LiftMaster Offers High-End Openers
© 2001 Door & Access Systems
Publish Date: Winter 2001
Author: Tom Wadsworth
Pages 4-22
NEWSLINES
PRODUCTS
LiftMaster Offers High-End Openers
In September, Chamberlain introduced a collection of high-end garage door openers branded as the LiftMaster "Estate Series."
"This series is designed for the consumer who demands the very best quality, performance, luxury features, and accessories available," said Bob Markwart, executive vice president of marketing and sales for The Chamberlain Group, Inc. "Many homeowners today are looking for a higher level of features and design, and we responded with the Estate Series."
Three Models
The "Estate Series" is comprised of three models including Model 2500, Model 2565, and Model 2580. This new collection offers "unmatched power, performance, and quiet, with vibrant rich colors, elegant styling, and top-flight accessories."
Model 2500 features a quiet DC motor, an enhanced belt drive, and smooth start and stop operation. This model also comes with the new SoftGlo Multi-Function Control Panel which features enhanced illumination with an oversized pushbutton.
Model 2580 is equipped with a 1/2-HP motor with an enhanced belt drive. Model 2565 features a 1/2-HP motor with chain drive.
Designer Remote
Both Model 2580 and Model 2565 feature side-by-side lighting for a brighter garage and an enclosed gear case for longer lasting operation. Each unit comes with a Premium Motion-Detecting Control Panel, which turns on garage door opener lights automatically when entering a dark garage. Research indicates that this is one of the most desired features on a garage door opener.
The Security+ designer remote control in burled walnut adds a touch of elegance and a more stylish blend within a car's interior. The designer remote control comes with all three Estate Series models. All models feature a six-foot power cord.
Clopay Enhances Residential Line
In September, Clopay announced new colors, window inserts, and door dimensions for its line of residential garage doors.
Bigger Doors
Clopay residential doors will soon be available in 9', 10' and 12' heights and 8', 9', 10' 12', 14', 15,' 15'6", 16' and 18' widths. According to recent industry statistics, today's residential garages are bigger.
"Bigger ideas require bigger doors, and we've responded," said Pat Lohse, director of marketing, dealer residential.
New Colors and Decorative Insert
Clopay has added Hunter Green to its residential steel door color palette on
Models 4300/4301 and 4050/4051. The new color matches the popular Pella window "Hartford Green." Hunter Green windows, decorative inserts, and stop molding are also available.
Lohse said Clopay plans to add Gray to its color portfolio to match Owens Corning's gray vinyl siding.
In addition to the new color offerings, Clopay is introducing the "Charleston," a new decorative window insert with the appearance of the old style carriage window. The insert will be available on all Clopay long and short panel steel doors.
Torque-Loc Introduced at C.H.I.
C.H.I. Overhead Doors recently engineered "an advancement in torsion spring winding." The Torque-Loc system incorporates a 7-inch grooved sleeve that is secured on the torsion bar with set screws. A new spring cone equipped with a ratchet pin is used to secure the spring as it is wound in 1/4-turn increments.
All parts are factory installed, and the winding procedure is the same as before, reducing learning time. C.H.I. says testing on this system has met and exceeded DASMA Standard 102.
The Torque-Loc system increases the safety and ease of installation and is currently being distributed to C.H.I. dealers.
TKO Posi-Lock Helps Bottom Seal
TKO Doors has introduced Posi-Lock, a lock option that helps their knockout doors maintain a tight bottom seal.
Dock leveler spring-back can cause a dock door to drift upward. However, the Posi-Lock holds closed doors snugly in place against the dock leveler plate below. The Posi-Lock also prevents the escape of air at the door header.
The option is available for the full line of TKO knockout dock doors.
Northwest Announces New 400 Series
Northwest Door is adding a new model to their residential garage door line.
The new 400 series is a 2-inch thick section, manufactured with 24-gauge hot-dipped galvanized steel. The new models are available in long or short panel (model 401 and 402) and with or without 3/4-inch insulation (model 411 and 412). The door comes in bright white with a full line of window options.
