Schaumburg, Illinois -- The American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA) recently released an updated document describing the test procedures and specifications Architectural Class windows and doors (AW). The AAMA 910-16, Voluntary "Life Cycle" Specifications and Test Methods for AW Class Architectural Windows and Doors, was last updated in 2010. "AW windows and doors, covered in AAMA/WDMA/CSA 101/I.S.2/A440 (NAFS), are the only fenestration product types that go through accelerated life cycle testing including operating and thermal cycles followed by structural, air and water tests," says Greg McKenna (Kawneer), chair of the AAMA 910 Lifecycle Testing Review Task Group. "AAMA 910 is an important document as it is referenced in NAFS and lists the sequence of tests to be conducted on these high performing products." Since its introduction more than 20 years ago, the AAMA 910 "Life Cycle" testing specification for AW products has been widely accepted by industry consultants and the specifying community. With the advance of technology, along with two decades of experience and test data from a variety of materials, this specification and test method has now been updated to reflect the changing needs of the marketplace, such as longer warranty periods, sustainable design, more durable finishes and increasingly more stringent code requirements. Enhancement of performance requirements, to include thermal cycling and increase the number of operating cycles, as well as increased misuse loads, helps to more clearly differentiate AW products from other Performance Classes. In addition, descriptive language has been clarified for ease of use. This specification and test method is intended to model, through accelerated testing, the normal wear that can be expected during the life of a typical AW product. "Reference standards were updated to their most current edition and other relevant test specifications were listed," says Doug Holmberg (Apogee Enterprises, Inc./Wausau Window and Wall Systems), vice chair of the AAMA 910 Lifecycle Testing Review Task Group. "This specification and test method is intended to model, through accelerated testing, the life of a typical Architectural Class window or door with operating and locking hardware opening/closing cycles to simulate actual use, along with thermal cycling which is also an important durability attribute." AAMA 910-16, as well as other AAMA documents, may be purchased from AAMA's online store. More information about AAMA and its activities can be found via the AAMA Media Relations page or on the AAMA website.

Italian charm inspires new faucet design available with Touch2O® Technology LAS VEGAS, NV (JANUARY 19, 2016) – With nods to the Italian countryside, the Delta® Mateo™ kitchen collection delivers a truly dynamic design to the heart of the home. The collection’s charming contours reflect the smooth, graceful curves of hand-blown glass bottles without compromising its innovative functionality. The sleek, high-arc pull-down design is coupled with modern innovations, such as MagnaTite® Docking to hold the spray head firmly in place via a powerful magnet and DIAMOND™ Seal Technology, to ensure “like new” operation for the life of the faucet. The style and design found in the Mateo collection offer enhanced reliability, trusted performance and a heightened kitchen esthetic. “The Mateo kitchen collection appeals to consumers and designers seeking a vibrant look to fit a transitional space at an obtainable price point,” noted Peggy Gallagher, Delta product manager. “Sleek style, paired with advanced kitchen faucet technologies, bring a thoughtful user experience that consumers expect from Delta Faucet.” Optional Touch2O® Technology with TempSenseTM technology allows the faucet to be turned on and off with just a touch, simplifying kitchen tasks during food prep and clean-up, and features an LED light at the base of the faucet to let users know when the water has reached the desired temperature. The full kitchen suite is available in multiple faucet configurations with optional Touch2O Technology on the single handle pull-down kitchen and bar faucets. In addition to coordinating beverage faucets, soap dispensers with Touch2O.xt® Technology are offered for a completely hands-free experience. The collection is available in Chrome, Arctic® Stainless, and Venetian Bronze® finishes.

