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.
OTHER NEWS FROM SPFA:
>>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.
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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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>>ABAA Hosting SPF Installer Training -- Deadline to Register Is July 27
Source: airbarrier.org
Air Barrier Association of America is hosting Spray Polyurethane Foam Installer Training in East Windsor, N.J., August 11-13. The deadline to register for the training is July 27 at 3 p.m. (EST). The classroom and hands-on training will include instruction on everything from substrate preparation, application technology, troubleshooting, and hands-on training. This course is designed to teach experienced SPF installers how to create an air barrier using SPF.
For certification purposes, a minimum of 3,000 hours of work experience either directly with air barriers or in applicable related trade experience is required, with 1,000 of those hours being directly related to SPF.
Source: epa.org
Hybrid Coating Technologies/Nanotech Industries of Daly City, California, is one of the winners of the 20th Annual Presidential Green Chemistry Challenge for developing a safer, plant-based polyurethane for use on floors, furniture and in foam insulation. The technology eliminates the use of isocyanates.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recognized Hybrid Coating and five other companies for their landmark green chemistry technologies that are spurring innovation and economic development. "These innovations reduce the use of energy, hazardous chemicals and water, while cutting manufacturing costs and sparking investments," said Jim Jones, EPA’s Assistant Administrator for Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention. "Ultimately, these manufacturing processes and products are safer for people’s health and the environment."
An independent panel of technical experts convened by the American Chemical Society Green Chemistry Institute formally judged the 2015 submissions from among scores of nominated technologies and made recommendations to EPA for the 2015 winners. The 2015 awards event will be held in conjunction with the 2015 Green Chemistry and Engineering Conference, July 14-16.
DOE has updated its original California-specific requirements for the program, with the release of DOE Zero Energy Ready Home California Requirements – Revision 5, which goes into effect for homes permitted after August 10, 2015. Revision 5 for California adds numerous clarifications which have also been added to the national Rev.05 specifications. The CA spec revision also offers more flexibility in terms of air tightness requirements (attached dwellings have a higher ACH50 spec), and alignment with upcoming Title 24 provisions such as the High Performance Attic (HPA) design strategy as a method for optimizing the duct system (see End Note 15 H).
Source: osha.org
On May 4, 2015, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) issued a new standard for construction work in confined spaces, which will be effective starting August 3, 2015. Confined spaces can present physical and atmospheric hazards that can be avoided if they are recognized and addressed prior to entering these spaces to perform work. The new standard, Subpart AA of 29 CFR 1926 will help prevent construction workers from being hurt or killed by eliminating and isolating hazards in confined spaces at construction sites similar to the way workers in other industries are already protected.
SPFA's Richard Duncan sheds some light on the topic in the Health & Safety section of this newsletter.
NAHB.org posts a summary of the new standard.
For compliance assistance regarding application of the final rule contact: Directorate of Construction, Room N3468, OSHA, U.S. Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20210; (202)-693-2020.
Source: plasticsnews.com / Catherine Kavanaugh
There’s no place like home to illustrate how plastic products have pushed the envelope when it comes to changes in the building industry over the last quarter century.
Plastics have grown to dominate the residential markets for plumbing fixtures, siding and windows; meet new demands for thermal performance and moisture resistance; and reduce maintenance needs from backyard decks to polymer roof shingles.
Source: americanchemistry.com
The American Chemistry Council (ACC) issued its 2015 edition of the Guide to the Business of Chemistry, a detailed economic profile of the chemistry industry and its contributions to the U.S. and world economies. Prepared annually by ACC’s Economics and Statistics Department, The Guide to the Business of Chemistry divides the $801 billion business into more than thirty categories of production, ranging from inorganic chemicals to plastic resins; from adhesives and sealants to oilfield chemicals; and from fertilizers to pharmaceuticals and consumer products. Within each segment the report highlights distinct characteristics, including growth dynamics, markets, new developments, and other issues affecting each sector.
Source: trailer-bodybuilders.com
The EPA released its final rule specifying the details of its updated Significant New Alternatives Policy (SNAP), a program that is designed to evaluate and regulate substitutes for chemicals that are being phased out under the Clean Air Act (CAA) and the Obama administration's Climate Action Plan (CAP). While the first two rounds of SNAP focused on ozone depletion, the third iteration takes aim at climate change and targets emissions of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), explains Robert York, strategic marketing manager for Dow Polyurethanes. Among other changes, the SNAP plan calls for the elimination of the use of specific HFC "blowing agents," which refrigerated trailer manufacturers use in polyurethane insulation.
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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 3, 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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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 2016 — Only 1 Day Left to Submit Breakout Session Ideas!
SPFA is looking for speakers and breakout session topics to be presented at Sprayfoam 2016. Do you, or a speaker you know, have an idea you think could benefit the Sprayfoam community at the upcoming Sprayfoam 2016 Convention & 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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>>Free Safety Webinars for SPFA Members
SPFA offers safety webinars that are FREE for SPFA members. Upcoming webinars include:
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
If you missed the SDS and Global Hazard System (GHS) webinar on July 8, 2015, or any of the earlier webinars, they are available for download in the Members-only section of the SPFA website. Direct questions to: Dr. Richard Duncan, SPFA Technical Director, at rickduncan@sprayfoam.org.
>>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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>>Certification Opportunities at Sprayfoam 2016 in Orlando!
SPFA staff have just returned from our site visit to Orlando and we have confirmed the PCP Exam Prep Courses, Field Exams and Written Exam offerings for Sprayfoam 2016. Make the most of your time at Sprayfoam 2016 in Orlando by taking advantage of everything that SPFA PCP has to offer. It is the "one stop shop" for most of your certification requirements. Plus, there are savings for taking more than one written exam or field exam -- it is a great opportunity! Go to www.sprayfoam.org for details.
