Denver-based commercial glazing contractor Horizon Glass has become the first in Colorado and 61^st overall to earn North American Contractor Certification (NACC). NACC is an ANSI-accredited, award-winning, third-party certification that recognizes architectural glass and metal subcontractors who adhere to best practices for glazing quality, construction safety, and business operations. By earning NACC, Horizon Glass affirmed its voluntary commitment to meeting high construction standards.

“NACC made us completely redefine what quality means and gave us a whole new discipline for accountability,” explained Horizon Glass President Louis Sigman. He said the Quality Management System (QMS) component of NACC – which requires certified contractors to have documented procedures in place – inspired he and his team to look at every aspect of operations and define best practices. Sigman added, “For any company considering NACC, you must share the journey and the finish line with everyone in your organization, so it means something to everybody.”

Horizon Glass General Superintendent Frank Bueno, Safety Director Rick Taylor, and Sigman spent nine months working with their 140-person staff and NACC administrators to undergo a series of rigorous assessments and to implement standard written procedures and the QMS. To maintain certification, Horizon Glass will be reevaluated annually to confirm its business and glazing practices remain at the high standards NACC requires.

Horizon Glass completes large-scale glazing installation projects for commercial clients in the education, government, healthcare, and retail/mixed-use markets. The company is nationally recognized for fabrication of contract glazing products and systems and has completed multiple LEED certified projects. Horizon Glass is a signatory member of the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades (IUPAT) District Council 81 that employs members of Glaziers Local Union 930. Recent Horizon Glass projects have included the Denver Art Museum Renovation; new construction of the Northglenn Justice Center in Northglenn, Colo.; and the new two-building Boulder Campus headquarters for Google.

“By becoming the first to earn NACC in Colorado, Horizon Glass has shown the program’s value to other glazing contractors in the state,” said NACC Program Administrator Jeff Dalaba. “NACC gives peace of mind to building owners, architects, construction managers, and insurers. Hiring a credentialed glazing subcontractor reduces stakeholder risk by providing verified evidence of adherence to the highest standards and best practices for quality and safety.”

Since its 2015 launch, the NACC program has certified 61 glazing subcontractors in 22 states and Canada. Over 70 more companies are progressing toward certification in 2023. Glazing contractors can earn the NACC credential in one or more of eight categories based on the company’s operations. Horizon Glass earned NACC in all eight categories: interior and exterior entry systems, interior glazing, building envelope low-rise, building envelope high-rise, horizontal glazing, active glass, and service work.