Wayne-Dalton Offers New Safety Options
In October, Wayne-Dalton announced three new safety features for their Spartan rolling service door.
The first new option is the photoelectric control, which allows a door to either stop or reverse when an object breaks the photo beam.
The other two options are safety edges. The two-wire safety edge reverses the door when it contacts an object, while the four-wire Safe-T-Gard offers the added protection of the door not closing if the edge is damaged.
The Spartan rolling service door can be installed in approximately 30 minutes.
Miller Edge Transmitters Redesigned
The Miller Edge Model MWTA02 and MWT02 door edge transmitters are designed to provide wireless signal for motorized doors. In October, Miller Edge announced that their smaller transmitter enclosures have been redesigned to easily mount on a "L" angle bar and wired to the door edge sensor.
The model MWTA02 is available with an Audible Alarm feature that activates when the battery should be replaced. Both models of the transmitter come standard with a NEMA 4 weather-proof enclosure.
The receiver and transmitters have several options not found on other radio controls, including 12V or 24V and pulsed or continuous signal.
Tension-Pro Spring Device from Wayne-Dalton
The new Tension-Pro Adjustable Spring Device allows easy and safe adjustment of the lift tension of Wayne-Dalton DS-50, DS-75, and DS-100 rollup doors.
Installers can simply use a standard pipe wrench on the Tension-Pro device to tighten or loosen tension. A pawl holds the ratchet gear in place to maintain the tension and restore balance to the door. No special tools are needed, and there is no risk of tension being released accidentally.
"The Tension-Pro device will save time for installers, by ensuring an easy and safe installation," said Mark Hedquist, director of commercial products for Wayne-Dalton.
New Clopay Doors Featured on Show Home
Clopay Reserve Collection doors will be among several building products featured on the 2002 Homelink Show Home at the International Builders' Show in Atlanta in February.
The 3,200 sq. ft. Show Home will be open for tours at the show from Feb. 8-11, 2002. Featured on the Homelink Show Home is one of Clopay's semi-custom, smooth-panel carriage house doors, handcrafted in cedar with rectangular windows.
"In our car-centric culture, the garage occupies center stage in many homes," said Pat Lohse, Clopay director of marketing, dealer residential. "As a result, homeowners are starting to give their garage door the same sort of attention they give to their front entrances."
Since its debut in Feb. 2001, the Clopay Reserve Collection has been featured on HGTV and Bob Vila's Home Again! and in publications such as Custom Home, Classic American Homes, Better Homes & Gardens, The Journal of Light Construction, The Chicago Sun Times, and The Detroit Free Press, Builder, Midwest Living, This Old House, Country Home, Country Living, and others.
Ideal Introduces Three Models; New Color
In September, Ideal Door introduced three new insulated models with distinct panel designs.
The Model SP200 features a standard raised panel, Model SE200 has a long ranch panel, and Model SF200 is a flush door. These 2-inch thick sandwich insulated doors feature a silicone-filled thermal break and a 9.1 R-value.
Heavy hardware, including 14-gauge hinges, is optional on all models. The doors are covered by a limited lifetime warranty.
Ideal has added Hunter Green to the short and flush panel DP38 Series and 200 Series doors. Hunter Green windows, designer inserts, and stop molding are also available. Ideal's Hunter Green matches Pella's "Hartford Green."
Garaga Adds Nordic White
Garaga has added a sixteenth color to its color chart: Nordic white.
Jean-François Morin, Garaga sales and marketing manager, said the new color answers requests from Eastern Canadian door and window retailers who seek to match the color of the front door.
"This white is the wildcard color for Canadian customers," said Morin, adding that the color combines harmoniously with the 141 white used by Premdor (windows) and Celco (front doors).
Garaga is the only manufacturer in Canada to offer 16 colors. All Garaga colors are baked-on paint, offering better long-term resistance and brightness.
Chamberlain Offers New Remote Control
In October, Chamberlain introduced a new LiftMaster remote control and receiver product line that will allow residents of gated communities to use one remote control for their entire gate and garage door opener needs.
