What's New • Southeast Architectural Solutions

Aug172025 by ArchSolLLCNo Comments

Burns Manufacturing

Burns Manufacturing is a family owned, made in America manufacturer, of Architectural Door Hardware & Accessories in 1965 in Erie, PA. Now in the third generation of family management, Burns takes great pride in the custom products created for architects, contractors and building owners throughout the world. Burns relies on a team of highly skilled metal craftsmen with generations of accumulated techniques. They produce exquisitely finished and dependable hardware using an array of metal fabricating and polishing machinery.

Jul282025 by ArchSolLLCNo Comments

When To Use a Hollow Metal Frame With a 4″ Head

Resources

Hollow Metal Frame with a 4″ Head 07/12/2025|Admin|Product Highlights, Resources When to Use a 4″ Head on Your Door Frame In commercial construction, small details in frame design can make a big difference during installation. One example is knowing when to use a 4″ head on your hollow metal door frame. When installing a 7’0″ door, using a standard 2″ face head can create a gap between the top of the door frame and the next course of block. This gap happens because each block course measures 8″ in height (7 ⅝” for the block plus ⅜” for mortar). To bridge this gap, contractors often resort to a modified or “notched” lintel that can add cost and time. By choosing a 4″ head, the door frame aligns perfectly with the block courses. This allows the lint...

Jul282025 by ArchSolLLCNo Comments

A40, A60, G90 Explained!

Resources

A40, A60, G90 Explained: Be Able To Explain It Like A Pro 07/14/2025|Admin|Resources, Uncategorized Most professionals in the built environment have a general idea what A40, A60, and G90 mean but can you confidently explain it to an architect or contractor which the better choice is for hollow metal doors and frames? Here’s your quick refresher to help you sound like the expert they need. Understanding the Numbers The numbers tell you the total zinc coating weight per square foot (both sides): A40 = 0.40 oz/ft² A60 = 0.60 oz/ft² G90 = 0.90 oz/ft² 🔑 Higher numbers mean a thicker zinc layer, providing better corrosion resistance but that’s only part of the story. There is more than just the coating weight to consider when selecting the best mate...

Jul282025 by ArchSolLLCNo Comments

Understanding Thermal Ratings in Hollow Metal Doors

Resources

Understanding Thermal Ratings in Hollow Metal Doors: R-Value & U Value 07/15/2025|Admin|Codes, Resources When thermal performance shows up in door specifications, you’ll often see references to R-value and U-value. But what do they really mean? And how do they apply to hollow metal doors? Let’s break it down in plain language. Why Thermal Ratings Matter in Hollow Metal Doors As energy codes tighten and sustainability goals grow, architects and specifiers are paying closer attention to how door assemblies impact the building envelope. Whether it’s for exterior openings in commercial buildings, conditioned corridors in hospitals, or hotel room doors, understanding thermal performance ensures compliance and comfort. That’s where R-value and U-value ...

Jul282025 by ArchSolLLCNo Comments

The Anatomy of a Drywall Frame

Resources

The Anatomy of a Drywall Frame Part 1: Drywall Frame Profile Here is a drawing I created showing the profile of a typical knock-down drywall frame. I will be including a graphic with a detail and explanation on compression anchors as well as installation instructions at a later date. It also shows the difference of the jamb depth vs the throat measurement. Most hollow metal manufacturers request the jamb depth when ordering but you should always check with your specific manufacturer to understand the information they need to ensure you receive the correct frame. Here are some common terms associated with a drywall frame: Compression Anchor – the typical anchor used to secure a knock down drywall frame to an existing wall. A compression anchor comes pre-installed ...

Jul272025 by ArchSolLLCNo Comments

How to Utilize DMI and ABI Reports (with a little help from ChatGPT)

Education, Industry News, Uncategorized

How to Utilize DMI and ABI Reports (with a Little Help from ChatGPT) As I dive deeper into creating content and building a more informed community around the commercial door and hardware industry, I’ve discovered that some of the most valuable tools for forecasting market trends are right in front of us, if you know how to read them. Two of the most underused yet powerful tools are the Dodge Momentum Index (DMI) and the AIA Architectural Billings Index (ABI). I’ve been including them in my monthly newsletter, but recently I wanted to go deeper to better understand what they measure. Here is a quick explanation: Dodge Momentum Index (DMI) The DMI tracks new non-residential building projects that are just entering the planning phase, before they’re designed, permitted, o...

May302025 by ArchSolLLCNo Comments

Design Without Limits: How Architectural Concepts Empowers Architects Through Customizable Door Solutions

Product Focus

Design Without Limits: How Architectural Concepts Empowers Architects Through Customizable Door Solutions In a world where design demands are evolving faster than ever, professionals are constantly seeking materials that not only meet performance standards but also enhance creative freedom. That’s where Architectural Concepts comes in. With a commitment to craftsmanship and customization, this Colorado-based manufacturer delivers stile and rail mdf wood doors that elevate projects and empower architects to design without compromise. A Manufacturer That Understands the Vision Architectural Concepts was founded with one goal: to provide finely crafted architectural products that meet the aesthetic and functional needs of the design community. With a reputation for quality and servic...

May72025 by ArchSolLLCNo Comments

The Architectural Concepts Door Collection Advantage

News, Product Focus

The Architectural Concepts Door Collection Advantage Why Distributors Are Choosing Architectural Concepts Over the Competition In today’s competitive construction market, your reputation as a distributor is only as strong as the products you represent. That’s why more industry professionals are turning to Architectural Concepts, a manufacturer that consistently delivers quality, customization, and reliability in every door they manufacture. If you’ve ever had to deal with callbacks, warping, prep failures, or poor finishes this post is for you. The AC Advantage: What Sets Architectural Concepts Apart Architectural Concepts doesn’t cut corners and neither should you. Here’s how their stile & rail mdf doors outperform the typical market alternative: Superior Structural B...

May52025 by ArchSolLLCNo Comments

Three Tips to Navigate Shifting Market Conditions

Education, News

Market conditions are shifting, material costs are fluctuating, and things beyond our control are creating rippling effects across supply chains. Sound familiar? Yes, we are in uncertain times again, but if the pandemic taught us anything, it’s how to navigate disruption with grit and creativity. We have already proven that we can adapt, innovate, and move forward even when the path ahead is unclear. Those lessons in resilience are more relevant now than ever. Let's remember the strategy that got us through tough times before. Here are three tips to navigate shifting market conditions. Three Tips to Navigate Shifting Market Conditions Keep communication transparent and timely. When a manufacturer shares news, especially the difficult kind, don’t delay in passing that i...

Apr282025 by ArchSolLLCNo Comments

Opening the Door to a Rep Career

News

Opening the Door to a Rep Career By Jack Foster | Agency Sales, May 2025 "I love doors and hardware!" If those words betray a real sense of enthusiasm, that’s exactly what they’re intended to do. And that’s the way Amanda Wilson begins a conversation describing how much she cares about being an independent manufacturers’ rep serving the commercial door and hardware industry. According to Wilson, who heads Trenton, Florida–based Wilson Building Solutions, LLC, “Most people have no idea about the role that commercial doors play in their lives. These doors serve as silent sentries that can save lives. The world of commercial doors is ever-changing, and that’s what has always attracted me.” Now, after more than 29 (and holding) years, Amanda remains intrigued by the products, t...