News

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Thermafiber Releases Revolutionary Curtain Wall Fire Containment System

December 30, 2011

Patent pending system saves energy, time, materials and money WABASH, Ind., Dec. 30, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- The High-Rise Insulation Experts at Thermafiber continue to innovate with the introduction of a new perimeter fire containment system. The patent pending No Backer Bar design incorporates years of research and testing to completely eliminate the backer bar used to compress the Safing insulation at the slab edge in a curtain wall fire containment assembly. This game-changing system is UL fire rated for both 2 and 3 hours. The design of this system also allows for thicker mineral wool insulation without increasing the mullion depth, which provides additional R-value and energy conservation. "Traditional perimeter fire containment systems require a reinforcement member, typically a steel backer bar or hat channel, to be installed at the floor slab level," says Jim Shriver, Director of Technical Services and inventor of the new system. "The new fire rated system eliminates this backer bar, cutting installation time and saving money. It's beneficial to curtain wall manufacturers that install spandrel insulation in their factories. It's also beneficial to contractors doing field installation of perimeter fire containment systems." The No Backer Bar system incorporates several components of Thermafiber's patented Impasse system. The Impasse system was designed to use fewer insulation hangers than traditional systems. Fewer hangers allow for quicker installation and less piercing of curtain wall mullions. One critical component of the No Backer Bar system is a new Thermafiber product called FireLedge. FireLedge is a pre-fabricated mineral wool piece that provides additional support and fire resistance to the system, allowing the traditional backer bar to be removed. A formal launch of the FireLedge product is planned for early 2012. Like all Thermafiber products and systems, the No Backer Bar system will be supported by the Thermafiber Insolutions team which provides clients with custom CAD drawings, technical support and engineering judgments.
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AMERLUX Unveils SmartSite State of the Art LED Street Lighting and Network Control System

December 23, 2011

FAIRFIELD, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Amerlux unveils SmartSite™, powered by Intellistreets and the world’s most technically advanced street lighting system which integrates energy efficient LED lighting technology with a robust, bi-directional mesh network control system. This innovative system manages lighting, audio, video and energy usage throughout urban, suburban and college environments. Operating effectively without cable installation, underground trenching or wire maintenance to set-up the control of the outdoor lighting, sound and video, SmartSite is a 24/7 area-wide system that offers architectural luminaire styles, a robust platform, digital wireless solutions, Wi-Fi capabilities, and a myriad of homeland security features. Smartsite also offers multimedia solutions that can upgrade an existing infrastructure to provide information, advertising, security and entertainment for public spaces with streetlights that automatically adjust the lighting to illuminate the area with the specific amount of light needed. The digital display banners, and synchronized sound from integrated speakers on each “Smart” light pole, will provide a seamless audience experience as well as generate a measurable revenue stream. “The SmartSite outdoor lighting management system is revolutionizing how we illuminate and communicate within our communities,” explained Frank P. Diassi, Chairman and Founder of Amerlux. “We are proud to unveil a wireless network and multimedia platform that fully integrates performance based lighting designed to yield significant energy savings, as well as enhance public safety, security and communications.” SmartSite utilizes the area’s existing power supply and can simply replace the existing streetlights with a fully featured system with energy efficient LEDs that save money and maintenance. Existing metal halide or high pressure sodium fixtures can be replaced in just minutes, with LED luminaires that can for years, with options on the pole to make it “Smart.” “SmartSite helps extend luminaire life by 50 percent more than industry standards and saves an additional 25 percent in energy costs.” says Chuck Campagna, CEO and President of Amerlux. “ Longlasting LED luminaires can be flexibly programmed to solve the changing nightly needs of an outdoor lighting system. Robust lighting is delivered during peak usage while lighting usage and costs are reduced when vehicular and pedestrian traffic subsides.” Designed with an LED module and a patented built-in speaker, each streetlight features a unique duo-band radio system and miniature computer with data storage capacity. Streetlight processors communicate with each other through a wireless mesh network and monitor individual luminaire usage, energy costs, grid power and system integrity. If a fixture is experiencing a problem, the other streetlights will continue to operate according to programming. Utilizing breakthrough technology in urban media design, streetlight processors can store and analyze data including soundtracks, announcements, commercials, and video files, as well as offering a patented full range speaker system. With built-in brains, the streetlight retains playlists similar to an IPOD; it receives and sends commands, downloads and stores information. For example, music is synchronized pole-to-pole, street-to-street, using an anatomical clock without echo or interference, to engage captive audiences. To generate a significant revenue stream while building business for community shopkeepers and national brands, including the prevention of “night flight” by retaining commuters in cities, SmartSite offers two-sided digital LED street banners that offer an extremely economical means for achieving timely advertising messages for downtown fairs, festivals, and events at theaters and stadiums. The digital LED banner and media system assists consumers with parking directions, and is a key component to maximizing civic awareness of re-routing for parades, and road maintenance and construction. An optional seamlessly integrated media system offers a wide range of public communications for bus stops, rail stations, people-movers, airports, etc. SmartSite luminaires can be equipped with a variety of cameras and sensors to ensure real-time 24/7-security coverage. The sensors detect a variety of threats that enable rapid response from emergency personnel or help prevent crime and gain control of the streets. Using LED technology, the luminaires provide consistent light dispersal, backed by a centralized remote control of lighting, signage and audio messaging that allow pedestrians to be ushered quickly and safety to the nearest route during storm warnings, events or emergencies. The system also links into the Amber Alert Center, the emergency response system that disseminates information about missing persons, usually children, and enlists the public’s help to find them and catch their abductors.
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Provide a Firm, Flexible, Rubber Seal for Pool Surfaces with DECK-O-SEAL GUN GRADE

