Snips articles from November 2003

Snips archives from November 2003

From sea to shining sea: examples of sheet-metal craftsmanship cover America.(Cover Story)
November 1, 2003... What is sheet metal in building? Where can it be found? Imagine a cross-country trip. Begin at the Massachusetts State House in Boston, crowned with a gilded sheet-metal dome. Motor south and west, past metal-clad diners and Quonset huts in...

Make them smile: here are nine ways to keep your employees happy.
November 1, 2003... The Jobs Rated Almanac career guide ranks a livelihood in construction 248th in its list of the 250 most-desirable careers. That statistic provides 247 reasons why contractors must change the way they deal with employees if they want to attract...

The hard, cold facts about stainless steel: environment, finish and design can affect its performance.
November 1, 2003... Stainless steel is one of the most durable materials used in construction. With appropriate grade and finish selection, design, fabrication and maintenance, the appearance and properties of stainless steel will remain unchanged for decades. ...

Pattern agreements: how to create transitions using triangulation.
November 1, 2003... "Triangulation" refers to dividing a surface into a series of triangles to figure out distance or position. Using two known points to locate a third, a person finds the true size of each triangle, then places them side by side in the correct...

All in the family: the HVAC and sheet-metal industries are full of companies where co-workers are relatives.(Heating, Ventilation, & Air Conditioning )
November 1, 2003... The greatest part of America's wealth lies with family owned businesses. Family firms comprise 80 to 90 percent of all business enterprises in North America--J.H. Astrachan and M.C. Shanker, Family Business Review. If you ask people to...

Things to consider when installing roof flashing.(Tech Tips)
November 1, 2003... (The following is taken from the Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors' National Association's Architectural Sheet Metal Manual, fifth edition.) Careful consideration must be given to flashing systems where a roof joins a wall. The...

Hangers make installation project faster, easier.(Applications in the Field)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2003... WILLIAMSVILLE, N.Y. -- When Capital Heat Inc. of Depew, N.Y., won a contract for a new Eckerd drugstore, it looked for ways to complete the job quickly and efficiently. Many large convenience stores and drug chains require fast...

HVAC installation proves a challenge in rotating home.(Applications in the Field)
November 1, 2003... LA MESA, Calif. -- An 8,500-square-foot home may be uncommon, even in the San Diego area, but add the ability to rotate the second floor of the structure and you've got a one-of-a-kind house. According to owner Al Johnstone, there are other...

3 college programs receive PAHRA certification.(Association News)(Partnership for Heating, Ventilation, Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration Accreditation)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2003... ARLINGTON, Va. -- The HVACR training programs at three schools have been recognized by the Partnership for Heating, Ventilation, Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration Accreditation. The schools are: the Pennsylvania College of Technology in...

AMCA recognizes duct silencers.(Association News)(Air Movement and Control Association)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2003... ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, Ill. -- The Air Movement and Control Association International has introduced a new certified-ratings program for acoustical duct silencers. The program is based on the American Society for Testing and Materials'...

ASHRAE lauded for work in building commissioning.(American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers)(Portland Energy Conservation Inc.)(Benner Award)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2003... PALM SPRINGS, Calif. -- The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers has been recognized for its work in building commissioning, including standards development, education and research. The Benner Award,...

Navy veteran takes over ARI education department.(Raymond J. Mach)(Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration Institute)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2003... ARLINGTON, Va. -- Raymond J. Mach has been named education director at the Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration Institute. Mach will act as a liaison with approximately 1,400 high school and post-secondary training programs that teach...

Certification exams announced by RETA.(Association News)(Refrigerating Engineers & Technicians Association)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2003... GLENVIEW, Ill. -- The Refrigerating Engineers & Technicians Association announced the 2004 schedule for its industrial-refrigeration certification program. The "certified assistant refrigeration operator" examination is designed for those...

