The 9 Fundamentals of Managing a Glazing Project — Without Losing Control
Managing a glazing project isn’t just about placing glass panels.
The Insights
Managing a glazing project isn’t just about placing glass panels. It’s a complex puzzle that combines precision, technical requirements, materials logistics, and field coordination — all under tight timelines. Whether you're a PM, estimator, or installer, here are the 9 core elements you need to keep under control if you want your next glazing project to run smoothly (and profitably).
Shop Drawings
Everything starts here. Your shop drawings must be accurate, reviewed, and approved - not just by the architect, but internally too.
Involve your team in the review
Label everything clearly
Confirm alignment with how your field crew actually installs
Poorly detailed shop drawings = expensive problems down the line.
Shop Drawing Review
Some projects require engineering review, others just manufacturer input. Either way, treat this step as non-optional.
Watch glass type, thickness, and quantity
Align with code - spec requirements
Don’t forget to double-check wind load charts
Bonus tip: Always order extra glass. It’s not optional - it’s insurance.
Stock Length Take-Off
Optimization software is your best friend - if you feed it clean data.
Work component by component
Use highlighters and check off each entry
Add margin for breakage, transit damage, or fabrication errors
A precise take-off = less waste, fewer delays.
Glass Take-Off
Start with the DLO (Daylight Opening) and factor in the bite or inset required by the system. This varies by manufacturer, system type, and even detail.
Use a spreadsheet
Label each panel for easy field installation
Pay special attention to tempered or heat-strengthened glass
Double-check, always.
Entrances
Doors are always trickier than they seem.
Match floor plan handing with elevation handing
Hardware can be a mess; stay close to your supplier
RFIs are better than ordering the wrong thing
Avoid the classic "door-hand-left vs hand-right" nightmare.
Glazing Vinyl (Gaskets)
Ordered by the roll - usually 250 or 500.
Identify where each gasket is used
Refer back to your installation instructions
Watch for non-standard glass thicknesses
Drafting teams might default to manufacturer details - always verify they fit your exact conditions.
Fasteners & Anchors
Engineer-approved? Great, follow it to the letter.
No engineer? Then you better research:
Proper type
Quantity
Spacing and edge distances
Order 5% extra. Fasteners always go missing, get stripped, or drop three stories mid-install.
Sealants
Sealants are your last line of defense against the elements.
Compatibility is everything
Primer? Have it. Use it.
Field team needs tools and training to install it properly
Different joints = different sealants. Exterior, interior, structural, perimeter, all need to be treated individually.
9.Flashings
Pulled directly from your shop drawings and broken down by material.
Most are aluminum, but others (like stainless steel) may be required
Fabricators need type, thickness, length, and leg dimensions
Need end dams? Ask the same vendor - don’t split it
➤ Final Thought: Control = Profit
Glazing projects succeed or fail in the details. At ANANTA, we help you automate the technical backend, so your team can focus on execution - not rework.