COVID-19

Time to Reevaluate

Chances are very good that your company is currently experiencing either a raw materials shortage or difficulty hiring new employees. And there is no indication that either of these challenges will end soon. As is so often the case in business, it may be time to reevaluate and pivot, and here…

How to Travel Safely During COVID-19

As of this writing, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has adjusted its health and safety guidance. Per the CDC, fully vaccinated people may resume domestic travel in the U.S. without testing before or after, or self-quarantining afterwards. The CDC recommends delaying travel until you…

President Biden Signs $1.9 Trillion Relief Bill

President Joe Biden signed the American Rescue Plan, a $1.9 trillion coronavirus relief package, into law on Thursday, March 11.

An Optimistic Outlook for a Busy Industry

Last week’s FGIA Virtual Annual Conference was packed with information for the fenestration and glazing industries, and covered everything from economics to safety to design to codes and regulations, and more. Read on for some of the key residential takeaways from the event.

The 2021 Industry Pulse

Despite challenges around COVID-19, the industry looks forward to a robust 2021 and beyond as demand is booming and residential construction posts historically strong numbers.

How Video Can Help Launch New Products

How to successfully launch a new building product in the midst of COVID-19.

Macro economic Rebound in Focus

The shape of the macroeconomic rebound is coming into focus as 2020 nears its end, said Connor Lokar, ITR Economics, during the GlassBuild Connect presentation on Sept. 8. Housing remains a bright spot in the overall construction industry, which likely hasn’t experienced the full effects of the…

Supply Chain Complications

Building materials retailers and suppliers take stock of supply chain disruptions, potential recovery.

Economic Update: Recovery is underway, but expect a slow return to normal

Leading indicators of the health of the residential construction and remodeling market send mixed signals about the economic climate, but all agree that challenges exist as the economy emerges from the coronavirus-induced recession.

At 2020’s Midpoint, Taking Stock of an Unprecedented Year

Thoughts on how manufacturing, automation, workforce challenges, and industry events have changed. Plus, comments on the resiliency of the industry.  

Industry Leaders Share How to Navigate, Prosper During the Pandemic

The covidsummit.buildingip.com site and accompanying downloadable PDF contains more than 10 hours of online discussions that took place April 22-24 during the Building Industry Leaders COVID-19 Crisis Summit.

Tech Provides Smart Solutions for the COVID-19 Workplace

Tech companies are developing several potential solutions for the enforcement of social distancing, as well as contact tracing for sick employees. 

FGIA WEBINAR TO SHARE FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT, VALUE PRESERVATION GUIDANCE IN COVID-19 ECONOMY

SBA and Treasury Release Paycheck Protection Program Loan Forgiveness Application

The Small Business Administration, in consultation with the Department of the Treasury, released the Paycheck Protection Program Loan Forgiveness Application and detailed instructions for the application.

Fenestration Canada Publishes Safe Install Guidelines

Businesses Interested in CARES Act Main Street Lending Program Encouraged to Take Action

WDMA encourages small and mid-sized businesses interested in taking advantage of the Main Street Lending Program to prepare for applying now by reviewing the Eligible Borrower requirements.

Now and Next: Navigating the COVID-19 Crisis

Window + Door, with the support of parent organization, the National Glass Association, developed a range of resources, tools and information to help businesses in all segments of the industry navigate our current realities and emerge ready to capitalize on new opportunities and continue to make…

Up Your Digital Game to Win in an Era of Physical Distancing

The COVID-19 pandemic continues to plague the planet. Manufacturing organizations face new operational challenges because frontline staff can’t take their work to the safety of their homes, and potential customers are blocked from the market by social/physical distancing requirements. How can…

Work from Home: A COVID-19 Legacy

MI Windows Closes Two Milgard Production Facilities

MI Windows and Doors plans to close the Milgard manufacturing facilities in Aurora, Colorado, and Grand Prairie, Texas, over the next few weeks in response to the weakened economic conditions brought on by the coronavirus pandemic, according to a release from the company.

