Custom-Curved Decking Panels Offer Strength, Aesthetics, Construction Economy

Curveline, Inc., which has a patented method for the "crimp-curving" of metal building panels, has the capability to custom-curve structural roof deck panels into domes, arches, and even S-curves and other multiple radius shapes. Crimp-curved roof decks provide architects and contractors with an economical way to make a bold statement when designing gyms and sports centers, entryways and lobbies, covered walkways and concourses, transit stations, airports and many other commercial spaces.

Curveline's crimp-curving methodology greatly increases the strength and rigidity of profiled metal panels. This allows the use of lighter-gauge material and achieves 15-20 percent longer spans than conventionally formed metal decks, for reduced framing and substructure costs. 

Capabilities include standard or acoustical nestable "B" deck panels in 22 to 18 GA steel. Customers can purchase panels from the decking manufacturer of choice, who will forward panels to the Curveline service center for curving to the desired specifications. Minimum radius varies depending on the panel gauge and length.

For further information, contact Curveline, Inc., 1745 E. Monticello Court, Ontario, CA 91761; phone (888) 998-0311 or (909) 947-6022; fax (909) 947-1510; email curveline@curveline.com; Web www.met-tile.com/curveline; direct link http://www.met-tile.com/curveline/decking.htm.

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Good News Buried In Construction Spending Report, Agc Says
Economist Simonson Cites Nonresidential Leap But Warns of Higher Costs, Spending Shortfalls

"Nonresidential construction spending rose an impressive 1.3 percent in March and 12 percent compared to March 2007," Ken Simonson, Chief Economist for The Associated General Contractors of America (AGC), said today. Simonson was commenting on the March construction spending figures released by the Census Bureau on May 1. "The housing slump buried this news by dragging total spending down by 1.1 percent for the month and 3.4 percent for the year. Yet nearly every category of nonresidential spending continued to exceed year-ago levels."

"In addition, estimates for nonresidential spending in January and February were each revised up, suggesting that gross domestic product (GDP) may have grown a little more in the first quarter than the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) said yesterday," Simonson added. BEA reported that real (net of inflation) GDP grew 0.6 percent, the same as in the fourth quarter of 2007.

"Both private and public nonresidential construction are still growing, although public spending is losing speed," Simonson observed. "Private nonresidential spending was up 15 percent from March 2007, whereas public spending grew 7.2 percent.

"I expect a further slowdown in public spending as revenues flatten out or even shrink for highways, schools and other public projects," Simonson predicted. "On the private side, I expect ongoing vigor in spending on power, energy, communications, hospital, higher education and military base realignment-related projects to offset a likely retreat by office and retail construction.

"The biggest challenge for all nonresidential construction is runaway materials costs," Simonson warned. "Yesterday, a steel supplier told customers the price of rebar was rising another $100 overnight, compounding increases of 40 to 70 percent earlier this year. The retail price of diesel fuel is now almost 50 percent higher than a year ago. Copper is close to its all-time high set in May 2006, and near-record prices for oil and natural gas may push up asphalt and plastics prices.

"It is essential that public budget-setting and contracting agencies recognize that construction costs have been rising at more than double the rate of consumer prices and seem sure to keep doing so," Simonson concluded. "With regard to highway construction, Congress must act immediately to prevent a huge drop in spending that will begin five months from today unless the Highway Trust Fund is replenished by the start of fiscal 2009."

The Associated General Contractors of America (AGC) is the largest and oldest national construction trade association in the United States. AGC represents 33,000 firms, including 7,500 of America's leading general contractors and 12,500 specialty-contracting firms. More than 13,000 service providers and suppliers are associated with AGC through a nationwide network of chapters. Visit the AGC Web site at www.agc.org. AGC members are "Building Your Quality of Life."

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Architecture Billings Index Drops to its Lowest Level Ever
Inquiries for new projects also drop to historic low

Emblematic of the various struggling sectors in the overall economy, the Architecture Billings Index (ABI) dropped two points in March and fell to its lowest level since the survey’s inception in 1995. As a leading economic indicator of construction activity, the ABI shows an approximate nine to twelve month lag time between architecture billings and construction spending. The American Institute of Architects (AIA) reported the March ABI rating dropped to 39.7, following its steep 9-point decline in February (any score above 50 indicates an increase in billings). The inquiries for new projects score was 48.0, also the lowest mark for the survey. 

