NADRA Blog

The Power of One Campaign Continues…

Last week we asked NADRA members to forward the industry brief to their contacts. This is a very small, but effective way to spread the word about NADRA, industry news and upcoming events. A special thank you to the WOLF Organization for passing on NADRA news to your contacts! WOLF continues to stand behind NADRA’s Power of One initiative in more ways than one. Here is a brief summary of what NADRA’s Power of One campaign means to WOLF and how it lays the foundation for fellow members to build upon.

WOLF provides contractors with a training manual where they now dedicate two full pages to NADRA’s message urging all industry professionals to get involved with their industry association. In addition to distributing NADRA’s message in their training manuals, most recently, WOLF invited NADRA’S EVP to join them in Virginia at a Certified WOLF Pro Event as a guest speaker. Michael Beaudry made himself available for the day to participate. Mr. Beaudry spoke to the contractors in attendance about the latest developments at the code hearings, Deck Safety Month^® and how to take advantage of the Check Your Deck^® Inspection Program.

If you are interested in the power of one campaign or would like to schedule a time for Michael Beaudry to speak at one of your events, call NADRA direct at: 215.649.4884 to learn how or send an email to Info@NADRA.org. It’s time to make a difference, it’s time for the Power of One!

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NADRA MN Chapter Engaged Experts Event

May 9^th, 2013 was a memorable day for the MN NADRA Chapter. Representatives from every sector of the Minnesota Deck and Rail industry were on hand to support NADRA’s effort to further develop its industry leading CPAC program (Consumer Protection Awareness Charter).

Engaging speakers gave viable, educational information that sparked many valuable conversations for attendees. Presentations were then followed up by tours of Element’s St. Paul facilities, including live testing demonstrations.

Third-Party testing experts were on hand to share their knowledge in the areas of corrosion, environmental, flexural, mechanical and live load testing. Code officials from several local jurisdictions and a representative from the ICC-ES were present to answer questions concerning codes or product evaluation. Product manufactures, lumberyards, distributors and local deck builders were all present to discuss industry issues and learn more of the NADRA CPAC program.

The common message thread; Quality and Approved Tested Products are a must! Whether it is ICC-ES, CCRR or ASTM tested products; all were in agreement, that the world of product testing is convoluted and there is a need for industry standardization.

Please contact NADRA EVP, Michael Beaudry to join the NADRA CPAC effort by emailing Info@NADRA.org

A special thank you to the following MN NADRA contributors:

Host: Element Materials Technology
Sponsors: Screw Products, Inc., Williams Architectural Products, Gossen Corp., and Homeland Vinyl Products, Inc.
Speakers: Barry Johnson-ICC-ES, Stan Hathorn-Homeland Vinyl, Roger Axel-New Hope Code Official and Tom Kolden-Element Materials Technology

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Recap of 2013 Group B Committee Action Hearing

Recap of 2013 Group B Committee Action Hearing (Dallas, TX)

Last week the IRC code hearings were held in Dallas, TX. NADRA’s Technical Advisor, Glenn Mathewson represented the association on numerous proposals. This work is just beginning & your support is NEEDED on key issues that WILL effect your businesses and will effect this industry. Your support is encouraged so these efforts can continue on behalf of the membership and industry the association serves. NADRA Headquarters and the entire board would like to personally thank Glenn Mathewson for his time and efforts at these hearings.

Recap of 2013 Group B Committee Action Hearing (Dallas) – By NADRA Technical Advisor, Glenn Mathewson:

Take Action: Now that the ICC Committee Action Hearings are over, be sure to follow the link about the public comment hearings. The first recap of an approved proposal is a good example of WHY we need your support so we can continue to be heard at these hearings!

Here is a recap of proposed changes due to NADRA’s efforts at the hearings:

On Monday, April 22nd, the proposals to the pool and spa code were heard. SP47-13 was disapproved. Here was the proposal: “Walking surfaces of decks within 4 feet of a pool or spa that are not equivalent in the strength, durability and slip resistance of the surface of a concrete deck shall be prohibited. Wooden walking surfaces and carpeted walking surfaces shall not be placed within 4 feet of a pool.”

