<![CDATA[Fenestration Conversations]]>f000a276-4474-578d-8f29-6a3340c428bcMon, 23 Mar 2026 13:48:15 +0000Captivate.fmFenestration Reviewhttps://artwork.captivate.fm/fd615ee5-fcb7-4a51-af32-8e442b803466/fenestration-conversations.jpgFenestration ConversationsFenestration ReviewFenestration ReviewLet’s talk windows, doors and more. Fenestration Review editor Patrick Flannery welcomes influential executives, brainy experts and entertaining opinion leaders from across the country to get deep into the weeds of the issues facing our industry.https://fenestration-conversati.captivate.fmfalseepisodicnopodcastEpisode #78: Don't Stress Out - Sandra Primiano, DialogueEpisode #78: Don't Stress Out - Sandra Primiano, DialogueContractors work in a high-stress jobs for sure, where frustration, time pressure, conflict and long hours can grind us down. We view workplace stress as part of the lifestyle, but Sandra Primiano from online mental health services provider, Dialogue, says it has very real and measurable effects on productivity and quality. Those effects can include workplace accidents and addiction problems, so it's something we need to pay attention to. Primiano joins The Conversation to explain how job stress leads to decreased performance; what signs might point to a co-worker who is struggling; and some practical tips for mitigating issues when they arise.

]]>Contractors work in a high-stress jobs for sure, where frustration, time pressure, conflict and long hours can grind us down. We view workplace stress as part of the lifestyle, but Sandra Primiano from online mental health services provider, Dialogue, says it has very real and measurable effects on productivity and quality. Those effects can include workplace accidents and addiction problems, so it's something we need to pay attention to. Primiano joins The Conversation to explain how job stress leads to decreased performance; what signs might point to a co-worker who is struggling; and some practical tips for mitigating issues when they arise.

]]>f84ef3a6-6f38-424f-a912-3a509bc15692Mon, 23 Mar 2026 09:00:00 -040044:15falsefull8080Episode #77: A Way Up Instead of a Way Out - Eddy Atausi, NobleEpisode #77: A Way Up Instead of a Way Out - Eddy Atausi, NobleWe're all looking for top engineering talent and the fenestration and glass industry has a lot to offer any technical person who enjoys innovation and experimentation. But our companies just aren't on most engineers' radar screens, making it important for us to be proactive in attracting and retaining talent. Eddy Atausi has made the unusual choice to learn as much as he can about fenestration and glass so he can bring his talent recruitment and development skills to us. He joins Pat Flannery to talk about what works in our market when it comes to getting the best people to make our products and processes.

]]>We're all looking for top engineering talent and the fenestration and glass industry has a lot to offer any technical person who enjoys innovation and experimentation. But our companies just aren't on most engineers' radar screens, making it important for us to be proactive in attracting and retaining talent. Eddy Atausi has made the unusual choice to learn as much as he can about fenestration and glass so he can bring his talent recruitment and development skills to us. He joins Pat Flannery to talk about what works in our market when it comes to getting the best people to make our products and processes.

]]>95756b52-25a8-43d9-97d1-192b2afc311aFri, 16 Jan 2026 09:00:00 -040001:03:16falsefull7979Episode #76: The Future of Sustainable Glazing - Joe Menchefski, Better Buildings for HumansEpisode #76: The Future of Sustainable Glazing - Joe Menchefski, Better Buildings for HumansOn his podcast Better Buildings for Humans, Joe Menchefski explores ways to make our built spaces healthier and more liveable with top building science experts from around the world. As part of the team at Advanced Glazings, a Nova Scotia fabricator specializing in aerogel products, Menchefski has deep knowledge of innovative energy-efficient technologies. Who better to ask about the state of sustainable building today and what to expect in the years ahead? Tune in to hear two professional talkers go at it in this episode of Fenestration Conversations.

]]>On his podcast Better Buildings for Humans, Joe Menchefski explores ways to make our built spaces healthier and more liveable with top building science experts from around the world. As part of the team at Advanced Glazings, a Nova Scotia fabricator specializing in aerogel products, Menchefski has deep knowledge of innovative energy-efficient technologies. Who better to ask about the state of sustainable building today and what to expect in the years ahead? Tune in to hear two professional talkers go at it in this episode of Fenestration Conversations.

]]>33160ca9-11bd-405e-89e1-83fc33b0fe5bFri, 21 Nov 2025 09:00:00 -040058:34falsefull7878Episode #75: Reflections on a Career in Windows – Skip MacleanEpisode #75: Reflections on a Career in Windows – Skip MacleanSkip Maclean has retired from ODL, his last stop on a 53-year journey through the Canadian window and door manufacturing industry. Along the way he rose to the top, chairing innumerable committees, serving as president of Fenestration Canada and being honoured with its 2019 C.P. Loewen award. He did it with humour, humility and intelligence, and counts many of today’s industry leaders as his proteges. Maclean joins the Conversation to share his memories and accumulated wisdom.

]]>Skip Maclean has retired from ODL, his last stop on a 53-year journey through the Canadian window and door manufacturing industry. Along the way he rose to the top, chairing innumerable committees, serving as president of Fenestration Canada and being honoured with its 2019 C.P. Loewen award. He did it with humour, humility and intelligence, and counts many of today’s industry leaders as his proteges. Maclean joins the Conversation to share his memories and accumulated wisdom.

]]>68021082-5cec-4483-8c5d-60223932c5bcFri, 26 Sep 2025 09:00:00 -040001:00:35falsefull7777Episode #74: Principles of Marketing – Alison Simpson, Canadian Marketing AssociationEpisode #74: Principles of Marketing – Alison Simpson, Canadian Marketing AssociationOur business is making things, not talking about them. So it’s no surprise that many of us struggle with the demands of promoting our businesses to potential clients and customers. Alison Simpson, president and CEO of the CMA, has been helping major corporations do just that throughout her career and she joins Pat Flannery for a lively conversation chock full of good advice. She also has details of an exciting program enabling small businesses to obtain government funds to hire digital marketing experts and to upskill their existing IT staff.

]]>Our business is making things, not talking about them. So it’s no surprise that many of us struggle with the demands of promoting our businesses to potential clients and customers. Alison Simpson, president and CEO of the CMA, has been helping major corporations do just that throughout her career and she joins Pat Flannery for a lively conversation chock full of good advice. She also has details of an exciting program enabling small businesses to obtain government funds to hire digital marketing experts and to upskill their existing IT staff.

]]>b06edc43-98e1-4ba8-b43c-b0582b874c65Mon, 08 Sep 2025 09:00:00 -040049:12falsefull7676Episode #73: Two Numbers – Chris Magwood, RMIEpisode #73: Two Numbers – Chris Magwood, RMIChris Magwood of the Rocky Mountain Institute joins the podcast to discuss the One Number approach to sustainable building regulation…and he has some objections. While a performance-based approach aimed at regulating the whole-life carbon impact of a construction project should be our ultimate goal, Magwood feels the upfront impact of embodied carbon needs to be evaluated separately, but adjacent to, the long-term impact of operational carbon. Listen now to find out why, and for Magwood’s assessment of where we are in being able to do the carbon impact modelling we will need to meet the future sustainable building regulations under discussion today.

]]>Chris Magwood of the Rocky Mountain Institute joins the podcast to discuss the One Number approach to sustainable building regulation…and he has some objections. While a performance-based approach aimed at regulating the whole-life carbon impact of a construction project should be our ultimate goal, Magwood feels the upfront impact of embodied carbon needs to be evaluated separately, but adjacent to, the long-term impact of operational carbon. Listen now to find out why, and for Magwood’s assessment of where we are in being able to do the carbon impact modelling we will need to meet the future sustainable building regulations under discussion today.

]]>a7f7e6e2-3e58-4cdc-bcb7-7bfec33c7da7Fri, 01 Aug 2025 09:00:00 -040001:15:42falsefull7575Episode #72: One Number – Jonathon “JoMo” Layton, Layton ConsultingEpisode #72: One Number – Jonathon “JoMo” Layton, Layton ConsultingHow would it be if all the databases and charts and spreadsheets and regulations and tiers defining whether our products comply with sustainable building laws just…went away? Replaced by one number: – the only number that matters – the amount of carbon dioxide emitted over a building’s lifetime as a result of its manufacture, construction, use and disposal. Partner at Layton Consulting, Jonathon “JoMo” Layton joins the podcast to chew over this radical idea and lend his expertise to the question of whether it could work and how it would affect us all.

]]>How would it be if all the databases and charts and spreadsheets and regulations and tiers defining whether our products comply with sustainable building laws just…went away? Replaced by one number: – the only number that matters – the amount of carbon dioxide emitted over a building’s lifetime as a result of its manufacture, construction, use and disposal. Partner at Layton Consulting, Jonathon “JoMo” Layton joins the podcast to chew over this radical idea and lend his expertise to the question of whether it could work and how it would affect us all.

]]>a2d63c04-2103-404d-8dd3-2b4615dd464bFri, 06 Jun 2025 09:00:00 -040001:13:11falsefull7474Episode #71: The next hot topic – Robin Urquhart, RDH Building ScienceEpisode #71: The next hot topic – Robin Urquhart, RDH Building ScienceHigh-profile wildfires doing substantial property damage to urban areas in B.C. and Alberta have spurred NRCan to look at creating Canadian building standards for wildfire resistance. The consultation process has just begun, but it seems likely that some day soon we may see new codes requiring resistant windows, doors and other components in wildfire-prone areas. What might these rules look like? How do we determine if a product is sufficiently resistant to external fires? And what is the science behind making frames and glass that resists fire and prevents heat transfer to the home interior? Robin Urquhart has worked on rebuilding communities destroyed by wildfires and joins the Conversation to share his deep knowledge of this topic.

]]>High-profile wildfires doing substantial property damage to urban areas in B.C. and Alberta have spurred NRCan to look at creating Canadian building standards for wildfire resistance. The consultation process has just begun, but it seems likely that some day soon we may see new codes requiring resistant windows, doors and other components in wildfire-prone areas. What might these rules look like? How do we determine if a product is sufficiently resistant to external fires? And what is the science behind making frames and glass that resists fire and prevents heat transfer to the home interior? Robin Urquhart has worked on rebuilding communities destroyed by wildfires and joins the Conversation to share his deep knowledge of this topic.

]]>5636056c-5a05-4123-ae91-0b36111c22c5Fri, 09 May 2025 09:00:00 -040047:50falsefull7373Episode #70: It’s over – Adrian Edge, Fenestration CanadaEpisode #70: It’s over – Adrian Edge, Fenestration CanadaFenCan codes and regulatory affairs direction, Adrian Edge, is back on to talk about the latest trade war developments and how they might impact the glazing and fenestration industries. Our sector avoided new tariffs on April 2, but the stunning measures announced by Trump against the rest of the world are crashing markets and have already, in the words of our prime minister, ended the free trade and partnership relationship we have enjoyed with the United States for decades. Edge talks about the possible ramifications of that, and about how you can still export to the U.S. tariff-free.

Mark Carney clip courtesy Associated Press YouTube.

]]>FenCan codes and regulatory affairs direction, Adrian Edge, is back on to talk about the latest trade war developments and how they might impact the glazing and fenestration industries. Our sector avoided new tariffs on April 2, but the stunning measures announced by Trump against the rest of the world are crashing markets and have already, in the words of our prime minister, ended the free trade and partnership relationship we have enjoyed with the United States for decades. Edge talks about the possible ramifications of that, and about how you can still export to the U.S. tariff-free.

Mark Carney clip courtesy Associated Press YouTube.

]]>ccf08e44-5a2e-4cf9-9684-2e6ecef504a3Fri, 11 Apr 2025 09:00:00 -040036:15falsefull7272Episode #69 – Verifying VIG – David Cooper, VacuumGlassEpisode #69 – Verifying VIG – David Cooper, VacuumGlassDavid Cooper has been researching and developing vacuum insulating glass for over a decade and chairs multiple international standards committees that will define how it can be used, how its quality can be assessed and how to test its performance. With demand for VIG growing and producers multiplying, specifiers and contractors need guidance on what to look for in these products – guidance that may be coming soon in the form of balloted ASTM standards for durability and load tolerance. Cooper joins The Conversation to explain where these efforts are at and to update us on the state of VIG technology and availability.

