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GLASS CANADA
Supply chain disruptions are one of the most noticeable consequences since the onset of the pandemic. We take a look at how the architectural glass industry has been faring so far
GLASSTALK: The view from up here
Back in April, at the height of the first wave of COVID-19, we spoke to Jay McColl, a business representative for the International Union of Painters and Trades District Council 46 in southern Ontario and a journeyman glazier. McColl was at the forefront of the union’s efforts to keep its workers safe and react to the wildly changing situation at the time. He reflects on his experiences in the industry and what the union is involved in these days to promote the glazing trade and support workers. To listen, go to glasscanadamag.com > Podcasts or subscribe to the GlassTalk podcast on your favourite podcasting service.
A look at how the Digital Main Street grant is helping small businesses step up their digital marketing game.
What you need to know about the latest advances in swing stage safety and technology.
Hooray for 2021!
EDITORIAL
Here at Glass Canada we’re looking forward to 2021 with great enthusiasm. There are a lot of exciting things on the horizon for this industry and this magazine.
It all starts with our next online edition of Top Glass, which will be hosted on our brand-new Pheedloop platform. We think you’ll appreciate the easy navigation and nifty chat functions that allow you to not only view a plethora of exclusive content but also participate in live sessions and ask questions of the presenters. And those presenters will be well worth attending. We’re still ironing out some of the details, but we know we’ll be able to offer a sample of one of the Architectural Glass and Metal Certification Council’s workshops designed to hone your businesses quality and professional procedures. We’ll be taking a look at the future of building design in the post-pandemic era – which of the changes we’ve seen will be permanent? Top Glass will also feature a session of special interest to glazing contractors with experts from WinSafe offering the latest tips on swing stage configuration, technology and safety. Finally, Will Nash of WSP will educate us about low-carbon building products that will help us meet the cradle-to-grave environ mental standards of the future.
NEXT ISSUE
• Remote Training
• Insulating Glass
There’s quite a bit new with the magazine, too. Our long-time back page colum nist, Frank Fulton, has decided to hang up the keyboard after 10 years writing You Bet Your Glass. While we’re sad to see Frank go, we are fired up to welcome Rich Porayko, a familiar voice in these pages, as our new final word with his column, That’s Rich. Rich has been writing articles in Glass Canada for longer than I’ve been with the magazine. He’s a mar keting consultant working mainly with Hartung Glass but also freelancing for a number of other companies in the industry. He’ll bring a deep knowledge of the glass indus try to the page, and entertain at the same time.
Another change for 2021 is Glass Canada’s position inside its parent company, Annex Business Media. Due to some inter nal realignments, Glass Canada is now part of a new Light Construction Group headed by myself and our publisher, Danielle Labrie. The group includes Fenestration Review our channel for residential window and door manufacturers; Canadian Rental Service our channel for the equipment rental industry; and Canadian Contractor, our channel for home renovation contractors and custom home builders. We think there are some intriguing synergies across these markets that will help us to bring some fresh perspec tives to all our readers. For instance, many of you reading this take contracts for highend custom homes and recreational properties that demand commercial-grade solutions to get the architectural features they want. Some of your knowledge would be very helpful to our readers in Contractor, and those readers would probably want to know about your company as a possible subcontractor. Along with the new group come two great new faces: Sukanya Ray Ghosh, our new associate editor, and Amanda McCracken, our new national sales manager. Their contact information is on the masthead and they are both available to take your inquiries and feedback on the channels.
Another reason for optimism going into 2021 is the high level of demand and activity we continue to see in ICI construction across Canada. Most of you are busier than you want to be. Governments at all levels are planning to direct a lot their postCOVID stimulus thorough infrastructure projects - music to our ears. While it’s not always easy to get the supplies we need as fast as we need them, these are familiar problems that you are good at solving, as Sukanya’s cover story reveals.
Yes, the only thing better than leaving 2020 behind is welcoming the opportuni ties we see ahead in 2021. •
ACCESS. SUPPORT. SAVINGS.
your
With the combined expert resources of AAMA and IGMA, the Fenestration and Glazing Industry Alliance (FGIA) brings industry leaders together to improve home and building performance through better glass, window, door and skylight technologies and standards.
Why join? An FGIA membership gives you access to an indispensable support network of peers as well as product certification from the industry leader in standards. Members also get access to FGIA’s full technical resource center and receive discounted rates on training, certification and professional development. Whether as an individual or business, joining FGIA will give you an advantage in an increasingly competitive industry.
Join the alliance today at Join.FGIAonline.org.
NEWS
Throne speech includes updates to COVID relief, goodies for construction industry
The Oct. 2 federal Speech from the Throne laid out Ottawa’s plans for the year ahead. Included were pledges to expand the Canada Emergency Business Account and improve the Business Credit Availability program. Also mentioned were “investments” in reducing the impact of climate-related disasters such as floods and wildfires. There was also support for employment announced. The speech referenced “direct investments in the social sector and infrastructure, immediate training to quickly skill up workers, and incentives for employers to hire and retain workers.” The Caanda Emergency Wage Subsidy has been extended through next summer and the government is promising to create paid work for young people. The Canada Emergency Recovery Benefit will be ended and those out of work due to COVID will be transitioned to Employment Insurance, with those who don’t qualify getting a new program called the Canada Recovery Benefit. The speech promised updates to EI that would take in many workers who do not now qualify. One interesting note was a promise to eliminate interprovincial trade barriers. This could make it easier to move workers and products between provinces. The Canadian Construction Association said it welcomed the supports for the industry in the announcement, but cautioned the assistance should flow quickly and be directed properly.
“CCA also strongly supports the government’s objective to keep building stronger communities by investing in all types of
infrastructure, including public transit, energy efficient retrofits, clean energy, rural broadband and water/irrigation infrastructure,” the association said in a release. “However, the government does not seem to have a clear plan on how these investments will be rolled out. Now is not the time to compromise urgently needed economic recovery by entangling infrastructure investment with unrelated policy goals, such as carbon initiatives and community benefits frameworks. CCA members – 70 percent of which are small and medium-sized, family-run businesses – have been asking for a clear, balanced, fair and flexible infrastructure stimulus plan. CCA has been pressing the federal government to remain focused on getting tenders out, reducing red tape, and working with all levels of government to continue supporting important infrastructure projects in all regions of Canada.” Most of the $10 billion in infrastructure spending is targeted at clean power, broadband, agriculture and transportation. However, $2 billion is earmarked for “large-scale” energy-efficient building retrofits. It is unclear at this time whether this refers to rebates for residential retrofits or some program that would target commercial facades. Natural Resources Canada has mentioned homeowner rebates as a way to drive high-performance retrofits in the residential market, but its Market Transformation Roadmap does not address commercial glazing. Tune in to the GlassTalk podcast for Bonny Koabel’s advice on the latest government COVID assistance programs.
Karakatsanis to lead ACEC
The
Association of Consulting Engineering Companies – Canada has announced that Anthony Karakatsanis, president and CEO of the Morrison Hershfield Group has been appointed to the position of chair of the ACEC board of directors for the 2020-2021 term. The announcement was made at the ACEC annual general meeting of members held virtually on Oct. 27. Karakatsanis first joined the ACEC-Canada board in 2016 and served on various committees. During his term as ACEC chair, he looks to build upon the excellent work of his predecessor Lawrence Lukey and will continue to promote the important role of consulting engineers in Canadian society. He is committed to ensuring that ACEC remains agile and financially strong so that it can continue to engage with and support its members through the COVID-19 crisis and ensure that the consulting engineering sector has a voice and a role in the subsequent recovery. Karakatsanis has been a part of Morrison Hershfield for three decades, joining in 1989 as a project manager. Since then, he has held numerous leadership positions in both the vertical and horizontal practice groups before being appointed president and CEO.
FenBC is offering our Fall Webinar Series every Tuesday and Thursday in the months of October, November and part of December. Please go to the fen-bc.org website for a full list of scheduled webinars. We are working on the FenBC Winter Webinar series. Through the months of January, February and March in 2021 every Wednesday at 1 p.m. there will be a new topic discussed during a live webinar. So far, our FenBC Fall Webinar Series have been extraordinary. Great topics and speakers and all are very well attended. FenBC is also working on completion of the Glazing Systems Specification Manual and it should be ready for publication by the end of 2020. We are working on a few new publications to be released very soon.
AVFQ
Despite the current pandemic, activity is booming in the window and door and glass plants and on construction sites. In addition, the level of confidence is very high regarding 2021. However, the critical lack of manpower in many companies leads them to perform incredible feats in meeting delivery lead-times. The Quebec government is developing strategies that would allow the retraining of employees who are unfortunately in areas highly affected by COVID-19. The AVFQ is working very closely with governments and professional training centres in order to implement quick and effective solutions. Several
events are taking place, the most recent of which was held on Nov. 12. The Salon RV CEBQ-AVFQ was a huge success for its first edition. Aimed particularly at architects and engineers who are at the base of project ideas, the RV CEBQAVFQ offered high-level conferences on glass innovations, BIM as well as thermal simulations. Participants could also visit the virtual booths of window and door and glass manufacturers. The AVFQ is adding more for its event of the year in Quebec in the glass and fenestration industry. “Navigating on a new sea” is the theme of the annual conference which will be held on Feb. 17 and 18, 2021, in virtual mode. The pandemic has changed a lot of things and we have to get used to the idea that nothing will ever be the same again. Relevant conferences and innovative exhibitors will provide an experience that should not be missed. And, since training is an important mandate of the AVFQ, there is window installation training leading to installer certification and a second hands-on training on the same subject also available. The latter presents video clips demonstrating good practices. These six-hour webinar training sessions are available in French or English. For more information, contact info@avfq.ca.
Architectural Glass and Metal Contractors Association
WhenAGMCA member glazing contractors call in to the AGMCA, they are often greeted by the friendly voice of Tracey Oliveira. Tracey joined the AGMCA in 2012 as an administrative assistant. Having
a diploma in business administration human resources and having attended Ryerson for her bachelor of commerce, majoring in human resources while minoring in communications, Tracey was well suited to succeed in her new role. Over the years, Tracey’s role has expanded to that of member services co-ordinator, as well as executive assistant. In addition to the daily functions of running the AGMCA office, Tracey continues to focus and expand on other initiatives, such as tracking industry hours, establishing trend lines, grievance reporting, and reports to the board of directors. She has a keen interest in negotiations and has attended the last three rounds of bargaining with IUPAT, providing valuable insight and accurate record keeping. Tracey enjoys fielding member enquiries and she is always willing to steer them in the right direction on matters concerning COVID-19 protocols, WSIB, union issues, employee benefits, apprenticeship and training or any other of a host of issues AGMCA member contractors face on a daily basis. Members can contact Tracey at 905-4207272, or by email at tracey@ agmca.ca.
Ontario Glass and Metal Association
OGMA is waiving yearly dues. 2020 has been an unusually difficult year for our members and companies in our industry due to the COVID-19 virus. To do our small bit to ease some of the pain, the OGMA will not be charging
members with yearly dues for the coming calendar year. The few companies who missed payments for 2020 will receive a renewal reminder in the coming months. The OGMA’s annual awards that recognize excellence in the design and execution of a building that incorporates the use of architectural glass and metal will not be taking place in 2021. We will be contacting our members in future years when the environment is more suitable to holding an awards ceremony. As a member of Prompt Payment Ontario, the OGMA recently distributed a link to members to a guide for glazing contractors to use to understand the procedures to follow to enhance their chances of being paid for the work they do. You can access a copy on the OGMA website: ogma.ca. The OGMA wants to notify all glass and glazing companies in the province that the Ontario version of the publication Glazing Systems Specifications Manual of Standards and Practices continues to be available for purchase. This all-encompassing document is a “must have” reference tool for all companies in the industry. For more information and to order yours, visit our website. The OGMA/ WSPS safety manual is also now ready for use by the metal and glass industry. The manual was created by qualified health and safety professionals and is a timesaving tool enabling glass shops to establish their own company program. Not only will this support a company’s efforts to eliminate workplace injuries and illnesses, it will also lower costs and time related to WSIB claims. Additionally, WSPS and the manual will get your company compliant with the new OHSA Regulation 297/13 as well as AODA requirements.