Exam Prep Courses: Monday-Tuesday, February 8-9, 2016
Insulation Installer -- Tuesday, February 9
Roofing Installer -- Tuesday, February 9
Insulation Master Installer -- Monday, February 8
Roofing Master Installer -- Monday, February 8
Insulation Project Manager -- Tuesday, February 9
Roofing Project Manager -- Tuesday, February 9
Field Examiner -- Monday, February 8
*Assistant Exam Prep Course is now available online – so you can attend other courses, take a written exam or participate in a Field Exam.
It doesn’t matter the order in which you take the exam prep courses or the order in which you take the exams, you just need to meet the requirements for each level in order to become certified. See applicable Handbook at www.sprayfoam.org for details.
NOTE: A separate registration is required for Written Exams.
Field Examinations – Monday-Tuesday, February 8-9, 2016
Master Installer candidates can take the Field Exams in Orlando. You do not need to have the other requirements completed in order to take the Field Exam. If you are an experienced sprayer, take advantage of the opportunity to complete the Field Exam and then work on the other requirements at your convenience. You won’t earn your certification until all the requirements are met – but it doesn’t matter in which order you meet the requirements. In other words, you can start with the Field Exam and then take the written exams after you have prepared for them.
Written Examinations – Monday-Thursday, February 8-11, 2016
All written exams are available during the Sprayfoam 2016 convention. The Assistant, Installer and Master Installer level written exams are available in Spanish and English.
NOTE: The SPFA PCP does not require attendance in courses. Certification candidates must meet all the requirements, some of which include passing written examinations. The Exam Prep Courses are designed to prepare you for these exams. If you are an experienced SPF Professional, doing "self-study" may be the option for you. This can be done by purchasing the applicable Study Guide and after you’ve reviewed the Exam Preparatory material, you can take the appropriate written exam at your convenience during Sprayfoam 2016. Please be sure to allow 2 hours for written exams (4 hours for Supplier Rep combined exam).
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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 State and Local Alerts *
Florida -- Emergency Ruling Delays the Effect of Certain Building Code Sections
New Hampshire -- Reviews the Proposed Amendments to the 2015 IECC
Washington -- 2015 Washington State Energy Code Integrated Draft is Available for Review
* Ongoing State and Local Alerts *
Minnesota -- Appeals Court to Hear Twin Cities Home Builders’ Arguments on the IRC and IECC
New Hampshire -- PUC Continues Its Work on an Energy Efficiency Resource Standard (EERS)
New York -- Meeting Scheduled to Consider the 2015 I-Codes Including the IECC
New York -- Free Three-Hour Energy Course on 2014 State Commercial Energy Code
South Carolina -- Begins Reviewing the Proposed Modifications to the 2015 I-Codes
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Source: energy.gov
For optimal energy efficiency, your home should be properly insulated from the roof down to its foundation. In addition to insulation, consider moisture and air leakage control in each area of your house.
>>U.S. DOE Building America Update
Source: energy.gov
The U.S. Department of Energy's Building America Update newsletter is now available, and includes:
>Building Energy Optimization (BEopt) Version 2.4 with powerful multifamily capabilities
>A new crowdsourcing initiative seeking statements about building-related challenges; submit by July 15 and be eligible for cash prizes
> July 22 webinar on new tools and content from the Building America Solution Center
>Call for building science education curricula and content
>The 2015 EEBA conference, featuring Building America sessions and the Housing Innovation Awards
>DOE’s Notice of Intent to seek nominations for the Central Air Conditioner and Heat Pump Working Group
> Zero Energy Ready Home news and events
>Residential success stories highlighting space-conditioning solutions from Building America
>Building America in the news
>The latest publications from Building America: measure guidelines, case studies for new and existing homes and technologies, and more!
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Dec. 6-8, 2015 -- ACEEE Intelligent Efficiency Conference, Boston,
Mass.
Jan. 6, 2016 -- Lock-out/Tag-out, SPFA Safety Webinar
Jan. 11-15, 2016 -- Building Innovations 2016, Las Vegas, Nev.
Jan. 19-21, 2016 -- NAHB International Builders’ Show, Las Vegas, Nev.
Jan. 23-27, 2016 -- ASHRAE Winter Conference, Orlando, Fla.
Jan. 25-27, 2016 -- AHR Expo, Orlando, Fla.
Ongoing -- SPFA PCP Refresher Courses for Previously Trained SPF Professional hosted by Gaco Western, webinar, contact Karen Wolfenberger
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Source: bpi.org
Can you explain clearly who you are and what you do? Is a customer more or less likely to sign an $8,000 contract with you if you took steps to avoid getting dirt on their carpet? Who is more likely to get my business, Contractor A who responded within 24 hours, Contractor B who took three weeks, or Contractor C who never got back to me? Many of the "secrets" of successful, profitable contractors center on providing excellent customer service and dealing with customers on their terms. This session will feature insight from Mike Rogers, president of OmStout Consulting, LLC, and explore some simple things your competitors get wrong and that you can get right to generate more leads, more sales, happier customers, and higher profits.
Source: sba.gov
You have a great product or service, but who are your customers and how can you reach them? This course will give you an overview of how to identify your customer and how to market to them.
-Learn the difference between market research and marketing research
-Discover the two main types of market research
-Learn how to collect market research data and analyze it
-Hear how to avoid common mistakes made in market research
>>Tips on Buying an Existing Small Business or Franchise
Source: sba.gov
The dream of owning a small business doesn’t always mean starting from scratch. You can skip the headaches of creating a startup and jump to buying an established company.
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