]]>David Cooper has been researching and developing vacuum insulating glass for over a decade and chairs multiple international standards committees that will define how it can be used, how its quality can be assessed and how to test its performance. With demand for VIG growing and producers multiplying, specifiers and contractors need guidance on what to look for in these products – guidance that may be coming soon in the form of balloted ASTM standards for durability and load tolerance. Cooper joins The Conversation to explain where these efforts are at and to update us on the state of VIG technology and availability.

]]>c71f84e1-f52e-42d0-88e3-48f050415346Fri, 14 Mar 2025 09:00:00 -040045:37falsefull7171Episode #68: Threats and Opportunities - Adrian Edge, Fenestration CanadaEpisode #68: Threats and Opportunities - Adrian Edge, Fenestration CanadaFenCan’s director of government and regulatory affairs, Adrian Edge, joins to talk tariffs. What is the status? Are they gone or are they coming back in a month? Either way, what can we and our governments do to protect ourselves and our businesses going forward? Things get political and practical in this edition.

]]>FenCan’s director of government and regulatory affairs, Adrian Edge, joins to talk tariffs. What is the status? Are they gone or are they coming back in a month? Either way, what can we and our governments do to protect ourselves and our businesses going forward? Things get political and practical in this edition.

]]>94575d20-60b7-4481-8198-4a04c64b32a4Fri, 14 Feb 2025 09:00:00 -040043:42falsefull7070Episode #67: Building Trust Online – Keith Daubmann, MY Architectural GlassEpisode #67: Building Trust Online – Keith Daubmann, MY Architectural GlassKeith Daubmann is an owner of MY Architectural Glass and MY Shower Door, a glass fabricator and custom glazing contractor serving southwestern Florida. What makes Daubmann unique is his thunderous presence on social media, running accounts with around 30,000 followers and hosting a weekly YouTube show, Hard Hat Highlights. He claims he has never had a guest on his show that didn’t become a client shortly after. Daubmann joined The Conversation to talk about how to use social media in the glass business and how it can do a lot of the work of building trust with prospects before you even meet them.

]]>Keith Daubmann is an owner of MY Architectural Glass and MY Shower Door, a glass fabricator and custom glazing contractor serving southwestern Florida. What makes Daubmann unique is his thunderous presence on social media, running accounts with around 30,000 followers and hosting a weekly YouTube show, Hard Hat Highlights. He claims he has never had a guest on his show that didn’t become a client shortly after. Daubmann joined The Conversation to talk about how to use social media in the glass business and how it can do a lot of the work of building trust with prospects before you even meet them.

]]>c00b5058-4d2f-4268-b8f7-bc808d584905Thu, 19 Dec 2024 09:00:00 -040001:12:45falsefull6969Episode #66: Making EPDs is Worth It – Chris Guelpa, Cascadia Windows and DoorsEpisode #66: Making EPDs is Worth It – Chris Guelpa, Cascadia Windows and DoorsLangley, B.C.,-based Cascadia has published its first environmental product declarations for its fibreglass fenestration systems and its happy it did. Marketing manager Chris Guelpa joined the Conversation to talk about the process; the help they got; the markets and opportunities the EPDs are opening up; and how fibreglass stacks up in the embodied carbon discussion.

]]>Langley, B.C.,-based Cascadia has published its first environmental product declarations for its fibreglass fenestration systems and its happy it did. Marketing manager Chris Guelpa joined the Conversation to talk about the process; the help they got; the markets and opportunities the EPDs are opening up; and how fibreglass stacks up in the embodied carbon discussion.

]]>b6784ecd-f7e8-4449-a137-f35e47d51126Fri, 22 Nov 2024 09:00:00 -040001:00:25falsefull6868Episode #65: It’s Movember – Mitch Hermansen, MovemberEpisode #65: It’s Movember – Mitch Hermansen, MovemberMovember is back with an added focus. The popular fundraising drive for men’s health has added support for mental health to its efforts along with prostate and testicular cancer. Mitch Hermansen joined Annex Business Media publisher/editor, Patrick Flannery, to talk about why these issues are important and what we in the construction community can do to help the guys who work for us.

]]>Movember is back with an added focus. The popular fundraising drive for men’s health has added support for mental health to its efforts along with prostate and testicular cancer. Mitch Hermansen joined Annex Business Media publisher/editor, Patrick Flannery, to talk about why these issues are important and what we in the construction community can do to help the guys who work for us.

]]>1d8bd134-1680-49e0-af69-dccf0546145dTue, 05 Nov 2024 09:00:00 -040033:38falsefull6767Episode #64: Toward Sameshoring – Duncan Robertson, Canadian Federation of Independent BusinessesEpisode #64: Toward Sameshoring – Duncan Robertson, Canadian Federation of Independent BusinessesThose of us who ship product across provincial borders have probably noticed that it can be easier to ship to the United States than inside our own country. Recently, the federal Committee on Internal Trade has announced a pilot program that would see any province’s trucking regulations acknowledged in all the others’. Duncan Robertson, senior policy analyst for Nova Scotia, joins the podcast to talk about this small step toward actual free trade within Canada.

]]>Those of us who ship product across provincial borders have probably noticed that it can be easier to ship to the United States than inside our own country. Recently, the federal Committee on Internal Trade has announced a pilot program that would see any province’s trucking regulations acknowledged in all the others’. Duncan Robertson, senior policy analyst for Nova Scotia, joins the podcast to talk about this small step toward actual free trade within Canada.

]]>9ac1f0f4-3f20-493a-a91c-4c88d1660e60Fri, 25 Oct 2024 09:00:00 -040027:47falsefull6666Episode #63: One Label to Rule Them All – Adam Buist, NRCanEpisode #63: One Label to Rule Them All – Adam Buist, NRCanNatural Resources Canada is working on a new label that will be required to be displayed on manufactured window products that are shipped across provincial borders or imported into Canada. The label would display the same energy efficiency information as NFRC, CSA and Energy Star labels, and could act to replace them if the manufacturer desired. Adam Buist is helping to develop the new label and joins Fenestration Conversations to explain the work, explore the benefits and challenges, and update us on the status of the project.

Adam invites questions and outreach at adam.buist@NRCan-RNCan.gc.ca.

Fenestration Review’s article about the program here: https://www.fenestrationreview.com/one-label-to-rule-them-all/

]]>Natural Resources Canada is working on a new label that will be required to be displayed on manufactured window products that are shipped across provincial borders or imported into Canada. The label would display the same energy efficiency information as NFRC, CSA and Energy Star labels, and could act to replace them if the manufacturer desired. Adam Buist is helping to develop the new label and joins Fenestration Conversations to explain the work, explore the benefits and challenges, and update us on the status of the project.

Adam invites questions and outreach at adam.buist@NRCan-RNCan.gc.ca.

Fenestration Review’s article about the program here: https://www.fenestrationreview.com/one-label-to-rule-them-all/

]]>8b2a71e1-a181-4e6b-84be-bb302386c61aFri, 27 Sep 2024 09:00:00 -040059:47falsefull6565Episode #62: Sustainable Skills – Chad Flinn, Red Deer Polytechnic and Judi Varga-Toth, CICanEpisode #62: Sustainable Skills – Chad Flinn, Red Deer Polytechnic and Judi Varga-Toth, CICanNew standards for energy efficiency and low carbon impact in construction are demanding new skills in the trades – skills your young workers might be more familiar with than you are. Chad Flinn, associate vice-president of academics at Red Deer Polytechnic, and Judi Varga-Toth, manager of the ImpAct-Climate program at Colleges and Institutes Canada, are working to educate today’s construction industry in how to design and install the elements of net zero buildings. Learning needs to be ongoing in this time of rapid change, and Flinn and Varga-Toth share insights and free online resources in this episode of Fenestration Conversations.

]]>New standards for energy efficiency and low carbon impact in construction are demanding new skills in the trades – skills your young workers might be more familiar with than you are. Chad Flinn, associate vice-president of academics at Red Deer Polytechnic, and Judi Varga-Toth, manager of the ImpAct-Climate program at Colleges and Institutes Canada, are working to educate today’s construction industry in how to design and install the elements of net zero buildings. Learning needs to be ongoing in this time of rapid change, and Flinn and Varga-Toth share insights and free online resources in this episode of Fenestration Conversations.

]]>8b133ef6-3ab1-4266-b99c-c64d303d49acFri, 30 Aug 2024 09:00:00 -040001:00:20falsefull6464Episode #61: A Plastic Situation – Tony Vella, Vision Extrusions GroupEpisode #61: A Plastic Situation – Tony Vella, Vision Extrusions GroupThe steadily rising concern with environmental protection has brought concerns about the amount of plastic we put into landfills and oceans. Durable plastic products, such as vinyl window frames, are in danger of being swept up in government efforts to mitigage these risks. Tony Vella of Vision Extrusions Group and chair of the Vinyl Insitute of Canada has been working hard to educate decision-makers about the difference between durable PVC and single-use plastics. He joins the Conversation to let us know about the proposed federal Plastics Registry, the state of play with the issue generally and his efforts to bring some sanity to the public discussion.

]]>The steadily rising concern with environmental protection has brought concerns about the amount of plastic we put into landfills and oceans. Durable plastic products, such as vinyl window frames, are in danger of being swept up in government efforts to mitigage these risks. Tony Vella of Vision Extrusions Group and chair of the Vinyl Insitute of Canada has been working hard to educate decision-makers about the difference between durable PVC and single-use plastics. He joins the Conversation to let us know about the proposed federal Plastics Registry, the state of play with the issue generally and his efforts to bring some sanity to the public discussion.

]]>3534a4e0-fabe-48d0-8db8-06f3511c813bFri, 02 Aug 2024 09:00:00 -040001:01:15falsefull6363Fenestration Conversations Episode #60: How We Should Talk About Embodied Carbon – Jonathan Layton and Anton Van Dyk, Layton ConsultingFenestration Conversations Episode #60: How We Should Talk About Embodied Carbon – Jonathan Layton and Anton Van Dyk, Layton ConsultingBy Anton Van Dyk’s count, there are now up to 15 separate areas where fenestration products have to demonstrate compliance to one regulatory regime or another. Embodied carbon will soon become another, yet both end users and manufacturers have been slow to understand things like Environmental Product Declarations and how they will affect product development. Van Dyk and Layton think the approach to lowering the carbon cost of our buildings has created confusion. They join the podcast to outline their vision for how we should go forward.

]]>By Anton Van Dyk’s count, there are now up to 15 separate areas where fenestration products have to demonstrate compliance to one regulatory regime or another. Embodied carbon will soon become another, yet both end users and manufacturers have been slow to understand things like Environmental Product Declarations and how they will affect product development. Van Dyk and Layton think the approach to lowering the carbon cost of our buildings has created confusion. They join the podcast to outline their vision for how we should go forward.

]]>cc2bd59a-6e4c-4fa7-874a-d0d42d74ea73Fri, 05 Jul 2024 09:00:00 -040001:15:44falsefull6262Fenestration Conversations Episode #59: Getting IT Right: Carmi Levy, technology journalistFenestration Conversations Episode #59: Getting IT Right: Carmi Levy, technology journalistWhen information technology is the topic, media outlets across the country turn to Carmi Levy to explain what is going on and give them the deep background on the issues. So we invited him to the Conversation to share some very practical advice on how to think about your IT department and personnel and how to source and vet providers that will make your life and business better, not worse. Choosing the right people, in-house versus outsourcing, common pitfalls to avoid, how to choose the right product, what to expect from a vendor – Levy has seen it all and we discuss it all.

]]>When information technology is the topic, media outlets across the country turn to Carmi Levy to explain what is going on and give them the deep background on the issues. So we invited him to the Conversation to share some very practical advice on how to think about your IT department and personnel and how to source and vet providers that will make your life and business better, not worse. Choosing the right people, in-house versus outsourcing, common pitfalls to avoid, how to choose the right product, what to expect from a vendor – Levy has seen it all and we discuss it all.

]]>846395ea-983b-4892-b2b0-3644176ecd97Fri, 10 May 2024 09:00:00 -040043:21falsefull6161Fenestration Conversations Episode #58: What’s Coming in NBC 2025? – Fenestration editionFenestration Conversations Episode #58: What’s Coming in NBC 2025? – Fenestration editionTerry Adamson, technical director for Fenestration Canada, joins The Conversation to preview the proposed changes to the National Building Code related to window and doors. Wider door openings for accessibility…tighter air tightness…solar heat gain requirements…upper storey window fall protection…glazing guard loads…it’s all here in an information-dense download.