CBRE’s Q2 statistics show COVID-19 impact on commercial real estate
Canada’s major office markets saw vacancy rates and subletting activity increase in the second quarter of 2020 while office rents dropped slightly, according to CBRE’s new Q2 2020 Quarterly Statistics Report. Meanwhile, the nation’s top industrial real estate markets powered forward, with new space coming online in time to service accelerating ecommerce demand. CBRE’s report provides statistical evidence of COVID-19’s impact on the commercial real estate market over a full quarter of activity. The most significant shifts were in Vancouver and Toronto. Vancouver’s downtown office vacancy rate rose to 3.3 percent in Q2, up from 2.2 percent a quarter earlier. The amount of sublet space in downtown Vancouver was up 200 percent from the previous quarter, with 219,000 square feet of net new space put on the market in Q2. Amid an increase in the amount of available space and proportion of sublease availability, downtown Class A office rents fell by
Ontario investing in skilled trades
The Ontario government is investing an additional $75 million over the next two years to help apprentices pay for living expenses during their in-class training and ensure they receive a high-quality education in a safe classroom environment. The $75-million investment includes several benefits. The Grant for Apprentice Learning, is a $5.8 million commitment to support those ineligible for Employment Insurance while attending in-class training, including a boost of $1.3 million this year and next year. The Apprentice Development Benefit, is a $24 million commitment to increase the maximum benefit rates for EI-eligible apprentices attending full-time in-class training, including a boost of $4 million this year and next year. The In-Class Enhancement Fund, is a $211.9 million commitment to support training providers so they can deliver higher-quality training, including a boost of $11.8 million this year and $22.3 million next year. The Apprenticeship Capital Grant is a $24 million commitment to training providers to upgrade their facilities with state-of-the-art and modern equipment, including an additional $10 million next year. $5.1 million for training delivery agents, and an additional $500,000 for pre-apprenticeship training service providers, will be available to assist them with implementing COVID-19 health and safety measures during the pandemic. Also included is $4.7 million as part of a multiyear $19.4 million investment in the development of a client-facing digital system to support the skilled trades and apprenticeship system in Ontario. The portal will provide skilled trades and apprenticeship clients with secure and convenient access to online information and services and will bring Ontario in line with digital delivery channels in other provinces. $2.5 million this year and $7.5 million next year have been allotted to launch the new non-repayable Tools Grant. The government has also appointed a five-member Skilled Trades Panel to provide advice and recommendations to the Minister of Labour, Training and Skills Development on developing a new approach to training and certification. Michael Sherrard (chair), Jason Ottey, Shaun Scott, Melanie Winter and Melissa Young are on the panel.
$1.62 to $44.62 per square foot. Similarly, in Toronto, downtown office vacancy rose to 2.7 percent in the second quarter, up from two percent in Q1. Toronto had 650,000 square feet of vacant office space available for sublet, an 86 percent jump from the previous quarter. Downtown Class A net rents in Canada’s largest city dropped $1.53 to $35.38 per square foot. CBRE’s report tells a different story about Canada’s industrial real estate, a sector that may be gaining momentum in the wake of COVID-19. Vancouver’s industrial market saw its availability rate rise to 2.9 percent from 2.1 percent in the previous quarter, but for good reason: nearly 2.1 million square feet of new industrial supply was delivered in Q2 alone in response to strong demand – the most new supply Vancouver has had in one quarter in over a decade. Net absorption, representing the net change in occupied space, was a positive 393,000 square feet over the quarter. Toronto’s industrial availability rate also increased in Q2, to two percent, up from 1.6 percent in the previous quarter. This was partially owing to the delivery of 5.4 million square feet of industrial space since the start of the year, where gains in these properties exceeded the space returned to market. Like in Vancouver, industrial net rents continue to rise in Toronto, increasing to $9.71 per square foot in Q2, up $1.09 from just two quarters earlier.
Safety awareness tips at FGIA Conference
Atthe Fenestration and Glazing Industry Alliance Virtual Fall Conference, Michael Cook shared his company’s best practices for keeping plant workers safe during the spread of COVID-19. Cook, corporate safety director for Oldcastle BuildingEnvelope, called on employers to do all they can to adapt workspaces and ensure their employees’ safety in the pandemic. He began with a reflection on Jan. 1, when things in the world were somewhat normal. There was the hint of a pandemic spreading, but it was not touching most. It all fell off the cliff in the first quarter of 2020, he said. His advice to those at the conference included ways to minimize interactions with others on the plant floor, increase workspaces between employees and, most importantly, ensure they feel safe coming to work. Cook said Oldcastle BuildingEnvelope increased its cleaning schedules, especially in high contact areas. Physical markers in the plants are important, he noted, along with signage to remind people to practice social distancing. His company staggers start times, so employees don’t need to work close to each other. Another thing his company chose to do is increase leaves to up to 14 days so people don’t feel pressured to come to work sick. Cook described the new start-of-theworkday norm involves temperature checks and a screening with a series of questions. A protective booth houses those conducting screenings. Cook said it is critical that companies allow workers to clock in before this, as this is now a part of their work process. The U.S. OSHA has issued more than half a million dollars in fines related to COVID, he noted. Cook suggested companies carefully document their efforts. He advised they report a COVID case in which an employee is hospitalized to public health authorities just as they would with any other serious injury.
StatsCan building permits: September 2020
All sectors observed gains in the total value of building permits issued in September, which rose 17 percent to $9.4 billion. Over three-quarters of this growth came from permits issued in Ontario. With COVID-19 cases rising in many regions in September, some municipalities reported that builders have begun to submit applications earlier as a precaution against potential shutdowns. The total value of non-residential permits was up 40.6 percent to $3.4 billion in September, mostly attributable to large projects in Ontario (additional $805 million). Additional permits for Project Python in the city of Ottawa and the Breithaupt Block office building in the city of Kitchener, contributed to a 42.3 percent rise in the value of commercial permits nationally, increasing the total to $1.9 billion. The value of permits issued for industrial buildings rose in eight provinces, breaking the downward trend observed over the previous three months. Permits issued in Quebec, Ontario and Prince Edward Island drove the increase of 49.1 percent to $713 million nationally. Following two months of declines, the value of institutional permits expanded by 30.2 percent to $799 million. A $130-million permit issued for major renovations to the Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Sherbrooke in Quebec and several permits issued for the new construction of nursing homes and senior
Ottawa proposes bird-friendly design guidelines
The City of Ottawa’s Planning Committee has approved design guidelines to help keep birds from colliding with buildings. Bird-safe design features have been scientifically proven to lessen the risk of collisions, reducing bird injuries and deaths. The proposed guidelines, which are based on a review of similar policies in other major cities, address the design of buildings, lighting and landscaping. During planning and design, applicants would need to: consider the environmental context and surroundings; minimize the transparency and reflectivity of glass; avoid or mitigate design traps, such as glass passageways or corners that are invisible to birds; consider non-glass structural features that might pose a hazard; create bird-friendly landscaping; design exterior lighting to minimize light spill at night; and minimize night-time light spill from inside the building. Birds striking buildings is the second biggest human-related cause of bird deaths in Canada, after domestic cats. Safe Wings Ottawa estimates that such collisions kill about 250,000 birds in Ottawa every year, with houses and low to mid-rise buildings responsible for 99 per cent of collisions. If Ottawa approves the guidelines it will join Calgary and Vancouver in having voluntary recommendations for bird-friendly facade design. Toronto is the only Canadian jurisdiction with mandatory bird-friendly standards. However, courts have interpreted light reflecting from windows as a pollutant likely to harm endangered species.
citizen homes in Ontario contributed to the increase in this total. Following four consecutive quarters of decline, the value of building permits jumped 16.5 percent in the third quarter of 2020, almost returning to levels observed in the fourth quarter of 2019. This was the largest gain since the fourth quarter of 2009 when the economy was recovering from the 2008 financial crisis, and possibly reflected the issuance of permits previously delayed as a result of COVID-19.
Agnora welcomes Shari Robinson
Agnora has announced the appoint ment of Shari Robinson to the role of vice-president of sales and market ing. Within her role, Robinson will be guiding, building and mentoring Agnora’s sales and marketing teams to capture an increased share of the oversized architectural glass market while continuing to nurture Agnora’s award-winning culture and exceptional customer service. Robinson has held senior sales and marketing positions for some of the world’s leading professional services firms including PwC, KPMG and The Economist, creating global, client oriented best-practices that have earned both accolades and recognition from respected industry leaders. Her aptitude for creating comprehensive business systems including coaching programs, strategic partnerships programs, cross-selling programs and identifying additional revenue streams has resulted in exponential revenue growth throughout the organizations she has been involved with. With a strong client-centric approach to sales, Robinson looks to strengthen Agnora’s customer service position and foster Agnora’s upward growth well into the next decade.
by MARGARET WEBB
FGIA glass products and Canadian industry affairs director
A year of progress
It’s been a year like no other for us all. The Fenestration and Glazing Industry Alliance has found ways to keep doing our important work on the standards we rely on to promote quality work. Here’s a look at just some of the updates and publications we released in 2020. AAMA 2501, Voluntary Guideline for Engineering Analysis of Anchorage Systems for Fenestration Products Included in NAFS, establishes the minimum requirements to confirm that a fenestration anchorage system for a product included in the North American Fenestration Standard provides a load resistance with an appropriate safety factor that is equal to or greater than the project specific design pressure requirements and supports the product in a manner equivalent to that tested. AAMA TIR-A14, Fenestration Anchorage Guidelines, offers engineering rules and guidelines in the designs of fasteners used in the connection of fenestration to the surrounding building conditions. Both documents were revised to align more closely with one another. Small, but crucial, equation revisions were also included in the 2020 version of AAMA TIR-A14.
We also updated a technical document intended to aid in the selection, use and application of sealants commonly used in fenestration systems. AAMA 851, Fenestration Sealants Guide for Windows, Window Walls and Curtain Walls, an FGIA standard, is the first update to this document, originally published in 2009. It’s a resource to help identify areas of consideration when selecting sealant systems, advising on proper joint design and end performance requirements critical to meeting intended design loads and maintaining quality, long lasting products. AAMA 851 reviews the type of sealants currently in use and their application following accepted standard practices.
Our important work continued through a challenging 2020.
FGIA
The FGIA has developed a new document providing a standard procedure for the measurement of surface temperatures to be used in the condensation evaluation of exterior walls under laboratory conditions. AAMA 501.9, Surface Temperature Assessment for Condensation Evaluation of Exterior Wall Systems is another optional test that can be performed in conjunction with a project-specific curtain wall mock-up. It uses a similar test apparatus to that used in AAMA 501.5, Test Method for Thermal Cycling of Exterior Walls. While AAMA 501.5 is only concerned with the effect of temperature cycling and thermal movement on the wall system, AAMA 501.9 is used to measure temperatures on the interior surface of the wall at designated exterior and interior ambient air temperatures. The resulting surface temperatures can then be compared to anticipated dew point temperatures that may occur in the actual building at similar, as tested, temperatures on the interior and exterior and a defined interior relative humidity. Users should note that AAMA 501.9 is not a replacement for AAMA 1503, another FGIA voluntary test method, which determines a condensation resistance factor rating on a standardized size and standardized conditions. AAMA 501.9 can be used to evaluate the potential for interior condensation formation under wintertime conditions only. AAMA 450, Performance Rating Method for Mulled Combination Assemblies, Composite Units and Other Mulled Fenestration Systems, was also recently published by FGIA, offering procedures and requirements for determining the air leakage, water resistance and structural performance of mulled fenestration systems.
