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Fenestration Canada: February 2014

The 2013 Win-Door North America show held Nov. 12 through 14 at the
Metro Toronto Convention Centre demonstrated continued industry strength
with exhibitor floor space sales up and registrations on par with
previous shows.

The 2013 Win-Door North America show held Nov. 12 through 14 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre demonstrated continued industry strength with exhibitor floor space sales up and registrations on par with previous shows. A strong educational program attracted many visitors looking for the latest updates on important topics dealing with code changes, new technologies and research to guide future business planning.  The Canadian window and door manufacturing industry continues to move through an important developmental period and Fenestration Canada is in a solid position to serve its members in a number of critical areas. The association’s office is now a focal point for cost-effective management of priorities identified by members ranging from expanding membership recruitment strategies, creating suitable programming for events and fostering ever-important interaction and engagement with industry stakeholders.

A strategic objective for 2014 is to foster a greater level of accountability at the committee level thereby ensuring that the industry is well served across a broad spectrum of initiatives. This will necessitate a re-vitalization of our committee structures so that they become more responsive to membership requirements for products and services that are relevant to challenges facing the sector. One such initiative was the creation of a Fabricators’ Council in direct response to member fabricators who wanted a specific forum and the opportunity to have a say and potentially make a difference in the future of this industry. The association also plans to continue developing and offering information seminars and webinars designed to keep members current on regulations and compliance requirements.

Speaking of regulations, check out our Building Code Fenestration Performance Calculator, which is now live on our website. This free tool gives you the critical design specifications your windows and doors will have to meet under the Canadian supplement to NAFS-08, including minimum performance grade, minimum positive design pressure, minimum negative design pressure, minimum water penetration resistance test pressure and the minimum Canadian rating for air infiltration/exfiltration. Just plug in your region, the height above ground you product is to be installed and the type of surrounding terrain and the calculator fills in the numbers. Please keep in mind that these numbers are for general guidance only and not legally binding. Always consult your test lab and local building code officials to find out if a particular product is compliant in your area.  

Looking further ahead, the annual meeting will be held this June in Winnipeg. The conference is a highly rewarding event where some very close bonds are developed among a wide range of industry members from all facets of the industry. Those who participate realize how rewarding it is to be able to combine prized networking opportunities with topical seminars and presentations dealing with the pulse of challenges and issues facing the fenestration sector. If you are involved in any aspect of the fenestration industry, we invite you to mark your calendars and plan on attending the 2014 AGM being held in Winnipeg at the Hotel Fort Garry, June 12 to 14.

Finally, Fenestration Canada wishes to extend its congratulations to our technical consultant, Jeff Baker, who recently became the first-ever Canadian elected chairman of the National Fenestration Research Council.

As always, members and potential members alike are encouraged to visit our website regularly for important updates on activities and resource materials. The link is www.fenestrationcanada.ca

Skip Maclean is president of Fenestration Canada. He is business development manager for Tru-Tech Doors and has over 40 years’ experience in the window and door industry.