]]>Terry Adamson, technical director for Fenestration Canada, joins The Conversation to preview the proposed changes to the National Building Code related to window and doors. Wider door openings for accessibility…tighter air tightness…solar heat gain requirements…upper storey window fall protection…glazing guard loads…it’s all here in an information-dense download.

]]>5e7d8d1a-90ac-440f-8aa4-b4f5e6752a59Mon, 15 Apr 2024 09:00:00 -040058:47falsefull6060Fenestration Conversations Episode #57: Better, Stronger, Faster – Richard Hill, Cornerstone Building BrandsFenestration Conversations Episode #57: Better, Stronger, Faster – Richard Hill, Cornerstone Building BrandsCornerstone, owner of Ply Gem and Northstar, has made some significant investments to double capacity in several key manufacturing areas including insulating glass and extrusions. Marketing manager Richard Hill joins the Conversation to tell us what they did, why they did it and where they hope it takes the company in the future.

]]>Cornerstone, owner of Ply Gem and Northstar, has made some significant investments to double capacity in several key manufacturing areas including insulating glass and extrusions. Marketing manager Richard Hill joins the Conversation to tell us what they did, why they did it and where they hope it takes the company in the future.

]]>4a402eda-c97a-4441-8a3e-67c66e3b970dFri, 15 Mar 2024 09:00:00 -040026:23falsefull5959Fenestration Conversations Episode #56: Greener Homes…What Now? – Cindy Gareau, CACEAFenestration Conversations Episode #56: Greener Homes…What Now? – Cindy Gareau, CACEAAs executive director of the Canadian Association of Consulting Energy Advisors, Cindy Gareau has been intimately involved with the federal Greener Homes Initiative rebate program for energy-efficient home upgrades and other rebate programs across the country. She joins Fenestration Conversations to update us on the status of the program and what led to its sooner-than-expected demise at the start of this year. She also has many valuable perspectives on rebate programs in general and the role of energy advisors in Canada’s ongoing project to upgrade the energy performance of housing. Plus some breaking news about the possibility of a Greener Homes 2.0!

Note: A correction has been added to this podcast at the end. Please note the deadline for energy advisor pre-audit submissions to Greener Homes Grants through Enbridge in Ontario was Feb. 5. Fenestration Review regrets the error.

]]>As executive director of the Canadian Association of Consulting Energy Advisors, Cindy Gareau has been intimately involved with the federal Greener Homes Initiative rebate program for energy-efficient home upgrades and other rebate programs across the country. She joins Fenestration Conversations to update us on the status of the program and what led to its sooner-than-expected demise at the start of this year. She also has many valuable perspectives on rebate programs in general and the role of energy advisors in Canada’s ongoing project to upgrade the energy performance of housing. Plus some breaking news about the possibility of a Greener Homes 2.0!

Note: A correction has been added to this podcast at the end. Please note the deadline for energy advisor pre-audit submissions to Greener Homes Grants through Enbridge in Ontario was Feb. 5. Fenestration Review regrets the error.

]]>7ee6f07d-d98f-4d1e-8235-1996c7ce1850Mon, 19 Feb 2024 09:00:00 -040001:02:52falsefull5858Fenestration Conversations Episode #55: The Innovators – James Satterwhite and Doug Milburn, Advanced GlazingsFenestration Conversations Episode #55: The Innovators – James Satterwhite and Doug Milburn, Advanced GlazingsOur fast-changing world of tightening energy standards and embodied carbon is challenging us all to look at different design approaches and different materials. Enter a true Canadian glass innovator – Advanced Glazings in Sydney, N.S., and their Solera and SoleraWall products that use an aerogel fill to make translucent architectural glass products with energy performance similar to vacuum insulated glass. CEO Satterwhite and founder and president Milburn join the podcast to explain aerogel; discuss the performance characteristics; talk about how daylighting can meet esthetic, health and energy conservation needs; and reveal how they have found success with a product few glass companies in the world have the expertise to make.

]]>Our fast-changing world of tightening energy standards and embodied carbon is challenging us all to look at different design approaches and different materials. Enter a true Canadian glass innovator – Advanced Glazings in Sydney, N.S., and their Solera and SoleraWall products that use an aerogel fill to make translucent architectural glass products with energy performance similar to vacuum insulated glass. CEO Satterwhite and founder and president Milburn join the podcast to explain aerogel; discuss the performance characteristics; talk about how daylighting can meet esthetic, health and energy conservation needs; and reveal how they have found success with a product few glass companies in the world have the expertise to make.

]]>a399e762-c347-45c7-8578-94d3c1bf8733Mon, 22 Jan 2024 09:00:00 -040001:23:43falsefull5757Fenestration Conversations Episode #54: 2023 in Review – Marvin Cruz and Christina Santini, CFIBFenestration Conversations Episode #54: 2023 in Review – Marvin Cruz and Christina Santini, CFIBAnother year has gone by and it’s time for a high-level view of our business conditions and results in 2023. Marvin Cruz, research director, and Christina Santini, national affairs director, for the Canadian Federation of Independent Businesses join Fenestration Conversations to tell us what they are hearing from small and medium-sized businesses across the country. We hit inflation, labour shortages, regulations and red tape, credit card fees, housing and more. Happy holidays to everyone and all the best for 2024!

]]>Another year has gone by and it’s time for a high-level view of our business conditions and results in 2023. Marvin Cruz, research director, and Christina Santini, national affairs director, for the Canadian Federation of Independent Businesses join Fenestration Conversations to tell us what they are hearing from small and medium-sized businesses across the country. We hit inflation, labour shortages, regulations and red tape, credit card fees, housing and more. Happy holidays to everyone and all the best for 2024!

]]>15783b12-a66b-49a7-804e-b7fbe85d95daFri, 22 Dec 2023 09:00:00 -040053:18falsefull5656Fenestration Conversations Episode #53: Change and What to Do About It – Anton Van Dyk, Layton ConsultingFenestration Conversations Episode #53: Change and What to Do About It – Anton Van Dyk, Layton ConsultingFenestration Review columnist Anton Van Dyk – The Window Geek – has recently left window manufacturer Centra to join Layton Consulting, a Surrey, B.C,-based building engineering firm. He joins the Conversation to give us the view on the consulting business and the issues he’ll be addressing from the perspective of a guy who has had to design and sell the products that architects, governments and project owners specify. The big topic: how fast things are changing and the challenges and opportunities that are popping up for us all.

]]>Fenestration Review columnist Anton Van Dyk – The Window Geek – has recently left window manufacturer Centra to join Layton Consulting, a Surrey, B.C,-based building engineering firm. He joins the Conversation to give us the view on the consulting business and the issues he’ll be addressing from the perspective of a guy who has had to design and sell the products that architects, governments and project owners specify. The big topic: how fast things are changing and the challenges and opportunities that are popping up for us all.

]]>a46ddeb9-17d6-4b30-935b-4a1643e7342eFri, 24 Nov 2023 09:00:00 -040001:26:53falsefull5555Fenestration Conversations Episode #52: In Search of Scholars – Allan Doyle, Global Windows and DoorsFenestration Conversations Episode #52: In Search of Scholars – Allan Doyle, Global Windows and DoorsFenestration Canada is offering scholarships to members to encourage continuing education in the window and door industry and to encourage young people to take up their parent’s trade. It’s part of the ongoing search for talent that’s challenging all of us to find the people to fuel growth and take our industry into the next generation. Former FenCan president, Allan Doyle, is leading the scholarship program and joins the Conversation to tell us all about it then to share his perspectives and opinions on the labour supply, immigration, training, public schools and what is and is not working when it comes to labour force development. They’re good talkers out in Richibuto, N.B., so you’ll enjoy your time with Allan in this podcast.

]]>Fenestration Canada is offering scholarships to members to encourage continuing education in the window and door industry and to encourage young people to take up their parent’s trade. It’s part of the ongoing search for talent that’s challenging all of us to find the people to fuel growth and take our industry into the next generation. Former FenCan president, Allan Doyle, is leading the scholarship program and joins the Conversation to tell us all about it then to share his perspectives and opinions on the labour supply, immigration, training, public schools and what is and is not working when it comes to labour force development. They’re good talkers out in Richibuto, N.B., so you’ll enjoy your time with Allan in this podcast.

]]>74546449-d8d9-44d1-b267-6f8fd5e20611Fri, 27 Oct 2023 09:00:00 -040001:08:02falsefull5454Fenestration Conversations Episode #51: A Really Big Show – Laine Atkins, Fenestration CanadaFenestration Conversations Episode #51: A Really Big Show – Laine Atkins, Fenestration CanadaWinDoor 2023 is coming Nov. 15-16 in Toronto and Fenestration Canada operations manager Laine Atkins joins the Conversation to tell us all about it. WinDoor has been Canada’s largest and only national show for window and door manufacturers and dealers for decades, but now it’s expanding its focus to take in the commercial “aluminum” side of the industry. Join us to get Laine’s sneak peek at the show then make your plans to join us at WinDoor!

]]>WinDoor 2023 is coming Nov. 15-16 in Toronto and Fenestration Canada operations manager Laine Atkins joins the Conversation to tell us all about it. WinDoor has been Canada’s largest and only national show for window and door manufacturers and dealers for decades, but now it’s expanding its focus to take in the commercial “aluminum” side of the industry. Join us to get Laine’s sneak peek at the show then make your plans to join us at WinDoor!

]]>6ac3c96c-a2e5-44f8-9bb0-3d860aeea1faFri, 29 Sep 2023 09:00:00 -040030:16falsefull5353Fenestration Conversations Episode #50: More Than Just a Buying Group – Frederick Gauthier, FenestraFenestration Conversations Episode #50: More Than Just a Buying Group – Frederick Gauthier, FenestraFenestra Purchasing Co-Op leverages the combined buying power of its 42 window and door manufacturer members to obtain rebates on purchases from selected suppliers, yes. But as Frederick Gauthier, Fenestra general manger, explains in this episode of Conversations, the group delivers much more to its members. At two meetings a year, Fenestra members get together to share knowledge and build relationships that float everyone’s boats. Gauthier explains the group, what it does and its future plans, then we move on to pick his brain about what Fenestra members are seeing in the market and in the days and years ahead. Find out more at fenestra.coop.

]]>Fenestra Purchasing Co-Op leverages the combined buying power of its 42 window and door manufacturer members to obtain rebates on purchases from selected suppliers, yes. But as Frederick Gauthier, Fenestra general manger, explains in this episode of Conversations, the group delivers much more to its members. At two meetings a year, Fenestra members get together to share knowledge and build relationships that float everyone’s boats. Gauthier explains the group, what it does and its future plans, then we move on to pick his brain about what Fenestra members are seeing in the market and in the days and years ahead. Find out more at fenestra.coop.

]]>f26ef90e-b0ce-4757-91b6-d43c73922e62Fri, 01 Sep 2023 09:00:00 -040052:37falsefull5252Fenestration Conversations Episode #49: Glass Man – Suhel Kachwala, FG GlassFenestration Conversations Episode #49: Glass Man – Suhel Kachwala, FG GlassSuhel Kachwala’s last name means “glass man” in Parsi. It doesn’t get a lot more fitting than that, because Kachwala is the second-generation managing director of FG Glass, one of India’s largest glass fabricators. His father and uncle started the business in 1976, the year he was born, and now he runs it alongside his brother and two cousins – all engineers. Kachwala’s business brings him to North America several times each year, so he is in a perfect position to tell us about the Indian glass industry, what is trending in Asian façade design and how the North American and Indian businesses are different. It was a fascinating conversation…enjoy!

]]>Suhel Kachwala’s last name means “glass man” in Parsi. It doesn’t get a lot more fitting than that, because Kachwala is the second-generation managing director of FG Glass, one of India’s largest glass fabricators. His father and uncle started the business in 1976, the year he was born, and now he runs it alongside his brother and two cousins – all engineers. Kachwala’s business brings him to North America several times each year, so he is in a perfect position to tell us about the Indian glass industry, what is trending in Asian façade design and how the North American and Indian businesses are different. It was a fascinating conversation…enjoy!

]]>34e497ce-c603-4153-bff6-b479addcb217Fri, 07 Jul 2023 09:00:00 -040001:13:22falsefull5151Fenestration Conversations Episode #48: Good Help is Hard to Find – Amy Roberts, FGIAFenestration Conversations Episode #48: Good Help is Hard to Find – Amy Roberts, FGIAAmy Roberts, Canadian operations and glass technical director for the Fenestration and Glazing Industry Alliance, has been looking into where we might find the skilled and unskilled labour we are all lacking in our operations. Roberts’ research has revealed that there are several provincial and federal programs – some with hundreds of millions of dollars in funding – aimed at helping you recruit, train and pay new entrants into your workforce. Especially if those workers are from under-represented groups. She joins the podcast to discuss what that challenges are in finding the staff we need; what the barriers might be to our system generating those workers; and how the present system works and could work better. Immigration, apprenticeship and inclusion are all on the table.

