>>Dr. Richard Duncan, SPFA Technical Director, to Host "Intro to SPF" Webinar in April
SPFA 's Technical Director, Dr. Richard Duncan, will be hosting an April webinar on "Introduction to SPF" for registered students/teams in the DOE's Race to Zero Student Design Competition. "It would be an educational experience for the participating students," said Duncan. The webinar will provide a generic introduction to SPF chemistry, safety and building applications.
>>SPFA Sponsors DOE's Race to Zero Student Design Competition; Award Ceremony Is in April
The 2015 DOE Race to Zero Student Design Competition (formerly known as the DOE Challenge Home Student Design Competition) will be wrapping up in April, and SPFA is one of the sponsors, again. SPFA also sponsored the inaugural competition last year.
The Race to Zero is an annual competition, open to students and faculty from any interested collegiate institution in the United States and Canada. The competition is based on a real-world scenario where a builder needs to update an existing product line (house plan) to a high-performance house design or is developing a new high-performance home product line. Teams are presented a specific design problem and are asked to either redesign an existing floor plan or create a new house design that satisfies the project requirements. The mandatory performance target is the DOE Zero Energy Ready Home specification. In its inaugural year, 28 teams from U.S. and Canadian universities competed to design cost-effective Zero Energy Ready Homes for mainstream builders. The core zero energy ready requirement focused on high-performance features that sharply reduce energy use, and allow for all or most of the remaining energy use to be offset with renewable energy. The winning teams produced market-ready, state-of-the-art design solutions for high-performance homes that are energy efficient, comfortable, and durable.
The winners will be announced April 18-20, in Denver. Colo., and will receive a firm commitment by a production home builder to actually construct the winner and runner-up designs, and a free two-day building science training program by Dr. Joseph Lstiburek and Dr. John Straube. There are 33 teams registered to compete, representing 27 schools across the United States and Canada. Read More at energy.gov
>>SPFA Technical Director Speaks at IBS Session on Insulation
SPFA's Technical Director Dr. Richard S. Duncan was one of the speakers at a session at IBS 2015, the NAHB International Builders' Show in Las Vegas. Along with C.R. Herro of Meritage Homes and Martins Pecholcs of Bayer MaterialScience LLC, Duncan discussed the topic "Insulation: From Spec Through Inspection, Steps to a Versatile High Performance Solution" on Jan. 20. The moderator was Justin Koscher of the American Chemistry Council and Spray Foam Coalition. Read More here.
>>California DTSC Corrects Misinformation About SPF
SPFA Pleased with Corrections, but Continues to Represent Industry in the Fight to De-list the Product Completely from the Agency Process Aimed at Potential Product Regulation
The Spray Polyurethane Foam Alliance (SPFA), a leading voice representing spray polyurethane foam industry contractors, manufacturers and the complete product value chain, is pleased to announce that the California Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) has completed corrections to the public documents distributed by the agency as part of the Safer Consumer Products Priority Products Initiative. Corrections completed by the DTSC include the deletion, or adjustment, of inaccurate facts about the spray polyurethane foam (SPF) product, its chemical components and safety. The SPFA, along with partner organizations representing a resolute coalition of homebuilders, building performance professionals and systems manufacturers, had previously made requests to the Department in person during a series of public workshops and in submitted letters, as part of the formal process surrounding the state’s Priority Products Initiative.
As part of the DTSC’s corrections, changes have been made to the publicly distributed Priority Product Profile for SPF, in addition to the scope of the Department’s activity. Corrections include:
-- The Department has altered the definition of "Spray Polyurethane Foam Systems", narrowing it to include only pressurized two-component systems utilized to make SPF. Additionally, the definition includes two-component systems marketed for insulation and roofing applications, however now excludes roof coatings.
-- The Department has excluded one-component spray polyurethane foam systems sold in cans from the official Scope of Products being evaluated.
-- The DTSC has removed HDI and TDI, isocyanates utilized in some elastomeric roof coatings but not in the A-side of SPF systems, from the scope of the Chemicals of Concern documentation.
-- The Department has deleted certain reference documents from the Priority Product File.
-- The DTSC revised the contentious and incorrect statement found on page 6 of the Product Profile that read "diisocyanates are the leading attributable cause of asthma in the workplace" to state "exposure to diisocyanates in the workplace can cause asthma." SPFA has long contended that California’s own CDC data (p. 104) tracking all of the sources of Occupational Asthma, indicates the incorrectness of their statement.
