Did you hear the news? There is a new (the third!) edition of FenestrationMasters®, FGIA’s flagship education program. This was an ongoing project for me throughout 2024, and I am glad to see it revealed to the world. If you aren’t aware, FenestrationMasters is a professional certification and education program that covers the full breadth of our industry, including performance standards, products and materials, test methods and code requirements. With updated visuals and interactive elements, the third edition includes new segments covering the NAFS Canadian...

As 2024 winds down, 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 2024 versions are now available in the FGIA Online Store.Click on each document number to read more about what changed from its previous version:AAMA...

Several FGIA staff members participated in GlassBuild America this year, which took place in Dallas, TX. The show was a big success, and we asked staff to share their biggest takeaways from the trade show floor. From industry forecasts and sustainability innovations to products trends and professional development, here’s what resonated with FGIA staff after the show wrapped up on October 2.Janice Yglesias, FGIA Executive Director“I attended a session by economist Connor Lokar, who shared that companies in the commercial sector should be preparing for...

There are some exciting things happening within FGIA Education! Earlier this year, FGIA launched a new Learning Management System (LMS) for our online trainings. Two new a la carte courses just became available from the upcoming FenestrationMasters® 3.0 program. Finally, registration for the FGIA IG Fabricator Workshop is now open! Read on to learn more about these opportunities for professional growth and how you and your company can benefit from your access to FGIA Education.LMS LaunchFGIA’s new LMS launched in April 2024. It now boasts...

2024 has already been a busy season for wildfires in the United States, particularly on the West Coast. But, while you might think they are limited to only Western regions of the United States or rural areas, think again. Wildfires can and increasingly do occur virtually anywhere. And contrary to what some may believe, wildfires can spread far beyond rural areas. They can also devastate urban communities, too. That’s why there’s increasing interest in the International Code Council’s (ICC) International Wildland-Urban Interface Code (IWUIC) and...

As you may have heard, registration is now open for the Fenestration and Glazing Industry Alliance (FGIA) 2024 Fall Conference! This special industry event is taking place September 16-19 in Minneapolis, MN, at the Hyatt Regency Minneapolis. I am especially excited for the theme of this conference: “Oktoberfest”! We will be celebrating this introduction to autumn with a fun night out at Surly Brewing, complete with a performance from a Minnesota Hall of Fame inductee, the Jolly Huntsmen Polka Band. But as you know, FGIA...

As part of FGIA’s 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 of 2023 and again during the opening general session at this month’s 2024 Summer Conference in Montreal, QC. We are excited to share the concept with everyone and tell you what we have...

FGIA’s Glass Products Council has been busy in 2024! Those with this type of FGIA membership enjoy benefits like having access to new product research, information about new technologies and the ability to help develop new standards that impact the industry. If you aren’t already, consider becoming a part of this team. Read on for more.The GPC oversees and reviews development of all technical publications, assists in development and maintenance of insulating glass standards and provides technical expertise and supports technical programs. The Council also...

Is your company experiencing increased interest in sustainability? A new tool is now available for FGIA members whose customers seek environmentally conscious information to make choices for their homes and businesses. With property owners, architects and organizations’ interest in sustainable products and building practices growing, the newly released Product Category Rule (PCR) for fenestration systems comes at a great time.Thanks to collaboration by FGIA, the National Glass Association (NGA), and the Window & Door Manufacturers Association (WDMA), the updated and expanded PCR for Environmental Product...

The first full week of April each year is designated as Window Safety Week – a time to focus on simple tips to keep children safe around windows. This year, Window Safety Week will be observed April 7-13, so there’s plenty of time to consider how you’d like to help spread the word of window safety. As an FGIA member, it’s in your company’s best interest to foster only the most positive interactions with your products – both for your customers and employees. For one...