by Helen Sanders Deployment and adoption. These are major challenges in getting high-performance envelope solutions into new and existing homes and buildings in the U.S. Deployment is a key focus of the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Building Technologies Office (BTO) programs, driving work at the National Laboratories and their partners. Last week, I was […]

This time last year, National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) launched a campaign to encourage more people—builders, remodelers, architects, individual homeowners and others—to not take the state of their windows for granted. The campaign has had success with several national organizations, industry groups and magazines, and a few manufacturers are joining the effort. But there is […]

It is estimated that roughly 5,000 children fall from windows each year. Studies show that approximately 3,300 of them are treated in emergency rooms for their injuries—many of which are life-altering. Tragically, eight to 10 of these children will die from their injuries. As a window screen inventor and manufacturer, window safety is something I’ve […]

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) published final specifications for Energy Star 7.0 Thursday, handing manufacturers their final marching orders if they’re to keep the program’s sticker on their door and window products. The news arrived amid the final hours of GlassBuild America—a week in which some companies said they were shopping new glass packages and […]

Ironically, writing this blog post has been trickier than the others because it’s the topic with the most research behind it. It also makes the most sense since no one gets excited about the idea of sitting in a windowless room for any time –barring those requiring it, of course, like movie theaters. But while […]

An updated version of the North American Fenestration Standard (NAFS) is now available for public review via the CSA Group (formerly the Canadian Standards Association). The proposed changes can be reviewed until Sept. 4, 2022. Both the Fenestration and Glazing Industry Alliance (FGIA) and Window & Door Manufacturers Association (WDMA) have already approved the proposed […]

During the last week, many of us crafted a final response to the EPA concerning the Energy Star Version 7 for windows, doors and skylights. Our last letter to EPA in March ’22 asked for nine changes to be made to the proposal, and EPA accepted one. While it is unlikely that EPA will make […]

The Fenestration & Glazing Industry Alliance (FGIA) 2022 Virtual Summer Conference on Tuesday, June 7, highlighted updates to industry organizations and standards, including upcoming initiatives for ASTM International and the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC). Amy Roberts, director of Canadian and Technical Glass Operations, discussed ASTM International’s recent C14 committee on glass and glass products […]

A motion for summary judgment from Pella Corporation, named by plaintiff Sophia Suleiman in a 2018 civil suit alleging a lack of safety features on its windows, has been denied by the Northern District of Indiana. The plaintiff alleges that windows installed at her Indiana residence did not have safety locks to prevent children from […]

Beacon recently announced that it has acquired Wichita Falls’ Builders Wholesale Inc., a distributor of complementary residential exterior building supplies, including windows, doors and siding to contractors, homebuilders and retail customers. “The Builders Wholesale team is excited to be joining Beacon. We have worked diligently over the last 33 years to serve our customers in […]