"The SPFA is pleased that these critical changes were completed to these public documents, as the facts put forth in the initial documents were grossly incorrect and have caused irreparable harm to our members and the building industry in the state of California," said Kurt Riesenberg, executive director of the SPFA. "However, the SPFA and its members believe that spray polyurethane foam was unjustly selected for the Safer Consumer Products Initiative because it is not a consumer product, but rather a professionally installed product, and because the information used by the DTSC in the selection process was so faulty. Furthermore, any safety concern surrounding the installation of SPF is a worker issue and is already being addressed by US OSHA under the Isocyanates National Emphasis Program. It is for these reasons that the SPFA believes it should be de-listed from the DTSC Priority Products Initiative process altogether."
Next steps in the Department’s Priority Products evaluation process include the establishment of the Final Priority Product List, an Alternatives Analysis and a Regulatory Response (which could range among a number of rules and regulations regarding the use of SPF in California). The SPFA will actively participate in the process at all stages on behalf of its member constituents and the spray polyurethane foam industry at-large.
"Our members in California continue to face unwarranted scrutiny because of the inclusion of SPF in the Priority Products Initiative and the SPFA will continue to fight to have it removed," added Riesenberg. "The process has not only damaged the business of our California members, but it has called into question the state of California’s ability to achieve its stated net-zero energy goal by 2020. Spray polyurethane foam outperforms competing building materials in energy efficiency, but is being simultaneously promoted and persecuted by two sides of the same state that needs it to achieve this aggressive energy goal."
>>SPFA Forms Marketing Committee
SPFA formed a Marketing Committee -- co-chaired by Mac Sheldon and Ridge Stockdale -- and there are opportunities for SPFA members to be involved. If you would like to be involved in promoting, protecting and growing the SPF industry, and helping SPFA do the same, please reach out to Kurt Riesenberg, SPFA Executive Director.
Some of the initial goals of the committee are to:
- Provide input to SPFA’s SPRAYFOAM Professional magazine & bi-weekly newsletter for future articles, topics, authors, new areas
- Consider/establish consistent industry messaging for various audiences – architects, specifiers, builders, general contractors, code officials
-Establish regular informational webinars on SPF (safety, PPE, OSHA, fire testing, introduction to foam, decoding thermal and ignition barriers, building science, troubleshooting, etc)
-Utilize SPFA’s deep list of previously-submitted projects (Annual Awards Program) to construct dozens of success stories and promotional material
>>SPFA's Board Members
SPFA's Board of Directors for the 2014-2016 term include:
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
President: Mr. Dennis Vandewater, Sadler Coating Systems (IA)
Vice President: Mr. John Achille, Coastal Insulation (NJ)
Treasurer: Mr. Richard Spiess, Innovative Insulation Solutions (IL)
Immediate Past President: Mr. Robert (Bob) Duke, Carolina Comfort Foam
BOARD MEMBERS
Contractor Officer Seats (6):
Ms. Bonnie Strickler, Puff Inc. (VA)
Mr. Ron Winkle, Western Pacific Roofing (CA)
Mr. Larry Ash, United Thermal Systems (NY)
Mr. Tyler Fiske, Anchor Insulation (RI)
Mr. Bryan Heldreth, RPC (VA)
Ms. Tiffiny Flaim, Biofoam Inc. (IL)
Non-Contractor Officer Seats (6):
Mr. Joe Stockdale, Bayer Material Science (TX)
Ms. Mary Bogdan, Honeywell (NY)
Mr. Mitch Clifton, NCFI (NC)
Mr. Mac Sheldon, Demilec Inc. (TX)
Mr. Nick Pagano, Graco Inc. (MN)
Mr. Tom Sojak, Gaco Western (WI)
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 The Contractor Industry Excellence Awards recognize SPFA contractor members’ exceptional accomplishments for the quality of their work, the uniqueness of the project, speed of application, superiority of polyurethane, ability of foam to conform to unusual/irregular surfaces, and special safety considerations. The winners were revealed and recognized during the 10th Annual Contractor Awards Luncheon at Sprayfoam 2015.
"The scope, complexity and breadth of projects submitted this year were among the best ever. It was great for the recipient to have Ty hand out one of the awards, everyone commented how large and grand the luncheon has become, and we are excited to highlight the great work done by our winning companies, as well as everyone that submitted a project." In addition to the winners and 1st runner-ups being recognized with awards, the other runner-ups went onstage to receive awards, as well, this year.
Winners received a crystal award, pop-up banner, and press-kit assisting them in promoting their win within their local markets and media. All projects were submitted anonymously to the panel of judges representing SPF and ancillary professional industries.
Many of the projects will be featured in upcoming issues of SPRAYFOAM Professional magazine.