We’ve also updated a document intended to help one understand the value and effective application of plastic glazed skylights and sloped glazing in a building design as well as the features and benefits of different plastic glazing materials. This is the second update to AAMA PSSG-20, Selection and Application Guide for Plastic Glazed Skylights and Sloped Glazing, originally published in 2016. PSSG provides the architect, engineer, contractor and property owner the with guidance to best leverage plastic glazed skylights and sloped glazing advantages by giving sound technical information on the various aspects and considerations that need to be taken into account when incorporating them into a building design. The reader is encouraged to explore all the skylight publications for a complete understanding of the properties associated with skylights. FGIA’s documents are available for purchase in the FGIA Online Store, available at store.FGIAonline.org. •
Supply
Pain
The glass industry is functioning well despite supply chain disruptions.
by SUKANYA RAY GHOSH
The spring of 2020 will always be remembered for how an unwelcome guest, COVID-19, entered our lives and turned the whole world upside down. The disruptions in our lives have been extreme, but we have all learned to survive. Keeping the economy up and running has been a challenging task. However, a major factor driving the stories for every industry is how well the supply chain has held up. It is no different for the construction industry in Canada.
Getting what is needed
Even when the pandemic is wreaking havoc in everyone’s lives in equal measure, the story of every business and every industry is a little different from the other. With the world being a global economy today, it is interesting to understand how the supply chain functions in each market. Does having mostly local suppliers help? How well has having international suppliers worked out? How much has COVID-19 slowed things down? These are just some of the questions that come to mind.
According to Ted Redlarski from Noram Glass, things have been getting slower since the onset of the pandemic. “We are able to get the products that we need but it takes longer to get it than it would have in normal circumstances,” he says.
Redlarski notes that besides seeing a slowdown in the marketplace there has been a noticeable impact on the capacity.
“Somehow, for a variety of reasons, the capacity has reduced. One of the reasons for this is it is taking longer to get approvals because people are working from home now more often,” he says.
He further adds that most of the businesses that were able to provide the products at 100 percent capacity are not able to do so anymore because of the many restrictions that have been put in place. Therefore, the suppliers are going slower even though they might not necessarily have less orders. As a result of this, there is less work around because some products may have been put on hold. All the companies that are open and are doing business are certainly experiencing bottlenecks in the flow of their productivity.
Most glass operations have been faring quite well when compared to many other industries. While the market has indeed slowed down, it is still functioning quite healthily.
For Jim Brady of Cal-Tech Glass Services, the supply chain disruptions have not had too big an impact. “Regular glass has not been affected at all by COVID-19,” he says. “However, specialty hardware has had an extra week or so added to lead times. One aluminum extrusion supplier has had issues because of company policies related to COVID-19 which has made it difficult for us when dealing with them. Aluminum extrusions from other suppliers has not been affected by COVID-19. Clear, standard low-Es, greys, have not been affected. But some specialty glass has been affected, such as pinhead.”
The glass industry has been faring well over all despite the impact on supply chain due to the pandemic.
Andrew Dolphin, general manager of glass operations at BVGlazing Systems, has a fairly similar story to tell. “Just recently, we were facing some issues with silicone. So, we had to increase our stock of the product. There was a spacer bar issue but that was more to do with a strike at a Montreal port than COVID-19 really,” he says.
Dolphin adds that glass mostly comes in from the U.S., even though some companies do purchase from overseas. “I mostly just buy my glass from the U.S. companies. And that has gone on as it normally would. Products have been flowing through. I haven’t really seen much disruption on my end. It really hasn’t been too bad.”
Even with the positive trends in the market, not all companies have had the fortune of re-
maining unaffected. As witnessed by Laura Weil, vice-president of sales at Euro Vinyl Windows and Doors, there have certainly been hiccups along the way. The company’s original glass supplier, in Indiana, partially shut down due to rising COVID-19 cases. Now its local supplier has issued a notice that it has temporarily shut down operations. Updating its customers about the situation, the supplier has stated that one of its employees is being tested for possible exposure. The notice further adds that all employees that have had close personal contact with this person have been asked to stay home and self-monitor their health.
The supplier in this situation has taken the right step towards ensuring everyone’s safety. However, it does add a dent to the business of those customers that are relying more on local suppliers to keep themselves afloat.
The impact on projects
With supply chain issues come disruptions to the normal work flow of projects. However, at Cal-Tech Glass Services, there have been no real issues, says Brady. The lead times on all projects have basically remained the same as before.
“One glass supplier did have an outbreak of COVID-19 and it slowed things down for about three weeks but they have since recovered,” he says.
Redlarski on the other hand has been feeling the effects of the slower supply times of today. “The entire process, from design to completion of projects, has slowed down for sure. What was initially planned at length before typically slides further back. I would say it differs from project to project,” he says. He adds that the slowdown is big enough to be visible but he wouldn’t call it disastrous. The various restrictions in place are affecting the lead times on bringing out products and consequently their supply. The backlogs did not really increase; instead the efficiency has decreased, Redlarski notes.
Dolphin, who is a glass fabricator, says that the glazing contractors and the mid-level glazing contractors are more under the gun due to the supply chain issues. This is more so because they were not deemed essential. “Their site went down as a result. They’re now trying to squeeze eight months of work into six months. This has caused a lot of
high lead times from the fabricators to the glazing contractors.”
The road ahead
Overall, the glass industry’s performance so far suggests that it might not be too tough to overcome the current challenges.
Redlarski notes that despite the supply disruptions, the industry has been able to function at anywhere between 80 to 90 percent capacity. Even though work is not progressing full speed ahead, it has not been a massive setback. He believes that once the situation improves and all the restrictions removed, everyone will begin trying to achieve full capacity.
Redlarski’s suppliers remain vocally optimistic but there seems to be an underlying uncertainty since the situation does not have any recent templates to follow. “They’re hoping for the best. But many people have the fear that the worst is yet to come. I sense that uncertainty especially when people talk about plans going forward.”
On a related note, Redlarski is seeing people in the industry turning more and more to local suppliers rather than outof-town suppliers. The reason, he says, is it makes for a more stable environment. Everyone in the area is affected in the same way and are following the same rules. “If you are dealing with suppliers from Europe, for example, and they have lockdowns, you might face turbulence if your business is ongoing. With local suppliers, you can negotiate something
to make things work,” he explains.
Brady’s suppliers have even indicated that a glass increase of seven to 12 percent is forthcoming. For him, the supply side of things has been running just as it was before. The only difference and downside of the current situation is that it is not possible to socialize with the suppliers any more.
However, Brady adds that the biggest issue facing the glass industry now is panic pricing. “Companies are fearing a lack of work and are therefore bidding jobs with very small margins. We need to resist the urge to panic,” he cautions.
On the fabricator side of things, a lot of Dolphin’s suppliers are cautiously optimistic that things are going to turn out okay going forward. “The high-rise residential market seems to be going on as normal. The commercial market is looking to be a little bit more impacted by what’s happening,” he says.
Dolphin notes that even without COVID-19, a slowdown was bound to happen at some point. The glass industry has been in a 10-year growth period anyway, so the slowdown was due.
Dolphin adds that from his perspective, the supply chain has held quite well in the glass industry across Canada. At this point, the restrictions have caused a time crunch instead of a product crunch. “We’ve been really lucky that there hasn’t been too much stress on the supply chain from a glass fabricators point of view,” he says. •
Going local might help you retain control over your supply chain as the COVID-19 situation evolves.
by FRANK FULTON
The great debate: double or triple glazed?
We sit on the cusp of change. As I write, the U.S. president-elect Joe Biden will be taking the stage shortly to deliver his victory speech. After a wild ride of an election, change is coming bringing hope that 2021 will be a better tomorrow.
Our industry also sits on the cusp of its own changes. New technologies often break onto the scene fast and furious. While some changes are seen on the distant horizon for a while. Triple-glazed windows fall into this second category. We’ve all known it was coming and it’s now here. Recently, the great debate about double- or triple-glazed was a topic of conversation with my colleagues and a client. So here I wanted to shed some light on how engineers and clients are making recommendations and decisions regarding glass options.
In the late summer, a public government client hired us to complete a window evaluation at one of their facilities. Our task was to review their original drawings from 1982, complete a visual assessment at their two-storey building and provide recommendations going forward.
The building is a combination of office space and garage-warehouse space. The original, thirty-eight-year-old windows consist mostly of pre-finished aluminum frames with operable awning windows at the bottom and large fixed IGUs above. The IGUs contain aluminum spacers with an inner and outer lite of five-millimetre standard clear glass. We found that some of the IGUs in the office area were retrofit with a film to reduce the amount of heat gain.
As expected, the aluminum window frame finish had reached the end of its service life and the paint was chalky and faded. The exterior sealants and glazing tape were all deteriorated.
Some changes are seen on the distant horizon for a while. Triple glazed windows fall into this category. We’ve all known it was coming and it’s now here.
THE ENGINEER
We also determined that 70 percent of the total glass area had failed with the IGUs either cracked or fogged. We are all aware that failed IGUs impact thermal and condensation resistance while also reducing the esthetic appeal of the glazing system.
So now what? With all of this information in hand, what were the replacement options we presented? First it is important to know that the building roof is approximately 24,000 square meters in size with an insulating value of R15. The walls total 4,000 square metres with an insulating value of R11 and the windows represent only five percent of the total wall area.
We presented the client with three repair options:
• Option one to refinish the frames and install new double-glazed IGUs.
• Option two to replace the entire window system with a new double-glazed system.
• Option three to replace the entire window system with a new triple-glazed system.
If you were the client, what would you choose? What factors would contribute to your decision-making process? Next issue I will share a bit about what they decided and what we are specifying for the frame and glass replacement. •
David Heska, P.Eng. is a director with WSP’s building sciences team in southwestern Ontario. He oversees the operation of the Hamilton, Kitchener and Windsor offices. David has been involved on window simulation projects as well as the design and replacement of windows in commercial and residential buildings. He can be reached at David.Heska@wsp.com.
DIGITAL ASSISTANCE
Digital marketing and website development grants
by BONNY KOABEL
Since the onset of COVID-19, many businesses have now begun implementing strategies to service their customers while at the same time maintaining the safety and well-being of their staff. As a result, these businesses have redesigned or are looking to redesign their website to include online ordering and curbside pickup options for their customers.
If your business is in the process of redesigning your website or implementing a digital marketing strategy, one funding program that is currently open and is assisting businesses with these costs is Digital Main Street (a part of the Digital Transformation Grant Funding program). The Digital Main Street program provides funding for training, advisory support and grants up to $2,500 to small businesses that are implementing digital marketing strategies.
The objective of the grant
The Digital Transformation Grant is available in Ontario and provides small businesses with two things. One is the digital literacy skills they need to execute their digital transformation. They can do this by completing an online training course that provides the basics of how digital technology will transform their business for success. And the second is a grant of $2,500 to assist with the execution of their digital transformation plan.
Required qualifications
In order to qualify for funding the small business must fulfil certain requirements and meet the following criteria. The small business must be located in or close to a downtown main street or a business improvement area. The small business must employ one to 10 employees. These employees must be on payroll and tax deductions must be made. The small business must be paying commercial property tax (commercially assessed), either directly or through commercial rent. The small business must be a registered business in Ontario and/or is incorporated. The small business is open for business or operating at the time of application and not a start-up.
