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CANADA’S WINDOW AND DOOR MAGAZINE
Vol. 6,
Governments are looking at outlawing most of your products.
by
Lisa Bergeron
Farewell to Barry Murphy, Kevin Pelley takes home the big prize, B.C. to help window makers
12 SUCCESS WITH STYLE
Kempenfelt Windows provides a great example of collaboration.
A case study in custom fenestration software development. 24 2017 SAWDAC MEMBERS DIRECTORY
Your guide to the best dealers in Canada.
Energy Star’s limited focus also limits its effectiveness. by Chris Meiorin
2 30 THAT’S RICH Client perks are great, but only if they are done right. by Rich Porayko
Time’s up for double IG
Governments
are
planning
by Patrick Flannery
to mandate 0.8 U-factor in residential windows.
As stompings under the jackboot of government authority go, it couldn’t have been more pleasant. Debbie Scrarf’s tone was friendly and upbeat as she delivered the message to Canada’s window makers that the government plans by 2030 to outlaw the majority of the products they make.
Scrarf is the director of the equipment division of the National Research Council’s energy efficiency department. She delivered this message to delegates at Fenestration Canada’s Annual General Meeting in Halifax at the start of June. The message came in the form of an introduction to the Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change – a strategy drafted by provincial governments at the First Ministers meetings – that creates a road map for Canada to meet its obligations to reduce carbon emissions under the Paris Agreement.
In a nutshell, the Framework calls for the creation and adoption across the country of stepped building codes reducing allowable centre-of-glass U-factor in residential windows to 1.6 by 2020, 1.2 by 2025 and 0.8 by 2030. Barring some major advance in IGU technology, this means only triple-glazed units will be allowable by 2030. Crucially, the Framework calls for this standard to be applied to replacement installations as well as new builds, though it is unclear how this would be enforced on projects that don’t require a building permit. If the provinces balk at adopting these codes, Scrarf hinted darkly – but in a nice way – that the federal government has the authority to act on its own using powers under the Energy Efficiency Act.
There did seem to be recognition – at least from Scrarf – of the significant technical and operational challenges this shift will impose on fenestration fabricators and installers. She spoke at length about her hopes for new R&D funding programs that would help manufacturers with the costs of transitioning to all-triple products and production. However, she admitted getting this funding would depend on a successful “lobbying” process. In other words, no guarantees. It would seem the better part of wisdom to be getting to work now figuring out how you are going to design, produce and sell triple-IGU units at a profit in your market.
This being Canada, the top-down application of brute government force must always be made to appear consensual and conciliatory. So naturally there will be a large market study due for completion in 2018. The overt goal of this study is to understand the current state of energy efficiency technology in Canada’s residential window market, and to collect input from all stakeholders on the best way forward. It is to be hoped that Fenestration Canada will be a strong voice in these deliberations to protect the interests of our industry. Incoming president Lisa Bergeron seems ready to take on this role.
There will be a lot of ground for this plan to cover between now and 2030. For one thing, there will be at least two federal elections in there. But for now, the shifting sands of political opinion seem to have converged on the conclusion that improving the energy performance of our built environment can no longer be left to market forces and persuasion.
INDUSTRY NEWS
Pelley given C.P. Loewen Award
Kevin Pelley, president of Kohltech International, was recognized for his contributions to the industry with Fenestration Canada’s C.P. Loewen Award at the association’s Annual General Meeting on June 2. Longtime industry friend, George Warren of Centennial Windows and Doors, presented the award along with incoming Fenestration Canada president, Lisa Bergeron of Jeld-Wen. Pelley was visibly surprised to be receiving the award, though he admitted in retrospect there had been signs. In his introduction, Warren pointed to Pelley’s tireless dedication to the association and innovative vision in running Kohltech.
Born and raised in Halifax, Pelley is a graduate of Dalhousie University with a bachelor of civil engineering and Saint Mary’s University with an MBA. He has 35 years of experience in business working in a variety of fields including technical sales, marketing, sales management, operations, distribution and human resource management. Pelley is the president of Kohltech International, based out of Debert, N.S. Kohltech trades under the Peter Kohler Window and Entrance Systems, Kohltech Windows and Entrance Systems and McLeod Windows brands.
He is past president of the Canadian Window and Door Manufacturers Association and served on the Fenestration Canada board of directors for 13 years, including time spent as president, past president and most recently treasurer. Pelley is a past chairman and founding member of Fenestra Co-op; a past board member of Children’s Clean Air Network; a past board member of the Atlantic Building Supply Dealers Association; a past chair of Cobequid Community Health Centre Grand Day Event; a founding member of the Bedford Minor Hockey Player Assistance Fund, and has served on the executive of Fall River Minor Football team and is on the coaching staff of the Lockview Dragons High School Football Team.
Kevin has been married to his wife, Bea, for 26 years and lives in Oakfield, N.S., and has two sons – James, 21, and Jerrod, 24. Kevin enjoys boating, coaching, a little golf and spending time with his family and his dogs.
B.C. to assist high-performance window development
The province of B.C. is providing $500,000 to encourage the development and certification of highperformance windows that will help homeowners and businesses conserve energy and reduce heating costs, and stimulate the high-performance window manufacturing industry in British Columbia, the B.C. government said in a release. British Columbia window manufacturers will be eligible for total incentives of up to $80,000 to design, test, certify and build new window products that exceed the province’s current energy efficiency requirements. The windows supported by this program will move from double-pane to triple-pane glazing and greatly increased insulation in the window frames, dramatically improving the comfort inside a home or building during colder months.
