Field Notes: Solving the Glazing Problems No One Sees Coming
Beyond Standard Gray: Glass Color Choices That Elevate the View
Standard dark gray Low-E glass can mute daylight and ocean views in high-end homes. Learn why refined light gray options like OptiGray are the better choice.
Setting Steel Beams for Headers
Glazing success starts with laser layout. Learn how precise beam and column placement based on finished floor elevation ensures flawless window and door execution.
When Window Design Goes Wrong: Why Alternate Layouts Must Be Reviewed
Poor window design choices can ruin a luxury build. Learn why alternate layouts must be reviewed early to avoid costly mistakes in sightlines and usability.
When the Shell Is Off, Everything Is Off
Even small shell misalignments can throw off entire window systems in luxury homes. See how expert field coordination corrected a 2" beam offset to ensure perfect storefront window alignment.
Bad Shell Contractors
Poor shell coordination can derail even the best window and door planning. Here’s how misaligned beams and sloppy structural execution created major challenges—and how early glazing consultant involvement could’ve made all the difference.
Structural Steel Coordination: It Has to Be Exact
Misaligned structural steel can derail flawless window and door installation. Learn why precise coordination between structure and glazing is critical in high-end construction
Perpendicular Chase Walls: A Common Planning Blind Spot
Perpendicular chase walls can throw off your glazing layout by several inches if not properly coordinated. Learn why these conditions demand expert review in modern luxury homes.
Big Hurricane Windows with Minimal Frames: It’s Possible — With the Right System
Achieving big glass and thin frames in hurricane zones takes more than one manufacturer. Learn how multi-system coordination delivers large-format impact glazing without compromising your design intent.
Coastal Homes Need Certified Hurricane Impact Systems — No Exceptions
If you're building within 1 mile of the coast in the eastern US, laminated glass isn't enough. Learn why certified hurricane-tested windows and doors are essential for coastal safety and compliance.
Sill Height is Not Optional — Plan It or Trip Over It
Sliding door sills should never sit above the finished floor — yet it happens constantly in modern homes. Here’s how to plan for proper sill height and avoid this all-too-common trip hazard.
Why Is Glass Color Overlooked in Luxury Home Design?
Glass is one of the most visually dominant materials in modern homes—yet often the least considered. Here’s why glass color and coating should be treated as critical design choices, not defaults.
Why Masonry Openings Don't Matter for Floor-to-Ceiling Windows
Modern construction with minimal tolerances demands precision beyond “masonry openings.” Here’s why structural alignment—not window schedules—drives successful floor-to-ceiling window installs.
Steel placement and size is CRITICAL for locating your windows and doors.
Steel placement is a critical factor in aligning sliding door tracks and window frames. Learn why early structural coordination is essential for tight modern detailing, flush finishes, and avoiding costly field conflicts.
Aluminum or Clad Wood? Balancing Warmth and Modern Performance
Explore the aesthetic and performance trade-offs between clad wood and aluminum window systems. Learn why the warmth of real wood interiors is making a comeback—even in modern luxury homes—and how engineered clad wood windows now meet strict hurricane ratings.
Pushing the Limits: 10' x 20' Hurricane-Rated Jumbo Glass by Faour
Explore the engineering behind Faour’s 10' x 20' hurricane-rated butt glazed glass system. This jumbo impact-rated glazing pushes the limits of architectural design and performance.
Waterproofing Failures Are Common — And Usually Hidden Until It's Too Late
Waterproofing failures are one of the most common hidden issues in high-end construction. Learn how rushed applications, wet conditions, and poor prep lead to costly problems.
Understanding Hurricane Product Approvals – Pressure Charts
Pressure charts in hurricane window approvals define the hard size limits for sliding glass doors and large panels. Learn why ignoring them can trigger redesigns, rejections, and costly mistakes.
Structurally Glazed Curtainwall: What Architects Love—and Builders Struggle With
Structurally glazed curtainwall creates dramatic architecture—but brings major planning, cost, and installation challenges. Learn what makes it so complex for luxury homes.
Thermally Broken vs Non-Thermally Broken Frames: What You Need to Know for Hurricane Zones
Thermally broken frames are becoming more important as hurricane-rated windows expand beyond Florida. Learn the differences, trade-offs, and when each type matters.
Fixed Window Profiles: The Subtle Design Detail That Can Ruin the Aesthetic of Your Whole Project
Fixed window systems vary dramatically in appearance and sizing. Learn how post-bid substitutions can wreck your design — and why reviewing profiles before bidding is essential.