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Joe Erb from Quanex discusses flexible warm edge spacers.
Architects’ Forum 2019 took place today at the Long Island Marriott in Uniondale, N.Y. (Long Island). The event brought together the region’s architects for a day of glass industry education and networking, including four AIA-accredited sessions that were led by Gold Sponsor Quanex Building Products and Silver Sponsors Guardian Glass, Kuraray America and YKK AP.
Joe Erb, commercial sales specialist with Quanex, began the program with his session, “How Structural Silicone Spacers Contribute to Sustainable Window Design.” The program focused on utilizing the latest silicone technologies for commercial facades. Erb discussed insulating glass history with a focus on structural silicone spacers and their significance to energy efficiency and sustainability design in glazing.
He explained that reducing metal and conductivity can have a significant impact on areas, such as condensation. Condensation issues can lead to significant issues, such as viruses, bacteria and mold. High-performance framing combined with warm edge technology can make for a healthier building, Erb explained.
Leigh Anne Mays from Guardian Glass talks to architects about high-performance glass coatings.
Leigh Ann Mays, regional architectural manager east with Guardian Glass, next discussed “The Evolution of Glass and High-Performance Coatings.” She provided an overview of the basics of glass and its manufacturing process and discussed various types of low-E technologies available in the market. The session also addressed relevant energy terms.
One hot topic, she said, is clear glass. “How do I get my glass to be less green? How do I make it as clear as possible?” She said these are commonly asked questions. To create this aesthetic, it requires removing the iron content.
“Low iron is everybody’s dream substrate,” she said.
Valerie Block from Kuraray talks to attendees about designing safer glass railings.
The session “Designing Safer Glass Railings with Laminated Glass,” was presented by Valerie Block, an architectural marketing consultant with Kuraray America. She examined the safety concerns around glass in railing systems and the new building code requirements that address the use of these systems. She also discussed the results of impact testing and the need to verify the compatibility of sealants and grouts. The course covered issues such as different glass types used in railing systems; laminated glass interlayers and the role they play in glass retention after breakage; building codes and standards that are directed toward glass railings in buildings; and the difference in post breakage performance of glass types in minimally supported glass systems, among others.
The day’s final session was presented by Greg Galloway, ProTek brand manager with YKK AP, who discussed “Fenestration and Glazing Considerations for School Safety.”
His session explored design strategies for new schools to make the most effective use of glazing for daylighting, natural surveillance, safety and security.
In addition to the educational sessions, architects also enjoyed lunch, sponsored by Quanex Building Products, and had the opportunity to walk the Glass Expo Northeast™ trade show.