The costs associated with creating new window products that exceed current B.C. energy efficiency requirements, including research and development, lab testing and certification, can be prohibitive for a window manufacturer and are a barrier to the introduction of new high-performance windows into the market. By providing financial
incentives this program aims to address this market barrier and stimulate the development of highperformance windows by B.C. manufacturers. There are two options for funding under the program. Manufacturers who receive the Energy Star Most Efficient certification for new product lines are eligible for an incentive of $25,000. Manufacturers who receive the more stringent Passive House Institute certification for their new window product lines are eligible to receive an incentive of $40,000. A new and different product line is required for each award. Manufacturers receive the incentive when they have completed the design and prototype manufacture of the new window product and completed the certification process. The High Performance Window Certification Program supports commitments under the Province’s Climate Leadership Plan to encourage the development of net-zero energy buildings and create innovation opportunities and financial incentives for advanced, energy efficient buildings. The program will be administered for the province by the Fenestration Association of British Columbia.
George Warren of Centennial Windows and Doors (left) presented the award along with Lisa Bergeron of Jeld-Wen.
SAWDAC Newsletter
GREAT FINANCIAL POSITION
The first quarter has started out strong for the association with 27-per cent growth in revenues versus the same period last year coupled with a 16-per cent reduction in expenses. These improvements have delivered a small surplus, which will be crucial going forward to help us grow our programs and services to members.
WORKING AT HEIGHTS TRAINING
SAWDAC has been helping our members, especially in Ontario, meet their legal requirement to provide working-at-heights training to employees who work more than six feet off the ground. The one-day course is provided by a certified third party, on demand, at your location. The special rate for SAWDAC members is $150 per student. To set up a course for your people, drop us an email at info@sawdac. com. Remember, the Ontario deadline to have your workers trained is Oct. 31. If you get caught with untrained workers on a roof, ladder, lift or scaffolding after that date, the consequences could be severe.
WINDOW WISE REPORT
Window Wise job registrations are up 18 per cent over
this time last year. SAWDAC staff have been working hard to grow this program on a number of fronts. We are reaching out bi-weekly to Window Wise dealers to encourage registration of their projects. Joe Zaborski at Beverly Hills Home Improvements has been helping us call prospective dealers and tell them about the program’s benefits – he should know! We are also planning another Window Wise installation course for later this summer, details TBD. We continue to ask Window Wise members to send us reference letters. This is a program that works better with the more exposure it gets, so please don’t be shy.
SOCIAL MEDIA
Our Facebook page continues to grow and we will look at investing to drive awareness around our posts. We are planning on launching a new website mid to late summer with a fantastic new look and feel. Once this is done we will put some SEO around this to help drive awareness. We are really excited about this, and I am sure you will be as well moving forward!
MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS
Improvit360 has just signed up with SAWDAC as they offer software for both manufacturers and dealers that
helps streamline business. This software is discounted for our SAWDAC members.
TRADE SHOWS
There was a lot of home shows visits over the MarchApril time frame with follow up on joining SAWDAC. Executive director Jason Neal also attended the Fenestration Canada Annual General Meeting in Halifax and had a lot of good conversations there.
GOLF TOURNAMENT
The annual SAWDAC golf tournament took place June 6 at the lovely but dangerous Turtle Creek golf course near
Guelph, Ont. The weather did not co-operate very well, but SAWDAC members compensated by staying as wet inside as they were outside. Almost 90 golfers had lunch then took to the links, returning for a dinner of barbecue pork and chicken. Along the way there were long drive, closestto-pin and closest-to-keg contests, with a chance to win $50,000 for a hole-in-one (no winner this time). Golfers also had a chance to make long putts to win a Texas mickey, with proceeds going to the Kids Can Play charity. The event raised over $300 for that worthy cause. Photos are on our Facebook page!
Wayne Palmer (right) and Mark D’Amico of George Kent Home Improvements didn’t let the rain dampen spirits. The tournament included a good mix of dealers and suppliers, with some coming from as far away as Halifax.
INDUSTRY NEWS
North Star acquires TruBilt
North Star Windows and Doors and TruTech Corporation have announced North Star’s acquisition of TruBilt, TruTech’s pre-hung entry door system division. This acquisition further emphasizes North Star’s commitment to world-class manufacturing and industry leading quality, service, and delivery. The sale of the pre-hung door systems division provides TruTech the opportunity to focus on their core business, the manufacture and distribution of fibreglass and steel door panels, decorative door lites and related components throughout North America.
TruTech’s CEO, John Careri, said, “TruBilt’s customers will be very well served by this marriage. North Star’s reputation for great quality, service and delivery on the window side is perfectly aligned with our own on the door side. This is a great deal for all parties involved. North Star gains the technological know-how, manufacturing footprint and experienced team necessary to produce outstanding entry door systems. TruTech’s core business focus will allow us to accelerate the growth of our door
Great Windows expands
Following a successful diversification of its product range, Great Windows has announced an expansion of its operating base with the opening of a new office and distributing facility in Richmond Hill, Ont. The new facility enables the speedier distribution of replacement windows to customers in the western suburbs of the Greater Toronto Area and complements the recent additions to the sales and installation teams. The warehouse and showroom combination is a satellite office, enabling customers to visit and actually see the full range of vinyl windows prior to purchase.
Rob Pahl, president, said, “We have enjoyed tremendous success over the last few months as we have, to a large extent, outgrown a single facility
components business. TruBilt’s customers will continue to enjoy a very strong and dedicated supplier using high quality TruTech door components. TruBilt’s employees are joining a great team with a common focus and attitude.”
