Specifying Certifications for Glazing
Do you design with glass? How do you specify glazing installer qualifications?
Minimize risk by specifying AGMT and NACC.
Any construction project invites risk. For architectural glass and metal, construction risk begins when a bid is awarded to an unqualified glazing contractor. It extends to building envelope issues that result from the products and systems installed by those unqualified glazing contractors. Risk begins and ends with the question of quantity vs. quality.
When a subcontractor is hired, specified qualifications often include the following quantitative criteria:
- Experience defined by years in business: But years of experience don’t necessarily guarantee quality work or future success.
- Successfully completed similar projects: But who defines “successful”?
- Record of successful performance: But who validates performance?
- Trained and approved by the manufacturer: But manufacturers rarely train or approve in any formal manner.
Nebulous, ill-defined, and subjective qualification specifications – based on quantitative data – give poorly qualified contractors an advantage. The requirements do not provide highly capable glazing contractors with enough differentiation. AGMT and NACC present an alternative to bring value to the entire design and construction industry.
Specifications benefit all stakeholders
The AGMT and NACC credentials provide a vetted and valuable way to specify installer qualifications to reduce guesswork and minimize risk. Certifications build a better industry for today’s needs, support a competent workforce and glazing trade, provide elevated construction execution, and help meet high-performance specifications. Whether you are the owner, designer, or builder, specifications that reference AGMT and NACC can benefit you.
Architects and design professionals: Specify the NACC and AGMT credentials for buildings that perform to your designs.
General contractors and construction managers: Enforce the specifications by hiring certified NACC and AGMT glazing installers who prioritize correctness and quality.
Owners: Achieve high-performance buildings that perform as expected, look as desired, and meet energy goals.
Ready to add value to your next project? Add AGMT and NACC to your specs.
As of June 2020, the latest update to MasterSpec® includes AGMT and NACC language in the following sections. Be sure your version is current:
084113 Aluminum-Framed Entrances & Storefronts
084213 Aluminum-Framed Entrances
084313 Aluminum-Framed Storefronts
084413 Glazed Aluminum Curtain Walls
084423 Structural-Sealant-Glazed Curtain Walls
084433 Sloped Glazing
Sample Spec Language
SECTION 088000 – GLAZING
Part 1 – General – 1.8 Quality Assurance
Installer Qualifications: A qualified glazing contractor for this Project who is certified under the North American Contractor Certification Program (NACC) for Architectural Glass & Metal (AG&M) contractors [and who employs glazing technicians certified under the Architectural Glass and Metal Technician (AGMT) certification program].