“RB143-13, proposing to return to measuring the height of a deck at the very edge of the deck (for determining if guards are required) was defeated with the help of NADRA. Our professionals stood by the actual hazard and the current code that requires that height to be measured at a point three feet horizontally from the deck edge. We know where our customers will hit the ground if they fall, and it is not directly at the edge of the deck. With integrity for our industry and an understanding of the actual determination of hazard, we stood, we spoke and we were heard.”

“RB145-13 proposing to eliminate the requirement to measure guard height from a fixed bench seat was approved. This requirement in the 2009 and 2012 IRC effectively put an end to bench seating. While some with small children may prefer not to have a bench against guards, the majority of our membership believe that is an individual choice, not a minimum standard. The architectural liberties of our customers are one step closer to returning to them. Other professional associations had helpful testimony to this goal, but our intimate perspective of how this affected our industry came only from us. This approval supports a balance between minimum design and safety, the latter of which can always be improved by the personal choice of the homeowner or builder.”

“RB75-13 proposed that all decks, detached or attached, ground level or upper level, regardless of materials, would be prohibited from being less than five feet from property lines to prohibit fire spread. NADRA stood and shared the reality that many noncombustible decking and framing materials are available. We explained that low level decks have different dynamics of fire spread than upper level decks. We described how this proposal would unnecessarily put the decking market at an unfair disadvantage to patio pavers and flagstone for ground level decks. The committee heard our sole voice on these concerns and unanimously disapproved the proposal. NADRA made it clear that work is needed to figure out how decks contribute to fire spread and how to regulate it in the code, but not to do it without us in the conversation. We plan to work with these proponents during the public comment period so we can get this issue figured out the right way.”

“RB74-13 proposed some serious consequences to the decking industry regarding placement of stairs. While well intentioned for other purposes, it was dangerously flawed. Imagine a deck connecting between a house and a detached garage. This proposal would have prohibited any stairs within five feet of the garage. Huh? No wide steps from house to garage on one side of the deck, even for a few steps to the backyard. NADRA stood against this proposal and the committee unanimously agreed and disapproved the proposal.”

“NADRA’S proposal, RB58-13, for replacing all use of the term “guardrails” for the IRC defined term “guard” has been approved as submitted unanimously by the committee. This simple change secures architectural freedom for guards, and that they don’t have to have a “rail”. On with the custom work of kitchens counters, planters, benches or whatever other feature that can be built to the requirements of a guard.”

”RB6-13 was approved. The size limit of 200sf for requiring a permit on low level decks was approved. This will allow more under bid decks to be built poorly, putting our professionals (who build right regardless of permits) at an unfair disadvantage. I encourage our members to support a public comment to disapprove this at final action.”

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Deckorators launches 2013 “Best Deck” Contest

Deckorators launches 2013 “Best Deck” Contest

Contest includes prizes up to $1,000, plus great exposure

Deck lovers, here’s a grand opportunity from Deckorators, the leader in deck railing and accessories: Show off your deck in the annual Deckorators 2013 “Best Deck” Contest for a chance to win up to $1,000. New this year, Deckorators will also award the grand prize winner a one-year membership to the North American Decking & Railing Association (NADRA). Building professionals, do-it-yourselfers and homeowners are invited to submit deck pictures between May 1, 2013, and September 30, 2013, for a chance to win.

Entries must incorporate Deckorators products and will be judged on two equally weighted criteria: Creative use of materials and overall appearance. The three contestants with the highest overall scores will receive the following prizes:

Grand prize: $1,000 Visa gift card, plus a one-year paid membership to NADRA ($350 value)
Second prize: $500 Visa gift card
Third prize: $250 Visa gift card

Winners will be selected in October, and contest submissions will be shared through the contest entry page at http://www.deckorators.com/bestdeckcontest/ .

Prize Eligibility
To be eligible, the deck must:

- Incorporate Deckorators products (which can be seen at www.deckorators.com/products), and

- Not have been entered in previous Best Deck competitions.

