Simonton Windows®, Parkersburg, WV, has been presented the Office of the Secretary of Defense Medal for Exceptional Public Service. The award was given by four-star Gen. Robert Magnus, assistant commandant of the Marine Corps, in recognition of Simonton’s support of the non-profit organization Homes for Our Troops during the past three years.

In making the presentation to Simonton Windows President Mark Savan, Gen. Magnus cited Simonton’s exemplary efforts to provide windows and doors to homes being constructed by Homes for Our Troops for injured service men and women returning from Iraq. The presentation, which was held in the Pentagon Press Briefing Room in late June, recognized Simonton Windows “For exceptional public service in support of the Armed Forces of the United States and its support of the America Supports You program.”

Launched by the Department of Defense in 2004, the America Supports You program spotlights the work of thousands of individual citizens, community groups, businesses and organizations to support U.S. service members and their families. Homes for Our Troops, which creates specially adapted homes for severely wounded veterans, is one of more than 275 organizations involved in America Supports You.

Since its inception in 2004, Homes for Our Troops has constructed or adapted 18 homes for needy veterans. For his efforts in starting the organization, Homes for Our Troops founder John Gonsalves was also honored with the Office of the Secretary of Defense Medal for Exceptional Public Service.

SMARTCODES, TRAINING, GREEN BUILDING HIGHLIGHT ICC CONFERENCE

The 2007 International Code Council (ICC) Annual Conference will feature a demonstration of the SMARTcodes system, more than 30 educational sessions, green building presentations and an expanded Expo when it convenes September 30 to October 3 at the Grand Sierra Resort, Reno, NV.

ICC’s SMARTcodes, a cutting-edge system that automates code compliance checking, will be demonstrated during a symposium, “Information Technology—Solutions for Code Officials.” The session includes panel presentations with code officials and IT providers. The symposium provides information technology solutions to meet administrative and enforcement needs of building departments.

During the conference’s opening session, Code Council President Wally Bailey will address his key initiatives of elevating the profile of code officials and increasing the organization’s role in green and sustainable construction, including a special presentation highlighting green building projects around the United States.

Other key events include an open forum on membership services, the annual awards luncheon and the annual business meeting. Code enforcement and fire service professionals, plan examiners, local government officials, architects, engineers, contractors and other construction industry professionals are expected to attend.

MULLET’S NAMED PARTICIPATING CONTRACTOR IN MY SAFE FLORIDA HOME PROGRAM

Mullet’s Aluminum Products, Inc., Sarasota, FL, is now a participating contractor for the Department of Financial Services Hurricane Mitigation Home Retrofit Program.

The Florida legislature established the program last year to help Floridians identify how they can strengthen their homes against hurricanes to reduce damage. The program offers free wind inspections by qualified hurricane mitigation inspectors to eligible homeowners and matching grants up to $5,000 for specific home improvements identified in home inspection reports (HP, Summer 2007, page 15).

Founded in 1978 by Freeman and Sandi Mullet, Mullet's Aluminum has 155 employees and five business divisions. It provides building products and installation services to residential, condominium and commercial markets.

WEB SITE HELPS FLORIDIANS PROTECT HOME, FAMILIES

The Federal Alliance for Safe Homes (FLASH) has been working with the Florida Department of Emergency Management to improve safety for homeowners during each hurricane season. To that end, FLASH makes available online tools and other useful communication materials for the www.FloridaDisaster.org Web site.
These online resources will make it easier for Floridians to protect their homes and families from natural disasters and can educate visitors about important programs that will make Florida a safer place to live and visit.

In addition to links, three down-loadable brochures have been created that can be posted online to promote hurricane resistant building techniques. These tools are now available for use.

SPEAR NAMED SIMONTON VP, SALES

Simonton Windows®, Parkersburg, WV, has named Sid Spear to the position of vice president of sales. Effective July 1, Spear is responsible for managing and directing all aspects of the sales function at Simonton, including field sales, national accounts and sales administration.

Spear had been with the company for four months prior, serving as vice president of distribution sales. “We’re pleased to have Sid’s expertise to help strengthen our sales area and maintain strong relationships with our customers. This is a vital role within our company. We place a great deal of attention and value on our customers, so it’s critical to have someone with the talents and skills that Sid possesses in this role,” stated Mark Savan, president.

Prior to joining Simonton, Spear was employed with Lafarge North America as the company’s vice president of sales and marketing.

PGT OFFERS WOOD LOOK ALUMINUM WINDOW FINISH

PGT®, Venice, FL, now offers the look of wood in aluminum frames. Initially, PGT is offering its Eterna exclusively on select WinGuard® impact-resistant windows and doors.

“With Eterna, customers can enjoy more design options, and the product is especially ideal for homes in coastal markets where stronger, weather-resistant aluminum frames are preferable to wood,” said Debbie LaPinska, vice president, sales and marketing.

Eterna’s simulated finish is available in a five wood grains: acacia, cherry, light oak, dark oak and dark walnut. It was featured at the 2007 Southeast Building Conference (SEBC) July 12-14 and at the AIA Florida Show.

IMPACT-RESISTANT ACRYLIC BLOCK WINDOWS FOR COASTAL APPLICATIONS

The new StormBlocker™ acrylic block windows from Hy-Lite®, Greensboro, GA, have been independently tested in accordance with Miami-Dade County testing requirements to help resist storm-force winds and rain. During the testing, the acrylic block windows met the testing requirements of Miami-Dade County in relationship to Florida’s impact, water infiltration and extreme internal/external air pressure tests, according to a company statement.

The fixed acrylic block windows feature a polycarbonate reinforced core and high-strength aluminum frame, allowing the windows to help resist storm-force winds and rain. StormBlocker windows are currently pending approval from the Florida Building Code (#FL8897). Notification of Approval #07-0409.02 is under review for Miami-Dade County and additional information has been requested.

The StormBlocker window achieved a 90 DP rating, equivalent to a 230-mph wind speed when tested on a 50-inch by 90-inch acrylic block window. The window units are highly energy efficient (U value of .37) and are available in four block types including clear wave, frosted wave, Solar Block and cross rib. Both six- and eight-inch square blocks can be ordered for the windows.

SIMPSON INTRODUCES NEW PLATED TRUSS INSTALLATION TRAINING KIT FOR BUILDERS, CONTRACTORS

Simpson Strong-Tie®, Pleasanton, CA, has added a new training kit on truss connections and bracing as the fourth title in the company’s series of training materials. The “Introduction to Plated Truss Products” training kit is intended to educate installers on proper installation techniques as well as reinforce the safety aspect of truss connector installation.

A primary goal of the new training kit is to help builders achieve quality control standards by educating their field personnel and trade contractors. It’s also designed to help builders increase the quality and safety of structures by reducing or eliminating construction delays and defects caused by improper installations. If trusses are improperly attached, a structure is vulnerable to collapse, which poses a life safety risk for the crew. In the event of a high-wind or seismic event, the problem is compounded and a structure could fail prematurely.

The new truss bracing training kit features step-by-step installation instructions and safety tips in a simple, pictorial format. It also can be administered by a builder or contractor on the job site to minimize training time. Available in English and Spanish, the kit includes instructor and student guides, and an instructional video. Training materials are also available on CD-ROM, which is provided in the kit.