The business will be ineligible for funding if any of the following criteria apply. The small business must not be purely online. The small business can’t be a fran-
grants
up to $2,500.
chise, including those individually owned and operated. The small business cannot be a not-for-profit or charitable organization. The small business also can’t be renting office space on a temporary basis (month-to-month).
Additionally, the small business must be owned by an Ontario resident operating a business in Ontario; a person or group of people 18 years of age or older at the time of application; and a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
Application and costs
In order to get started with funding, visit the webpage digitalmainstreet.ca/marketing-new-economy.
Once on the website you will need to complete the Digital Main Street assessment, the Digital Main Street eligibility quiz and the online training, and will also have to develop a digital transformation plan.
Several costs are eligible under the Digital Main Street grant.These include:
• Digital marketing costs such as hiring a consultant, agency or person to execute digital marketing initiatives;
• Website costs including redesign or improvement of existing website and/or development of a new website.;
• Software purchases including graphic design software; productivity software (LastPass, Hootsuite, Dropbox, etc.); social media software (Hootsuite, Buffer, etc.); and security software. Purchases of other website related software may qualify for funding. Businesses will need to be approved by Digital Main Street prior to software purchase;
• Digital Training costs such as ongoing digital training courses (in-person and online);
• Hardware costs, where the hardware is deemed necessary for
The Digital Main Street grant can aid small businesses in ramping up their digital marketing initiatives.
digital marketing expenses.
The following costs are ineligible for funding under the grant: the purchase of Microsoft Office; website hosting; domain name renewal; software subscription renewals; Microsoft software subscription renewals; signage and printing; logo redesign and rebranding; the business owner’s salary or current employee salary for executing the project; costs related to land, building or vehicle purchase; costs of intangible assets such a goodwill, whether capitalized or expensed; depreciation or amortization expenses; interest on invested capital, bonds, or debentures; bond discount; monthly mortgage, loan and/or rent payments; refinancing of an existing debt; losses on investments, bad debts, and any other debts; payments of fines or penalties; costs related to litigation; hospitality and entertainment costs; franchise fees and/or franchise license costs; lobbyist fees; and new capital expenditures.
Additional digital transformation funding is available for even those businesses that have already been through the process and received funding earlier. If your small business has previously received funding through the Digital Transformation Funds you may apply for funding a second time as long as all the reporting and project receipts have been submitted for the previous funding received.
Dos, don’ts and case studies
The Digital Transformation Fund is focused on small businesses. Therefore, large corporations should not apply for this funding. Small businesses with multiple locations are only eligible to apply for one Digital Transformation grant. Owners with multiple businesses may only apply for one Digital Transformation grant. French translation assistance is available to applicants upon request.
Digital Transformation Funding has been available for a few years now. If your company is new to digital marketing or if your company would like to learn more, the Digital Transformation Fund has compiled a list of tools, how-to guides and tutorials available to assist small businesses with embracing digital technology. To learn more on how to build your online presence, using social media effectively, paid advertising, and much more, visit the case studies page on the Digital Main Street website. •
Bonny Koabel CPA, CGA is President of AKR Consulting Canada, a Mississauga, ON firm specializing in Government Grants, Rebates, Refunds, Subsidies and Tax Credits.
YOUBETYOURGLASS
And there he was…
by FRANK FULTON
I’ve had the privilege of writing my You Bet Your Glass column for over a decade now and I’ve always considered it a great honour to be allowed to bring you my views on our industry. It has been a responsibility I have not taken lightly. I have done my best to deliver topics I hoped would be of benefit to you in running your businesses while being interesting and insightful, and I tried to do so with integrity, empathy, and fairness. However, it’s been a bit of a struggle to come up with topics I find interesting to speak about lately. So sadly, this will be my final column.
Over the years we’ve discussed a ton of topics ranging from technical issues to codes and standards updates to movers and shakers to significant events that affect us all in the glass and architectural metal industry. If you want a copy of anything I’ve written, get in touch and I’d be happy to send it to you.
I take great pride, and so should all of you, in what our industry collectively brings to the architectural table.
To be truthful, I’m the one who’s benefited more and learned the most from the research I had to do to bring this information to you.
Personally, I gained a lot of insight through the interesting technical pieces I wrote: photovoltaic glazing; measuring sound transmission through windows; spontaneous glass breakage from nickel sulphide inclusions; bird-friendly glaz -
ing; invisible glazing through applied nanotechnology; and advancements in vacuum glazing technology.
Maybe not as exciting to read about but necessary to know about were the code updates and new standards we discussed over the years: CSA’s Installer Certification; installation standards and building guards standards; Ontario’s balcony glass, energy and accessibility codes; Fair Workplace Legislation;
Here’s Frank in his native environment: hosting a golf tournament.
I have done my best to deliver topics I hoped would be of your businesses while being interesting and insightful, and I tried to do so with integrity, empathy, and fairness.
and the North American Fenestration Standard replacing the CSA A-440 windows standard.
I’ve met so many great people through my years in the business, have made many lifelong friends as a result, and I was happy to share some of their stories with you. Before starting the You Bet Your Glass series in February 2009, the first column I wrote for Glass Canada was in August 2008 about my long time friend, Bill Parkin of Burlington Glass receiving the Ontario Glass and Metal Associations Lifetime Achievement Award. Since then I’ve told you about some of the industry greats: Tony Menecola of Applewood Glass; good old Brian Wiles now with BV Glazing Systems; Bernie Leaman of Commercial Aluminum; Don Ward of Griffin Glass; Peter Neudorf of Ferguson Neudorf Glass; and of course my father, Fred Fulton, founder of Sealite Glass and Fulton Windows, my mentor and the reason I got into this industry in the first place.
A few of the columns I enjoyed writing the most are: “Glass for Dummies” on the history of glass; “What Are You Thinking” (a rant about the effect of corporate downsizing on customer service) and “And There They Were…..Gone,” the story behind Xinyi Glass’ derailed Canadian float glass plant.
In terms of importance to the industry, the story we followed that spanned many years about the re-writing of construction law and the introduction of prompt payment terms in Ontario would have to top the chart. I believe the Ontario Construction Act will lead the way in having similar legislation passed in provinces across the country and is probably the single biggest legal outcome win our industry will see for many years.
I take great pride, and so should all of you, in what our industry collectively brings to the architectural table. The facades we create are breathtaking and the engineering and ingenuity that goes into creating and executing them is to be admired. On the flipside, the practice of price gouging through the addition of an energy surcharge on glass products continues to be a source of disgrace to our industry. I had hoped that by exposing the real numbers behind this practice in a series of columns I wrote in 2019 that the manufacturers, and particularly the fabricators, would re-think their actions
and rescind this unethical 15-year “temporary measure” once and for all. Energy prices have never been lower and now would be a good time to end this. Will people of integrity please step up to the plate?
Thank you to Patrick Flannery, the editor of Glass Canada, for his support and for keeping me around for so many years. And, thank you to all of you who read my column and for your encouragement. I wish you success in business and in life and ask everyone to stay the safe course until we are past the COVID nightmare we have been forced to live through in this tire-fire of a year. But, still keep involved! •
Frank Fulton is the president of Fultech Fenestration Consulting, a director with the OGMA, and a former principal in Fulton Windows. fjfulton@gmail.com
Editor’s Note: Please check out the editorial “Frank Fulton – not just a great putter” published on our website in Jan. 29, 2019. We were celebrating his column’s 10th anniversary then. I would like to thank him again for his contribution to the magazine and the industry.
LOOK UP, WAY UP
The evolution of the lift technology we depend
by TREENA HEIN
Today’s commercial glaziers are constantly up on swing stages, aerial work platforms and boom lifts. The use of crane and telehandlers is common as well. To provide more aerial capabilities to the glazing industry and construction trades in general, companies have greatly increased the lifting capacity of many mobile elevating work platforms, notes Matthew Elvin, CEO at Snorkel.
“Twenty years ago, the standard lift capacity was 500 pounds for many boom-type work platforms. But the industry is moving towards 600 pounds as the standard. And with restricted envelopes, this can increase to as much as 1,000 pounds platform capacity,” he explains. “This offers many benefits to the glazing industry as this equipment can carry more tools, more personnel or more glass and other materials to the working area.”
Lifting capacity aside, the need to work on taller buildings, adds Nate Hoover, has also pushed the aerial access equipment industry to go higher. “In just the last decade, boom lifts have seen dramatic increases in height, providing glaziers access to areas previously unattainable,” explains the director of marketing and product management at JLG Industries.
Among the types of mobile elevated work platforms (MEWP) now available are articulated and telescopic lifts, mast climber work platforms, and also towable, compact crawler and scissor lifts. And of course, many factors – including worker safety – come into play when deciding which is best. Careful consideration should be given, says Hoover, to the type of work to be done, height requirements, obstacles the boom may need to manoeuvre up and over, tools and materials the platform will need to support, the space in which the boom will need to operate and the number of people.
Number of people on an aerial lift has of course been affected this year by the COVID-19 pandemic. Because of the size of mast-climbing work platforms (MCWP),
The ANSI Safe Use standard requires companies to develop a MEWP safety program and then share it with all workers on a site where the equipment is being used.
on has accelerated in recent years.
they can be a much better option for socially distanced work than a MEWP, according to Thierry LaChapelle, executive vice president of AGF Access Group in Montreal, which manufactures a variety of access products including Hydro Mobile MCWPs.
Elvin adds that many MEWPs “based on their capacity, especially when loaded with materials such as glass, may naturally restrict occupancy to one person. And given the heights and reach capability of this equipment, social distancing is provided almost by necessity. Other types of equipment, such as large, high-capacity scissor lifts have platforms that are large enough to provide adequate separation of occupants. Of course, there will always be jobs where it is mandatory that personnel be in close contact and for those situations, they need to follow the proper protocols.”
Knowledge is power
Telematics and data collection are becoming more widespread in all equipment now, relating to usage, battery life and more, but Elwin believes that in lift equipment, this type of technology is still in the infancy stage. According to LaChapelle, while telematics are useful with MCWPs, they are not essential. “This being said, we are currently investigating on how to better integrate telematics to our transport platforms systems,” he says.
Most telematics systems today provide a view of machine location and hours, and sometimes, error and maintenance
messages. “However, we see this developing to provide additional information on usage, loads and duty cycles,” says Elvin, “to help equipment managers determine if they need larger or smaller equipment, how often equipment is utilized and does equipment meet the loading requirements for a particular jobsite.” He adds that as telematics capabilities grow, rental companies will be able to rent out equipment remotely, allowing equipment located at mega-worksites to be used by different contractors. Renting equipment already on-site reduces delivery costs and job timeframes, and are especially useful for relatively quick tasks that arise quickly.
In its boom lifts, JLG has recently introduced SkySense, an object-detection system that provides operators with added awareness of their immediate surroundings. The system’s sensors establish warning zones and stop distances in the machine’s direction of motion. And, for its rough-terrain scissor lifts, JLG offers QuikLevel Advanced, which allows its machines to work at full height in certain conditions on slopes up to 4.5 degrees. Hoover says that when combined with the standard LiftSense feature on all new JLG RT and electric rough-terrain scissor lifts, operators can determine how high they will be able to reach prior to elevating, based on front-to-back and side-toside tilt, as well as actual weight in the platform.
In February 2020, JLG also introduced ClearSky Remote Analyzer Reader (the ClearSky telematics platform was first introduced in 2008). This allows service departments to remotely
LIFTTECHNOLOGY
diagnose qualitative operational issues, check the on and off status of connected technologies, review the last 25 fault codes and more.
