Fire-Rated Glass, Tempering and Other Groups Continue Fall Conference Discussions

During a late afternoon meeting yesterday the Glass Association of North America's (GANA) fire-rated glazing council emphasized the point that education is it's primary goal. The group, one of GANA's newest, was holding its second meeting since forming earlier this year.

Thom Zaremba, who represents Pilkington, opened with a discussion of the International Code Council cycle as it that relates to fire-rated glass.

"We know this will be an active year in codes for fire-rated materials," said Zaremba, who said a number of the current proposals for the 2009 edition relate to fire-rated glass. With so many related proposals, Zaremba said it could also mean greater pressures on the costs of buildings.

John Bush of Oldcastle (center) and GANA technical director Greg Carney (right) participated in the GANA Fall Conference.

Also during the meeting, the group discussed the possibility of finding ways to work closely with other related groups and organizations. Jerry Razwick from Technical Glass Products, chair of the council, said they want to avoid putting out conflicting information. One suggestion was to tailor the focus areas to meet the specific needs of different segments, such as the glaziers, architects and code officials.

Razwick noted that their [members of the council] products are all code-driven so it's possible to educate by the codes. "It's a common ground," he said.

In addition, the group is looking at a variety of avenues to provide education and information about fire-rated glazing. Possibilities include creating a manual, website development and publishing glass informational bulletins.

Today's sessions opened with a meeting of the tempering division. The group is working on several glass informational bulletins and presentations that are focused on providing education and information about tempered and heat-treated glass. One of the bulletins is about post-fabricated heat-treated glass. According to discussions, post fabrication of certain products, such as shower doors or exterior applications, can weaken the glass and GANA does not endorse this. The bulletin was approved and forwarded to the board of directors for publication.

Also during the meeting, a task group was formed that will review changes to an existing GANA bulletin on proper procedures for cleaning architectural glass. The task group will work to revise the document.

The laminating division, protective glazing committee and mirror divisions are also holding meetings today.

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