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Fenestration Review 2016 Vol. 5, No. 1
4
EDITORIAL
We need to push forward with productivity.
5
INDUSTRY NEWS
WinDoor moves to Montreal, Sacilotto joins Sunview, Tru Tech grows, Dallaire passes.
9 DATA SHEET
Fabricators are experimenting with aluminum as a way to meet new trends and energy codes.
14 THE EYE OF THE BEHOLDER
Simple and accurate colour testing made possible by this Canadian invention.
Building permit statistics for 2015. 13 FIT AND FINISH
There’s turmoil in the industry and it looks serious. by Chris Meiorin
Your association is there for you in tough times. by Skip Maclean 10 TAKE THE BIG VIEW
26 PRODUCT SHOWCASE
What’s new and what’s cool in window and door products.
30 THAT’S RICH
Give some thought to the impression you create through email. by Rich Porayko
Pondering productivity
by Patrick Flannery
Getting more for less a key to success in troubled times.
Some troublesome signs are swirling around the Canadian window and door industry now, as documented by our Fit and Finish columnist, Chris Meiorin of Euro
Vinyl Windows on page 13. The slump in our dollar, driven by the crash in oil prices, has made the supplies fabricators need very expensive relative to the prices we are able to charge in our domestic markets. The American construction markets are surging nicely, but few of us are doing enough exporting for that to make up the difference. The traditional recovery in the Ontario and Quebec manufacturing sectors that follows a low dollar and low oil prices has yet to fuel any significant boost in private construction. The fear is that the last recession, which caused an unprecedented flight of manufacturing capital from those regions back to the U.S., has left us in a position where that recovery may not be forthcoming, or at least not for a long time, or with the strength needed to stave off another economic downturn. Residential building permits, as our data sheet on page 9 illustrates, are in a holding pattern that doesn’t suggest strong growth is on the horizon.
Our industry has certainly weathered economic storms before and will again this time. As always, those who have managed their cash carefully will have deep enough pockets to see the bad times through. Those who have boosted their profile in diverse markets will see enough business trickle in to keep the lights on. And those who have invested wisely in staff and equipment will be productive enough to fill their orders without giving away all their profit margin. Those who haven’t done these things will go away, leaving fertile ground for the survivors to till.
Canada has placed well back in the pack of comparable industrialized economies for decades on all measures of productivity. Countries like Ireland and Norway consistently blow us away. Canadian labour productivity is worth about
US$42 per hour compared to US$52 in the United States, according to a 2012 Conference Board report. Worse, our growth in productivity has been slower than the Americans’ and continuing to drop. In the Conference Board’s estimation, we would need to quadruple our productivity and maintain that level for 15 years in order to catch U.S. manufacturers at this point. Not gonna happen.
In our circumstances, where supply prices are driven by external forces (the American economy) and market conditions are driven by volatile commodity prices (oil), improvement to productivity is one of the few strategies companies can employ to impact their bottom line. Productivity improvements help both in good times and in bad, maximizing your capacity to meet demand and make money when orders are strong and enabling you to protect margins and keep operating when business slows.
So why aren’t Canadian manufacturers more productive? Aversion to risk is one factor. I remember from my days selling machine tools small American machine shop owners walking on to trade show booths, kicking the tires on a piece of equipment for a few minutes and negotiating a deal for a machine worth hundreds of thousands of dollars right then and there. The equivalent sale to a Canadian shop would take months of analysis and negotiation involving committees of engineers and executives. Less punitive Chapter 11 bankruptcy laws in the U.S. are probably one reason for this cultural difference, as is the more intense competitive environment in most U.S. markets, but the effect was U.S. companies tending to have the latest and greatest in equipment while Canadians struggled along with slower machines and more manpower-intensive processes. From what I’ve seen in the Canadian fenestration industry, the same effects and tendencies apply, in general. Perhaps it’s time for a change in our approach.
INDUSTRY NEWS
LABELLE MOVES UP AT EUGENIE
Richard Chauvette, president of Groupe Eugenie, has announced the appointment of Stéphane Labelle to the position of vice-president of business development. Labelle’s experience, education, market knowledge, strategic management skills and most of all, his involvement in the company for three years are important assets that contribute continuously to the development and growth of Groupe Eugenie. The vice-president of business development is responsible for company development both regionally, nationally and internationally. He develops strategies to ensure the group’s full growth potential. Finally, he’s mandated to develop, maintain and strengthen relationships with business partners.
“There is no doubt that Stéphane is an important part in the growth of our company. For three years, he has distinguished himself by his commitment to us and to achieving our business objectives. He is an undeniable asset to our team and I am very proud to announce his appointment today,” says Chauvette.
KRAHN CUTTING BACK
Jim Krahn, longtime fixture of the window and door industry in both the U.S. and Canada, will be moving into a part-time role at Marvin Windows this year. Krahn has filled a variety of senior positions at the company over his long tenure. Krahn started his career at Marvin in 1957 and has worked at that same company ever since. He has made his home in Warroad, Minn., where he also owned a building construction, feed and implement dealership from 1976 to 1984. He points to his involvement in helping rebuild Marvin’s production facilities following a fire in 1961 and the introduction of the original Casemaster and Tilt Turn product lines as proud points in his career. Krahn is probably best known across the industry for his tireless participation in industry events and on association and regulatory committees. He’s been honoured with the Distinguished Service Award from the U.S. Window and Door Manufacturers Association, the Member of the Year Award from the National Fenestration Rating Council and the C.P. Loewen Award from Fenestration Canada, to name only a few big ones. He has been a longtime member of just about every industry association you can name, and several you can’t, and been on the board of many of them at one time or another. Krahn notes Bill Marvin, Bob Wenzel, Jake Marvin and Steve Tourek as key supporters in his career, saying they have provided “a wealth of knowledge that I have been privileged to benefit from.”
