Facade Testing Myths: Why Ratings Don’t Guarantee Performance featuring Eliot Benor

What does the industry actually look like right now - from the estimating desk to the curtain wall shop to the energy code? Recorded live at Facades+ DC, this episode of All Things Facades Podcast brings together seven voices from across the project team for a wide-ranging conversation on AI in estimating, design intent communication, prefabrication, supply chain sustainability, energy compliance, the curtain wall vs. window wall debate, and why the technical side of architecture still doesn't get the attention it deserves.Featuring:Jason Glatt - glazing contractor on AI, rebidding cycles, and domestic vs. offshore glazingMatthew Gifford - design intent, why it breaks down, and what it takes to carry it through constructionThilo Wilhelmsen - prefabrication, data centers, and why speed to enclosure is the new competitive edgeRaymond Shelton - YKK AP's vertical integration story and what supply chain control means for sustainabilityKevin Louder - where NFRC is headed in the commercial market and the limits of lab-rated performanceBrad Carpenter - the curtain wall vs. window wall debate and why bucketing them as products misses the pointGregory Overkamp - construction administration, design liability, and why the technical side of architecture gets overlookedIf you work anywhere near a facade, there's something in here for you.allthingsfacadesgroup.com

What does it really take to design, build, and perform in New York City - one of the most demanding and complex construction markets in the world?Recorded live at Facades+ NYC, this episode of the All Things Facades Podcast brings together Ben Caldwell of BIG, Eugene Korch of IAST, Jose Rodriguez of Thornton Tomasetti, Brad Prestbo of StudioNYL, Mitchell Joachim of Terreform ONE, Ricardo Daniel Diaz of Techne, and Chris Lalonde of W&W Glass for a wide-ranging conversation about the realities of building envelope work in New York today.The panel covers it all - from facade inspection mandates and the city's five-year FISP requirements, to the escalating performance targets of NYC's energy codes and what it really means to hit a plateau on building efficiency. The conversation goes into design intent versus specification reality, how glazing contractors navigate custom and complex scopes, and what a more sustainable and biodiverse approach to facades could look like in practice.Whether you're a designer, contractor, consultant, or owner, this episode captures the thinking happening behind the drawings - and the decisions that define how New York's building envelope continues to evolve.allthingsfacadesgroup.com

Are facade test ratings really telling you the full story?In this episode of All Things Facades, Eliot and Adrian break down what actually drives facade performance in the real world. From window and curtain wall testing to on-site quality control, they explain why lab ratings are just a starting point - not a guarantee.They dive into the real causes of leaks, highlighting how most failures come down to design gaps, poor interfaces, and air barrier discontinuities - not extreme weather. The discussion also explores when to bring in facade consultants, how to right-size testing requirements, and why over-specifying can drive unnecessary cost.The episode wraps with a look at modern composite systems like thermally broken aluminum, UPVC, and fiberglass, and why the industry needs better guidance and more targeted testing to keep up. If you want a clearer, more practical lens on facade design and performance, this conversation delivers.#AllThingsFacades #BuildingEnvelopeTesting #BET #FacadeConsultants #CurtainWall #WindowTesting #BuildingEnvelope #QualityControl #AirBarrier #WaterPenetration #FacadeDesign #ConstructionQuality #ThermalPerformance #UPVC #FiberglassWindows #ThermallyBrokenAluminum #BuildingScienceallthingsfacadesgroup.com

How far can window performance really go - and what’s holding the industry back from scaling better solutions?In this episode of All Things Facades Podcast, Stephen reflects on more than 50 years of innovation in window and façade technology. From the early research following the 1970s energy crisis to the development of low-E coatings, triple glazing, and vacuum-insulated glass, the conversation traces how performance improvements have shaped modern glazing systems.The discussion explores the practical limits of increasing insulation and why attention is shifting toward managing solar heat gain, glare, and daylight while maintaining occupant comfort and views. It also examines the real-world challenges of scaling new technologies, including supply chain constraints, manufacturer risk, and the complexity of commercial façade systems.The episode highlights the role of energy codes, pilot programs, incentives, and industry collaboration in helping proven technologies move from research into widespread market adoption.#AllThingsFacades #LawrenceBerkeleyLab #FacadeEngineering #BuildingScience #HighPerformanceWindows #LowEGlass #TripleGlazing #VacuumInsulatedGlass #EnergyCodes #GlazingTechnology #EnergyEfficiencyallthingsfacadesgroup.com

Can upgrading a building envelope actually increase asset value instead of just fixing problems?In this episode of All Things Facades Podcast, Scott Armstrong from Entuitive explores why re-cladding and re-glazing existing buildings should be viewed as strategic investments rather than simple capital repairs. Drawing from projects and market trends in Toronto, Scott explains how facade upgrades can help reposition aging buildings, improve tenant retention, and increase long-term asset value.The conversation dives into the technical realities of retrofit work - from anchors and mullions to structural investigations that determine whether modern façade systems can be installed on existing buildings. Scott also discusses how envelope upgrades can support broader decarbonization strategies when paired with low-carbon HVAC systems.From tower renewal projects to office repositioning, this episode highlights why some of the biggest opportunities for improving building performance may lie in the buildings that already exist.#AllThingsFacades #Entuitive #FacadeRetrofit #BuildingEnvelope #Recladding #Reskinning #ExistingBuildings #CurtainWall #FacadeEngineering #BuildingDecarbonization #HVACDecarbonization #TowerRenewal #FacadeDesign #FacadeConsulting #FacadeUpgradesallthingsfacadesgroup.com

