Fiberglass Fenestration in Commercial Buildings

Learning Objectives:

• List the evaluation design criteria used by architects when researching, designing, and specifying windows and doors.
• Describe how the strength, durability, energy efficient, and sustainable qualities of fiberglass composite make it a suitable material choice for windows and doors.
• Compare the environmental attributes of fiberglass composite with aluminum and vinyl windows.
• Design appropriate window installation details for new construction projects that meet human safety and welfare requirements while contributing to an energy efficient building envelope.

Whether designing sustainable commercial or institutional building types, architects carefully consider the qualities and advantages of fenestration materials. Windows and doors provide essential protection and architectural character to a building and must also respond to owner-driven requirements like aesthetics, cost, performance, maintenance, and life cycle. Fiberglass composite is suitable for windows and doors in any climate or building type and is more durable than aluminum or vinyl, with the thermal efficiency of wood.

Presented By: Cheryl Waits

Cheryl is an Architectural Consultant with Pella Corporation which is headquartered in Pella, Iowa. Pella Corporation has been a leader in the window and door industry since it was founded in 1925. A graduate of Iowa State University with a B.A. degree in Architecture, she has enjoyed a career with Pella for over 40 years. During this time, she has made lasting contributions and led teams in several areas of the business including Architectural Services, Product Development, Segment Marketing, Sales, and Distribution Channel Management. Cheryl is now operating as an extension of the local Pella branch sales team. Pella windows and doors are available in a variety of materials that provide a broad range of choices for beauty, performance, and value. My knowledge of the design and building process is a real asset and I consider myself an installation expert in new construction and renovation projects.

Sponsored By: Pella Corporation

Pella Corporation designs and manufactures windows and doors for both residential homes and commercial applications. Since our founding in 1925 by Pete Kuyper, we have been proud to support the communities where we live and work. We are headquartered in Pella, Iowa and employ more than 8,000 people with 17 manufacturing locations and more than 200 showrooms across the country. Discover what makes Pella different. In the small Dutch Community of Pella, Iowa in 1925, Pete and Lucille Kuyper invested in a newfangled invention – a window screen that rolled up and down like a shade. The couple went on to found a company based on the principles of traditional American values, integrity and the desire to enrich the homes and lives of others. Today, Pella Corporation is still owned by the Kuyper family, and continues to be a leader in technology and product innovation. In fact, we've been awarded more than 150 product and design patents. And the team at Pella is as committed as ever to continuing the company's proud heritage of building innovative windows and doors.