Delay New Lead Paint Rules By EPA? Why?

Found this link today via Twitter: http://wddalliance.org/industry-resources-lead-paint.html; it’s a call by the Window & Door Dealers Alliance to contact your congressman about delaying new April 22nd rules on lead in paint.  Why do this is my question?

In the paint industry we have dealt with tightening of regulations for years, from lower VOC’s to the removal of heavy metals, such as lead.  We know these pigments and solvents cause people to get sick and they technically should not be allowed in a sustainable and green building.

Why should we not delay this?

1. It’s been known for some time and it’s not a surprise to anyone.  Places like southern California have not been able to use certain products because of VOC’s and heavy metals for some time.

2. There are alternatives that have been around for over 25 years, one of our products for one: OPACI-COAT-300/500.

Our safe products can be used in the same equipment as ceramic enamel, so why delay, your solution is already out there.

LinkedIn Discussion: Market Development, How To Do It?

In an economy downturn, one of the ways a company can grow is to find new markets for existing products or services.  Using us for an example, taking our knowledge of silicone coatings to markets such as: plastics (polycarbonate), metals (aluminum), and concrete (additives and sealers).  Yet I’m sure you are saying, “easier said than none Vockler”.  I know, it’s hard, finding new markets is not easy.  Yet there are individuals out there who do that type of work their whole career’s.  I’m not one of them, I’ve spent my 12 years at ICD, marketing to the glass industry.

So, my new push is to develop new markets, find those problems that need to be solved.  We as a company have a huge depth of knowledge when it comes to the chemistry of silicones and hybrid variations of silicones.  Once in a while someone calls and asks if we have a coating for this or for that and it’s lead to the examples I listed in the previous paragraph.  But I want to do better, I want to become a Super Market Developer!

But how?  How do I find stones to overturn?

I started a discussion over on LinkedIn, if you are not a member you should be, it’s a great networking and peer-to-peer discussion site.  Not to mention if you find yourself out of work it’s a great place to find out who is hiring in your area of expertise.  LinkedIn Group: Market Development

While you are there, feel free to link me as a contact: http://www.linkedin.com/in/kvockler

But if you don’t want to sign up for LinkedIn, I ask you, what do you do to look for other markets than you are in right now?  Have you had struggles or maybe it’s easy and you have some tips, I’m all ears.

Silicone spandrel and frit spandrel are the same thing right? Part III “Spandrel In a Vision Area”

Same use but vastly different in not only application but composition, meaning many energy saving and environmental benefits.

OPACI-COAT Vs. Ceramic Enamel

Ceramic Frit vs OPACI-COAT-300/500®
CERAMIC FRIT	OPACI-COAT-300/500®
Ceramic clay applied to glass is heated to 1,100°F(600°C) and becomes fused to the glass.	50% silicone, 50% water solution is sprayed, roller coated or curtain coated onto glass and dried by evaporation of water (either ambient or oven) curing the silicone to the surface of the glass.
Unlimited, because the frit is fused to the glass.	Unlimited.  Silicones have an excellent track record in construction.  OPACI-COAT-300/500® has been in use for more than twenty years.
Ceramic frit does not break down when exposed to ultraviolet rays.	OPACI-COAT-300/500® does not break down when exposed to ultraviolet rays.
Ceramic frit has noability to help glass remain in an opening when broken.	Silicone bonds with the glass and will hold broken glass in an opening when applied at a wet film thickness of 13 mils.
Cannot be repaired if frit surface is damaged.	Silicone surface can be repaired in the field if scratched, or touched up if coverage has noticeable light areas from the exterior.
Matches very well with dark colors.  Can have noticeable lines or streaks in light colors. Most reds and yellows are impossible.	Exceptional color matching capabilities (including reds and yellows) with 3 day lead times on most sample and production orders.
Contains solvents and other heavy metals that create hazardous materials disposal concerns.	Does not contain any environmentally hazardous ingredients.  No lead or heavy metals.  We are Green!
5 years by fabricator	10 years
Ceramic frit cannot be applied to the reflective surface of the glass.	OPACI-COAT-300/500® may be applied to wide variety of reflective as well as pyrolitic glass surfaces.

What is Spandrel, Vision Glass, and the Difference Between Frit and Silicone? (3 Post Series) Part I
Most Overheard Questions About Spandrel Part II “Can I Put It In A Vision Area?” Part II

Most Overheard Questions About Spandrel Part II “Can I Put It In A Vision Area?”

And the answer would be a resounding no.

The second most popular question, which is also the number one issue with spandrel glass in the field next to incompatible components in the cavity, is if a spandrel can be used in a vision area.  No, spandrel glass can not be used in a vision area, be it enamel or silicone or anything.  All coatings have small perfections like craters and pinholes.  To ensure these flaws don’t appear, the cost of applying the coating goes up.  Due to needing clean rooms and more precise coating equipment.

Bottom-line is, all spandrel glass will have pinholes and light/dark spots from the application, yet there are ASTM and GANA standards that show the acceptable limits of these features. If you place these glass panels in a vision area, where someone would be behind the glass looking outside (meaning light behind the glass), they will look very poor.  These types of glass are not meant to be used with light behind them, the were never created this way and will never be.  But if you want an opaque glass in a vision area, just telling the fabricator will reduce your headache when the glass looks like the milky-way.  Several practices can be employed to reduce or remove the pinholes and light/dark area.  Of course, cost goes up.

Need some docs on how to view spandrel glass for quality, once installed?  Check these out:

ASTM C1048 – 04 Standard Specification for Heat-Treated Flat Glass – Kind HS, Kind FT Coated and Uncoated Glass

GANA Glazing Manual

So, remember, keep spandrel glass out of the vision area, it’s not intended for this use.

Productivity Tip: Setting a Proper Out-of-Office Message

I have to admit, I’m lame when it comes to letting my out-of-office message, for some very lame reasons.  Reason one is I forgot how to set the welcome message on my office phone.  doh!  Second, Mac Mail doesn’t offer an Out-of-office Message like Outlook does, so I just skip it.  Even if there is a workaround to get it to work.

I pledge to do better and keep you all happily informed when I’m not going to be in the office.  Until then, join me in creating better messages.  Found this info on one of my favorite blogs; Lifehacker:

When leaving an away message, use the following format for the best communication.

1. Dates of your absence. Let the contact know when you are out of the office. It helps them decide what their next step is going to be; whether to wait for your return or to direct their request elsewhere.
2. Reason for absence. I like to let my contacts know whether I am on a business trip or vacation. A business trip means I am connected to the office in some way and might be able to respond to a message. If I’m on vacation, I’m out of contact range.
3. Who to contact in your absence. I try and leave contact information for alternate contacts when I am out of the office; a minimum of one up to as many as are needed.

Set an Effective Out-of-Office Message to Reduce Workload [Lifehacker]

Original post: Tips for leaving a good out-of-office message [Ian's Messy Desk]