BOMA attracts 4,500 to annual event.(Association News)(Building Owners and Managers Association)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2003... SAN FRANCISCO -- The largest crowd in seven years--2,351 delegates and 4,502 total attendees--went to the Building Owners and Managers Association's annual conference and exhibition. At the conference, outgoing BOMA Chairman Larry F....

ASHRAE student-design competition focuses on health, environmental impact, comfort.(American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers' 2003 student-design competition)
November 1, 2003... ATLANTA -- Faced with limited natural resources and rising pollution issues, students creating an HVAC system for a Singapore college chose an environmentally friendly design. It earned them first place in the American Society of Heating,...

MBCI, Metal Forming enter licensing agreement.(Supplier News)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2003... Customers who purchase a Schlebach Quadro FLX portable roll-former from Metal Forming Inc. will also now have access to five of metal-roofing manufacturer MBCI's most popular panels. MBCI and Metal Forming announced a licensing agreement...

Armstrong achieves ISO registration.(Supplier News)(Armstrong Air Conditioning)(International Organization for Standardization)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2003... BELLEVUE, Ohio -- Armstrong Air Conditioning has been approved for registration to the new International Organization for Standardization quality system standard, ISO 9001:2000. The company's 695,000-square-foot facility is a manufacturing...

Unico projects win home comfort awards.(Supplier News)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2003... ST. LOUIS -- Unico System projects have been honored with six awards in the 2003 Quality Home Comfort Awards competition. The awards were presented at the HVAC Comfortech showcase in Dallas. The Quality Home Comfort Awards program was...

Ruskin updates ISO certification.(Supplier News)(Ruskin Manufacturing Co.)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2003... KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Ruskin Manufacturing Co. has updated its International Organization for Standardization certification to ISO 9001:2000, the third edition of ISO 9001, which replaces the 1994 standard. "We are extremely pleased we are...

July construction declines after previous month's gain.(Contractor News)
November 1, 2003... NEW YORK -- New construction starts in July slipped 4 percent from a very strong June at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of $512.9 billion, according to McGraw-Hill Construction Dodge, a division of the McGraw-Hill Cos. Both...

Shaw to cool Eagle Creek clubhouse.(Contractor News)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2003... ORLANDO, Fla. -- The Whiting-Turner Contracting Co. has selected Shaw Mechanical Services LLC to provide HVAC for the new Eagle Creek clubhouse under construction here. As the centerpiece of Orlando's newest public 18-hole Professional...

The Unified Group expands membership.(Contractor News)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2003... BROADVIEW, Ill. -- The Unified Group has added five contractors to the association. The new members are: Advanced Mechanical Services of Central Florida, Atlantic Air Corp., Desert Refrigeration & Heating, Energy Management Specialists,...

Honeywell offers online help for contractors.(Internet News)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2003... MINNEAPOLIS -- Honeywell Automation and Control Solutions has launched ContractorPro Services, a program aimed at strengthening all elements of a contractor's business. ContractorPro Services includes advice on how to generate more leads,...

ASHRAE offers course on direct digital controls.(Meetings & Conventions)(American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers)
November 1, 2003... ATLANTA -- Details on how to successfully plan and implement a direct digital control retrofit of an existing system will be presented at a new professional development seminar from ASHRAE. "Direct Digital Control Retrofit: From Project...

Cindy Simmons.(ASHRAE Names New Administrative Director)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2003... Cindy Simmons was named comptroller and director of administrative services for the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers in Atlanta. She will manage the financial operations of the society and direct the...

Gary L. Harris.(vp for Superior Coils Inc.)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2003... Gary L. Harris has been appointed vice president of sales and marketing for Superior Coils Inc. in Fort Worth, Texas. He will be responsible for managing all customer activities, expanding and directing the sales force, and developing a sales...

William R. Henning.(ASHRAE Names New Administrative Director)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2003... William R. Henning joined Henning Industrial Software in Hudson, Ohio, in the new position of general manager. He will oversee day-to-day operations, including software development and customer customization requests, customer liaison and...