The remote control with Passport multiple access technology allows installers to provide customers with a single remote control for up to four access devices, including residential garage door openers, commercial door operators, gate operators, and access entry systems.
"With Passport technology, residents in a gated community won't need one remote control for the gate and another for their garage doors," said Ken Roehl, Chamberlain vice president, marketing.
Passport technology can be supplied in sequential ID numbers for up to 65,000 users per facility code. Passport products carry a three year warranty.
New Options for Wayne-Dalton StyleLine Lites
In October, Wayne-Dalton announced two new StyleLine Lites designs for their line of pinch resistant and traditional garage doors.
The two new designs, Cascade and Waterton, allow homeowners to achieve a more customized look. Cascade utilizes a crosshatch image with an arched top, while Waterton has a diamond shape centered in the middle of each frame.
"These designs are the fastest growing in terms of homeowner popularity," said David Osso, corporate marketing manager.
All Styleline window inserts feature a snap-in design to allow for easy cleaning and changeability.
EMX Announces Solar Panels
EMX Industries has announced the SP range of solar panels designed for charging of 12V and 24V batteries.
Designed to withstand harsh environment such as high winds, rain, and hail, the SP solar panels are used in applications such as security, gate operators, access control, telecommunications, and electrical fencing.
The company noted that, with the recent power interruptions and potential oil issues due to the war on terrorism, "Solar-powered equipment makes sense." Based in Cleveland, Ohio, EMX is available at www.emxinc.com.
Windsor Introduces Plantation Collection
In September, Windsor Door introduced The Plantation Collection, a series of custom designed and crafted wooden garage doors that recall the days of the horse and carriage.
Homeowners or architects may choose from five basic designs or submit custom designs for consideration. The Plantation Collection comes standard with black powder-coated hardware and track.
New Generators from DeWalt
In September 2001, DeWalt entered the portable power market with two new electric generators designed for worksites.
The 6,000-watt DeWalt DG6000 Heavy-Duty Gas Generator has Honda's 11-horsepower engine. A special air intake, choke, and carburetion system allows for easy starting regardless of air temperature, while the muffler and idle control reduce noise and help with fuel efficiency. Output is rated at 5,000 watts continuous AC power and 6,000 watts max power for running worksites that use high-amp tools.
DeWalt's 4,300-watt DG4300 Heavy-Duty Gas Generator has Honda's 8-horsepower engine. With a brushless alternator for low maintenance and dependability, the DG4300 produces 3,800 watts continuous and 4,300 watts max AC power, and up to 6,270 watts high-surge output.
Cornell Offers Integral Frames
Cornell's rolling counter fire doors with integral frame units are factory welded and fully assembled for a seamless, custom built-in look.
The new slip-in style allows the units to slide in and fasten into existing wall openings. Built-in models are installed as the surrounding walls are being constructed. Both units are fast and easy to install.
Labeled integral frame units now offer sill options of an integral stainless steel sill, a UL labeled plastic laminate sill, or no sill at all. Units and sills are 1-1/2 hour UL labeled and are approved for mounted to rated drywall or masonry. Smoke gasketing is available as an option.
Integral frame units include a curtain of either galvanized or stainless steel that stores in a compact coil at the head of the opening. Units are built to provide finished openings up to 10-feet wide and 4'9" wide in walls 4-1/2" to 12" thick.
New Adjustable Astragal Retainer for WayneMark
In September, Wayne-Dalton introduces an adjustable astragal retainer for WayneMark 8000 and 8100 insulated doors.
The retainer can be adjusted up to two inches to compensate for uneven floors. The retainer comes in four sizes, including 8-, 9-, 16- and 18-foot.
"The adjustable astragal retainer will save customers money in the installation process, compared to re-doing the floors to eliminate gaps," said David Osso, marketing manager. "By stocking all sizes, our customers can respond quickly to their customers' needs for situations in the field that call for an adjustable retainer."
