For the first time since March 2009, private nonresidential construction spending increased 1.7 percent in April, according to the June 1 report by the U.S. Census Bureau. However, on a year-over-year basis, private nonresidential construction spending is down 24.6 percent. 

Architects, project managers and building owners now have a convenient regional source for independent field testing, forensic evaluation, inspection, and commissioning of the performance of the building envelope with Architectural Testing’s new regional office in Houston.

GAF Materials Corporation has received the Gold Remi award from the WorldFest Houston Film Festival for its Extreme Shingle Testing video. WorldFest is the oldest independent film and video festival in the world, created to recognize and honor outstanding creative excellence in the film and video arena. 

Aldo Products Company, a leader in the innovation of coating products for construction and roofing, has selected NCFI as authorized North American distributor of it’s new ALDOCOAT 800 Ignition Barrier Protective Coating.

The Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association (ARMA) announced the first year of the Quality Asphalt Roofing Case Study Program (QARC). This is a new recognition program that will give roofing contractors, consultants and architects the ability to gain the national prominence that they deserve for their work with asphalt roofing.

The EPDM Roofing Association (ERA) announced its support for the Building STAR Energy Efficiency Rebate Act of 2010, recently introduced in the U.S. Senate.

The GREENGUARD Environmental Institute (GEI) announced that it has achieved ISO/IEC Guide 65:1996 accreditation - the world’s most prestigious endorsement of a product certification program as developed by the International Organization for Standardization.

Four timely new programs from CertainTeed will equip siding contractors with the tools they need to address the challenges of 2010. The new programs include: 5-Star Green Contractor, Build-It Tour, THRIVE, and LogoCheck. 

The Roofing Industry Alliance for Progress has awarded a $750,000 grant to the Center for Environmental Innovation in Roofing to co-sponsor the development of RoofPoint, a new guideline and rating system for the selection of roof systems that maximize energy efficiency and minimize environmental impact.

SOPREMA, a manufacturer of SBS (styrene butadiene styrene) modified bitumen roofing and waterproofing products, announced the alignment of its operations in the U.S. and Canada.