Next Round Of Codes

Last week’s mega blog on the BEC actually missed a few nuggets so I wanted to clean that up here.  There were some additional pieces that I found newsworthy.  As always Dr. Tom Culp provides an update with extreme value as does Urmilla Jokhu-Sowell.   First amongst the many nuggets from Tom was discussion on where the energy codes will go next… he listed 4 bullet points that I found relevant:

-- More high performance thermal breaks

-- More 4^thsurface low-e, or triple glazing

-- More warm edge spacer

-- Lower SHGC triple silvers in the south

For some of us, the thought of these things are exciting and for some of us the thought in nauseating.  For those sick to their stomach, my advice is you have a bit of time to prep because it’s coming, so you may want to prep.  One thought I had is I wonder if moves like this will grow the Vacuum IG side in the commercial industry?  Regardless these are items to have on the radar.

Urmilla’s presentation did break down how much was going on in the tech side of NGA/GANA and with the merged group some things will certainly change, but what will not is the desire to make sure the items that affect our industry the most- serious ones- will be addressed.  I am excited to see how Urmilla and the technical side evolve and advance with the new set up.

Elsewhere….

--  I did run into Courtney Little of Ace Glass at BEC but found out after that he was just elected as President of American Subcontractors Association (ASA)- Courtney will be a great force there and he’s always been a tremendous person for insight for our industry.  Congrats Courtney and hope to still see you at glass events still even with your new responsibilities. 

--  Saw an interesting article  this week that was promoting the “Tesla of Housing.” Basically this was something compared to the groundbreaking like Tesla vehicle and features a contractor specifically focused on advancing the energy efficiency in the housing market. The approach noted is basically “passivhaus” which is not new but still very good and important.  Resistance in the US has always been pretty strong, since we love our “McMansions” so we’ll see if this developer can break that trend.

--  I do love the show Flip or Flop on HGTV though I do believe the pricing that they assign to things is usually woefully low.  Especially on shower enclosures.  (Please anyone who’s worked on that show with glass weigh in) I find it very interesting to get into the minds of the players.  And another show in that genre is “Fixer Upper” and from time to time Dustin Anderson of Anderson Glass plays a role.  In the new episode that aired last Tuesday, Dustin had to fabricate a huge glass wall and install it on the 3rd floor of an apartment building.  The wall was weight bearing as well and Dustin and his team had to move materials up the old fashioned way- through the stairwells!  Overall it was interesting to watch the players view what Dustin and his team did with amazement.  Glass and glazing is so cool and so many don’t realize it.  Kudos to Dustin for showing off what we do to the masses.

--  Last this week… my favorite show…The Americans returns for its final season on the 28^th.  Lots of loose ends to tie up and I simply can’t wait!

LINKS of the WEEK

Sometimes cool things happen from mistakes online and with texts.

Tracking of students by their ID cards- not surprised in the least

Wonderful.  A mystery disease is on the horizon. 

VIDEO of the WEEK

As mentioned above the final season of The Americans comes on March 28^th.  Here’s the preview…