DoorKing Introduces PROXmtr
In October, DoorKing announced its new PROXmtr RF transmitter that combines the function of wireless RF access control with Proximity Card access control.
The joining of these two technologies provides convenience and security for persons using RF transmitters to access a vehicular gate and a proximity card to access a door. The PROXmtr eliminates the need to carry both access devices by combining them into a single, compact housing.
The PROXmtr is available with either AWID or HID proximity card technology. This assures that PROXmtr devices can be used in thousands of applications nationwide.
PROXmtr is intended for gated communities, apartment complexes, industrial sites, and high security government areas using both RF technology to gain access through vehicular gates, and proximity card technology to gain entry into a building.
New Door and Dock Guard
Blue Giant's new XDS Door and Dock Guard (DDG) helps prevent forklift roll-off and door damage at loading docks.
The DDG's raised safety guard (see yellow safety barrier in photo) protects forklifts from dangers of the "drop-zone" when the dock door is open. The DDG also acts as a pallet stop to guard door panels and tracks from impact damage when the door is closed.
The hydraulically activated roll-off guard reaches 7-1/2 inches above the deck, spanning across 85 percent of the deck width. When the dock leveler is in use, the guard lies flat or flush with the deck surface.
The guard is automatically activated when the dock is in the cross-traffic position and deactivated automatically during the dock cycle. An override switch allows the dock attendant to temporarily override the barrier.
The DDG is standard on the XDS, Extra Dock Safety Package.
MMTC Announces Industrial Controls
In September 14, MMTC announced a new NEMA 4 industrial push button control product line.
New products include a three-button control and a three-button control with keyed lockout. Both are gasketed for NEMA 4 exterior use and buttons are booted for protection from dust and rain. The new controls are all housed in a die cast heavy-duty aluminum enclosure with ample depth to accommodate wiring.
The new controls are "priced aggressively."
New Options for WayneMark
In September, Wayne-Dalton introduced new windload options for single car doors and an additional insulation option for the WayneMark 8100 door.
The new windload option offers:
- 16-gauge end stiles and additional center stiles
- 3-inch 20-gauge struts (instead of 2-inch struts) made from 80KSI steel so color coding is no longer necessary
- No C-channel
- Reduced strutting
- Option for extension springs added to current torsion spring
- Higher PSF ratings and increased door size ranges
Wayne-Dalton also announces a new insulation option for the WayneMark 8100 door in an R-value of 3.1 for 9/16-inch thick polystyrene insulation board. The option features a new stile design that ensures insulation panels will stay in place, allowing for a tighter, more secure fit.
An option with 5.5 R-value uses 1-5/8-inch thick polystyrene insulation. Both versions have a polylaminate liner.
PEOPLE
Lynch is VP Marketing at Clopay
In January 2001, Steve Lynch joined Clopay Building Products (CBP) as vice president of marketing after nine years as an executive leader at Anchor Hocking Specialty Glass Company.
At Anchor Hocking, Lynch served as vice president of sales and vice president of marketing. Prior to that, he worked in sales and sales management at United States Gypsum.
"Steve's combination of experience in sales, marketing, and new product development for both retail and professional customers make him a valuable addition to the CBP team," said Clopay president Gene Colleran.
Lynch's marketing team includes Pat Lohse, director of marketing, dealer residential, Dan Beckley, vice president of commercial business development, Susan McCormack, marketing communication specialist, Jim Hoying, commercial product manager, Sandy Stewart, associate product manager, dealer, and Rick Lewis, product development manager.
Lohse in New Clopay Marketing Position
In September, Clopay named Patricia Lohse as director of marketing, dealer residential, and Dan Beckley as vice president, commercial business development. The changes come as part of Clopay's reorganization of its marketing department to align more closely with dealer needs.
Lohse previously served as director of marketing for the Clopay brand. In her new role, she is responsible for providing dealers with quality products, programs, and services. She will also oversee all marketing efforts directed to Clopay professional residential dealers, including product management, advertising, public relations, development of sales and merchandising materials, and Web initiatives.