Contestants may enter multiple decks. For full contest details or to submit an entry, visit: www.deckorators.com/bestdeckcontest

More on Deckorators

Deckorators originated the metal baluster category and now offers an extensive array of deck products, including glass balusters, railing, post caps, lighting and deck accessories. The brand is part of Universal Consumer Products, a subsidiary of Universal Forest Products (www.ufpi.com).

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DeckBusters™ – Extreme Decking Tests

DeckBusters™ – Extreme Decking Tests Have Very Surprising Results

In the spirit of shows like MythBusters® and Top Gear®, DeckBusters™ uses education, humor, and extreme testing to reveal just how durable today’s decking materials really are. While the likelihood of anyone actually smashing their decking with an axe or running over it with an SUV is pretty remote, demonstrating how these materials would react in extreme situations is a great indicator of long-term performance and value. And, with so many decking materials being introduced, making an educated decision is harder-than-ever for consumers. After all, can every material truly be as “durable,” or as “maintenance free” as advertised? And, are hardwoods really that weak? That’s what DeckBusters™ is all about. Watch the first two episodes here:

Watch Episode 1: Decking Vs. Axe
Watch Episode 2: Decking Vs. SUV

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NADRA – How to Promote Deck Safety Month®

May is Deck Safety Month ^®

In 2006 NADRA, The North American Deck and Railing Association declared May as Deck Safety Month®. NADRA’s Deck safety program is an effort to improve deck safety awareness!

Here are some helpful ways to promote Deck Safety during the month of May! Please call NADRA direct with any questions you may have: 215.679.4884 or email: Info@NADRA.org. We are here to help!

Tips to Promote Deck Safety Awareness: Download the PDF now to learn ways to spread the word! Click HERE.

Visit NADRA’s Deck Safety Webpage for links to the Deck Safety Month® Video, Deck Evaluation Form & The Consumer Checklist

*** Exclusive Offer to NADRA Members:

The association is now producing professional quality, custom videos for NADRA members. The video itself can be customized with your logo, contact information and photos.

Help spread the word about Deck Safety Awareness!

Pictures and text are no longer enough to stand out. That’s why video can have dramatic effect on point-of-sale conversation rates for products, services as well as provide significant boost in search engine rankings. Get noticed on listing sites and FaceBook!

High definition file! Good for online, HD TV, or a projector!
Add to your YouTube channel
Embed the video in your website or blog!
Add video to your social media pages
Drive visitors to your website

Get started today by calling: 1.888.623.7248 or Email: Info@NADRA.org

Custom Videos Start at Just $99

A very Special Thank you to Fiberon for Sponsoring Deck Safety Month 2013!

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NADRA Atlanta Chapter Meeting Recap

NADRA Atlanta Chapter Meeting Re-Cap

April 2013

We tried something different with our second meeting of the year by hosting the first “Speed Dating with Deck Builders” event at the Ivy in Buckhead. We had over 51 attendees at the meeting which included several first time visitors. I want to thank the following Deck Builder members that agreed to be at the host tables: David Tibbetts, Atlanta Decking, John Harper and Joel Harper with Leisure Time Decks, O.C. & Mary Kirk with Just Decks, Rick Goldstein and Chapin LaChance with the Mosaic Group, Mike Reasons and John Lea with DeckSouth, Frank Pologruto with Decks & More, John Paulin with Tailor Decks, Bryan Miller with OutBack Decks, and Steve Matrangos & Craig Dickerson with DeckSource.

Thanks you all so much for giving your time and giving this new idea a chance. We only have six meetings a year and this format opened up the opportunity for more of our great Vendors to get in front of the deck builder members. I would also like to thank the following Vendor members who bought “dates” for the event: Weyerhauser/ Cox, Tamko, Homeland Vinyl, Trex, Azek, Dixie Plywood, NyloBoard, MoistureShield, Fiberon and Universal Forest Products. We could not have a chapter without the ongoing support of so many members and I want to thank each of you for giving your resources to this meeting and to the chapter.