These are the five award categories and the winners:
Residential Wall
Winner: A New Millennium for Adobe House
Runner-up: Arizona Foam & Spray for Meerkat Manor
Commercial Wall
Winner: Foam Tech for Spooky Nook Sports
Runner-up: Nunavut Excavating for Nunavut Multiplex
SPF Roof under 40,000 sq.ft.
Winner: Wedge Roofing Inc. for Life-Time Spray Foam Improvement on Historic Residence
Runner-up: Arithane for Cedar House
SPF Roof over 40,000 sq.ft.
Winner: RPC Industries Inc. for Hampton Plaza Shopping Center; formally a G.E.
Runner-up: Henderson-Johnson Co., Inc. for Northeast Carpenters Private Cllubhouse
Specialty Applications
Winner: Western Pacific Roofing Corporation for Hildebrand Dome Construction Monolithic Dome
Runner-up: West Roofing Systems, Inc. for Charter School Gym Rehabilitation
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"We tried to build it and hoped they’d come. And they did!" said SPFA Executive Director Kurt Riesenberg during Sprayfoam 2015, which experienced record-setting numbers this year, especially in the breakout sessions. Below are outlines of some of the most highly-attended sessions, some of which (and others!) will be expanded on in future issues of SPRAYFOAM Professional magazine. All presentations will be uploaded to the SPFA website, www.sprayfoam.org/expo.
Top 5 Sessions (per registration numbers)
1G. Temperature and Pressures: Impact on Quality and Yield
By Justin Strombeck
Among the many variables SPF contractors need to manage on the worksite, temperature and pressure are among the most important. Both impact quality of SPF and yield, the latter having an effect on your project’s timeline, materials consumption, and bottom line.
2D. Understanding the Relationship: Air, Temperature & Moisture
By Nikki Kruger
The relationship between relative humidity, air and dew point temperatures, and air movement is core to application of proper building science principles in SPF projects. The session also covered the use of a psychrometric wheel and an iPhone/Android app to experiment how these strategies will affect the conditions in the home.
2C. Closed Cell Sprayfoam: A Cost-Effective Solution
By Grant Geise
Closed cell SPF is known as a very effective home insulation option. Attendees heard about all of the benefits along with the installation considerations.
3E. OSHA and SPF: Site Protection for Foamed Plastic Installations
By Tom Kline of MASCO
OSHA released a National Emphasis Program (NEP) on Isocyanates in 2013 that included requirements for respiratory protection, respiratory plans, training and enforcement through increased inspections. These requirements apply to the SPF industry. Attend this session to learn how to be safe and compliant on the job.
4C. Existing Structures: How to Address a Retrofit SPF Job
By Jim Anderson
Retrofit and renovation in residential and commercial projects for SPF have added challenges. They were built to codes and designs from many years ago and may have other cosmetic and functional problems that will impact your install.
Some additional sessions that sparked a lot of interest:
1F. SPFA’s New Model Written Safety Program
By Tyler Fiske, SPFA Board Member
Every SPF contractor business needs to have an effective respiratory protection and safety program. Not only does this require adequate record keeping, but also evidence of proper training and PPE use by employees and information helpful in the case of possible future OSHA inspections. SPFA has constructed a model SPF written safety program for members.
2E. Advanced Best Practices for Avoiding Problems in Foam Plastic Installations
By Dr. Richard Duncan, SPFA Technical Director
Problems are going to arise on a worksite, and awareness and solution measures are critical to dealing with them and getting back on track. Attendees heard about procedures to avoid off-ratio/off-temperature installations, including strategies for remediating each type of foam material problem, and elements of the new CPI/SFC guidance document on removal methods.
2F. CPI Update: How SPF Manufacturers Are Supporting Your Business
By Lee Salamone, Senior Director, ACC Center for the Polyurethanes Industry
The Center for the Polyurethanes Industry, a division of the American Chemistry Council and home of the Spray Foam Coalition, provided an industry update on a variety of federal and state programs that will impact your business, along with an update on SFC activities in the area of SPF training, marketing and research.
3E. OSHA and SPF: Site Protection for Foamed Plastic Installations
By Carol Hetfield
OSHA released a National Emphasis Program (NEP) on Isocyanates in 2013 that included requirements for respiratory protection, respiratory plans, training and enforcement through increased inspections. These requirements apply to the SPF industry.
3E. OSHA and SPF: Site Protection for Foamed Plastic Installations
By Tom Kline, MASCO
OSHA released a National Emphasis Program (NEP) on Isocyanates in 2013 that included requirements for respiratory protection, respiratory plans, training and enforcement through increased inspections. These requirements apply to the SPF industry. Attend this session to learn how to be safe and compliant on the job.