“We’ve seen an 11-point fall-off in the first quarter of the year and the prognosis for commercial construction later this year is not favorable at this point,” said AIA Chief Economist Kermit Baker, PhD, Hon. AIA. “Aside from historically low project demand, all regions are showing very poor business conditions. This is not likely to reverse itself anytime soon.”

Key March ABI highlights:
Regional averages: South (45.3), Northeast (38.7),West (38.7), Midwest (36.9) 
Sector index breakdown: institutional (50.8), commercial / industrial (38.3) multi-family residential (31.7) 
Project inquiries index: 48.0 

About the AIA Architecture Billings Index
The Architecture Billings Index is derived from a monthly “Work-on-the-Boards” survey and produced by the AIA Economics & Market Research Group. Based on a comparison of data compiled since the survey’s inception in 1995 with figures from the Department of Commerce on Construction Put in Place, the findings amount to a leading economicindicator that provides an approximately nine to twelve month glimpse into the future of nonresidential construction activity. The diffusion indexes contained in the full report are derived from a monthly survey sent to a panel of AIA member-owned firms. Participants are asked whether their billings increased, decreased, or stayed the same in the month that just ended. According to the proportion of respondents choosing each option, a score is generated, which represents an index value for each month.

About The American Institute of Architects
For over 150 years, members of The American Institute of Architects have worked with each other and their communities to create more valuable, healthy, secure, and sustainable buildings and cityscapes. AIA members have access to the right people, knowledge, and tools to create better design, and through such resources and access, they help clients and communities make their visions real. www.aia.org

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Arch’s Glass Entrances Now Available Nationally with C.R. Laurence Hardware

Arch’s TGD Tempered Glass Entrances equipped with C.R. Laurence International’s architectural rails, patch fittings and hardware are now available nationwide from Arch Aluminum & Glass. 

"We’ve been manufacturing Tempered All Glass Entrances for 25 years and we’ve recently starting using the C.R. Laurence hardware at select regional facilities with consistent success and growing demand so Arch has expanded the program to our facilities nationwide," said Jeff Ziesche, Director of Aluminum Operations for Arch. 

The availability of the C.R. Laurence hardware in every region covered by Arch’s 33 locations nationwide continues the commitment by the glazing and aluminum extrusion manufacturer to be the Single Source for the industry. 

The TGD Tempered Glass Door from Arch comes complete with full rails, patch fittings and hardware for the four basic “all glass” door styles (P, B-P, a, & F) typically referred to throughout the industry.

These TGD doors are available with full rails in various heights, 2 5/16”, 4”, 6”, and 10” to accommodate 3/8”, ½”, and ¾” glass and are available in six stock colors.

Arch Aluminum is your TRUE SINGLE SOURCE® for Architectural Aluminum, Extrusions, Insulated, Tempered, Mirrors, Laminated, and Decorative Glass. Arch is an American-owned, family business founded in 1978. Arch now operates 33 facilities in 17 states with over 2400 employees. For more information on Arch Aluminum & Glass please visit www.archaluminum.net or call 1-866-629-ARCH.

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Atlas Keeps Roofs “Cool” With ACFoam CrossVent Polyiso Insulation

ACFoam CrossVent from Atlas Roofing Corporation is an environmentally friendly polyiso foam insulation board for use over sloped unventilated roof decks. To promote air circulation within, CrossVent contains vent spacer strips to separate 7/16” OSB from the foam insulation. CrossVent combines a nailable surface, insulation, and a ventilating airspace all in one panel.

ACFoam CrossVent is a cost-effective, “Green” solution for any roof. It can be installed without a thermal barrier directly on the roof deck. Installation is a one-step process – a labor saving solution with the benefit of high R-values to reduce energy demands. Visit Atlas online: www.atlasroofing.com. “Atlas – A World of Difference.”

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'Red-Hot' Steel, Fuel Prices Send Construction Costs Soaring, AGC Says

Economist Simonson Warns Worse Is Coming as Public Funds Run Short Washington, D.C.--"Red-hot steel prices, combined with record diesel fuel costs, are making construction unaffordable," Ken Simonson, Chief Economist for The Associated General Contractors of America (AGC), said today. Simonson was commenting on the producer price indexes (PPIs) for March reported today by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

"The PPI for inputs to construction industries--materials used in all types of construction plus items consumed by contractors, such as diesel fuel--soared 2.1 percent in March alone," Simonson observed. "That jump was propelled by a staggering 24-percent increase in diesel fuel costs and a 5.5-percent rise in prices for steel mill products.

