Every year, Naylor Association Solutions recognizes its top projects – based not just on the monetary value, but the overall value to the association and the internal workings that go into the products. The award with probably the toughest competition is the national award, which is why SPFA’s recognition in this department was even more outstanding. For 2014, SPFA’s magazine, SPRAYFOAM Professional, earned the Naylor National Publication of the Year award, competing against hundreds of other publications and associations.
"This is super news and we appreciate so much what Naylor does to assist us in our goals," said SPFA Executive Director Kurt Riesenberg.
The awards, which are officially called the President’s Excellence Awards, recognize the culmination and representation of the service and quality that Naylor provides for its association partners in their magazines.
There are five awards to recognize excellence in the design, content and success of each product. The criteria for each award are: that the project is viewed as the most successful and useful in the eyes of the association; and that the project
serves as the best example of Naylor via great execution and high quality.
"Via its magazine and other communications, SPFA does an excellent job of sharing industry-related news with its members, securing support for the industry and increasing the awareness of SPF’s benefits," said Naylor’s Vice President of Content Jill Andreu.
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>>SPFA at Work for You, for Industry
SPFA regularly supports both you and the industry, many times behind the scenes, but at conferences and on the road, as well. Recently, Dr. Richard Duncan, SPFA Technical Director, has done just that at these events:
>>Represented SPF industry as co-chair of the ASTM C1029 task group at the ASTM 2015 Spring Meeting in Anahiem on April 27.
>>Article by SPFA's Richard Duncan Appears in Retrofit Magazine, SBC Magazine
An article written by SPFA's Technical Services Director, Dr. Richard Duncan, that was published in Retrofit magazine, was also picked up and published in SBC Magazine. Titled "Spray Polyurethane Foam: A Key Component to Any Net Zero Solution," the article addresses spray polyurethane foam characteristics and explains how they are integral to SPF’s ability to contribute to total ZNE solutions — solutions that will become increasingly necessary as the net zero revolution takes hold across the U.S.
>>Walls & Ceilings Magazine Publishes SPF Article
Source: wconline.com / Richard Duncan
"Barrier Requirements for SPF" is the subject of an article in a recent issue of Walls & Ceilings Magazine. Written by SPFA Technical Services Director Richard Duncan, the article addresses the combustible nature of SPF and how to utilize thermal and/or ignition barriers to ensure safety in the use of SPF. Read more here.
>>Gupta-verlag.com and Energy Design Update Share News About SPFA Health & Safety Program
Sources: gupta-verlag.com, oneskyhomes.com
SPFA's new Health & Safety Program is securing attention from all aspects of the industry, even internationally in the news section of gupta-verlag.com and on the energy side in Energy Design Update. Space was allocated in the May 2015 issue of Energy Design Update for details related to the program, as shared in a press released distributed by SPFA. See SPFA press release here and gupta-verlag.com article here.
>>Breakout Sessions at Sprayfoam 2015 Are Posted Online
"We tried to build it and hoped they’d come. And they did!" said SPFA Executive Director Kurt Riesenberg during the General Session at Sprayfoam 2015, which experienced record-setting numbers, especially in the breakout sessions. Slides from the presentations and breakout sessions have been uploaded to the SPFA website, and the sessions with the highest attendance will be featured in upcoming issues of SPRAYFOAM Professional magazine.
>>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 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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Source: agc.org
Construction firms added 17,000 jobs in May and 273,000 over 12 months, as the sector's unemployment rate fell to 6.7 percent, the lowest May rate since 2006, according to an analysis by the Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials noted that the job gains come as the private and public sectors are increasing investments in construction services.
>>Establishment of the Chemical Safety Advisory Committee
Source: epa.gov
On June 12, EPA’s Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention announced the establishment of the Chemical Safety Advisory Committee (CSAC) and solicited nominations for membership on the Committee. The purpose of the CSAC, which is established under the Federal Advisory Committee Act, is to provide expert scientific advice, information, and recommendations to the Office of Pollution Prevention and Toxics on the scientific basis for risk assessments, methodologies, and pollution prevention measures or approaches.