Remodeling Spending to Decline Amid COVID-19 Pandemic

Owner expenditures for home renovations and repairs are expected to decline at least through the first quarter of next year due to fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the Leading Indicator of Remodeling Activity by the Remodeling Futures Program at the Joint Center for Housing Studies…

How to Leverage Instagram and LinkedIn for Sales and Marketing

Marketers are tasked with finding new ways to get in front of potential customers and communicating messages that resonate. And, with people remaining home under coronavirus-induced shelter-in-place orders, organic reach is incredible right now. More people than ever are online and the time is ripe…

Therma-Tru Fabricates Face Shields for Ohio Healthcare Workers

Therma-Tru is making protective facial shields with 3D printing machinery facilities in Maumee, Ohio, and Edgerton, Ohio, for hospitals and healthcare facilities throughout Ohio. Therma-Tru plans to deliver more than 80 face shields every week for the foreseeable future.

COVID-19 Economic Update: Indicators Provide Clearer Picture as States Consider Re-opening

Economic indicators give a clearer picture as to the state of the housing industry as governors commence conversations about re-opening parts of the economy

Do Your Employees Qualify for Paid Leave Due to COVID-19?

To help employees determine when they qualify for paid leave, the NGA has developed a fact sheet that you can distribute to a company’s workforce.

SBA Exhausts Funds for Loan Programs

The Small Business Administration ran out of its $350 billion funding on April 16 for its Paycheck Protection Program and Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program, both of which were created under the CARES Act to help small businesses affected by the coronavirus pandemic.

Tracker Follows Impact of COVID-19 on Contractors

The Farnsworth Group and Home Improvement Research Institute partnered to provide manufacturers and retailers with updates about COVID-19's impact on the home improvement industry.

Builder Confidence Posts Historic Decline Amid Pandemic

Reflecting the growing effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, builder confidence in the market for newly built single-family homes plunged 42 points in April to 30, according to the latest National Association of Home Builders/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index.

NGA Announces April 22 Webinar, 'All about SBA Loans'

In an upcoming April 22 webinar from the National Glass Association, financial expert Marco Terry will provide insights on emergency financing options for companies during the COVID-19 crisis.

Deceuninck Reorganizes, Reduces Workforce in Ohio

Deceuninck North America is reorganizing its Monroe, Ohio, operations, with a 30 percent reduction in its workforce, effective immediately.

Embracing Virtual Sales During COVID-19

As people continue to shelter in place and want to explore home improvement projects, fenestration companies adapt and take measures to keep employees and customers safe.

5 Tips for Retailers on How to Sell from Home

The tech exists to make the transition from in-home to from-home selling something practical and quite easy to manage.

Cash Management: Five Ways Builder Customer Expectations May Change

Establishing a cash reserve requires taking a critical look at cash flow, something you and your customers will be keeping a close eye on for the foreseeable future.

Pella Makes Face Shields for Health Care Professionals

Pella Corp. is making facial shields in its 3D printing facilities in Pella, Shenandoah and Sioux Center, Iowa.

Roto Frank of America Donates Surgical Masks

Roto Frank of America Inc. of Chester, CT donated surgical masks to the Middlesex Hospital in Middletown, Connecticut, on April 8. 

NAHB Urges Construction Pause on April 16 to Educate About Coronavirus

The National Association of Home Builders is urging members, and all residential construction companies, to halt work for at least 10 minutes on April 16 to educate workers on what they should do to keep themselves safe from coronavirus and to help flatten the curve for everyone.

PGT Innovations Responds to COVID-19

PGT Innovations issued the following statement in response to the coronavirus pandemic.

C.R. Laurence Shares Updated Coronavirus Response

C.R. Laurence shared the following letter about its ongoing response to COVID-19.