"Unfortunately, there is worse to come," Simonson asserted. "Steel suppliers have been burning up the fax wires announcing huge price increases and canceling previous quotes. And the Energy Information Administration reported last night that the average price of highway diesel crossed the $4 per gallon mark in all regions for the first time, with a 10-cent increase in the national average just in the past week, to $4.05 per gallon. These figures won't show up in the producer price index until next month, but contractors are paying them now.

"Public agencies as well as private owners need to adjust to these realities," Simonson noted. "Too many of them are still assuming construction costs are rising no faster than the consumer price index (CPI), when in fact the PPI for construction inputs has gone up 6.5 percent in the past 12 months and 34 percent since steel prices first surged in December 2003. That is more than double the run-up in the CPI.

"Diesel prices are now more than 60 cents a gallon higher than the $3.44 average price for gasoline," Simonson added. "This puts a triple burden on contractors, who use diesel to power offroad equipment and construction trucks and also pay a fuel surcharge on the thousands of deliveries and backhauls at a large job site.

"As the highway paving season gets under way, asphalt prices also are poised to take off," Simonson concluded. "Asphalt at the refinery cost 13 percent more in March than a year ago. But many states and the federal government are running low on highway funds because motorists and truckers have been driving less. It is imperative that Congress pass additional funding in the next few months to keep highway construction funds flowing and not choke off funds with an ill-advised moratorium."

Click on www.agc.org/march08ppi for the March PPI tables.

The Associated General Contractors of America (AGC) is the largest and oldest national construction trade association in the United States. AGC represents 33,000 firms, including 7,500 of America's leading general contractors and 12,500 specialty-contracting firms. More than 13,000 service providers and suppliers are associated with AGC through a nationwide network of chapters. Visit the AGC Web site at www.agc.org. AGC members are "Building Your Quality of Life."

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SARGENT 421 Cam Action Door Closer’s 

The SARGENT 421 Cam Action Door Closer’s advanced design provides aesthetics, high efficiency, strong closing force, and ADA compliance with track arm applications. Designed for slide arm and track applications, this door closer has greater efficiency than a track arm rack-and-pinion door closer. It provides a nearly effortless opening, while still presenting an adjustable closing force strong enough for even heavy-duty applications.

The SARGENT Profile Series v.N1 is an integrated solution that offers the ability to manage a wide range of locksets using existing Wiegand Access Control Systems. Monitoring options are built into the lock that easily integrates to your system with a simple panel interface board and no additional software. The Profile Series v.N1 combines the finest Grade 1 hardware with keypad and HID 125 KHz proximity readers.

The SARGENT Next Generation Electric Latch Retraction is designed with high traffic access control areas in mind. This is the quietest latch retraction unit on the market! This non-handed exit device rail is not only durable and easy to install, but also offers a low current draw. Its new modular construction and linear motion motor provides a precise and smooth operation.

When it comes to keeping students and faculty secure everyday, school officials depend on SARGENT for classroom security solutions. The SARGENT T-Zone (11 Line) and 10 Line Cylindrical locks are products built to withstand tremendous abuse and to secure classrooms in an emergency situation. These locks are designed to allow a teacher to secure the classroom from the inside or outside in an event where the opening must be quickly secured. Combined with security key systems, SARGENT has the complete classroom security offering.

SARGENT proudly presents Harmony, an integrated Wiegand solution. Offering ANSI Grade 1 quality hardware, reader and complete door status monitoring, Harmony conveniently consolidates all components into a sophisticated access control solution. With an open architecture platform, Harmony easily connects with most existing access control systems and supports HID 125 kHz proximity credentials for simple installation and cost savings. Harmony is also available in a complete hardware portfolio, including mortise and cylindrical locks and exit devices and can be aesthetically complemented by SARGENT Studio Collection and Coastal Series levers.

For more information visit www.sargentlock.com.

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Petersen Introduces Corrugated And Ribbed Profiles;Expands Line Of Exposed Fastener Panels

Petersen Aluminum Corporation has introduced two corrugated profiles and a ribbed profile and expanded its existing line of exposed fastener panels.

