I joined the NGA and Window + Door staff in September of 2014. My second day at my new job entailed watching GlassBuild America in Las Vegas come to life. I was coming in with more than a decade of trade shows under my belt, which gave me the experience to confidently step on the show floor, even as a fenestration rookie. It also gave me the perspective to realize how different this show was from all the others I attended, and not just in terms of the products, content and exhibitors.
COVID-19 has turned 2020 plans upside down for us all. It has asked us to adapt and change; to find new ways of connecting, working, collaborating, problem solving. Now it’s forcing us to pivot once more when it comes to our industry’s gathering place.
Most states in the U.S. are now in the process of reopening, after shutting down due to COVID-19. Reopening, or continuing to work, during this time poses unique challenges to installers and glaziers. We asked three leading glazing contractors about protecting employees, the role of technology, and their advice for other glaziers going forward.
We had a double blast of code dives this week with webinars from the National Glass Association and from Glass Canada. Both webinars did sound at least a minor alarm about the next area of concern for the commercial glass world when it comes to codes; that would be the spandrel area. This is something that bears watching.
In the face of COVID-19 pandemic, leading glass and glazing companies quickly pivoted to produce solutions for safer and healthier workspaces. These companies are invited to submit their essential products, projects, and/or achievements for consideration for recognition as part of Glass Magazine's new awards program, which will highlight the industry’s role in responding to COVID-19.
Michelle Foster, VP, sustainability for Home Innovation Research Labs, provided an update on the 2020 National Green Building Standard. For those unfamiliar, the NGBS is a voluntary above code green certification program and is part of the ICC suite of I Codes. It offers alternative compliance for the IgCC.
More details came through on the July Glass Conference that will be all online. I mentioned the Conference on my last post but the extra particulars on the schedule got me going. The agenda is loaded and the value for three days of education―$150 for members and $200 for non-members―is off the charts.
For the appointments I’ve been on so far, I have worn a mask when with the customer. And it has been absolutely fine. No dramas at all. Some have decided to wear masks when speaking with me as well, which is also absolutely fine.
Color, texture, and durability play an important role when it comes to interior finishes. Specifying glass checks all these boxes and more, because it is a solid surface material that offers endless design possibilities, while also being durable and easy to disinfect