>>5 of the Hottest Home Trends So Far in 2015
Source: builderonline.com
Homeowners may be ready to give up square feet for walkability, and home automation products are about to go mainstream. According to Fortune's Marianne Cusato, the biggest trends in home design prioritize efficiency--of both energy and space--and customization more than ever before. Cusato writes:
Technologies that reduce energy consumption combined with designs that create clever spaces that are easier to afford are big steps forward. So is the increased awareness of the value that comes from communities where we residents can take physical steps outside of the home and are not completely auto-dependent.
Source: epa.gov
In order to better meet the Agency’s responsibilities related to the protection of public health and the environment, EPA has developed a new environmental justice (EJ) mapping and screening tool called EJSCREEN. It is based on nationally consistent data and an approach that combines environmental and demographic indicators in maps and reports.
Source: ashrae.org
Zero energy buildings (ZEBs) eliminate the use of non-renewable energy sources by decreasing energy use and producing enough renewable energy to meet the annual energy use attributable to their buildings. While the concept of ZEBs is generally accepted in the building industry, no common definition exists. This creates a challenge in trying to incentivize such buildings and in developing common design strategies. Paul Torcellini, Ph.D., P.E., National Renewable Energy Laboratory, Golden, Colo., will address this topic during a seminar at the ASHRAE 2015 Annual Conference, June 27-July 1, in Atlanta, Ga. The seminar, "What is a Zero Energy Building, and How Can We Get There?," is part of the Conference Technical Program, which features some 100 sessions, with more than 300 presenters and 103 paper presentations..
Source: airbarrier.org / Mr. Peter Spafford, Quality Assurance Manager, ABAA
The Air Barrier Association of America (ABAA) has implemented a comprehensive Quality Assurance Program (QAP) to address many of the problems that design professionals and general contractors have struggled with for many decades. Air barriers are a relatively new technology in the construction of buildings, and few people in the construction industry fully understand the concept of air barriers and exactly what role they play in the performance of the building. To access the ABAA master specifications, visit www.airbarrier.org. Go to Supporting Documents and see Master Specifications. You can choose the type of specification that best meets your needs. The ABAA specifications include all of the QAP requirements. For assistance, email abaa@airbarrier.org or call 866-956-5888.
Source: ACEEE.org / Siddiq Khan
Source: agc.org
Construction employment expanded in 232 metro areas, declined in 66 and was stagnant in 60 between April 2014 and April 2015, according to a new analysis of federal employment data released today by the Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials said even as contractors in many parts of the country continue to expand their payroll, many firms remain concerned about the potential impacts of federal transportation funding shortfalls.
Source: energy.gov
Fostering the next generation of architects, engineers, and building science professionals is the goal of the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Race to Zero Student Design Competition (Race to Zero). With the success of the 2015 event, DOE has announced the new dates for the next competition. The event will be held April 16–17, 2016, at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory in Golden, Colorado. As part of DOE’s Building America and Zero Energy Ready Home programs, the Race to Zero is designed to provide students with:
-A two-day building science training from recognized experts and educators
-An opportunity to learn and apply critical skills for designing, analyzing, and documenting high-performance buildings
-Experience working in a multi-disciplinary team, which is vital to professional work
-Interactions with thought leaders about zero energy buildings and future housing innovation
-A tour of award-winning high performance buildings.
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Source: Richard Duncan, Technical Director, SPFA
In early May, the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) published a new standard for confined spaces in construction under 29 CFR 1926 Part AA .This extensive document includes definitions and regulations for all confined space situations that will go into effect on August 1, 2015. Shortly after this publication, OSHA published a two-page guidance document "OSHA 3787 Confined Spaces in Construction: Crawlspaces and Attics." This guidance document specifically identifies the application of SPF and highlights potential confined space hazards associated with attics and crawlspaces.