Ron Cauchi, North Star’s CEO, added, “TruBilt is a wonderful fit for North Star. Together with John and his team, we have developed a truly great entry door program that is tailored to compliment and perfectly match our window product offering. Their commitment to quality and service is also a great match with North Star’s approach and long-standing reputation. They share our passion for delivering great quality products, on time, every time.”
TruBilt, as part of the North Star family, will continue to manufacture entry door systems at their Vaughan, Ont., location using high quality TruTech door panels and decorative glass. TruBilt says its entire dedicated and highly experienced team will continue to support their customers with the same passion that they have for many years.
operation. The Richmond Hill location allows us to better serve our customers in the provision of replacement windows and doors in Richmond Hill and across the northern and western suburbs of the GTA. This facility gives our suppliers an additional drop point, our customers an additional showroom to visit and our employees a better base to operate from for customers in the north and west of Toronto. It is totally impractical for a salesperson to walk in to a potential customer’s house with the full range of storm doors, bay windows, casement windows and what-have-you to make a sales presentation and quote. This way we can serve our customers in their home as much as we need to and allow them to enjoy a more consultative sell at one of our locations.”
Technical guidance for skylights
The American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA) recently released a new document to provide guidance and sound technical information on the various aspects and considerations that need to be considered when applying plastic-glazed skylights and sloped glazing as an enhancement to a building design. The document is intended to provide the architect, engineer, contractor and property owner with this information and knowledge to help them understand the value and effective application of these features, as well as the benefits of different plastic glazing materials.
“Based upon discussions with stakeholders in the
construction value chain, it became clear that there was a fundamental lack of understanding of the key features and benefits of the various plastic glazing materials available for skylights and sloped glazing,” says Ken Schwartz of Covestro, chair of the Selection and Design of Plastic Glazing for Skylights Task Group. “The goal of AAMA PSSG-16 Task Group was to create a document that would provide background on the options available, and guidelines for selection of plastic glazing based upon functional performance requirements, codes and regulatory considerations and the relative materials properties.”
New brand manager at Energy Star
Energy Star Canada has announced the addition of Stephan Telka in the new position of Energy Star brand manager. Having a dedicated resource for strategic marketing of the brand is intended to demonstrate commitment to growing the program in Canada. Telka brings 10 years of experience in strategic communications as well as in stakeholder and public relations to the job. Canadian fenestration companies can expect to be hearing more about Stephan’s work in advertising and audience engagement, especially through Energy Star’s new social media accounts on Twitter and Facebook.
Barry Murphy passes
Long-time industry leader, Barry “Mr. Marvelous” Murphy, passed away at his home in Toronto on June 7. Murphy was a past president of the Canadian Window and Door Manufacturers Association, a recipient of the C.P. Loewen Award and inducted as an industry Pioneer in 2009. Murphy’s career in the fenestration industry spanned six decades starting in 1953 at Lloyd Doors and moving through Premdor (1973), Stanley Doors (1979), LBM Marketing (2001) and finishing with Therma-Tru Doors.
Official obituary:
Our family is deeply saddened to announce the passing of
Building permits by dwelling type
Barry John Murphy (Mr. Marvelous) at Humber Heights on Wednesday, June 7th. He is survived by his daughter Donna, his sons Michael (Mary) and Kevin (Julie); his grandchildren Liam, Sean, Nolan, Philip, Joel, Ryan, Torie, Kamal and Jamal and his great grandchildren (Marcus, Nixon, Karah, Ethan, Isaac and Oliver. We will miss him deeply but will remember how much he cared for and gave of himself to help others.
Long-time industry friend and fellow Pioneer Jim Parker commented, “Very sad news. Last I heard from him was an email saying ‘I’m off to our family fishing trip - don’t send emails until the 9th.’ He was so proud of his family and the fishing trips. Barry made a huge contribution to the industry and the WinDoor show!”
A look at the year-on-year first-quarter building permits from Statistics Canada reveals a mostly flat market for single family homes and strengthening demand for row housing and apartments. Source: Statistics Canada
FENESTRATION CANADA Present and accounted for
by Lisa Bergeron
Iam honoured and pleased to serve as president of Fenestration Canada for the upcoming year. Change is in the air both locally, regionally and federally and we know the next few years will be very challenging for the fenestration industry. Fenestration Canada is committed to closely monitoring potential changes that will impact our members. This includes participating in key stakeholder meetings, meeting with municipal and provincial regulatory bodies, and being a key participant in discussions with NRCan regarding their aspirational goals to support the Paris Accord agreement and the Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change.
O ur industry has transformed itself in the past and will do so again. In many ways our survival depends on it. In this journey to lower greenhouse gasses, other trade industries are innovating to claim their relevance and provide competitive solutions that could render energy-efficient fenestration irrelevant. We will be competing against all other products that can affect the energy balance sheet of a home. We are not merely competing against each other; we are competing against innovative industries that seek to become relevant if we do not act.
It is in times of transformation where an association like Fenestration Canada is most valuable. While fenestration manufacturers may meet the challenges set out by governments, governments will need to support those who rise to the challenge by enforcing its regulations. As manufacturers, we also need to have one code enforced in the same manner across all jurisdictions. While this appears to be a monumental task, governments cannot put those manufacturers who do the right thing at a disadvantage against those who do not. Setting more stringent targets for our products without an enforcement plan will not be acceptable. As an association, we will engage governments for long-term resolution to this inequality that plagues our industry. We will work with our sister associations,
as well as other trade associations, to create a united front where our goals align.