4E. California Department of Toxic Substances Control
By Karl Palmer
In early 2014, the California Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) released a regulatory plan for three initial priority products, SPF among them, to undergo workshops, hearings and other steps to assess product safety and possible alternative materials. The SPF industry has been a vocal critic of the process. The SCP program has been touted as a possible model for future environmental and safety regulation across the country.
4G. Insurance for SPF Businesses
By Craig and Kirk Campbell
Having the right insurance for your sprayfoam contracting business is critical to be sure you, your employees, business, and customers are protected. Having proper insurance is also a requirement for qualification to the SPFA PCP Accredited Contractor program. Make sure your business is covered!
Contractor Only Session
SPFA Executive Director Kurt & President Denny Vandewater led open discussion in this contractor-only meeting among SPF contractor professionals voicing challenges and opportunities facing them that the association may be able to address. "Every year there is a lot to hear about due to the complexity of this growing industry, but there are always a handful of things we hear that we can address and turn into a value point for members in the next year, be it a new program, committee activity or outreach effort. It gives us the chance to hear directly from our constituents and do something to show them we are listening, and maybe we’ll be able to make the industry a little bit better place because of it."
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>>Energy Codes in Action
We're right in the middle of the National Energy Codes Conference, March 23-26, hosted by the U.S. Department of Energy in Nashville, Tenn. The conference is focusing on the development, adoption, and compliance of state energy codes. As you may know, the United States does not have a national energy code or standard, so energy codes are adopted at the state and local levels of government. Read More at www.everbluetraining.com, see the official website here and access the program here.
>>Flexible Colored PU Foams Market - Global Industry Analysis, Size and Forecast, 2015 to 2025
A report by Future Market Insights outlines research related to flexible colored PU foam. The key segments included in the flexible colored PU foam industry include North America, Asia Pacific, Europe and Rest of the World. Due to high growth in the interior and furniture market, North America is expected to dominate the flexible colored PU foam market followed by Europe. Owing to the developments in the construction industry, Asia Pacific is expected to be the fastest growing market for flexible colored PU foam market. Read More at www.releasewire.com
>>Varying Temperatures Continue to Pose Ice Dam Threat
Proper insulation has taken on a whole new level of importance this winter. Not only has it been essential to keep the heat in and the cold out for comfort, but it has also been crucial to the safety of homeowners. That’s because the roof of a properly insulated house is less likely to collapse, or leak, under the pressure of snow and ice dams. Read More at Seacoastonline
>>Asia-Pacific Insulation Market Is Expected to Grow at a CAGR of Almost 7% Until 2020
The global market for Insulation is projected to reach $44 billion by 2020, driven by the growing need for thermal and acoustic insulation in housing and commercial buildings. The global market for insulation is witnessing steady growth driven by the recovery in new residential and non-residential construction activity in the emerging markets and increasing building renovation and upgrade projects in developed countries. Read More at Press Releases
>>Republicans Seek to Push Climate Change Off National Security Agenda
House Republicans are seeking to cut funds from the Pentagon and Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) budgets that are directed at researching the national security implications of climate change. Read More at Mashable!
>>Lawyer: Amish Clients to Be Evicted for Building Code Violations
A lawyer for an Amish family in Wisconsin says his clients will soon be evicted from their home, for violating Eau Claire County building codes, which they say go against their beliefs. A Circuit Court judge held them in contempt of court for failing to comply with building permits. They say using modern technologies, like having a smoke detector, is prohibited by their religion. Read More at WEAU
>>L&I Dodges Questions About 600 Inspections by 9 Rookies in One Week
A group of inexperienced and uncertified inspectors for the Department of Licenses and Inspections conducted around 600 inspections of unsafe buildings in a single week last month, according to The Inquirer. Each of the nine newly hired inspectors then recorded their work in L&I's database under the name of another man, an experienced inspector with the agency. Building inspectors in Philadelphia are required to be certified under the Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code (UCC). Read More at Philly
>>National Recruiting Notice for Green Minded Builders and Roofers
EternaTile Incorporated announced registrations for its "Contractor Advisory Board" (CAB), an innovative commission whereby leaders and pioneers in green construction are invited to discuss planned developments for 2015 and 2016. Read More at PR Newswire
>>ABAA Conference Is April 7-9 in Dallas
The Air Barrier Association of America is hosting its fourth annual conference and trade show in Dallas, Texas, on April 7-9, 2015. The ABAA Conference & Trade Show features learning tracks for contractors, design professionals, consultants and testing labs; exhibitors with the latest products and technologies; and answers to some of your most challenging questions. >>Napa Earthquake Offers Insight on Making Homes More Secure
Last year's Napa earthquake, the largest to hit Northern California in a quarter-century, offers some lessons about how homes fare amid major shaking and what residents can do to make them more secure. "This data should spur people to retrofit older homes," said Jack Boatwright, a U.S. Geological Survey geophysicist and lead author of the study. Read More at Los Angeles Times
>>EU Should Start Legal Case Over UK Failure on Energy-Saving Laws, Say Campaigners
Energy waste campaigners are calling for Brussels to file legal proceedings against the UK for flouting EU energy-saving laws, following new research by the AEA Ricardo consultancy. Across Europe, the industry body the Coalition for Energy Savings says that a "disturbing" pattern of poor implementation has emerged from analysis of actions that EU states are taking to meet the bloc’s energy efficiency goals. Read More at The Guardian
>>Free Webinar April 7: "Building America Technology-to-Market Roadmaps"
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Building America program will be hosting a free webinar on April 7. Entitled "Building America Technology-to-Market Roadmaps," it will be held 3-4:30 p.m. EDT. The speaker will be Eric Werling, Building America Coordinator for the U.S. Department of Energy’s Residential Buildings Integration Program. He will present important background information about the initial draft Roadmaps, the process used to develop the Roadmaps, and details for stakeholder review and comment.
