News and promotions

New Bill Seeks to ‘Cut Energy Bills at Home’

A new bill that would provide tax incentives for home performance upgrades has been introduced by U.S. Senators Olympia J. Snowe (R‐Maine), Jeff Bingaman (D‐N.Mex.), and Dianne Feinstein (D‐Calif.).  The “Cut Energy Bills at Home Act.” would provide as much as a 30 percent tax credit–up to $5,000–for upgrades that reduce whole‐home energy consumption. 

The current residential energy efficiency tax credit, set to expire at year end, provides a tax credit for the purchase cost of windows, doors, insulation and boilers, according to a press release from the the senators.  The new bill "would, for the first time, provide tax credits for actual energy savings," it notes.

Under the bill, the value of the credit begins at $2,000 for a 20 percent reduction in the energy consumption of a residential home for heating, cooling, water heating, and permanent lighting. The credit increases by $500 for every additional 5 percentage point increase in energy savings, up to $5,000. The credit is capped at 30 percent of the cost of the improvements and expires at the end of 2014.

The bill also defines how to calculate energy savings using computer modeling calibrated to actual energy bills before the improvements, and sets requirements for the contractor, installation process, and the modeling software to ensure work quality.

"We’ve been in discussion with Senate staff to gain a better understanding of the new bill,” says David Walker, VP, Window & Door Dealers Alliance. “We support the goal of increasing the energy efficiency of American homes, but we are not clear on the bill’s potential impact on the window and door business.”

"At a time of finite federal dollars, we must prioritize tax policies towards the most cost‐effective method to secure our energy future," says Snowe. "Performance‐based energy efficiency can transform America’s homes. I commend Senators Bingaman and Feinstein for their longtime leadership on energy efficiency, and look forward to working with our colleagues in Congress to address this vital issue.”

“This new tax credit rewards homeowners for reducing the amount of energy they use,” Bingaman states. “It’s an incentive that encourages homeowners to choose the most sensible and inexpensive option for saving energy. And, by helping lower energy use, this tax credit also will help reduce unhealthy air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.”

“By offering incentives for energy efficient renovations, this bill helps create jobs in California’s ailing construction sector while at the same time decreasing energy use and pollution. This sort of investment—putting Americans back to work while leaving behind lasting improvements—is the type of legislation Congress should be spending more time on,” adds Feinstein.

The new bill has attracted the support of the home performance industry. "Efficiency First applauds Senators Snowe, Bingaman, and Feinstein’s introduction of the first home performance tax credit," says Greg Thomas, chairman of industry group and CEO of Performance Systems Development. "This legislation is a monumental step forward for both homeowners and the home performance industry. By providing financial incentives for real energy savings, the 25E tax credit will save energy, save money, and create jobs. This is a real and sustainable growth opportunity for our industry and real savings for the American homeowner. This is a win‐win‐win for America.”

WDDA has yet to take any position on the bill, according to Walker. "What we do know is the likelihood of passage this year is quite slim. Industry, however, can expect backers of the bill to push the bill hard next year."

At the moment, WDDA, as well as other industry organizations such as the American Architectural Manufacturers Association and the Window and Door Manufacturers Association, are more focused on the tax credits targeted specifically at windows, doors and skylights, which are set to expire at year end, Walker reports. "As to the current 25c tax credit, the next few weeks will determine whether it is part of of tax extender package. We remain vigilent on that front too, joining other industry groups in the push for higher incentives."

 

  Remodeling Market Index Drops After Four-Year High

November 1, 2011 - DWM Magazine

The current state of the national economy continues to affect the remodeling industry, according to the latest National Association of Home Builders’ (NAHB) Remodeling Market Index (RMI). The index dropped to 41.7 in the third quarter from 43.9 in the second quarter, after having reached a four-year high of 46.5 in the first quarter. An RMI below 50 indicates more remodelers report that market activity is declining than report it is increasing.

The overall RMI combines ratings of current remodeling activity with indicators of future activity, like calls for bids. In the third quarter, the RMI component measuring current market conditions fell to 43.0 from 44.8 in the previous quarter. The RMI component measuring future indicators of remodeling business declined as well, to 40.4 from 43.0 in the last quarter.

“Remodelers report that while many consumers show interest in having remodeling work done, they are slow to commit to projects,” says NAHB Remodelers Chairman Bob Peterson, CGR, CAPS, CGP, a remodeler from Ft. Collins, Colo. “Consumers are in a ‘wait and see’ mode with regard to current economic conditions.”

All three components measuring current market conditions decreased in the third quarter: major additions to 45.2 (from 46.2 in the second quarter), minor additions to 45.7 (from 48.5) and maintenance and repair to 37.1 (from 38.4). Future market indicators decreased as well: calls for bids to 45.4 (from 49.8), amount of work committed for the next three months to 29.9 (from 32.3), backlog of remodeling jobs to 43.0 (from 45.7) and appointments for appraisals to 43.3 (from 44.2).

Regionally, current remodeling market conditions shrank in two areas: the Northeast to 43.9 (from 48.1 in the second quarter) and the West to 40.9 (from 48.2). Increases were seen in the Midwest at 46.8 (from 44.4) and the South at 47.1 (from 42.9). Future market indicators fell in all regions, except for the South, where it edged up to 42.2 from 41.6 in the second quarter.