Under the OSHA definition, many existing attics and all crawlspaces will qualify as a confined space: "any space large enough for workers to enter and perform certain jobs...with a limited or restricted means for entry/exit and not designed for continuous occupancy." The new standard provides employers with information on protecting employees working in confined spaces and establishes specific requirements for working in permit-required confined spaces. Permit-space regulations may require additional labor (e.g., attendants, rescue and retrieval personnel), worker training and administrative activities (e.g., site evaluation, permit systems, signage and other documentation).
The presence of a hazardous atmosphere is the primary factor for determining if a confined space is a permit-required space. According to the OSHA standard, a hazardous atmosphere can occur when:
1. Concentrations of airborne chemicals exceed 10% of the lower flammability limit (LFL).
2. Airborne flammable particles can be ignited, which may exist from SPF cutting and trimming operations.
3. Oxygen levels are deficient (below 19.5%) or enriched (above 23.5%).
4. Any airborne chemical exceeds occupational exposure limits (OELs).
5. Conditions are immediately dangerous to life or health (IDLH) that can interfere with an employee’s ability to self-rescue.
The new OSHA standard is being reviewed by the industry to determine any potential impacts on the use of spray foam products in attics and crawlspaces. In every space and job type, SPF contractors are always encouraged to follow industry best practices for proper ventilation strategies and proper use of personal protective equipment consistent with industry guidelines for these applications. Additional information on the new standard is available on the OSHA website.
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The New Confined Spaces in Construction: What’s Different? -- Webinar, June 23
The new confined spaces in construction standard is similar in content and organization to the general industry confined spaces standard, but also incorporates several provisions from the proposed rule to address construction-specific hazards, accounts for advancements in technology, and incorporates letters of interpretation issued for the general industry standard.
June 23, 2015, 2 p.m. (EDT)
Speaker: Jessica Douma, Regulatory Analyst, Directorate of Construction, OSHA
The New Confined Spaces in Construction: The Big Picture -- Webinar, June 30
OSHA is adding a new subpart (Subpart AA) to provide protections to employees working in confined spaces in construction. This new subpart replaces OSHA's one training requirement for confined space work with a comprehensive standard that includes a permit program designed to protect employees from exposure to many hazards associated with work in confined spaces, including atmospheric and physical hazards.
June 30, 2015, 2 p.m. (EDT)
Speaker: Jessica Douma, Regulatory Analyst, Directorate of Construction, OSHA
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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.
Call for Presenters at Sprayfoam 2016 -- Deadline July 15
SPFA invites you to submit your industry-specific presentation topic for consideration for Sprayfoam 2016 Convention and Expo in Orlando, Florida. CLICK HERE to submit your presentation information. Both members and non-members are invited to submit applications prior to July 15, 2015. Contact Emma Bennett, Conference Coordinator, if you have questions or need more information.
Sponsorship Opportunities at Sprayfoam 2016!
Download the prospectus on the website. Exhibitor and attendee information will be released soon.
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>>Future Safety Webinars -- Topics and Dates
These safety webinars are FREE for SPFA members:
SDS and Global Hazard System (GHS) | July 1, 2015
Personal Protective Clothing | September 2, 2015
Containment and Mechanical Ventilation | November 4, 2015
Lock-out/Tag-out | January 6, 2016
Supplier Air Systems for Respirators | March 2, 2016 Direct questions to: Dr. Richard Duncan, SPFA Technical Director at rickduncan@sprayfoam.org.
>>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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>>Free Online Chemical Health and Safety Course
Not Only a PCP Requirement, But Also a Tool You Should Use for Seasonal Hires
The SPFA PCP requires that everyone seeking any level of certification within the PCP successfully complete the Chemical Health and Safety Course developed by the American Chemistry Council’s (ACC) Center for the Polyurethanes Industry (CPI). We commonly refer to it as the CPI Online Chemical Health and Safety Course (High Pressure).