Reserve Your Seat
Link to Building America Meetings
Questions? Contact Heather Stafford
>>BPI Introduces New BPI.org for Consumers
The Building Performance Institute, Inc. (BPI) is proud to introduce www.bpi.org for consumers, a new interactive website designed to educate homeowners on the value of home performance energy upgrades and the quality of contractors who have earned the BPI GoldStar credential. Read More at BPI.org
>>Better Buildings Summit, May 27-29
This year, the Better Buildings Summit is expanding into new sectors and engaging a diverse set of market leaders. More than 800 Better Buildings partners and stakeholders will gather in Washington, D.C., to participate in two and a half days of sessions and meetings focused on the sharing of the most successful strategies for achieving energy savings through energy efficiency. See the Agenda At A Glance and register today.
EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy announced the new Safer Choice Label to help people find cleaning and other products that are safer for you, your family, and the environment. Look for the new Safer Choice label on products in stores beginning this spring and summer. Read More at epa.gov
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>>LEGISLATIVE UPDATE -- Turbulence Coming on
Immigration and Regulations
>>SAFETY FIRST -- SPFA Drafts Safety Program for Member Use
>>ASK THE EXPERT -- Measuring Thermal Barrier Coating Thickness
>>WHY I SUPPORT SPF by Ty Pennington
>>HOW TO MAKE MONEY AND HAVE FUN DOING IT by Mac
Sheldon
>>SPF INDUSTRY PREPPING FOR CODE CHANGES IN SWEDENby Shani Calvo
>>WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE YOU FILE IN 2015 by
Kendall Coleman
>>TIPS ON SPRAYING FOAM -- Are You Doing It Right?
>>10 WAYS YOUR COMPANY CAN USE INSTAGRAM by Kelly
Donovan Clark
>>Search for specific keywords or phrases.
>>Flag favorite articles.
>>Make notes in the margins.
>>Connect with vendors quickly and easily.
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Sprayfoam 2016 Planning -- Save the Date!
It is never too early to plan for next year!
Date: February 8-11, 2016
Location: Rosen Centre, Orlando, Fla.
Sprayfoam 2015 Coverage
If you want to see what you missed at Sprayfoam 2015 or just want to revisit some of the activities that took place, check out the Conference Daily enewsletters (see the links below). They contain highlights from the event and details on how you can follow through with the contacts you made there. Also, check the SPFA website, www.sprayfoam.org, for post-show updates, the breakout presentations and other pertinent information.
Issue 1 (pre-expo)
Issue 2
Issue 3
Issue 4
Issue 5
Issue 6 (post-expo wrap-up)
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>>SPFA Hosts First 2015 Foam-It-RightTM Campaign Webinar Series for Members Only
On March 4, 2015, SPFA and our Safety Committee
presented the first of several 2015 SPFA Foam-It-RightTM webinars,
in this case focusing upon fall protection for insulation and roofing
installations. The recording of the
presentation will be available on the SPFA Member-Only portion of our
website. The description is attached, along with a
list of scheduled upcoming webinars. The
live session provided both AIA LU credits, as well as SPFA PCP Certification
CEUs for attendees. Read more.
