Glazing bidding requires understanding of window systems, glass performance requirements, and installation methods. This guide helps glazing contractors win profitable commercial projects.
Understanding Glazing Bid Documents
Architectural Drawings
Key Drawing Types
- Exterior elevations
- Wall sections
- Curtain wall details
- Storefront details
- Window schedules
Information to Extract
- System types
- Glass specifications
- Frame finishes
- Opening sizes
- Performance requirements
Specifications
Division 08 Sections
- 08 11 00 - Metal Doors and Frames
- 08 41 00 - Entrances and Storefronts
- 08 44 00 - Curtain Wall and Glazed Assemblies
- 08 80 00 - Glazing
- 08 83 00 - Mirrors
Critical Details
- System specifications
- Performance requirements
- Glass specifications
- Finish requirements
- Testing requirements
Glazing System Types
Curtain Wall
Types
- Stick-built systems
- Unitized systems
- Structural glazing
- Point-supported
Components
- Mullions
- Transoms
- Glass units
- Gaskets and sealants
- Anchors
Storefront
Applications
- Retail entrances
- Office lobbies
- Low-rise facades
- Interior partitions
Components
- Framing members
- Glass
- Doors
- Hardware
- Sealants
Windows
Types
- Fixed windows
- Operable windows
- Curtain wall windows
- Punched openings
Operation Types
- Casement
- Awning
- Hopper
- Sliding
- Hung
Specialty Glazing
Applications
- Skylights
- Sloped glazing
- Fire-rated glazing
- Blast-resistant
- Hurricane-impact
Takeoff Methods
Area Calculations
Process
- Calculate gross facade area
- Identify system types
- Separate by specification
- Include returns and soffits
Glass Calculations
- Measure each lite
- Account for IGU makeup
- Add cutting waste (5-10%)
Linear Measurements
Frame Components
- Mullions (vertical)
- Transoms (horizontal)
- Perimeter framing
- Intermediate members
Unit Counts
Items
- Doors and frames
- Operable units
- Hardware sets
- Anchors and clips
- Sealant joints
Pricing Components
Materials
Major Items
- Framing systems
- Glass units
- Hardware
- Sealants and gaskets
- Anchors and brackets
Cost Factors
- System manufacturer
- Finish requirements
- Glass specifications
- Lead times
Fabrication
Activities
- Frame fabrication
- Glass cutting
- IGU assembly
- Hardware prep
- Finishing
Cost Factors
- Complexity
- Quantity
- Custom requirements
- Quality standards
Installation Labor
Major Tasks
- Layout and anchoring
- Frame installation
- Glass setting
- Sealing
- Cleanup
Productivity Factors
- System type
- Building height
- Access conditions
- Weather constraints
Glass Specifications
Performance Factors
- U-value
- SHGC
- VLT
- Acoustic rating
Cost Impact
- Coatings
- Gas fill
- Spacer type
- Glass thickness
Common Bidding Mistakes
Scope Gaps
Frequently Missed
- Perimeter sealants
- Fire safing
- Sunshades/louvers
- Bird deterrents
- Access equipment
- Protection
Labor Underestimation
Watch For
- Complex geometry
- High-rise logistics
- Coordination delays
- Weather days
- Punch list scope
Specification Oversights
Check Carefully
- Performance requirements
- Testing requirements
- Mock-up scope
- Warranty terms
- Finish standards
Performance Requirements
Thermal Performance
Standards
- U-value requirements
- SHGC requirements
- Condensation resistance
- Energy code compliance
Cost Impact
- IGU makeup
- Frame materials
- Thermal breaks
- Coating selections
Structural Performance
Requirements
- Wind load resistance
- Seismic performance
- Impact resistance
- Deflection limits
Testing
- Air infiltration
- Water penetration
- Structural testing
- Chamber testing
Acoustic Performance
STC Requirements
- Building code minimums
- Project specifications
- Adjacent use considerations
Solutions
- Glass thickness
- Laminated glass
- Airspace width
- Asymmetric IGU
Quality Control
Mock-Ups
Purpose
- Verify appearance
- Test performance
- Establish standards
- Training opportunity
Cost Factors
- Mock-up size
- Testing scope
- Location
- Duration
Testing
Field Tests
- Air infiltration
- Water penetration
- Structural
- Impact
Documentation
- Test reports
- Certifications
- Warranty documents
Working With GCs
Coordination
Key Interfaces
- Structural frame
- Backup wall
- Waterproofing
- MEP penetrations
- Interior finishes
Schedule
- Shop drawing approval
- Fabrication time
- Delivery sequence
- Installation duration
Protection
Requirements
- Glass protection
- Frame protection
- Adjacent work
- Final cleaning
Installation Considerations
Access Equipment
Options
- Scaffolding
- Swing stages
- Mast climbers
- Cranes
Cost Factors
- Building height
- Access duration
- Site conditions
- Safety requirements
Weather Limitations
Constraints
- Temperature limits
- Wind limits
- Rain/moisture
- Season planning
Cost Impact
- Schedule duration
- Protective measures
- Premium time
Safety Requirements
Key Areas
- Fall protection
- Glass handling
- Material staging
- Public protection
Public Project Requirements
Prevailing Wage
Classifications
- Glaziers
- Laborers
- Crane operators
Compliance
- Correct rates
- Certified payroll
- Documentation
Buy America
Requirements
- Domestic materials
- Documentation
- Certification
- Price impact
Documentation
Submittals
- Shop drawings
- Product data
- Samples
- Test reports
- Certifications
Warranty Requirements
System Warranties
Types
- Frame finish warranty
- Glass warranty
- IGU seal warranty
- Water infiltration warranty
Duration
- Frame: 5-10 years
- Glass: 10 years
- IGU seal: 10-20 years
- Water: 5-10 years
Contractor Warranties
Scope
- Workmanship
- Water infiltration
- Air infiltration
- Duration
Technology in Glazing Bidding
Estimating Software
Options
- WinBidPro
- GlassManager
- Custom databases
- Manufacturer tools
Features
- Takeoff tools
- Material databases
- Labor libraries
- BOM generation
BIM Applications
Benefits
- Quantity extraction
- Coordination
- Shop drawing generation
- Panel scheduling
Competitive Strategies
Differentiation
Beyond Price
- Quality reputation
- Technical capability
- Schedule reliability
- Warranty backing
Value Engineering
Options
- System alternatives
- Glass alternatives
- Installation methods
- Phasing options
Conclusion
Successful glazing bidding requires accurate quantities, proper system identification, and comprehensive scope understanding. Measure carefully. Understand performance requirements. Include all installation costs. Plan for logistics.
The glazing contractors who win profitable work combine estimating accuracy with quality installation and reliable warranty backing.
ConstructionBids.ai helps glazing contractors find commercial opportunities for office buildings, retail, healthcare, and educational facilities.