“I would also like to thank all those, and you know who you are, that have supported and helped me in my journey both inside Marvin and outside in the regulatory world,” he adds. “Changes are happening at an ever-increasing rate,” Krahn comments. “The industry must adapt but be vigilant that we do not make changes just for changes’ sake. Regulatory requirements and costs have increased beyond comprehension from when I started. The customer should always be first, so future programs should always be weighted with them in mind. While they should benefit from these controls and regulations, they will also be burdened with costs.”
Krahn says he will continue to help out and support Marvin as needed going forward, but will be getting in more time for some personal projects and travel.
TRU GROWTH
Tru Tech Doors has announced two new additions to its Ontario management team: Kevin Keddy, sales manager, and Jon Watson, branch manager. Keddy and Watson have established Tru Tech’s first branch distribution facility near Barrie, Ont. This location will help support buying groups and retail lumber yards throughout Ontario. Tru Tech Distribution (Barrie) will be coordinating sales of Tru Bilt custom entry doors to these customer groups directly from a distribution hub in the Simcoe Region. For over 17 years, Tru Tech has manufactured custom pre-finished residential entry systems in southwestern Ontario. As a vertically integrated manufacturer, Tru Tech produces its own steel and fiberglass door panels, decorative doorlite glass and custom entry systems in two facilities: Vaughan, Ont., and Fredericksburg, Va.
To support the ever-demanding need for a quality stock steel door in conjunction with the branch opening, Tru Tech Distribution will also introduce a commodity door program to Tru Bilt entry system customers. Keddy noted, “It’s been a long time since customers have had a manufacturer of steel doors and also pre-hanging stock commodity doors in Ontario. This market has been looking for a vendor who can deliver quality custom doors as well as stock commodity doors reliably and we are very happy Tru Tech is getting back in the game.”
SACILOTTO JOINS SUNVIEW
Sunview Patio Doors has announced the addition of Claudio Sacilotto as its new director of engineering and quality. The move will add significant expertise to Sunview’s product development effort as the company continues to focus on innovation and quality improvement. Sacilotto has spent more than 18 years in highly technical roles involving the design, engineering and improvement of core building materials. Prior to joining Sunview, he spent the past nine years with Intertek Testing Services, a global leader in the testing, inspection and classification of building products where he was the fenestration team leader as well as a senior project engineer. As a member of the Professional Engineers of Ontario and a regular industry speaker at conferences and seminars, Sacilotto also participates in a number of organizations that are highly relevant to Sunview’s business. These include:
• Associate member of the CSA A440 Technical Committee on windows and doors
• Associate member of the CSA A440.2 Technical Committee on performance standards for fenestration systems
• Member of the CSA Subcommittee on Energy Evaluation of Fenestration Systems
• Member of the Energy Efficiency Fenestration Steering Committee that oversees Canada’s Energy Star Program
“Innovation has been a cornerstone of our growth and recognition in the industry, but in this business you have to keep investing in the best talent available to stay ahead of the curve,” said Tony Margiotta, president of Sunview. “We already have a strong and knowledgeable team in place, and the addition of Claudio helps us raise that bar even higher.”
JELD-WEN PARTNERS WITH ALLEGION
Allegion and Jeld-Wen Windows and Doors have announced a distribution arrangement in Canada effective Jan. 22. The strategic relationship between Allegion Canada, manufacturer of Schlage residential locks, and Jeld-Wen Canada will synergize their strong brands, allowing both to create an enhanced customer experience. Jeld-Wen Canada vice-president, Bill Donaldson, and Allegion Canada general manager, Mark Wilson, say they are enthusiastic about the arrangement and the market opportunities it will create.
“We are very excited about our partnership with Jeld-Wen to jointly provide the Canadian marketplace with the highest performing products. Working together, we look forward to the value Jeld-Wen and Allegion Canada will provide our collective Canadian customers,” said Wilson.
P.H. TECH FOUNDER PASSES
Raymond Dallaire, founder of Levis, Que.,-based window and door systems fabricator, P.H. Tech, passed away on the afternoon of Dec. 9 after long illness. Dallaire retired from day-to-day management of the company in 2002. Dallaire and his brother Dominic founded the company in 1962. It has since grown into one of Canada’s largest PVC profile extruders and fabricators, delivering systems nationally and exporting to the U.S., the Caribbean and Japan. Dallaire had been recognized by Fenestration Canada as an industry Pioneer.
INTRODUCING VIEWS
Coming in 2016 from the team who brings you Fenestration Review, a new digital channel highlighting the stunning architecture of Canada’s most luxurious recreational properties. Welcome to Views. Every year, the wealthiest Canadians pour hundreds of millions of dollars into cottages and recreational properties across the country. While the family home is often a standardized design that is part of a larger development, the cottage is a more personal space where owners want their dreams, aspirations and traditions expressed without restriction. The result is architectural beauty and innovation rarely seen in an urban setting. The Views media channel will highlight these breathtaking projects with:
• Feature online articles
• Gorgeous photography and video
• Details of construction product suppliers for featured projects
• Interviews with designers
• Searchable directories of contractors and suppliers
• How-to advice for cottage owners looking to build or renovate
• Active social media channels connecting followers to compelling online content
• Email alerts bringing readers back to the content again and again The channel will be anchored by a dynamic online magazine promoted to our exclusive list of C-suite executives across Canada. Views.ca and @ViewsCanada will keep up audience engagement throughout the year with searchable directories, photo galleries and updates from the world of recreational building design. And the Views channel on Annex’s NicheTV will bring viewers interviews, project reviews, panel discussions, how-it’s-made features and new product information over our online video streaming service.