What really determines whether a roof or facade system performs - the product, or the people installing it?In this episode of All Things Facades, we are joined by Edward and Manny for a candid conversation on roofing, waterproofing, and facade performance across contrasting regions like New York and South Florida. The discussion dives into why most leaks originate at transitions and penetrations rather than in the field membrane, the practical advantages of liquid-applied flashings, the realities of rain screen versus barrier systems, and how special inspections and QA/QC shape project outcomes.At its core, this episode reinforces a key industry truth: most systems can work - but long-term performance depends on thoughtful detailing and quality craftsmanship.#AllThingsFacades #MadocksArchitecture #FacadeEnvelope #Roofing #Waterproofing #BuildingEnvelope #FacadeEngineering #RainScreen #LiquidFlashing #MiamiDadeNOA #ConstructionQuality #SpecialInspections #BuildingScience #TradesMatterallthingsfacadesgroup.com

What does it really take to bend glass without compromising performance, quality, or design intent?In this episode of the All Things Facades Podcast, we sat down with Patrisia Yanez and Javier Sánchez Gil from Cristacurva to explore the craftsmanship and engineering behind high-performance curved and specialty glass. They break down the differences between float manufacturers, fabricators, and installers — and why fabrication plays such a critical role in today’s complex façade projects.From post-temperable coatings and laminated IG units to heat soaking, traceability, and aesthetic tolerances, the conversation highlights the precision required to deliver ambitious architectural designs. They also discuss the importance of early collaboration, plant visits, and mock-ups in aligning expectations and bringing bold concepts to life.If you’re involved in façade design, engineering, or installation, this episode offers valuable insight into the art and science of modern glass fabrication.#AllThingsFacades #Cristacurva #ArchitecturalGlass #CurvedGlass #GlassFabrication #FacadeEngineering #InsulatingGlass #HeatSoak #TemperedGlass #LaminatedGlass #StructuralGlass #GlassDesign #BuildingEnvelope #FacadeInnovation

What does it really take to deliver a façade in one of the most complex construction markets in the world?Recorded live at Facades+ San Francisco, this episode of All Things Facades Podcast features Jack Paal, Rebecca Sharkey, Karen Brandt, James Kraus, Brad Jacobson, Phillip Summers, and Felix Weber in a candid, high-energy discussion about the realities of building on the West Coast.From seismic demands and aggressive energy codes to supply chain pressure, rising costs, retrofit constraints, and performance expectations that keep climbing, the panel dives into the decisions happening behind the drawings. Where are teams taking risks? Where are owners pushing back? And how are façade specialists adapting their strategies to deliver resilient, buildable, and high-performing envelopes in today’s environment?This conversation goes beyond theory — it’s about field experience, lessons learned, and the mindset required to execute complex projects in San Francisco right now.#AllThingsFacades #FacadesPlus #TheArchitectsNewspaper #FacadesPlusSanFrancisco #FacadeEngineering #BuildingEnvelope #SeismicDesign #HighPerformanceFacades #GlazingIndustry #CurtainWallDesign #SustainabilityInDesign #UrbanConstruction #FacadeInnovation #BuildingResilience #AECLeadership

In this new episode of All Things Facades Podcast, industry experts Irene Martin and Tali Mejicovsky discuss how regional conditions, evolving climate patterns, and local codes shape façade design decisions. Drawing on experience from California, New York, and international markets, the conversation highlights how consistent best practices are adapted to different climates, building typologies, and regulatory environments.The discussion explores the increasing use of performance-based design approaches, including energy modeling and selective wind tunnel testing, and why going beyond prescriptive code minimums can improve comfort, reduce overdesign, and support long-term resilience. The episode closes with a candid look at professional responsibility, code enforcement, and what it means to design façades in an era of shifting climate, materials, and expectations; reinforcing why informed decision-making, early collaboration, and thoughtful performance analysis are more critical than ever.#AllThingsFacades #Arup #TurnerConstruction #FacadeEngineering #BuildingEnvelope #ClimateResilience #PerformanceBasedDesign #GlazingSystems #FireSafety #FacadeConsultants #BuildingCodes

In this episode of All Things Facades Podcast, we sat down with Russ and Richard for a practical, experience-driven discussion on the realities of architectural glass design today. Drawing from decades in glass engineering and investigation, they explore emerging glazing technologies, performance targets, and why higher thermal performance often comes with added risk and complexity.The conversation covers critical trade-offs around U-value, solar control, embodied carbon, appearance, durability, and serviceability, along with the growing influence of codes, climate, and impact-resistant glazing. From thermal stress failures and spandrel issues to fabrication consistency and replacement logistics, this episode highlights the importance of early owner engagement, clear communication, and sound engineering judgment when specifying glass façades.#AllThingsFacades #StructuralGlass #ArchitecturalGlass #FacadeEngineering #GlassDesign #HighPerformanceFacades #ThermalStress #ImpactGlazing #HurricaneGlazing #IGUDesign #BuildingEnclosures #FacadeConsulting #GlassEngineering