DHS Designates Building Product Manufacturing and Construction as Essential

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency issued version 2.0 of its Guidance on the Essential Critical Infrastructure Workforce: Ensuring Community and National Resilience in COVID-19 Response. The Guidance now includes construction, building…

CARES Act: Small Business Loan Options for Fenestration Companies

To assist businesses during the COVID-19 crisis, there are two intriguing Small Business Administration loan programs that are part of the new CARES Act signed into law on March 27, 2020.

Jeld-Wen Execs Take Salary Reduction

A recent filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission showed that Jeld-Wen executives would take a 25 percent reduction in their 2020 base salaries as a response to the challenges brought on by COVID-19.

5 Steps Companies Can Take to Improve Their Financial Position in a Crisis

Business owners can take measures to improve their financial position and absorb financial shocks while limiting their impact on business.  

Take 3 Steps to Protect Your Business from the Coronavirus Pandemic

The three areas where business owners can concentrate their efforts are on education, anticipating supply chain issues, and marketing and sales activities. 

A+W Software Remains Operational

A+W Software issued a statement in regard to COVID-19.

Jeld-Wen Temporarily Suspends Operations at Some Locations

The company cites “COVID-19 restrictions” for suspending production at a “small” number of its locations.

Making the Most of Your Time at Home, From Andy Vedquam

NAM Provides State and Local Governments Resource Map

The State Partners and Local Governments Resource Map provides up-to-date information on state and local declarations and their impact on manufacturing operations and facilities.

First Look at the CARES Act

The Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act economic provisions include broad assistance and incentives to shore-up businesses and institutions impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

DHS Recognizes Construction as Essential Business

On March 28 the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency issued version 2.0 of its Guidance on the Essential Critical Infrastructure Workforce: Ensuring Community and National Resilience in COVID-19 Response. The Guidance now includes…

Masonite Responds to COVID-19, Temporarily Closes all UK Facilities

Masonite International Corp. issued a statement regarding its response to COVID-19;  temporarily closes all UK facilities and reports stay-at-home orders have impacted some operations in Canada..

US Department of Labor Publishes Guidance around Families First Coronavirus Response Act

Jeld-Wen Responds to COVID-19

Jeld-Wen shared the following statement on its website in response to the coronavirus.

Lifetime Windows & Siding Responds to COVID-19

Lifetime Windows & Siding, a dealer of Infinity from Marvin windows and James Hardie siding, released a letter from CEO Peter J. Svedin.

GED to Remain Open as Essential Business to Construction Industry

Bill Weaver, GED president and CEO, issued the following statement on its website, stating it will remain open because it is an essential business to the construction industry, and sharing steps it is taking to ensure its employees remain safe.

Infograph Breaks Down State-by-State COVID-19 Policies

Politico released a guide to the current policies put in place in all 50 states to mitigate the impact of COVID-19.

Pella Corp. Launches Virtual Appointments

During this period of uncertainty due to the coronavirus pandemic, Pella Corp. announced its plans to help homeowners with their window and door replacement projects. The Iowa-based, privately held manufacturer has launched free virtual appointments with their experts as a safe solution for…

Ontario and Quebec Temporarily Close Non-essential Businesses

Canada’s provinces of Ontario and Quebec ordered non-essential businesses to close as of Tuesday, March 24, as reported by AP News.

4 Things Sub-Contractors Can Do Today, Amid COVID-19 Disruptions

In a March 19 webinar from the American Subcontractors Association, Brian Wood, partner with Smith, Currie & Hancock LLP, offered tips for subcontractors as they navigate construction market disruptions caused by the coronavirus.

MFM Building Products Responds to Coronavirus

Tony Reis, president of MFM Building Products Corp., issued the following statement about its response to COVID-19.

OSHA Issues Guidance for Employers Recording Workplace Exposure to COVID-19

The Occupational Health and Safety Administration issued guidance for employers recording workplace exposures to COVID-19.

MI Windows and Doors Team Member Tests Positive for COVID-19

A team member at window manufacturer MI Windows and Doors’ Hegins, Pennsylvania, facility recently tested positive for the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).

