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Fixing window wall

Using photos and examples from real-world window-wall failures, George Torok will draw on Morrison Hershfield’s experience across North America dealing with building designers, developers, builders and other vested-interest groups to discuss ways to prevent and address problems with window-wall construction.

In his Top Glass presentation, George Torok will discuss his work with manufacturers and labs to test and correct problems before construction. Downstream from construction, Morrison Hershfield has worked with building owners and legal counsel to resolve water leakage and other failures, and this presentation will include case studies from these experiences to illustrate common errors and suggest solutions. George draws a straight line between the problems and the solutions with this unflinching report from front lines of facade construction.

About the speaker
George R. Torok, C.E.T., BSSO is a building science specialist, project manager and a member of the façade engineering team of Morrison Hershfield in Ottawa. He has over 28 years experience in new building design and existing building envelope performance failure investigation, assessment and rehabilitation, research and standards development, teaching and training.  George specializes in repair, upgrade and replacement of glazing systems, including windows, window walls, curtain wall, and skylights.  He is active in the development of standards governing design and installation of fenestration systems, including CSA-A440.4 Installation of Windows, Doors and Skylights, CSA Fenestration Installation Technician – Level 1 (FIT-1) certification program and Natural Resources Canada Energy Efficient Fenestration Steering Committee. He is Technical Advisor to the Siding and Window Dealers Association of Canada and developed SAWDAC’s training course for the CSA FIT-1 certification program. He has made presentations at several of the Canadian Conferences of Building Science and Technology, Canadian Glazing Association, Construct Canada, the Ontario Building Envelope Council and the Building Envelope Council Ottawa Region, among others. George has written articles on building technology for Construction Canada and Condominium Manager magazines.  George is a past president of OBEC and currently is a director of BECOR.