Precision Matters: What Really Goes Into Successful Commercial Glass + Glazing

When most people think about glass and glazing, they think about the finished look, judging the success on clean lines, transparency, daylight, and curb appeal. But in commercial construction, the success of a glazing system has less to do with appearance alone and more to do with precision.

According to Cullen Simpson, Senior Project Manager at Trade31 and a lifelong professional in the glass and glazing industry, glazing is one of the most unforgiving scopes on a jobsite.

“Glass and glazing has some of the tightest tolerances in construction. Once you get to the glass system, everything is expected to be within a sixteenth, sometimes a thirty-second, of an inch.”

That level of accuracy isn’t optional. It’s essential to performance, function, and long-term durability.

Glass + Glazing Operates on a Different Level of Tolerance

In many structural scopes, a quarter-inch variance over long spans is considered acceptable. Steel, concrete, and framing can often hide small imperfections in ways that glass cannot.

Because glazing is a finished system, even minor inconsistencies become highly visible. Misalignment doesn’t just affect appearance; it impacts how systems operate. Some operational issues might include:

This is why experienced glazing teams place such a heavy emphasis on precision from day one, long before installation begins.

The Most Overlooked Element in Glazing? Hardware

One of the most common misconceptions Cullen Simpson sees in commercial projects is that glass itself is the most complex part of the system. In reality, hardware often drives both complexity and cost.

“Hardware is probably the least understood part of glazing systems,” Cullen Simpson says. “We regularly see specs where components aren’t able to work together.”

When hardware is mismatched or over-specified:

Because glazing hardware is highly system-specific, it requires deep knowledge of how components interact, not just what looks good on paper.

Why Precision Starts Long Before Installation

Many glazing issues aren’t caused in the field. They start much earlier, during estimating, planning, and coordination. Cullen Simpson points out a common industry challenge: pricing jobs to win work without fully accounting for installation realities. “When estimating, the focus is often on getting the job,” he explains. “But then the project manager has to make that number work, and the field has to figure out how to install it correctly.”

Without thorough pre-planning across teams, projects are more likely to experience:

At Trade31, precision is built into the process, not just the install, by aligning estimating, project management, and field execution early.

Technology Has Raised the Bar for Accuracy

The glazing industry has evolved significantly over the past decade, particularly in how technology supports precision.

“The need for rework has dropped significantly,” Cullen Simpson notes. “Both fabrication and cost forecasting are far more accurate than they used to be.” But technology only works when paired with experience, understanding how systems behave in real-world conditions.

Why Precision Protects the Entire Project Team

For general contractors, architects, and owners, precision in glazing isn’t just about craftsmanship, it’s about risk management.

Poorly executed glazing can lead to:

Because glass systems interact with multiple trades like structure, cladding, waterproofing, and interiors even small mistakes can ripple across the entire facade. Trade31’s advantage lies in understanding those transitions and owning them, rather than leaving gaps between scopes.

Precision Is the Difference Between “Installed” and “Done Right”

Glass and glazing sits at the intersection of structure, performance, and aesthetics. There’s no margin for guesswork. “Anything that moves such as doors, windows, or operable systems exposes precision issues immediately,” Cullen Simpson says. “That’s why experience matters.” At Trade31, precision isn’t a buzzword. It’s a requirement, one that defines how systems are planned, coordinated, and installed.

Because when tolerances are tight and expectations are high, details aren’t optional, they’re everything.

5 questions to ask when considering Historic Restoration

Restoring a historic building can be a great way to modernize an aging structure, make it more energy efficient, and ensure it can be maintained for generations to come. But this type of work is complex and often presents unique and unpredictable challenges. Whether you are planning a Historic Restoration project or wondering if your building is a good candidate, here are several key questions to ask as you weigh your options and search for the right partner to help realize your vision. 

What do I want to accomplish with renovations? 

Building owners pursue Historic Restoration for a variety of reasons with a variety of goals in mind. For instance, some want to update historic windows to address wear and tear from a purely aesthetic standpoint, while others seek to install windows that meet LEED energy efficiency standards while preserving the building’s historical significance. Determining your goals and what’s driving them will help you make strategic decisions about your construction plans and select partners who are aligned to your vision and equipped to bring it to life. 

How can I modernize a historic building while maintaining its historic integrity?

Certain architectural features are telltale signs of historic buildings. The shape and style of a window, a design featured on a door, or the type of material used for siding are often indicators of when a building was constructed. As buildings age, both exterior and interior elements begin to deteriorate, impacting not just the look and feel of a space but also how it functions. Fortunately, with modern technology and the right expertise, these historic elements can be repaired or replicated to maintain a historically accurate facade while implementing structurally sound, energy-efficient structures and designs. 

Windows can be reglazed, restored, or reconstructed using insulated glass. Ornate crown molding and custom trim can be recreated. Wood siding can be salvaged and repurposed in a similar, era-appropriate style. The possibilities are truly endless, just as long as you have a partner who is eager to explore and uncover unique solutions for complex challenges. 