Michael P. Rother.(ASHRAE Names New Administrative Director)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2003... Michael P. Rother joined Murphy Co. in St. Louis, to oversee the company's heavy-industrial business developments. Rother will handle new business opportunities and sales in the chemical, steel, power, manufacturing, food processing and other...

Don Schnell.(ASHRAE Names New Administrative Director)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2003... Munters Moisture Control Services, Glendale Heights, Ill., has named Don Schnell national sales manager and Roland Reesby national operations manager. Reesby will direct the company's restoration and property damage-recovery services. Schnell...

Mark Gill.(ASHRAE Names New Administrative Director)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2003... Shaw Mechanical Services LLC of Orlando, Fla., has appointed Mark Gill service technician. Gill has more than 20 years of experience trouble-shooting and repairing commercial and institutional HVAC systems.

Brian T. Schnabel.(ASHRAE Names New Administrative Director)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2003... Desa Specialty Products, Bowling Green, Ky., appointed Brian T. Schnabel company president. Formerly with Vtech Electronics LLC and Newell Rubbermaid, Schnabel will be responsible for all day-to-day business operations, defining market...

Holger Schlueter.(ASHRAE Names New Administrative Director)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2003... Trumpf Inc. has appointed Holger Schlueter, Ph.D., as vice president and general manager of Trumpf Photonics Inc., a manufacturer of high-power diode laser sources near Princeton, N. J. He assumes responsibility for product development,...

Roger Buckmaster.(ASHRAE Names New Administrative Director)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2003... Roger Buckmaster of Germantown, Tenn., received a 50-year member award from ASHRAE.

Debbie Sudduth.(ASHRAE Names New Administrative Director)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2003... Dallas-based Selkirk promoted Debbie Sudduth to chief information officer. She will continue to be responsible for the company's North American information-technology systems, sales and operations planning.

Rick Welton.(Brief Article)(Obituary)
November 1, 2003... Rick Welton, owner of Coxco Ltd., died July 4, 2003, at Princess Margaret Hospital in Toronto of acute lymphatic leukemia.

Claude J. Zinngrabe.(Teacher and author of training manuals dies.)(Brief Article)(Obituary)(Biography)
November 1, 2003... Claude J. Zinngrabe, 88, died July 19, 2003, in Sun City, Ariz. In 1956, he began teaching sheet-metal layout at the Washburne Trade School in Chicago, which was the apprentice-training school for Sheet Metal Workers union Local 73. He wrote...

Use community newspapers to boost your bottom line.(Business Management)
November 1, 2003... Marketing expert Adams Hudson says many contractors spend their marketing money in the wrong places. They overspend on ads in the Yellow Pages or botch up their direct-mail efforts. Hudson says these eight advertising methods, if used properly,...

Use the 'KISS principle' when talking to customers.(Sales & Marketing)
November 1, 2003... Questions are used in selling to discover something about people or their concerns about the product you would like to sell them. Every question is designed to gain some information that will be helpful in the closing of the sale. Remember,...

Even 'VOC-free' paint can release contaminants.(Indoor Air Quality)(Volatile Organic Compound )
November 1, 2003... (The following is reprinted from Air Quality Sciences Inc.'s AirfAQS newsletter.) MARIETTA, Ga. -- Interior wall paints are recognized as a significant source of volatile organic compounds in the indoor environment. The main indoor air...

ASHRAE looks at kitchen-hood performance.(Indoor Air Quality)(American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers)
November 1, 2003... KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- The position of appliances in a restaurant certainly doesn't figure into the dining plans of most customers. But new research into the impact of equipment and its impact on the performance of commercial kitchen hoods...

Johnstone Supply celebrates 50th anniversary.(Wholesaler News)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2003... PORTLAND, Ore. -- Just who was the Johnstone who started Johnstone Supply back in 1953? Actually, it was two men, Johnson and Stone, who combined their last names to create Johnstone Supply. Initially focused on refrigeration parts, the...