Federal resources for recruiting and training

Construction Career Pathways – BuildForce Canada

Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot – Immigration and Citizenship Canada

Temporary Foreign Worker Program – Ministry of Employment, Workforce Development and Disability Inclusion

Skilled Trades Awareness and Readiness Program – Employment and Social Development Canada

]]>Amy Roberts, Canadian operations and glass technical director for the Fenestration and Glazing Industry Alliance, has been looking into where we might find the skilled and unskilled labour we are all lacking in our operations. Roberts’ research has revealed that there are several provincial and federal programs – some with hundreds of millions of dollars in funding – aimed at helping you recruit, train and pay new entrants into your workforce. Especially if those workers are from under-represented groups. She joins the podcast to discuss what that challenges are in finding the staff we need; what the barriers might be to our system generating those workers; and how the present system works and could work better. Immigration, apprenticeship and inclusion are all on the table.

Federal resources for recruiting and training

Construction Career Pathways – BuildForce Canada

Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot – Immigration and Citizenship Canada

Temporary Foreign Worker Program – Ministry of Employment, Workforce Development and Disability Inclusion

Skilled Trades Awareness and Readiness Program – Employment and Social Development Canada

]]>6a3e5ac7-0a16-4282-969d-511370c2dab2Fri, 09 Jun 2023 09:00:00 -040055:23falsefull5050Fenestration Conversations Episode #47: The Door to Growth – David Klein, ODLFenestration Conversations Episode #47: The Door to Growth – David Klein, ODLPresident and COO of ODL, David Klein, joins the Conversation to discuss the company’s recent spate of acquisitions in Canada, including well-known door manufacturer, Tru Tech. Klein brings perspective from his time in the automotive and appliance industries to the discussion and goes over the strategy behind the acquisitions; the trends in the door business now; the unique nature of the Canadian market; and the thinking behind regional manufacturing. It’s a fascinating look inside one of the industry’s biggest suppliers as it moves into a wider portfolio of products and services.

]]>President and COO of ODL, David Klein, joins the Conversation to discuss the company’s recent spate of acquisitions in Canada, including well-known door manufacturer, Tru Tech. Klein brings perspective from his time in the automotive and appliance industries to the discussion and goes over the strategy behind the acquisitions; the trends in the door business now; the unique nature of the Canadian market; and the thinking behind regional manufacturing. It’s a fascinating look inside one of the industry’s biggest suppliers as it moves into a wider portfolio of products and services.

]]>6cbfe4ef-effd-4ed2-bc93-d32182302b3dMon, 15 May 2023 09:00:00 -040044:11falsefull4949Fenestration Conversations Episode #46: Shooting the Data Rapids – Michelle Throssell and Barb Hooley, Turner & TownsendFenestration Conversations Episode #46: Shooting the Data Rapids – Michelle Throssell and Barb Hooley, Turner & TownsendNew concepts are emerging in construction contracts aimed at bringing project owners, contractors and subcontractors closer together as partners rather than bosses and hirelings. But to navigate these new structures, especially on today’s larger P3 projects, glazing contractors are going to need to be prepared for a world of enhanced transparency, data collection and communication. Michelle Throssell and Barb Hooley help contractors sail these stormy seas through international project management consultant, Turner and Townsend, and join Glass Talk to explain some of the new jargon, outline the benefits of integrated project management and give us a sneak peek at what’s going to be asked of us in the years ahead.

]]>New concepts are emerging in construction contracts aimed at bringing project owners, contractors and subcontractors closer together as partners rather than bosses and hirelings. But to navigate these new structures, especially on today’s larger P3 projects, glazing contractors are going to need to be prepared for a world of enhanced transparency, data collection and communication. Michelle Throssell and Barb Hooley help contractors sail these stormy seas through international project management consultant, Turner and Townsend, and join Glass Talk to explain some of the new jargon, outline the benefits of integrated project management and give us a sneak peek at what’s going to be asked of us in the years ahead.

]]>2b3347e0-03ed-40ff-9188-1025b2c72d9cFri, 17 Mar 2023 09:00:00 -040041:52falsefull4848Fenestration Conversations Episode #45: Around the World – Thomas Simko, RMIT UniversityFenestration Conversations Episode #45: Around the World – Thomas Simko, RMIT UniversityFenestration Conversations host Patrick Flannery reconnects with an old friend who is now a lecturer in mechanical engineering with a focus on fenestration technology at RMIT University in Melbourne, Australia. Thomas Simko has travelled the world researching the latest concepts in glass, glazing and building facades and he joins the podcast to give us the view from Down Under. Simko’s message is compelling: Australia lags North America significantly in its use of high-performance glazing, but that is about to change with tightening energy efficiency rules that will drive a new demand for insulating products and advanced framing systems that combine narrow profiles with support for large-format glass and better energy efficiency.

To see more of Thomas Simko’s work, check out:

Optimal Window Designs for Australian Houses

Vacuum Glazing: Development, design challenges and commercialization

Performance Criteria for Residential Zero Energy Windows

]]>Fenestration Conversations host Patrick Flannery reconnects with an old friend who is now a lecturer in mechanical engineering with a focus on fenestration technology at RMIT University in Melbourne, Australia. Thomas Simko has travelled the world researching the latest concepts in glass, glazing and building facades and he joins the podcast to give us the view from Down Under. Simko’s message is compelling: Australia lags North America significantly in its use of high-performance glazing, but that is about to change with tightening energy efficiency rules that will drive a new demand for insulating products and advanced framing systems that combine narrow profiles with support for large-format glass and better energy efficiency.

To see more of Thomas Simko’s work, check out:

Optimal Window Designs for Australian Houses

Vacuum Glazing: Development, design challenges and commercialization

Performance Criteria for Residential Zero Energy Windows

]]>ac6c6feb-ccbd-48bc-8a32-98bf7af098f9Fri, 17 Feb 2023 08:00:00 -040001:14:29falsefull4747Fenestration Conversations Episode #44: New Year, New Crew – Stephane Labelle, Fenestration Canada executive directorFenestration Conversations Episode #44: New Year, New Crew – Stephane Labelle, Fenestration Canada executive directorFenestration Conversations checks in with Fenestration Canada to hear about the year ahead, and what a year it’s going to be. The association has big plans starting with an all-in commitment to serving the commercial side of the glass industry. Long known as the “residential” Canadian association, Fenestration Canada is acknowledging that many of its members and prospective members work in aluminum as well. So they’ve added two new staff members who will be well-known to glazing contractors around the country. Speaking of well-known, Jean-Francois Kogovsek is back at Fenestration Canada doing business development on the residential side. And that’s only the start of the announcements and updates Labelle shares.

]]>Fenestration Conversations checks in with Fenestration Canada to hear about the year ahead, and what a year it’s going to be. The association has big plans starting with an all-in commitment to serving the commercial side of the glass industry. Long known as the “residential” Canadian association, Fenestration Canada is acknowledging that many of its members and prospective members work in aluminum as well. So they’ve added two new staff members who will be well-known to glazing contractors around the country. Speaking of well-known, Jean-Francois Kogovsek is back at Fenestration Canada doing business development on the residential side. And that’s only the start of the announcements and updates Labelle shares.

]]>24d1a8bd-58aa-4166-824c-2a713823045bFri, 20 Jan 2023 09:00:00 -040038:00falsefull4646Fenestration Conversations Episode #43: 2022 in Review – Jason Neal, SAWDACFenestration Conversations Episode #43: 2022 in Review – Jason Neal, SAWDACExecutive director of the Siding and Window Dealers Association of Canada, Jason Neal, joins Flannery for some industry gossip and a look back at the top stories of 2022. Interest rates, Bill 23, labour shortages, corporate moves, rebates and more are all on the docket. Pour yourself some holiday cheer and have a listen! And happy holidays and happy new year from the whole team at Fenestration Review.

]]>Executive director of the Siding and Window Dealers Association of Canada, Jason Neal, joins Flannery for some industry gossip and a look back at the top stories of 2022. Interest rates, Bill 23, labour shortages, corporate moves, rebates and more are all on the docket. Pour yourself some holiday cheer and have a listen! And happy holidays and happy new year from the whole team at Fenestration Review.

]]>18b1e952-5f09-4a87-8230-d6cf379bfbb8Fri, 23 Dec 2022 09:00:00 -040048:59falsefull4545Fenestration Conversations Episode #42: Hot Outside – Phalguni Mukhopadhya, University of VictoriaFenestration Conversations Episode #42: Hot Outside – Phalguni Mukhopadhya, University of VictoriaDr. Mukhopadhya is a building science professor researching thermal testing and modeling at the University of Victoria and he joined Fenestration Conversations to explain his latest work on thermal testing that may open the door to understanding thermal performance of facades based on smaller test sample sizes. He also discusses measuring thermal transmission through building materials and what the future may hold for infrared imaging and standardization of thermal standard. Professor Mukhopadya is also working on embodied carbon evaluations and thermal bridging science – all critical topics of anyone involved in designing the high performance building envelopes of the near future.

]]>Dr. Mukhopadhya is a building science professor researching thermal testing and modeling at the University of Victoria and he joined Fenestration Conversations to explain his latest work on thermal testing that may open the door to understanding thermal performance of facades based on smaller test sample sizes. He also discusses measuring thermal transmission through building materials and what the future may hold for infrared imaging and standardization of thermal standard. Professor Mukhopadya is also working on embodied carbon evaluations and thermal bridging science – all critical topics of anyone involved in designing the high performance building envelopes of the near future.

]]>14e17f7c-732c-48d3-a978-b057eb94be08Fri, 25 Nov 2022 09:00:00 -040051:04falsefull4444Fenestration Conversations Episode #41: The Making of a Merger - Dan Parrish and David GoldsmithFenestration Conversations Episode #41: The Making of a Merger - Dan Parrish and David GoldsmithThe Fenestration and Glazing Industry Alliance continues to evolve into a truly North American organization for the architectural glass and window and door industries. It’s most recent move is the absorption of Fenestration BC, the association created 10 years ago out of the merger of the Canadian Window and Door Manufacturers Association of BC and the Glazing Contractors Association of BC. With the retirement of long-time FenBC executive directior, Zana Gordon, FenBC went looking for new resources to steer the group and found a willing partner in the FGIA. FGIA chairman, Dan Parrish, and FenBC chairman, David Goldsmith, joined Fenestration Conversations to explain everything and map the course forward.

]]>The Fenestration and Glazing Industry Alliance continues to evolve into a truly North American organization for the architectural glass and window and door industries. It’s most recent move is the absorption of Fenestration BC, the association created 10 years ago out of the merger of the Canadian Window and Door Manufacturers Association of BC and the Glazing Contractors Association of BC. With the retirement of long-time FenBC executive directior, Zana Gordon, FenBC went looking for new resources to steer the group and found a willing partner in the FGIA. FGIA chairman, Dan Parrish, and FenBC chairman, David Goldsmith, joined Fenestration Conversations to explain everything and map the course forward.

]]>7213a5c4-3279-4eeb-9628-78e13f2d2ea0Fri, 28 Oct 2022 09:00:00 -040050:02falsefull4343Fenestration Conversations Episode #40: Your Money Back Part 2 - Bonny Koabel, AKR ConsultingFenestration Conversations Episode #40: Your Money Back Part 2 - Bonny Koabel, AKR ConsultingThere are more government rebate programs out there than you can shake a stick at. Luckily, Bonny Koabel of AKR Consulting has a whole basket of sticks and spends most of her time shaking them at the various government agencies so you don’t have to. Bonny joins Counter Talks to discuss the $547.5 million of funding that the Government of Canada has recently announced that offers everyone from provinces to small businesses incentives for the purchase or lease of eligible vehicles.

]]>There are more government rebate programs out there than you can shake a stick at. Luckily, Bonny Koabel of AKR Consulting has a whole basket of sticks and spends most of her time shaking them at the various government agencies so you don’t have to. Bonny joins Counter Talks to discuss the $547.5 million of funding that the Government of Canada has recently announced that offers everyone from provinces to small businesses incentives for the purchase or lease of eligible vehicles.

