Research + Tech

ICC and NAHB offer TechNotes series to assist builders

The International Code Council (ICC) and ICC Evaluation Service have partnered with the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) to distribute a TechNotes series developed by NAHB's Construction Technology Research Subcommittee and Innovation Research Lab.

The TechNotes series is designed to help builders understand and apply the most recent code requirements, as well as implement best practices to avoid building-performance issues related to interior humidity levels, condensation in wall and roof assemblies, and interior air quality.

"NAHB has worked diligently in creating these TechNotes, and we are confident these consolidated and simplified guidelines will be beneficial to both home builders and building officials in creating safe and affordable homes," says Chip Dence, chairman of NAHB's Construction Codes and Standards Committee.

The TechNotes series will continue to expand and include new topics. The following topics currently are available: whole house mechanical ventilation, building air tightness, floors above crawlspaces, rain and groundwater, window and door flashing, vapor retarders and supplemental dehumidification.

The TechNotes series is available free of charge at www.iccsafe.org/TechNotes and www.nahb.org.

ASTM International announces award recipients

Noone

Bull

ASTM International has announced Michael J. Noone, former vice president of CertainTeed Corp., Malvern, Pa., has received the William C. Cullen Award from ASTM International's Committee D08 on Roofing and Waterproofing, and Errol D. Bull, technical manager for Momentive Performance Materials, Waterford, N.Y., has received the Lou Toporcer Hall of Fame Award from ASTM International's Committee C24 on Building Seals and Sealants.

ASTM International's Committee D08 on Roofing and Waterproofing established the William C. Cullen Award to recognize members who demonstrate outstanding contributions and personal commitment to the field. Noone was honored for his dedication and contributions to the roofing and waterproofing industry, particularly in the asphalt shingle segment. A member of ASTM International's Committee D08 since 1979, he previously received the Award of Merit in 1997.

The Lou Toporcer Hall of Fame Award was established in 1972 and recognizes individuals who have demonstrated distinguished service and contributions to the building seals and sealants industry. An ASTM International member since 2000, Bull was recognized for his service in voluntary standardization. He previously received the Award of Appreciation in 2003 and 2007 from ASTM International's Committee C24 on Building Seals and Sealants.

MCA introduces certification program for metal roofing products

The Metal Construction Association (MCA) has introduced its Metal Roofing Certification Program for metal roofing products.

The program's goal is to help companies differentiate their products by earning certification based on industry standards published in MCA's Metal Roofing Systems Performance Guide Specification. The certification label is intended to help contractors and consumers identify quality steep-slope metal roofing products. Products that meet the certification criteria may be promoted as "Metal Construction Association Certified Premium Painted,™" "Metal Construction Association Certified Standard Painted™" or "Metal Construction Association Certified Natural.™"

For additional information, click here.

NRCA update

In June, NRCA Technical Services staff traveled to the ASHRAE Annual Conference in Long Beach, Calif.

During the conference, staff attended ASHRAE's SSPC 90.1 committee meetings. SSPC 90.1 is responsible for ASHRAE Standard 90.1, "Energy Standard for Buildings Except Low-Rise Residential Buildings." Jason Wilen, an NRCA technical director, was reappointed as NRCA's primary organizational representative and will remain a voting member of the building envelope subcommittee through 2019.

Staff also attended ASHRAE's SSPC 189.1 committee meetings. SSPC 189.1 is responsible for ASHRAE Standard 189.1, "Standard for the Design of High-Performance Green Buildings Except Low-Rise Residential Buildings." Wilen was named a voting member of the 189.1 committee through 2021 and appointed the new chairman of Work Group 10: Construction and Plans for Operation.

Future ASHRAE committee meetings include ASHRAE 90.1 in October at ASHRAE's headquarters in Atlanta and ASHRAE 189.1 during ASHRAE's 2018 Winter Conference in Chicago Jan. 20-24.