>>2015 Is the Year of SPFA Membership Growth
The challenges and opportunities facing you as a professional in the SPF industry get larger and more complex every day. If you are looking for an ally in growing your business and being the best, consider joining SPFA! Expert staff and committee members are here to help you make the most of your SPF business. New members are joining every month that recognize the need for community and the strength in numbers. How have members created value for themselves and their companies through SPFA? By:
-- Completing industry-led commercial roof testing with Factory Mutual, producing sets of data accessible to SPFA members, streamlining and reducing the cost of their approval process
-- Completing essential research and testing on alleged product interactions between SPF and cPVC demonstrating no incompatibilities, with an independent third-party report available to members for sharing with customers and code-officials
-- Completing fire performance research and testing that has brought more reliability, credibility, consistency and become the "industry standard" in ICC-ES AC-377 Appendix X
-- Partnering on emissions and ventilation research that has influenced the landscape of product installation, health and safety regulation, state and federal acceptance of SPF
-- Publishing an independent model SPF industry Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) validating the energy and environmental claims of the product, producing an avenue for manufacturers to perform an LCA on their specific products, allowing for additional LEED credit, and delivering to consumers and professional customers of SPF a reference document that speaks their language
-- Publishing LCA-supporting Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) for three types of SPF in partnership with Underwriters Laboratories, currently available for download on the UL website
-- Envisioning, constructing and deploying over 18 months, an ISO-17024 accredited SPF Professional Certification Program, along with the necessary infrastructure, policies, procedures, partners, various experience levels and industry buy-in needed to make the program a success. Today it is already allowing SPF professionals in the US and abroad to distinguish themselves with a level of professionalism being sought by customers, and is being considered by several states as a requirement.
-- Publishing professional AY Technical documents and delivering presentations representing thousands of hours of collective effort among the members, addressing the most common technical, health and safety issues facing the industry
-- Establishing a geographically rotating Annual Convention and Expo as the central event for the industry, hosting over 1000 people, 30,000+ square feet of exhibit hall, dozens of sessions bringing the latest information to attendees, a nationally-recognized awards program, PCP certification testing, and networking for SPF professionals not able to be found anywhere else
-- Engaging in new public relations efforts to establish SPFA as the go-to source for credible, reliable and consistent information on SPF, including the SPFA Publication Sprayfoam Professional Magazine, bi-weekly newsletters, a redesigned website, press-releases on high-profile issues, and placement of articles in trade publications representing correct information on SPF
-- Embracing partnerships with important stakeholders in the industry, including other trade associations in the building performance, homebuilding, efficiency and construction industries, as well as various state and federal agencies. Partnerships broaden our reach, increase the volume of our voice, and give us an early-warning system when questions or concerns arise.
These efforts and more have had a direct and positive impact upon the SPF industry, your business and circles of influence. Perhaps you have experienced the benefits directly, perhaps in ways less obvious to you. But let there be no doubt that SPFA is the forum where good stuff is happening, and our influence is in some way within every drum of SPF sold and sprayed today.
Are you ready to be part of the team? If you’re into SPF, you’re into SPFA. Join now! 
>>2014-15 SPFA Membership Directory and Buyers' Guide Available Online
Members in good standing are listed in this publication, which is mailed out every September. This directory is also available in a digital format The convenient digital format allows users to navigate and access the directory's content quickly and easily, on the road or in the office. Use the information provided to contact fellow SPFA members and industry partners throughout the year to share ideas, ask questions, or just stay in touch.
>>SPFA Member Benefits
SPFA knows there are lots of organizations out there that would like to have you in their membership. But if you are in, or getting into, the sprayfoam business, we are the place for you. We work hard to represent you well and give you value back for your support. Click here to find out more.
Available on the SPFA website, the SPFA Membership Brochure highlights some of the various benefits of membership and activities of the organization as it pursues its mission to represent SPF professionals in areas of technical and environmental leadership, government advocacy, professional certification, industry promotion and outreach, and delivery of a world-class convention and expo. Please check out the brochure if you have been considering joining SPFA and support our mission to serve you. For more information or to access the application to join, please click here.
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In our regular quest to root out the most negative and inaccurate information on SPF, we found another doozy that we’d like to highlight for you. This website by 475 is a blog posting by a presenter at a recent 2015 NESEA Building Energy 15 Conference in the Northeast. Clearly biased and misleading, it presents one-sided information and even compares use of SPF inexplicably to radiation treatments, elsewhere attempting to align SPF with tobacco and the "sick joke" of clean coal. And, while the site focuses its ire on SPF, it makes so many references to other types of "foam" alluding to the idea that all of the criticisms, failures, fires, dangers and other information is about SPF, when in fact it is not. All in the "style of our founding fathers"? There’s just so much wrong with this site that there is nowhere to begin or end making corrections. We simply present to you as misinfo-tainment.