SAWDAC Newsletter
EXECUTIVE SEARCH CONTINUES
SAWDAC hired Darrell Kane as a trainee executive director to replace the retiring David Mitten last fall. Unfortunately, Darrell did not work out in that role and has left the association. The board has re-convened its executive search committee to begin a new search.
TRAINING ON THE ROCK
SAWDAC’s Fenestration Installation Technician training in Newfoundland was a big success. We have been asked to return with more in-depth training on siding for those who attended the first three-day session, and to repeat the three-day training program we offered with a new group of people.
INTRODUCING VISUALIZER
Brad Finck from Renoworks has demonstrated an innovative software product to the SAWDAC board that may make life a lot easier for dealers. Visualizer is a tool that allows you to take photos of your clients’ homes and overlay different siding, window and door products from your custom online database so they can see how your products will look on their home. SAWDAC is considering setting up a shared database
with products from many manufacturers so all members can benefit. SAWDAC is seeking your input on this initiative. Join us for a webinar Feb. X where Brad will demonstrate the product and answer your questions.
CONGRATULATIONS TO VINYL WINDOW DESIGNS
Vinyl Window Designs of Woodbridge, Ont., has been named Energy Star’s Promoter of the Year for 2015. This is the fifth time VWD has won an Energy Star award. for almost 30 years, VWD has been a leader in the development and promotion of high-efficiency window products, using foam insulation, triple glazing, warmedge spacers and a variety of low-E models. VWD is one of the few window manufacturers in North America to have a dedicated research and development department. Virtually every high-efficiency window VWD sells for residential property is Energy Star certified, including nine products that now meet the 2014 Most Efficient specification.
WINDOW WISE REPORT
Window Wise had a strong 2015. Thanks to all Window Wise dealers for registering monthly. We particularly welcome our two new Window
Wise dealers, Affordable Home Services of Maidstone, Ont., and Big City Windows and Doors of Ottawa, Ont. Home Stars and Energy Star have recognized the Window Wise program and include the WW logo next to dealer’s listings in their communications. David Mitten has been presenting the new WW marketing binder to sales teams at WW dealers.
• Total installers trained: 58
• Total registered jobs: 4,531
• Total windows registered and guaranteed: 28, 040
• Manufacturers participating: 13
• Installation companies and contractors: 30 Top Ten Window Wise dealers for 2015
• Ambia Windows and Doors – Vaughn, Ont.
• Beingessner Home Exteriors – St. Jacobs, Ont.
• Beverley Hills Home Improvements – Stoney Creek, Ont.
• Canadian Choice Window and Doors –Concord, Ont.
• Consumers Choice Home Improvements –Scarborough, Ont.
• George Kent Home Improvements –Mississauga, Ont.
• Lormac Renovation Centre – St. Jacobs, Ont.
• Platinum Home Design and Renovations –Scarborough, Ont.
• S.I.S. Supply Install Services – Calgary, Alta.
• West Windows and Doors – Burlington, Ont.
MEMBERSHIP UP
SAWDAC added 25 new members in 2015. The following companies have joined since our last report:
• Douglas Window and Doors – London, Ont.
• Big City Windows and Doors – Ottawa, Ont.
• Windowtech Canada –Concord, Ont.
• Umbrella Construction –Calgary, Alta.
• Ecofit Systems –Toronto, Ont.
• True North ExteriorsEdmonton, Alta.
WELCOME BACK TO THE FOLLOWING RETURNING
MEMBERS:
• Twins Windows and Doors – Richmond Hill, Ont.
• Avenue Road Roofing –Toronto, Ont.
• Basic Home Improvements – Ottawa, Ont.
• Nisby Home Renovations – Winnipeg, Man.
• Dynamic Roofing and Siding – Niagara Falls, Ont.
• Ecoline Windows –Toronto, Ont.
WINDOOR SHIFTS TO MONTREAL
Fenestration Canada has announced a number of major changes to its annual trade show, WinDoor North America, taking place Nov. 15 to 17. For the first time in 22 years, the trade show takes place in a new location –Palais de Congress in Montreal –and under new show management. Zzeem Inc. has been hired to manage and promote the show replacing Shield Associates, the show managers since its inception in 1994. Fenestration Canada made the announcement on Feb. 18 in an innovative online press conference using Twitter and Periscope to broadcast a video feed of the proceedings. The makeover includes a new logo for the show.
“Fenestration Canada is thrilled about the new directions we are taking with WinDoor” said association president Skip MacLean. “We
are confident that attendees and exhibitors will share in our excitement – especially when they see what is new and improved. And of course, everybody always has a great time in Montreal.”