"Pat's 15-year history and experience with Clopay gives her unique insights to meet the needs of our professional dealers," said Steve Lynch, vice president of marketing.
Lohse began her Clopay career in 1986 as commercial product manager and has held various marketing positions in product management, advertising, and dealer development. She has been instrumental in supporting the dealers through the creation and growth of the Clopay Master and Authorized Dealer Program, the annual Clopay and Atlas Door Authorized Dealer Conference, and Clopay Advisory Board.
Beckley in New Role at Clopay
Dan Beckley brings over 20 years of field sales and commercial marketing experience to his new role as vice president of commercial business development at Clopay Building Products (CBP).
Beckley joined Clopay in 1998 as vice president of commercial sales for the Atlas Door division, and was later to promoted to vice president of dealer sales, where he served two years. Prior to joining CBP, he spent 13 years in sales with Overhead Door Corporation.
"My top priority is to implement new sales and marketing programs to help grow the commercial sectional door business," said Beckley. "I want to ensure that our dealers have a constant pipeline of project leads and the right kind of presentation materials to make Clopay the preferred commercial brand. Clopay succeeds when our dealers succeed."
Tim Bader Joins Upwardor Door
In November, Upwardor Corporation announced that Tim Bader has joined Upwardor as vice president of U.S. operations to help in marketing and in the expansion of the company.
Bader, a veteran of the door industry, was with Amarr Garage Door for the past 11 years. At Amarr, he served in a variety of sales and operational roles including door center manager, district manager, territory vice president, and most recently as vice president national accounts.
"We are excited to have someone of Tim's experience and caliber as part of our organization," said Tony Aquilina, Upwardor president. "His knowledge, dedication, and energy will be instrumental in our planned growth."
Established in 1973 and located in Milton, Ontario, Canada, Upwardor Corporation manufactures commercial, industrial, and residential garage doors including specialty aluminum doors and pneumatic trolley air operators designed for car washes, high cycle operations, or harsh environment applications.
Phantom Executives Receive Entrepreneur of the Year Award
In October, Phantom Screens' senior management team was awarded the Entrepreneur Of The Year Award in the "Business-to-Consumer Products & Services" category for the Pacific Region of Canada.
Receiving the award were Phantom's CEO, C. Esther De Wolde, Ron Somers, vice president of sales and marketing, and Wayne Nelson, vice president of operations.
Founded by Ernst & Young, the Entrepreneur Of The Year program celebrates great entrepreneurs and seeks to heighten awareness of the social and economic benefits of entrepreneurial ventures and values.
Phantom Screens makes retractable screens for doors, windows, and more. Founded in 1992, and based in Abbotsford, British Columbia, Canada, Phantom accounts for more than 50 percent of the North American retractable screen market and boasts yearly growth rates of more than 35 percent.
With annual production levels of up to 90,000 screens and annual revenues of approximately $12 million, the company has more than 80 distributors and more than 1,000 points of sale across 85 percent of the North American market.
COMPANIES
Chamberlain Named Top Innovator
In October, Information Week recognized The Chamberlain Group, Inc., as one of the Top 500 Information Technology (IT) Innovators for the fifth consecutive year.
Chamberlain ranked No. 21 on the list of elite 500 for their accomplishments in technology strategy, e-Business strategy, business practices, and customer knowledge.
In just five years, Chamberlain has moved from No. 491 to the 21st position. The rankings are based upon a comprehensive survey covering major IT advancements across all industries.
Chamberlain's list of accomplishments this year included five new consumer Web sites, four dealer extranet (B2B) applications, seamless integration of these Web sites with "next generation" order fulfillment systems, flexible data warehousing applications for management reporting, and major upgrades to the technology infrastructure.
Upwardor Completes Move
In September 2001, Upwardor completed its move into their new facility in Milton, Ontario, 20 miles west of Toronto airport.
The plant operates under 65,000 sq.ft. with future expansion capability of more than 80,000 additional sq.ft. The new facility houses two state-of-the-art continuous foam-in-place lines for commercial, industrial, and residential door panels and enables Upwardor to manufacture product more efficiently.
