Great news: applications are now being accepted for a 2024 FGIA education grant! The first-ever FGIA Bill Briese Educational Engagement Grant Program recipients were awarded grants last year, and the time to apply for the second round of winners is now through March 31.This company-focused grant, available exclusively to FGIA corporate members, is aimed at extending education opportunities, building engagement within FGIA, expediting integration into the industry and furthering professional growth and advancement.Who is qualified to apply for the grant? An FGIA corporate member company...

As 2023 comes to a close, it is a good time to make sure you have the current versions of the documents that best serve and help shape our industry. Several important FGIA standards were updated this year in FGIA’s ongoing efforts to keep up with the latest technologies and performance demands. Let’s take a look at a few of these documents, whose 2023 versions are now available in the FGIA Online Store.Click on each document number to read more about what changed from its...

GlassBuild 2023 was an expansive, up-close look at our industry and its innovations! The 20th anniversary featured a rodeo theme – a nod to the location of next year’s show in Dallas. With that theme in mind, I wanted to offer some post-show cowboy wisdom for those planning for next year in Texas.Always drink upstream from the herdWe were all cowboys this year at GlassBuild America 2023! We were committed, worked hard and made a great show happen again! Like a cowboy with a good...

Many fenestration manufacturers now offer residential windows, sliding glass doors, skylights and tubular daylighting devices (TDDs) that meet new, more rigorous U.S. ENERGY STAR 7.0 specifications. Led by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the more stringent residential ENERGY STAR 7.0 program goes into effect October 23, 2023. View the U.S. ENERGY STAR 7.0 specifications for windows, doors and skylights.Fenestration manufacturers seeking to have residential products certified to ENERGY STAR 7.0 will have to meet additional new requirements to comply with the new program, compared...

I have been enjoying a late summer here in Wisconsin, spending time outdoors with my grandkids. But, late summer brings with it a reminder: as colder weather begins to come this fall, it is the perfect time to look at weathering of the home. Luckily, FGIA has updated a document establishing minimum performance requirements for pile weatherstrips and replaceable weatherseals.AAMA 701/702-23, Performance Specification for Pile Weatherstrips (AAMA 701) and Polymer Weatherseals (AAMA 702), an FGIA document, provides details on test methods, equipment, specimen sampling techniques,...

Great news on the education front! You can now register for FGIA’s very popular annual in-person IG Fabricators Workshop, taking place November 7-9 at the Intertek testing facility in Plano, TX. Last year, we had to have a waitlist because so many people in the industry wanted to register for this workshop. Register early to make sure you get a seat at the table for this unique educational session.The IG Fabricators Workshop, led by industry experts, has addressed best practices for the most important aspects...

As you may already know, FGIA offers access to information and events specific to three regions: the FGIA FENBC Region covering British Columbia; the FGIA Southeast Region in the U.S.; and the FGIA Western Region also in the U.S. Adding a region to your FGIA membership provides access to an exclusive regionally focused annual newsletter. But this also gains you entry into regional events, where you can meet, network and get updates on the most important information to that region. Let’s get into the specifics...

Everyone in the industry knows that a product is only as good as its installation. That is why FGIA is committed to training installers on the proper techniques and skills required for a weathertight install. InstallationMasters® (IM) is a nationwide training and certification program for installers of new construction and replacement windows and exterior doors in residential and light commercial applications.Completion of the IM training program and successfully passing the exam allows qualified participants to earn either the Certified Installer or Certified Professional credential. Since...

It is almost time for the FGIA Summer Conference in Vancouver, BC! We will be there June 12-15 and there is a jam-packed conference schedule available here. We are so excited to share what we have in store. As you can see, the schedule includes a variety of presentations, panel discussions, and hands-on demonstrations. Numerous committees, councils, and task groups will also have an opportunity to meet.Plus, there are also several opportunities for networking in the Vancouver area. Register now for three different optional events...

Are your products designed for use in the U.S. residential replacement market? Is your company looking for ways to encourage your residential customers to add more natural light, save money, and help save energy? Now you can help your customers in the U.S. to accomplish all those goals when they choose U.S. ENERGY STAR® Most Efficient skylights or tubular daylighting devices (TDDs) and ENERGY STAR Most Efficient Windows for residential replacement purposes in their principal residence. In turn, they may qualify for a U.S. tax...