WinDoor 2015 welcomed about 600 window and door fabricators to the Metro Toronto Convention Centre Nov. 3 through 5. The show featured a new layout, new times and new approaches to speakers and product education. Exhibitors reported strong traffic and excellent attendee quality, especially on the second day. Show organizers
encouraged manufacturers to bring their most innovative recent inventions and exhibitors responded with many products they had not even produced literature for yet. These products were featured in a permanent Innovation Showcase area, and in 10-minute speeches the exhibitors gave after the keynote speech on the opening evening. Technical presentations included discussions of the North American Fenestration Standard (NAFS), how to hire and retain Millennials and updates on national building codes and Energy Star.
COVER STORY
ANOTHER LOOK AT ALUMINUM
Are aluminum windows poised for a resurgence?
For decades, commercial buildings across the globe have benefited from maximum use of glass windows, supported by high-strength, low-weight aluminum frames.
by LINDSEY MCCAFFREY
But with all the benefits that aluminum provides—a more modern and low-maintenance aesthetic, to name only a couple—where does the material’s popularity currently stand in residential applications? According a Ducker Research 2014/2015 study commissioned by the American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA), there were 4.6 million shipments of prime windows into residential projects in 2008 in the U.S., including new construction and remodeling and replacement. In 2011, that number was at an all-time low of 2.5 million units.
But this year, the number of those same prime window shipments is forecasted to go back up to 5 million units.
So yes, there appears to be an upswing in the residential market.
However, when you look comparatively at sales of vinyl, there is no contest. In that same Ducker study, U.S. unit sales totaled 29.8 million in 2008, falling slightly to 25.7 million— and are projected to go back up to 37.3 million units in 2016.
Put simply and bluntly, usage of the two materials simply does not compare.
A TREND TO WATCH?
With a difference of approximately 35 million units between vinyl and aluminum sales, one might be remiss to say that the use of aluminum windows in residential applications is becoming a “trend to watch.”
That said, Mike Bruno, president of Everlast, has seen first-hand an increase in demand.
“Everlast has seen an increase in demand for aluminum up by 37% in residential buildings,”
says Bruno. “While high rises have always been traditionally aluminum, we’re now also seeing townhomes with three or four stories—that is, multi-resident buildings and condos—starting to put in aluminum windows.”
So what is driving the adoption—albeit slowrising—of aluminum in residential applications?
ARCHITECTURALLY DRIVEN
According to Mark DePaul, business development manager for window and door profiles at Royal Building Products, the move toward aluminum frames is probably starting at the very beginning of the supply chain: the design stage.
“I call it the ‘architect’s hangover,’” he says. “Many architects have a previous history with aluminum—so when they start to design a building, aluminum is often the default material they turn to. They may choose it simply as a function of the process, like if they’re designing a commercial building. Or they may choose it due to the perceived structural integrity of aluminum, as being stronger. Or they may choose it due to the lower sight lines that aluminum provides, offering more glass area in any given window.”
Fenestration Canada president Skip MacLean’s observations echo DePaul’s musings regarding windows in residential applications. “There is a sector of the custom home building market that is designing structures that take advantage of natural lighting,” he says. “Positioning and size of window area has become a critical area of home design.”
Bruno concurs. “A designer who’s used to the West Coast trends tends to like the cleaner lines and larger glass areas...we’re definitely seeing more of a trend on more modern builds and
larger patio doors, which lends itself to aluminum windows.”
Unfortunately, meeting the architectural desire for bigger views and narrower frames is not without its challenges.
Compared to vinyl, fibreglass and wood frames, aluminum conducts heat and cold the least well. As such, aluminum must be specially protected with thermal break technology to properly compete with other materials for energy efficiency and market share.
So, says DePaul, while architects and designers may be thoroughly enjoying the look of aluminum and driving its usage, “...the energy and building codes
are shifting in a direction that is really moving aluminum out of favour.”
HYBRID: THE NEXT FRONTIER?
To fit in with what architects and designers are looking for, what building and energyefficiency codes will allow, and what the manufacturer’s (not to mention end user’s) budget can afford, hybrid is appearing to become a smart go-to solution.
Certainly, hybrid technology is nothing new.
“Every aluminum window you see in Canada has some sort of thermal breaking,” says DePaul. “However, most are very
small in dimension and the material and technology used can make a big difference in the U-value.” He points to a “good” aluminum window with two panes of glass as having a U-value of .35; and a middleof-the-road vinyl window with two panes of glass as having a U-value of .27. “And of course,” he adds, “the lower, the better.”
Now, successes in innovation continue to improve upon the benefits that aluminum windows have traditionally offered.
For months, DePaul and Bruno have embarked on a joint venture between Everlast and Royal Building Products.
The end result, soon to be released, is the Altitude Window: a combination of
Cost will probably keep aluminum on the back burner as a material for mass-produced windows. But architects’ demands for larger sightlines and improvements to thermal breaking technology may open the door for more aluminum luxury products.
aluminum on the exposed surfaces with a proprietary thermally efficient core— bringing a higher thermal performance level to windows for multi-family midrise and high-rise projects. The new product will have capabilities of .19 with three panes of glass, and a dual-glazed version of that window will be .23 to .25, depending on the glass package.
Selling a final product that meets the wants, needs and requirements of all parties is quite a challenge, but Bruno is confident that Altitude will meet all criteria, “...whether it be building code, air, water, or energy rating—so this will appeal to builders, designers, architects and commercial applications.”
Another big mover in energy efficient windows is RPM Rollformed Metal Products. Its Climatech Spacer, produced for IG manufacturers, is a premium locally-made product. Made out of Electrolytic Chromium Coated Steel, the spacer makes thermal breaking possible due to a bonded thermal bridge that is perforated, allowing the desiccant to absorb moisture. The spacer is compatible
with both bendable and non-bendable manufacturing process requirements.