December 23, 2011

Hampshire, IL – DECK-O-SEAL GUN GRADE from DECK-O-SEAL is a two-component, non-sag, non-flowing, polysulfide-based sealing compound. It is a non-staining sealant that cures to a firm, flexible, tear-resistant rubber. DECK-O-SEAL GUN GRADE is highly resilient and has excellent recovery characteristics, even after extended periods of compression or elongation. It has outstanding resistance to most chemicals, to all weather conditions, aging, and shrinkage. For on-the-job use, DECK-O-SEAL GUN GRADE is supplied in pre-measured kits containing the base compound and a separate container of setting agent, with enough room in the base container for blending both components. DECK-O-SEAL GUN GRADE is a premium quality, flexible sealing compound for use in applications where short turn-around time is a requirement, such as pool bottom and sidewall repairs and areas subject to pedestrian and vehicular traffic. DECK-O-SEAL GUN GRADE can be used for general purpose caulking of joints and seams (both above and below water), glazing, weatherproofing, exterior curtain wall sealing, and interior/exterior expansion joint sealing. For more information, contact DECK-O-SEAL, a division of W. R. MEADOWS, INC. at P.O. Box 397, Hampshire, Illinois 60140; phone: (800) 542-POOL; fax: (847) 214-2268; e-mail: sales@deckoseal.com, or visit www.deckoseal.com.
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LP® SolidStart™ LSL is a Safe, Simple and Cost Effective Solution for Loft Joist Cuts