“The current economic instability continues to affect consumer confidence, therefore we have seen a drop off in remodeling activity for the last two quarters,” said NAHB chief economist David Crowe. “In order for the remodeling market to pick up, home owners need to have access to less restrictive lending requirements and see their economic future stabilizing.”

 

  RRP Changes – Again

By D.S. Berenson, Remodeling Magazine

On Oct. 4, 2011, the latest changes to the Environmental Protection Agency’s lead Renovation, Repair and Painting rule (RRP) became effective. Finalized in August, this latest round of changes continues to showcase the EPA's inability to understand its own law or the industry to which the law applies. That said, here is a brief summary of the changes most relevant to the remodeling and home improvement industry.

Proposed dust-wipe sampling. The previously proposed change to RRP that would have required a new dust-wipe clearance test by a new specially licensed worker — to be performed after the lead-safe work practices were completed — has been cancelled. Despite claims by certain trade organizations that this was the result of their lobbying efforts, the fact is that this proposal was dead once the congressional makeup changed last fall. A number of states had warned the EPA against enacting this “super cleaning” requirement as being unnecessary and unduly burdensome, even threatening to support a defunding of the EPA budget in regard to lead paint regulations.

Lead paint lab analysis. Certified Renovators, instead of conducting their own lead paint test, may submit a lead paint chip to an independent laboratory for analysis. The EPA will be providing details on how this may be accomplished, but in the real world this is unlikely to be of much use to most in the industry, given the increased cost, complexity, and time that such a procedure will require when compared to currently available test kits.

Definition of a “painted surface.” The EPA had never defined “painted surface,” and by its plain meaning that term should apply to a surface that has paint on it — as opposed, for example, to a sink or tub or gutter, each of which is not generally painted. Apparently in an effort to close down this possible loophole, the new changes to RRP now state that the term “painted surface” includes any “surface coating.”

Unfortunately, the EPA has failed to explain what is meant by a “surface coating” and this is not as simple as it appears. Is an enameled surface on a gutter or downspout a surface coating? What about an enameled tub being pulled on a liner job? Adding further potential confusion into the mix, the EPA’s Web page reported some time ago that the EPA would not consider the glaze on ceramic tile to be either a surface coating or a painted surface — and therefore ceramic tile is not subject to the RRP rule. Yet any tile manufacturer can tell you that glaze is either sprayed or painted on to a ceramic tile, not unlike the manner in which some types of enamel are applied (see "Tile & Tribulation.").

Vertical containment systems. Vertical containment “or equivalent extra precautions” must be used as part of lead-safe work practices for exterior renovations that affect painted surfaces within 10 feet of the property line. The “or equivalent extra precautions” now means that a contractor is allowed to use almost any type of vertical containment system, from a commercial box structure to scaffolding to a make-shift plastic sheeting lean-to, so long as it contains the dust being created from the renovation. Moreover, as long as the floor containment is tightly sealed to the vertical containment, the floor containment can stop where it meets the vertical containment system, even if that is before the current 6-foot standard for interior floor containment or the 10-foot standard for exterior floor containment.

Finally, of some note for contractors is the news that the EPA has once again changed the content of the lead paint informational pamphlet, now known as “The Lead Safe Certified Guide to Renovate Right.” Having lost count of how many times in the past four years the pamphlet has changed, we will simply note that page 10 has been rewritten to better explain what lead-dust testing is to the consumer. There should be no concern, however, about using up your existing stock of pamphlets before going to the newest version.

—D.S. Berenson is the Washington, D.C., managing partner of Berenson LLP (www.homeimprovementlaw.com), a national law firm specializing in the representation of contractors and the home improvement industry. 703.759.1055 or info@berensonllp.com. This article is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice.

 

  Minnkota Windows' Parent Company Announces Major Changes

FARGO, ND – Ole Rommesmo, Jr., CEO of The Rommesmo Companies (Fargo Tank and Steel, Johnston Fargo Culvert, Mandan Steel, Precision Stair and Steel, Huron Culvert and Tank, Dakota Steel and FTC Transport), announced three key changes to the 65-year-old business today: an acquisition of a Montana-based steel fabrication company; a reorganization to better align the company to its customers; and a new name for the newly integrated family of steel businesses.

 

Rommesmo announced the acquisition of Roscoe Steel, a Montana-based provider of structural steel, corrugated pipe and steel bridges for industrial, commercial, municipal and residential construction projects. The acquisition was finalized September 1st.

 

Rommesmo also announced his team has aligned its seven steel businesses across North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota and Wyoming into a single, integrated provider of steel products and services under the new name, TrueNorth Steel.

 

One, integrated business

 

With the addition of Roscoe’s pre-engineered steel bridges to its product line-up, the integrated TrueNorth Steel strengthens its already broad set of steel products and services. The company offers structural steel, corrugated pipe, storage tanks, bridges and logistics services for the agricultural, construction, mining, road building, recreation, municipal and energy industries as well as dozens of other applications.

 

The Roscoe acquisition also instantly increases the company’s production capacity and geographic footprint, allowing TrueNorth Steel to get products to its customers faster and more efficiently.