O ur association has made great strides in the past few years and has grown into a much more structured organization which adds value to our membership. We have a new strategic plan and are set to take this association to the next level. We will continue to add services and grow membership. FenCan’s immediate challenge is to communicate efficiently and adequately the services and benefits that membership brings. We have some of the best resources in our industry that are available to our members.
We can’t continue to grow as a dynamic association and maintain our relevancy without the support of our members and our sponsors. We are pleased to announce our first Premier Annual Corporate sponsor: Energi Fenestration Solutions. Fenestration Canada is only as strong as its members. Our members have a voice when they are engaged and active in the association through volunteering on a committee or task group, attending webinars, participating at events like our Annual General Meeting and Conference (hope to see you in Calgary) and WinDoor (Nov. 28 to 30 at the International Centre in Mississauga, Ont.), and reviewing our informative white papers, reports and communiques.
Fenestration Canada is the Canadian window and door association and the challenges facing us can only be addressed if we are facing them together. There is an old French saying: ‘’Les absent ont toujours tort’’ (the absent are always wrong). This isn’t the time for you to be absent.
L isa Bergeron is government relations manager for Jeld-Wen of Canada, representing the company on provincial, national and international trade associations. She is currently president of Fenestration Canada.
8For more updates from Canada associations, visit fenestration review.com > community > association news
COVER STORY
SUCCESS WITH STYLE
Collaboration leads to strong dealer/OEM relationship.
In a business era that has manufacturers vertically integrating their sales model, it might seem counterproductive for a manufacturer to focus on the window and door dealer, but in the case of Euro Vinyl Windows of Woodbridge Ont., that’s precisely what they did with Kempenfelt Windows of Barrie, Ont.
by LAURA WEIL
“I’ve always viewed Kempenfelt Windows as more of a business partner than customer,” says Chris Meiorin, owner of Euro Vinyl Windows and Doors. Never has this been more evident than with the recent expansion of Kempenfelt Windows and their new showroom in Newmarket, Ont.
Early in the planning stages of their recent expansion, Rob Maslen, owner of Kempenfelt Windows, worked with key suppliers to formulate a model and product offering that best represented the new market they had planned to venture further into. “We wanted to be sure our suppliers were on board with this move,” says Maslen. He polled his key suppliers for their support. “Much like our philosophy is to go above and beyond for our customers, I wanted the same from our key suppliers.” With their solid track record over the past 20 years, Kempenfelt’s suppliers were quick to jump on board.
Kempenfelt had been serving the Newmarket area, which is 50 kilometres south of the main Barrie showroom. However, it had not had a showroom dedicated to this town. Prior to doing so, Maslen did extensive research. “We looked into city development plans for the next 20 years, asking what the key demographics are, where the housing market trends have been and what the projections were for the future.”
With MoneySense magazine ranking Newmarket 10th out of 200 cities in Canada, and fourth out of the top 10 small cities in Canada in its “Canada’s Best Places to Live” in 2013, Maslen knew it was a market he
could comfortably tackle. He understood well not only the clientele he was serving, but the unique construction of suburban homes in Newmarket. “It’s not to say the builds in Newmarket were too different from the rest of the province,” says Maslen, “but we just understood very well the windows and doors we are replacing and made sure we are able to offer our clients options that work.” Newmarket is a thriving community with small town charm and big city access. It is framed by major highways and efficient public transit lines, making it an ideal home for many commuters to and from Toronto. Population has doubled in 25 years, housing prices have increased by 13 to 20 per cent every year since 2010 and the average household income exceeds provincial averages. On paper, it’s a good market. The reality is, this is an area with heavy influence from metropolitan Toronto and most of the suppliers and trades working on Newmarket homes are coming up from the city. Kempenfelt’s Newmarket showroom needed to align with the local community standards and their aesthetic.
With that information, Kempenfelt set out to become a permanent fixture in the community with a new showroom that reflected the look and feel of the homes they were to transform, but Maslen knew he needed some help to achieve that goal. The Newmarket showroom required careful design to ensure it resonates with this bustling community.
Stamp Architecture, a Toronto-based firm specializing in residential design, was contacted by Kempenfelt Windows to help with
the design of its new showroom. Brad Netkin, principal architect of Stamp, met the project with enthusiasm and felt very comfortable with the proposal to assist in the design of the new space from the onset. Although retail showrooms were a departure from his typical projects, Netkin related well to his new clients and the products he was asked to showcase. “Rob was very openminded to the design process and had the will to explore options,” says Netkin. “First I had to establish the inventory Kempenfelt wanted to showcase and from there it was how to best work it into the space and create an environ-
ment that appealed to the demographics.” Netkin has designed and built commercial, residential and mixed-use environments, which has naturally included the sourcing of building materials. Stamp has incorporated EVW products in multiple projects and knew how to design an environment which allowed visitors to Kempenfelt’s Newmarket space to see and relate with products on display. Considerations included the sizes, colours and configurations of windows and doors on display. This was carefully detailed through collaborative efforts of EVW, Kempenfelt and Stamp over series of on-site meetings. Each window and
door unit would replicate similar dimensions and finishes of the area homes, including the scale of ceiling height and floor space. The final design showcases the improvement new windows and doors can make in a Newmarket home.
A notable component was designed to inspire homeowners to blend their indoor and outdoor living. An admirable feature of Newmarket residences is the generous amount of property which comes with a typical home. When visiting this area, it is quickly apparent that landscaping is a reflection of just how serious local homeowners are about enjoying their property. Along the back
Kempenfelt’s showroom design took in the realities of its target market, where suburban inside/outside lifestyles meet urban influence from Toronto. An architect helped.
