Using Declare to Vet Products

Many products are complex and contain many different components and materials. Adhesives and finishes are especially difficult to vet for health and toxicity. Some of these products may contain harmful chemicals, but it is often difficult to obtain information about them from manufacturers.

However, some companies are becoming increasingly transparent about their product ingredients; these manufacturers will have an advantage with specifiers who are looking for certified and toxin-free options.

In addition, researchers are developing high-performance alternatives that are also toxin free and/or have a lower carbon footprint. A good example is the development of blowing agents—used in spray-foam insulation—with low greenhouse gas potential.

Coiled wire fabric panels are a versatile solution for shade, providing solar control and glare protection while facilitating daylighting. These panels can offer both high design and energy savings; however, when used on the home’s exterior, they must be durable in the face of weather, insects, moisture, UV exposure, and more. Consequently, both the core material and finish are important for ensuring durability.

At least one manufacturer of stainless steel coiled wire drapery holds Declare labels for its products, several of which are Red List Free. This most stringent level of certification verifies that the product contains no items on the Red List, which is an inventory of chemicals and materials known to be harmful to humans. The International Living Future Institute has compiled the Red List as part of the Living Building Challenge. Other Declare labels for this manufacturer certify the product as LBC Compliant, which means it can be safely used in a Living Building Challenge project.

These products are finished with environmentally friendly powder coatings. They also contain no solvents, and emit trace, if any, volatile organic compounds, or VOCs.

Specifiers can access these labels from the Declare database and learn detailed information about the ingredients that make up each component, including the wire mesh, pigments, and tracking and accessories. The labels also disclose where the product is manufactured, its life expectancy, and recycling potential at the end of its life. This is valuable information for specifiers pursuing the Living Building Challenge or LEED, or for those simply trying to learn about the products so they can make responsible choices. Tracking down all of this information from manufacturers takes a good deal of time; manufacturers who are willingly transparent not only make the job easier for specifiers (and save the clients time and money), but they also gain a competitive edge.

Photo courtesy of Cascade Architectural

By choosing products with Declare labels, clients can rest assured that their coiled wire drapery products do not contain any toxic or harmful chemicals.

Reducing Raw Material Extraction and Manufacturing Waste

One way to view environmental responsibility is to look at a company’s manufacturing facilities and the processes it employs. Does it strive to reduce water and energy usage and waste? Does it implement efficient waste and heat and water recovery and recycling? Does it use virgin or recycled materials? How carbon-intensive is the manufacturing process? How does the company treat its employees?

For example, manufacturers of bronze door and cabinet hardware should have in place practices that exemplify the company’s commitment to quality, the environment, and its employees.

First, look at the raw materials used in the hardware collections. How much recycled content is being used, and is it pre- or post-consumer material? Post-consumer material is an end product that has completed its life cycle as a consumer item and would otherwise have been disposed of as a solid waste. Notably, rates of post-consumer recycled content may be as great or greater than 90 percent.

Next, study the manufacturing process. For example, the sand that is used to cast molds may be recaptured for reuse, resulting in zero waste. Bronze chips and grinding dust may also be recycled, so there is no byproduct.

Company facilities are another indicator that manufacturers are committed to both environmental responsibility and the health and happiness of their employees. Some companies seek certification from third-party green building programs such as LEED, WELL, or the Living Building Challenge. Like individual product labels, these certifications ensure the facilities have met certain thresholds for energy efficiency, material selection, and building health.

Finally, look at company practices and the way a manufacturer treats its employees. Is it committed to equitable hiring practices and programs that promote employee health and well-being? Indicators to look for include health-care packages and services and opportunities at the workplace—gyms and yoga classes, for example—that encourage employees to take care of themselves.

Photo courtesy of Rocky Mountain Hardware

Manufacturers of bronze pulls like the ones shown should exhibit a commitment to environmental responsibility and the well-being of its employees.

Working with Manufacturers

Designers of high-end custom homes expect a high level of customer and professional support. Specifiers will show preference to manufacturers who not only offer superior products but can also work with architects to design custom solutions for discerning clients. These services may include but are not limited to: modeling services, including energy modeling and 3-D renderings; structural engineering services; and in-house designers and engineers.

These services can help understand how selections will work with other material and product choices, ensuring a cohesive design. And while designers and homeowners have never enjoyed more choices, some clients may still require custom solutions. Hence, manufacturers that offer custom services will have an edge.

Customization and Customer Service

Most manufacturers of cast bronze hardware offer a number of collections that are certain to satisfy most customers. But those which offer flexible options and the ability to customize pieces will have an advantage. For example, an online “door hardware composer” may allow a customer to mix and match any of a company’s available escutcheons, handles, and finishes to create an original piece.

Beyond that, look for companies that can accommodate fully custom pieces. This will be determined in large part by their manufacturing capabilities. Custom pieces require a combination of hands-on craftsmanship and advanced technologies, and creating a custom piece involves a number of steps.

First, a highly trained craftsman hand-sculpts ideas into pattern boards and uses sand or wax to create casts. After the casting, the piece moves through a series of steps to add precise functionality. For example, CNC machines are used to create precise parts and mechanisms, while water-jet machines use high pressure to cut 2-D custom parts. Of course, these capabilities must be matched with an accommodating attitude on the part of the manufacturer. Company websites should provide examples of custom pieces and demonstrate a willingness to accommodate original designs.

Manufacturers of high-quality bronze hardware should stand behind their products. Look for strong warranties, such as a lifetime guarantee on material and workmanship. Some manufactures offers warranties that guarantee the internal mechanisms, including all locks and latches, for 50 years from the date of sale to the original user. Any defective product or parts that fall within these guidelines will be replaced. Comprehensive warranties and strong customer support send a message that a company believes in its products and the relationship with the customer does not end with the sale.

Comprehensive Design and Manufacturing Services for Coiled Wire Products

Coiled metal fabric is crafted from interlocking strands of coiled wire, which is used to form sheets of flexible metal fabric. These can be combined with engineered attachment systems for a range of turnkey solutions. This system is inherently flexible. Designers can choose material, gauge, color, coating/finish, weave thickness, open area, and engineered attachment system to meet specific project requirements, including design vision, functional requirements, and budget.

Coiled wire fabric systems are used as window treatments, dividers, canopies, awnings, and other custom shade structures. All of these systems, including the metal fabrics and mounting components, are fully customizable. Manufacturers of these systems should understand that architects and designers may not be as familiar with these systems and that they represent a change from solid dimensional materials. Consequently, companies that offers a range of design and job-site support services will have an edge. Services to look for include structural engineering, mechanical engineering, extrusion design, FEA analysis/modeling, drafting, shop drawings, schedules, architectural specifications, fabrication, and on-site installation consultation.

Expert in-house design and engineering services may be available to help with the development of drawings and material specifications for a specific application to ensure the design achieves the desired aesthetic effect while also meeting other goals, such as solar control.

The company should provide recommendations for the appropriate metal, coating, and aesthetic fullness, and have experts on hand who can advise designers on structural support requirements, attachment options, and even lighting and motion considerations.

Conclusion

Today’s custom homes are sophisticated and artful, with an emphasis on clean lines and authentic materials. Designers and homeowners are faced with a dizzying array of choices when designing a contemporary custom home. Designers must satisfy multiple goals, first ensuring the selection aligns with the project’s aesthetic design and budget, but then also making sure it contributes to other important goals, such as energy efficiency, comfort, security, health, and environmental responsibility. Fortunately, many manufacturers are dedicated to quality and transparency. Many not only offer an array of high-quality choices but will also work with the designer to come up with the perfect solution to satisfy a discriminating client.