When water is flowing into a washing machine then is suddenly shut off, the energy of the flowing water reverses direction and must be dissipated. This energy is initially reflected back through the plumbing system in a direction opposite to the original flow, creating an oscillating shock wave. Depending on the extent of the shock wave, a loud banging or rattling sound can be heard as pipes expand and move as the shock wave dissipates.

An effective way of dealing with this problem is to install water hammer arresters at key areas in the system. We found the ideal answer in equipment by teaming up with Sioux Chief. At Signature Building Systems, we install Sioux Chief water hammer arresters at clothes washers, dishwashers and ice makers as a standard practice.

In addition we have made some other improvements in our water distribution systems using two additional products from Sioux Chief. At the tub/shower area, we changed the pipe coming off the top of the mixing valve leading to the showerhead and the lower section of pipe leading to the tub spout. They are both now mechanically fastened. This significantly reduces the chance of future leaks and improves the lifetime maintenance costs in this area.

We understand that it’s the small stuff that makes the biggest difference. 

Don’t worry if you missed out on our March 6th event. We are in the process of planning our next Open House for May 8, 2010! We will be posting details as they become available or you can contact Brittany Minello at BrittanyM@SignatureBuildingSystems.com to be added to the email list to receive updates.

• Light Refreshments
• Q & A Session
• Mortgage Consultant on-site  

 Here at Signature Building Systems we happily embrace our intrinsic duty to reinforce our industry. We encourage all of our employees to share their personal values and participate in industry events to support our trade. Recently, Vic DePhillips, President & CEO, and Charlie Kasko, VP of Business Development, traveled to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) International Builders’ Show (IBS) in Las Vegas, Nevada.  The NAHB is a trade association representing more than 200,000 members involved all aspects of the construction and housing industry. Known as “the voice of the housing industry,” NAHB is affiliated with more than 800 state and local home builders associations around the country. The NAHB also organizes trade shows, the most impressive being the IBS. The IBS is the largest annual building industry tradeshow in the country. Each year builders migrate to the IBS to participate in workshops, network with peers, listen to speakers, and gain invaluable information that they can pass onto others to enrich their hometown industry. IBS offers more than 175 education sessions taught by industry experts.  

 While at the IBS Vic and Charlie received notable industry honors.

Vic has been selected to serve as the Chairman for the Building Systems Council of the NAHB and also as a 2010 NAHB Executive Board Member. He will continue to serve on the NAHB Board of Directors. As Chairman of Building Systems Council, Vic will represent the interests of the systems built producer members for the Log Home Council, Modular Home, Panelized Home and Concrete Homes in the country. Vic has been a National Director for the past 12 years for his local, the Lackawanna Home Builders Association. During that time he also served for 3 years as the President and 9 years on the Board of Directors. 

   Charlie was elected Secretary of the NAHB Research Center Board of Directors. He was also appointed to the Board of Trustees of the 50+ Housing Council. Charlie will continue to serve on the Federal Governmental Affairs Committee and on the Board of Trustees for Build-PAC. Charlie is a Life Director for the Board of Directors of the NAHB. Charlie has also served as the President of the Pennsylvania Homes Builders Association and his local association, The BIA of Northeast Pennsylvania.

Congratulations Vic and Charlie on these remarkable accomplishments and showing by example what it means to contribute and support our industry!

 Visit www.nahb.org for more information on joining the NAHB or your local Builders Association and to begin doing your part to improve the conditions within our sphere.

Sponsored by the NAHB Building Systems Councils, the BSC Excellence in Marketing and Home Design Awards has promoted excellence in the systems-built housing industry for more than ten years. All winners were announced at an awards luncheon in Marco Island, Fla., held in conjunction with the BSC SHOWCASE event—the leading trade show and conference centered on the systems-built housing industry. Home manufacturers, builders and industry associates were among the groups recognized. Learn More >

As we continue to develop what we believe are the most effective ways to communicate a couple of thoughts became very clear. First we needed to define and categorize our audiences, then define and categorize our messages. For example, there is information that is intended only for our direct customers, some content is time sensitive and other information just needs to be accessible on an as needed basis. Other content is intended for future customers or future home buyers that will be working with our customers. We also have communication needs with our internal staff both at our corporate facility and in the field.

The answer to effectively meet all these needs is that we need to incorporate multiple mediums into our arsenal. In addition to our updated website, Builders University and our blog, we have recently begun using Twitter. Twitter will allow us to communicate with our customers in real time. We have the ability to notify our followers of updates to our blog and Builder University, important building industry news, hot deals and specials, and exciting developments at Signature instantaneously while being minimally intrusive.  To signup to follow Signature on Twitter, visit our homepage and click on the Twitter bird. If you don’t have a Twitter account, start here https://twitter.com/signup. Our goal is to keep you informed utilizing a medium that is best suited to you. So, what’s your style?

Thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule to share your thoughts and ideas with us.

- The Team at Signature Building Systems