Industry Topics

Six months ago, the state of Florida enacted new energy codes, mandating that new building and renovation projects in commercial and residential applications meet requirements outlined in the 2012 International Energy Conservation Code, IECC. The updates to the energy codes led to disagreement,…

The glass-making process starts with raw materials heated to 2,900 degrees Fahrenheit to produce molten glass. Pictured, the molten glass floats on a molten tin bath to become a flat ribbon. Photo courtesy of Guardian Industries.   The global float glass industry has undergone a dramatic…

When the economy shattered eight years ago, many people were forced to leave their homes though foreclosures or simple economic pressures. This resulted in an increased demand for the development of apartment buildings. Now, many of these apartment buildings are converting into condominiums,…

Unitized curtain walls have become the preferred method for enclosing buildings, as more building owners, architects and contractors see the benefits of this type of construction. Unitized systems allow buildings to be enclosed quickly, which can help to speed up the construction process leading…

The CRL-U.S. Aluminum Series 3250 Curtain Wall System encloses the entrance of a Crate & Barrel retail store. Understanding the basic concepts of curtain walls, the important considerations of the varying curtain wall types, and the performance specifications for curtain wall systems is…

CRL-U.S. Aluminum IT451 thermal storefront system with Series 400-T thermal entrance doors. Photo by Derek Lepper. Storefront systems can drastically enhance commercial and retail environments by improving brand identity and visibility for various types of businesses. They provide architects…

The slower construction market has created a challenging bidding environment increasingly defined by fierce competition and pressure to compete on price. Glazing subcontractors have been forced to perform a complicated balancing act of maintaining survivable profit margins while remaining…

Choosing the right door closer for your project is an important task, but it doesn’t have to be an intimidating one. There are many manufacturers and product options in the door closer market, and you must carefully select the best closer that fits the entrance, adequately controls the door, and…

Editor’s note: This article is the first of a two-part series on inks and coatings. Read how to troubleshoot common problems with inks in the May 2013 issue. As the application possibilities for decorative glass continue to grow, so does the number of inks and coatings available. These inks and…

Editor’s note: This article is part one of a ‘how-to’ series on glass processing and finishing. In future issues, we’ll address topics such as: how to cut thick glass, glass bonding and corner cutouts, among others. Note, the photos used in this article are for demonstration purposes only. When…