COVER STORY
wall of the showroom is a 16-foot-wide bi-parting door, finished with sleek black frames and a low-profile sill. This sliding glass door showcases what an addition of a large open passage can do to for a transitional space.
In the window and door industry, it is no secret that entry door options are exhaustingly vast, which can easily create an overwhelming experience. A home’s front entry is the first impression and it’s one of the few elements that can translate a homeowners personal taste from both exterior and interior perspectives. This can be a costly and important decision to make. Kempenfelt wanted to create spaces within the showroom to allow full vantage points for their doors so that a decision can be easily made. There is an area in the showroom called “the townhouses” which includes entry systems in various colours and finishes complimenting modern through to traditional designs, all in a harmonious space. This area showcases the principle that individual taste can differ from one home to another while
TILT-TURN WINDOWS SLIDING DOORS & MORE
still complimenting the architecture. The design was collaborative, well thoughtout and meticulously executed for the intended purpose. It has been a journey that reinforced the relationship between Kempenfelt and EVW.
The B2B relationship in our industry between manufacturers and dealers tends to be a fickle one. Perhaps this is why manufacturers are opting to sell direct, avoiding the potential of being dumped and replaced. There are a few long-term relationships in the window industry that run smoothly with known commitments. The alternative has been a business relationship that does not translate into long-term partnerships. This may be due to logistics, pricing, product selection or even personnel. That said, when it clicks, the dealer/manufacturer dynamic is a good connection and tends to have longevity. This is the type of relationship that is to be nurtured, as it is rare and valuable. This has been case between Euro Vinyl Windows and Kempenfelt Windows and Doors.
HISTORY OF A RELATIONSHIP
The first time Maslen arrived at EVW he confidently voiced that Kempenfelt was going to be Euro’s largest dealer. This is a familiar tune in the B2B world, as it’s been sung before by many ambitious entrepreneurs. That said, this time it
became a reality and has flourished for over 16 years. With both companies working together in ensuring continued and sustainable growth, it has been discovered that a good breakfast is key. Often the EVW and Kempefelt team will meet for a 7 a.m. coffee-and-eggs meeting. It’s a simple formula: meet, order quasi-healthy breakfast plates and chat. The discussion varies from current projects, industry gossip, family life and always, new ideas. Not every idea unfolds to reality, however there have been good strides in marketing campaigns, product enhancements and market research. This has most evident in the collaborative efforts for a reinvented showroom experience for Newmarket.
According to Merriam-Webster, the verb “reinvent” means “to make as if for the first time something already invented; to remake or redo completely; or to bring into use again.” The client experience should be one of ease and comfort, as there shouldn’t be a specific component of the showroom visit that is glaring or unusual. This is precisely what good design emulates, and with that, the new showroom is a model of success.
For more profiles of Canadian window and door companies, visit fenestrationreview.com
Inside-out with an urban twist – that’s the one of the featured design elements Kempenfelt brought to its showroom with these slick black garden doors.
INDUSTRY EVENT
FenBC makes a splash
Dan Gosse of All Weather Windows strikes a pose after beating one into the rain. Despite a wet day, people from across the B.C. window and door industry were able to have some fun and network.
Wet. That is one way of describing the usually gorgeous FenBC annual Texas scramble golf tournament hosted this past May 11 at the Arnold Palmer-designed Ridge course featured at Surrey, B.C.’s Northview Golf and Country Club.
In spite of the torrential rain and gusting wind, glazing contractors, suppliers, consultants and window and door manufacturers had a fun day building relationships on the golf course. “It was a great day despite the weather!” said Dan Gosse, regional manager for All Weather Windows.
PFG Glass sponsored the popular wine draw as well as LPGA tour pro Linda Jervis for the tournament’s beat the pro contest. Cascade AquaTech sponsored this year’s putting contest while Oasis Windows sponsored FenBC’s scorecards. Veka Canada stepped up for this year’s new trivia contest, which included some tricky questions submitted by the tournament’s sponsors.
Also new this year was the golf air cannon, sponsored by Vetrotech Saint-Gobain
Top Tier sponsor Cardinal IG also presented the grand prize of a set of premium Calloway golf clubs to Vitrum Glass Group’s Tara Brummet.
The sun gods may not have blessed this year’s event however it has been a long, good streak.
The golfers made the best out of a lousy day and feedback from the membership and sponsors was positive. The evening’s emcee, PFG sales manager Amy Bell, congratulated all the winners and thanked all volunteers, participants, sponsors and supporters of the event.
Duane Rose, Andrew Davidson, Carey Mobius and Greg Holowoychuk of Garibaldi Glass took honours for low score with a combined 63. The most honest team was not available for comment.
FIT AND FINISH
Entropy Star
The limited scope of the Energy Star program damages its usefulness.
by Chris Meiorin
Let’s say you went out last week and bought a new family vehicle. You did your homework. You poured over the NRCan (Natural Resources Canada) website. You studied the EnerGuide fuel and consumptions ratings. You made sure the vehicle you were about to purchase had the new, redesigned EnerGuide label, detailing everything from fuel consumption to annual fuel costs. Armed with this information, you strolled to your local dealer and made clear you had done your homework (via Google) and handed over the model you wished to purchase and the price you wished to pay (again, Google). You were pleased with the work you had put into this process and equally pleased you were doing your part to lower greenhouse gas emissions.
