Trade, Manufacturer & Professional Organizations & Associations

Trade, Manufacturer & Professional Organizations & Associations

The links on this page will take you to the organizations and associations that represent different trades, professions, industries, manufacturers, governmental, non-governmental and non-profits. You can educate yourself about products, processes, systems and more by visiting websites on topics you are interested in or that relate to your home improvement interests or questions. (For groups relating to energy please see my energy page.) I have organized these in broad categorical groups.

The Hat on Your Home

Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association
Only by eating, sleeping, and dreaming asphalt roofing can you hope to keep up to date with the latest news, trends, & innovations in the asphalt roofing industry. Or you can visit this web site, where all the work has been done for you.
National Roofing Contractors Association
A homeowners' guide to buying a new roof and a roof checkup guide to help you maintain your roof. A homeowner maintenance and safety video and a residential roofing contractor qualification form plus more.
The Cedar Shake & Shingle Bureau
Founded in 1915, the Cedar Shake & Shingle Bureau is the non-profit industry association that represents Certi-label brand product manufacturing members, distributors, wholesalers, retailers, Approved Installers, Roof Maintenance Technicians and other associates.
Metal Roofing Alliance (MRA)
Founded in 1998, The Metal Roofing Alliance (MRA) is a coalition of metal roofing manufacturers, paint suppliers and coaters, dealers, metal industry associations, and roofing contractors.

The Coat Around Your Home

The North American Insulation Manufacturers Association
NAIMA is a trade association of North American (United States, Canada and Mexico) manufacturers of fiber glass, rock wool, and slag wool insulation products. NAIMA members manufacture the vast majority of fiber glass, rock and slag wool insulations produced and used in North America
Energy Star Recommended Levels of Insulation
Insulation levels as specified by R-Value. R-Value is a measure of insulation's ability to resist heat traveling through it. The higher the R-Value the better the thermal performance of the insulation. The table at this link shows what levels of insulation are cost-effective for different climates and locations of the home. Recommendations are made with reference to the fuel source.
The Home Energy Saver Answer Desk
Information from the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory Web site
Energy and Energy Savings Myths
An examination of 13 common myths by Evan Mills, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory staff scientist reveals that they should be treated with some healthy skepticism. In all cases, the bottom line is that you should always think critically when you hear a "tip" on how to save energyand dig a little deeper to separate the myths from the facts.

The Portals Into Your Home

Window and Door Manufacturers Association
This website says: "We present, with pride, our trade association's literature library and guidelines - information designed to help you the consumer, builder, remodeler, owner, or architect in locating and selecting the correct quality window, skylight and door for your needs."
The Efficient Windows Collaborative
This site provides unbiased information on the benefits of energy-efficient windows, descriptions of how they work, and recommendations for their selection and use. EWC members have made a commitment to manufacture and promote energy-efficient windows. Take a look to learn more.
The National Fenestration Rating Council
NFRC is a non-profit organization that administers the only uniform, independent rating and labeling system for the energy performance of windows, doors, skylights, and attachment products. Their goal is to provide fair, accurate, and reliable energy performance ratings.

The Pipes In Your Home

Plumbing Manufacturers Institute
The Plumbing Manufacturers Institute (PMI) is the trade association of plumbing products manufacturers. Its member companies produce most of the nation's plumbing products. You will find links to many plumbing parts manufacturing companies here.
The PlumbingWeb
This site calls itself "The Premier Plumbing Links Site". I don't doubt it. It even has links to plumbing set ups you have seen in movies as well as a link to help you find sanitary public bathrooms around the world.
King County Wastewater Treatment
Become a more responsible inhabitant of the earth. Learn about water. Their mission is to protect public health and the environment by conveying and treating the region's wastewater. One goal of the Wastewater Treatment Division is to provide an integrated approach to water resource management, from conserving water and treating wastewater to reclaiming water and protecting the region's environment.
Saving Water Partnership
A website to help conserve water at home and at work. Cutting back on the water we use is good for the environment, for salmon and other wildlife, and for our future. And it can lower your water bills, too!