]]>a01c8e69-853a-44bd-afb5-84bdba2ce743Fri, 30 Sep 2022 09:00:00 -040032:48falsefull4242Fenestration Conversations Episode #39: Your Money Back – Bonny Koabel, AKR ConsultingFenestration Conversations Episode #39: Your Money Back – Bonny Koabel, AKR ConsultingThere are more government rebate programs out there than you can shake a stick at. Luckily, Bonny Koabel of AKR Consulting has a whole basket of sticks and spends most of her time shaking them at the various government agencies so you don’t have to. Bonny joins Fenestration Conversations to explain three national rebate programs that can give substantial money back to homeowners building custom homes and renovating existing homes. Passing along this information to your customers could help overcome sticker shock and smooth the rails to a higher-value sale.

]]>There are more government rebate programs out there than you can shake a stick at. Luckily, Bonny Koabel of AKR Consulting has a whole basket of sticks and spends most of her time shaking them at the various government agencies so you don’t have to. Bonny joins Fenestration Conversations to explain three national rebate programs that can give substantial money back to homeowners building custom homes and renovating existing homes. Passing along this information to your customers could help overcome sticker shock and smooth the rails to a higher-value sale.

]]>ff81be2b-c62c-4396-9bda-3ae9336e8d25Fri, 02 Sep 2022 09:00:00 -040036:17falsefull4141Fenestration Conversations Episode #38: Feeling The Heat: Jonathan Layton and Taylor Wight, Layton ConsultingFenestration Conversations Episode #38: Feeling The Heat: Jonathan Layton and Taylor Wight, Layton ConsultingThermal modeling for façade component certification is going to become a bigger and bigger part of our business as energy efficiency standards continue to tighten. Jonathan “JoMo” Layton and Taylor Wight join Fenestration Conversations to talk about the importance and uses of modelling in today’s design process and how it might influence our efforts in the future. We discuss the new NBC tiered codes; Layton’s experiences modelling designs around the world; the differences between Passive House and NFRC standards; the need to change our approach to solar heat gain; thermal bridging and more.

]]>Thermal modeling for façade component certification is going to become a bigger and bigger part of our business as energy efficiency standards continue to tighten. Jonathan “JoMo” Layton and Taylor Wight join Fenestration Conversations to talk about the importance and uses of modelling in today’s design process and how it might influence our efforts in the future. We discuss the new NBC tiered codes; Layton’s experiences modelling designs around the world; the differences between Passive House and NFRC standards; the need to change our approach to solar heat gain; thermal bridging and more.

]]>35c3e4ae-f7dd-4a57-8cc6-4dea83710e75Fri, 05 Aug 2022 09:00:00 -040001:05:56falsefull4040Fenestration Conversations Episode #37: CI and Lean: Great ideas, but how do they work in fenestration fabrication? - Aynsley Dueck, Duxton Windows and DoorsFenestration Conversations Episode #37: CI and Lean: Great ideas, but how do they work in fenestration fabrication? - Aynsley Dueck, Duxton Windows and DoorsAynsley Dueck is operations manager at Duxton Windows and Doors and has focused on bringing Continuous Improvement and Lean processes to her operation for several years now. She talks about just what these concepts are and how they can be applied to window, door and commercial façade manufacturing environments. We cover how to deal with the disruption and change that comes with reforming your processes; how to get employee and management buy-in and how to avoid some common pitfalls. We also look at some of the tangible and less-tangible benefits of CI and Lean, and pick up some specific tips from Aynsley that they’ve discovered in their CI journey.

]]>Aynsley Dueck is operations manager at Duxton Windows and Doors and has focused on bringing Continuous Improvement and Lean processes to her operation for several years now. She talks about just what these concepts are and how they can be applied to window, door and commercial façade manufacturing environments. We cover how to deal with the disruption and change that comes with reforming your processes; how to get employee and management buy-in and how to avoid some common pitfalls. We also look at some of the tangible and less-tangible benefits of CI and Lean, and pick up some specific tips from Aynsley that they’ve discovered in their CI journey.

]]>6f7ec912-27eb-4137-90b6-704d5f17acf3Fri, 08 Jul 2022 09:00:00 -040041:14falsefull3939Fenestration Conversations Episode #36: Requiring Energy-Efficient Renovations – Frank Lohmann, Canadian Homebuilders AssociationFenestration Conversations Episode #36: Requiring Energy-Efficient Renovations – Frank Lohmann, Canadian Homebuilders AssociationWe’ve watched the codes and standards tighten for years now, requiring windows and doors installed into new builds to meet ever-higher performance metrics for air/water ingress and insulating value. And they will continue to tighten as Canada’s code authorities follow the federal Roadmap to make all new buildings built in Canada meet net-zero energy performance standards by 2030. But what about the inefficient existing buildings out there that represent a far larger proportion of the homes in the country and therefore a much bigger impact to carbon emissions? Never fear, regulators have not forgotten about them. Frank Lohmann, director of building science for the Canadian Homebuilders Association, joins Fenestration Conversations to talk about plans to update the existing buildings section of the National Building Code to add an energy-efficiency requirement for renovations and retrofits.

]]>We’ve watched the codes and standards tighten for years now, requiring windows and doors installed into new builds to meet ever-higher performance metrics for air/water ingress and insulating value. And they will continue to tighten as Canada’s code authorities follow the federal Roadmap to make all new buildings built in Canada meet net-zero energy performance standards by 2030. But what about the inefficient existing buildings out there that represent a far larger proportion of the homes in the country and therefore a much bigger impact to carbon emissions? Never fear, regulators have not forgotten about them. Frank Lohmann, director of building science for the Canadian Homebuilders Association, joins Fenestration Conversations to talk about plans to update the existing buildings section of the National Building Code to add an energy-efficiency requirement for renovations and retrofits.

]]>2b7ba093-43b9-457a-ac0a-61f97d4d8d75Fri, 10 Jun 2022 09:00:00 -040001:00:51falsefull3838Fenestration Conversations Episode #35: What’s In The NBC? – Gord Cooke, Building KnowledgeFenestration Conversations Episode #35: What’s In The NBC? – Gord Cooke, Building KnowledgeSlow clap for the 2020 National Building Code and National Energy Building Code that have been released at last after long delay. Gord Cooke of Building Knowledge joins the Conversation to explain what’s in the new model codes for window and door providers, especially the tiered energy efficiency requirements that will probably soon be the law throughout the land. We’ve known about much of this for some time, but now it’s here to inform our product designs for years to come.

]]>Slow clap for the 2020 National Building Code and National Energy Building Code that have been released at last after long delay. Gord Cooke of Building Knowledge joins the Conversation to explain what’s in the new model codes for window and door providers, especially the tiered energy efficiency requirements that will probably soon be the law throughout the land. We’ve known about much of this for some time, but now it’s here to inform our product designs for years to come.

]]>ad6da54f-acc8-4863-8d0d-ee841a56e71bFri, 13 May 2022 09:00:00 -040040:46falsefull3737Fenestration Conversations Episode #34: The Other Pandemic – Jan Chappel, Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and SafetyFenestration Conversations Episode #34: The Other Pandemic – Jan Chappel, Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and SafetyLast year in Ontario, 30 percent of all the working people who died from opioid overdose worked in the construction industry. It’s clearly time for we who employ tradespeople to pay some extra attention to this issue and be prepared to help those in our companies who struggle with substance use and misuse. To help, Jan Chappel, a senior occupational health and safety specialist with CCOHS, joined the conversation to give us some advice on what to look for in employee behaviour that might indicate a problem; how to address the issue; and where to find the resources both you and your employee might need.

]]>Last year in Ontario, 30 percent of all the working people who died from opioid overdose worked in the construction industry. It’s clearly time for we who employ tradespeople to pay some extra attention to this issue and be prepared to help those in our companies who struggle with substance use and misuse. To help, Jan Chappel, a senior occupational health and safety specialist with CCOHS, joined the conversation to give us some advice on what to look for in employee behaviour that might indicate a problem; how to address the issue; and where to find the resources both you and your employee might need.

]]>de4b1dc5-a776-449c-bb05-c038bdffcb52Fri, 15 Apr 2022 09:00:00 -040038:09falsefull3636Fenestration Conversations Episode #33: In Search of Energy Advisors – Leon Wasser, Resilient World InstituteFenestration Conversations Episode #33: In Search of Energy Advisors – Leon Wasser, Resilient World InstituteOttawa has tied its Greener Homes Grants to homeowners getting audits from certified energy advisors before they can install higher performing fenestration and take advantage of thousands of dollars in rebates. There’s only one problem: there aren’t nearly enough of these professionals in Canada to satisfy the demand for the program. As director of the School of Energy for the Resilient World Institute, Leon Wasser trains energy advisors and is therefore in the perfect position to tell us what an energy advisor is, what their role is in getting the Greener Homes Grant, and when and if we will ever see enough of them to make this program work. He also has some thoughts on what window and door companies can do to help this situation themselves.

]]>Ottawa has tied its Greener Homes Grants to homeowners getting audits from certified energy advisors before they can install higher performing fenestration and take advantage of thousands of dollars in rebates. There’s only one problem: there aren’t nearly enough of these professionals in Canada to satisfy the demand for the program. As director of the School of Energy for the Resilient World Institute, Leon Wasser trains energy advisors and is therefore in the perfect position to tell us what an energy advisor is, what their role is in getting the Greener Homes Grant, and when and if we will ever see enough of them to make this program work. He also has some thoughts on what window and door companies can do to help this situation themselves.

]]>617c3876-ad71-4325-99fe-28f1509d1e1aFri, 18 Mar 2022 09:00:00 -040058:23falsefull3535Fenestration Conversations Episode #32: The Right Kind of Help – Jason Neal, SAWDACFenestration Conversations Episode #32: The Right Kind of Help – Jason Neal, SAWDACSAWDAC executive director, Jason Neal, joins the conversation for an update on the activities of his association and a discussion about the right way forward for government programs like the Greener Homes Grant. From his perch representing window dealers across the country, Neal has some novel ideas for the best way to support our industry as we’re asked to install higher performing products. But the conversation doesn’t stop there, as Neal gets into some economic analysis and shares data from member surveys carried out by SAWDAC.

]]>SAWDAC executive director, Jason Neal, joins the conversation for an update on the activities of his association and a discussion about the right way forward for government programs like the Greener Homes Grant. From his perch representing window dealers across the country, Neal has some novel ideas for the best way to support our industry as we’re asked to install higher performing products. But the conversation doesn’t stop there, as Neal gets into some economic analysis and shares data from member surveys carried out by SAWDAC.

]]>0776332d-1908-4000-8a62-55b6ee434979Fri, 18 Feb 2022 09:00:00 -040057:00falsefull3535Fenestration Conversations Episode #31: Across the country and in your backyard – Stephane Labelle, Fenestration CanadaFenestration Conversations Episode #31: Across the country and in your backyard – Stephane Labelle, Fenestration CanadaFenestration Canada executive director, Stephane Labelle, joins the Conversation to update us on what Canada’s window and door association is doing and how it’s evolving to meet the needs of members and the industry generally. There’s also some industry talk: the Greener Homes Grants, supply chain problems, working with governments and more. Stephane lays out his approach to bring the national association closer to the grassroots in regions across the country, and shares some of what he’s hearing from fenestration manufacturers and dealers.

]]>Fenestration Canada executive director, Stephane Labelle, joins the Conversation to update us on what Canada’s window and door association is doing and how it’s evolving to meet the needs of members and the industry generally. There’s also some industry talk: the Greener Homes Grants, supply chain problems, working with governments and more. Stephane lays out his approach to bring the national association closer to the grassroots in regions across the country, and shares some of what he’s hearing from fenestration manufacturers and dealers.

]]>d41ae45f-3309-4a83-92c2-97f18a76ca25Fri, 21 Jan 2022 09:00:00 -040001:06:27falsefull3434Fenestration Conversations Episode #30: The Year in Review – Danielle Labrie, Annex Business MediaFenestration Conversations Episode #30: The Year in Review – Danielle Labrie, Annex Business MediaAnd now for something a little different. Annex’s group publisher for the Light Construction Group, Danielle Labrie, joins Pat Flannery to talk about the last year in the window and door industry and what they’ve been hearing and seeing in our industry. We take a look behind the curtain at our magazines, podcasts and social media channels and all the changes and developments that happened in 2021 and are coming up for 2022. It’s the end of the year, so time for a look back and a look ahead. Happy holidays!

