Shelter - September 2008

Volume 47, Issue 7 - September 2008

The Search to
DESIGN
a New Deck

Does a Secret Shopping Visit Prove to be Helpful?

CODES AND STANDARDS
AZEK Deck Receives UL Classification
AZEK Deck, manufactured by AZEK Building Products, has received Underwriters Laboratories (UL) Classification for the State of California and San Diego County for new construction use in Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) fire zones. These new building fire codes went into effect January 1, 2008. AZEK Deck, made with cellular polyvinyl chloride (PVC), is the only decking of its kind to achieve these designations to date, according to a company release.

“Training sessions statewide about the new fire codes have emphasized that it’s no longer a simple matter of having a Class A, B or C fire rating,” says Craig Young, AZEK territory manager for Northern California. “It’s about meeting the standards that the State of California has determined are critical in the WUI designated areas.”

The updated tests were created to reduce the speed and spread of fires from burning embers carried by winds that would land on roofs, decking or other surfaces. The testing criteria under Code 12.7A-4, includes burning embers on the surface and under-deck flame ignition. The one difference in the testing procedures is that the state of California requires testing to be performed after a 12-week weatherization period, whereas San Diego County does not. www.azek.com

TRADE SHOW NEWS
DeckExpo Announces
Co-Location with the Remodeling Show
DeckExpo will co-locate with the Remodeling Show beginning in October of 2009. Both exhibitions will be held at the Indianapolis Convention Center, October 28–30 with conferences beginning on October 27.

DeckExpo and the Remodeling Show will each still offer separate conference programs focusing on classroom offerings that have been successful in the past. While the two events will have separate entrances into the exhibit halls, attendees will be able to flow freely between exhibits for both events once inside.

“These two events are a natural fit,” says Amy Allen, associate show director for both the Remodeling Show and DeckExpo. “Both the remodeler and deck builder are craftsmen who are constantly looking for education to stay ahead of their customers and to grow their businesses. Additionally, deck builders are essentially remodeling the outdoor areas of the home. The co-location will allow both groups access to a much larger array of manufacturers, products, education and networking opportunities.” www.deckexpo.com