Integrity in Business

Integrity is doing what a company says they are going to do: what they say, what they do, and what they are obligated to do. Companies that are trusted are believed to have great integrity.

How a company gains integrity and what they do to attain their customer's confidence also defines their trustworthiness.

What Is A Glazier?

A glazier is a construction tradesperson who selects, cuts, installs, replaces, and removes residential, commercial, and artistic glass. Glaziers also install shower enclosures, mirrors and glass walls.

Glazing, which derives from the Middle English for 'glass', is a part of a wall or window, made of glass.

Expect More Value For Your Dollar

Prices for services and the costs of materials have risen over the past decade, and something that has not kept up with the rise is customer service. The attitude of expectation and entitlement by retailers, vendors and contractors has worn out its welcome with today's consumers.

Why You Should Use A Licensed Window Replacement Contractor

It is in the best interest of homeowners and licensed contractors to protect consumers from poor and unsafe work by unlicensed contractors.  Always hire a licensed contractor, even if you think you can save a few dollars by accepting an unlicensed contractor's offer.

When is Safety Glass Required for Home Windows?

When replacing glass windows, there are building codes and standards that must be met. One of those codes is when the use of tempered or safety glass is required.

Dual-pane Windows

Dual-pane windows save energy, save money, and add to a home's value. Energy loss attributed to windows accounts for nearly 25 percent of the annual heating and cooling costs for the average American home, according to the Department of Energy.

Smart Glass for the Future

Smart glass is a unique type of material used in windows that is able to electronically control glare and heat. It is primarily used in architecture and transportation, privacy glass and museum artwork expositions.

Do Window Films Save Energy?

According to the California Energy Commission, as much as forty percent of a building’s cooling requirements are a function of heat entering through existing glass. Even a small amount of glass on the south or west side of a building can result in overheating and increased energy costs. Stopping heat at the window is the most effective way to save by lowering temperatures and reducing HVAC operating cost.

Industry Changes Drive Innovation

The glass industry is entering a time of major change that will present challenges and opportunities and drive innovation.

The industry faces increases in design complexity, a push for more stringent codes and a worsening labor shortage. Companies, and the industry at large, will have to adapt and evolve in order to thrive in the quickly changing building environment and moving forward into the new world of design and construction.

The major factor affecting change on the industry is design complexity. The advancements in computer design capabilities has fueled an explosion of creative building design. This has added tremendous complexity to design, construction and assembly.

In addition to the projects and products, the processes themselves are more complex. The building industry is moving toward Building Information Modeling, with design-assist projects becoming more common.

The glass industry needs to prepare for a toughening code environment. On the horizon for codes is increased stringency in base energy codes; increased code adoption and enforcement; and expansion of green codes and standards.

While stringent codes and standards will challenge the industry, they will also drive innovation. The lack of incoming talent into the glass and glazing industry affects companies in all segments and of all sizes. From engineers to installers to transport drivers, the industry needs workers.

Innovation and technology could prove critical in addressing the skilled labor shortage. Robots are being built and tested in construction. They are already being used to build prefabricated assemblies.

If the lack of skilled workers begins to strain the construction industry, automation could move into the jobsite as it has at manufacturing facilities. This could be volatile change for the glass industry in 5 to 10 years.

How Your Windows and Doors Cause Heat Gain and Loss

Windows, doors, and skylights can gain and lose heat through direct conduction through:

The glass or glazing, frame, and/or door glass.

The radiation of heat into a house (typically from the sun) and out of a house from room-temperature objects, such as people, furniture, and interior walls.

Air leakage through and around windows and doors.