Glass Care and Cleaning Task Group to Develop "Glass Cleaning" Communications

The American Architectural Manufacturers Association's (AAMA) Glass Care and Cleaning Task Group, chaired by Tracy Rogers of Edgetech, worked during the fall conference to pin down the scope of the newly formed group. In working on this task, first-time attendee Kathy Krafka-Harkema of Pella Corp. brought up some concerns that she felt need to be addressed by the group's work.

"You're going to see a lot of green products and issues with sealants down the road," she warned.

However, Rogers reminded the group that currently, that's beyond the scope.

"With that you're getting beyond the glass," he said.

Much discussion also developed about working with the Glass Association of North America (GANA), which also has produced several documents about glass cleaning, to build on what the two groups have created. However, many noted that much of GANA's work has focused on a concern about using metal scrapers, (in response to the efforts of the International Window Cleaners Association), and what this does to the glass.

"I think [this brochure] should be a more positive thing," said Margaret Webb, executive director of the Insulating Glass Manufacturers Alliance (IGMA). "I think I can say comfortably that IGMA wants no part of that battle."

After much discussion, Rogers narrowed down the group's options to the following:

• Use the GANA documents to develop a brochure;
• Reprint GANA's documents (with permission);
• Focus on framing materials, too;
• Focus on architectural and commercial or residential, or both; or
• Update AAMA's already printed brochure "Caring for Your Windows and Doors" to incorporate glass.

Mike Burriss of Cytec reminded the group the value of including the framing system in the final document.

"If you're not going to include the system, what's the value in it coming from AAMA?" he asked.

Webb noted that Krafka-Harkema's concerns about the sealants and what cleaners might do to these would be of interest as well.

"Do we want something around cleaning or protecting the glass?" Rogers asked, in response to these comments.

Krafka-Harkema also suggested branching out into other communications, such as the AAMA website and possibly video demonstrations, which led to a vote to change the scope. Tim McGlinchy of GED Integrated motioned to change the scope to include "communications" rather than a brochure, and to say that the communications would "address," rather than detail, the proper cleaning of glass. PPG's Paul Bush seconded the motion.

The group ended by deciding upon a basic outline for a brochure or other communications:

• Provide do's;
• Provide don'ts;
• Add tempered glass to the products covered;
• Address specific methods for cleaning glass; and
• Provide a reference to the manufacturer's recommendations for cleaning.

In an effort to develop specific methods, the group will be reviewing various manufacturers' instructions prior to their next meeting, which Rogers will summarize and provide to the group.

"We may find out when we're done that we're way beyond this brochure," Rogers added.

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