Other new tech, for safety and more
Prior to the arrival of the new Snorkel 2100SJ (which Snorkel says is the world’s tallest self-propelled boom lift at 216 ft/66 m), some types of work may have required a MCWP or scaffolding. A selfpropelled MEWP in these situations offers virtually no set-up or dismantle time, which, according to Elvin, enables operators to quickly and safely return equipment to the stowed position in the case of winds or other hazardous weather. He adds that “carrying glass panes or panels has also been made safer and easier with the development of specific glazier accessory packages for MEWPs, such as the optional Snorkel Glazier Package. This features two rubber-lined trays with keeper pins for supporting the glass panels, as well as padding for the platform rails and heavy-duty straps.”
For LaChapelle part, he doesn’t see it as straightforward to make safety comparisons between MCWPs and MEWPs, but notes that every time workers must move a man lift, there are risks. “Glasswork is usually performed on a structure that is already built and glaziers are typically looking for a working capacity of 4,000 to 6,000 pounds, typically across 40 to 60 feet on a single unit or 100 to 120 feet on a twin unit,” he explains. “MCWPs offer this, and you can add sections that attach to the building to over 1,000 feet, suitable for smaller curtain walls and other work. We also have accessories such as hoists. I think our transport platform for applications up to 100 feet provides added safety because it allows people and materials to be transferred from the outside of a building to the inside without the need for a boom truck, crane or inside elevator.”
ANSI standards
ANSI (the American National Standards Institute) recently updated standards relating to design and more of MEWPs. Older equipment is still acceptable for use, and it’s not necessary to bring equipment manufactured prior to June 2020 into compliance with A92.20 (the ANSI standard for the design and testing of
The need to work on taller buildings has pushed the aerial access equipment industry to go higher.
equipment, which relates to CSA standard B354.6).
However, Elvin says the other new updated standards (A92.22, Safe Use of MEWP, which relates to CSA B354.7, and A92.24, Training Requirements, which relates to CSA B354.8) need to be understood and followed by owners, users, operators and occupants of MEWPs. These standards help users become familiar with new equipment features they may be exposed to due to ANSI A92.20, such as indoor versus outdoor-rated equipment, and platform load sensing.
According to Hoover, the new load-sensing capabilities on lifts means the equipment will automatically come to a halt if the platform is overloaded. “So, more advanced planning is required,” he says, “and choosing the right MEWP is increasingly important to ensure it can perform at peak efficiency once on the job.”
One of the main requirements of the ANSI Safe Use standard is companies must develop a MEWP safety program and then share it with all workers on a site where the equipment is in play. Hoover adds that with regard to the ANSI Training Requirements standard, all training must be delivered by a qualified person who is experienced with the particular classification of MEWP to which the training pertains.
“While MEWP operator training is still mandatory,” he adds, “this requirement now extends beyond operators to
include supervisors, occupants and maintenance and repair personnel.”
The training standard also requires that dealers offer training and familiarization to anyone who rents, leases or buys equipment. •
Through the advanced telematics systems of today, it is possible to obtain a view of machine location and hours, and even error and maintenance messages.
Daylighting systems produced with Azon structural thermal barrier technologies—the MLP™ or Dual Cavity—for aluminum windows and curtain wall, along with high performance glazing components for insulating glass, will yield a fenestration system capable of upholding the highest efficiency and sustainability standards.
AERIALEQUIPMENT
Elevated work platforms
Panel carrier available
genielift.com
Right-sized for completing work-at-height applications such as general construction, maintenance, inspection and painting tasks, the new Genie S-60 J telescopic boom lift offers the essential
Super swing stage
winsafe.com
The SuperMod modular suspended platform system is designed for strength and safety. A modular approach with maximium flexibility ensures that there is always a stage configuration available that will suit the application. On straight platforms, lengths of up to 48 feet, 9 inches are possible, with longer configurations using a hinge section and three hoists. Section lengths of 1/2, one, two and three metres let users build a platform to suit their needs. Cantilever platforms come in lengths of up to 62 feet, three inches with walk-through stirrups. Maximum separation for the stirrups is 48 feet, nine inches. Maximum cantilever is two meters beyond the stirrups. Corner platforms with 30-, 45-, 60- and 90-degree angles can be built with SuperMod using the hinged corner frame, drop-in truss, floor and handrail frame set. With the hinge section and four stirrups, it is possible to build a platform that will surround three sides of a structure. Even circular platforms can be achieved using three walkthrough stirrups and eight 45-degree corner sections. SuperMod is built in North America for North American conditions with stronger trusses and stronger connectors make a smooth-riding, long-lasting platform.
performance that operators need, including an unrestricted platform capacity of 660 pounds, allowing for two occupants plus tools. With a standard six-foot jib, the Genie S-60 J boasts a compact, low-weight design at 16,650 pounds. This keeps ground pressure low when operators are working in more sensitive conditions. The S-60 J is well-suited for use in general construction, maintenance, inspection and painting tasks. Platform height is 60 feet, 10 inches and horizontal reach is 40 feet, six inches. Ground clearance is one foot, 10 inches. Glaziers will appreciate the Genie Boom Panel Cradle accessory that allows operators to place materials outside the platform for access at height. It includes the cradle, two foam cushions and a load retaining strap. It’s useful for lifting drywall, glass panes, plywood and other material that comes in panels up to 250 pouns. The combined weight of the attachment, panels, occupants and tools must not exceed the platform rated capacity.
Steel U-frames provide a rigid frame and steel stirrups have the strength to take jobsite conditions. Steel has 1/3 the flex of aluminum, providing a more rigid, better-riding platform.
The aluminum trusses weigh about the same as European trusses, but the toeboard is two inches shorter. The extra material is used in the bottom chord, making it extra thick. Add-ons include platform hinge sections; oversized stirrups for larger body casing hoists; bumper rollers; swivel casters; adjustable incline rollers and incline stirrups for working on sloped surfaces; and manual wire winders.
Up and over
snorkellifts.com
The Snorkel 2100SJ is Snorkel’s largest diesel telescopic boom lift with patented design features. With an impressive reach and lift height, its exceptional up-and-over capabilities offer a maximum horizontal reach up to 100 feet with a 30-foot jib boom. Two control panels on the platform allow for safe operation while working at height. A robust four-wheel drive and multiple steering modes deliver superb rough-terrain performance with a tight inside turning radius for excellent manoeuverability. Its innovative wheel extension and narrow wheelbase provide stability on the job and ease of transportation. The 2100SJ ‘s maximum working height is 65.8 metres with a 300-kilogram platform capacity and overall weight of 36,300 kilograms. It comes with a built-in panel carrier as standard.
Feature-packed
jlg.com
JLG has introduced its expanded range of high-capacity HC3 boom lifts. Available now are the 400S, 460SJ, 600S, 660SJ and 860SJ HC3 models, while the 450AJ, 600AJ, 800AJ and 800S HC3 booms are set to roll off production lines in the coming months. HC3 boom lifts offer an expanded work envelope and three capacity zones for greater reach than competitive models offering one or two capacity zones. In fact, HC3 models are rated for three occupants with tools in all three zones. The boom lifts include the 40-foot platform 400S HC3 model and the 46-foot platform 460SJ HC3 model, while the 600 Series HC3 models consist of the 600AJ HC3 and 600S HC3, each delivering a 60foot platform height, and the 660SJ, which boasts a 66-foot platform height. Meanwhile, the 800 Series HC3 booms include the 80-foot-platform-height 800AJ HC3 and 800S HC3, and the 86foot 860SJ HC3. All models offer 750- and 1,000-pound restricted capacity zones. The 400 Series, 600 Series and 800AJ models also offer a 660-pound unrestricted capacity zone, while the 800S and 860SJ have a 500-pound unrestricted capacity zones. An innovative load-sensing system from JLG limits operation of a machine when the platform is overloaded, automatically keeping operation within the allowable work envelope. The zero-calibration system on all HC3 models eliminates the need to use external weights to calibrate the lift. This saves time and effort, while increasing productivity. New LED displays improve visibility of the platform and ground consoles during operation. The displays sense ambient light conditions and adjust brightness accordingly, helping maxi-
mize visibility and operator comfort. Additionally, an innovative chassis tilt alarm alerts the operator when the machine is on a slope that exceeds five degrees. While the new HC3 boom lifts are heavier than their standard model counterparts, they retain the same footprint for ease of transport and use in comparable work environments.
New mast-climber
manitou.com
Manitou offers the new VJR 26 vertical mast platform in its elevated work platform product line for the North America market. The new Manitou VJR 26 vertical mast platform incorporates innovation and technology into the design of the machine to focus on safety, performance and low-cost maintenance. Compact and manoeuverable, this model consists of a vertical telescopic mast, electric travel motor and a perforated steel basket meeting. With a 350-degree turret rotation, it offers operator’s greater flexibility and access with minimal repositioning. The compactness of the VJR 26 work platform allows operators to pass through most industrial doors accessing work heights up to 32 feet with an impressive reach of 10 feet, four inches.
The VJR 26 vertical mast design ensures great stability thanks to its centre of gravity located in the lower area of the chassis. The telescopic mast technology delivers a compact structure, which increases visibility of the machine and the work environment during operations by the operator in the basket. The controls in the Manitou VJR 26 are simple and intuitive for quick familiarity. They are equipped with safety features including load and tilt sensors as well as an anti-entrapment system for additional safety. Standard with a 24-volt battery, the VJR 26 offers enough autonomy for a complete day of work and ensures many years of service life. The lifting structure using telescopic booms reduces maintenance thanks to the reduction of moving parts. The operator can easily access the battery and hydraulic components by unlocking the latches of the turret cover. An added benefit to the VJR 26 is its ease and safety of transportation. Two fork pockets are located on the platform to allow a forklift to load and transport the machine sideways. This allows loading of the machine top of a trailer faster and safer. Machine maintenance is simplified with a self-diagnostic panel at ground level to quickly detect fault codes. Manitou’s telematics system gives the ability to manage the unit’s location, maintenance cycles and service warnings and comes with a two-year/2,000-hour warranty. These machines are fully supported and available at Manitou dealerships across the United States and Canada.
AERIALEQUIPMENT
Handles uneven surfaces
haulotte-usa.com
Designed for working in challenging environments and tackling the most demanding projects, the HT46 RTJ O/PRO shares the same design and performance characteristics as the other models in the Haulotte RTJ range. Incorporating Haulotte safety standards and latest innovations, the new telescopic boom provides a dualplatform capacity along with four-wheel steering and is ideal for work up to 16 metres high. The latest addition to the RTJ range is an outdoor telescopic boom designed for versatile applications: heavy construction, finishing, maintenance, sports and other events. It perfectly combines efficiency with excellent all-terrain ability. The HT46 RTJ O/PRO easily climbs over obstacles and slopes up to 45 percent. Operators can elevate on uneven surfaces, even with a significant tilt angle of five degrees, whatever the boom angle. The operator-controlled locking rear differential allows maximum traction in the most difficult rough terrain situations. Proportional controls guarantee smooth operation and precise movements on the way up to the work area. The new telescopic boom operates anywhere, even on the roughest terrain. It features four-wheel steering. In four-wheel steering mode, the turning radius is shortened, enabling the driver to manoeuver in tight areas. Crab mode facilitates motion in all directions, making it easier to access the work area. The HT46 RTJ O/PRO is a reliable machine combining robust design with ergonomic controls and integrating Haulotte’s exclusive innovations, ActivLighting System and ActivShield Bar, for optimal safety.
Haulotte has paid attention to the strength and reliability of the materials used in its new machine. All of the high-quality components come from market leading suppliers. The controls cover and tray are made of ultra-solid composite material and pins are protected against corrosion. Its ergonomic control box with joysticks enabling proportional commands offers improved driving comfort. Up to four movements can be cumulated. In line with other RTJ equipment, the new telescopic boom embeds a high-performance lighting system. Haulotte ActivLighting System guarantees impressive visibility for safe loading operations in low-light conditions. The lights integrated in the machine design illuminate the driving zone and both control panels. The Haulotte ActivShield Bar system, integrated into the control panel, reduces the risk of overhead crushing injuries. In an entrapment situation, the operator is pushed towards the bar and the machine stops automatically. The safety gap provides a clearance for the operator.