Future products will include bulk hardware, 2-inch and 3-inch track, angles, strut bars, and most hardware components. A non-insulated commercial pan door design will be offered in a bulk panel program.
Upwardor Corporation began in 1973.
Schweiss Marks 20 Years
Schweiss Bi-Fold Doors of rural Fairfax, Minn., today has nearly 3,000 of its unique vertical folding doors on airplane hangars across America and other parts of the world.
Owner Mike Schweiss said the idea for his product came in 1980, when a friend suggested that Schweiss build a door that folds up. At that time, Schweiss and his three employees manufactured farrowing crates for sows, snow blowers, farm trailers, tile plows, and the Schweiss Chicken Plucker.
The first bi-fold door measured 12' x 12' and was installed at a Renville County Highway Shed, 10 miles from the Schweiss factory. Schweiss Bi-Fold doors today utilize a unique Strap-Lift System that replaced the conventional cable system still used by most mechanical door manufacturers.
The largest Schweiss project in the last 20 years is 114 bi-fold doors, all 12' x 40', for T-hangars at an Arizona airfield. Today, the aviation industry claims about 75 percent of the total Schweiss sales. The product is also common on machine sheds for large farm equipment.
Schweiss Manufacturing now employs about 50 people fulltime, and more than 70 during seasonal peaks. With a nationwide dealer network, a Web site at www.bifold.com, and a recent franchise addition in Japan, Schweiss revenues exceeded $7 million this past year.
Caption: Mike Schweiss reviews his 11-acre manufacturing facility in rural Fairfax, Minn.
C.H.I. Uses New Delivery System
C.H.I. is now using a "Conastoga" type trailer for transporting rolling steel products to C.H.I. distributors in the eastern half of the U.S.
"This new system allows us to protect the product during shipping while giving the driver easy access to unload from either side of the trailer," said Lyle Petersheim, rolling steel inside sales team.
The new system also incorporates a tag-along forklift, allowing for job-site placement. "Job-site delivery with the added benefit of a forklift for unloading the product has been a success with our rolling steel customers," Petersheim added.
FlexStrip Changes Name
FlexStrip Products has changed its name to FlexBarrier Products, Inc.
According to company president Rick Rochelle, the change indicates that the company now offers a broader line of products than its vinyl strip doors offered in 1976.
FlexBarrier products now include FlexStrip vinyl strip doors, FlexScreen rollup and sliding bug screens, FlexCurtain/Wall flexible barriers, FlexTherm insulated freezer walls, FlexRoom modular vinyl in-plant rooms, and others.
Based in Norcross, Georgia, FlexBarrier Products markets its products in the United States and around the world through a network of independent distributors.
Clopay Upgrades Global Quoting System
Clopay recently introduced version 2.2 of its proprietary Global Quoting System (GQS), a software package designed to automate dealer business processes including quoting, margin analysis, factory ordering, service dispatch, invoicing, installation scheduling, and accounting.
Upgrades include a utility that allows users to import and export quotes from an office PC to a laptop or home computer, job work order enhancements, and journal modules that import customer data into an accounting package, eliminating the need to reenter customer and order data on the back end.
Clopay dealers who have purchased the system have found that it significantly reduces bidding time, resulting in increased productivity and accuracy, improved workflow management and reduced costs. The system automatically flags order errors at the time of entry, before they become a problem for the customer.
"We've made a significant investment in this program and are constantly upgrading it in response to the changing needs of our customers," said Steve Lynch, Clopay vice president of marketing.
New Accounting Software for Construction Firms
Management Information Control Systems (MICS) has released its newest version of the Builder Information System (BIS) -- a full-featured, PC-based modular accounting and management software package for the construction industry.
BIS offers contractors "Real-Time" accounting for immediate access to all accounting and management information. As soon as new information is entered, the entire set of books is automatically updated.
The latest release of BIS is now available in three forms:
- BIS Standard targets general contractors and subcontractors that are moving up from non-construction specific software like QuickBooks or Peachtree, who need job costing and job billing functionality.