"Is Foam Evil?" was the initial title of a panel discussion I participated in at NESEA’s Building Energy 15 Conference – before it was renamed "Tiny Bubbles" (see Green Building Advisor’s highlights toward the end of this article). Here at 475 High Performance Building Supply, we are famously anti-foam, with particular emphasis given to closed cell spray polyurethane foam (ccSPF). In our blog series Foam Fails, we’ve taken an extended look at the problems of foam insulation. We’ve even written A Declaration of Independence from Foam Plastic Insulation, that in the style of our Founding Fathers, makes the case against foam and the companies that push it. Each day we are reminded of the performance problems of foam, whether it’s another building burning, or another failed blower door test.
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>>PCP Committees Seeking New Members!
An overview of the PCP Committee structure was given last week during a webinar. Members new to SPFA who had indicated they wanted to serve on a certification committee were invited to attend. Long-standing members of SPFA who wanted to become involved in a PCP Committee were also invited and are always welcome to become involved!
Committee participation is open to all members of SPFA and the Certification Committee is hoping to increase participation in 2015. The first meeting of the Training Committee will be held on Monday, March 30 at 1 p.m. ET. If you are interested in participating or learning more, please contact Kelly Marcavage at kmarcavage@sprayfoam.org.>>Upcoming Training Dates
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>>Graco Announces Its Top 20 Coatings and Foam Distributors
Graco Inc., a manufacturer of fluid handling equipment, recently announced its Top 20 High Performance Coatings and Foam North American distributors for 2014. The distributors were selected based on the total of their equipment purchases from Graco during 2014.
The Top 20 North American distributors for protective coatings equipment are:
Abrasive Products & Equipment, LLC
Advanced Finishing Systems
Air Power Inc.
Airtech Spray Systems
Bolair Fluid Handling Systems
C.H. Reed Inc.
CESCO Inc.
CJ Spray Inc.
Coast Industrial Systems Inc.
Corrosion Specialties Inc.
Dove Equipment de Mexico
EnDiSys Fluid Delivery Systems
F&S Equipment and Supplies, Inc.
Howard Marten Fluid Technologies Inc.
Marco
Midway Industrial Supply
Spray Equipment & Service Center Inc.
Spray Solutions & Equipment
Spray Pump Inc.
Spray-Quip, Inc.
The Top 20 North American distributors for foam and polyurea equipment are:
Bolair Fluid Handling Systems
Burtin Polymer Laboratories
Chemline Inc.
CJ Spray Inc.
Foampak, Inc.
EnDiSys Fluid Delivery Systems
Howard Marten Fluid Technologies Inc.
Intech Equipment & Supply
Line-X
MCC Equipment & Service Center
NCFI Polyurethanes
Parker-Lajoie Industries Ltd.
Premium Spray Products, Inc.
Rhino Linings Corporation
Service Partners, LLC
Specialty Products, Inc.
Spray Equipment & Service Center Inc.
Spray Foam Distributors of New England, Inc.
Spray Foam Systems, LLC
Spray Polyurethane Parts
>>Other Graco News
Source: startribune.com
Graco Inc. acquired four companies already this year, worth $185 million, according to an article at startribune.com. In the largest of the deals, High Pressure Equipment of Erie, Pa., is being purchased for $160 million. That deal will give Minneapolis-based Graco a manufacturer of valves and other equipment used by oil and gas companies and factories. The High Pressure purchase, which includes an engineering facility in England, will be completed during the first quarter. Read More at startribune.com
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>>Do You Want Your Big Idea for Building Energy Efficiency to Become a Reality?
Source: buildings.ideascale.com
Collaborate with ORNL to make it happen! The Building Technologies Office (BTO) invites you to send ideas, comments, and votes to buildings.ideascale.com, the new ORNL Buildings Crowdsourcing Community. Administered by Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), the website has been launched as part of the Energy Department’s efforts to reduce energy consumption in homes and buildings and enhance U.S. competitiveness in manufacturing. Read more here or here.
>>ASHRAE Announces Next Energy Modeling Conference, Call for Presenters
Source: ashrae.org
ASHRAE has announced that its next "Energy Modeling Conference: Tools for Designing High Performance Buildings" will take place September 30 to October 2, 2015, in Atlanta. ASHRAE seeks presenters who can speak specifically about the use of modeling to design, construct, commission, operate and maintain new and existing buildings to improve a building's energy performance and indoor environmental quality while reducing the cost to operate and maintain them. The conference will focus on the tools, step-by-step processes, best practices and workflows for the application of single or multiple modeling techniques. Read more here.