#9 Walton Tower, Chicago Courtesy of Ventana Design-Build Systems
The specialist in curtainwalls, windows and doors, serving commercial and industrial demand for high-quality architectural aluminum products. A proud member of the Toro Aluminum Group of Companies.
Glassopolis is Canada’s largest fire-rated and X-Ray glass specialist. Replacing wired glass? PROTECT3 Safety Glass is Canada’s lowest cost, impact-safe, UL certified fire-rated glazing and PYRAN Platinum is the premium choice. We also have the largest stock of X-Ray glass in Canada. Call our Canadian experts today!
Ampoint Industrial Park, 995 Fourth St. Perrysburg OH 43616
Tel: 419-661-9500
Fax: 419-661-9616
Email: sales@glasstech.com www.glasstech.com
GLASSWARE CONNECTIONS
PO Box 25007
Burlington ON L7L 0V6
Tel: 647-960-1900
Email: glasswareconnect@gmail.com
GOLDRAY GLASS
4605 - 52 Ave SE
Calgary AB T2C 4N7
Tel: 403-236-1333
Toll-Free: 800-640-3709
Fax: 403-236-1373
Email: info@goldrayglass.com www.goldrayglass.com
GROVE SHIMS
PO Box 240, 17 Marguerite Ave.
Leominster MA 01453
Tel: 978-534-5188
Toll-Free: 1-800-72-GROVE
Fax: 978-840-4130
Email: sales@groveshims.com
www.groveshims.com
Grove Shims is the leading producer of plastic structural shims. Proudly made in the USA since 1962, our family-owned business provides prompt, personalized attention to each order.
High Performance Glazing Inc. is an Ontario based company specializing in high quality glazing. HPG meets the most demanding expectations of strength and aesthetic quality. HPG understands that for any successful project, turnaround time, quality, and exceptional customer service, will bring the projects to a successful completion.
IIGP INTERNATIONAL GLASS PRODUCTS INC.
9150 Maurice-Duplessis Blvd.
Montreal QC H1E 7C2
Tel: 514-354-5277
Toll-Free: 866-448-5277
Fax: 514-354-5211
Email: info@igpglass.com www.igpglass.com
IMAGIC GLASS INC.
1380 Creditstone Road, Unit 4
Concord ON L4K0J1
Tel: 905-695-3104
Toll-Free: 888-484-6244
Fax: 905-695-3105
Email: info@imagicglass.com www.imagicglass.com
Imagic Glass is a fabricator of custom architectural glass. Our capabilities include single tempered, laminated (EVA and SentryGlas), painted (low VOC water based coatings, ICD OpaciCoat300), digitally printed, digitally etched and carved, custom mirror and more. We are proudly SGCC certified as a glass laminator. We look forward to partnering with you on your next project.
Intertex Textiles Inc. is a Canadian owned and operated family business in operation for over 40 years. We specialize in the manufacture of state of the art cut and heat resistant clothing designed to be highly protective yet comfortable. We have off the shelf standard items as well as custom capabilities to meet your specific requirements. PPE made in Canada. Intertex stocks a variety of high quality Kevlar/ Aramid roller wraps & sleeving for glass tempering & furnace kilns.
McGrory Glass is the North American Distributor for Corning Med-X Radiation Shielding glass, offering the largest glass sizes available in the world (54” x 108”).
Committed to excellence, Metro Aluminum is an Architectural Curtainwall, Storefront, Window, and Door Manufacturer. Proudly serving Canadian Glazing Contractors, we offer wide varieties of High Performance ThermallyBroken Energy Efficient Products.
Rimac is Canada’s leading source for metal curving and press brake forming. Rimac specializes in bending aluminum, stainless steel, brass, bronze, PVC and many other materials. Contact us today.
RPM, a Canadian legacy company and a steadfast supplier of fenestration commodities and custom roll-formed steel. Proudly servicing North America with quality I.G. products, Window & Door reinforcement, and custom cladding. RPM is the GO TO for custom rollforming.
Our trademarked building envelope panels speak for themselves in excellence, quality, and design. Find out more about building with confidence at www.spandreltech.com
1100 South Service Road, Unit 112 Stoney Creek ON L8E 0C5
Tel: 289-649-0404
Toll-Free: 800-979-6832
Fax: 289-649-0406
Email: sales@syn-tec.info www.syn-tec.info
TTECHNICAL GLASS PRODUCTS (Allegion Canada, Inc.)
1076 Lakeshore Rd East, Mississauga, ON, L5E 1E4
Tel: 416-312-1059 (local)
Toll-Free: 800-426-0279
Email: sales@fireglass.com fireglass.com
Technical Glass Products (TGP) is your one source for fire-rated glass and framing and specialty architectural glass and framing. TGP offers project consultation, product specifications, BIM 3D models and rapid-response quoting. See also tgpamerica.com.
TORMAX CANADA INC.
5444 275th Street
Langley BC V4W3X7
Tel: 604-857-8989
Toll-Free: 833-808-0800
Email: info@tormax.ca www.tormax.ca
Manufactured in Canada, with industry leading Swiss designs and precision engineering, TORMAX Canada provides superior entrance automation solutions. Sliding, swinging, revolving, folding and hermetic/ healthcare systems to choose from. Ask us about our new “Count+Go” pedestrian control systems for your high traffic retail locations. Branch locations in Vancouver, Brandon, Ottawa, Quebec.
From concept to production our technical and service departments work diligently to respond to our customers’ needs. Specialty services include tempering, laminating, bending, water-jet cutting, V-grooving, custom edge work and Direct on Glass Digital Printing, ceramic frit technology.
Vetrotech Saint-Gobain is the world’s leading provider of fire-rated glass and system solutions, including glass ceramics, floors, doors, walls, and windows. We ensure people’s safety, no matter what, by never compromising when it comes to life safety and property protection. Follow us on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/Vetrotech-saint-gobain-north-america
FIBERGLASS DOORS
Aribell Products Limited
DUXTON Windows & Doors
Everlast Group of Companies
Inline Fiberglass Ltd
Mennie Canada
Strassburger Windows & Doors
FIRE RATED DOORS
Aribell Products Limited
Desa Glass
Everlast Group of Companies
Evolution Glass Inc.
F1 Glazing Solutions Inc.
High Performance Glazing Inc.
Orazen Extruded Polymers
Ray-Bar Engineering Corp.
RPM Rollformed Metal Products
Ultisol International
Vetrotech Saint-Gobain
FRENCH DOORS
Bonnechere Valley Windows
Everlast Group of Companies
Fenêtres UNIQUE Windows
GLASS DOORS
Alumicor Ltd.
Desa Glass
Evolution Glass Inc.
Imagic Glass Inc.
McGrory Glass Inc.
Orazen Extruded Polymers
RPM Rollformed Metal Products
TORMAX Canada Inc.
Tri-Temp Glass Inc.
Ultisol International
Verrage Glass and Mirror
Incorporated
MIRROR DOORS
High Performance Glazing Inc.
Imagic Glass Inc.
Orazen Extruded Polymers
PATIO DOORS
Alumicor Ltd.
Distribution Pièces Expert
DUXTON Windows & Doors
Everlast Group of Companies
Fenêtres UNIQUE Windows
High Performance Glazing Inc.
Inline Fiberglass Ltd
Metro Aluminum Products Ltd.
Orazen Extruded Polymers
RPM Rollformed Metal Products
Strassburger Windows & Doors
Ultisol International
RESIDENTIAL DOORS
Aribell Products Limited
Bonnechere Valley Windows
DUXTON Windows & Doors
Everlast Group of Companies
Fenêtres UNIQUE Windows
Mennie Canada
Metro Aluminum Products Ltd.
Orazen Extruded Polymers
RPM Rollformed Metal Products
Strassburger Windows & Doors
REVOLVING DOORS
RPM Rollformed Metal Products
TORMAX Canada Inc.
SCREEN CHANNELS
Distribution Pièces Expert MSA Screens
SCREEN DOORS
Aribell Products Limited
Distribution Pièces Expert
Everlast Group of Companies
Fenêtres UNIQUE Windows
Invisible Screens Canada
MSA Screens
Screen Center Sales
SHIMS
Aribell Products Limited
Grove Shims
Orazen Extruded Polymers
SHOWER DOORS/ ENCLOSURES
High Performance Glazing Inc.
Imagic Glass Inc.
Laurier Architectural
McGrory Glass Inc.
Orazen Extruded Polymers
Tri-Temp Glass Inc.
Verrage Glass and Mirror Incorporated
SLIDING DOORS
Alumicor Ltd.
Desa Glass
Distribution Pièces Expert
Everlast Group of Companies
Fenêtres UNIQUE Windows
Inline Fiberglass Ltd
Metro Aluminum Products Ltd.
Orazen Extruded Polymers
RPM Rollformed Metal Products
Verrage Glass and Mirror Incorporated
EQUIPMENT & MACHINERY
BENDING MACHINES
Ameri-Can Machinery Ltd.
Casso-Solar Technologies
Glasstech, Inc.
HHH Equipment Resources
INT Machinery Inc.
JSA Machinery
Rockwell Automation, Inc.
Syn-Tec
Verrage Glass and Mirror Incorporated
COMPUTER SOFTWARE
Bottero Flat Glass Inc.
Glasstech, Inc.
Rockwell Automation, Inc.
Smart-Builder Glass Software
CORNER CLEANERS
Ameri-Can Machinery Ltd.
INT Machinery Inc.
JSA Machinery
Pro-Line Automation Systems, Ltd
CRANES/HOISTS
INT Machinery Inc.
Matodi
Salem Fabrication Supplies
CUTTING TABLES/CNC
Ameri-Can Machinery Ltd.
Atwood Sales Inc.
Bottero Flat Glass Inc.
HHH Equipment Resources
INT Machinery Inc.
JSA Machinery
Matodi
Pro-Line Automation Systems, Ltd
Rockwell Automation, Inc.
Salem Fabrication Supplies
Verrage Glass and Mirror Incorporated
DRYING/CURING OVENS
Casso-Solar Technologies
Glasstech, Inc.
INT Machinery Inc.
Salem Fabrication Supplies
Verrage Glass and Mirror Incorporated
EDGING/BEVELLING/ DRILLING/GRINDING
Adelio Lattuada Srl
Atwood Sales Inc.
Bottero Flat Glass Inc.
HHH Equipment Resources
High Performance Glazing Inc.
Matodi
Salem Fabrication Supplies
Turtools
Verrage Glass and Mirror Incorporated
GAS FILLING
Ameri-Can Machinery Ltd.
GLASS ASSEMBLY TABLES
Ameri-Can Machinery Ltd.
Bottero Flat Glass Inc.
Casso-Solar Technologies
GLASS CUTTING
Ameri-Can Machinery Ltd.
Bottero Flat Glass Inc.
Bystronic Glass Inc.
HHH Equipment Resources
High Performance Glazing Inc.
Salem Fabrication Supplies
Verrage Glass and Mirror Incorporated
SUPPLIERSBYCATEGORY
GLASS FURNACES
Casso-Solar Technologies
HHH Equipment Resources
Matodi
Salem Fabrication Supplies
Verrage Glass and Mirror Incorporated
GLASS HANDLING/ VACUUM CUPS/LIFTERS
Bystronic Glass Inc.
HHH Equipment Resources
INT Machinery Inc.