 

“Our customers are looking for a single provider of steel products and services,” Rommesmo said. “An organization that can help them evaluate their entire project – big or small – from every angle and deliver whatever they need. With the acquisition of Roscoe Steel and this reorganization, we’ll be able to better deliver and support our customers today and in the future.”

 

A new name

 

Rommesmo’s father, Ole Sr., started his first steel company in 1945, and the business has grown steadily and responsibly in its 65-plus years.

 

“From the very beginning, the business reflected my Dad, his values and his principles,” Rommesmo said. “Integrity, humility, focus and knowledge. These words describe Dad, and they describe our company today.”

 

It’s this foundation, together with the reliability Rommesmo and his team pride themselves on, that led to selecting the name TrueNorth Steel.

 

”We’re one company, so we need one name,” Rommesmo said “True North is an absolute, navigational guide travelers have counted on for centuries. It’s that level of dependability, reliability and trust upon which we’ve built our business for more than 65 years. Our goal is to live up to our name every day. To be the trusted TrueNorth for our partners and our customers.”                          

 

  EPA Revises Renovate Right Brochure

From NAHB.org
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is advising home owners to test their homes for lead paint dust after getting any remodeling or renovation work done – and now requiring remodelers to inform home owners of that option through its newly revised Renovate Right pamphlet.
After pressure from Congress and an NAHB-led coalition forced EPA to back away from clearance testing in its recent amendment to the Lead: Renovation, Repair and Painting Rule, this revision appears to be EPA’s way to encourage consumers to choose it anyway, rather than stopping at the cleaning verification that professional remodelers are already required to perform, noted NAHB Environmental Policy Analyst Matt Watkins.
The RRP rule requires that remodelers, window installers and other contractors distribute the Renovate Right brochure to property owners and tenants living in homes built before 1978 prior to beginning any remodeling work.
Remodelers and other contractors who have already printed copies of the April 2010 version of Renovate Right should download a copy of the insert page from the EPA publication website – because they must use this new version to be compliant with the law.
The revision to Renovate Right is on page 10: “For Property Owner: After the Work is Done,” and calls to the attention of the recipient “lead-dust testing.”
Renovate Right should be distributed no less than seven and no more than 60 days before a remodeling project. Remodelers working in a common area of a multifamily building must ensure that a copy of Renovate Right is posted at the job site or distributed to all residents. In the case of daycare centers or other child-occupied faculties, the brochure needs to be posted or given to the parents or guardians.
For additional information, email Matt Watkins or call him at 800-368-5242 x8327.

 

  Finally, Some Good News: EPA Says No to Clearance Testing

DWM Magazine - July 15, 2011

As the industry held its breath this week awaiting the news of whether the EPA would expand its Lead: Renovation, Repair and Painting (LRRP) Rule to include dust wipe sampling and clearance testing requirements as proposed in May 2010, the EPA announced today that it has decided against the testing.

While an announcement was scheduled for today many wondered if it would indeed come. But late this afternoon, the EPA announced “it is not necessary to impose new lead-dust sampling and laboratory analysis, known as the clearance requirements, as part of the LRRP.

Industry associations who have lobbied hard against inclusion of clearance testing, issued statements applauding the EPA’s decision.

“Today’s announcement is a significant victory for WDMA, its building industry allies, homeowners and the members of Congress who have led the charge on this issue,” says Window and Door Manufacturers Association (WDMA) president Michael O’Brien. “In particular, we would like to thank Senator Jim Inhofe and Congressman Bob Latta for their leadership in organizing Senate and House opposition to the Clearance Testing Rule.”

“We’re pleased that the EPA listened to the concerns of remodelers about the extreme costs the proposed clearance testing would have imposed,” adds Bob Peterson, National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) Remodelers chair.

He points out that under the lead paint rule contractors have been required to wipe down the project area after completing remodeling or renovation work and match the result to an EPA-approved card to determine whether lead paint dust is still present – a process that EPA says is “effective at reducing dust lead levels below the dust-lead hazard standard.” The proposal would have required contractors to hire EPA-accredited dust samplers to collect several samples after a renovation and send them to an EPA-accredited lab for lead testing.

“The EPA has maintained its common sense approach to keeping families safe during renovation,” said Peterson. “Hiring trained professional remodelers to contain dust, use lead-safe work practices, and clean up has been shown to successfully minimize lead hazards and protect individuals from lead exposure.”

EPA did announce it was making some changes that “clarify and strengthen the current lead-safe work practices, including requiring that a vertical containment system or equivalent measures be used when outside renovations are performed within 10 feet of a property line, and that HEPA-vacuum filters be changed at regular intervals.” WDMA says it will be reviewing those changes to gauge their impact on the industry.

O’Brien adds that WDMA will continue in its efforts to bring the LRRP Rule back on track with what was originally approved in 2008, in particular efforts to reinstate the opt-out provision for homeowners who do not have children under six or pregnant women present in their home. The association says it will also oppose efforts to expand the rule to commercial buildings.

 

  House Bill Would Prohibit Enforcement of Lead Rule Without Reliable Test Kit

July 13, 2011 - Window & Door: The Window and Door Manufacturers Association reports that the House Appropriations Committee has adopted an amendment to the Environmental Protection Agency's 2012 budget which would prohibit the agency from enforcing its Lead: Renovation, Repair and Painting (LRRP) Rule until the agency approves a reliable lead test kit as mandated by the agency's own rule. The amendment was sponsored by Rep. Denny Rehberg (R-Mont.) and was approved by a voice vote of the committee.