- BIS Professional is a full-featured accounting package designed for contractors with projects total between $5 and $50 million per year. Over 400 reports are available in this system.
- BIS Enterprise adds the ability to transform accounting, job cost reporting, and document management into an anytime, anywhere activity.
More information on the program is found at www.bissoftware.com.
Phantom Begins Furnish and Install Program With Lowe's
In November, Phantom Screens announced a strategic alliance with Lowe's Home Improvement Warehouse.
Through this relationship, Phantom's retractable door screens will be sold at Lowe's stores throughout the United States. The screens will be professionally installed and serviced by Phantom's distribution network.
The companies plan to expand this program to 300 locations by March 31, 2002, and to 500 Lowe's outlets across the country by year-end. With 2000 sales of $18.8 billion, Lowe's Companies, Inc. is the world's second largest home improvement retailer.
Spring Software Reaches Milestone
Solutions, a spring engineering software offered by Service Spring, recently achieved a sales milestone of 1,000 copies sold.
Jim Sangregario of Gigantic Door Sales in St. Clair Shores, Mich., recently purchased the 1,000th copy. Sangregario said that he frequently uses the on-line ordering capabilities of the program. The feature allows orders to be entered directly from a computer.
Solutions also provides:
- Torsion spring calculations for standard lift, hi-lift, vertical lift, and follow-the-roof doors
- Duplex and triplex spring calculations
- Spring conversions and cycle life upgrades
- Rolling steel door spring calculations
- Cable drum conversions
- Extension spring identification
- On-line order capabilities
Service Spring's Solutions software was introduced in January 1997.
Dealers Design Their Own Web Page
Wayne-Dalton dealers can now create their own Web page on the Wayne-Dalton Dealer Locator Web Site.
Dealers can now post detailed information, including a complete listing of their Wayne-Dalton products, a list of services, one or two company photos, and special sales or promotions.
Wayne-Dalton has developed a user-friendly instruction manual, which shows dealers how to create their own Web page and maintain it.
New Improved Web Site for Aluma Shield
Aluma Shield has announced an improved Web site at www.alumashield.com.
This new site provides information on all aspects of their sectional doors including: drawings, test data, specifications, design features, and accessories. Technical support and contact names are also available. An additional convenience includes the electronic bid and literature request forms.
Raynor Visualization Software Released
In October, ei software announced the release of Raynor VISTA, "the first photo-realistic visualization software package designed specifically for the garage door industry."
The VISTA software allows Raynor Garage Doors' sales representatives and distributors to create images of their entire line of residential garage doors and windows on actual photographs of their client's home. VISTA was designed and developed by ei software under contract from Raynor.
The Door Visualizer technology uses original images from a digital camera, CD-ROM, or a desktop scanner. Users can select and change the door product line, color, panel style, window style, color, and placement. The software also allows for the placement of digital images of exterior lift handles that comply with the DASMA 116-2000 Standard for Section Interfaces on Residential Sectional Garage Doors.
When a preferred style is selected, the image can be printed in a before-and-after format. Images can also be saved for later use, placed on a web site, or emailed to clients.
Garaga.com Now on Version 4.0
Garaga has rebuilt its Web site at www.garaga.com.
New features include:
- Create Your Garage Door. The site now includes a design center to help the consumer to visualize his door with the Garaga models, designs, and colors.
- Photo Album. Garaga plans to add a photo album of residential houses and commercial buildings to help customers choose a door for their home or facility.
- Selection Guide. The site also helps visitors choose the door features and options that best fulfill their needs.
- Garaga Guy. Garaga created a virtual character who serves as an advisor to visitors in residential sections of the site.
"A consumer usually buys one or two garage doors in his lifetime," said Jean-François Morin, Garaga sales and marketing manager. "It's important to advise him well and to correctly identify his needs."
The Garaga Web site also answers these common consumer questions:
- Does the door fit my budget?
- What will my door and installation cost?
- Who is my nearest Garaga dealer?
