AMD Covers Building Code Information in Webinar

The Association of Millwork Distributors (AMD) held a webinar recently covering Building Code Development: From Amendment to Adoption. Headed by Jeff Burton, AMD’s director of codes and standards, the session provided a complete overview for its members to help them better understand the code hearing and approval process. Amidst his overview, Burton explained AMD’s previous and current actions regarding amendment S141, a proposed change that would impact side-hinged exterior door testing standards. (See related article in Shelter’s April 2008 issue on page 22.)

The association drew a hard line against S141 in the initial code hearings, which was subsequently voted down in a 9-0 committee vote. Burton attributes the results largely to AMD and specifically to member letters.

“Standards are primarily developed by industry organizations and professional associations incorporating the views of interested parties,” he said. “And probably the main reason why the S141 code amendment failed was because [the Window and Door Manufacturers Association (WDMA)] did not take into account AMD, its members and even nonmembers, who wrote letters. And those letters were the main reason the standard failed.”

Karl Mayer, president of Maverick Door and Millwork Inc. in Schertz, Texas, is one company owner and nonmember that disagrees with the standard. He says S141 would destroy his custom door business.

“The changes would be absolutely devastating to the custom door manufacturers,” Mayer says. “These code changes, while having a positive effect on the overall quality of units, will eliminate the custom door unit from the market.”

Mayer says it’s a matter of cost.

“The costs and time involved in getting a custom unit tested, literally for every sale, would be astronomical. The manufacturers behind these code changes can afford to make testing and certification standards for their commodity items because of the volumes they manufacture. To do it for a one of a kind, special shape, size or style would be impossible.”

Burton urged the AMD’s members to consider that there is still a ways to go before S141 can be ruled out. In his overview of the process, he explained that the proposal currently is in a phase where public comment is sought in response to the public committee hearings held previously. Those provided will be printed and distributed prior to the final hearings.

“This isn’t over,” he said. “They want to get all the disagreements out in the public, in writing, prior to the final actions … once you get your public comment in—that’s it, that’s the only thing that can be talked about. The scope is set.”

Burton explained that a properly filed public comment presented at the final hearings could resurrect S141. A 67-percent vote among eligible participants potentially would overturn the original 9-0 decision. Burton urged members to understand that a continued presence is critical for the association to see through its initial efforts.

“Someone can bring in a modification through public comment and that’s something we have to be prepared for,” he explained. “If we’re there and we still disagree with S141, then we need to make sure we maintain 34 percent [of voters].”

Burton said AMD is in support of building codes to ensure the safety and quality of installed products, but the association feels current testing standards are sufficient and the evidence to support a need for greater testing simply does not exist.

“The main argument that I made at the hearings was that there was no evidence that side-hinged doors needed any further testing than they’re getting now,” he explained.

Burton said AMD currently is working with WDMA, S141’s author, the American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA) and any other association that’s interested in involvement. “We are waiting to see if they will come out with something,” he said.

“The way it’s written right now, we are opposed to it,” he said. “WDMA would have to work with us in order to find support from AMD.”

He noted that the association is doing whatever necessary to ensure a 34-plus-percent vote in the final hearings.

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