Matodi
Orazen Extruded Polymers
Salem Fabrication Supplies
GLASS PROCESSING CHEMICALS
Arkema Inc.
Hexion Inc.
Salem Fabrication Supplies
Turtools
GLASS WASHING MACHINES
Adelio Lattuada Srl
Ameri-Can Machinery Ltd.
Atwood Sales Inc.
Bottero Flat Glass Inc.
Bystronic Glass Inc.
Glassware Connections
HHH Equipment Resources
Matodi
Salem Fabrication Supplies
Verrage Glass and Mirror Incorporated
IG MANUFACTURING
24 Hour Thermal Glass Insulation
Bystronic Glass Inc.
HHH Equipment Resources
High Performance Glazing Inc.
Matodi
Salem Fabrication Supplies
Ultisol International
INSTALLATION/ CUTTING TOOLS/ BLADES
Ameri-Can Machinery Ltd.
INT Machinery Inc.
Salem Fabrication Supplies
Verrage Glass and Mirror Incorporated
LAMINATING
Bottero Flat Glass Inc.
Casso-Solar Technologies
HHH Equipment Resources
High Performance Glazing Inc.
Matodi
Salem Fabrication Supplies
Ultisol International
Verrage Glass and Mirror Incorporated
MEASURING/TESTING
EDTM, Inc.
LiteSentry LLC
Rockwell Automation, Inc.
Smart-Builder Glass Software
METAL FABRICATION
Ameri-Can Machinery Ltd.
Apex Facade Systems
Azon
INT Machinery Inc.
JSA Machinery
KEAR Fabrication
Pro-Line Automation Systems, Ltd
Verrage Glass and Mirror Incorporated
METAL FORMING
Screen Center Sales
POLISHING
Adelio Lattuada Srl
Bottero Flat Glass Inc.
Matodi
Salem Fabrication Supplies
Turtools
Verrage Glass and Mirror Incorporated
SANDBLASTING MACHINES
Atwood Sales Inc.
HHH Equipment Resources
Matodi
Salem Fabrication Supplies
Verrage Glass and Mirror Incorporated
SAWS
Ameri-Can Machinery Ltd.
INT Machinery Inc.
JSA Machinery
Pro-Line Automation Systems, Ltd
SCREEN PRINTING MACHINES
Matodi
Screen Center Sales
TEMPERING/BENDING OVENS
Casso-Solar Technologies
Glasstech, Inc.
HHH Equipment Resources
High Performance Glazing Inc.
Matodi
Salem Fabrication Supplies
Verrage Glass and Mirror Incorporated
TESTING EQUIPMENT
CAN-BEST Testing Laboratories
EDTM, Inc.
LiteSentry LLC
Screen Center Sales
TRUCKS/ TRANSPORTATION
Apex Facade Systems
Verrage Glass and Mirror Incorporated
SUPPLIERSBYCATEGORY
WATERJET CUTTING
Atwood Sales Inc.
HHH Equipment Resources
INT Machinery Inc.
Matodi
Salem Fabrication Supplies
Verrage Glass and Mirror Incorporated
WHEELS/DRILL BITS
Ameri-Can Machinery Ltd.
Atwood Sales Inc.
Matodi
Salem Fabrication Supplies
Turtools
GLASS PRODUCTS
BENT
Guardian Glass
Tri-Temp Glass Inc.
Verrage Glass and Mirror Incorporated
BEVELLED/EDGED/ GROOVED
Imagic Glass Inc.
Laurier Architectural
MX Glass & Mirror
Verrage Glass and Mirror Incorporated
BULLET RESISTANT
Glassopolis Specialty Glass
Ray-Bar Engineering Corp.
Tri-Temp Glass Inc.
Ultisol International
Verrage Glass and Mirror Incorporated
Vetrotech Saint-Gobain
CERAMIC FRIT GLASS
Casso-Solar Technologies
Goldray Glass
High Performance Glazing Inc.
Laurier Architectural
Tri-Temp Glass Inc.
Verrage Glass and Mirror Incorporated
Vetrotech Saint-Gobain
CHANNEL GLASS
Verrage Glass and Mirror Incorporated
COATED
Goldray Glass
Guardian Glass
Laurelwood Windows & Doors Ltd.
Laurier Architectural
McGrory Glass Inc.
Ultisol International
DECORATIVE
Aribell Products Limited
Awards Canada
Casso-Solar Technologies
Everlast Group of Companies
Goldray Glass
Guardian Glass
Imagic Glass Inc.
Laurelwood Windows & Doors Ltd.
Laurier Architectural
McGrory Glass Inc.
Verrage Glass and Mirror Incorporated
DIGITALLY PRINTED
Awards Canada
Goldray Glass
High Performance Glazing Inc.
Imagic Glass Inc.
Laurier Architectural
DYNAMIC GLASS
Glassopolis Specialty Glass
Glassware Connections
Smart Glass Country
FLOAT
Glassware Connections
Guardian Glass
Ultisol International
Verrage Glass and Mirror Incorporated
HEAT RADIANT
Glassopolis Specialty Glass
Ray-Bar Engineering Corp.
HEAT RESISTANT
F1 Glazing Solutions Inc.
Glassopolis Specialty Glass
High Performance Glazing Inc.
Laurier Architectural
McGrory Glass Inc.
Ray-Bar Engineering Corp.
Verrage Glass and Mirror Incorporated
Vetrotech Saint-Gobain
LAMINATED
Casso-Solar Technologies
Goldray Glass
Guardian Glass
High Performance Glazing Inc.
IGP International Glass Products Inc.
Imagic Glass Inc.
Laurelwood Windows & Doors Ltd.
Laurier Architectural
Tri-Temp Glass Inc.
Ultisol International
Verrage Glass and Mirror Incorporated
Vetrotech Saint-Gobain
LAMINATEDDECORATIVE
Aribell Products Limited
Casso-Solar Technologies
Goldray Glass
Imagic Glass Inc.
Laurier Architectural
McGrory Glass Inc.
Tri-Temp Glass Inc.
Verrage Glass and Mirror Incorporated
MIRROR - FLAT
Guardian Glass
Imagic Glass Inc.
Laurier Architectural
MX Glass & Mirror
Tri-Temp Glass Inc.
Verrage Glass and Mirror Incorporated
MIRROR - HEAT
Glassopolis Specialty Glass
Imagic Glass Inc.
Verrage Glass and Mirror Incorporated
OVERSIZED
Guardian Glass
High Performance Glazing Inc.
Imagic Glass Inc.
PATTERN
Goldray Glass
Guardian Glass
IGP International Glass Products Inc.
Imagic Glass Inc.
McGrory Glass Inc.
Verrage Glass and Mirror Incorporated
RADIATION SHIELDING
Glassopolis Specialty Glass
Ray-Bar Engineering Corp.
SCREENED/ETCHED/ FRIT
Goldray Glass
Guardian Glass
Imagic Glass Inc.
Laurier Architectural
McGrory Glass Inc.
Verrage Glass and Mirror Incorporated
SOLAR
Guardian Glass
SPANDREL
Casso-Solar Technologies
Goldray Glass
Guardian Glass
High Performance Glazing Inc.
Imagic Glass Inc.
Laurier Architectural
Tri-Temp Glass Inc.
Verrage Glass and Mirror Incorporated
STAINED
Laurelwood Windows & Doors Ltd.
STRENGTHENED/ TEMPERED
24 Hour Thermal Glass Insulation
Goldray Glass
Guardian Glass
High Performance Glazing Inc.
IGP International Glass Products Inc.
Imagic Glass Inc.
Laurelwood Windows & Doors Ltd.
Laurier Architectural
Tri-Temp Glass Inc.
Verrage Glass and Mirror Incorporated
TRANSLUCENT GLAZING
Advanced Glazings Ltd.
Goldray Glass
Guardian Glass
Orazen Extruded Polymers
Verrage Glass and Mirror Incorporated
WIRED
Glassopolis Specialty Glass
McGrory Glass Inc.
Ray-Bar Engineering Corp.
Tri-Temp Glass Inc.
Verrage Glass and Mirror Incorporated
GLAZING MATERIALS
FILM, ARCHITECTURAL GRAPHIC
Salem Fabrication Supplies
Verrage Glass and Mirror Incorporated
FILM, DECORATIVE
American Renolit
Verrage Glass and Mirror Incorporated
FILM, EDGE RETENTION SYSTEMS
Verrage Glass and Mirror Incorporated
FILM, SAFETY/SECURITY
Glassopolis Specialty Glass
Salem Fabrication Supplies
Verrage Glass and Mirror Incorporated
FILM, SOLAR CONTROL
Salem Fabrication Supplies
Verrage Glass and Mirror Incorporated
FIRE RATED GLAZING
F1 Glazing Solutions Inc.
Fireprotect Chester Ltd.
Glassopolis Specialty Glass
McGrory Glass Inc.
Ray-Bar Engineering Corp.
Vetrotech Saint-Gobain
MIRROR BACKING, SAFETY
Glassopolis Specialty Glass
Verrage Glass and Mirror Incorporated
MULLIONS
Aribell Products Limited
Metro Aluminum Products Ltd.
RPM Rollformed Metal Products
Verrage Glass and Mirror Incorporated
MUNTINS
Aribell Products Limited
Metro Aluminum Products Ltd.
RPM Rollformed Metal Products
PHOTO VOLTAIC SYSTEMS
Casso-Solar Technologies
PLASTIC SHEET
American Renolit
RADIATION SHIELDING
Glassopolis Specialty Glass
McGrory Glass Inc.
INSULATING GLASS & SUPPLIES
CORNER KEYS
Glassware Connections
RPM Rollformed Metal Products
DESICCANTS
Arkema Inc.
Glassware Connections
Haseda Holding Ltd.(AKFIXNEDEX)
RPM Rollformed Metal Products
IG UNITS
24 Hour Thermal Glass Insulation
Elton Manufacturing
Everlast Group of Companies
Glassware Connections
High Performance Glazing Inc.
IGP International Glass Products Inc.
Laurier Architectural
LiteZone Glass Inc.
Ray-Bar Engineering Corp.
Salem Fabrication Supplies
Ultisol International
Vetrotech Saint-Gobain
PACKAGING/LABELLING MATERIAL
Glassware Connections
Turtools
SPACE BARS/WARM EDGE
Glassware Connections
Haseda Holding Ltd.(AKFIXNEDEX)
High Performance Glazing Inc.
RPM Rollformed Metal Products
Tremco Canada
METAL PRODUCTS
ALUMINUM BACKPANS
Alumicor Ltd.
Metro Aluminum Products Ltd.
Spandrel Tech Ltd.
Verrage Glass and Mirror Incorporated
ARCHITECTURAL METAL PANELS
Alumicor Ltd.
Desa Glass
Metro Aluminum Products Ltd.
PAC-CLAD | Petersen
Spandrel Tech Ltd.
BENT SHAPES
Rimac Metal Curving Specialists
Spandrel Tech Ltd.
CLADDING
Alumicor Ltd.
Metro Aluminum Products Ltd.
PAC-CLAD | Petersen
Rimac Metal Curving Specialists
RPM Rollformed Metal Products
Spandrel Tech Ltd.
Verrage Glass and Mirror Incorporated
CURTAINWALL SYSTEMS
Advanced Glazings Ltd.
Alumicor Ltd.
Apex Facade Systems
Caldwell Manufacturing Company
North America, LLC
Desa Glass
Everlast Group of Companies
Evolution Glass Inc.
Metro Aluminum Products Ltd.
Orazen Extruded Polymers
PAC-CLAD | Petersen
Renko Rubber Canada Ltd.
Rimac Metal Curving Specialists
RPM Rollformed Metal Products
Spandrel Tech Ltd.