- What regular maintenance is needed on my door?
- Do you have specifications and shop drawings in AutoCAD format available?
The Garaga head office is located in Saint-Georges-de-Beauce, Quebec, and a second manufacturing plant is located in Barrie, Ontario. Garaga employs more than 135 people.
INDUSTRY
DASMA Performs Forced Entry Testing
Responding to specific requirements in the South Florida Building Code, DASMA sponsored a series of forced entry resistance tests on various insulated and non-insulated steel garage door sections.
DASMA expects to use the results to propose a performance-based requirement rather than a code that requires minimum steel thicknesses. The impact-based testing was performed at the American Test Labs of South Florida in September 2001.
Al Mitchell, chairman of the DASMA Commercial & Residential Garage Door Technical Committee, said, "Representatives of Miami-Dade County met with us and expressed their support for what DASMA is intending to accomplish."
He added that, when DASMA successfully meets its objective regarding the South Florida Building Code, it hopes to examine forced entry resistance as it applies to entire garage door assembly systems.
Caption: (From left) Ron Swayne, Windsor Door; Al Mitchell, Wayne-Dalton; and Joe Hetzel, DASMA Technical Director at the DASMA Forced Entry Resistance testing in Fort Lauderdale.
Construction Forecast:
2002 Decline, 2003 Recovery
Construction industry analysts and economic forecasters at the 6th annual North American Construction Forecast conference in October delivered bad news and good news.
The bad: Much of 2002 will see a 6 percent decline in construction activity.
The good: Most presenters predicted quick recovery by 2003.
On the residential side, home sales are expected to decline by 8.5 percent in 2002. Analysts said it won't take long for residential construction to recover, and the recovery may begin before the year is out.
The Effect of Sept. 11
"The economy was already weakening significantly before the events of Sept. 11," said one analyst. Forecasts were revised down further because of those events.
About 10 days after the attacks, housing production fell by about 5 percent. In a survey of homebuilders, 56 percent said new home sales had declined even further in the wake of the attacks.
DASMA Standards Become American National Standards
Two DASMA standards, DASMA 103 and DASMA 109, have become American National Standards (ANS).
DASMA 103 is the Standard for Counterbalance Systems on Residential Sectional Garage Doors. DASMA 109 is the Standard Method for Testing Garage Doors: Determination of Life Cycling Performance. Both documents provide standard methods of evaluating garage doors.
Approved American National Standards have been reviewed by knowledgeable users, manufacturers, and distributors. To have standards recognized as ANS, DASMA must follow the strict requirements of the American National Standards Institute (ANSI).
"Pinch Standard" Advances
DASMA 116, the Standard for Section Interfaces on Residential Garage Door Systems, has entered the ANSI canvass process. The voluntary standard, which defines pinch resistant doors and requires handles on non-pinch resistant doors, took effect on July 1, 2001.
The canvass involves a detailed review of the standard and is one step in becoming recognized as an American National Standard.
Interested users, distributors, manufacturers, and government agencies are taking part in the canvass. Results should be available in early 2002.
New Mark Verifies Product Compliance with Code
The new ES Mark helps building departments, the building industry, and the public determine which building products meet regulations of major U.S. building codes.
The ES Mark, created by ICBO-ES (International Conference of Building Officials Evaluation Service), indicates that an ES Report backs up a product. This report provides complete documentation about a product’s code compliance.
Manufacturers that have an ES Report for their product can place the ES Mark on the product itself and on packaging and related sales materials as a symbol of code compliance.
ICBO-ES evaluates building products and publishes ES Reports, which can now be viewed and downloaded at no cost www.icboes.org.
State of Georgia Adopts International Codes
On Sept. 12, 2001, Georgia updated the Georgia Standard Codes by approval of the 2000 editions of the International Building Code (IBC), International Residential Code (IRC), and International Fire Code (IFC). The effective date is Jan. 1, 2002.
The International Family of Codes are gaining widespread recognition and include several requirements for garage door products. DASMA actively contributed to the development of the IBC and the IRC.