There’s Room for Applause: For Revolutionary IG and Sustainability to Standout Dealers
I’ve written a lot lately about the leaps and bounds I see happening for insulating glass (IG), especially as we watch newer types come to fruition. Some have been a long time coming—like thin-triples, for which development began as far back as the 1970s (if you can believe that). As journalists, we tend to salivate over new products—especially those that we see as revolutionary. Sometimes it feels like we’re willing them to be (or at least rooting for them), as we follow along in their development, waiting with bated breath to break the big news that something’s “finally here.” I can now do that for at least two products I’ve followed for years.
No sooner did windows with thin-triple insulating glass units (IGUs) hit the market than I caught word of thin-quads. Then it was IG with aerogel insulation—which many doubted would ever truly come to fruition. Thanks to an accidental experiment, that’s been cleared up. (Pun intended.)
But writing about new IG technologies is one thing; making them is another altogether. That’s what led to the article on page 18. While exploring the anatomy and details of the latest IG, we also get into the basics for how each is created and how manufacturing differs from that for standard IG.
Cause for Motivation
Of course, as the industry chases new building codes, one of the biggest reasons for new IG includes better thermal performance. That’s one reason the article dovetails well with [DWM]‘s Annual Sustainability Awards. (Which used to be called the “Green Awards,” by the way.) After so many years now, I’ll admit, every year I sweat a bit when starting my research for the awards, wondering if I’ll be able to find and vet out enough significant developments. Yet, I don’t know why I sweat, because every year I am pleasantly surprised to find that there’s no shortage. By the time I finish amassing candidates, I end up with a deep sense of pride and admiration for the industry. In my opinion, those accomplishments prove and highlight a number of things, including the fact that each of these companies is headed by people—human beings who make their own choices and decide what they, and their companies, will focus on when it comes to the environment. From my viewpoint, the industry on a whole has its heart in the right place. We all want the same thing: a healthy place to thrive and live. On page 24, you’ll see plenty of shining examples.
Speaking of thriving, I would be remiss if I didn’t acknowledge and congratulate the individuals and companies you’ll find starting on page 30—this year’s Fast-Growing Dealers. In a time of uncertainty, when both the replacement and new construction sides of the industry are a little slower than usual, these are just a few of the companies—and people—who have managed to achieve significant growth. Now more than ever I think that deserves a round of applause.
Whether it’s new IG, Fast-Growing Dealers or the industry’s sustainability efforts, as you read this issue, I hope that you’re filled with the same thoughts and feelings I had when putting it together. For me, at least, from end to end, it’s filled with pride and joy, as we watch the industry beat the odds with its efforts.
Drew Vass is the executive editor for [DWM] magazine. ➤ dvass@glass.com
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