Leading Edge Earth Products (fka LEEP)

[ONEBGG]

LEEP PRODUCTS FOR HURICANE AREAS

CSU FORECAST TEAM UPS EARLIER PREDICTION, CALLS FOR ‘VERY ACTIVE’ 2007 HURRICANE SEASON

The U.S. Atlantic basin will likely experience a very active hurricane season, the Colorado State University forecast team announced in early April, increasing its earlier prediction for the 2007 hurricane season.

The team’s forecast now anticipates 17 named storms forming in the Atlantic basin between June 1 and November 30. Nine of the 17 storms are predicted to become hurricanes, and of those nine, five are expected to develop into intense or major hurricanes (Category 3, 4 or 5) with sustained winds of 111 mph or greater.

The hurricane forecast team predicts tropical cyclone activity in 2007 will be 185 percent of the average season. By comparison, 2005 witnessed activity that was about 275 percent of the average season.

“We are calling for a very active hurricane season this year, but not as active as the 2004 and 2005 seasons,” said Phil Klotzbach of the Colorado State hurricane forecast team, Fort Collins, CO. “Based on our latest forecast, the probability of a major hurricane making landfall along the U.S. coastline is 74 percent compared with the last-century average of 52 percent.

“In December and January, we had a weak to moderate El Niño event in the tropical Pacific Ocean. When you have El Niño conditions during the hurricane season, it increases vertical wind shear across the tropical Atlantic and typically results in a weaker tropical cyclone season,” Klotzbach said. “However, we’ve seen El Niño conditions dissipate quite rapidly late this winter, so we do not think that’s going to be an inhibiting factor this year. Also, we have warm Atlantic sea surface temperatures this year, which we’ve seen just about every year since 1995.”

The hurricane forecast team reiterated its probabilities for a major hurricane making landfall on U.S. soil:

• A 74 percent chance that at least one major hurricane will make landfall on the U.S. coastline in 2007 (the long-term average probability is 52 percent).

• A 50 percent chance that a major hurricane will make landfall on the U.S. East Coast, including the Florida Peninsula (the long-term average is 31 percent).

• A 49 percent chance that a major hurricane will make landfall on the Gulf Coast from the Florida Panhandle west to Brownsville, TX (the long-term average is 30 percent).


LOCKWOOD BRINGS BUILDING CODE REFORM TO BAHAMAS WEATHER CONFERENCE

For the fourth consecutive year, Nanette Lockwood, director of legislative affairs for Solutia Inc., St. Louis, MO, has been invited to speak at the Bahamas Weather Conference, which attracts meteorologists from throughout the United States and Caribbean.

A long-time advocate for building code reform, Lockwood and the Saflex® governmental affairs team have been instrumental in pressing for building code adoption and reform throughout hurricane-prone regions of the United States (see HP, Fall 2002, page 12). Saflex is a business unit of Solutia, a leading manufacturer of polyvinyl butyral (PVB) interlayers used in laminated glass.

“[Lockwood] is clearly one of the nation’s leading experts on the benefits of hurricane resistant construction,” said Robert Sheets, former director of the National Hurricane Center and coordinator of the annual conference. “Her insights are valued by meteorologists who need to understand how and why building codes are adopted and their importance in creating safer and stronger buildings that will survive and protect those inside during a hurricane.”
Now in its 11th year, the Bahamas Weather Conference is an initiative of the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism to bring together media outlets and top hurricane experts in the United States. This year’s conference convenes April 18 through 22 at the Atlantis Paradise Island.


GRIMES JOINS SKYETEC ENVIRONMENTAL

Darius H. Grimes has joined Skyetec Environmental Services as wind mitigation director.

Grimes brings 25-plus years experience in manufacturing, distribution and construction to his new post. His responsibilities will include development of products, techniques and marketing strategies for mitigating damage from wind and water and will work with contractors and consumers for improved technical training.

Grimes is a Florida Certified Residential Contractor, FLASH Blueprint For Safety new construction and retrofit contractor and Certified Windstorm Mitigation Surveyor.


ALL POINTS SOLID SET ANCHOR ISSUED NOA

All Points Screw, Bolt & Specialty Co., Pompano Beach, FL, announces that its Solid Set Anchor was issued a Notice of Acceptance from the Miami-Dade Building Code Compliance Office (BCCO). The NOA number is 05-1116.04.

The Solid Set anchor is a 1/4-20 machine screw anchor used in concrete and concrete block. All Points is a full-line fastener company specializing in the storm protection industry.


CONTINUING EDUCATION PROGRAMS AVAILABLE FOR FLORIDA BUILDING PROFESSIONALS

The Florida Home Builders Association (FHBA), Tallahassee, FL, is offering two opportunities for building professionals to earn continuing education credits.