According to Yousif Abachi of RMP, the thermal properties afforded by the Climatech spacer “have become something very desirable by architects.” In fact, in just the past six months, RPM has seen a 300% increase in sales for that product alone.
THE BUSINESS OF WORKING WITH ALUMINUM
Hybrid certainly creates potential for new business and entering new markets. However, Bruno advises that creating a hybrid aluminum product is not without its challenges.
“Everlast comes from a history of building windows for 55 years, and to build an Energy Star-rated aluminum building is much different than with other materials,” he says. “It’s not a very easy product to get into. There are many challenges regarding inventory levels and having access to the right fabrication equipment. There are many processes involved, so you also need the right level
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of knowledge or expertise in being able to manage inventory and production capabilities, among other things.”
Moreover, adds Bruno, the time period from design to production varies greatly between vinyl and aluminum. “If we were building Altitude as a vinyl-only product, it would take six months; but when aluminum is involved, it’s more like 18 months to bring it to market.”
WHAT’S NEXT?
“There is always an evolution of technology in the market space,” says DePaul. “First it was wood, then vinyl—and at some point in time, I think something will come along that challenges vinyl to be the primary residential window material.”
So are hybrid windows the “next big thing” to make an impact in residential applications?
DePaul isn’t sure. At least for now, he says, “...I think we’re going to see solutions like hybrid technology, which tries to leverage the tried and proven aspects of both vinyl and aluminum, to come up with a single window solution.”
FIT & FINISH Time to hit reset
Can we get a do-over on the start of 2016?
by Chris Meorin
If ever there was an opportunity to have a reset button, this would be the perfect time. In my column last fall, I discussed how the fenestration industry as a whole had an uneasy feeling about what was about to come. There were no clear indicators or signs, but a lot of back-room chatter suggested 2016 was going to be an “interesting” year. That said, the industry appeared strong and relatively stable and on track to a solid recovery. All of us fenestrators were excited and anxious to return to an economic climate that allowed for reasonable margins and a solid return on investment. With all the promise 2016 showed last summer, there was still an uneasy feeling. A feeling I was reluctant to even discuss for fear I might be ridiculed as having a sky-is-falling attitude. “Many of us are doing pretty darn good, all things considered. So why all the inner dialogue?” I asked at the time. Well, the start of 2016 answers that question loud and clear.
In the 30 years that I have been manufacturing windows and doors, never before have I seen such a volatile supply chain. As the Canadian dollar continued to fall in the third quarter of 2015, I’m not sure if any of us had a real indication where this would take us. Even before the currency issues became evident, there was a lot of back-room chatter about supply chain issues. This also was discussed in my last article, and has since manifested into a full-blown upward spiral of rising costs, leaving us fabricators in the precarious position of balancing price increases against market-share retention. In a recent conversation with Barry Ayres of Keystone Certification, Barry summed up the industry as being in a state of “chaos,” and I would have to agree with him on this point. Supply chain price increases have led to knee-jerk reactions. Even those companies with skilled comptrollers and accountants are struggling to stay abreast of how supply chain price
increases are affecting selling prices. Equipped with this information, it still comes down to how much of a price increase the market will tolerate without searching for alternates. Things really are in a state of chaos.
With the return to work following the Christmas break, I took the opportunity to speak with as many of my peers as possible to get a pulse on where the industry is heading. Time and time again the message of managing material costs was repeated with glass supply often taking center stage. Rumblings of an impending glass shortage surfaced a while back. It was discussed initially at the truck-load level and started trickling down into the fabricators world sometime around 14 months ago. It seemed, at the time, to be an excuse to justify price increases, but word of shortages continued as did the rise in glass prices. This, aligned with a dramatic drop in the Canadian dollar against the greenback, has left the fenestration industry in a bit of a scramble. Further discussion on this topic seemed to dominate any formal networking including back-room
“In 30 years, never before have I seen such a volatile supply chain.”
chats at WinDoor 2015, and some industry-associated buyers group meetings. With these variables coming into sudden alignment, it seems not even a ticker tape will keep us window manufacturers abreast of rising costs.
As I continue to talk to my peers about where we are headed as an industry, few, if any are focused on the long-term plans as much as they are immersed in the now. If ever there was a time to push the “reset” button, this is it.
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS
THE EYE OF THE BEHOLDER
Easy colour-matching with new Canadian technology.
Those of you reading this who’ve ever tried to do a colour match know just how difficult the task can be. “Paint chips and fan decks are subjective and inaccurate,” explains Zachary Strong, director of business development at Hamilton, Ont.,-based Nix Sensor.
by TREENA HEIN
“They are also bulky, expensive and fade easily. Dust, sunlight, humidity and time can alter the appearance of fan decks within months. This can lead to frustrating situations where the colour you order will be quite different from what you were expecting.”
It must be possible to create a device that solves all of these problems, thought Nix inventor Matthew Sheridan, who is also company founder and CEO. Indeed it was possible, and after several years of development, the Nix Pro Colour Sensor hit the market in February 2015. For the invention and commercialization of the Nix Pro, Sheridan won the 2015 Young Entrepreneur of the Year Ontario Business Achievement Award and the Ernest C. Manning Innovation Award. (He’s also won other engineering awards for other projects in the past).