Since the purchase, however, a few issues have presented themselves. You have a family of six, including the dog, and the new car only seats four. There is no storage space for your sports gear and tools. You love to listen to music and podcasts, but there’s no radio or media player. In short, it may not be the best vehicle for your needs, but gosh-darn-it, it sure does go far on a tank of super-high-octane low-sulfur gas. Interestingly enough, there was a message from a vehicle manufacturer in the EnerGuide opening page. It suggested that there were many factors to consider when buying a new vehicle. Everything from utility, performance and lifestyle needs. Driving habits should also be taken into consideration. How you operate the vehicle and access to qualified service should also be considered. You did in fact notice this, but just assumed it was the manufacturer’s attempt to sell you a car you didn’t really want or need.
This, it seems to me, is the experience most consumers will have when trying to use Energy Star as a guide to buying energy-efficient windows.
I am not a fan of Energy Star and its narrow and flawed focus pertaining to fenestration products. Nor am I alone in this thinking, as a full 44 per cent of those polled by the National Glass Association (38 per cent favoured, 18 per cent neutral) appear to feel the same
about Energy Star and its current value to the consumer. I’ve made no secret about how I feel about this, and have voiced my opinion on this topic at various Energy Star stakeholders meetings with nothing more than a literal shoulder shrug in return. This has been an ongoing industry message directed toward NRCan, and although a recent presentation by Debbie Scharf (NRCan) at the 2017 Fenestration Canada AGM might suggest they are at least hearing this message, it is also very possible that the Energy Star program may be on its way out. This was first discussed by Jeff Baker, technical consultant for FenCan, as far back as the WinDoor 2017 seminars. Mr. Baker, as a side note to his presentation, suggested that with the election of Donald Trump, proposed funding cuts of almost one third to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) would leave the Energy Star program in jeopardy. With Canada’s Energy Star program being aligned with that of the EPA in almost every aspect, it would leave in question the viability of the program here in Canada, and good riddance.
The major flaw of the Energy Star program relating to windows and doors is the fact that value is based entirely on winter heating degree days. No value or concern is given to such issues as passive solar heat gain its effect on associated energy consumption relating to cooling. Nor has any consideration been given to the comfort of the occupants buying into the program, or the resulting aesthetics of a window that is forced to meet the ever-increasing demands of compliance to the program. This in itself is distressing as these new and proposed criteria would potentially reduce the available use of glazing as an architectural design feature, in its place allowing for not much more than a cookie-cutter-pick-list of conservatively sized windows. The renderings for the “new” Energy Star home have a remarkable resemblance to the socialist housing plans of communist Russia. But then again, this is Canada.
Chris Meiorin is the owner of Euro Vinyl Windows and Doors in Woodbridge, Ont.
2018 BUYERS GUIDE
The Fenestration Review Buyers Guide includes top suppliers to the residential window and door industry in Canada. It will be published in our upcoming fall issue and distributed to over 4,000 qualified window and door fabricators and installers across the country - plus our online directory is a valuable resource available all year.
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INDUSTRY EVENT
HIGH-ENERGY HALIFAX
Good fun and productive meetings at
Fby Patrick Flannery
The beautiful Halifax harbourfront area provided the backdrop for the AGM social program, which included a walk to a boat tour and a trip to historic Pier 21. The weather was absolutely perfect the whole time – a lucky break in the unpredictable Atlantic region.
FenCan’s AGM.
enestration Canada’s trip to Halifax May 30 through June 2 generated significant excitement and interest for the industry, attracting about 170 delegates from across the country to the Westin Nova Scotian on the harbourfront.
The week began with a tour of Atlantic Windows in Port Elgin, N.B. – about two hours away – then moved through two days of committee and board meetings with social events in the evenings. Friday was the big day with education sessions and panels culminating in the President’s Dinner and presentation of the C.P. Loewen Award and the new President’s Award.
Noteworthy was the turnout for the Technical Committee meeting. A body that was drawing five or six members just a few years ago had 50 people in the room at the Halifax meeting. Technical Committee meetings are a rare opportunity to learn not just what is current in codes and standards but also what is coming down the pipe from the various standard-writing bodies. The committee is loaded with experts who sit on these bodies and attendees get a chance to discuss their work with them.
It’s hard not to have a good time in Halifax, especially when your guide is Atlantic Windows president Greg Dickie with his apparently encyclopedic knowledge of Halifax bars and restaurants. Dickie was front-and-centre at most of the social events, ably filling the role of local host with the help of Jennifer Small of Screenco, chair of the AGM committee. Dan Darcy added to the local colour in his kilt. AGM attendees enjoyed a stroll along the beautifully redone harbourfront area to a boat cruise around the legendary harbour on the Thursday. Amazing views of the shipyards, naval vessels and old fortifications still on the harbour’s islands entertained everyone. The boaters docked next to the Cable Wharf, where a delicious lobster dinner was served, giving way to local band Signal Hill that had everyone dancing until last call. It didn’t seem to matter where you went in
Halifax, there was an excellent live band and an enthusiastic crowd.
After the education sessions on Friday, atendees gathered to network at the wellsupported supplier showcase. Sponsorship for the event was strong and Small made sure sponsors were well recognized. Then it was a short walk to Pier 21, the historic docking point for migrant ships crossing the Atlantic with new arrivals to Canada. The building has been turned into government offices with a museum and banquet space overlooking the harbour. Attendees were fascinated with the museum, which contained all kinds of items and information collected from immigrants who passed through over the centuries. In an especially poignant moment, it was revealed that Frank Bruno of Everlast passed through Pier 21 himself at the age of 15 on his way to Canada from Italy. His visit represented the first time he’d been back since (see photo).