Residential Construction Superintendent (RCS) designation is offered at a significantly reduced rate. Under a grant through the state of Florida, training funds are available for individuals to complete the nationally recognized RCS superintendent training and professional designation program. The grant reduces the cost of completing the program to $400 per person. Additional savings, covering 100 percent of the registration costs, also is available.

RCS participants must be Florida residents and at least 18 years old. RCS classes are currently available in Fort Myers, Naples, Tallahassee and Bradenton, but can be hosted throughout the state. Funding is available through June 30, 2007.

The Association’s Continuing Education Credit Cruises offer a learning-at-sea experience. An Alaskan adventure, a Mediterranean experience, or a Caribbean cruise is offered. Each cruise offers 14 hours of continuing education credits. Prices start at $599.


STO OFFERS DURABLE CEMENT BOARD STUCCO

Sto Corp., Atlanta, GA, has introduced StoQuik Silver Systems, which offer the strength of cement board and the protection of Sto without the numerous installation stages of traditional stucco systems.

StoQuik Silver systems are cost effective, impact-resistant systems designed to give a stucco look, in a faster application. StoQuik Silver incorporates moisture and abuse resistant cement board and Sto’s reinforced base coats. Sto’s finishes offer a variety of colors, textures and design in a low maintenance continuous, decorative and protective layer.


TRITON POWER LAUNCHES WORLDWIDE DISTRIBUTOR NETWORK

Triton Power, Miami, FL, has launched its Worldwide Triton Power Distributor Network, designed to help builders, contractors and equipment dealers add generators to their mix of offerings to open new revenue channels and increase sales.

“We established the Worldwide Triton Power Distributor Network as a way to change the business model of how generators are sold through these important channels,” said Brent Crego, vice president. “There is an incredible revenue opportunity and we want to provide our local distributors with the resources they need to increase sales and maximize profits.”

Triton’s new worldwide distributor network allows local builders, contractors and equipment dealers to purchase direct from the manufacturer. Triton Power maintains a full supply of inventory at all times, ensuring immediate delivery. In-network distributors can leverage Triton’s new distributor program to obtain sales assistance, receive additional marketing co-op funds, generate local brand awareness, and drive leads for possible sales.

To be accepted into the Triton program, local distributors must demonstrate a commitment to power needs and the highest quality of service in the power generator industry, the company states. Worldwide program regulations seek distributors that actively market Triton’s brand of products, installation and service.


LEEP APPOINTS NORDSTROM NEW CEO

LEEP, Inc., Montoursville, PA, has announced the appointment of John H. Nordstrom as CEO. Nordstrom is responsible for launching new strategic, financial and corporate directives for LEEP and will lead the company in expanding sales, operations and financing. He has also been appointed a member of the board of directors.

Nordstrom brings to his new position a background in corporate management, finance, real estate development and construction management. He has spent more than 20 years as the CEO of a variety of companies. Most recently, Nordstrom was CEO of Energy Dynamics, Inc., an energy service, construction management and consulting company, which he developed into a successful, diversified company.

LEEP, Inc. manufactures LeepCore Structural Panels, a lightweight structural building material that is fire, mold, water, dry rot, corrosion and termite resistant. The product supports hurricane force wind and earthquake resistant building designs and standards.


SIMONTON RANKED NO. 1 IN VINYL WINDOW QUALITY

According to the 2007 Brand Use Study sponsored by Builder magazine, Simonton Windows®, Parkersburg, WV, has achieved a No. 1 ranking in quality in the category of vinyl windows. The study, conducted by independent research company Readex Research, gives Simonton the distinction of being the top Brand Leader in Quality in vinyl windows.

The 2007 Brand Use Study survey sample consisted of more than 10,000 readers of Builder magazine classified as “builder, builder-developer, or general contractor.” The sample represents more than 118,000 similarly classified readers of the magazine.

Earlier Simonton was ranked “Highest in Builder and Remodeler Satisfaction among Residential Window and Patio Door Manufacturers” by J.D. Power and Associates (see HP, Direcotry & Buyer’s Guide 2007, page 10).


FRAMEGUARD MOLD-RESISTANT WOOD WINS 2007 NAHB GREEN BUILDING AWARD

Among the winners of Green Building Awards presented by the National Association of Home Builders at its annual NAHB Green Building Conference was FrameGuard® mold-resistant wood, developed by Arch Wood Protection, Inc. It was the only building product to be selected.

“With the introduction of FrameGuard coating, Arch Wood Protection offers builders a way to guard against mold, as well as termites and fungal decay,” said Ray Tonjes, a home builder in Austin, TX, and chair of NAHB’s Green Building Subcommittee.

Factory-applied by either spraying or dipping, the FrameGuard coating provides protection from mold, termites, and fungal decay when applied to trusses, lumber, plywood, OSB, wood I-beams, SIPs, and other wood products that are used in interior applications. FrameGuard wood is GreenGuard Indoor Air Quality Certified® for its low emissions.

http://hpmag.com/mag/show2007/indnews.html