December 21, 2011

LP® SolidStart™ LSL 225mm x 35mm (1.35E) outperforms traditional timber and eliminates the need for wood or metal reinforcement with loft I-joist cuts NASHVILLE, Tenn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--LP SolidStart LSL 225mm x 35mm (1.35E), already used to simplify projects such as trimmers around staircases and as an ideal solution for long-length stair stringers, has now been launched as a safe and simple solution for loft joist cuts. The product offers a simple detail for loft joist cuts and features a higher shear and bearing capacity than any I-Joist and many higher strength LVL alternatives. LP SolidStart LSL 225mm x 35mm (1.35E) offers predictable performance compared to traditional timber. It eliminates the need for costly ironmongery necessary to strengthen the ends of I-joists and timber reinforcement for traditional timber joists. A low, 6-8% product moisture content at the time of manufacturing gives the product an impressive 0.10% depth change per 1% variation in moisture content. The result is a straight and true, full 35mm width “no wane”, a product that is an ideal fit for loft conversions. LP SolidStart LSL 225mm x 35mm (1.35E) can accommodate a large 125mm diameter hole at mid span and depth. The 35mm thickness makes it easy to drill a 38mm diameter hole at the wall for a water line. LP SolidStart LSL 225mm x 35mm (1.35E) resists splitting and holds nails better than traditional timber. A 6m length weighs less than 34kg and is available in long lengths of up to 12m for continuous spans, allowing for design flexibility and faster installation. The product meets or exceeds residential spans for 220x44 (C16) and 195x44 (C24) in a tile floor residential load condition. LP SolidStart LSL is backed by a lifetime, fully transferable limited warranty. LP SolidStart products are created primarily from smaller, fast-growing trees that come from well-managed forests. The Chain of Custody (CoC) is certified by both the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC) schemes and the Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI). All LP SolidStart products sold in the UK meet the standards of the TRADA Q-Mark and the National House-Building Council (NHBC).
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New Glass Tiles Announces New Line of Glass and Stone Tile Blends

December 19, 2011

CITY OF INDUSTRY, Calif., Dec. 16, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- New Glass Tiles, a leading provider of glass tile for the home, is pleased to announce their new line of glass and stone tile blends. The beautiful new designs feature blends of marble, glass and stone tile – the perfect look for any kitchen, bathroom, pool, or any other part of the home. Current new glass and stone tile blends at New Glass Tiles include green and white marble and glass blends; slate gray and cream marble and glass tiles; subway marble and glass blends of grays and blues; subway marble and glass blends of tans, creams, and browns; and the top-selling Espresso Linear Glass Stone Blend Mosaic of black, gray and white tiles. All of the mosaic tile blends at NewGlassTiles.com come on square foot tile sheets. Each individual tile in the pattern is attached to the sheet with mini rubber "dots" that act as spacers to create uniform grout lines. These dots are strong enough to hold tiles together, but are simple to cut through when necessary (such as when cutting the tile sheet to fit a smaller area). The easiest and most precise way to achieve a perfect glass tile pattern, these tile sheets allow homeowners to install their own tile quickly and easily – saving them even more money on their home renovations. New Glass Tiles offers some of the most competitive prices in the industry, and they offer free shipping on nearly every one of their products. Additionally, with their current semi-annual sale, customers can get up to 20% off select glass and tile blend tiles. For more information on the new glass and stone tile mosaic blends from New Glass Tiles, visit www.NewGlassTiles.com.
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Protect Your Buildings from Moisture Intrusion with AIR-SHIELD™ from W. R. MEADOWS

December 15, 2011

Hampshire, IL – AIR-SHIELD self-adhering air/vapor and liquid moisture barrier is part of a total W. R. MEADOWS system to complete the building envelope. It is a roll-type product that is nominally 40 mils thick. The membrane's controlled thickness is fabricated from cross-laminated polyethylene bonded to specially modified asphalt. This unique, self-adhesive membrane, protected by a special release paper, is strong and durable. It remains flexible when surface mounted and will adhere to most primed surfaces at minimum temperatures of 40° F (4° C). The membrane provides excellent protection as a tough barrier that won't shrink, sag, dry out, crack, or rot. It offers excellent resistance to punctures during installation. The self-healing characteristics of AIR-SHIELD facilitate recovery if minimal damage is sustained under normal use applications, i.e. when penetrated with self-tapping screws or nails. AIR-SHIELD self-adhering air/vapor and liquid moisture barrier is designed for a variety of uses. Primary applications include cavity wall and masonry wall construction. AIR-SHIELD works equally well as an air and/or vapor barrier on precast concrete, cast-in-place concrete, masonry (concrete block), interior and exterior gypsum board, Styrofoam, primed steel, aluminum mill finish, anodized aluminum, primed galvanized metal, drywall, and plywood. AIR-SHIELD is also available in low temperature and extra-low temperature versions for construction during the winter season. The product is also supported by a range of accessories for all application types. Liquid membrane versions of AIR-SHIELD are also available. For more information on AIR-SHIELD, call (800) 342-5976, e-mail info@wrmeadows.com, and/or visit www.wrmeadows.com.
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Merillat® Cabinetry Updates Website to Serve Kitchen and Bath Industry Professionals