Under the LRRP Rule, EPA was supposed to have approved a commercially-available lead test kit which produced no more than 10 percent false positives and 5 percent false negatives, WDMA notes. Currently no such kit is available on the market, with some current kits producing false positives as high as 60 percent, thereby forcing LRRP compliance and the additional costs upon thousands of consumers in homes that otherwise would have tested negative.

"WDMA commends Congressman Rehberg and the members of the committee who supported his amendment for their leadership on this issue," says Michael O'Brien, WDMA president and CEO. "It is entirely reasonable to expect EPA to comply with their own regulations especially since it expects the window, door and skylight industry to comply. We are doing our part, they should do theirs."

According to a report in Nation's Building News, a coalition led by the National Association of Home Builders, including the Associated General Contractors of America, Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association, National Association of Realtors and the National Association of the Remodeling Industry, sent a letter of support for the amendment to the committee. “We urge you to adopt the Rehberg Amendment and require the U.S. EPA to comply with its own regulation regarding renovation work in homes and buildings that may contain lead-based paint,” the letter said.

“To be very clear, we fully support efforts to protect children and pregnant women from exposures to lead-based paint in homes and buildings,” it continued, but because there is no accurate test kit available, “the EPA has made compliance with the regulation as difficult and as inordinately burdensome as possible while simultaneously not complying itself.”

"Members of the WDDA applaud this effort," says David Walker, VP of the Window and Door Dealers Alliance. "We look forward to working with our industry colleagues and policymakers as the bill advances."

The bill now moves to the full House of Representatives for consideration.

 

  BLOG: Springing Into Spring

It’s been an exciting spring in North Dakota. We have endured another year of near record high water in the Eastern part of the state, and Western North Dakota received record snow falls this winter, including up to 9” on April 29th and 30th ! This excess moisture slowed things down a bit but we are drying out and our building season is ramping up.
We have been busy at Minnkota and there are a few things that we’d like to update you on: 
Our 4500 Series In-Swing Casement is up and running. This is a complete line of casements and pictures that can be mulled side-by-side or stacked. With this product we can offer a single operating unit up to 52” x 80” and thereby create more visible glass and less mull area.   Although we will not be able to offer an almond interior, this window is available with all our exterior colors, interior woodgrains, and wrapping options. Watch for news on a 4500
Series patio door. We are working on it right now and plan to have it available mid-year.
Minnkota has begun to offer flip locks as a standard item on hungs and sliders. This lock is very easy to use and much more ergonomically friendly than the traditional cam lock/keeper set-up. Simply flip the latch up and the lock is open and you can open the sash – close the sash and it’s automatically locked. Very minimal effort and certainly not much hand or finger strength required. A great feature for those double-hungs above the sink!
Simulated Divided Lites are our most recent grid offering. The SDL is a contoured grid that is applied to the interior and exterior of an IG unit giving the appearance of a true divided lite. It is only available on our casement, picture and awning profiles, as well as our 4500 Series products. It will not work on any other product lines. The bar is 1 5/16” wide and is available in all color options. The exterior bar can be coated to match, or contrast, frame colors, and the interior can be white or any of our woodgrains. This is an inexpensive way to give a window a historically accurate look, or to make a casement look like a double-hung. We are unable to bend this product but we can make most straight line patterns.
Lastly, homeowners now have the ability to register their warranty online. Of course it can still be sent in, but this online version will be quick, easy and stamp-free. Please checkout our website for other updates and information.
Thanks for doing business with Minnkota Windows!
 
Brad Bushaw
General Manager
Minnkota Windows

 