We had an opportunity to take care of normal business and to discuss forming a local code committee made up of Rick Goldstein, Steve Matrangos and Craig Dickerson. Rick and Steve both spoke to the formation of the committee and invited all members to contact them with ideas and specific topics they may want to cover. We also spoke about the National initiative for Code’s and to remind everyone to fill out the survey that is online and to contact Glenn Mathewson with any information prior to his going to the ICC meeting. We were also able to give away a number of door prizes to the contractor members because of donations from Tamko, Weyerhauser, Cox , Fiberon, Universal Forest Products, and Fortress.

Our next meeting will be held on June the 18^th at the Ivey in Buckhead. Our sponsor for the meeting is Fastenmaster and we are currently looking for a guest speaker so please let me know if you have any ideas. Thanks again for being a part of our Chapter and for all that each of you do to make us successful.

Respectfully Submitted ,

Keith Compton / Chapter President

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Screw Products – Going Coastal

Going Coastal

When it comes to building by the sea, the best fasteners are rustproof and corrosion resistant

GIG HARBOR, Wash. – As a resident of Washington’s Puget Sound area, Screw Products Inc. President Jim Miller knows that coastal homes face their own set of unique challenges.

That’s one reason Screw Products Inc. has expanded its lines of fasteners, including screws, deck clips, and bracket systems to include a wider array of materials for coastal building use.

Miller said the company’s largest offering in this niche are its Stainless Steel Star Drive screws, which range in length from 1-5/8” to 4” for use in a variety of projects. The 305 stainless steel screws can be used with chemically treated materials, plywood, PVC and wood applications that are exposed to weather, high moisture, and other caustic conditions providing extra corrosion resistance. Miller said they are also well suited to projects where staining is required.

“Builders who work on the coast should be using nothing but 305 or 316 stainless steel,” said Miller. “Stainless steel is used when extra corrosion resistance is required. It does not readily corrode, rust or stain with water as ordinary steel or coated fasteners could. 305s are also about 30% less expensive.”

Extending that line of stainless steel screws this year are Screw Products Inc. Exterior Construction Star Drive Lag Screws, available in 1” to 16” lengths and compatible with pressure treated lumber and tannic wood such as Cedar and Redwood. They also have a triple-coating that has shown more than 1,200 hours of corrosion resistance in ACQ and salt spray testing.

Screw Products Inc. also sells a range of color-match Screws for use with composite, PVC and wood decking products. Painted to match the decking colors of more than a dozen major manufacturers, the screws also feature an E-Coat finish that has also shown more than 1,000 hours of corrosion resistance when subjected to salt spray testing.

Beyond traditional fasteners, Screw Products Inc. carries The Ultimate Hidden Deck Fastener made from marine grade aluminum with a black oxide 305 Stainless Steel screw and the 316 Stainless Steel DeckLok Bracket System, which creates stronger deck connections and meets and exceeds IRC 2006 requirements. Similarly, RailLok is used to connect railing and fence sections to the rail/fence post, and is available in 316 Stainless Steel and in white or black powder coat finish, or in custom colors by request.

About Screw Products

Screw Products, Inc. has been providing quality fasteners backed by customer service since 1999. Its extensive product line offers benefits such as a type 17 auger point, longer bit life, reduced splitting and they counter sink themselves. Orders ship out the same day they are received; for more information, visit www.Screw-Products.com or call (877) 844-8880. Screw Products Inc. products are available online and at retailers across the country.

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Fortress Railing and California Cascade

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: Karen Wong

Phone: 1.866.323.4766

Fax: 972.644.3720

Email: karenw@fortressrailing.com

Fortress Railing Products Announces New Distribution Partnership with California Cascade Industries in Northern California

Richardson, TX – March 25, 2013 – Fortress Railing Products, a leader in the ornamental railing industry, announces its partnership with California Cascade Industries, an innovative and progressive force in the distribution of building products. Its staff focuses on bringing value to the market with premium products by promoting, selling and distributing to the Sacramento, Woodland and Fontana areas.

“California Cascade Industries has a reputation of excellent service, strong relationships and unparalleled response to its building products retailers,” said Erik Flick, General Manager of Fortress Railing Products, “and we are confident that they will be a fantastic partner for growth in the Northern California market.”