Here’s how it works. Ready to use out of the box, the Nix Pro scans a colour using its own calibrated light source, with all ambient light blocked. The user holding the Nix Pro sees exactly where he or she is scanning. The data is then sent to the user’s smartphone, where he or she accesses the intuitive interface to organize, save and share colour palettes with co-workers, suppliers and customers. The app can be customized to suit any workflow and can also connect with leading paint company colours.
Even though it’s a new product, the Nix has already entered a lot of different markets, such as paints and coatings, interior design, graphic design, printing and packaging, cosmetics, food and agriculture, automotive, special effects and textiles. However, it’s particularly in high demand in the construction industry
for finding best paint matches on a variety of surfaces (including metal) and for evaluating paint draw-downs.
ATTRIBUTES
The Nix Pro is extremely accurate, says Sheridan, which is due to an entirely new way of calibration. “Other colour measurement solutions rely on calibration tiles (or stickers) to maintain their accuracy,” he notes. “All of these things get soiled easily and fade within months, and are not used in our design. All Nix Pro units are ready-to-use out of the box and designed to maintain their accuracy over time.” The sensors on each device are assembled and individually calibrated at the company’s lab in Hamilton. “Doing this in-house allows us to achieve quality and accuracy standards above and beyond the rest of the industry,” Sheridan explains. “Our customers have responded very well to this approach because they can trust that they are getting a quality product.”
The benefits of the Nix Pro also extend to durability. Unlike any other colour sensor, it can be dropped, soiled and can withstand heat and col as well (if you get dirt or dust on it, just clean it like you would a smartphone screen). It’s very accurate on glossy surfaces and provides industry-leading battery life.
In terms of specific advantages for window and door fabricators, Sheridan points to the ability of the Nix Pro app to accept uploaded colour databases and provide best-match reports on scanned colours. “Being able to upload your own colour database is extremely important if fabricators have their own unique
colour selections available,” he observes. “The Nix can therefore function as a sales tool as it can communicate best paint matches for provided swatches. This becomes a unique and valuable way to communicate your product offerings and shorten what can often be protracted conversations about colour.”
The Nix provides colour readouts in RGB, CMYK, and CIELAB and can calculate colour differences in either DE76 or DE2000. Although the readouts are not very important to glass product fabricators (as those are colour systems they likely won’t ever work in), Sheridan says being able to calculate colour differences
is, to help identify when products are in spec. A DE2000 value of 3 or less is essentially a “perfect match.”
PAST AND FUTURE
Sheridan first came up with the idea for the Nix Pro while working with friends who do interior design. He saw them lugging around tote bags filled with paint decks and thought this just shouldn’t be needed in the 21st century. The only other option was paying hundreds of dollars for a big bulky paint deck system that only worked with one company’s paints – and existing colourmatching technology was expensive, and
greatly affected by ambient lighting and human error.
Sheridan and his team were also inspired by a woman who helps people with severe burns or skin diseases with customized makeup. “She was matching colours by eye, which was time-consuming and a limiting factor in her business,” says Strong. “We looked into her options and the more research we did, the clearer it became that colour professionals in every sector, from paint to agriculture, were coping with outdated, expensive and unreliable technology that didn’t actually meet their needs. So we went about creating technology that provides
The Nix sensors are made to be robust and self-contained to reduce the amount of calibration and setup for users. They have potential applications both in the field and in the paint shop.
HOW IT WORKS
extremely accurate information quickly, easily and affordably.”
While having a Canadian-made product is important to the company because of the control it provides over quality, Sheridan says it’s also important to him and his team “because Hamilton has a rich history of manufacturing and we are proud to carry that tradition forward.”
The Nix Pro is now being used in 31
countries. “We have eight employees now,” says Strong, “and in addition to providing solutions for designers and builders, we are working on with large industry players to integrate Nix technology into their colour quality processes.”
The Nix Pro costs $399 Canadian, with free shipping within North America. Use coupon code “glasscanada” until May 31 for $50 off.
ABOUT NIX SENSOR
Nix Sensor designs and manufactures its colour-management technology in Hamilton, Ont. Matthew Sheridan is founder and president. The company raised funds through Kickstarter to commercialize its prototype and has now shipped over 1,000 units to 30 countries. Find out more at nixsensor.com.
1. The Nix Pro Color Sensor blocks out all ambient light, allowing for an accurate colour reading.
source.
Skip MacLean is president of Fenestration Canada. He is business development manager for Tru-Tech Doors and has over 40 years’ experience in the window and door industry.
Embracing tomorrow
Canada’s oil barometer of prosperity has seen pricing go from record highs to record lows. Housing prices in major centers like Toronto and Vancouver seem to defy all logic. Costs of raw materials change daily due to the heavy influence of currency exchange fluctuations. Change is in the air and you can count on it. What was apparent yesterday may not be so tomorrow. The Canadian window and door industry must embrace change. We need to endorse and encourage innovation in product design, manufacturing, energy efficiency and the promotion of our product to a global market. Trade barriers, which were once restrictive, are being removed and a whole new market is being opened to our products and services. Our new prime minister is often heard trumpeting that Canada is “open for business” but we need to ask ourselves if we are ready as individuals, companies and industry to meet these challenges. Yes, it won’t be easy and yes, hard work is ahead. Those who approach these opportunities with the right information, willingness to compete and desire to succeed will reap untold rewards.