July machine-tool consumption rises.(Wholesaler News)
November 1, 2003... ROCKVILLE, Md. -- July U.S. machine-tool consumption totaled $157.06 million, according to the American Machine Tool Distributors' Association and the Association For Manufacturing Technology. The total was down 33.7 percent from June, but...

Trumpf presents awards to distributors.(Brief Article)
November 1, 2003... FARMINGTON, Conn. -- Trumpf Inc. presented 2003 sales-achievement awards to four companies at its annual distributors meeting. PrimeLine Fabricating Machinery in Indianapolis was presented with the Outstanding Distributor Performance Award...

Capitol Supplies celebrates 75th anniversary.(Brief Article)
November 1, 2003... INDIANAPOLIS -- Capitol Supplies, a wholesale distributor of HVAC supplies and equipment in central Indiana, announced that 2003 marks its 75th year of business. Founded in 1928 as a branch of the Greenlee Co., Capitol was an outlet for...

ASA university to be held in Indianapolis.(Brief Article)
November 1, 2003... CHICAGO -- More than 20 workshops are planned for the American Supply Association's 2004 University of Industrial Distribution, March 7-10 at the Purdue University Conference Center in Indianapolis. Topics include sales and marketing,...

International Technologies to distribute Fasti.(Wholesaler News)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2003... SCHAUMBURG, Ill. -- International Technologies Inc. has signed an agreement with Peachtree City, Ga.-based MetalForming Inc. to become the exclusive North American distributor of the German Fasti line of sheet-metal machinery. The transaction...

Energy Star test will boost 'cool' roofing, officials say.(Roofing News)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2003... WASHINGTON -- "Cool" metal-roofing supporters are celebrating a change in Energy Star testing procedures, saying it could help promote the material among consumers. Energy Star officials will now use "weathering farms" to test the ability...

NRCA publishes updated directory.(Roofing News)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2003... The National Roofing Contractors Association has released its 2003-04 membership directory. The annual publication lists all contractor members alphabetically and broken down by region and voting representative. It also lists members by...

New company headquarters looks anything but 'cheesy'.(Roofing News)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2003... ST. LOUIS -- When cheese products are moved from trucks into cheese importer Swiss-American Inc. headquarters, they never leave refrigeration. Insulated roof and wall panels help keep the building cool. The building uses more than 80,000...

Dunes inspire Florida clubhouse design.(Roofing News)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2003... KISSIMMEE, Fla. -- Some people consider the roof the focal point of the clubhouse at the Mystic Dunes Golf Club at the Palms Resort and Country Club. Topped with 19,000 square feet of Petersen's Snap-On Panels in Burgundy and Colonial Red,...

Alabama.(Regional News)(State of Alabama's Board of Heating and Air Conditioning Contractors approval)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2003... The State of Alabama's Board of Heating and Air Conditioning Contractors approved many of the educational sessions held during the Refrigeration Service Engineers Society's annual conference for continuing-education credits. Sessions included...

California.(Regional News)(employer's cell phone and his policy of its use)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2003... When an employer purchases a cell phone and pays for monthly service, the employer has the right to establish a policy governing use, according to the California Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors' National Association. The employer...

Colorado.(Regional News)(Colorado Roofing Association initiative)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2003... The Colorado Roofing Association is encouraging its members to inform the public about the advantages of House Bill 1161, which Gov. Bill Owens signed into law in May, and to oppose November Ballot Initiative 65, which the association said will...

Connecticut.(Regional News)(Plumbing-Heating-Cooling-Contractors of Southeastern Connecticut's good deed)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2003... Members of the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling-Contractors of Southeastern Connecticut installed a free furnace for a local family. The recipients were a single-income family of six who lived in a 100-year-old home with a furnace that was on its "last...