  WDDA Urges Regulators to Stop Additional RRP Rules

(From Window & Door May, 16, 2011)  Representatives of the Window & Door Dealers Alliance urged White House officials today to block the Environmental Protection Agency from adding new lead clearance test requirements to its Renovation, Repair and Painting program rules. Meeting with officials from the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, which has oversight over new federal regulations, the WDDA members detailed the already high costs of existing RRP rules and questioned whether they were having their intended effects of reducing exposure to lead.
The existing lead regulations add between $1,200 to $1,600 in cost to the window replacement jobs his firm does, Jim Lett, president of A.B.E. Doors & Windows in Allentown, Pa., told OIRA officials.  The additional costs of lead safe work practices have produced a 41 percent decline in window sales volume since the existing rules went into effect last April, he estimated for officials. The proposed lead clearance tests would add another $500 to those costs, reducing business further. 
Emphasizing that he doesn't mind "playing by the rules," Lett attributed the decreased business to homeowners hiring unscrupulous contractors, doing the work themselves or deciding they are not going to replace their windows. "All three of these scenarios subject the homeowners to a higher risk of lead poisoning. Adding more costs will only exacerbate the problem," he told officials.
Sharing that view was David Sakin of Premier Window & Building in Owings Mills, Md. "I anticipate that if homeowners want to replace their windows on pre-1978 homes, they will seek out unlicensed contractors who are not certified. This would be a very unfortunate situation," he continued. "I do not understand how the third party verification would help protect the public if we have already been trained to detect the lead and are taking the proper steps to protect the homeowners."
"What I struggle with most is my understanding that this Administration is eager for homeowners to employ energy efficient measures such as window and door replacement to reduce energy consumption and lower our overall carbon footprint," added Beth Cantrell, president of Better Windows by Beth in Chantilly, Va. "But they've enacted onerous rules that are having the exact opposite effect."
She urged OIRA officials not only to stop implementation of the additional lead clearance requirements, but also suggested that the opt-out provisions of the initial EPA lead paint regulations should be re-instated. 
As a manufacturer serving dealers in 40 states, Gorell Window & Doors is hearing similar stories from around the country, reported Charlie Dorsey, regional sales manager for the Pennsylvania company.  Thanks to energy tax credits, 2010 was a strong year at his company and it had added jobs. Moving forward to 2011, however, the vinyl window manufactuer has realized a 15 percent to 20 percent reduction in orders, he continued. It has already laid off 50 workers added last year and is concerned about the added constraints that may come with a new set of imposed RRP rules.
"The added costs of compliance and implementation of the rule to our dealers has resulted in substantial increases in project costs to consumers," he said. "What has become evident is that many consumers are not willing to absorb the additional costs and in many cases they elect not to have the work done."
Before moving forward with additional lead tests that will add more costs, EPA should step back and study the effectiveness of what's in place already, Lett asserted to the OIRA representatives. "Let’s actively enforce the current regulations and go after firms that are not following them," he said. "Let’s not put any additional burden on the homeowners and small business community unless it can be proven that it is absolutely necessary."
"Certification and compliance to the rule has not been adequately achieved," Dorsey agreed. "How can we so quickly move to step number two?"
A final decision by EPA on the addition of lead clearance test requirements to the existing RRP regulations is expected sometime this summer.  Part of the White House Office of Management & Budget, OIRA will have to provide final approval of any EPA action. "We found the OIRA staff engaged, though non-committal," noted Premier's Sakin. "We'll now have to see how they evaluate what we proposed. The clock is ticking."

 

  Euro Series Now Available!

Fargo, ND - 5/2/11: Minnkota Windows is excited to announce our newest product offering, the Euro Series In-Swing Casement and Picture windows.  The in-swing casement is three windows in one.  With the sash closed, it acts and appears as a picture window.  The first turn of the handle allows the sash to tilt in for venting while remaining secure from the outside.  A final turn of the handle and the entire sash swings in, making for easy cleaning from inside the home.

This Rehau profile allows for all of Minnkota Windows' interior and exterior accessories available on other product lines and allows for all seven exterior colors to match existing exterior and trim.

Another benefit is larger sash size:  this window can be built up to 52" wide by 80" high.

More information can be found by clicking here.

Minnkota Windows continues to strive to be an industry leader in high quality vinyl windows.  Manufactured in Fargo, ND since 1980.  Minnkota Windows, Windows for Your World.

 

  Follow Minnkota Windows on Twitter!

Follow Minnkota Windows on Twitter to the the latest news and information on our high quality vinyl windows.

 

Click here to see our Twitter page and then "follow" us!

 

Get product information, new product releases, industry news and other timely tidbits on a regular basis.

 

Minnkota Windows...Midwest Built.  Midwest Tough.  Guaranteed for Life.

 

  Blog: A Letter to Washington

Minnkota Windows recently posted an article that discussed the possibility of the EPA adding even more requirements to the Renovation, Repair and Painting regulations. We asked you to offer any feedback you may have had regarding this. We received a large response. The message was unanimous in that we should fight this proposal. To that end, we have contacted our Congressmen and shared our discontent with this situation and would suggest that you do the same. Here is the letter that was sent our representation in Washington, D.C.
Dear Senator,
This letter is to voice opposition to additional requirements being added to the EPA’s Renovation, Repair and Painting regulations. The EPA is considering a dust wipe test that would be sent to a laboratory, with the results being sent back to the homeowner. They have stated that a decision will be made in July of this year. A dust wipe test for lead is currently required, and this proposal would only increase the burden to contractors in an already awkward process.
The education and training pertaining to the current regulations has been done primarily through various trade associations. The EPA has not done enough to educate contractors and consumers alike. I do not want to see any more steps added to this poorly understood program. Contractors who have taken the time and spent the money required to be trained and certified, are shying away from the targeted pre-1978 homes. The bid process is complex, the costs are high, and there is great chance that they will be underbid by someone that chooses to ignore the rules. Also, it is estimated that 60% of these remodel jobs are done by homeowners or tenants that do not have to comply. 
Is this policy succeeding? The stated goal of protecting children is absolutely admirable but how can we be sure we are achieving this goal? There have been no benchmarks established to determine if the current program is working so why would we consider adding rules? This is a government mandate that has not been driven by consumers. We should not support any further regulations.
 
Brad Bushaw
General Manager
Minnkota Windows
Fargo, North Dakota

 

  Waiting for Other Shoe to Drop

By: Jim Lett, Window & Door Dealers Alliance

As if 2010 wasn’t challenging enough dealing with a stagnant economy, window and door dealers and remodeling contractors also had to comply with new government-mandated lead-based paint regulations. Many of us took classes, learned the proper techniques for working around lead-based paint, cleaning procedures and disposing of the debris.

