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GANA Offers Updated Laminated Glazing Manual 
by Brian Pitman

Headed by the competent leadership of Solutia Inc.’s Julie Schimmelpenningh, a Glass Association of North America (GANA) task group has completed its review and update of the GANA Laminated Glazing Reference Manual, a document that has helped many professionals in the construction industry for almost a decade. The new 2009 edition is the third update of the Manual since it was first released in 2000, and the first since April 2006.

"With completion of these revisions and inclusion of newly developed information, the 2009 edition of the Manual was released earlier this month."

As one of the most successful publications offered by GANA, the Manual contains information that covers a broad range of considerations for the application and specification of laminated glass in building construction. It has sold more than 8,000 copies since its initial release. With the changes in trends and further information development in the three years since the release of the 2006 edition, an update was needed. The task group worked for two years to compile and verify the most current information. With completion of these revisions and inclusion of newly developed information, the 2009 edition of the Manual was released earlier this month.

The current Manual presents general useful information, technical details, performance data and the installation guidelines for laminated glass products. The 2009 edition includes the latest information about laminating interlayers, as well as in-depth discussions on the numerous applications of laminated architectural glass including safety, solar control, ultraviolet radiation, sound control, security, sloped glazing and skylights, wind storms and hurricane and earthquake resistance. Updates on laminated glass strength, cutting, handling and installation also are highlighted throughout the Manual. There also is a very useful quick reference section on standards as developed by various organizations that apply to laminated glass. 

The Manual can be used effectively by anyone in the glazing industry but is intended for use specifically by architects, designers, engineers, component manufacturers and installers of laminated glazing materials in buildings. Several GANA members also have purchased previous editions of the Manual in bulk to give to clients as a useful reference tool. Bulk pricing is available by calling GANA Headquarters at 785/271-0208 and speaking with Carol Land.

Pricing for the new Manual has been set at $35 each for GANA members and $70 each for non-members. It is available in both hardcopy document or in electronic format on CD. The GANA Laminated Glazing Reference Manual also may be purchased on the GANA website, along with the various other GANA resources, at www.glasswebsite.com.

Special Thanks
The 2009 edition of the Manual could not have been revised without the help of the task group members. These industry experts include Schimmelpenningh, Peter Anderson of Viracon Inc., Michael Burriss of CYTEC Industries Inc., John Bush of Oldcastle Glass Inc., Michael L. Griffin of Huntsman Polyurethanes, Jeff Haberer of Cardinal IG, Bernie Herron of Cardinal Glass Industries, James Touchette of MJR Enterprises Corp. and Rick Wright of Oldcastle Glass Inc.

The task group strives to make this the most up-to-date laminating reference document available. As such, they welcome the suggestion of new topics, comments and clarifications from anyone in the industry. If you or someone within your company is interested in participating on the Manual task group, please contact the GANA office at 785/271-0208. 

Brian Pitman is GANA’s director of marketing and communications. Mr. Pitman’s opinions are solely his own and not necessarily those of this magazine.

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