President Trump Signs COVID-19 Legislation

President Donald Trump signed H.R. 6201, the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, into law on Thursday, March 19. The act provides economic relief to individuals impacted by the COVID-19 outbreak, including emergency sick leave and family leave.

Pella Responds to Coronavirus

Initial Outlook: Economic Impacts of COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic is bringing with it global uncertainty, fueled by unknowns as to long-term impacts, duration and economic implications. “It’s a given we will have an adverse economic impact in the first and second quarters of 2020,” said Ali Wolf, chief economist of Meyers Research, during a…

Fenestration Canada Launches COVID-19 Information Hub

Fenestration Canada launched a COVID-19 Information Hub for the Canadian Fenestration Industry, citing the crucial need for access to information and keeping the health and safety of its member as a priority.

Chelsea Building Products Responds to Coronavirus

Gary L. Hartman, vice president of sales and marketing for Chelsea Building Products, issued a statement to its customers March 13 in response to COVID-19:

Veka Responds to Coronavirus

Veka Inc. issued several statements in response to the coronavirus, all of which focus on the company taking the "necessary steps to protect the continuous, safe operation of our business as it pertains to all stakeholders, including our employees, our customers, ownership and the communities in…

Fenestration Industry Responds to COVID-19 Pandemic

In response to the coronavirus outbreak in the U.S., businesses—including those in the fenestration industry—have been tasked with changing the way they operate to ensure safety and health of employees and customers. 

Roto Will Not Attend Fensterbau 2020

Roto announced it will not attend the rescheduled Fensterbau Frontale event in June of this year, but will plans to participate again in 2022.

COVID-19 Coverage from Window + Door

Window + Door is dedicated to covering the constantly evolving COVID-19 pandemic and how it affects our industry. This is your hub for all articles and news briefs on coronavirus related to our industry. Click on the links to find information from industry sources, the latest updates on events…

Gilkey Windows Responds to Coronavirus

Mike Gilkey, president of Gilkey Windows, issued the following statement on its website regarding COVID-19:

How Will Coronavirus Affect Manufacturing and Construction?

Now that cases of coronavirus have increased across the country, and cities and states have instituted more extreme measures to control the spread, the construction and manufacturing sectors could be in for more serious disruptions. Some reports from across the industry:

Soft Tech Implements Response to COVID-19

Soft Tech leadership has implemented precautionary measures in response to COVID-19, including asking staff to work from home.

C.R. Laurence Alters Will Call Service Practices Until March 30

C.R. Laurence altered its Will Call service practices until March 30, according to a statement released by the company. The statement cited concern for the health and welfare of employees, and the guidance on the enhanced guidance from authorities on social distancing.

WDMA Cancels Spring Meeting & Legislative Conference

WDMA has decided to cancel its Spring Meeting and Legislative Conference, originally scheduled March 23-25 in Washington, D.C., due to coronavirus (COVID-19) concerns.

ProVia President Responds to Coronavirus

Brian Miller, president and CEO of ProVia, issued an email to ProVia customers about the coronavirus. He assured customers that ProVia is monitoring developments related to COVID-19 and taking steps to protect the health and safety of its customers, employees and families. 

Fenestration Canada Plans to Proceed with Spring Conference in June

Fenestration Canada released a statement about its Spring Conference in light of the current COVID-19 outbreak.

Fensterbau Frontale Reschedules for June

NürnbergMesse scheduled new dates for Fensterbau Frontale and Holz-Handwerk 2020. The event will take place Tuesday, June 16, through Friday, June 19. 

Fensterbau Postponed Due to Coronavirus Concerns

NürnbergMesse postponed Fensterbau Frontale and Holz-Handwerk. The exhibition duo will not take place as planned from March 18-21, 2020, in Nuremberg. The reason for the postponement is the increased spread of the coronavirus and corresponding feedback from customers and industry representatives.