See how we repurposed 70 percent of the exterior wood siding at the Taft Museum of Art to restore this historic building. 

Are there official standards Historic Restoration work must meet?

To answer this question, let’s first explore the difference between Historic Restoration and Historic Preservation. While both Historic Restoration and Historic Preservation are specific types of construction where old buildings are restored or renovated to preserve their historical significance (and are commonly used interchangeably), Historic Preservation work is often associated with more oversight by a statewide historic preservation agency. In Ohio, that agency is the State Historic Preservation Office, or SHPO. In addition to identifying historic places and archaeological sites, and nominating eligible properties to the National Register of Historic Places, SHPO also reviews rehabilitation work to National Register properties in Ohio. If your building has a National Register designation — or the even more prestigious National Historic Landmark designation — all construction work will need to adhere to your state’s historic preservation office’s guidelines. Collaborating with a construction partner who is experienced in Historic Restoration and Historic Preservation work can help you navigate the complexities you’ll encounter along the way and make the process as seamless as possible. 

Are there financial incentives available? 

When it comes to Historic Restoration work, there are two key financial incentives generally worth pursuing. 

The first is LEED certification. Historic buildings are excellent candidates for LEED certification because they limit the need for new materials and can be outfitted to meet the latest green-energy standards during renovations. Significant tax abatements are often available for achieving certain levels of LEED certification, a designation that also inherently boosts energy efficiency and supports overall sustainability goals.

The second path toward a financial incentive are Historic Preservation tax credits. Due to the stringent nature of the application process, it’s important to explore this option early and make key decisions well in advance of your state’s tax credit deadlines. 

Should I pursue Adaptive Reuse instead? 

Adaptive Reuse is the process of repurposing an existing building for a different use, rather than constructing a new one. While Adaptive Reuse is fundamentally different from Historic Restoration, there is notable crossover between the two. For instance, both are rooted in sustainability and both have an underlying goal of preserving historic spaces. The key distinguisher, however, is that Adaptive Reuse is intended for conversions, such as old churches or office buildings being repurposed as restaurants or apartments. But if this aligns with your strategic goals, there are many benefits to Adaptive Reuse projects, including financial incentives, accelerated go-to-market timelines, and more. 

Historic Restoration work can be challenging. Aging structures are fragile and were not built with construction crews in mind. But an experienced partner can help you navigate the complexities of these projects, overcome logistical challenges, and develop creative solutions to realize your vision.

Trade31 is a carpentry-driven construction partner specializing in facade improvements, finish carpentry, specialty contracting, general trades and other custom services. Backed by a century-old tradition of doing it right, our precision carpenters and speciality builders thrive where complex environments meet high expectations. 

Field Notes:

On-the-job challenges and how we solved them

At Trade31, we don’t back down from a challenge. In fact, many of our precision builders believe the challenges are part of what makes the job fun.

“For many of us, the tougher it gets, the more interested we are,” says Vice President Bill Smith.

We asked a few of our dedicated team members to tell us about unique problems they’ve encountered in the field and how they led to some of their proudest accomplishments. Their stories show us that many of the best solutions arise from unexpected challenges.

Historic window replication at Vanderbilt University’s Kirkland Hall

As part of extensive renovations to the oldest building on Vanderbilt’s campus, Trade31 was tasked with updating all exterior windows to meet modern energy efficiency standards while maintaining the historic integrity of the facade. To achieve this, we recreated 240 windows based on 19 custom templates and installed them with expert precision and craftsmanship.

“They wanted windows that looked the same as they would have looked historically but were also energy efficient. This meant using glazed, insulated glass instead of single pane glass, to protect against the thermal properties of UV rays. But insulated glass is thicker than single pane glass, so the original sashes weren’t deep enough to hold the new windows. So not only did we recreate entirely new windows, but we also recreated the sashes so they’d be deep enough to fit them. To make everything look historically accurate, we used samples of the original windows to match designs to the exact shape and detailing of every window.”

– Bill Smith, Trade31 Vice President

“These windows passed a curtain wall test. That’s amazing. Typically, you wouldn’t perform any type of water test on historic wood windows. The frames are held together with nails and screws and wood glue, and water finds all sorts of ways to get through that. But the construction manager and the owner wanted to test these windows — so after initially thinking, “You can’t do a water test on these!” we said, “Ok, let’s do it.” As we anticipated, the first one didn’t pass, so we figured out where the leaks were coming from and made adjustments and fixed those issues on every single window. So now Kirkland Hall has historic wood windows that passed a curtain wall test with flying colors.”

– Steve Lanham, Trade31 Superintendent

Learn more about our Facade Improvements at Vanderbilt University’s Kirkland Hall

Facade Improvements
Expansion of the Mercantile Library

Located on the eleventh floor of the Mercantile Building, this historic library was founded in 1835 and is home to 85,000 volumes and counting. As they expanded into the twelfth floor to accommodate their growing collection, the Mercantile Library partnered with Trade31 on the interior renovations and exterior facade improvements — including custom casework and millwork, an iron spiral staircase, and replications of historic windows — to bring their vision to life.