New faucet architecture features an articulating arm design for the Artesso® and Solna® collections with optional SmartTouch® Technology. INDIANAPOLIS – Inspired by the timeless design and definitive functionality of an architect lamp, the Brizo® brand continues to evolve its kitchen category offerings with a collection of articulating kitchen faucets, now available with optional SmartTouch® Technology. A clever twist on the classic pull-down architecture, the spray wand can be easily docked and undocked for maximum function and efficiency while touting high-design. “The coveted articulating design coupled with SmartTouch Technology offers ultimate functionality for frequent kitchen tasks, while helping to conserve water,” said Celine Garland, Brizo lead industrial designer. “The wide range of motion and enhanced control of water flow brings increased flexibility to the kitchen and delivers on the Brizo brand’s dedication to blending form with function.” When the spray wand is undocked, the user can freely move the wand to aim water in any direction in and around the sink area with either spray or stream options. When docked, the wand stays securely in place using MagneDock® Technology, a patented, state-of-the-art magnetic docking system which keeps the spray head perfectly aligned. The dynamic design has been enhanced with optional SmartTouch Technology to continue improving flexibility and operation for frequent kitchen tasks. Users simply touch anywhere on the faucet body, handle or articulating arm to turn on or off the water, promoting efficiency of motion while also helping to conserve water by activating flow only when needed. The articulating arm is available in two distinct Brizo kitchen collections: Artesso® Collection - Inspired by detailed, early 20th century metal works, the Artesso Single-Handle Articulating Kitchen Faucet is available in Polished Chrome, Brilliance® Polished Nickel, Brilliance® Stainless and Venetian Bronze® finishes, and will be available with optional SmartTouch Technology in fall 2016. Solna® Collection - Aptly boasting a Scandinavian moniker to match its clean, contemporary design, the Solna Single-Handle Articulating Kitchen Faucet is available in Polished Chrome, Brilliance® Stainless and Matte Black finishes, and will be available with optional SmartTouch Technology in fall 2016. Both collections include a coordinating soap dispenser and optional escutcheon. For more information about Brizo kitchen and bath products or to locate a dealer, visit brizo.com.

Full bath suite blends geometric shapes for contemporary sophistication LAS VEGAS (January 19, 2016) – Answering consumer desires for modern, urban bath design, the new Zura™ bath collection from Delta Faucet is constructed to deliver a precise marriage of rounded, rectangular and triangular elements. The geometric shapes effortlessly blend together, creating a collection that is every bit as contemporary and sophisticated as it is innovative. The Delta® Zura bath collection features deck mount lavatory faucets in a split Matte Black and Chrome finish, adding to an extensive line of finish options offered by Delta Faucet. The collection also features a luxurious pendant raincan showerhead with H2Okinetic® Technology. For added convenience, single--handle and vessel faucets are equipped with optional Touch2O.xt® Technology. The entire faucet serves as a sensor with this technology, allowing water flow to be turned on and off with a simple touch to the faucet’s spout, hub or handle. Alternatively, the faucet can be operated in hands-free mode that senses your presence within 4” and automatically shuts off within seconds once hands are removed. “When creating this collection, we wanted to deliver a full suite that was unique in both design and functionality,” said Clinton Cardinal, Delta product manager. “As a result, the Zura collection offers a transformative style that gives consumers a chic metropolitan look with transformative technologies.” In addition to Touch2O.xt Technology, the Zura collection's features include: • DIAMOND™ Seal Technology, which combines a durable DIAMOND Valve with InnoFlex® PEX waterways. The valve requires no lubrication, eliminates wear on seals, and ensures “like new” operation for the life of the faucet, lasting up to 10 times the industry standard.1 The InnoFlex waterways eliminate potential leak points and are less hassle to install. • MultiChoice® Universal Valve installation, which ensures future shower function upgrades or style changes can easily be made without altering plumbing behind the wall. • H2Okinetic Technology, which creates a shower experience like no other. Each showerhead and handshower contains an internal system that sculpts the water into a unique wave pattern, creating a consumer-proven feeling of more water, all without using more water. All showerheads in the Zura bath collection feature H2Okinetic technology. • WaterSense® Labeled. Delta Faucet Company takes its role as a WaterSense® partner seriously and is committed to working with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to encourage efficient use of water resources and actively protect the future of our nation’s water supply. All lavatory faucets in this collection meet WaterSense requirements, flowing at a rate that is less than the industry standard of 2.2 gallons per minute (gpm). The Zura bath collection offers a variety of faucet configurations, including: • Single-handle and vessel faucets with optional Touch2O.xt Technology • Two-handle widespread faucets • Single- and two-handle wall mount faucets The bath suite includes tub and shower faucets, showerheads, handshowers, body sprays, a unique floor-mount tub filler, a bidet and coordinating accessories. In addition to the split Matte Black and Chrome finish, the collection is available in Chrome, Polished Nickel and Brilliance® Stainless finishes. For more information, visit deltafaucet.com.