Minnesota.(Regional News)(Sheet Metal, Air Conditioning and Roofing Contractors Association's annual seminar)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2003... The Minnesota Chapter of the National Environmental Balancing Bureau and the Sheet Metal, Air Conditioning and Roofing Contractors Association sponsored its annual educational seminar Oct. 9 in Bloomington. Among the presentations: Dan Chudecke...

New Jersey.(Regional News)
November 1, 2003... John Nugent of Air Group won $500 from the Air Conditioning Contractors of America North Jersey Chapter in the North American Technician Excellence contest. The group's September 17 meeting included a mold seminar conducted by Tom Kavounas...

New York.(Regional News)(Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors National Association's seminar)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2003... The annual indoor air quality seminar sponsored by SMACNA of Long Island is scheduled for Nov. 12 at Manhattan's Pennsylvania Hotel. The program will feature an update on the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning...

Ohio.(Regional News)(Heating Ventilation Air Conditioning and Refrigeration training programs)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2003... The HVACR training programs at Vern Riffe Pike County Career Technology Center in Piketon, Ohio, has been recognized by the Partnership for Heating, Ventilation, Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration Accreditation program. Accreditation from PAHRA...

Pennsylvania.(Regional News)(Heating Ventilation Air Conditioning and Refrigeration training programs)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2003... The HVACR training programs at the Pennsylvania College of Technology in Williamsport, Pa., has been recognized by PAHRA.

Texas.(Regional News)(Heating Ventilation Air Conditioning and Refrigeration training programs)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2003... The HVACR training programs at Vernon College, in Wichita Falls, Texas, have been recognized by PAHRA.

Washington.(Regional News)(building codes bill is signed)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2003... Governor Gary Locke signed state House Bill 1734 into law, requiring the International Building Codes to replace the Uniform Building Codes. The I-Codes Now Coalition, a group comprised of regulators, corporations, unions and construction...

Canada.(Regional News)(Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors National Association has got a new president)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2003... Darryl Gordon of Austin Metal Fabricators Ltd. became the 35th president of SMACNA-British Columbia at the group's recent annual meeting. He received the gavel from Daniel Beer of Ridge Sheet Metal Ltd. Those elected to the board of directors...

Combustion air booster.(Books Software & Lit)
November 1, 2003... This brochure describes combustion-air and fresh-air In-Forcers that ensure adequate air for gas- and oil-fired heating equipment and improve air-quality problems caused by tight construction. The unit features a built-in damper that closes...

Wire selection guide.(Books Software & Lit)
November 1, 2003... The Outershield product catalog describes the company's line of gas-shielded flux cored and metal-cored wires, with a quick-reference selection chart and detailed information on each electrode. The Outershield electrode line features a highly...

Tool information.(Books Software & Lit)
November 1, 2003... The Heavy Duty Club Tool-Gram includes product information, tool spotlights, instructions and tips on tool usage, questions and answers, testimonials and ordering information for accessories. A recent issue described how members of the Heavy...

Dealer newsletter.(Books Software & Lit)
November 1, 2003... The Dealer Star, a newsletter published for dealers who sell Tempstar products, includes information on new products, methods to help sell products and systems, articles on services offered by the manufacturer, and case histories of...

Instruments catalog.(Books Software & Lit)
November 1, 2003... A new catalog includes information on a variety of instruments, including thermocouples and thermistors, humidity/temperature instruments, probes, thermometers and timers. Thermometers offered include digital pocket, glass-stick pocket, analog...

Multimeter/thermometer sheet.(Books Software & Lit)
November 1, 2003... This product sheet describes the company's 400 Series multimeters and infrared thermometers. Models include a built-in noncontact infrared thermometer with laser, low-current capability, audible and visual input alerts, one-inch digits on a...

Drill bits info.(Books Software & Lit)
November 1, 2003... This brochure describes the SDS-Plus Shank series of drill bit tips, including the Pro 4 design, which uses a self-centering, chisel-shaped bit tip for rapid material penetration. A fluted spiral shaft removes concrete dust from the hole for...