The President’s Dinner was deftly MCed by Robert Jutras of CLEB in both English and French. Outgoing president Allan Doyle of Global Windows and incoming president Lisa Bergeron of JeldWen addressed the room giving thanks to key supporters and expressing their satisfaction with the direction of the association lately. Bergeron in particular had a strong message about the need for the association to protect its members’ interests in the face of challenges and changes coming from governments and regulators across the country. The big moments of the evening came with the awarding of the first-ever President’s Award recognizing significant contribution to the association. Steve Alward of Atlantic Windows took the honours, presented by Allan Doyle. Next up was George Warren of Centennial Windows who was visibly moved to present the C.P. Loewen Award for great contributions to the industry to his old friend, Kevin Pelley of Kohltech.
All in all a great opportunity for education, networking and fun leading to stronger bonds between members of the Canadian window and door industry. Next year’s AGM will take place in Calgary.
The Fenestration Canada AGM education program took place on the Friday, June 2. The keynote message came from Debbie Scrarf, director of the equipment
division of the office of energy efficiency at the National Research Council, who outlined the Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change. That is a document agreed on by Canada’s provincial premiers setting out the targets for energy efficiency and emissions controls that various sectors will need to hit in order for Canada to meet its commitments under the Paris Agreement on climate change. For the fenestration industry, the big news was that governments want all new homes to be at least Net Zero-ready by 2030 – which means windows will need to achieve a 0.8 centre-ofglass U-factor. Replacement windows will be included in the rules.
Scrarf said the NRC is working on step codes to phase in the tighter standards. The proposed schedule would see 1.6 U-factor mandated by 2020, lowered to 1.2 by 2025 then to 0.8 by 2030. Consensus around the conference was that 0.8 U-factor is only achievable with triple-paned insulating glass units using present technology. So the proposed rules, if embedded in codes and/or provincial laws, would force a huge change in window designs and effectively outlaw most of the products on the market today.
Scrarf implied the NRC understands this and said there will be a significant effort to collect information from manufacturers on what is possible now and to obtain funding to help manufacturers develop compliant products that are still affordable. She did, however, note that
obtaining this R&D assistance would constitute a “lobbying” process.
The NRC’s national market survey is planned for completion in 2018. Input from industry stakeholders will be solicited.
Greg Dickie (right) and Dan Darcy of Darcy Associates (kilt) were thanked by Doyle and FenCan executive director Cindy Gareau for their efforts as local hosts.
SOFTWARE PRODUCTS
NO HOSTING HASSLES
8wtsparadigm.com
WTS Paradigm has announced the launch of its Web CenterPoint product. CenterPoint redesigns the selling experience, creating a product that makes quoting and ordering faster and easier. Web CenterPoint offers a reliable, scalable, cutting-edge configurator, designed with building products and branding in mind, as well as access to the data behind it all to help drive business decisions in the right direction. The intuitive workflow and sleek new UI are two significant differentiators for Web CenterPoint. There’s no need to worry about hosting because WTS Paradigm takes care of it all. Web CenterPoint is offered as a SaaS solution, so there’s no need to focus on buying, managing, and maintaining hardware. WTS Paradigm leverages reliable
cloud technologies for a fast, secure, and trusted solution that can expand with business growth for years to come. WTS Paradigm will manage the software, so IT teams and resources can do what they do best and not worry about supporting third-party quoting applications. Web CenterPoint is already in use with building materials manufacturers. It is now available for those that want to simplify the configuration process for complex products, reduce the number of errors connected with quoting, and free up resources associated with hosting and managing local solutions.
MONITOR EACH WORKSTATION
FeneVision Core, FeneTech’s signature ERP solution, is an integrated production control software solution for glass fabrication and window and door manufacturing companies. It enables companies to schedule, optimize, execute and track their processes in detail and in real time, from estimate and
order entry to shipping and delivery. A host of fully integrated FeneVision Core modules are available. FeneVision Core can also interface to existing business systems such as order entry, invoicing, purchasing and more or operate as a standalone package. FeneVision Core features a comprehensive order entry structure including quoting, costing, invoicing and a fully automated pricing tool based upon flexible user-defined rules such as price lists, discounts, option pricing, or cost-up pricing methods. The solution includes dynamic generation of BOMs at order entry based on any selected option; CAD functionality for glass fabricators; and an opening designer and bay and bow designer for window manufacturers. Production is streamlined with an integrated lineal optimizer, production scheduling tools, capacity planning capabilities, a comprehensive purchasing system and ability to generate production reports and product labels. Control of the operation is enhanced with Web-based business intelligence reporting and integrated inventory control. FeneVision Core operates on a fully graphical user interface
running on a single database. This means, for example, that management and employees can see what is being made at each work station.
EASY INTERFACE TO MACHINERY
8windowmaker.com
Sales quotes and orders can be entered quickly and efficiently using the intuitive user interface of Windowmaker software. Choose from hundreds of standard designs or create a one-off design easily using drag-and-drop interactions. Keyboard shortcuts also reduce input times. Stunning graphical documents are available on everything from sales quotes and order confirmations to invoices. Prices are automatically calculated from either price lists or cost-plus-markup. Purchase orders can be produced for all bought-in sales lines such as glass or stocked components. Fabricators can use the full range of standard production reports, each designed for specific work areas, or use
customized ones defined for particular purposes. Links to cross-cut saws and CNC machinery are available, or can be written for all popular machines. A full range of customer documents and reports are available for all areas of administration, from delivery and invoicing through to management reporting. All reports can be customized for specific requirements. The Windowmaker Rules and Configurator dynamically control the options and answers available ensuring products that cannot be manufactured are not configured and stored.