Fenestration Canada is changing, too. Last year was a landmark year for the association and the WinDoor North America tradeshow. Responding to continued calls to refresh, renew and restart the show, the board voted to move the show to Montreal, Que., for 2016. Even at this early juncture there is a revitalized buzz surrounding the upcoming event and all of the opportunities and possibilities presented. The Palais des Congrès de Montréal has been selected as the new venue and the dates are set as Nov. 15 to17. WinDoor committee chair, Stéphane Labelle of Groupe Eugenie, heads up a very enthusiastic group of individuals determined to stage an event that inspires, engages, promotes and celebrates all that is fenestration in Canada. Our newly selected event managers, Zzeem Inc., promise to deliver an organized, welcoming and rewarding experience for exhibitors and attendees alike. So mark your calendars now for Montréal this November – you won’t want to miss it!
Now let’s talk code. I know, I know it’s not everyone’s favorite four-letter word. However, it is one of significant impact and importance to the fenestration industry. The process to update the building code has begun. Your association is being very proactive to ensure that fenestration professionals are involved in the initial process of determining these changes. The issues being deliberated speak to the very core of our business success. Our ability to influence and participate in these changes is critical. Window and door products that provide energy efficiency, durable performance and structural integrity must be the ultimate goal. Involvement in the Fabricators Council and/or Technical Committee of the association will provide invaluable insight to all who participate, contribute to discussions and want to stay in the know.
Jennifer Small of Screenco and the AGM committee are promising a jam-packed agenda of networking, educational, technical and business presentations at our Annual General Meeting scheduled for June 8 to 10 in beautiful Mont Tremblant, Que. The entire program has been refreshed and designed to provide activities and engagement for all who attend. Full program details will soon be available on the FC website.
Membership and marketing initiatives include a drive to encourage all members to upgrade their online profiles. Laura Weil of Euro Vinyl Windows reports that the companies that have enhanced their profiles are reaping the benefit of increased web traffic to their firms. Mike Bruno of Everlast Group now heads the membership side of the committee who are developing strategies to feature new members and to enhance member benefits.
J.F. Kogovsek of Maxam Marketing and his education team continue to uncover topical content for seminar and webinar presentations. News is everywhere and as noted earlier, change is constant. The association welcomes any input from industry regarding topics needing clarification and better understanding.
by SKIP MACLEAN
360 INNOVATIONS
182A Iberville Boulevard
Repentigny, QC, J6A 1Y8
Tel: 888-654-3287 Fax: 450-654-8483
Contact: Serge Rondeau
Email: srondeau@360-innovations.com
ACCURATE DORWIN CO.
1535 Seel Avenue
Winnipeg, MB, R3T 1C6
Tel: 204-982-4640 Fax: 204-663-0020
Contact: Rob Johnstone
Email: rjohnstone@accuratedorwin.com
AGC GLASS COMPANY NORTH AMERICA
191 Coronation Street
Woodbridge, ON, L4L 6M4
Fax: 905-738-1177
Contact: Peter Virgili
Email: peter.virgili@agc.com
AIR-INS INC.
1320 boul. Lionel-Boulet
Varennes, QC, J3X 1P7
Tel: 450-652-0838 Fax: 450-652-7588
Contact: Robert Jutras
Email: r.jutras@air-ins.com
ALL WEATHER WINDOWS LTD.
18550-118A Avenue North West Edmonton, AB, T5S 2K7
products for fenestration fabricators and dealers just keep on coming.
PRODUCT SHOWCASE
BUY DOMESTIC FOR BETTER SERVICE
rpmroll.com
RPM Rollformed Metal Products has a number of exciting new developments at its Ontario manufacturing facility. The choice to buy local has never been as important as it is in today’s economy. RPM remains steadfast to fabricating the highest quality fenestration products and for nearly 30 years has been helping window fabricators to be successful. Available solutions include RPM Spacer, RPM Grill Bar, Climatech Spacer (warmedge), desiccant, corner keys and connectors. RPM’s spotlight product, the Climatech warmedge spacer was one of its busiest production lines for 2015 thanks in part to an IGMA TBC classification. RPM saw a staggering 300 per cent increase in demand from Canadian fabricators. Climatech Spacer was a definite topic of interest for clients at this year’s Construct Canada as engineers and architects alike saw benefits for its use. Because Climatech
Spacer features an electrolytic chrome-coated steel with perforated plastic to absorb desiccant, it is sought after and specified for both residential and commercial use. 2016 is already proving to be Working direct with a local manufacturer means fabricators have a voice in the products they use.
ONLINE FABRICATION
SOFTWARE
genesisgosoftware.com
Genesis Go 3D is a sophisticated cloud-based software solution for window and door manufacturers and resellers within the fenestration industry. Genesis Go 3D requires no installation. Users can access the software via their broadband internet service and web browser of choice.
Genesis Go 3D makes the design and configuration of windows and doors easy. With Genesis Go 3D it is possible to manage projects, partners, quotes, orders, network users,
user groups and backup tasks without any specialist IT skills. Genesis Go started out as a micro independent software vendor developing a simple, but flexible fenestration software. The company has worked on perfecting Genesis Go, focusing on the needs of customers. The software is available in 16 languages.
HELPFUL STAFF northern-arch.com
The staff at Northern Architectural Products (NAP) is ready and willing to help with any inquires about its product lines, including its locking handle with a very strong hinge featuring enhanced adjustability and load capacity. This “double
agent” handle serves two applications instead of just one. NAP also carries weather stripping.