On some jobs it wasn’t too bad. Others were more difficult and added significant costs. I personally have lost work to competitors who willfully ignore the law. There are still many contractors who are totally unaware of the EPA’s new Renovation, Repair and Painting regulations and the consequences for failure to follow the law.

To make matters worse, beginning this July, the EPA is considering adding even more burdens and costs to the remodeling industry by mandating dust wipe testing. Samples would be sent to a lab to be tested for lead and the results sent to the homeowner within three days. The motives for this are twofold. First, to give homeowners the assurance that their premises are properly cleaned. And second, because the government doesn’t think we can be trusted to clean properly without their oversight.

Personally, I wouldn’t mind the regulation if it can be proven that it is necessary. But I don’t believe that is the case. I think this is simply another example of Big Government wielding its power and not caring one iota who gets hurt. Hear me out on this. If they really cared about the effect on our industry, they would have launched an effective public relations campaign to inform and educate all remodeling contractors. That has not been the case. Instead, various trade associations and trade publications stepped into the breach and did the hard work of notifying our fellow tradespeople. The EPA would also be auditing firms to confirm compliance.

The EPA should be benchmarking how many pre-1978 homes were contaminated with lead by tradespeople in 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, etc. Within a few years, we should see a significant decrease in the number of children contaminated. If not, then the rule should be rescinded. Otherwise, homeowners are being subjected to additional costs with little or no benefit. If the contamination numbers show an appreciable drop, then the legislation was worth the cost. The only way to confirm this is through establishing goals and benchmarking results.

This same logic should apply to dust wipe testing. When EPA originally considered requiring dust wipe testing, it was before the RRP rules were in place. Shouldn’t we know what percentage of homes currently fail the wipe clearance test now that RRP is the law? Wouldn’t that be a better determinant of whether the level of risk is worth the cost of mandating third-party verification? Again, benchmarking would presumably settle the  questions about whether the regulations are necessary in the first place; and, if so, if they are worth the cost of compliance.

Aside from the cost factors mentioned above, wipe testing opens up another can of worms. Just because you are working in a home that contains lead paint residue, it does not mean it is from you. It could have been caused by a previous construction project performed by another contractor, or by the homeowners themselves. Talk about creating a trial lawyer feeding frenzy!

We currently don’t know how EPA will rule on this. Hopefully some common sense will prevail. Only time will tell. EPA is expected to make a final decision on clearance testing requirements in July. Until then, the Window & Door Dealers Alliance, along with many other building industry organizations, will be appealing to the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs and Congressional leaders to reverse EPA’s course of action. I urge you to add your voice to our call for accountability and common sense in Washington

 

  Minnkota Windows To March For Babies

(3/18/2011 - Fargo, ND) - On Saturday, April 30th, Minnkota Windows employees will take part in the March of Dimes March for Babies.  Too many babies are born too soon or too small and the employees of Minnkota Windows want to raise awareness and money to assist in research.

Click here to visit the Minnkota Windows March for Babies page and learn more.  All donations are tax deductible and you can pay via credit card from our secure server right from our page.

Thanks for helping babies!

 

  Minnkota Windows Lends Hand to Sandbagging Effort

When GM Brad Bushaw put the call out to the employees of Minnkota Windows, little did he know the type of response he would receive.

See the response here thanks to WDAY-TV.

The video is in flash video format.  If your computer doesn’t recognize the video file format, you can download a free flash video player from here.

 

  Blog: Great 2010 Leaves Unanswered Questions for 2011

By most accounts, orders for windows to be delivered prior to the end of the year have come to a close here at Minnkota Windows. Yes, we still have a few truckloads of windows to go, and some loose ends that need to be tied up, but 2010 has generally ended, and the focus has turned to the New Year. 
 
2010 was a banner year for Minnkota Windows. Ordered windows were up, sales projections were beaten, and we have managed to hold our prices for over two years. Why was it so successful? I believe it has a three-part answer:
 
First, a long-time, long-term commitment to our dealers. We have been manufacturing windows and delivering them on time to our customers for over 30 years. Our philosophies of quality and service have allowed us to grow in mutual success with our customers. Together, we have been able to enjoy a strong year.
 
Secondly, five exterior colors have added a myriad of options for the homeowner to match or contrast existing siding, window trim, or soffit & fascia colors. Also, the ability to accent a window with colored brickmould increases these options even more. We went from a handful of exterior/interior color options to over three dozen. Our diversified product selection and options, coupled with custom-made windows, makes Minnkota a unique manufacturer in the marketplace.
 
Thirdly, the continuation of the Federal Tax Credits as part of the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act of 2009 boosted sales as homeowners took advantage of up to $1500 in tax credits. Most window companies saw an added push at the end of the year in an attempt to get windows “placed in service” by December 31st. Minnkota Windows felt that push for most of the second half of the year.
 
So, where do we go in 2011? How do we keep this locomotive chugging down the tracks? We will keep doing what we’ve always done to be successful: two week delivery, best warranty in the industry, strong customer service, dedication to producing top quality products and a work ethic as strong as the company’s founder. This is our working standard. We will improve our advertising and marketing efforts to benefit all dealers. We will also continue to be innovative with our products and accessories. We have several items that we will be introducing in 2011. Particularly products that offer extreme energy efficiency.
 