December 12, 2011

Updated Merillat.com now offers professional relevant cabinetry information and tools while providing a communication platform ANN ARBOR, Mich., Dec. 9, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Merillat® cabinetry recently launched a Professionals section to the Merillat.com consumer website, with the purpose to make interaction with the brand easier and to create a platform for communication with kitchen and bath industry trade professionals. Tools for Architects & Designers Expert Advice. Architects and designers are able to engage in conversation with Merillat design and education expert, Sarah Reep, in a Q&A format. Visitors can also find a detailed bio about Reep, and informational videos and news feeds for upcoming events. In addition, there's information about continuing education courses. Design Help. Whether it's CAD Files, Google SketchUp Files or CSI 3 Part Specs, everything professionals need to design with the comprehensive Merillat product line is all right here. This section also features a Merillat project gallery. Projects in the gallery may be clicked on for more details like case studies, 3D models, list of products used and related videos. Tools for Builders, Dealers & Other Professionals Marketing Materials. A number of marketing materials are available for Merillat products that users can personalize to support their current advertising efforts. These materials allow dealers to show consumers the innovative Merillat products they are able to offer, in turn driving sales and strengthening their bottom line. Educational Resources. For those interested in continuing their education, the Merillat website provides a Training section which lists available DAP University courses, a brief description of each and links if they wish to pursue.
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GreenWizard Offers LEED Credit Assessments and Modeling for Design Scenarios

December 08, 2011

In Addition to Product-Specific LEED Credit Assessments, Architects Can Now Model Multiple ‘What-If’ Design Scenarios CHARLESTON, S.C.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--GreenWizard® – a cloud-based product management and information-sharing solution that simplifies building material selection, collaboration, and modeling to optimize green building and LEED® credits – today announced that it offers architects the ability to run assessments for design credits, in addition to traditional product-specific LEED credits. Today, architects who use GreenWizard can model multiple LEED credit design assessments for any one project, save them within GreenWizard, and compare them to see which one creates the ideal balance between cost, site-specific design, and the clients’ objectives. Once the design has been finalized, the final assessment can be selected and, with capabilities GreenWizard is developing now, submitted through LEED Online. GreenWizard improves efficiency by offering design credit assessments to help enhance both form and function. Below are the New Construction credits GreenWizard currently supports: - Sustainable Sites - Credits 1, 2, 3, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3 - Water Efficiency - Prerequisite 1, Credits 1, 2, 3 - Materials and Resources - Prerequisite 1 - IEQ - Prerequisite 1 & 2, Credits 1, 2, 5, 6.1, 6.2, 8.1, 8.2 GreenWizard provides similar design credit assessments for Core & Shell and New Construction Retail, with more design credit assessments already in development.
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Iowans Now Have Access to Low Maintenance, Natural Wood Look Siding

December 08, 2011

DES MOINES, Iowa, Dec. 8, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- After 7 years of development and test marketing on the east coast, central Iowa homeowners are finally able to get their hands on Everlast siding. Norandex Building Materials, the sole distributor of Everlast recently introduced the product to Des Moines and Buresh Home Solutions, Inc was one of the first companies to install this composite siding in Iowa. Now, after the completion of its first two installs, owner Brian Buresh says the completed projects speak for themselves and deliver upon the promise of the natural look of wood without the maintenance associated with other products that need to be painted. Key Attributes: - "Cedar Touch" natural wood grain embossing - Warm, low gloss finish - 10 Deep rich colors - Finished with "ColorHold" for fade protection - Superior Wind and Impact Resistance - Truly low maintenance – just a garden hose - Lifetime Performance and Fade warranty
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PAREX USA ANNOUNCES THE ACQUISITION OF THE VARIANCE PRODUCT LINE

