In this time of uncertainty, the construction industry closely monitors the monthly economic indicators to gauge the future of nonresidential construction. Conditions remain somewhat mixed as elevated interest rates cause developers and owners to proceed cautiously. As we navigate through this year, let’s delve into the current state of the commercial window and curtain wall systems industry, exploring trends and challenges.
Next show up! Time for the adventure that is glasstec in Dusseldorf, Germany. It kicks off Tuesday and runs through Friday with show hours of 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Those are some serious show hours folks. If you have never been or never heard of this event, it is held every other year and takes up 9 trade show halls. It is not only flat glass and various components (hardware, software etc.) but also other materials related to glass making and other end products made of glass like bottles.
Fresh off the show, I wanted a podcast that hit on the next show (glasstec) and a highlight from GlassBuild. First up… Jason Isackson from Sentinel Facades joined me. Jason and Sentinel burst onto the scene at GlassBuild and made an impact with custom hockey jerseys and a coffee bar. Their product line also caught some attention because of the system approach, and Jason broke that whole thing down. Fun to get to know him a bit. Then, I go to a pair that I have known for a long time and have immense respect for.
One of the major themes at this year's glasstec, held Oct. 22-25, is circularity. Marc Everling speaks to prominent glass industry leaders about the realities of reusing glass construction materials and creating material transparency.
The summer of 2024 was the fourth-hottest summer on record for the contiguous United States, with an average temperature of 73.8 degrees Fahrenheit, which is 2.5 degrees above normal. The states of Arizona, California, Florida, Maine, and New Hampshire experienced the warmest summer in their recorded histories this year. Globally, it was the hottest summer since global records started 1880, and the months of June, July, and August 2024 were about 0.2°F (0.1°C) hotter than any other time in NASA's recorded history.
GlassBuild 2024 is in the books, and it was a great one. Even though many companies right now are slower than normal and backlogs lighter, the attitudes were flying along the line of “we’re going to make the best of it and do what we can to keep moving forward.”
Replacing and retrofitting window, curtainwall, storefront and entrance systems present our industry with an ongoing, important opportunity to improve the energy efficiency of existing building envelopes while retaining the desired and historic appearance.
Much to the chagrin of a science fiction author existing in the 1950s, artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly becoming an integral component in the modern workplace. It can help revolutionize operations, enhance productivity and foster innovation.
If you ever followed pro wrestling, “The Rock” (a wrestler before he became a movie star) would come into the ring and exclaim… “FINALLY… The Rock has come back to… (insert city)” and that is what is on my mind right now. FINALLY. FINALLY… GlassBuild is back. FINALLY… we are in Dallas and all of us getting together to learn and network.
You only have 2.5 days to accomplish everything at GlassBuild 2024. Be strategic about the companies, seminars, and people you network with. Also, take chances and try new companies or suppliers by planning your route and making appointments ahead of schedule!