UNIQUE SOLUTIONS FOR FABRICATORS
quanex.com
Quanex Building Products’ Technical Services team consists of some of the most experienced and knowledgeable individuals in the industry. The Quanex Technical Services team can provide fabricators with everything needed to ensure quality and productivity. The flexible design of all insulating glass spacers offered by Quanex Building Products allows for fast application for low- to high-volume production needs and significantly simplifies the fabrication of shaped units. Quanex’s specialized equipment options are available for any type of shop, ranging from small businesses to large operations with more than 2,000 units produced each shift. Quanex is knowledgeable in fully automated, semi-automated and manual equipment solutions and can customize a solution for your individual business needs. Whether it’s throughput requirements, space or manpower limitations, Quanex can develop unique solutions for
each business. The Technical Services team’s expertise, combined with Quanex’s flexibility of equipment solutions, can provide a solution that works for nearly every challenge. From window and door and insulating glass fabrication to proper installation of components and accessories, Quanex’s Technical Services team is available to provide one-time or routine quality audits to manufacturers using Quanex products, designed to help enhance quality and efficiency while boosting profitability. Other team capabilities
include project management, troubleshooting, on-site training and lean exercise, aligning with continuous improvement initiatives.
FAKRO SIDE HUNG EGRESS
fakro.ca
FWU window is designed for rooms where building codes require two methods of egress (escape). The egress window is available in two versions: right opening FWU-R or left opening FWU-L. FWU egress windows do not only provide extra escape way, but also an
excellent means of providing extra light and fresh air to the room. The FWU size 24/46 window is officially recognized as an egress window and can help safe lives in case of emergency situations like fire.
DRIVES EVERY FUNCTION
www.fenetech.com
FeneVision Max encompasses every function necessary to drive a complete door and window plant, from quoting, order entry, capacity planning, purchasing, inventory
control, production scheduling/control, fully dynamic glass cutting optimization, lineal optimization, bar-code and touch-screen based production tracking (including remake control), CNC control of almost all window and glass-processing equipment available worldwide, delivery planning, invoicing and a complete business intelligence module. FeneVision Max ERP can be linked to almost every accounting system on the market, and it offers many tools for mobile tablets, such as the new mobile delivery planning module, developed as a native app for iPad.
PRODUCT SHOWCASE
CRYSTAL NOW AVAILABLE THROUGH EVERLAST everlast.biz
Everlast announced at Windoor 2015 that it now offers aluminum residential window and door systems from Crystal Window and Door Systems. On display was the Crystal Series 2000A aluminum double hung tilt window with a 3 1/4-inch frame depth and 7/8-inch IGU. Rated for AAMA H-C60/CW-PG50, the Series 2000A is available with durable, environmentally friendly powder coat paint in standard colours. The windows feature tilting sashes for easy cleaning, a full curved lift handle for easy operation and an anti-drift head clip lock that automatically secures the top sash in the closed position for safety, security and strong weather resistance. Special colour finishes are available, as are patterned glass, casement fins, continuous heads and sills and low-E argon gas fill for added energy efficiency.
INNOVATIVE VENT EXTENSION
Elton Manufacturing launched its new venting door lite extensions at Windoor, designed for use with its current 2036 and 2236 vents. The extensions vent the middle of the door, offering safety for children and pets and an easy lifting position. No more broken screens from energetic dogs. The extensions feature the same ergonomic handle design with two-piece construction for easy storage, inventory and handling during installation. The vent latch features a solid design that holds the slider in place when raised. The vent spring is highquality for longer use without loss of tension.
REINFORCED MULL POST
vi-lux.com
Vi-Lux introduced a number of new components for entrance doors at WinDoor 2015. It now offers a single-
piece reinforced mull post for added structural strength and security. Also on display was a 5 1/4-inch door frame and a one-by-4 1/2-inch extension for greater flexibility. All products are UV-protected and available in smooth white, woodgrain-embossed and Vi-Guard coated finishes. Sizes available are 4 9/16-, 5 1/4-, 6 9/16- and 7 1/4-inch.
FOLD-AWAY INSECT SCREEN
thedsgroup.com
The Accordion pleated hideaway insect screen by DraftSeal comes in two models: DSF1 for the exterior side of inswing doors and the DSF2 for the interior side of outswing doors. The system can be applied to single or double doors and can be built into the pre-hung door unit and shipped as a complete unit to the job site. The system comes with aluminum or PVC brick mould that enables the screen to entirely fold away from view. The pull bar has a pull tab allowing the user to easily pull
the screen across the opening. The screen will not snap back when the pull tab is released. Also available is the DS1 storm sill with a built-in track and nose extension that has been tested to NAFS-11 standards for water ingress. The brick mould is available in brown or white. Accordion can be delivered in standard 6 9/16-inch, 7 1/4-inch, or custom sizes. The screen is easily replaced if damaged.
NEW FIBREGLASS DOOR trimlite.com
The new Plaspro fibreglass door available through Trimlite comes in 32-, 34- or 36-by-80-inch sizes at 3/4-inch thick. It is available as a slab only with a 22-by-15-inch glass option. The design is a threepanel shaker style with a smooth or fir grain and polyurethane fill. Plaspro doors are made in Ohio.
WOOD GRAIN COLOURING SYSTEM
decoralamerica.com
Decoral introduced its new Horizon UV ink PVC colouring system at WinDoor 2015. Available at lower cost than lamination or veneer systems, Horizon can colour PVC for outdoor applications with a 20-year warranty. Setup and colour changes are quick and easy. No glues, volatile chemicals or flammable