SMOOTHS PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT
8360-innovations.com
With ProductConfigurator360 from 360 Innovations, fabricators can significantly
improve all processes from new product creation, to sales and manufacturing. Creating a products catalogue is made much easier. Users can integrate into a single repository, for all products, the available options and the product data for simple and complex cases, price lists and more. Product business knowledge is made available to all employees and customers by offering them PC360.
ProductConfigurator360 can be used in conjunction with other solutions from 360 Innovations (CustomBuilt360, BusinessCore360 and SalesUp360) or can simply be
integrated with other solutions. PC360’s unique architecture helps centralize all the information pertaining to products. Products made with PC360 are very well presented graphically with the high-quality rendering to scale that PC360 provides.
ProductConfigurator360 helps users to sell faster, more easily, more efficiently (without error) and speeds up order processing.
VERTICAL INTEGRATION
8improveit360.com
Improveit 360’s One-Org solution acts as a single business management platform to bring the franchise
or dealer network together under one powerful system. Now the franchisor, franchisees, manufacturer, distributor, or dealers can have all their communication, data and business functionality in a customizable, cloud-based operations system built exclusively for the home improvement industry. One system across the network provides better management visibility, support for standardized procedures, and greater control with automated lead distribution and tracking; real-time oversight into network performance and operations; accurate, up-to-date product catalogs and price books; built-in required business processes; improved communication and franchisee/dealer loyalty; control over franchise or
product marketing; and royalty reporting. The OneOrg platform provides users with a powerful tool to increases sales, manage franchisees or dealers and grow the company. All locations can use Improveit 360 to track and manage leads, require best business practices, boost conversion rates and run business effectively and efficiently. With Salesforce.com as the technology backbone, Improveit 360 provides possibilities to connect the industry with new tools and initiatives such as national lead generation programs, marketing, price book configurators, custom mobile
apps, ERP systems, QA, SCM, financing and more. Users can partner with Improveit 360 to leverage a talented team of developers with collective experience and market knowledge so that you can have the competitive advantage. The integrated future is here. What’s on your horizon? Today, manufacturers and franchisors know they must offer more comprehensive support to ensure success. Partner with us to provide the resources your network needs to beat out the competition and make them more loyal to you. Our industry expertise gives your network an advantage with educational materials and
business tools to help owners and managers eliminate chaos, systematize their processes, and close more deals.
HELPS MAXIMIZE CASH FLOW
8contracterp.com Fenestration companies rely heavily on manual processes and are littered with disconnected systems that leave them vulnerable to error and an eroding bottom line. ContractERP from Softtech is a software solution that automates and connects every aspect of your fenestration fabrication operation, from initial sale to final accounting transaction. ContractERP can help fabricators eliminate redundancies, grow margins and gain a significant competitive advantage. ContractERP, as the name implies, is built around individual contracts that drive fenestration businesses. And because it is built for window and door manufacturers, Contract ERP comed personalized for each user’s needs, supporting unique tasks and providing the specific information each user needs. This solution can give business owners confidence in their business’ future by allowing them to grow without taking on more employees. Contract ERP handles accounting, inventory, delivery, project management, human resources, shop floor scheduling and more. Window and door makers will always need good people, but ContractERP allows them to do more with the people they already have. Employees can solve more problems without help, giving owners a chance to focus on areas of the business that need their full attention. Users gain more options by improving cash flow and discovering what affects it.
For instance, ContractERP can coordinate purchases more precisely to customers’ ship dates and vendor lead times, granting users more control over operating capital. ContractERP can also help consolidate purchases creating more opportunities to negotiate volume pricing and favourable freight charges.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS INCLUDED 8windflite.com
Winsys software enables window and door manufacturers to produce the best possible product, on time and at a realistic price. The steady flow of information provided by Winsys helps managers better schedule work, balance workloads, and avoid backups and congestion in some areas while others sit idle. This better balance keeps all machinery and personnel working at optimum levels. Winsys accepts definitions of an unlimited number of products, each with an unlimited number of options. The product and option definitions may share bills of material and CAD drawing configurations. Additionally, any product may be identified for use in a multiple product pattern configuration, automatically calculating the various interior dimensions. Entering orders in Winsys is fast and simple. Custom products, stock sizes, multiple unit configurations and CAD drawing displays are all fully supported. Special requirements that are unique to certain customers and are easily overlooked may be configured to be automatically included. Orders and estimates are keyed from the same suite of screens removing the need to re-enter an estimate after it becomes an order.
WinDoor 2017 November 28-30, 2017
International Centre, Hall 1 Mississauga, ON
If windows and doors are the focus of your business, WinDoor is the place to be!
WinDoor brings together people from North America and beyond to network, learn and conduct business.
Don’t miss the opportunity to:
• Source new ideas, products, services and information that can help your business
• Learn about industry issues and trends.
• Network with industry colleagues from Canada, the US and abroad at the multiple networking events.
• Increase your corporate visibility as an exhibitor and sponsor.
Don’t miss the WinDoor Main Event at the Embassy Grand, Brampton. November 29, 2017. Limited seats available.* Book yours today!
*Some conditions apply.
To learn more visit www.windoorshow.ca or call us at 1-888-543-2516. To book your booth, call Asif Ahmed at 613-424-7239 x 110 or email asif@fenestrationcanada.ca.
