Industry Briefing

PIMA announces transition to LTTR

The Polyisocyanurate Insulation Manufacturers Association (PIMA) has announced its transition dates for long-term thermal resistance (LTTR) to become the exclusive R-value measurement for permeable-faced polyisocyanurate products.

The LTTR transition date was July 1 in Canada, and Jan. 1, 2003, is the transition date in the United States. All permeable-faced polyisocyanurate roof insulation shipped by PIMA members after these dates will have LTTR R-values.

Former NRCA director dies

George Bodwell, retired principal of the former Bodwell-Lemmon Co., Cleveland, recently passed away.

During his career, Bodwell served as an NRCA director from 1967-70, 1971-74 and 1977-80, as well as vice president from 1975-77. Bodwell co-chaired NRCA's Technical and Research Committee (now known as the Technical Operations Committee) from 1969-78 and received NRCA's prestigious J.A. Piper Award in 1972.

In addition, Bodwell was active in the Construction Employers Association of Cleveland for which he served as president from 1965-72 and 1984-86, as well as a board member.

Bodwell is survived by his wife, Virginia; two children; and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren. The family has asked memorials be sent to Case Alumni Association, 10900 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, OH 44106; Cleveland YMCA, 2200 Prospect Ave., Cleveland, OH 44115; or Memorial Fund of Forest Hill Presbyterian Church, 3031 Monticello Blvd., Cleveland Heights, OH 44118.

Firestone donates scholarship money

Firestone Building Products Co., Carmel, Ind., donated $10,000 to the National Roofing Foundation's scholarship endowment fund during NRCA's 115th Annual Convention and Exhibit in San Antonio. The donation is the final installment in a $50,000 pledge Firestone made to the scholarship fund.

NERCA holds annual convention

The North/East Roofing Contractors Association (NERCA) recently held its 76th Annual Convention and Trade Show. During the convention, NERCA awarded its prestigious Clarence J. Carr Award to Thomas McKie, president of Lincoln Equipment Associates Inc., Medford, Mass. McKie was recognized for supporting, contributing to and making advancements in the roofing industry.

In addition, the association elected the following officers for two-year terms: president—Angelo Gentile Jr., president of S.R.C. Roofing Inc., South Boston, Mass.; first vice president—Robert W. Therrien Jr., president of Al Melanson Co. Inc., Keene, N.H.; second vice president—Michael K. Meyer, president of Canopy Roofing Systems, Briarcliff Manor, N.Y.; and treasurer—David P. Cazeault, president of J.T. Cazeault & Sons of Plymouth Inc., North Plymouth, Mass.

Next year's NERCA convention will be held Jan. 21-23 in Providence, R.I.

Evaluation services begin consolidation

The International Code Council (ICC) has announced plans to consolidate the Building Officials and Code Administrators International Evaluation Services (BOCA ES) Inc., International Conference of Building Officials Evaluation Service (ICBO ES), Southern Building Code Congress International Public Safety Testing & Evaluation Services (SBCCI PST & ES) Inc. and National Evaluation Service (NES) Inc. The evaluation services' consolidation is in conjunction with the merger of the model code organizations into ICC. (Visit iccint.intlcode.org for more information about the organizations' integration.)

A task force of members from each evaluation service has begun designing the evaluation program. The program will offer certification at local, state, national and international levels and recognize current evaluation reports issued by BOCA ES, ICBO ES, SBCCI PST & ES and NES. The new program is expected to be implemented by Jan. 1, 2003. For additional information, visit www.intlcode.org.

FM Global expands its test center

FM Global is expanding its West Glocester, R.I.-based FM Global Test Center by building its 2-acre (0.8-hectare) FM Global Technology Center.

The new center will feature 60-foot- (18-m-) high moveable ceilings that will allow for the replication of warehouse fires to test flame spread and fire growth. The facility also will feature a natural hazards laboratory for determining building materials' long-term performances during adverse weather conditions and laboratory to test explosionproof and flameproof electrical equipment for hazardous locations.

The center is expected to be operational by fall 2003 and reportedly will provide FM policyholders with faster response times and advanced solutions to reduce property-loss risks.

Groups improve industry's image

The American Subcontractors Association (ASA) and Foundation of ASA have signed an agreement with the American Institute of Constructors (AIC) and AIC Education Foundation to improve the construction industry's ethics and image.

The groups will educate lawmakers, industry leaders, educators and students about the importance of and practical need for certifying professional constructors; offer AIC Constructor Certification to professional constructors; support businesses that hire certified constructors; and provide information about joining the construction industry and its associations and professional societies.

NRDCA elects officers

The National Roof Deck Contractors Association (NRDCA) recently elected new officers during its annual meeting held in Las Vegas. The following officers were elected for the 2002-03 term: president—A.L. Bontrager, owner and president of Western Fireproofing Co., Kansas City, Mo.; treasurer—Jack Kirlin, president of Miorelli-Kirlin Co. Inc., Edgemont, Pa.; and secretary—James Hill, president of HICO Concrete Inc., Nashville, Tenn.


The Industry Online

  • ChemLink Inc. has created the Contractor Training Center on its Web site, www.chemlinkinc.com. The site features the company's product line, installation procedures, and a repair and maintenance guide.

  • Building Materials Trader has launched www.buildingmaterialstrader.com. The site features links to manufacturers', wholesalers' and industry associations' Web sites, as well as ways to purchase excess inventory, find and post employment opportunities, and display construction projects.

  • The Dow Chemical Co. has launched www.voractiv.com to include information about VORANOL™ VORACTIV™ polyols, such as manufacturing and environmental benefits and a form to submit technical questions.

  • Classic Products Inc. redesigned its Web site, www.classicroof.com, to appeal to homeowners by including product photo galleries and an information request form.

  • Dynaloy Inc.'s Web site, www.dynaloy.com, now features products' technical data sheets, guidelines for determining appropriate products for applications and an online newsletter.

  • Curveline Inc. has incorporated a photo gallery and sketches of its curved-panel projects on its Web site, www.met-tile.com/curveline. The site also features information about the company's curved perforated panels.

  • Polyglass® has expanded its Web site, www.polyglass.com, to include product and specification information; computer-aided design drawings; project references; and information about the company's history, people and sales network.

  • CENTRIA has updated its Web site, www.centria.com, with environmentally responsible product information, product videos and load-span tables. Registered users also can download computer-aided design drawings, technical documents and specifications.

  • Roofers Exchange has launched www.rooferscoffeeshop.com, which allows contractors to find business opportunities, industry news and product information, as well as chat with manufacturers online.

  • BNi® Building News offers books and software for the construction industry on its Web site, www.bnibooks.com. The site features code and estimating books, construction and legal references, standards, specifications and other comparable books.

  • The Garland Co. Inc. redesigned its Web site, www.garlandco.com, to feature free roof system inspection requests, product information and employment applications. Users also can obtain American Institute of Architects' continuing education units from online presentations.

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