Verrage Glass and Mirror Incorporated
ENTRANCES/ STOREFRONTS
Alumicor Ltd.
Apex Facade Systems
Desa Glass
Everlast Group of Companies
Evolution Glass Inc.
Metro Aluminum Products Ltd.
Orazen Extruded Polymers
Rimac Metal Curving Specialists
RPM Rollformed Metal Products
Spandrel Tech Ltd.
TORMAX Canada Inc.
Verrage Glass and Mirror Incorporated
EXTERNAL SHADING SYSTEMS
Desa Glass
Metro Aluminum Products Ltd.
RPM Rollformed Metal Products
EXTRUSIONS/ PULTRUSIONS
Alumicor Ltd.
Apex Facade Systems
Desa Glass
Metro Aluminum Products Ltd.
Orazen Extruded Polymers
SUPPLIERSBYCATEGORY
FIRE RATED METAL PRODUCTS
Desa Glass
F1 Glazing Solutions Inc.
Glassopolis Specialty Glass
Orazen Extruded Polymers
RPM Rollformed Metal Products
Spandrel Tech Ltd.
Vetrotech Saint-Gobain
FLASHING
Metro Aluminum Products Ltd.
PAC-CLAD | Petersen
Rimac Metal Curving Specialists
RPM Rollformed Metal Products
Spandrel Tech Ltd.
PREFORMED ALUMINUM WALL PANELS
Desa Glass
Spandrel Tech Ltd.
SLOPED GLAZING SYSTEMS/SKYLIGHTS
Alumicor Ltd.
Desa Glass
Evolution Glass Inc.
Metro Aluminum Products Ltd.
Orazen Extruded Polymers
RPM Rollformed Metal Products
STRUCTURAL GLAZING SYSTEMS
Alumicor Ltd.
Apex Facade Systems
Desa Glass
Evolution Glass Inc.
Metro Aluminum Products Ltd.
Orazen Extruded Polymers
Verrage Glass and Mirror Incorporated
SUNSCREEN SYSTEMS
Desa Glass
Metro Aluminum Products Ltd.
SEALANTS
BUTYL
Construction Distribution & Supply Co. Inc. (CDS)
Distribution Pièces Expert
Glassware Connections
Haseda Holding Ltd.(AKFIXNEDEX)
Salem Fabrication Supplies
Tremco Canada
GASKETS
Fireprotect Chester Ltd.
Intertex Textiles Inc.
Renko Rubber Canada Ltd.
Tremco Canada
HOT MELT
Glassware Connections
Haseda Holding Ltd.(AKFIXNEDEX)
Hexion Inc.
RPM Rollformed Metal Products
Tremco Canada
POLYSULPHIDE
Arkema Inc.
Glassware Connections
Haseda Holding Ltd.(AKFIXNEDEX)
Hexion Inc.
POLYURETHANE
Arkema Inc.
Construction Distribution & Supply Co. Inc. (CDS)
Distribution Pièces Expert
Glassware Connections
Hexion Inc.
Salem Fabrication Supplies
Tremco Canada
SILICONE
Arkema Inc.
Construction Distribution & Supply Co. Inc. (CDS)
Distribution Pièces Expert
Glassware Connections
Haseda Holding Ltd.(AKFIXNEDEX)
Salem Fabrication Supplies
Tremco Canada
Verrage Glass and Mirror Incorporated
TAPE/GLAZING
Construction Distribution & Supply Co. Inc. (CDS)
Distribution Pièces Expert
Fireprotect Chester Ltd.
Intertex Textiles Inc.
Salem Fabrication Supplies
Tremco Canada
Verrage Glass and Mirror Incorporated
TAPE/MUNTIN MOUNTING
Aribell Products Limited
Distribution Pièces Expert
SERVICES
ANODIZING/PAINTING
Alumicor Ltd.
Apex Facade Systems
Imagic Glass Inc.
Laurier Architectural
Verrage Glass and Mirror Incorporated
ASSOCIATIONS
Fenestration and Glazing Industry Alliance (FGIA)
BENDING, GLASS
Coastal Curved Glass
Tri-Temp Glass Inc.
Verrage Glass and Mirror Incorporated
BEVELLING, GLASS
Laurier Architectural
Verrage Glass and Mirror Incorporated
SUPPLIERSBYCATEGORY
BUSINESS COMMUNICATION/ MARKETING SERVICES
Applewood Business Services
EDTM, Inc.
glasstec/Messe Duesseldorf (Canada)
RPM Rollformed Metal Products
Screen Center Sales
DIGITAL-BASED GLASS DECORATION
Awards Canada
Imagic Glass Inc.
Laurier Architectural
Verrage Glass and Mirror Incorporated
DRILLING, GLASS
High Performance Glazing Inc.
Imagic Glass Inc.
Tri-Temp Glass Inc.
Verrage Glass and Mirror Incorporated
EDGING, GLASS
Imagic Glass Inc.
Laurier Architectural
Tri-Temp Glass Inc.
Verrage Glass and Mirror Incorporated
FINISHING
American Renolit
Apex Facade Systems
Caldwell Manufacturing Company North America, LLC
Imagic Glass Inc.
Verrage Glass and Mirror Incorporated
HEAT SOAKING
High Performance Glazing Inc.
Imagic Glass Inc.
Laurier Architectural
LASER CUTTING
Awards Canada
MACHINERY REPAIR
Ameri-Can Machinery Ltd.
JSA Machinery
Salem Fabrication Supplies
METAL BENDING/ STRETCHING
Rimac Metal Curving Specialists
Spandrel Tech Ltd.
METAL CUTTING
Ameri-Can Machinery Ltd.
JSA Machinery
Rimac Metal Curving Specialists
RPM Rollformed Metal Products
Spandrel Tech Ltd.
METAL PUNCHING
Rimac Metal Curving Specialists
RPM Rollformed Metal Products
Spandrel Tech Ltd.
PROFESSIONAL ENGINEERING/ CONSULTING
Pro-Active Fenestration Solutions Inc.
Prohaska Engineering Inc.
RPM Rollformed Metal Products
Ultisol International
Veridis Solutions Inc.
ROLLFORMING
Rimac Metal Curving Specialists
RPM Rollformed Metal Products
Spandrel Tech Ltd.
SANDBLASTING
Awards Canada
Imagic Glass Inc.
Tri-Temp Glass Inc.
Verrage Glass and Mirror Incorporated
TESTING
LABORATORIES/ SERVICES
CAN-BEST Testing Laboratories
EDTM, Inc.
Pro-Active Fenestration Solutions Inc.
Veridis Solutions Inc.
THERMAL IMAGING
CAN-BEST Testing Laboratories
EDTM, Inc.
Veridis Solutions Inc.
SUPPLIES & HARDWARE
ABRASIVES
Construction Distribution &
Supply Co. Inc. (CDS)
Distribution Pièces Expert
Salem Fabrication Supplies
Turtools
ADHESIVES
Arkema Inc.
Distribution Pièces Expert Fireprotect Chester Ltd.
Haseda Holding Ltd.(AKFIXNEDEX)
Hexion Inc.
Salem Fabrication Supplies
COOLANTS/ LUBRICANTS
Arkema Inc.
INT Machinery Inc.
Salem Fabrication Supplies
CURTAINWALL
ANCHORS/FASTENER SCREWS
Apex Facade Systems
Renko Rubber Canada Ltd.
Spandrel Tech Ltd.
DECORATIVE GLASS SUPPLIES
Aribell Products Limited
DECORATIVE STRIP/ GRILLS/ACCENTS
Aribell Products Limited
GLASS CLEANING
Construction Distribution & Supply Co. Inc. (CDS)
Distribution Pièces Expert Salem Fabrication Supplies
Verrage Glass and Mirror Incorporated
GLASS SHOWCASE
Distribution Pièces Expert Kooiman Industries Limited
Verrage Glass and Mirror Incorporated
GLAZING TOOLS
Construction Distribution & Supply Co. Inc. (CDS)
Distribution Pièces Expert EDTM, Inc.
INT Machinery Inc.
Salem Fabrication Supplies
INSULATION
High Performance Glazing Inc.
Intertex Textiles Inc.
MIRROR HARDWARE
Distribution Pièces Expert
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by RICH PORAYKO
Rich Porayko is a professional writer and founding partner of Construction Creative, a marketing and communications company in Metro Vancouver. richp@ constructioncreative.com
Thank God for polycarbonate
When I cut my teeth in the glass industry, I was taught that polycarbonate and acrylic were the enemy. Both materials were inherently inferior to glass on every level. I believed this for 17 years.
When the pandemic hit, I was a few solid weeks ahead of the curve thanks to my early warning family who are all in medicine. My wife would say I was just being paranoid but an eccentric friend with business connections in China texted me over 50 times on Feb. 7 telling me to take the virus seriously and prepare. Seems even a broken clock is right twice a day. When all hell broke loose, people were stunned. They still are. Carnage was everywhere. It still is. Depending on who you talk to, it’s actually getting worse. A few weeks into the lockdown, the apocalyptic narrative switched suddenly. On March 24, the team at my longtime customer, Memphis-based Binswanger Glass, brought me into the fold onto a project that was dubbed Retail Shields at the time. What came next was the fastest product launch that I have ever been part of. The full-service glass retailer has 60 locations with over 850 employees and I’ve honestly never witnessed a team pivot and rally behind a goal so quickly before. It was a textbook case study in speed to market. A product launch that would usually take four months took four days. Design, purchasing, production, logistics, pricing, customer service and marketing. Teamwork coming together, on demand, without a hitch.
Shields were still just a trending product and I don’t think many of us had any idea that the partition market was going to explode like it did. The opportunity didn’t just stop at checkout shields. As quickly as Binswanger developed a full line of custom and standardized barriers, the
I will never ever badmouth polycarbonate or acrylic products again.
THAT’S RICH
team began creating new healthcare-related products including custom intubation boxes and ventilator exhaust ports for hospital ICUs. Then, as transit systems began coming back online, so did the demand for bus driver shields. That’s when dentists, care homes, healthcare clinics and general retail businesses opened the flood gates and it was clear that guards were a key component to long term prevention and recovery. As luck would have it, 2020 is an election year. Binswanger Glass has fabricated over 2,000 polycarbonate shields for polling locations in Kansas alone to use in the 2020 primary and general elections. The latest surge in breath barrier products has been the educational arena. Anyone with school-aged kids will attest that schools are a hot-button topic. Regardless of the politics, there are a lot of kids and a lot of schools.
Over the years, I’ve worked with some super-interesting content including celebrities, professional athletes and wounded war heroes, sometimes together in the same post. Almost nothing I’ve worked on so far has come close to poly, acrylic and glass shields. The first retail shield post we published is still the most successful single social media post that I have ever been part of. At the time of publishing, 81,309 people viewed it on Facebook alone. That was just one of many social media posts that went viral over the following quarter. Altogether, I’d estimate around a half million people viewed Binswanger Glass breath barrier posts across all channels. Largely organically (non-paid). For sneezeguards. It blows my mind.
Glass has been good to me and will always be my main squeeze, but I’ve realized there is room in my professional life for a side interest. Some applications are just more suitable for plastic. There, I said it. It’s lightweight, cheap, easy to fabricate, safe and strong. Plastic is harder to clean, scratches really easily and will degrade over time which means most of what is out there will need to be replaced. Some of it with a permanent glazed solution. Some of it with more polycarbonate or acrylic. Which will also need to be eventually replaced. It’s not sexy but it’s in demand, keeps people safe and is being incorporated into future design for the foreseeable future.
I will never ever badmouth polycarbonate or acrylic products again. They were there for me and many others during the darkest days of 2020. Concrete on the other hand – don’t get me started. •
www.agcglass.com/MyConsultant
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