GANA, IWCA release joint informational bulletin

The Glass Association of North America, Topeka, Kan., and the International Window Cleaning Association, Kansas City, Mo.,released a joint Glass Informational Bulletin titled Construction Site Protection and Maintenance of Architectural Glass outlining the need for proper protection of architectural glass throughout the construction process to all general contractors and builders, according to a Nov. 15 release. This protection includes various recommendations and the need for open communication and full cooperation among the general contractor, professional window cleaner, and all trades involved.

"This document, the first from our organizations teaming up and working together, is a great resource for the construction industry," said GANA Technical Director Urmilla Sowell, in the release. "There are many integral recommendations and points contained within this document. It also shows the commitment within GANA and IWCA to address an issue confronting many today by putting our best minds together to find solutions for the industry."

A key component of the document emphasizes the need to use professional window cleaners and not someone inexperienced in the post construction cleaning of glass.The use of unskilled non-professionals can be a detriment to completing the construction job in the best possible way. Furthermore, the general contractor or builder may need to schedule periodic glass cleaning during extended construction schedules so that the potential for glass damage is reduced.Vital suggestions such as these provide real-world solutions to prevent costly issues later, including the potential for contentious litigation.

"This is a great document for the industry," said Debra Nemec, IWCA executive director, in the release. "This collaboration, as well as future joint efforts by our organizations, provides new potential in the industry to increase the quality output of glazing contractors and professional window cleaners. At the end of the day, that outcome benefits everyone.We look forward to working together even further for the benefit of our members and our industry."

To download this document at no charge, visit the GANA TechCenter Web site or the IWCA Web site.