]]>And now for something a little different. Annex’s group publisher for the Light Construction Group, Danielle Labrie, joins Pat Flannery to talk about the last year in the window and door industry and what they’ve been hearing and seeing in our industry. We take a look behind the curtain at our magazines, podcasts and social media channels and all the changes and developments that happened in 2021 and are coming up for 2022. It’s the end of the year, so time for a look back and a look ahead. Happy holidays!

]]>86290523-e3d2-4ed4-8d82-ea67a4057344Thu, 23 Dec 2021 09:00:00 -040037:57falsefull3333Fenestration Conversations Episode #29: Where’s My Stuff? – Michael Gabert, Canadian Institute of Quantity SurveyorsFenestration Conversations Episode #29: Where’s My Stuff? – Michael Gabert, Canadian Institute of Quantity SurveyorsWe know the pandemic has done SOMETHING to our supply chains. But what? Michael Gabert and the Canadian Institute of Quantity Surveyors are tasked with understanding the prices and availability of all manner of construction supplies and generating accurate estimates and forecasts for their clients. So he was the perfect person to have on the podcast to explain why it’s so hard to get the things we need for our jobsites and plants. Michael discusses how negative effects from the pandemic snowball as they roll down the supply chain, starting at mines and ships and ending up as big delays on our loading docks. We get into inflation, interest rates, aluminum futures shipping containers and the outlook for our globalized trading system.

]]>We know the pandemic has done SOMETHING to our supply chains. But what? Michael Gabert and the Canadian Institute of Quantity Surveyors are tasked with understanding the prices and availability of all manner of construction supplies and generating accurate estimates and forecasts for their clients. So he was the perfect person to have on the podcast to explain why it’s so hard to get the things we need for our jobsites and plants. Michael discusses how negative effects from the pandemic snowball as they roll down the supply chain, starting at mines and ships and ending up as big delays on our loading docks. We get into inflation, interest rates, aluminum futures shipping containers and the outlook for our globalized trading system.

]]>d9e95ffd-c377-44db-a6fd-215c0fe9a989Fri, 26 Nov 2021 09:00:00 -040031:54falsefull3131Fenestration Conversations Episode #27: Return to Roots – Jean Marois, ThermoplastFenestration Conversations Episode #27: Return to Roots – Jean Marois, ThermoplastThermoplast has been making vinyl extrusions for Canadian window and door companies since 1966. So the company is full of people the industry knows well, perhaps none so well as Jean Marois, the vice-president of sales and engineering, who has been a fixture on technical committees and association boards for many years. Marois and the Thermoplast team started a new chapter this year when they bought the Laval, Que., plant from its previous owner, Energi, when Energi’s private equity owner divested its window manufacturing businesses. Now, Marois, together with his partners Michael McCullough and Martin Boulanger, are charting their own course. Marois joined the Conversation to tell us the story of how it started, how it’s going and where things are going to go from here.

]]>Thermoplast has been making vinyl extrusions for Canadian window and door companies since 1966. So the company is full of people the industry knows well, perhaps none so well as Jean Marois, the vice-president of sales and engineering, who has been a fixture on technical committees and association boards for many years. Marois and the Thermoplast team started a new chapter this year when they bought the Laval, Que., plant from its previous owner, Energi, when Energi’s private equity owner divested its window manufacturing businesses. Now, Marois, together with his partners Michael McCullough and Martin Boulanger, are charting their own course. Marois joined the Conversation to tell us the story of how it started, how it’s going and where things are going to go from here.

]]>326098f1-8844-4629-8d0d-a6cca183ff6cFri, 01 Oct 2021 09:00:00 -040001:02:10falsefull2929Fenestration Conversations Episode #26: The Dealer’s Eye View – Phil Lewin, SAWDACFenestration Conversations Episode #26: The Dealer’s Eye View – Phil Lewin, SAWDACLife on the front lines of selling and installing windows and doors is pretty different from making and shipping product from the factory. In his role as technical director for the Siding and Window Dealers Association of Canada, Phil Lewin takes the calls from irate customers, frustrated members and everyone in between. Phil joins the podcast to share some choice gems from his experience and to get into some industry talk about Energy Star, the Greener Homes Grant, supply issues, relaxing on the floor with customers and more.

]]>Life on the front lines of selling and installing windows and doors is pretty different from making and shipping product from the factory. In his role as technical director for the Siding and Window Dealers Association of Canada, Phil Lewin takes the calls from irate customers, frustrated members and everyone in between. Phil joins the podcast to share some choice gems from his experience and to get into some industry talk about Energy Star, the Greener Homes Grant, supply issues, relaxing on the floor with customers and more.

]]>85102cc7-6579-488c-aab0-79a600c962bdFri, 03 Sep 2021 09:00:00 -040058:39falsefull2828Fenestration Conversations episode #25: Your Canadian Connection – Amy Roberts, FGIAFenestration Conversations episode #25: Your Canadian Connection – Amy Roberts, FGIAThe Fenestration and Glazing Industry Alliance has always done an admirable job of balancing its North American identity between the U.S. and Canada. With the impending retirement of legendary executive director, Margaret Webb, the tradition is set to continue with the appointment of her replacement, Amy Roberts. Based in Pitt Meadows, B.C., Roberts left a successful sales role with Vitro to join FGIA as glass products and Canadian industry affairs director, and brings 20 years’ experience in the industry to the role, including time on the technical committee and board of Fenestration BC. In this episode, Roberts talks about her entry into the glass business and updates us on the good work the FGIA is doing on window-wall ratios, Tier 5 energy standards, glass structural standards, events and training and much more.

]]>The Fenestration and Glazing Industry Alliance has always done an admirable job of balancing its North American identity between the U.S. and Canada. With the impending retirement of legendary executive director, Margaret Webb, the tradition is set to continue with the appointment of her replacement, Amy Roberts. Based in Pitt Meadows, B.C., Roberts left a successful sales role with Vitro to join FGIA as glass products and Canadian industry affairs director, and brings 20 years’ experience in the industry to the role, including time on the technical committee and board of Fenestration BC. In this episode, Roberts talks about her entry into the glass business and updates us on the good work the FGIA is doing on window-wall ratios, Tier 5 energy standards, glass structural standards, events and training and much more.

]]>cfedc035-fd62-4957-a101-118f400dfb37Fri, 06 Aug 2021 09:00:00 -040001:02:50falsefull2727Fenestration Conversations episode #24: It’s Easy to Be Greener – Ruth Talbot, Natural Resources CanadaFenestration Conversations episode #24: It’s Easy to Be Greener – Ruth Talbot, Natural Resources CanadaAfter years of discussions, roadmaps, studies and conferences, NRCan has settled on the route it wants to take to encourage Canadians to upgrade their homes for higher energy efficiency. The Greener Homes initiative was announced last fall and its online portal is now open for homeowners to register their projects. Senior director for the program, Ruth Talbot, joins Fenestration Conversations to explain the rebate program, what homeowners can get back in rebates, what projects might qualify, how the Energuide evaluations work and more. Green Homes Grants could be a powerful tool in our sales toolbox for years to come.

]]>After years of discussions, roadmaps, studies and conferences, NRCan has settled on the route it wants to take to encourage Canadians to upgrade their homes for higher energy efficiency. The Greener Homes initiative was announced last fall and its online portal is now open for homeowners to register their projects. Senior director for the program, Ruth Talbot, joins Fenestration Conversations to explain the rebate program, what homeowners can get back in rebates, what projects might qualify, how the Energuide evaluations work and more. Green Homes Grants could be a powerful tool in our sales toolbox for years to come.

]]>ff241896-8622-4787-8071-01829f3443afFri, 09 Jul 2021 09:00:00 -040031:59falsefull2626Fenestration Conversations episode #23: Having the Right Conversations about Net Zero – Gord Cooke, Building KnowledgeFenestration Conversations episode #23: Having the Right Conversations about Net Zero – Gord Cooke, Building KnowledgeGord Cooke, CEO of Building Knowledge in Cambridge, Ont., doesn’t have much time for talk about ROI when it comes to justifying higher performance windows and other building products in residential construction. Do we talk about ROI when buying a TV? A car? For too long, Cooke says, we’ve bought into the paradigm that the only way to sell energy-efficient products is to convince homeowners that they will save more money on energy than the marginal sticker price on the product. That’s just one of the out-of-the-box insights Cooke drops in this month’s Fenestration Conversation. Enjoy!

]]>Gord Cooke, CEO of Building Knowledge in Cambridge, Ont., doesn’t have much time for talk about ROI when it comes to justifying higher performance windows and other building products in residential construction. Do we talk about ROI when buying a TV? A car? For too long, Cooke says, we’ve bought into the paradigm that the only way to sell energy-efficient products is to convince homeowners that they will save more money on energy than the marginal sticker price on the product. That’s just one of the out-of-the-box insights Cooke drops in this month’s Fenestration Conversation. Enjoy!

]]>3d32c7fd-227d-40f5-8bd9-f12fc6e5435fFri, 11 Jun 2021 09:00:00 -040001:05:14falsefull2525Fenestration Conversations episode #22: The Afro-Canadian Contractors Association – Sephton Spence, ACCAFenestration Conversations episode #22: The Afro-Canadian Contractors Association – Sephton Spence, ACCABlack Canadians have been part of our construction industry for as long as there’s been one, including many Black-owned contracting businesses. Now, a new organization known as the Afro-Canadian Contractors Association has come along to raise awareness of the good work they do, promote their inclusion and fair treatment and to help its members take advantage of the opportunities out there in our industry. Some grotesque incidents at Ontario jobsites last year attracted revulsion across the country, promoting construction leaders as high up as Geoff Smith at EllisDon to call for a focus on eliminating racism in Canadian construction. So it seemed like a good time to invite the president of the ACCA, Sephton Spence, to join Fenestration Conversations to tell us all about the new association and the proud history of Black construction work in Canada.

]]>Black Canadians have been part of our construction industry for as long as there’s been one, including many Black-owned contracting businesses. Now, a new organization known as the Afro-Canadian Contractors Association has come along to raise awareness of the good work they do, promote their inclusion and fair treatment and to help its members take advantage of the opportunities out there in our industry. Some grotesque incidents at Ontario jobsites last year attracted revulsion across the country, promoting construction leaders as high up as Geoff Smith at EllisDon to call for a focus on eliminating racism in Canadian construction. So it seemed like a good time to invite the president of the ACCA, Sephton Spence, to join Fenestration Conversations to tell us all about the new association and the proud history of Black construction work in Canada.

]]>823c4c1c-a8cc-4a8b-afe8-e99862e72ea3Fri, 14 May 2021 09:00:00 -040033:40falsefull2424Fenestration Conversations episode #21: A Map for the Americas – Dr. Tom Troeger, Rehau North AmericaFenestration Conversations episode #21: A Map for the Americas – Dr. Tom Troeger, Rehau North AmericaNewly anointed CEO of Rehau North America, Dr. Tom Troeger, joins Fenestration Conversations to talk about his plans in this market for one of Europe’s largest window system manufacturers. As a performance supplier, Rehau has struggled to break through in cost-conscious Canada and the United States, but tightening energy efficiency requirements are showing Troeger an opportunity for growth and the parent organization is reacting with significant investments in production in Mexico and South America. The conversation touches on new framing technology, Rehau’s approach to marketing and fabricator support, the prospects for inflation, COVID challenges to supply chains, differences between Europe and North America and more.

]]>Newly anointed CEO of Rehau North America, Dr. Tom Troeger, joins Fenestration Conversations to talk about his plans in this market for one of Europe’s largest window system manufacturers. As a performance supplier, Rehau has struggled to break through in cost-conscious Canada and the United States, but tightening energy efficiency requirements are showing Troeger an opportunity for growth and the parent organization is reacting with significant investments in production in Mexico and South America. The conversation touches on new framing technology, Rehau’s approach to marketing and fabricator support, the prospects for inflation, COVID challenges to supply chains, differences between Europe and North America and more.

]]>d150faba-5b6d-4313-a1fd-d99ae7a8a313Fri, 16 Apr 2021 09:00:00 -040028:50falsefull2323Fenestration Conversations episode #20: What Inspectors Want – Steve Nason, Town of Rothesay, N.B.Fenestration Conversations episode #20: What Inspectors Want – Steve Nason, Town of Rothesay, N.B.Steve Nason is a building inspector in New Brunswick who has taken a special interest in windows and doors and the many issues around compliance with their codes and standards. It can be difficult for contractors to know when products meet their area’s regulations for things like energy efficiency and air/water ingress. Steve is here to help with some solid tips about using Fenestration Canada’s online calculator, reading labels and, mainly, providing the manufacturer’s quote sheets to building inspectors ahead of time so you know if the product passes muster before you buy and install. We also touch on some general issues of communication and enforcement and get into a couple other problem zones such as roof trusses and radon rough-ins.

