The first in-person  GlassBuild America  trade show in two years was a resounding success.  With more  than  300 exhibitors , it was refreshing to meet again and see all the new products and services to solve  the fenestration industry’s most pressing challenges.

As NFRC’s board chairman and manager of thermal testing at National Certified Test Lab,  I felt it important to get out to meet with Product Certification Program participants since we haven’t met in person in more than two years. This face-to-face interaction has been sorely missed, but it wasn’t without precautions. Organizers of GlassBuild  required all attendees and exhibitors to wear masks indoors and socially distance to keep everyone safe.  

While at the show, I visited NFRC sponsors and members to thank them for their overwhelming support during the ongoing pandemic. I also invited  the National Glass Association  (NGA) members to attend NFRC’s Membership Virtual Meeting in October. The two organizations work in tandem with glass manufacturers, spacer and sealant suppliers, and other fenestration industry companies.

While there,  I met with Paul Bush, past NFRC board chair, from  Vitro  Architectural Glass, who shared the latest happenings at the glass manufacturer. Additionally, I dropped by the  Quanex  booth to see their warm edge spacers  and extrusion systemson display for windows and doors . During my conversation with  Cristina Murray, their marketing manager ,we chatted about  ways to get more involved with NFRC. Quanex is one of NFRC’s sustainability sponsors and they have pledged to minimize their environmental footprint by recycling and repurposing PVC scrap vinyl during the manufacturing process. 

The highlight of the show was seeing the demonstrations using fenestration components’ systems , including a window insulating glass line and fabricating equipment. We watched how their components are used during the assembly process  to make a finished window. It was impressive to see all the changes and advancements in technology on display. There were automated systems to improve throughput and production quality as well as vendors selling safety gear and equipment. 

The  Tremco  booth, another NFRC sponsor, showcased their spacer systems and other technologies that provide solutions for customers who are trying to keep up with ever-changing energy-performance standards for windows, doors, and skylights.  

While at  GlassBuild I met with a window manufacturer from Turkey that is interested in becoming an NFRC PCP participant in order to enter the U.S. market. I talked to them about the importance of NFRC’s fair, accurate, and credible ratings and the partnership between the labs and NFRC. I met with  a number of international manufacturers interested in entering the US market, which is a testament of the strength of the U.S. economy.  

However, one consistent topic of conversation surrounded ongoing supply chain issues and their impact on the building industry. Nearly every company representative with whom I spoke reported delays in production and the receiving of raw materials, which  has affected the delivery of finished goods.  This could be a long-term problem, but I’m hopeful that as both material  delays and labor shortages decrease, production will rebound. We all know the housing market  continues to surge, butdelays threaten that continued recovery of the U .S. economy. 

In fact,  while U.S. economic growth in 2022  may slow, according to senior forecaster Connor Lokar  from ITR Economics, the glass industry is expected to  see years of growth.Lokar shared his  economic forecast with glazing  executives at GlassBuild America.  He also said that as the pace of growth returns to normal levels, supply will catch up to demand.

This year , NFRC and nearly 20 organizations participated in  the Industry Pavilion featuring the all-new GlassBuildTV ,  to share videos of their ongoing efforts, including  groups that NGA cooperates with in the spirit of nonprofit success .

The insight we glean from these events helps us reach new audiences, grow our membership, as well as highlight the value of NFRC’s ratings and certification processes and programs. It’s imperative that these companies see us as partners to achieve national energy-efficiency objectives in their fenestration products. 

From my interaction with exhibitors and other attendees, and despite everything going on with the pandemic, there is a lot to be optimistic about with the new technologies on display at  GlassBuild. I feel confident NFRC will continue to lead the way in providing resources and connecting  with our members to improve the fenestration industry and  I look forward to our next opportunity to meet face-to-face in the upcoming year. 

John Gordon is NFRC’s chairman of the board of directors and oversees the thermal testing at National Certified Testing Lab oratory.