The Pain of Panes: New Windows in Short Supply

ORLANDO, Fla. – Glass joined the list of building materials in short supply. A range of industries, including shower door manufacturers and window installers, report glass shortages. Nearly two-thirds of home builders cited windows as their biggest material shortage, according to a recent survey from John Burns Real Estate Consulting. Rounding out the top four in additional shortages are lumber, engineered wood products and concrete. Window delays could range from four to 15 weeks, though some are stretching up to 45 weeks. Why glass? An international logistics backlog led to shortages of glass and other materials, experts say. Many glass manufacturers have moved operations overseas, and China, Mexico and India traditionally export the most glass and stone to the U.S. The problem also impacts other industries. The glass shortage has especially affected the supply of glass jars and bottles, a contributor to the rising cost of grocery products lately SOURCE:“Builders Reeling From Painful Window Shortage,” BusinessObserverFl.com (Nov. 10, 2021) and “Why Glass Is So Hard to Find Right Now – and How to Deal With the Shortage,” Inc.com (Nov. 23, 2021)