]]>Steve Nason is a building inspector in New Brunswick who has taken a special interest in windows and doors and the many issues around compliance with their codes and standards. It can be difficult for contractors to know when products meet their area’s regulations for things like energy efficiency and air/water ingress. Steve is here to help with some solid tips about using Fenestration Canada’s online calculator, reading labels and, mainly, providing the manufacturer’s quote sheets to building inspectors ahead of time so you know if the product passes muster before you buy and install. We also touch on some general issues of communication and enforcement and get into a couple other problem zones such as roof trusses and radon rough-ins.

]]>3979fbec-e824-4654-946b-b82664fb7d60Thu, 18 Mar 2021 09:00:00 -040046:28falsefull2222Fenestration Conversations episode #19: Where we are on the Map – Al Jaugelis, Fenestration CanadaFenestration Conversations episode #19: Where we are on the Map – Al Jaugelis, Fenestration CanadaIt’s been quiet over at the Natural Resources Canada Market Transformation Initiative…too quiet. Al Jaugelis, Fenestration Canada technical director and co-chair of the Initiative’s expert team for fenestration, joins the Conversation to explain what his group has been up to and where things are going. It’s a big look at Canada’s effort to drive installation of higher performing windows in our houses. We touch on Energy Star, the hope to avoid regulation, labelling, the state of the market for energy efficient designs and more.

]]>It’s been quiet over at the Natural Resources Canada Market Transformation Initiative…too quiet. Al Jaugelis, Fenestration Canada technical director and co-chair of the Initiative’s expert team for fenestration, joins the Conversation to explain what his group has been up to and where things are going. It’s a big look at Canada’s effort to drive installation of higher performing windows in our houses. We touch on Energy Star, the hope to avoid regulation, labelling, the state of the market for energy efficient designs and more.

]]>b6736d56-d93b-42a0-9237-328f4dd2718eFri, 19 Feb 2021 07:00:00 -040001:06:07falsefull2121Fenestration Conversations episode #18: The Winds of Change – George Torok, Morrison HershfieldFenestration Conversations episode #18: The Winds of Change – George Torok, Morrison HershfieldBuilding codes and the standards they reference continue to shift with the ongoing concerns about climate change and the new weather conditions our fenestration will have to endure. One observation we hear frequently is that it doesn’t matter how energy-efficient products are if they are installed incorrectly. Enter the CSA A440.4 window and door installation standard. George Torok chairs the committee developing this standard and joins the Conversation to share the latest updates that will be incorporated in the National Building Code’s 2020 revisions. George also puts out the call for you to get involved with the process to make the next round up updates, which will be starting soon.

]]>Building codes and the standards they reference continue to shift with the ongoing concerns about climate change and the new weather conditions our fenestration will have to endure. One observation we hear frequently is that it doesn’t matter how energy-efficient products are if they are installed incorrectly. Enter the CSA A440.4 window and door installation standard. George Torok chairs the committee developing this standard and joins the Conversation to share the latest updates that will be incorporated in the National Building Code’s 2020 revisions. George also puts out the call for you to get involved with the process to make the next round up updates, which will be starting soon.

]]>05d744e3-2741-4b05-b454-69cd4b4b79a8Fri, 22 Jan 2021 09:00:00 -040001:03:30falsefull2020Fenestration Conversations episode #17: Wrap it up – Marco Patermann, Global Architectural Products and ServicesFenestration Conversations episode #17: Wrap it up – Marco Patermann, Global Architectural Products and ServicesIn addition to selling Continental and Fux laminating products, Marco Patermann is a great educator when it comes to lamination science and technology. Here we take a deep dive into fenestration finishing technology, answering some of the questions you might have if you’ve thought about doing some laminating but weren’t sure if it’s right for you. Patermann touches on recent advances in both the laminate and the machinery; considerations for production and throughput; the capabilities of laminates versus paint; and the science behind how even dark-coloured laminate doesn’t heat up.

]]>In addition to selling Continental and Fux laminating products, Marco Patermann is a great educator when it comes to lamination science and technology. Here we take a deep dive into fenestration finishing technology, answering some of the questions you might have if you’ve thought about doing some laminating but weren’t sure if it’s right for you. Patermann touches on recent advances in both the laminate and the machinery; considerations for production and throughput; the capabilities of laminates versus paint; and the science behind how even dark-coloured laminate doesn’t heat up.

]]>9b6b0193-0283-4411-80b4-db9030b0fd15Tue, 22 Dec 2020 08:00:00 -040001:05:47falsefull1919Fenestration Conversations Episode #16: Here We Grow Again: Mike Bruno and Dallas Paquette, EverlastFenestration Conversations Episode #16: Here We Grow Again: Mike Bruno and Dallas Paquette, EverlastIt’s always good to see Canadian window fabricators growing aggressively and opening up new markets. Everlast has been on a tear over the last few years and its latest move was to acquire Alberta Vinyl Windows and Doors (AVWD) in Calgary, marking the Toronto manufacturer’s first bricks-and-mortar presence in western Canada. Mike Bruno, Everlast president, and Dallas Paquette, general manager of the Calgary location, join Conversations to talk about the strategy and origins of the acquisition, their big plans for the near future, the opportunities and challenges in the western market and more.

]]>It’s always good to see Canadian window fabricators growing aggressively and opening up new markets. Everlast has been on a tear over the last few years and its latest move was to acquire Alberta Vinyl Windows and Doors (AVWD) in Calgary, marking the Toronto manufacturer’s first bricks-and-mortar presence in western Canada. Mike Bruno, Everlast president, and Dallas Paquette, general manager of the Calgary location, join Conversations to talk about the strategy and origins of the acquisition, their big plans for the near future, the opportunities and challenges in the western market and more.

]]>c4f8bb37-8cf9-41f0-a205-7736e6578937Thu, 26 Nov 2020 09:00:00 -040030:52falsefull1818Episode #15: The Arch of Pandemic – Suzanne Bernier, SB Crisis ConsultingEpisode #15: The Arch of Pandemic – Suzanne Bernier, SB Crisis ConsultingPandemic response expert Suzanne Bernier rejoins Fenestration Conversations to tell us what we’ve learned in six months of pandemic about the virus, how it spreads and what businesses should do to combat it. We touch on some of the controversies around masks and lockdowns and whether surfaces are primary vectors for COVID-19. Suzanne looks ahead to the winter and the prospects for a vaccine – and the news is not all good.

]]>Pandemic response expert Suzanne Bernier rejoins Fenestration Conversations to tell us what we’ve learned in six months of pandemic about the virus, how it spreads and what businesses should do to combat it. We touch on some of the controversies around masks and lockdowns and whether surfaces are primary vectors for COVID-19. Suzanne looks ahead to the winter and the prospects for a vaccine – and the news is not all good.

]]>0021b436-b634-4170-8e78-8d73a05c827cFri, 30 Oct 2020 09:00:00 -040049:06falsefull1717Fenestration Conversations Episode #14: The Canada PanelFenestration Conversations Episode #14: The Canada PanelNorth America’s largest trade event for the fenestration and glass industries, GlassBuild, moved online in September and that created a unique opportunity for international involvement. Fenestration Review editor Patrick Flannery was invited to host a panel discussion discussing the business in Canada and explaining the bizarre world of northern fenestration to our American friends. Terry Adamson of Westeck Windows, Angelo Cairo of Stouffville Glass, Nathalie Thibault of LePage Millwork and Rick Pries of Fenestration Pro joined Flannery for a lively and informative discussion. Here’s the audio.

]]>North America’s largest trade event for the fenestration and glass industries, GlassBuild, moved online in September and that created a unique opportunity for international involvement. Fenestration Review editor Patrick Flannery was invited to host a panel discussion discussing the business in Canada and explaining the bizarre world of northern fenestration to our American friends. Terry Adamson of Westeck Windows, Angelo Cairo of Stouffville Glass, Nathalie Thibault of LePage Millwork and Rick Pries of Fenestration Pro joined Flannery for a lively and informative discussion. Here’s the audio.

]]>3c45e60b-b78e-4031-aa1d-bde9ade68d7dFri, 02 Oct 2020 07:00:00 -040001:08:35falsefull1414Fenestration Conversations episode #13: Get ‘Em Young – Ian Howcroft, Skills OntarioFenestration Conversations episode #13: Get ‘Em Young – Ian Howcroft, Skills OntarioHow do we get young people interested in the trades? Ian Howcroft has some ideas and the organization he leads, Skills Ontario, is working hard in schools and through its Skills Challenge competition to seed the ground for our future workforce. In this episode, Fenestration Review editor Patrick Flannery talks to Howcroft about how they’ve modified their programs to operate in the pandemic, possible future directions for apprenticeships, what draws kids to the trades and more.

]]>How do we get young people interested in the trades? Ian Howcroft has some ideas and the organization he leads, Skills Ontario, is working hard in schools and through its Skills Challenge competition to seed the ground for our future workforce. In this episode, Fenestration Review editor Patrick Flannery talks to Howcroft about how they’ve modified their programs to operate in the pandemic, possible future directions for apprenticeships, what draws kids to the trades and more.

]]>e94d0885-8932-45a0-aa16-79b8f9ad4e17Fri, 04 Sep 2020 08:00:00 -040033:59falsefull1616Fenestration Conversations episode #12: A Fork in the Road: Ben Francis and Nick Schock of Red Pelican Building ScienceFenestration Conversations episode #12: A Fork in the Road: Ben Francis and Nick Schock of Red Pelican Building ScienceFor decades, fabricators, standards writers and code authorities have preferred prescriptive rules: here are the minimum characteristics your product must have in order to comply. That may be about to change as code writers look for ways to introduce energy efficiency standards into building codes. The energy efficiency of what you supply may not matter as long as the whole building achieves its efficiency targets. Ben Francis and Nick Schock of Red Pelican Building Science are experts in building energy modelling and they join Fenestration Review editor Patrick Flannery to discuss how these new paths to compliance might impact your approach to design and testing.

]]>For decades, fabricators, standards writers and code authorities have preferred prescriptive rules: here are the minimum characteristics your product must have in order to comply. That may be about to change as code writers look for ways to introduce energy efficiency standards into building codes. The energy efficiency of what you supply may not matter as long as the whole building achieves its efficiency targets. Ben Francis and Nick Schock of Red Pelican Building Science are experts in building energy modelling and they join Fenestration Review editor Patrick Flannery to discuss how these new paths to compliance might impact your approach to design and testing.

]]>0a78921e-0004-4059-b3cf-d3592d02f591Fri, 07 Aug 2020 09:00:00 -040001:07:48falsefull1515Fenestration Conversations episode #11: Deep Thoughts on Window Design – Phil LewinFenestration Conversations episode #11: Deep Thoughts on Window Design – Phil LewinAfter 35 years in the industry, Phil Lewin is still deeply curious about what works and doesn’t in fenestration. In this wide-ranging episode, Phil and Patrick Flannery get into the weeds on air infiltration/exfiltration, vacuum insulating glass, low-E, condensation and more.

]]>After 35 years in the industry, Phil Lewin is still deeply curious about what works and doesn’t in fenestration. In this wide-ranging episode, Phil and Patrick Flannery get into the weeds on air infiltration/exfiltration, vacuum insulating glass, low-E, condensation and more.

]]>2ea57c1c-9159-47e8-bd9b-5b34f1c1e5dbFri, 10 Jul 2020 09:00:00 -040001:05:13falsefull1414Fenestration Conversations COVID SPECIAL: Get It Delivered – Eamonn O’Rourke, RenoRunFenestration Conversations COVID SPECIAL: Get It Delivered – Eamonn O’Rourke, RenoRunWe’re changing how we do things on jobsites: keeping workers apart, providing PPE and installing handwashing stations. But one of the big ways that coronavirus gets spread is just through people moving around. And with curbside deliveries only, the lineups and delays at the store can be significant. Luckily, there are site delivery services that can keep your crew on the job and away from the general public. Eamonn O’Rourke is the founder of one of these, and he told Fenestration Conversations how it works and how it helps.