SPFA PCP’s Accredited Companies are required to have all their field personnel successfully complete this course -- but even if your company isn’t yet accredited, it is simply a GOOD IDEA and GOOD BUSINESS PRACTICE to have all your field personnel take this course. There is absolutely no reason why everyone shouldn’t take it -- it is free and available online 24/7.
Make the most of a rainy day or a slow day and set up a computers for your folks to take this course. By doing so, they’ve completed one step of the PCP criteria, and more importantly, they’ll learn something that is beneficial for everyone!
Note: To stay current with this training, individuals need to be renew the course every two years. Get into a cycle so all of your employees stay current with this important training!
>>Company Accreditation Marks to Be Displayed in SPFA Directory
Contractor Companies and Supplier Companies who earn the SPFA PCP Accreditation will have the Accredited Company Mark displayed in the SPFA Directory next to their company listing.
The deadline for having it printed in the upcoming directory is June 29, 2015. You still have time to finish up the Accredited Company requirements Please review all details on our website.
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>>DOE Issues Determination of Energy Savings for Residential Buildings
Source: energycodes.gov
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) published a Notice of Determination for the 2015 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC), affirming that the updated code will result in energy savings in residential buildings. DOE analysis indicates that buildings meeting the 2015 IECC (as compared with buildings meeting the previous 2012 edition) would result in national residential building energy savings of approximately 1%, as regulated by the Code. Following an affirmative DOE determination, each State is required by statute to certify that it has reviewed the provisions of its residential building code regarding energy efficiency, and made a determination as to whether it is appropriate to revise its code to meet or exceed the updated edition of the IECC. Additionally, DOE provides guidance to States on submitting certification statements.
>>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:
* New General Alerts *
DOE - Publishes the Final Determination on the 2015 IECC
* Ongoing General Alerts *
DOE – Next Mon & Tues: Code Development Stakeholder Meeting in Colorado
* New State and Local Alerts *
South Carolina – Begins Reviewing the Proposed Modifications to the 2015 I-Codes
* Ongoing State and Local Alerts *
Denver, CO – Next Thursday: Last Hearing on the 2015 I-Codes Adoption
Maine – Update on Three Bills to Roll-Back Energy Codes
Nevada – Bill to Reduce Stringency of the Air Tightness Requirements is Enrolled
New York – Meeting Scheduled to Consider the 2015 I-Codes Including the IECC
Texas – The Senate Signs HB 1736 that Would Hamper Energy Efficiency
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>>News & Events from Building Technologies Office
Source: energy.gov
>>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:
>The Field Test Best Practices tool for building science researchers
>Dates and details about the 2016 Race to Zero Student Design Competition
>Advanced framing tips from the Building America Solution Center
>DOE Zero Energy Ready Home Virtual Office Hours
>Call for entries for the 2015 GreenBuilder magazine Home of the Year Awards
>Residential success stories highlighting building solutions for walls and roofs
>The latest publications from Building America: measure guidelines, case studies for new and existing homes and technologies, and more!
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Ongoing -- SPFA PCP Refresher Courses for Previously Trained SPF Professional hosted by Gaco Western, webinar, contact Karen Wolfenberger
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Source: sba.org
The SBA and FCC launched a Video Phone Service to boost access to services for deaf and hard of hearing entrepreneurs. The new American Sign Language (ASL) Customer Support Line uses video phone technology to connect callers with SBA staff who are deaf and fluent in ASL.
Source: sba.org
Do you know what your company is worth? Understanding your profit and loss statement and cash flow statement only tells a part of the story of a business. Unfortunately many small business owners tend to overlook one of the key measures that shows the overall health of a business – the balance sheet.
Source: sba.org
As an entrepreneur every now and then it is important to take a step back and really take a look at the big picture and dive back in with refreshed energy. Here are a few points to revisit and reevaluate after you get up and running.
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