Manufactured at Petersen’s headquarters in Elk Grove Village, IL, and Kennesaw, GA, the new ½” and 7/8” corrugated profiles are available in 40” and 34.6” panels respectively. Petersen also has introduced a 7.2” ribbed profile that is available in 36” panels. In addition, Petersen has expanded its “M” and “R” panel lines by adding an M-36 panel and an R-36 panel with or without the purlin bearing legs. 

All new profiles are available in 22 or 24 gauge steel and .032 or .040 aluminum. Thirty-six Kynar colors are available in steel and 34 Kynar colors are available in aluminum.

These panels are ideal for wall, equipment screen, linear panel and parapet panel applications. They are not intended for use in the construction of a metal building or structural roof. Petersen offers complete technical assistance and service.

For more information, call 800-PAC-CLAD or visit www.pac-clad.com.

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Architecture Billings Index Points to Major Downturn in Commercial Construction
Falls to lowest level since 2001 with nearly 9-point drop off

Reflecting the deteriorating conditions in the housing market and overall economy, the Architecture Billings Index (ABI) tumbled almost nine points in February. As a leading economic indicator of construction activity, the ABI shows an approximate nine to twelve month lag time between architecture billings and construction spending. The American Institute of Architects (AIA) reported the February ABI rating fell to 41.8, its lowest level since October 2001, and down dramatically from the 50.7 mark in January (any score above 50 indicates an increase in billings). The inquiries for new projects score was 54.3.

“This is a clear indication that there could be tougher times ahead for design firms and a noticeable slowdown in commercial construction projects coming online in the foreseeable future,” said AIA Chief Economist Kermit Baker, PhD, Hon. AIA. “Interestingly enough, we have also had some survey members reporting that their business is in great shape from a billings and demand standpoint. The one bright spot continues to be the institutional sector with continued positive conditions for construction projects such as schools, hospitals and government buildings.”

Key February ABI highlights:
- Regional averages: Northeast (51.5),South (48.3), West (46.3), Midwest (42.6) 
- Sector index breakdown: institutional (54.9), multi-family residential (46.6), mixed practice(43.9), commercial / industrial (40.6) 
- Billings inquiries index: 54.3 

About the AIA Architecture Billings Index
The Architecture Billings Index is derived from a monthly “Work-on-the-Boards” survey and produced by the AIA Economics & Market Research Group. Based on a comparison of data compiled since the survey’s inception in 1995 with figures from the Department of Commerce on Construction Put in Place, the findings amount to a leading economic indicator that provides an approximately nine to twelve month glimpse into the future of nonresidential construction activity. The diffusion indexes contained in the full report are derived from a monthly survey sent to a panel of AIA member-owned firms. Participants are asked whether their billings increased, decreased, or stayed the same in the month that just ended. According to the proportion of respondents choosing each option, a score is generated, which represents an index value for each month.

About The American Institute of Architects
For over 150 years, members of The American Institute of Architects have worked with each other and their communities to create more valuable, healthy, secure, and sustainable buildings and cityscapes. AIA members have access to the right people, knowledge, and tools to create better design, and through such resources and access, they help clients and communities make their visions real. www.aia.org

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Fox Blocks Announces Building Code Approval For Miami-Dade County

Fox Blocks, a division of Airlite Plastics Company, Omaha, NE., announced today that it has received approval for building use in the County of Miami-Dade in Florida. N.O.A. Report 07-0919.10 has been issued and is available for review at www.foxblocks.com on the Technical Data page. 

Considered the most restrictive among American building codes, the Miami-Dade County building code approval for Fox Blocks represents the next in a series of approvals Fox Blocks has and will achieve throughout the United States and Canada. It also demonstrates Fox Blocks’ commitment to its customers in providing one of the most recognizable ICF wall systems among building code inspectors.

The name says it all. Like the fox, Fox Blocks is the design that outsmarts the others - clever, environmentally friendly, quick and adaptable to even the most extreme conditions. 

If you would like more information about Fox Blocks, please call Dave Jackson at 1-877-FoxBlocks or Dave@FoxBlocks.com or visit www.FoxBlocks.com. 

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Construction Faces Tumultuous Year For Projects, Prices, Labor, Says Agc Economist

Nonresidential construction will experience wide variance in demand, materials cost and labor availability, according to the Construction Inflation Alert released today by the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC).

"In 2008, some nonresidential segments will continue to grow, including power and energy, but others such as lodging will slow or decline," said AGC's Chief Economist Ken Simonson. "Diesel, copper and steel are among materials costs likely to accelerate, while others remain benign."