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>>ASHRAE Announces Spring 2015 Online Courses; New Course on Commissioning Process
Source: ashrae.org
With the commissioning process becoming widely recognized as being critical to the success of high-performance buildings ASHRAE has added a new Learning Institute course focused on requirements in its first commissioning standard. Taught by Walter Grondzik, P.E., the course, "Commissioning Process and Standard 202" is being held March 25, 2015. It is one of 12 Spring Online courses being offered by ASHRAE. Read more here.
>>Building Codes Assistance Project Updates on Building Energy Codes
Source: energycodesocean.org
BCAP Newsletters are quarterly summaries of what's been happening at the Building Codes Assistance Project and building energy code progress around the nation. To access the full archive, click here. Here are some of the recent alerts from the BCAP Code Alerts released released weekly by the Building Codes Assistance Project (BCAP) and its website, the Online Code Environment & Advocacy Network (OCEAN). Code Alert Bulletins are designed to share information and support timely participation in state and local activities related to the adoption and implementation of building energy codes. The bulletins highlight immediate opportunities to influence state and local policy outcomes, indicate code status, and recommend contacts for action. Topics addressed in the current issue include:
* Ongoing General Alerts *
DOE – National Energy Codes Conference 2015: Extended Room Block Closes Today
* New State and Local Alerts *
Denver, CO – Hearings on the 2015 I-Codes Adoption
* Ongoing State and Local Alerts *
New Mexico – New Bill that Could Make Code Adoption Difficult
New York – Reviews to Update NY Codes to the 2015 I-Codes and 2015 NEC
Pennsylvania – Comments on the 2015 I-Codes Adoption Due Tuesday, March 10
South Carolina – Accepting Comments Concerning the Adoption of 2015 I-Codes
Tennessee – New Bill to Allow Local Jurisdictions to Opt Out of the International Energy Conservation Code Standards
Texas – New Bill to Modify Building Energy Efficiency Performance Standards
Utah – Bill to Change the Adoption Process of the State Construction and Fire Codes
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Source: iea.org
Data from the International Energy Agency (IEA) indicate that global emissions of carbon dioxide from the energy sector stalled in 2014, marking the first time in 40 years in which there was a halt or reduction in emissions of the greenhouse gas that was not tied to an economic downturn. Read More at iea.org
>>U.S. DOE Building America Update
Source: energy.gov
The U.S. Department of Energy's Building America Update newsletter is now available.
Read this issue to learn about:
>Building America Research Teams: BA-PIRC and IBACOS—Pioneers in Homebuilding Innovation
>Bonneville Power Administration Funding Opportunity: Phase I Deadline—March 27, 2015
>DOE Issues New Standards for Water Heaters
>Use the Building America Solution Center to Build Solar-Ready Homes
>Work with Oak Ridge National Laboratory to Turn Your Big Idea for Building Energy Efficiency Into a Reality!
>This Month's Residential Successes
>Be a Citizen Scientist! Help Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory Study Indoor Air Quality
>Building America in the News
>New Publications From Building America
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As an SPFA member you are entitled to complimentary use within your whole company of the SPFA Contractor Safety Kit, a hefty document with compliance and record keeping resources, fillable forms, and more to aid you in preparation for an OSHA visit or just for keeping your folks safe. Purchasing a similar document on the street could run you more than $600.00 and it’s free to you as a member! Accessible in the Member Only Section of SPFA’s website at www.sprayfoam.org. Questions? Please contact Dr. Richard Duncan, SPFA Technical Director at rickduncan@sprayfoam.org.
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March 26-27, 2015 -- SPFA PCP Training, Premium Spray, Rapids, Wis.
Ongoing -- SPFA PCP Refresher Courses for Previously Trained SPF Professional hosted by Gaco Western, webinar, contact Karen Wolfenberger
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So you think you're ready to sell to the government, but is the government ready to buy from you? SBA has lots of resources to help you find and do business with Uncle Sam, but here are some extra steps to boost your chances of being perceived as the winning choice, not the risky one.
In celebration of Women’s History Month, SBA is hosting a series of online events that highlight women in business and we want you to join the conversation! Here's what's happening through the rest of March:
- March 26, 2 p.m. ET – Webinar on "How to Take Your Woman-Owned Small Business Global." Learn how the SBA’s export loan programs can help to take your small business global.
- March 31, 3 p.m. ET – Webinar on How Women Entrepreneurs Can Get the Funding They Need to Grow {cosponsored with Fundera}. Learn about the funding options available to women business owners and how to prepare a successful loan application.
SBA recently published a proposed rule to amend its regulations to establish a government-wide Mentor-Protégé Program for all small businesses as directed by the Small Business Jobs Act of 2010 and the National Defense Authorization Act of 2013 (NDAA). SBA’s current mentor protégé program is only offered to eligible participants in the 8(a) Business Development program.
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