Registration is now open for the Fenestration and Glazing Industry Alliance (FGIA) 2024 Fall Conference, taking place September 16-19 in Minneapolis, MN, at the Hyatt Regency Minneapolis. The conference’s theme, “Oktoberfest,” is a seasonal reference to the event’s fun night out: a brewery tour at Surly Brewing. Participants are encouraged to register now to take advantage of early-bird pricing through August 23. Registration is available for both the in-person event and the virtual experience.“The Midwest loves the German tradition of Oktoberfest, and FGIA is excited...

As part of FGIA’s strategic objective focused on delivering purposeful and valued events, the Summer Conference will be transitioned into a fully virtual event beginning in 2025, allowing for a focus on two in-person conferences each year: the FGIA Annual Conference and the FGIA Fall Conference. This announcement was initially communicated in December and again during the Opening General Session at this month’s 2024 Summer Conference in Montreal, QC. FGIA is excited to move forward with this new format starting next summer.This new format for...

FGIA will host a members only webinar on July 17, covering the latest FGIA U.S. Market Study. Released at the beginning of May, the study offers current data and forecasting. The webinar will feature highlights of current trends and future changes in the fenestration market, as well as scenarios that impact the industry. This includes inflation, interest rate increases, presidential election implications, global political unrest and immigration.This webinar will begin with an overview of the latest FGIA U.S. Industry Market Studies then Q&A with Rhett...

The Fenestration and Glazing Industry Alliance (FGIA) has updated a specification establishing performance requirements for fiber reinforced thermoset profiles for use in fenestration products. AAMA 305-24, Voluntary Specification for Fiber Reinforced Thermoset Profiles, an FGIA document, is now available for purchase in the FGIA online store. This document was last updated in 2022.Fenestration products made with fiber reinforced thermoset profiles that meet the requirements of this specification are expected to perform well in actual use, assuming adequate product design. The requirements include flexural strength, flexural...

Dr. Kayla Natividad, engineer, gave a presentation called, “Embodied Carbon in Legislation, Regulation and Other Places” at the Fenestration and Glazing Industry Alliance (FGIA) Summer Conference in Montreal, QC. Natividad reviewed the differences among flat glass, processed glass and fenestration assemblies Product Category Rules (PCRs), which are being specified in legislation. Participants also learned the differences in key forms of embodied carbon policies like Buy Clean programs, climate action plans and zoning policies.“I'm typically a glass nerd, but a close second is going through building...

Participants at the Fenestration and Glazing Industry Alliance (FGIA) Summer Conference in Montreal, QC, heard from a structural engineer about how to select façade systems for iconic building architecture. David Vadocz, Principal Engineer, shared background information about façade movement, including balconies within facades and various other design considerations. He provided several case studies with special emphasis on the recently renovated University of British Columbia Museum of Anthropology building.“Imagine working on an iconic building,” said Vadocz. “They materialize from a dream, based on a sketch.”Façade System...

A chemist offered many considerations for finished fenestration and glazing construction products when it comes to plastics in Canada at the Fenestration and Glazing Industry Alliance (FGIA) Summer Conference in Montreal, QC. In “Plastics Regulations in Canada – What’s on the Horizon?” Dr. Peter Mirtchev, Policy Manager at the Chemistry Industry Association of Canada, shared information about the new Canadian Federal Plastics Registry, a legally binding global treaty on plastics sought by some countries in the United Nations and other Canadian codes and regulations related...

Participants at the Fenestration and Glazing Industry Alliance (FGIA) heard about the definitions, measurements, codes and testing standards for several natural disasters though an Intertek-sponsored session, “Natural Disaster Standards and Testing.” Led by Tanya Dolby, Engineering Manager of Engineering Services at Intertek, this session covered those aspects of hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes and floods.“I am very passionate about this topic and have been involved in it for many years,” said Dolby. “This [presentation] will shed light on catastrophic events and provide insights into their impact, highlighting...

The Fenestration and Glazing Industry Alliance (FGIA) will host a webinar detailing the reporting requirements of Canada’s new Federal Plastics Registry. The webinar, being held on Thursday, June 13, at 10:30 a.m. Central, is available to FGIA members and will provide details on the related Section 46 Notice and the mandatory information gathering that obligates companies on the quantities and types of plastic they place in the Canadian market. Register now for “An Introduction to Canada’s Federal Plastics Registry,” led by George Kendros, Unit Head...

The Fenestration and Glazing Industry Alliance (FGIA) and the National Glass Association (NGA) are proud to announce the joint publication of an updated technical resource, NGA/FGIA TB-1601, Guidelines for Use of Capillary Tubes.This eight-page guide addresses the use of capillary tubes in insulating glass units, including proper manufacture and design, glazing methodologies, as well as advantages and disadvantages of their use.“This is an excellent resource covering the use of capillary tubes; everything from design guidance to glazing considerations,” shared Aaron Thompson, Principal Research Engineer at...