New faucet introduction increases kitchen style and function LAS VEGAS, NV (JANUARY 19, 2016) – Envisioned as a means to bring the industrial-style flexibility of a chef’s faucet into the home, the Delta® Trinsic Pro faucet offers the sophistication of the original Trinsic collection, coupled with professional performance and unrestrained style. It puts control in the hands of the user with a flexible, spring-design undocking spout, which can be easily disconnected and magnetically re-docked for free range of motion. “The Trinsic Pro faucet targets those who want an industrial look in their kitchen with an eye-catching design and unrivaled functionality,” noted Peggy Gallagher, Delta product manager. “The unique integrated pull-down wand feature lends a unique style that creates the distinct aura of a gourmet cooking space.” When the spray wand is undocked, the user can freely move the wand to aim water in any direction in and around the sink area with either spray or stream options. When docked, the wand stays securely in place using MagnaTite® Docking, a patented, state-of-the-art magnetic docking system which keeps the spray head perfectly aligned. The sleek, yet rugged, design highlights modern innovations including DIAMOND™ Seal Technology which ensures “like new” operation for the life of the faucet with a valve that eliminates wear on seals and does not require lubrication. Available in Chrome and Arctic® Stainless finishes, the Trinsic Pro faucet offers optional Touch2O® Technology with TempSense™ technology which allows the faucet to be turned on and off with just a touch. Making kitchen tasks easy during food prep and clean-up, the faucet features an LED light at its base to let users know when the water reaches a desired temperature. The Trinsic Pro faucet can be paired with a variety of Delta kitchen accessories – including a coordinating beverage faucet, and a soap dispenser with Touch2O.xt® Technology which offers a completely hands free experience. For more information, visit deltafaucet.com.

New full bath suite effortlessly blends innovation with artistry INDIANAPOLIS – As the influential Bauhaus movement of the 1920s strove to rejuvenate design for everyday life, the new Litze™ (pronounced LEETS-zuh) Bath Collection by Brizo® was born from the desire to reunite creativity and manufacturing. The collection melds innovative engineering and artistry to strike a balance that is equally at home in clean, contemporary environments or raw industrial spaces. Thoughtful details such as three distinctive handle options, a simplistically beautiful bent tube spout, jointed wall mount shower arm and elegant teak wood accents exemplify the stunning craftsmanship. The Litze Bath Collection’s textural knurling detail lives up to its name, which means “braid” in German, inspired by the town of Worlitz, Germany – not far from the birthplace of the Bauhaus movement. “The starting point for this collection was simply to create a clean, modern design, but Litze turned out to be much more than that,” said Jordan Bahler, Brizo industrial designer. “Equal parts artisanal and raw in style, the collection delivers an unexpected edge by highlighting the elegant side of those concepts, making them feel new, modern and energized." Every design detail is deliberate while ensuring ease of use, from the intersection of geometry chosen for the lever handles to the slide bar handshower model available with and without a machined brass wheel that spins as the handshower is positioned. Teak wood accents, available on select models, create a stunning combination of manmade and natural materials. Like iconic Bauhaus designs, the Litze collection blends inspiration from fine arts and architecture. In addition to the faucet offerings, the full suite of products include: • Widespread lavatory available in two spout heights • Single-handle, single-hole deck mount and wall mount lavatory with or without knurling details • Single-handle, single-hole bidet faucet • Three and four-hole Roman tubs and single-handle freestanding tub filler • Non-diverter and diverter tub spouts • Pressure Balance valve only trim • TempAssure® Thermostatic Medium Flow custom shower trims • TempAssure® Thermostatic valve with integrated diverter trims • Sensori® High Flow custom shower trims  HydraChoice™ Max Body Spray System • Multi-function showerhead with H2Okinetic® Technology • Pendant ceiling mount raincan showerhead with H2Okinetic® Technology • Hydrati® 2|1 Shower with H2Okinetic® Technology • Wall mount and slide bar handshower available with or without a machined brass wheel • Complete offering of accessories including drawer hardware The new integrated TempAssure® Thermostatic shower valve with diverter features volume, temperature and diverter control in the same unit, allowing for a consolidated custom shower design with a clean, streamlined look. With a variety of custom shower trim options and multiple shower components featuring H2OKinetic® Technology, this collection offers a range of possibilities to create a luxurious, personalized bath space. The full bath suite is offered in Polished Chrome, Brilliance® Polished Nickel, and Brilliance® Luxe Nickel™ finishes, and a new Brilliance® Luxe Gold™ finish. Additional finish options on lavatories, tub faucets and select accessories include Brilliance® Luxe Nickel™ finish with Polished Chrome Accent, Polished Chrome with Teak Wood Accent, and Brilliance® Luxe Nickel™ finish with Teak Wood Accent. The Litze™ Bath Collection by Brizo® is expected to begin shipping in late 2016. For more information about Brizo kitchen and bath products or to locate a dealer, visit brizo.com.