The federal government is going to toss the public a bone in 2011. Former President Bush’s tax credits have been extended through 2011. Homeowners will receive 10% of their purchase price up to $200 for Energy Star qualified windows and 10% up to $500 on doors. Although this may not generate the fervor of the original credit, it’s still a $700 savings to the homeowner.
 
We want the $1500 credit back!! Industry leaders continue to lobby for that number to go up. I’ve been watching the Feds over the last two years as bills have come and gone. With regard to tax programs in our industry, more things come and go than those things that stick and become law. We’re more than likely going to have to live with a $700 incentive through 2011. It’s better than a sharp stick in the eye and we can’t let this undermine our success in the upcoming year.
 
In the end, it’s been a great year. A huge thank you goes out to our dealers and homeowners. Without you, a spectacular year would never have been possible. We are indebted to you, as always, and will continue to work hard to deliver a quality product in a timely manner that will last a lifetime. We look forward to serving you again in 2011 and beyond.

 

  Window Tax Credit for 2011

by DWM Magazine -- December 17, 2010

As expected, but to the disappointment of many in the industry, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the “Tax Relief, Unemployment Insurance Reauthorization and Job Creation Act” (H.R.4853) yesterday—but it does not include an extension of the $1,500 tax credit. Instead it calls for a $200 tax credit for windows.

Several associations, including the Window and Door Manufacturers Association (WDMA) and the American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA), had been working for an extension of the current tax credit that will expire December 31.

“WDMA members and staff worked with Hill allies to attempt to restore the full value of the 25c credit to the current level of 30 percent up to $1,500, but unfortunately Congressional leadership did not allow for an open amendment process on the compromise tax measure which prevented our supporters from seeking an amendment restoring the current level,” says WDMA president Michael O’Brien. “While many members of Congress supported our efforts to preserve jobs and promote energy efficiency, they could not overcome the procedural roadblocks.”

AAMA president and chief executive officer Richard Walker told DWM magazine that this action will severely impact the industry.

“There is little doubt that yesterday’s Senate action that severely reduces the 25(c) window tax credit from $1,500 to $200 for energy-efficient upgrades will turn back the clock to 2008-09, unleashing the devastating domino effect during the height of the housing crisis,” he says.

“Homeowners who are currently caught in the crossfire of depreciated home values and a lagging economy will be unable to make these important energy-saving purchases without the assistance of any substantive incentive, and once again, as demand for fenestration products decline, manufacturers will be forced to slow production lines, shutter facilities and implement substantial cuts to their workforce,” he adds.

Walker says that the decision is especially concerning since “energy-efficient commercial and residential construction and retrofitting has often been touted by Congress as one of the key components to increasing employment in the severely depressed construction industry. With the added bonus of lowering consumer heating and cooling costs, the production and installation of energy-efficient fenestration products should be among the Senate’s highest priorities.”

 

  ND expects another $12.5 million for low-income home weatherization

BISMARCK (AP) — North Dakota is in line for another $12.5 million in federal stimulus money to weatherize low-income homes.

Federal Energy Secretary Steven Chu says North Dakota has completed weatherization work on more than 900 homes, or about one-third of the homes planned for the work with the initial $12.5 million. He says that makes the state eligible for the second half of the grant.

The state's congressional delegation says the assistance program is important because home heating during a North Dakota winter can take a big bite out of a family's budget.

Copyright 2010 The Associated Press. Courtesy The Forum of Fargo-Moorhead

 

  REHAU Becomes Official Partner of ENERGY STAR

REHAU Becomes Official Partner of ENERGY STAR

REHAU is officially listed as a partner of ENERGY STAR for windows and doors since the beginning of June. Being an ENERGY STAR partner allows us to differentiate ourselves from the competition as a leader in energy-efficient solutions and as a company who cares about the environment.

 

  Clarifying Lead Rules

(6/29/10 - DWM Magazine) When the EPA issued a memo recently stating it would not enforce the lead certification requirement until later this year it created some confusion. So to clarify, if you’re already certified as certified renovator you still have to follow lead-safe work practices. However, if you are not trained as a certified renovator, the agency will not take enforcement action for violations of the RRP Rule’s firm certification requirement until October 1, 2010. Additionally, EPA will not enforce the rule against individual renovation workers if the person has applied to enroll in, or has enrolled in a certified renovator class to train contractors in practices necessary for compliance with the final rules, before or on September 30, 2010. Renovators must complete the training by December 31, 2010.

Many who read DWM’s story on this subject voiced their concerns on our site. You can read all the comments HERE. Basically many feel they are at a disadvantage for being proactive and going through the training while others took a wait-and-see attitude, which, in the end, bought them some time.

All throughout this process companies have talked about the huge effect this will have on the door and window industry. Our newsletter includes two stories this week of lumberyards around for more than 30 years and 100 years that had to close their doors. These closures weren’t related to the lead requirements, as they seemed to be related to the economy and housing conditions, but it just made me hope that this is an unfortunate coincidence and we won’t see more stories of closures in the coming months. Hopefully, things are starting to turn around for those on all sides of the supply chain.

