From tools and hardware to glass and decorative elements, the GlassBuild show in Atlanta has plenty of variety throughout the convention floor. The show, which kicked off Wednesday, runs through Friday.
Dr. Gold is showcasing its Carrymate non-slip panel grips, which helps installers unload and transport glass lites. The grips are used in pairs and are capable of holding up to 440 pounds together.
COO Melanie Byrne says key benefits of the grips are that the point of contact can be wherever is most suitable to the users height, and that the grips allow users to walk forward and face the direction they’re going in.
The clamping system self-adjusts to the width of the glass and is “ergonomically” designed.
Other companies, such as GLG, feature machines to assist installers. GLG showcased its GlasLift250D/550D Multilifter, which the company claims allows two men to fit a window section weighting up to 550 pounds in less than three minutes.
The front system of the GlasLift can be tilted 20 inches forward or 30 inches backward and moved laterally two inches either way using its shifting arm.
Southern Aluminum Finishing Co. (SAF) announced at the show certification of its Series 400 RainScreen Drained & Back-Ventilated ACM Panel system to meet Florida Building Code and the requirements for High Velocity Hurricane Zone standards required for Florida construction.
According to the company, the Series 4000 is a drained and back-ventilated rain screen panel incorporating a strip of composite material in a reveal in between each panel, instead of caulk, which it claims results in a more “uniform” appearance.
Bath enclosure companies were present at the event, as well.
Alumax Bath Enclosures account executive Andy Fischer says his company’s ProLine product is gaining steam and that the slider system is really growing in popularity.
Alumax used the show to show off the various ways its shower enclosures can be customized. On one enclosure, they eliminated the metal edge of the door and replaced it with a magnetic strip for a cleaner look.
Charlie Layne of Quality Enclosures says the trend of frameless enclosures and heavy glass is continuing.
His company has six locations in the U.S. and does its own tempering, which Layne says “gives us more control,” taking another step out of the process.
In addition to its various construction and hardware capabilities, Quality Enclosures featured Guardian ShowerGuard glass, in which the surface is permanently sealed during the manufacturing process and makes the glass easier to clean.
From a decorative perspective, Decoral is showcasing its patented technology that uses the application of a powder coat and the heating of film on a surface to transfer images to the surface.
It is gaining popularity with aluminum doors and windows, according to CEO Enrico Piva, and he says the market for printing on glass with the system is picking up, as well.
Walker Glass, meanwhile, is featuring its Textures Transition line, which comes in a True Fade or Gradient system.
According to marketing manager Danik Dancause, the True Fade is ideal for a range of applications, including office spaces, shower enclosures and balconies.
“The architects want a subtle transition,” he says, adding that they like the lighting effect of acid-etched, something the True Fade system provides.
Stay tuned to USGNN.com™ for continued coverage of GlassBuild.