“Safety was a primary concern with installing the twelfth floor windows. Ordinarily you’d use scaffolding and do the demo outside, because the area directly below would be cordoned off. But in this case, below was a city sidewalk that was still wide open to pedestrians. So instead of scaffolding, we designed a protective case of rigid styrofoam that we installed on the outside of the windows and pulled the windows inside the building for demo. This was a unique solution we created for this specific challenge.”

– Kris Ackley, Trade31 Superintendent

“In order to build a staircase from the eleventh to the twelfth floor, we needed to cut a hole in the twelfth floor and build a support system that could hold the impressive spiral steel staircase. The engineers initially planned for all new steel being used for that structural support, but we discovered that many of the steel beams we uncovered between the two floors could be repurposed and eliminate the need for new materials. This not only saved the library money but it also contributed to the overall sustainability efforts of this Historic Preservation project.”

– Greg Warner, Trade31 Senior Project Manager 

Historic Preservation of the Taft Museum of Art

Built around 1820, the Taft Museum of Art is a National Historic Landmark and the oldest freestanding wood structure in its original location in Cincinnati. This 200-year-old house, which holds a priceless art collection, was in dire need of structural renovation. To restore the museum to its former glory and preserve it for generations to come, Trade31 contributed to a meticulous restoration effort that included interior casework and millwork installation and extensive exterior facade improvements. 

“An interesting solution on this project was how we handled the siding. We were tasked with repairing the historic siding, which was wood installed in a tongue-and-groove pattern. We were expecting to remove it, repair it, and reinstall it. But what we discovered when we began peeling it back was there was much more damage and decay than anyone initially expected, particularly to the tongue pieces of each board. By removing the rotting pieces and preserving the healthy wood, we were able to create shiplap siding out of much of the original wood. Ultimately we recreated a historically accurate style of siding while preserving 70 percent of the original siding, which was a huge win from a Historic Preservation standpoint.”

– Bill Smith, Vice President for Trade31

Learn more about Trade31’s Historic Preservation work at the Taft Museum of Art

Historic Preservation

Trade31 is a carpentry-driven construction partner specializing in facade improvements, finish carpentry, specialty contracting, general trades and other custom services. Backed by a century-old tradition of doing it right, our precision carpenters and speciality builders thrive where complex environments meet high expectations. 

The Power of Facade Improvements

Your building’s facade is a veritable workhorse. As the first thing people see when passing or visiting your property, it is literally the face of your building and — when done right — has the aesthetic power to make a positive first impression. But in addition to a key design element, a facade is also a crucial protective layer, preserving the structural integrity of your building, shielding it from the elements, and boosting energy efficiency. 

With decades of experience as a leading installer of facade coverings, windows and doors, as well as a trusted construction partner, we’re here to support you as you determine how to enhance your building’s curb appeal and determine which facade improvements are worth pursuing. 

How do I choose the right facade covering?

Determining which facade covering is best for your building requires thoughtful consideration of many factors related to both form and function. Often, a building’s architect spearheads this effort, selecting a material that achieves an appropriate look and feel for the space while providing lasting protection and durability. As a trusted construction partner, we collaborate with architects and our clients to ensure the chosen facade covering is the most strategic option and is installed with the expert precision and craftsmanship Trade31 is known for. 

Generally, there are three categories of facade coverings we recommend:

Discover how we restored the historic wood siding at Taft Museum of Art to breathe new life into the 200-year-old house. 

What about windows and doors?

A facade is more than the exterior shell of your building. It also includes windows, doors, and any exterior architectural features, such as soffits, trim, and other decorative details. As with choosing a facade covering, both form and function must be considered when selecting which windows and doors to install. As a preferred installer for top-tier manufacturers, Trade31 brings our carpentry-driven craftsmanship to a wide range of materials and systems. 

Window options include:

Need interior windows? We also specialize in glass wall systems. 

Doors also come in a variety of materials and can be customized to fit your exact specifications and overall vision, from robust commercial doors designed for high-traffic areas to elegant residential doors. 

What’s the best way to modernize historic windows?

Old windows are an undeniably charming feature of historic buildings, but modernizing them helps maintain the structural integrity of aging buildings while improving energy efficiency. But what’s the best way to do it?

When it comes to modernizing aging windows, there are generally two options:

Discover how we used 19 custom templates to replicate 240 windows at Vanderbilt University.

Investing in your building’s facade can enhance curb appeal, improve energy efficiency, protect against the elements, and preserve its structural integrity for decades to come. Working with a trusted construction partner can help you determine which facade improvements are best for your project and help bring your vision to life. 

Trade31 is a carpentry-driven construction partner specializing in facade improvements, finish carpentry, specialty contracting, general trades and other custom services. Backed by a century-old tradition of doing it right, our precision carpenters and speciality builders thrive where complex environments meet high expectations.