading fire door expert, will reveal how dealers can produce sustaining income by educating customers about NFPA 80.
10 Statements That Will Increase Your Sales Effectiveness (Wed. 5:00 – 6:00 p.m.)
This session will give dealers money-making sales tips that can be implemented immediately. The presenter is Tom Wadsworth, an industry veteran, magazine editor, and professional speaker.
Immigration Issues – Verifying Eligibility for Employment (Thurs. 8:00 – 9:00 a.m.)
Immigration is a hot political topic, and employers face a growing threat of penalties and fines related to the hiring of workers. This session, led by David Whitlock, a prominent employment attorney, will advise how dealers can comply with the law and protect themselves.
NAHB Unveils “Certified Green Professional”
On Feb. 14, the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) announced a new professional certification to provide home buyers with additional assurance that the builder or remodeler they’ve chosen is authentically “green.”
The Certified Green Professional (CGP) designation is for builders, remodelers, and other industry professionals who have at least two years of building industry experience and have been involved in the construction of at least one home in the past 24 months.
Candidates must also complete a University of Housing business management course, agree to continuing education requirements, and adhere to a code of ethics. The course is offered at NAHB events throughout the country. More information is at www.nahb.org.
New Green Standard Coming From NAHB
The upcoming new National Green Building Standard is expected to maintain the flexibility of green building practices while providing a common national benchmark for builders, remodelers, and developers.
The standard, called “the first and only true consensus-based standard for residential green building,” is expected to be approved early this spring by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and published by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) and the International Code Council (ICC).
The standard requires builders to include features in seven categories: energy, water, resource efficiency, lot, site development, indoor environmental quality, and homeowner education. Developers of the standard say it will make it easier for builders to build green.
Interest in Green Homes is Surging
In February, the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) announced it has doubled its network of LEED for Homes Providers across the United States, dramatically expanding local access to green homebuilding expertise.
Launched in December 2007, LEED for Homes is a national, third-party certification system for green homes. LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) encourages global adoption of green building practices.
To verify performance in energy efficiency, water conservation, nontoxic materials, and other features, green homes certified using LEED must complete a rigorous on-site inspection. More than 13,000 homes are currently under development for LEED certification levels.
Green homes, on average, save 30-50 percent on energy bills and reduce CO2 emissions by a similar amount. According to McGraw-Hill, 85 percent of green homeowners are more satisfied with their green homes than their old conventional homes. For more information visit www.thegreenhomeguide.org.
Tax Deductions Available for Excess Inventory
Excess inventory can be turned into a federal income tax deduction by donating it to charity. This deduction has been available since 1976 under the U.S. Internal Revenue Code Section 170 (e)(3), according to the National Association for the Exchange of Industrial Resources (NAEIR).
By donating new product returns or usable seconds, regular (C) corporations may deduct the cost of the goods plus half the difference between cost and fair market value. S corporations, partnerships, and sole proprietorships earn a straight cost deduction.
After NAEIR accepts the donations, they then provide the proper tax documentation. The goods you donate are redistributed to more than 9,500 qualified schools and nonprofit organizations nationwide. For a free Donation Information Kit, contact NAEIR at 800-562-0955 or donor@naeir.org.
TECHNICAL
First Gate Operator Certification Testing Offered
On Feb. 6, 2008, 38 installers participated in the first testing session of the new Gate Operator Installer Certification program. The test was offered at FenceTech in Las Vegas and will be offered again at Expo 2008 in April in Las Vegas.
In October 2007, 64 installers participated in the first Gate Operator Field Training School, held in Tulsa, Okla. The school will be offered annually, and testing will be offered at the 2008 school. The exam covers UL 325; ASTM F2200; types of gates, operators, and accessories; basic electricity; electrical testing; and other key topics.
The certification program was developed by representatives of the American Fence Association (AFA), Door and Access Systems Manufacturers’ Association (DASMA), National Ornamental and Miscellaneous Metals Association (NOMMA), International Door Association (IDA), and the Institute of Door Dealer Education and Accreditation (IDEA).
IDEA, which administers the program, has posted additional information at the IDEA Web site at www.dooreducation.com.
DASMA Approves Revision to “Pinch Standard”
In early 2008, the DASMA membership approved revisions to ANSI/DASMA 116, the standard addressing section interfaces. The revisions clarify the use of probes to test section interfaces for pinch resistance. New language and illustrations have been added.
Pat Hunter, Commercial & Residential Garage Door Technical Committee chair, says the changes will promote more consistent interpretation of the standard.
“Since this voluntary standard has now been available for several years, we felt that this was the right time to incorporate feedback we have received,” says Hunter. “This is part of the process DASMA uses to ensure that its standards and technical data sheets are pertinent and reflect our changing industry.”
The standard will soon enter the American National Standards process so the updated document may attain ANSI accreditation.
DASMA Releases New Rolling Door Tips
The DASMA Rolling Door Division recently released two new Technical Data Sheets.
TDS 284, Rolling Door Winding Bars, gives three important factors to consider when using winding bars. Practical and safe control of applied force, the proper bar to use, and initial tension are all described.
TDS 285, Relocating an Existing Rolling Steel Door, answers eight common questions to ask before relocating such a door. Topics include fire door label, opening size, wall construction, wall rating, code compliance, and door condition.
Steve Hahn of Lawrence Roll-Up Doors, who helped develop the documents, says, “These new documents continue our division’s emphasis on promoting education, safety, and the practical application of technical information.” The two new TDSs, like all others, can be found at www.dasma.com.
PPG Study Compares Liquid and Powder Coatings
In November, PPG Industries’ industrial coatings business introduced a new white paper comparing the environmental, economical, and performance advantages of liquid and powder coatings on architectural aluminum. PPG makes both coatings.
The eight-page technical document reviews historical factors that have made liquid coatings the prevailing choice in North America and powder coatings the preferred option in Europe. The paper says that differences between the two types of coatings may be narrowing, offering architects and building owners a wider range of design and technology choices.
Henry Lowman, PPG director of sales for extrusion coatings, says the white paper was published to provide an objective comparison of liquid and powder coatings in light of recent technological advances. The paper was introduced in Chicago at GreenBuild, an international trade show hosted annually by the U.S. Green Building Council.
Fire Door Drop Test Form Now Available
DASMA has published a new two-part Rolling Steel Fire Door Drop Test Form that is now available for purchase in quantities. This new printed form contains a carbon copy. One copy is intended for the dealer, and the other is for the building owner.
The form, patterned after DASMA Technical Data Sheet 271, is intended to be used by those who perform drop tests on rolling steel fire doors. To order the new two-part form in packets of 25, contact DASMA at 216-241-7333 or download a publication order form from www.dasma.com. Single copies of TDS 271, without the carbon copy, can be freely downloaded from the DASMA Web site.
DASMA Updates Rolling Door Labels
The recent release of the newly updated DASMA Technical Data Sheet 267 has resulted in revisions to existing labels and the addition of a new label. Existing labels were reformatted, and language was modified for consistency between all labels. The new label is a rolling sheet door bottom bar label.
Don Mills of Janus, Rolling Door Division chair, says the labels bring value and greater safety to the industry. “Improvements to the label serve to enhance the message of safety.”
You can view the new labels by accessing TDS 267 at www.dasma.com. You can purchase the labels by downloading the online order form.