December 06, 2011

Long Term Licensing Agreement Gives Exclusive Global Rights to Market, Sell and Manufacture Anaheim, CA – December 8, 2011 – Parex USA, Inc. the parent company of leading building material brands; Parex, LaHabra , El Rey Stucco, Teifs, and Merkrete today announced the acquisition of the exclusive global rights to market, sell and manufacture the Variance product line under a long term licensing agreement with Variance Finishes, LLC. Variance products are specialty acrylic finishes which offer virtually unlimited color, texture and design options. Their products are used for interior and exterior environments and are similar to the Parex USA Select Finish line. Going forward the Variance products and the Select Finish products will be merged together and will be marketed under the Variance brand and sold as a Parex USA product “Parex USA sees this as great opportunity for this Variance Finish offering as an extension of our Specialty finish offering, said Buck Buchanan, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Parex USA. “The design capabilities of Variance Finishes offer unlimited options and we are excited for this new venture.” Rob Knight, the President of Variance Finishes, LLC, will join Parex USA as the Product Development Manager for the Variance product line. For more information regarding Variance, Select Finish and other innovative products from Parex USA visit www.parexusa.com.
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Legrand Joins White House Initiative to Spur Energy Efficiency in Commercial Buildings

December 04, 2011

Company agrees to aggressive energy savings and reporting practices WEST HARTFORD, Conn., Dec. 2, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Legrand joined President Obama and Department of Energy officials in Washington, D.C. to announce that the company has joined the Better Building , Better Plants Presidential Leadership initiative to create American jobs through energy efficiency. Legrand is one of the world's largest manufacturers of electrical and data networking products for residential, commercial or industrial buildings. The company is one of just nine U.S. industrial organizations that have joined the initiative as Challenge Partners, pledging to the most aggressive energy savings, management and reporting practices outlined in a U.S. Department of Energy agreement. By encouraging office and plant upgrades and renovations, the deployment of energy-saving solutions will boost local construction projects and expand opportunities for architects, design engineers, contractors and installers in communities throughout the U.S. "People think energy-saving solutions are more complex than they are," explained John Selldorff, president & chief executive officer of Legrand North America. "We hope to show our customers, suppliers and other mid-size manufacturers how to cut through the complexity with simple, repeatable solutions that are currently available to significantly reduce energy consumption. It can be as simple as controlling the lights to make sure they are off when not needed." The Better Building Challenge reporting requirements demand transparency and encourage replication of Challenge Partner projects across the U.S. economy. As a Challenge Partner, Legrand has agreed to a series of high-impact actions that include: - Reduce corporate wide energy intensity by 25% over ten years. - Implement a "Showcase" project at a single site that will achieve a 10% energy intensity reduction in just two years. - Deploy a "market innovation" that will accelerate achievement of energy efficiency gains. - Report regularly on progress toward goals and lessons learned in deploying innovations and energy efficiency solutions. Specific Legrand energy saving pledges and projects will be announced at a later date; however, the company is already installing sub-meters technology at 14 of its U.S. offices, manufacturing plants and warehouses. The technology will allow Legrand to instantly measure energy use, determine where greater efficiencies can be achieved through lighting and plugload management, and identify other upgrades needed to achieve energy efficiency goals.
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SEH Wins Coveted “Grand Award” for Engineering Excellence

December 01, 2011

ST. PAUL, Minn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Short Elliott Hendrickson Inc. (SEH®) received the coveted “Grand Award” from the American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC) of South Dakota on Nov. 12, 2011 for outstanding achievement in water resources engineering in Brookings, S.D. The annual gala event was held at the Minnehaha Country Club in Sioux Falls, S.D. The SEH team helped the City of Brookings significantly reduce the potential for flooding and improve the treatment of stormwater for a drainage area, which included a major shopping center complex. The project team included regional partners Confluence Landscape Architects and Dakota Land Surveying. Typically, detention ponds are designed to maximize storage capacity based on the dimensions of the project area. This results in square or rectangular ponds that fit within project sites and meet the hydrologic and hydraulic needs of clients, but provides little focus to aesthetic features or community amenities. The Southland Lane Detention Project allowed the City to develop flood control and water quality improvements as an integral part of the neighborhood, without being an eyesore.
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