Machinery catalog.(Books Software & Lit)
November 1, 2003... Empire Machinery and Tools Ltd.'s 2003 machinery catalog was released Sept. 1. The catalog lists the many brands and types of metal-fabricating equipment that Canada-based Empire exclusively distributes across North America. The catalog is...

Updated software.(Books Software & Lit)
November 1, 2003... WennSoft recently released the 7.5 series in its line of software for contractors. Updates included in version 7.5 include: "tree" viewing for job-cost codes, the ability to view a job's status by period and relative-day scheduling of service...

Duct-board specs.(Books Software & Lit)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2003... A spec sheet in CSI format describes the new Ultra-Duct Gold, a rigid board designed for HVAC ductwork with an airstream face that is said to reduce the amount of dust generated during fabrication. The facing adds strength to the board while...

Spring-steel fasteners.(Books Software & Lit)
November 1, 2003... A 176-page catalog highlights spring-steel fasteners, including metal stud, beam, acoustical tee, communications and low-voltage. Also featured are conduit, cable and lathers fasteners, along with hangers and accessories. Twenty-four new items...

Wide copper sheet.(Books Software & Lit)
November 1, 2003... This product sheet describes the "first American-made 48-inch-wide copper sheet for any architectural style." According to the manufacturer, the availability of this domestic sheet ensures shorter lead times and the ability to order quantities...

Radiant heating.(Books software & lit)(TXLP cable systems)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2003... "The Radiant Comfort You Deserve" brochure describes Nexans-brand electric radiant-heating cables and mats for indoor and outdoor residential and commercial uses. Nexans TXLP floor warming cable, available in ready-made sets, has a patented...

Compensation report.(Books Software & Lit)
November 1, 2003... The 23rd edition of "Compensation in Manufacturing" has been released. The eight-volume report contains information provided by 533 manufacturing firms on salaries in more than 190 positions. It includes data on over 87,900 managerial,...

CO data sheet.(Books Software & Lit)(Extech Instruments Corporation)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2003... The Model C050 carbon monoxide meter that detects CO levels to 10,000 parts per million with one-button operation is described in a data sheet. The display's backlighting switches on automatically in low-light areas. An audible indicator...

Louver enclosure.(New Products)
November 1, 2003... Said to be the only Miami-Dade County-tested severe-duty louver enclosure on the market, the product has a structural steel frame, steel curb with mounting flange, and is shipped fully assembled. It protects various Greenheck-powered rooftop...

Humidifier control.(New Products)
November 1, 2003... This company has introduced an advanced control for its models 400,600 and 700 humidifiers. The control is said to be easier to install, allowing for more profit on each installation, incorporates new intelligence technology and delivers...

Registers.(New Products)
November 1, 2003... The Grate Accents Register system offers register faceplates and damper boxes with built-in filter holders in standard sizes. Separate snap-in faceplates are available in a variety of colors and finishes. They are interchangeable, so the...

Radiant heat panel.(New Products)
November 1, 2003... The RauPanel system for retrofit and new construction includes the company's 3/8-inch Raupex cross-linked polyethylene pipe, aluminum panels and wood-return bends. The system's low 5/8-inch profile is said to have a minimal impact on overall...

IAQ monitor.(New Products)
November 1, 2003... The DirectSense IAQ PPC is a Pocket PC-computer-based system that records key indoor-air-quality information. Carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide and other toxic gases, relative humidity, temperature, air speed, particulates (count or...

Cordless drill/driver.(New Products)
November 1, 2003... The BST 15.6 Plus 15.6 V cordless drill/driver comes in a packaged set that includes a free halogen flashlight, two battery packs and a charger. The drill/driver alleviates the need for center punching when drilling steel or tile. A...

Pliers.(New Products)
November 1, 2003... Limited-edition Michael Andretti Signature Series pliers are 9-inch, side-cutting models from the company's Journeyman line. The commemorative pliers feature Andretti's signature and the Klein Tools racing logo laser etched onto the head of the...