Everyone in the industry knows that a product is only as good as its installation. That is why FGIA is committed to training installers on the proper techniques and skills required for a weathertight install. InstallationMasters® (IM) is a nationwide training and certification program for installers of new construction and replacement windows and exterior doors in residential and light commercial applications.Completion of the IM training program and successfully passing the exam allows qualified participants to earn either the Certified Installer or Certified Professional credential. Since...

It is almost time for the FGIA Summer Conference in Vancouver, BC! We will be there June 12-15 and there is a jam-packed conference schedule available here. We are so excited to share what we have in store. As you can see, the schedule includes a variety of presentations, panel discussions, and hands-on demonstrations. Numerous committees, councils, and task groups will also have an opportunity to meet.Plus, there are also several opportunities for networking in the Vancouver area. Register now for three different optional events...

Are your products designed for use in the U.S. residential replacement market? Is your company looking for ways to encourage your residential customers to add more natural light, save money, and help save energy? Now you can help your customers in the U.S. to accomplish all those goals when they choose U.S. ENERGY STAR® Most Efficient skylights or tubular daylighting devices (TDDs) and ENERGY STAR Most Efficient Windows for residential replacement purposes in their principal residence. In turn, they may qualify for a U.S. tax...

As a parent, it can be hard to talk to your kids about certain subjects. You don’t want to talk down to them, but you don’t want the language to be too complicated either. We’ve got you covered for at least one tough topic – keeping kids safe around windows. There are several resources available from the Window Safety Task Force (WSTF) to make this easier. Here are the steps I practiced with my own kids (and fellow parents), and I hope you will, too.Color...

Last fall, FGIA released a revamped introductory educational program, now available as a more dynamic and engaging online course. Fundamentals of Fenestration provides basic terminology and performance criteria for windows, doors and skylights, covering both residential and light commercial products, as well as commercial and architectural applications. The program serves as an excellent building block for those new to the industry. Including Fundamentals of Fenestration as a part of your training for new employees will set them up for success.Companies looking for an introduction to...

A perhaps underrated benefit FGIA offers is access to a robust glossary of terms used in the industry, a document that can be helpful to both those new to fenestration and glazing as well as more seasoned employees who may appreciate a refresher. Now, for the first time since AAMA and IGMA unified, the official FGIA Glossary is available as a free download in the FGIA Online Store.This document is an all-encompassing guide meant to be used from this point forward when referencing definitions in...

As you may know, the North American Fenestration Standard (NAFS) takes into consideration the unique properties of today’s different framing profile materials. The FGIA documents referenced in NAFS have minimum performance requirements, which are the result of years of research and testing as well as field experience. To this end, many important component FGIA standards were updated in 2022 to keep up with the latest technologies and performance demands. Let’s take a look at a few of them.AAMA 305AAMA 305-22, Voluntary Specification for Fiber Reinforced...

Now that the dust has settled following the largest annual industry trade show in North America, I wanted to share some notes from the floor at GlassBuild America. I had been to the big show before, but not for several years! This year, GlassBuild featured 386 exhibiting companies and drew more than 8,200 participants. The show drew participants from all 50 states, plus the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico, as well as attendees from Canada and 53 other countries. Since this was my first...

A version of this blog post ran in October 2020. It has been updated with new information.If you are already an FGIA member, you know the Association offers a wealth of information to its membership. From our publications and popular conferences to our task groups and committees, those new to the industry and even fenestration and glazing veterans can learn a lot. FGIA encourages you to take advantage of all that we have to offer, but don’t miss out on one of the most important...

What comes to mind when you think of where wildfires may strike? Think they are limited to only Western regions of the United States or rural areas? Think again. Wildfires can and increasingly do occur virtually anywhere. And contrary to what some may believe, wildfires can spread far beyond rural areas. They can also devastate urban communities, too. That’s why there’s increasing interest in the International Code Council’s (ICC) International Wildland-Urban Interface Code (IWUIC) and state or local Wildland-Urban Interface Codes. Educate yourself and your...