 

  Clear Advantage Screen Now Standard on Minnkota Windows

Click here for more information on the new standard for Minnkota Windows' screens.

 

  1 1/2" Retro Brickmould Now Available

5/3/10: Fargo, ND - Minnkota Windows is proud to announce the introduction of the long-awaited 1 1/2" Retro Brickmould (BM).  The 1 1/2" Retro BM is a great addition to the existing family of exterior brickmoulds and joins the 2" Retro, Standard 1 1/2", 2" BM and 2" BM with sloped sill.

This new offering has the same functionality and sleek design as the 2" Retro BM giving the maintenance-free aspect of PVC along with the look of mitred wood.  It will also allow more opportunities to use a 2 1/4" casing versus choosing a wider casing around the interior of the window frame.

The removable cap allows for trouble-free fastening of the window to exterior of the home and eliminates the need for custom wrapping exterior at installation.  This also allows for installation adjacent to existing siding for remodeling applications without disturbing the existing exterior of the home.

 

  Lead Paint Rules Take Effect With No Opt-Out Provisions

(April 22, 2010: Window & Door Magazine) With the Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting Rule going into effect today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced the elimination of the "opt-out" provision. It also announced plans to add "dust wipe" testing requirements and its " intention to regulate renovations on the exteriors of public and commercial buildings." The announcement with this information appeared on the Lead in the News page of the EPA Web site in the morning. It was removed later and did not return by close of business. Calls to the EPA press office asking for an explanation were not returned. The fact that the announcement that appeared on the EPA site was taken down could be the result of a procedural issue and "may not mean anything," states David Walker, vice president of the Window & Door Dealers Alliance. "The announcement could, however, have also featured material misrepresentations. That gives us some hope." Mary Beth Husey, executive vice president of the National Association of the Remodeling Industry, sent out a letter at the end of the day noting the "curious incident" as well. "We will continue to monitor the EPA and keep you informed of all developments," she noted. "Please comply with all requirements of the rule; effective today, the rule is the law," Husey stated as well. "This is just another example of how poorly the EPA has communicated this message to our industry," comments Ty Schwartz, vice president of sales and marketing at Gorell Windows & Doors, on the situation with EPA posting the announcement and then withdrawing it. With the elimination of the "opt-out" provision in the final rule, "renovation firms will no longer be exempted from the training and work practice requirements of the RRP rule by obtaining certification from the owner of a residence that no child under age six or pregnant woman resides in the home and the home is not a child-occupied facility," the EPA statement said. Although the announcement comes today, the end of the opt-out provision would not go into effect until 60 days after publication in the federal register, where it has not yet appeared. "To strengthen the 2008 RRP rule," EPA also proposed requiring renovation firms to perform dust wipe testing after certain renovations and provide the results of the testing to the owners and occupants of the building. Further details are not yet available, but the EPA site stated that "for a subset of the dustiest renovations, renovation firms would have to demonstrate, through dust wipe testing, that the dust lead levels remaining after the renovation are below the regulatory hazard standards." The agency also said it will take comments on the "dust wipe testing" proposal for 60 days and expects to finalize the rule by July 2011. Finally, EPA issued an Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to announce EPA's intention to regulate renovations on the exteriors of public and commercial buildings. The advance notice also announced EPA's investigation into lead-based paint hazards that may be created by renovations on the interior of these public and commercial buildings. If EPA determines that lead-based paint hazards are created by interior renovations, EPA will propose regulations to address the hazards.

 

  Remodeling Growth: It's Back!

(4/21/10) by Leah Thayer, Remodeling Magazine: For the first time since 2006, home improvement spending is on the upswing. Annual growth will be nearly 5% in 2010, and all signs suggest that the positive trend will continue in 2011, according to the latest Leading Indicator of Remodeling Activity (LIRA), released today by the Remodeling Futures Program at the Joint Center for Housing Studies of Harvard University. The news comes as some relief to industry observers. “Like everyone else, we’ve been waiting for the market to turn,” says Kermit Baker, director of the Harvard program. “The only modest surprise is how steep the uptick is,” particularly as the fourth quarter “takes us into positive territory” and growth continues in 2011. Conducted quarterly, the LIRA is comprised of eight data points that affect home improvement spending. These include shipments of building materials (Census Bureau), the Pending Home Sales Index (National Association of Realtors), the Remodeling Market Index (future business expectations, National Association of Home Builders), and the 30-year Treasury Bond yield (Federal Reserve Board). Of all these indicators, the leading mover for the latest LIRA is pending home sales, which Baker says are “moving very strongly.” The Remodeling Market Index provides a significant lift as well, especially since it was “very depressed for such a long period.” Baker also cites low interest rates, but notes that these are beginning to climb again. Major problems in the housing industry remain, Baker says, especially the massive inventory of homes for sale. The potential upside of this for remodelers is that “many of these homes will need to be fixed up before they can be sold.” He also points to continued volatility in the materials market, such as metals and lumber. “The market has been weak for so long that it probably shuttered a lot [of materials production], and it takes a while to get the capacity back up,” Baker says. “If demand comes on faster than manufacturers expect, there could be another round of materials inflation. That would be quite ironic.” --Leah Thayer is a senior editor of REMODELING.