M id A tlantic Real Estate Journal — Owners, Developers & Managers — Risk Management — July 23 - August 19, 2021 — 7C Risk Management
www.marej.com
Architectural Glass Institute Certification Matters
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tors take proactive approaches to their projects often adding a layer of unexpected refinement. Annual assessments can point out areas of improvement for even the most successful con - tractors; consistent documenta- tion and operational procedures provides predictable perfor - mance and a beneficial tool to avoid conflict and minimize risk. Following the industry footprint of product certifica - tions, NACC puts the next level of risk management in the hands of the installer. WHOLISTIC APPROACH NACC certification estab -
lishes contractor qualifications beyond traditional bid require- ments. Focused on a trifecta of office, shop and field operations the program adds a key differ - entiator of quality. Established and enforced quality plans are indicators that the contractors work results will meet the project needs and contribute to the project’s success. Analyzing and documenting work process from the development of shop drawings through installation creates a level of standard - ization with an organization. Philadelphia contractors see the benefits of going through
NACC certification. NACC certified contractors recognize the complexity of construction requires not only coordination and communica- tion, in the case of rainscreen facades particularly, the coor - dination of a continuous barrier layer around the façade pres - ents challenges with changes in planes and elevations. All glass doors and entrance systems have become grandeur, with complex automated hardware incorporating fire and security systems necessitating detailed integration of electronics. Glaziers are one of the only
contractors responsible for shop drawings with completely integrated details, showing perimeter conditions, all other façade component interphases, including membranes and seals of vapor/air barriers. Schedules continue to accelerate creating an “make it work” atmosphere in the field, but NACC contrac - tors have procedures in place to deal with troubleshooting jobsite inconsistencies that arise to work out a consensus solution. Detailed documenta- tion contributes to favorable schedule conditions allowing continued on page 10C
ISKY BUSINESS Construction has al- ways been an industry with a high level of risk. In - creasing project complexity, large project teams and the in- herent physical dangers of the work itself all contribute to this reality. The biggest problem with construction defects is the amount of litigation involved. Construction defect litigation is a long, complex, and costly process. Depending on the defect, a lawsuit can include numerous defendants, varying insurance policy coverages, anti-indemnity statutes, and fact-intensive discovery proce - dures. Basically, construction defects litigation is great… for the bottom lines of construc - tion lawyers, but it can be a nightmare for the construction businesses themselves. Claims arising from construction de - fects are the most common and the costliest claims and disputes. Experts say robust prequalifi¬cation and monitor - ing of subs is the key to mitigat - ing risk. Glazing contractors are a critical component of manag - ing risk on a project, and the North American Contractor Certification (NACC) provides a means for greater risk miti - gation. Awareness and wide- spread adoption is necessary to improve the effectiveness of the industry. NACC sets a stan- dard for the industry, a way of clearly communicating to the end user a contractor’s qualifi - cations and competency within the industry. It is not just about aesthetics, conformance to en - ergy codes while maintaining design intent has become more and more complicated. The façade is not going to perform correctly if it is not installed correctly. NACC contractors look beyond the glass instal- lation to understanding how these systems interface with adjoining material and affect performance. Certification pro - vides a predictable confidence in knowing a contractor has a wholistic systems approach with policies and procedures important to avoid defects and failures on the façade. NACC contractors look through dual lenses of quality and safety. Identified best practices leads to efficiency and in many cases cost savings. The processes become more easily repeatable and safer. By focusing on systems, pro - cedures, and processes, contrac-
Professional Contractors for All Interior & Exterior Glass Applications AGI Glass Resources: Interior Glass Guide Specification Demountable Interior Glass Partition Guide Project Case Studies Devil’s Details Technical Education Series
www.theagi.org info@theagi.org 215.825.1422
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