The large increase in diesel fuel prices compared to a year ago, along with the importance of diesel fuel to highway construction, makes it likely that highway costs will go up even more. Conversely, the slumping demand and rising supply of gypsum products may mean nonresidential and multi-unit residential building costs go up a little less than 6 percent.

"These cross-cutting trends make it likely that the PPI for construction inputs will accelerate from the 4.5 percent rate of increase that prevailed in 2006 and 2007 to a 6-8 percent range by the end of 2008," commented Simonson.

Looking beyond 2008, there are two factors that make it likely that a 6-8 percent growth rate for construction input prices will be sustained. First, many construction inputs, such as diesel fuel, steel and copper are in demand worldwide. Second, construction will always be dependent on physical delivery of heavy, bulky, relatively low-value materials for which transportation and fuel costs are a major part of the delivered price.

Labor accounts for roughly half the cost of a construction project. In 2007, despite the high level of nonresidential activity, contractors were generally able to find enough workers, thanks to a massive redeployment of specialty trade contractors from residential to lighter nonresidential projects.

"In 2008, I expect labor shortages will worsen for a few crafts, pulling average wage rates higher, but in other segments such as residential specialty trades, the supply of some crafts will be plentiful," noted Simonson. "Wage increases in nonresidential construction may rise to the 4.5-5.5 percent range in 2008, despite the slowdown in overall activity, and to 5-6 percent in 2009, when residential work begins to compete again for some specialties."

For a complete copy of AGC's Construction Inflation Alert, visit www.agc.org/cia.

The Associated General Contractors of America (AGC) is the largest and oldest national construction trade association in the United States. AGC represents 33,000 firms, including 7,500 of America's leading general contractors and 12,500 specialty-contracting firms. More than 13,000 service providers and suppliers are associated with AGC through a nationwide network of chapters. Visit the AGC Web site at www.agc.org. AGC members are "Building Your Quality of Life."

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CONSTRUCT2008 Exhibit Space Commitment Robust

CONSTRUCT2008 completed the initial Space Draw this week assigning over 200 companies in on the exhibit floor for the June 4-6, 2008 event in Las Vegas. Almost 60% of available space has been reserved by exhibitors who have committed to showcase their products and services to thousands of architects, engineers, contractors, specifiers and other key institutional, industrial and commercial construction industry professionals.

“What an immense improvement we have seen so far in the handling of this show. The information, communication and set up with Hanley Wood have been great. I wish them the best of luck with the rest of the show, well done!!” exclaims Joe McDermid from Monoglass Inc. With new companies exhibiting at CONSTRUCT2008 for the first time and requests from CSI Show veteran exhibitors for larger space, the commitment is strong!

Tom Cindric, Director CONSTRUCT2008 states, “We are very satisfied with the initial participation and anticipate that the improvements that have been made on the show will continue to attract more exhibitors.” CONSTRUCT2008 is positioned to be rich in industry resources, educational seminars, networking opportunities and interesting events. “Not only are we building a sturdy exhibitor base for the event,” Jayne Dalton, Show Manager says, “The education portion is powerful. The Conference Advisory Board spent an entire weekend reviewing close to 250 seminar submissions. Discussions included new and fresh ideas to provide extremely valuable attendee programs. Scheduled to not conflict with exhibit hall activities, the 100 sessions will provide learning credits and the opportunity for participants to rise to the forefront of industry knowledge.”

The exhibits and education will take place June 3-6, 2008 at the Las Vegas Convention Center, Las Vegas, Nevada in conjunction with the CSI Annual Convention. The live floor plan and Exhibitor list is now available for viewing at www.CONSTRUCTshow.com. Exhibitors can still reserve space to participate at CONSTRUCT2008 by visiting the official show website and following the easy steps to completing the contract. Online Attendee registration opens early February, 2008 also at www.CONSTRUCTshow.com.

About Hanley Wood
Hanley Wood, LLC, is the premier media company serving housing and construction. Through four operating divisions, the company produces award-winning magazines and Web sites, marquee trade shows and events, rich data and custom marketing solutions. The company also is North America’s leading publisher of home plans. Hanley Wood Exhibitions (Dallas) conducts 18 trade shows, including World of Concrete, one of the top 20 trade show events in the country. Founded in 1976, Hanley Wood is a $250 million company owned by affiliates of JPMorgan Partners, LLC. CCMP Capital Advisors manages the Hanley Wood investment for JPMorgan Partners.

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