Contract Glazier Shares Views on CMA Development; Meetings Continue in Chicago

For the past few years some organizations strongly tied to the commercial glazing industry have worked diligently to encourage members to become involved in the development of the National Fenestration Industry's (NFRC) Component Modeling Approach (CMA). Few companies, however, have voiced their concerns or shared much input by getting and staying involved in meetings. While there may not be a strong presence of the commercial glazing industry this week during NFRC's meeting, at least one contract glazier attended to try and learn more about the CMA development.

Don Earnheart, vice president of system design with Trainor Glass Co., was a first-time attendee during yesterday's meetings.

"We want to get familiar with the procedures in case [CMA] does become implemented," said Earnheart. "We're also interested in learning and seeing how the decisions are made here. We're trying to become familiar with this direction the industry is headed, especially from a custom engineered curtainwall standpoint."

During past meetings and discussions, other members with ties to commercial glazing have shared concerns that there needs to be more industry involvement in the development of CMA. Earnheart agreed.

"I think there needs to be more involvement from outside [NFRC]-general contractors, architects, curtainwall designers," Earnheart said. "I'm worried about the detrimental effect this could have on installation dates. These are all factors that need to be considered."

In addition, Earnheart also pointed out that the commercial glazing industry moves at a fast pace.

"It doesn't seem like decisions are made all that fast here and that could be hard to implement into the fast-paced curtainwall industry," he said.

Earnheart also pointed out that with design-build projects design parameters of the project are already established.

Yesterday afternoon also saw several other presentations. Michael Collins of Jordan, Knauff & Co., and a columnist for USGlass sister publication DWM, talked to attendees about trends in the window and door industry, including the slow U.S. housing market, global construction and green products. CLICK HERE to read more about Collins' presentations from previous industry meetings this year.

A forum to discuss NFRC's acceptance of insulating glass (IG) certification agencies was held yesterday afternoon. While there were lengthy discussions over the proposed language, the group agreed to table any decision until reviewing previously agreed upon language that will be submitted to the Certification Policy Committee for consideration.

Stay tuned to USGNN.com™ this week for more on NFRC's IG certification acceptance.

Need more info and analysis about the issues?
CLICK HERE to subscribe to USGlass magazine.