The Fenestration and Glazing Industry Alliance (FGIA) is pleased to announce an innovative approach to its educational offerings by introducing individual modules from the upcoming third edition of its flagship education program, FenestrationMasters®.
This strategic move aims to enhance accessibility and facilitate professional development within the fenestration industry, allowing participants to tailor their learning experience according to their needs and interests.
Currently, FGIA is offering two à la carte educational modules: “Specifying Windows, Doors, and Skylights Using NAFS,” and “Fundamentals of Insulating Glass.” While the comprehensive FenestrationMasters 3.0 program is slated for release later this year, these two essential modules are now available for immediate purchase, providing valuable insights into critical aspects of the industry.
Specifying Windows, Doors, and Skylights Using NAFS 
The first module, focused on the North American Fenestration Standard (NAFS), encompasses 1.25 hours of comprehensive content designed to equip participants with a thorough understanding of the specifications governing fully fabricated fenestration products. This module meticulously outlines the mandatory performance requirements articulated by NAFS-22 and its predecessors, covering topics such as compliance complexities and testing methodologies.
According to Kaydeen Laird, FGIA Education Manager, “With the significance of the NAFS standard and the importance of IG performance to our organization, it was imperative that we offer these two modules à la carte, making them readily accessible to anyone in the industry, even if they’re not pursuing a full professional certification credential.” This module not only serves as a gateway to mastering industry standards but also empowers professionals to refine their expertise in response to the evolving demands of the fenestration landscape. The module is available to FGIA members for a discounted price of $50 and $125 for non-members.
Fundamentals of Insulating Glass
The second module, “Fundamentals of Insulating Glass,” contains 2.5 hours of in-depth content and replaces the outdated FGIA Preventing IG Failures program. This comprehensive course combines two critical educational components: “Glass Fundamentals” and “Understanding Insulating Glass Systems.”
Participants will delve into the fundamental principles of fenestration transparency, exploring the various monolithic glass types and their functionalities. The course also sheds light on the glass manufacturing process and the enhancements available for safety. This foundational knowledge is essential for making informed glass-related decisions and ensuring compliance within the dynamic fenestration industry.
Building on this, the “Understanding Insulating Glass Systems” segment offers an extensive examination of insulating glass units (IGUs), which are vital for modern fenestration products. Key components such as spacers, desiccants, and Low-e coatings are explored, along with their thermal performance benefits. Participants will be introduced to industry standards, performance requirements, and testing guidelines, equipping them with the ability to evaluate and apply IGU technologies in various applications. This module is priced at $100 for FGIA members and $250 for non-members.
Looking Ahead: FenestrationMasters 3.0
The forthcoming FenestrationMasters 3.0 program will encompass a broader spectrum of the fenestration industry, covering vital topics including performance standards, products and materials, test methods, and code requirements. The third edition is expected to debut later in 2024, featuring new content addressing the NAFS Canadian Supplement, Canadian codes, and advancements in energy and insulating glass technologies.
By offering these specialized modules, FGIA is reinforcing its commitment to advancing education in the fenestration sector, ensuring that stakeholders have the resources they need to thrive in an increasingly complex industry environment.
Source:FGIA with additional information added by GlassBalkan
