Installing Committee Meeting Covers Progress Reports, Volunteer Needs and New Technologies
The NGA Installing Committee met March 28, 2022, in Nashville, during the NGA Building Envelope Contractors (BEC) Conference. The Installing Committee serves as the hub for all discussion and activities related to installing companies within the glass and glazing industry, including contract glaziers, building envelope contractors and full-service glass companies, with a focus on advocacy, technical resources, education, events, and communication across the supply chain.
NGA Installing Committee Welcomes New Vice Chair, Joey Aragon
Chair Matt Kamper of Woodbridge Glass kicked off the meeting welcoming new Vice Chair Joey Aragon. Joey grew up in the industry as a second-generation owner of Aragon Construction. His enthusiasm for the work of the Installing Committee was evident as he described his positive interactions with peers on virtual task group meetings and in-person networking opportunities. Joey encouraged attendees to volunteer for open task groups to develop new resources for glaziers. The small amount of time invested in regular online meetings has reaped rewards in terms of feeling more engaged in the association and with his peers.
NGA Advocacy and Technical Director Urmilla Sowell recognized outgoing Vice Chair Steve Dean of Interpane (formerly Permasteelisa) for his dedication to the committee and his work to move several resources to publication, including the Commercial Fenestration Systems Manual and Thermal Bridging Design Guide, both published last year. Steve will continue to lead the Specifications task group, which is working to update Master Spec Section 8 in collaboration with Deltek.
Progress Reports and Opportunities
- The Frameless Shower Enclosures Installation Guide task group led by Chair Danny Donahue of Frameless Hardware Company is drafting a guide to complement the Shower Design Guide published by the NGA Fabricating Committee in 2021.
- Dudley McFarquhar, Vice Chair of Building Envelope Technology and Environment Council (BETEC), a council of NIBS, is leading a task group working to update the glazing portion of the NIBS Whole Building Design Guide.
- A new task group was formed to develop an AIA presentation for architects based on the Thermal Bridging Design Guide published in 2021 led by task group Chair Chuck Knickerbocker of Technical Glass Products.
- Volunteers were solicited to help update the GANA Glazing Manual.
- Karen Wegert, NGA Associate Director of Technical Services, reviewed a comprehensive list of technical resources the Installing Committee volunteers have developed for glaziers, available for download in the NGA Store.
NGA Content, Education and Training Director Jenni Chase updated the Committee on MyGlassClass.com and the growing NGA Glazier Apprenticeship Program, as well NGA member benefits available through the NGA collaboration with the American Subcontractor Association (ASA).
The NGA Installing Committee will continue to offer virtual peer groups throughout the year as informal networking opportunities.
New Business
In new business, the Committee discussed challenges and roadblocks to installing high performance glazing and new technologies. A new task group formed to continue the discussion and potentially develop new resources on the topic.
The next in-person meeting of the NGA Installing Committee will be held during the Glazing Executives Forum on October 18, 2022, in Las Vegas at GlassBuild America.