Glass Connections----Presenters & Topics

Considerations for the Condensation Resistance of Fenestration Assemblies
Joe Erb, Commercial Market Manager - Edgetech IG Inc.

The ever stringent focus on the thermal performance of fenestration products for thermal transmittance (U-factor) and solar heat gain (SHGC) ignores the third thermal performance parameter; condensation resistance. Performance factors that may have a minimal impact on U-factor and/or SHGC may be critical in the prevention of condensation formation that may, if not controlled, lead to health concerns and building component/system damage. This presentation compares the differences between the performance of fenestration products relative to U-factor and condensation resistance and outlines principal design features to improve the latter.

Eliminating the Potential for Air and Moisture Infiltration at the Window-Wall Interface
Peter Poirier, Technical Director - Tremco Inc.

Functional performance at the window-wall interface often has a significant effect on overall building envelope system performance. Building envelope materials, design and construction have exhibited a number of improvements in recent years. Code requirements have become more stringent and there is now general acceptance of air barriers and vapor protection. While most windows and curtain wall systems are designed and constructed to meet or exceed exterior wall performance requirements by code, building envelope repair and replacement costs in North America remains a multi-billion dollar expenditure.  There are numerous issues at the window-wall interface that compromise the integrity of the building envelope which will be explored. The reasons for these problems will be discussed as well as curtain wall connection solutions.

Structural Glass: Design Philosophy and Practical Applications
Simon Brown, P. Eng and John Kooymans, P.Eng - Read Jones Christoffersen

This presentation will review manufacturing, design, environmental, detailing, and constructability considerations that must be taken into account when using glass for structural applications.   A series of project example will demonstrate the unique and exciting applications where structural glass provides design solutions that no other material could achieve.   An introduction to the Glacier Discovery Walk project will follow; currently under design.  This project features a curved glass walkway cantilevered over the edge of a cliff and will provide exhilarating one-of-kind viewing opportunities.

Architectural Glass:  Let's Talk About The Near Term and What's on the Horizon for Cold Climate Glazing
Bill Coady, CSI, CCPR, Guardian Industries Corp

Glass has come a long way from the single pane option of yesterday to the multitude of offerings we have to choose from today. Bill Coady, Guardian Industries Architectural Sales Manager for Western Canada and the US Pacific Northwest, will provide a brief summary of how we got to today, discuss currently available options for glazing with a focus on cold climate solutions, and talk about what are currently either bleeding edge technologies or are ideas and products that are just over the practical and commercially viable horizon.

Sustainable Buildings and the role of Glass
Matt Grace, Division Head - Western Canada, Enermodal Engineering Ltd

This presentation will provide an overview of the current status of green buildings in Canada including LEED, The Living Building Challenge and The Natural Step.  It will cover the challenges and opportunities of sustainable buildings in the current market and the role of the glazing industry in delivering sustainable buildings.