]]>We’re changing how we do things on jobsites: keeping workers apart, providing PPE and installing handwashing stations. But one of the big ways that coronavirus gets spread is just through people moving around. And with curbside deliveries only, the lineups and delays at the store can be significant. Luckily, there are site delivery services that can keep your crew on the job and away from the general public. Eamonn O’Rourke is the founder of one of these, and he told Fenestration Conversations how it works and how it helps.

]]>b47c3294-b856-4e16-9337-74d32b00021dThu, 14 May 2020 09:00:00 -040017:13falsefull1313Fenestration Conversations Special COVID-19 episode: How Are We Doing and Where We Are Going Suzanne Bernier, SB Crisis ConsultingFenestration Conversations Special COVID-19 episode: How Are We Doing and Where We Are Going Suzanne Bernier, SB Crisis ConsultingPandemic response expert Suzanne Bernier joins Fenestration Review editor Patrick Flannery to look back at the chaotic last couple months, assess our response to the coronavirus and forecast where the health authorities will go from here. Bernier has helped craft Ontario and the U.N.’s response to previous epidemics – there is no better person to educate us about this crazy time.

]]>Pandemic response expert Suzanne Bernier joins Fenestration Review editor Patrick Flannery to look back at the chaotic last couple months, assess our response to the coronavirus and forecast where the health authorities will go from here. Bernier has helped craft Ontario and the U.N.’s response to previous epidemics – there is no better person to educate us about this crazy time.

]]>8c017559-830d-4912-9cc6-d35f80e57748Fri, 01 May 2020 09:00:00 -040050:36falsefull1212Fenestration Conversations Special Pandemic Episode: Pandemic Payment UPDATE – Bonny Koabel, AKR ConsultingFenestration Conversations Special Pandemic Episode: Pandemic Payment UPDATE – Bonny Koabel, AKR ConsultingGovernment funding guru Bonny Koabel updates listeners on the most recent announcements from Ottawa about federal support for small businesses. Changes and clarifications to the Canadian Emergency Wage Subsidy, including when it will become available and how to apply. Also, discussion of the Canada Emergency Student Benefit, the Canada Student Service Grant and the Canada Summer Jobs program – all new or changed programs to help you take on summer students or help the ones you can’t.

]]>Government funding guru Bonny Koabel updates listeners on the most recent announcements from Ottawa about federal support for small businesses. Changes and clarifications to the Canadian Emergency Wage Subsidy, including when it will become available and how to apply. Also, discussion of the Canada Emergency Student Benefit, the Canada Student Service Grant and the Canada Summer Jobs program – all new or changed programs to help you take on summer students or help the ones you can’t.

]]>b34228ba-7be8-4969-903d-943c9d2bae8aThu, 23 Apr 2020 09:00:00 -040019:48falsefull1111Fenestration Conversations Episode #10: Pandemic Relief Update – Bonny Koabel, AKR ConsultingFenestration Conversations Episode #10: Pandemic Relief Update – Bonny Koabel, AKR ConsultingBonny Koabel joins Fenestration Conversations again with the latest update on new government relief programs announced for small businesses affected by COVID-19. The news is changing daily – Bonny tells you what you need to know about who can access what funding and where to find it.

]]>Bonny Koabel joins Fenestration Conversations again with the latest update on new government relief programs announced for small businesses affected by COVID-19. The news is changing daily – Bonny tells you what you need to know about who can access what funding and where to find it.

]]>5083dec8-02c4-4967-bbc2-b3b5afa0f6aeTue, 21 Apr 2020 09:00:00 -040026:44falsefull1010Fenestration Conversations Special COVID-19 Episode: Corona Coverage – Carl Pickett and Roch Simard, AU Group InsuranceFenestration Conversations Special COVID-19 Episode: Corona Coverage – Carl Pickett and Roch Simard, AU Group InsuranceThe grim fact is some of our customers’ businesses will not survive this pandemic. Credit insurance is one way to protect your receivables and, no, it’s not too late to buy it. Veteran brokers Carl Pickett and Roch Simard explain the ins and outs of an insurance product that is sure to be getting more popular.

]]>The grim fact is some of our customers’ businesses will not survive this pandemic. Credit insurance is one way to protect your receivables and, no, it’s not too late to buy it. Veteran brokers Carl Pickett and Roch Simard explain the ins and outs of an insurance product that is sure to be getting more popular.

]]>acaf881f-c418-4a9b-82d4-0a0774509ffeWed, 08 Apr 2020 09:00:00 -040025:46falsefull99Fenestration Conversations Coronavirus Special Episode: Support for your Business – Bonny Koabel, AKR ConsultingFenestration Conversations Coronavirus Special Episode: Support for your Business – Bonny Koabel, AKR ConsultingGovernment funding guru Bonny Koabel returns to update you on recently announced details of the Canadian federal government’s attempts to support small businesses through the pandemic. In this episode: wage subsidies, payment deferrals, tax deferrals, loan guarantees, CERB and more.

]]>Government funding guru Bonny Koabel returns to update you on recently announced details of the Canadian federal government’s attempts to support small businesses through the pandemic. In this episode: wage subsidies, payment deferrals, tax deferrals, loan guarantees, CERB and more.

]]>490fc537-8577-443e-b2b4-52e57153af61Mon, 06 Apr 2020 09:00:00 -040022:16falsefull88Fenestration Conversations Special Episode: Paying for Pandemic UPDATE: Bonny Koabel, AKR ConsultingFenestration Conversations Special Episode: Paying for Pandemic UPDATE: Bonny Koabel, AKR ConsultingBonny Koabel, our government funding expert, returns to update listeners on the latest announcements from federal and provincial governments of new financial assistance available to small and medium-sized businesses. Wage relief, cheap credit, deferred payments, tax breaks – you’ll need it all to survive the pandemic and Bonny tells you how.

]]>Bonny Koabel, our government funding expert, returns to update listeners on the latest announcements from federal and provincial governments of new financial assistance available to small and medium-sized businesses. Wage relief, cheap credit, deferred payments, tax breaks – you’ll need it all to survive the pandemic and Bonny tells you how.

]]>a58c7fe9-3001-4626-8254-0de35e12ebe9Mon, 06 Apr 2020 09:00:00 -040018:43falsefull77Fenestration Conversations Getting Out of the Labour Box – Al Dueck, Duxton Windows and DoorsFenestration Conversations Getting Out of the Labour Box – Al Dueck, Duxton Windows and DoorsAl Dueck, Owner of Duxton Windows and Doors in Winnipeg, has done more thinking than most about his staff. He’s put extra effort into finding, developing and retaining people to work in his company, with great results. From Saturday morning breakfasts served by the hand of the boss, to pick-up soccer matches behind the shop, Duxton has benefited from a family-style atmosphere nurtured by Dueck. Here, he explains his approach and some of the non-linear thinking that went into it.

]]>Al Dueck, Owner of Duxton Windows and Doors in Winnipeg, has done more thinking than most about his staff. He’s put extra effort into finding, developing and retaining people to work in his company, with great results. From Saturday morning breakfasts served by the hand of the boss, to pick-up soccer matches behind the shop, Duxton has benefited from a family-style atmosphere nurtured by Dueck. Here, he explains his approach and some of the non-linear thinking that went into it.

]]>b235ed94-2612-497d-bc0b-bafc5965ba63Fri, 27 Mar 2020 09:00:00 -040052:49falsefull44Fenestration Conversations Special Episode: Paying for pandemic – Bonny Koabel, AKR ConsultingFenestration Conversations Special Episode: Paying for pandemic – Bonny Koabel, AKR ConsultingIn this special coronavirus episode of Fenestration Conversations, Bonny Koabel of AKR Consulting tells you what government assistance is being offered to companies impacted by the pandemic. There’s help with wages, tax relief, credit, direct grants and more, with more to come on the horizon. Bonny has been getting companies access to government services for a long time and knows the ropes when it comes to cutting red tape.

 

]]>In this special coronavirus episode of Fenestration Conversations, Bonny Koabel of AKR Consulting tells you what government assistance is being offered to companies impacted by the pandemic. There’s help with wages, tax relief, credit, direct grants and more, with more to come on the horizon. Bonny has been getting companies access to government services for a long time and knows the ropes when it comes to cutting red tape.

 

]]>405a8ff4-3a06-4fed-831a-475b570b4a0bTue, 24 Mar 2020 09:00:00 -040025:48falsefull66Fenestration Conversations Special Episode: Preventing Pandemic Pandemonium – Suzanne Bernier, SB Crisis ConsultingFenestration Conversations Special Episode: Preventing Pandemic Pandemonium – Suzanne Bernier, SB Crisis ConsultingIn 2006, Suzanne Bernier developed the Ontario WSIB’s first pandemic plan in response to the SARS outbreak, which was globally recognized as the best of its time. She then led her employer’s internal response to the H1N1 pandemic after several outbreaks in their workplace. She was invited to address the UN in Switzerland to educate on pandemic response and commissioned by its New York headquarters to deliver their first-ever pandemic tabletop workshop to evaluate the effectiveness of UN pandemic action plans. Suzanne joins host Patrick Flannery in this special episode of Fenestration Conversations to tell you how our industry should protect staff and customers during the COVID-19 pandemic.

]]>In 2006, Suzanne Bernier developed the Ontario WSIB’s first pandemic plan in response to the SARS outbreak, which was globally recognized as the best of its time. She then led her employer’s internal response to the H1N1 pandemic after several outbreaks in their workplace. She was invited to address the UN in Switzerland to educate on pandemic response and commissioned by its New York headquarters to deliver their first-ever pandemic tabletop workshop to evaluate the effectiveness of UN pandemic action plans. Suzanne joins host Patrick Flannery in this special episode of Fenestration Conversations to tell you how our industry should protect staff and customers during the COVID-19 pandemic.

]]>b754a041-6bb9-406d-8dfc-78e20dc1a60eMon, 23 Mar 2020 09:00:00 -040024:19falsefull55Fenestration Conversations Episode #3: The Making of the FGIAFenestration Conversations Episode #3: The Making of the FGIAGive me an F!…give me a G!…The Insulating Glass Manufacturers Alliance (IGMA) and the American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA) have merged into one organization called the Fenestration Industry and Glazing Alliance. FGIA executive director, Janice Yglesias, and FGIA director of glass products and Canadian affairs, Margaret Webb, explain the new association, talk about some industry issues and discuss how a big organization for all of North America’s residential and commercial fenestration providers might serve the market better.

]]>Give me an F!…give me a G!…The Insulating Glass Manufacturers Alliance (IGMA) and the American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA) have merged into one organization called the Fenestration Industry and Glazing Alliance. FGIA executive director, Janice Yglesias, and FGIA director of glass products and Canadian affairs, Margaret Webb, explain the new association, talk about some industry issues and discuss how a big organization for all of North America’s residential and commercial fenestration providers might serve the market better.

]]>4a5bfbf5-f7da-4a84-9df9-0774ec866138Fri, 06 Mar 2020 09:00:00 -040021:53falsefull33Fenestration Conversations: Smart business – Mitch Lewandowski, SofttechFenestration Conversations: Smart business – Mitch Lewandowski, SofttechSoftware expert Mitch Lewandowski talks about the capabilities of the latest production and ERP systems, with tips on cost and how to choose the right one for your business. We address implementation, mobile optimization, platform compatibility, cloud services and more. Things you need to think about in the ever-evolving world of data management.

]]>Software expert Mitch Lewandowski talks about the capabilities of the latest production and ERP systems, with tips on cost and how to choose the right one for your business. We address implementation, mobile optimization, platform compatibility, cloud services and more. Things you need to think about in the ever-evolving world of data management.

]]>1a8f9c1b-007b-41bc-b5df-64b809a974ebThu, 20 Feb 2020 09:00:00 -040053:42falsefull22Fenestration Conversations: Extrusion and you – Normand Doucet, Quadra PlastFenestration Conversations: Extrusion and you – Normand Doucet, Quadra PlastIn this episode, Fenestration Review editor, Patrick Flannery, talks to Normand Doucet, a partner at Quadra Plast in Saint-Therese, Que., about the latest advances in vinyl extrusion technology and new things that are possible in window design. It’s a chance to see behind the curtain of the industry that supports our industry.

]]>In this episode, Fenestration Review editor, Patrick Flannery, talks to Normand Doucet, a partner at Quadra Plast in Saint-Therese, Que., about the latest advances in vinyl extrusion technology and new things that are possible in window design. It’s a chance to see behind the curtain of the industry that supports our industry.

]]>dbe37855-7aae-4525-a5cf-24fcaa5a8326Thu, 20 Feb 2020 09:00:00 -040035:21falsefull11