Glass and Glazing: Meeting Schedules During Material Supply Chain Issues

February 28, 2024|inNews

By Ryan Torgerson, General Manager Brin Contract Glazing

Managing Construction Project Schedules During Supply Chain Disruption

The global supply chain disruption has caused general contractors and glazing contractors to change critical path construction planning and adapt to lengthy raw material lead-times. Material lead-times have increased, yet construction schedules and completion dates continue to shorten. The question amidst all of the changes is, “How can we meet these schedules?”

Placing a priority on glazing contract is important to address the lead times for product. Talk to our team at Brin Contract Glazing about how we help our clients stay on schedule.

Prioritize Glazing Contracts

Prioritizing glazing contracts means pulling your glazing contractor into the conversation as soon as possible for exterior or interior projects. With more planning time, we can help address supply chain issues that could impact your ultimate deadlines. At Brin Glass Company, we see two options working for our clients that help us meet their construction schedules while maintaining the best quality glass product and installation service:

Guarantee Opening Sizes vs Field Verification Mid-Construction
Procure Contracts for Glass Products Earlier to Expedite Material Approvals

When general contractors procure glazing contracts early in the construction phase (at the same time as earthwork and structural contracts), the glazing contractor can plan ahead to ensure that materials are warehoused and waiting for fabrication. Glazing contracts are often released in conjunction with other building ‘shell’ or interior trade contracts.

However, the shortage in supply chains for critical materials – like aluminum – may cause trades like glazing to be delayed for weeks or months. In turn, causing schedules to be at risk. To stay on schedule, glazing contractors are under tremendous pressure to order all material (including glass) as soon as possible upon contract execution and approvals.

Speed General Contractor Approvals

An additional way to combat the material supply chain impact for aluminum fenestration products is to speed general contractor approvals for submittals and guarantee opening sizes. The days of field measuring low to mid-rise glazing projects before ordering materials, fabricating and scheduling for installation are all but gone. Striving to meet current construction schedules is requiring a new level of innovation and planning.

Challenges to Early Planning

Bringing glazing contractors, or other trades, into the project process earlier places pressure on the general contractor to coordinate subcontractors and communication of data. Shop drawings and measurements provided to trades must be accurate. This ensures openings are complete to standard, and there is no possibility of changing an aluminum frame size. We must eliminate the risk of ordering glass outside of specification, due to the shortage of glass making materials.

With today’s technology, utilizing 2D and 3D layout, this is a more realistic task. However, coordinating various trades to ensure all are operating on the same quality standard may be time consuming for project managers, assistants, and superintendents. Quality trade partners are essential and working together on early planning is the key to success.

Supplier Relationships Matter

In addition to working with a glazing contractor who has the right skills and experience, know that your contractor has the right relationships with suppliers. Sourcing correctly from reliable suppliers is essential to keeping a project on schedule.

When general contractors bring their glazing partner in early, conversations can start with suppliers to plan for the project. Ordering product early in the process ensures that the right product is available and ready for installation.

Tips to Keep Your Project on Schedule

Prioritize Glazing Contracts
Speed General Contractor Approvals
Know the Challenges and Plan Early
Choose a Glazing Contractor with Supplier Relationships

The Brin Glass Company team plans with their partners and suppliers for material supply up front to forecast schedules and ensure material delivery and installation within mutually agreed construction timelines.

#We Show Up #We Bring It #We Do It Right

Additional Links & Resources

Brin Contract Glazing Design Solutions

Brin Contract Glazing Installation Solutions

How Builders Can Help Mitigate Supply Chain Issues

How Contractors Can Combat Supply Chain Disruptions Post Pandemic

How Supply Chain Issues Affects Commercial Construction

How is the Supply Chain Affecting Commercial Construction Projects?

How construction contracts are changing amid supply chain issues and surging costs