The MRMCA, VRMCA and ACI's Maryland chapter to host inaugural Concrete Buildings with BIM Workshop Columbia, MD (August 18, 2016)—Global design software developers Vectorworks, Inc. and SCIA, Inc., along with the Maryland and Virginia chapters of the Ready Mix Concrete Association (MRMCA, VRMCA) and the Maryland chapter of the American Concrete Institute (ACI) are hosting the inaugural Concrete Buildings with Building Information Modeling (BIM) Workshop for contractors, developers, architects, engineers, owners and educators. Taking place at Vectorworks' headquarters at 7150 Riverwood Drive in Columbia, MD on September 20, 2016 from 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m., the workshop’s sessions will examine BIM’s effect on the concrete design industry, delivery and the construction process. “BIM is changing how we design, construct and manage the built world. We're thrilled to team up with Vectorworks, the Ready Mix Concrete Association and the American Concrete Institute to explore the benefits BIM brings to the concrete delivery process,” said Daniel Monaghan, managing director at SCIA, Inc. Planned sessions during the workshop include: Driving BIM in Concrete Christopher Brown, structural engineering manager at Skidmore, Owings & Merrill LLP (SOM) and chair, ACI committee 131 on BIM of Concrete Structures Concrete BIM Workflow Demonstration Dan Monaghan, managing director at SCIA, Inc. and Robert Anderson, vice president of integrated practice at Vectorworks, Inc. The Legal Side of BIM Michael Bomba, Esq., director and lawyer at American Institute of Architects (AIA) BIM and Energy Analysis François Lévy, AIA, architect, author and principal of Lévy Kolhaas Architecture Expressive Design in Concrete Steve Alden, AIA, architect and thought leadership director at Vectorworks, Inc. In addition to the presentations, lunch will also be provided. The sessions will conclude at 3:30 p.m. with an optional happy hour following from 3:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Tickets are $25 for the workshop and are limited to a first come, first served basis. Tickets can be purchased online prior to the event, or at the door, dependent upon availability. To learn more about other upcoming Vectorworks events, visit the events calendar.

Have a project that includes the installation of thin masonry veneer? Take 1 minute of your time to see how SPEC MIX® Polymer Modified Adhered Veneer Mortar will maximize your productivity and profitability without the worry of units popping off the wall. PMAVM PMAVM provides excellent workability, adhesion, high bond strength, sag resistance, and moisture control to mitigate efflorescence—it’s the ideal mortar for your masonry veneer projects. Contact your local SPEC MIX dealer or your SPEC MIX Representative for more information.