With experience in this industry since 1974, California Cascade Industries will distribute the full Fortress Railing Products line, which includes first-of-its-kind pre-welded Fortress Fe²⁶ Iron Railing and Fortress Al¹³ Aluminum Railing systems. It will also distribute Fortress Railing Balusters, Fortress Pure View Glass Railing and FortressAccents Post Caps & LED Lighting, which can all be easily integrated with a variety of decking materials to create unique outdoor spaces.

“We are very excited to join forces with Fortress Railing Products to bring quality and diverse railing options to our dealers” said Brian DeClusin, Product Manager of California Cascade Industries, “and our team is enthusiastic and are ready to promote Fortress Railing Products in the market.”

About Fortress Railing Products

Fortress Railing Products, a division of The Fortress Company, is committed to developing innovative, quality products specifically for the railing industry. It is very proud of its vast distribution network, commitment to code testing, innovative product design and the strength of the Fortress Railing Products brand. As a respected category creator and industry leader, Fortress Railing Products offers a complete line of railing solutions to meet virtually any need.

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For more information, please visit www.fortressrailing.com or contact our customer service team via email at sales@fortressrailing.com or via phone at 1.866.323.4766.

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PERENNIAL WOOD NAMED A GREEN CERTIFIED PRODUCT

Contacts:

Amy Lewis, amy@renownmarketing.com, 651.450.9222

Julie Goetz, julie@goetzresultscomm.com, 952.452.3663

PERENNIAL WOOD NAMED A GREEN CERTIFIED PRODUCT BY HOME INNOVATION RESEARCH LABS

KINGSPORT, Tenn., April 3, 2013—Further confirming its sustainability position, Perennial Wood™ recently was named a Green Certified Product by Home Innovation Research Labs, formerly the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) Research Center. This distinction means that projects incorporating Perennial Wood can earn points towards certification under the National Green Building Standard™.

“Becoming a Green Certified Product is a great way to officially connect Perennial Wood to quality green building,” said Ken Flint, market development manager for Perennial Wood. “This reinforces our sustainability position while supporting our customers’ pursuit of green building certifications.”

To become a Green Certified Product, Perennial Wood was evaluated by the Home Innovation Research Lab for meeting National Green Building certification criteria. The National Green Building Standard uses the Green Scoring Tool to award points for design, preparation, development, efficiency and environmental quality. Specific products that have been approved by the program can be found at http://www.GreenApprovedProducts.org.

Made by Eastman Chemical Company, Perennial Wood is real wood modified to endure nature’s harshest elements. It is modified through TruLast™ Technology to resist changes from moisture and remain dimensionally stable — three times more stable than unmodified wood — making it suitable for nearly any exterior construction application.

Perennial Wood is made from U.S. Southern pine and is processed and finished in the U.S., eliminating the need for shipping wood from offshore sources, lessening the environmental impact. Because it lasts longer than most unmodified wood, Perennial Wood needs to be replaced less often, resulting in less material disposal over the long term. TruLast Technology leaves no toxic substances within the wood, delivering peace of mind to homeowners.

Perennial Wood decking is available at select retail locations and lumberyards in the Northeast while Perennial Wood porch flooring is available at lumberyards in the Northeast and South-Atlantic. To locate a dealer, visit PerennialWood.com.

About Eastman

Perennial Wood is manufactured by Eastman, a global specialty chemical company that produces a broad range of products found in items people use every day. With a portfolio of specialty businesses, Eastman works with customers to deliver innovative products and solutions while maintaining a commitment to safety and sustainability. Its market-driven approaches take advantage of world-class technology platforms and leading positions in attractive end-markets such as transportation, building and construction, and consumables. Eastman focuses on creating consistent, superior value for all stakeholders. As a globally diverse company, Eastman serves customers in approximately 100 countries and had 2012 pro forma combined revenues, giving effect to the Solutia acquisition, of approximately $9.1 billion. The company is headquartered in Kingsport, Tenn., and employs approximately 13,500 people around the world. For more information, visit www.eastman.com. For more information on Perennial Wood, visit PerennialWood.com or call 800.530.7495.

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