Research Center Triples Size of Product Testing Lab

The NAHB Research Center, a subsidiary of the National Association of Home Builders, plans to complete construction of its 42,000-square-foot specialized testing and research facility this spring, according to an announcement at the International Builders Show.

The expansion, triple the size of the existing laboratory, will provide new capabilities including large-scale thermal testing and simulation of real-world conditions such as wind-driven rain and wind-blown debris on whole-house models. Additional laboratory space will be customized for a market research and observation gallery overlooking the testing area.

“The new facility will enable us to further integrate our engineering and market research expertise and provide our clients comprehensive product commercialization services to help them overcome barriers to innovation in the homebuilding industry,” says Michael Luzier, Research Center president.

The Research Center provides products and systems testing, product certification, builder and trade contractor certification, and services for manufacturers and industry including market research services, roundtables, focus groups and consumer interviews.

For more information, visit www.nahbrc.org.

By Pete Frank, managing editor of Window & Door magazine