EAGAN, MN — The 2016 SPEC MIX BRICKLAYER 500® Regional Qualifier Series is underway with two competitions already completed. Yes, it’s that time of year again when masons across North America put their skill, speed and stamina to the test at their local regional competition with the hope of earning a spot at the World Championship in Las Vegas on January 18th, 2017 during the World of Concrete & Masonry tradeshow. But before they can advance to the World Championship round to compete for the title: “World’s Best Bricklayer,” they have to take 1st place at one of the 22 regional events listed below. The 22 Regional finalists will compete against the returning 2016 World Champion, Scott Tuttle of Utah and SPEC MIX TOP CRAFTSMAN®, Darian Douthit of Oklahoma, who each laid 775 and 687 bricks, respectively. The Regional competitions start in mid-June this year, and run through the end of October which gives all 24 finalists plenty of time to train for the big showdown in Las Vegas to earn the title “World’s Best Bricklayer,” a 2017 Ford F-250 XLT 4x4 truck and nearly $15,000 in cash and prizes.

The new office spearheaded by Christopher Rogers, P.E. supports Hayward Baker customers in Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama, providing enhanced services. New Orleans, LA, July 28, 2016 - Hayward Baker Inc., North America's leader in geotechnical construction, announces the opening of a new office location in New Orleans, Louisiana. The new office will support customers and projects along the Gulf Coast. As an extension of the Houston office, the New Orleans office is spearheaded by recent hire Christopher Rogers, P.E., Project Manager with oversight from Tyson Deklavs, Area Manager. Christopher Rogers, P.E. is a graduate of Mississippi State University with a B.S. degree in Civil and Environmental Engineering. He is a registered engineer in Mississippi and Louisiana. Rogers has over ten years of diverse experience in quality control, design-build, and project management. Prior to joining Hayward Baker, Rogers worked for a general contractor in Louisiana as the Senior Quality Control Manager as well as a Field Project Manager. He also has spent part of his career as a Geotechnical Consultant. According to Deklavs, the opening of the New Orleans office represents a commitment to closer collaboration with our public, commercial, and industrial Gulf Coast clients. This market includes a diverse group of general contractors, geotechnical consultants, developers, and industrial owners. “The Gulf Coast is an exciting market for Hayward Baker. The soils are well-suited for our ground engineering techniques. By combining our experience and existing client base with Chris' local presence and expertise, we are now situated to capitalize on the strong growth potential in this market. We are excited to welcome Chris to the Hayward Baker team.” he stated. Recent local projects illustrate the wide range of foundation design-build services Hayward Baker already performs in the region.These include numerous deep soil mixing and jet grouting projects for the United States Army Corps of Engineers and industrial clients. Hayward Baker used several ground modification techniques at the New Orleans Veterans Affairs Hospital. Prefabricated vertical wick drains were used to expedite consolidation settlement, reducing the down drag on foundation piles. The project also included three deep excavations using sheet piles and jet grouting. Micropiles were used to support a new pile cap and column inside the historic Dixie Brewery Building which is now the Veterans Affairs New Orleans Dixie Research Facility. The New Orleans office of Hayward Baker is located at 839 St. Charles Avenue, Suite 100, New Orleans, LA 70130. For more information on the services offered by the office, contact Chris Rogers, P.E., at 504-321-420. For a complete listing of Hayward Baker's 33 regional and local offices in North America, click the MORE button.

Native Trails has added an elegant bathroom sink, Tolosa, to its revolutionary NativeStone® Collection. Tolosa's clean, oval shape shows off the organic beauty of concrete, at a much lighter weight and with no-fuss maintenance. Tolosa continues the NativeStone® tradition of versatility; it is available in three finishes and can be installed as an undermount or drop-in, for completely different looks. Tolosa and other new additions for the kitchen & bath are available in showrooms now.