Division 08 is one of 50 divisions in the CSI MasterFormat — the standard system used to organize construction specifications in the U.S. Division 08 covers Openings: every door, window, storefront, curtainwall, skylight, hardware set, and piece of glazing in the building.
What Is the CSI MasterFormat?
The Construction Specifications Institute (CSI) MasterFormat is the standard organizational framework for construction project specifications. It divides all construction work into 50 numbered divisions. General contractors, architects, and subcontractors use MasterFormat to organize project documents, bids, and contracts.
Each division groups related work together. Division 03 is Concrete. Division 05 is Metals. Division 09 is Finishes. And Division 08 is Openings.
When an architect writes specifications for a building, they follow the MasterFormat numbering. When a GC receives bids from subcontractors, the scope is defined by division and section numbers. Knowing Division 08 is knowing your glazing scope.
Division 08 at a Glance
Division 08 includes all the components that create openings in building walls, floors, and roofs. This covers far more than just glass — it includes doors, frames, hardware, and everything needed to make those openings functional, safe, and code-compliant.
| Section | Title | What It Covers |
|---|---|---|
| 08 11 | Metal Doors and Frames | Hollow metal doors, steel frames, fire-rated doors |
| 08 14 | Wood Doors | Flush wood doors, stile and rail, fire-rated wood |
| 08 31 | Access Doors and Panels | Ceiling and wall access panels, roof hatches |
| 08 33 | Coiling Doors and Grilles | Rolling steel doors, coiling grilles, fire shutters |
| 08 34 | Special Function Doors | Blast-resistant, blast-rated, security vault doors |
| 08 38 | Traffic Doors | Flexible traffic doors, impact traffic doors |
| 08 41 | Entrances and Storefronts | Aluminum storefront systems, entrance doors, automatic entrances |
| 08 43 | Storefronts | Aluminum storefront framing, non-entrance glazing |
| 08 44 | Curtain Wall and Glazed Assemblies | Stick-built curtainwall, unitized curtainwall, window wall |
| 08 45 | Translucent Wall and Roof Assemblies | Polycarbonate panels, translucent glazing systems |
| 08 51 | Metal Windows | Aluminum windows, fixed and operable, commercial grade |
| 08 52 | Wood Windows | Clad wood windows, historic wood windows |
| 08 56 | Special Function Windows | Security windows, detention windows, pass windows |
| 08 62 | Unit Skylights | Pre-manufactured skylight units, dome skylights |
| 08 63 | Metal-Framed Skylights | Custom aluminum-framed skylights, ridge skylights |
| 08 71 | Door Hardware | Hinges, locks, closers, exit devices, door stops |
| 08 74 | Access Control Hardware | Electrified hardware, card readers, electric strikes |
| 08 80 | Glazing | Glass types, IGUs, laminated glass, spandrel glass |
| 08 84 | Plastic Glazing | Polycarbonate panels, acrylic glazing |
| 08 88 | Special Function Glazing | Fire-rated glass, bullet-resistant glass, bird-friendly glass |
Why Division 08 Matters for GCs
Division 08 is one of the most complex divisions on any commercial project. It touches the building envelope, fire protection systems, life safety egress, ADA compliance, energy code, and structural loading — all in the same package.
A poorly managed Division 08 scope creates problems everywhere:
- Failed inspections because glass labels are missing or products aren't approved
- Delayed occupancy because fire-rated assemblies aren't installed correctly
- Water intrusion because sealants were applied wrong or systems weren't flashed properly
- ADA violations because door hardware doesn't meet accessibility requirements
- Energy code failures because glazing U-values don't match what was specified
The solution is a Division 08 specialist — a glazing subcontractor who knows the codes, the products, and the installation requirements across all sections. ACG handles Division 08 glazing work across Florida. Learn more on our Division 08 subcontractor page.
Glazing Sub vs. General Glass
There's an important distinction on larger commercial projects. A qualified glazing subcontractor handles Sections 08 41 through 08 88 — storefront, curtainwall, windows, and all glazing. Doors (08 11, 08 14) and hardware (08 71) may go to separate subcontractors on complex projects, or can be bundled with the glazing sub on simpler ones.
On a typical Florida commercial building, the glazing sub is responsible for:
- Submitting product approvals and shop drawings
- Coordinating with the architect on glass specs and performance requirements
- Installing all framing systems per manufacturer instructions
- Supplying and installing all glass
- Applying all glazing sealants
- Passing inspections for glass labeling, product approvals, and installation
ACG works as a glazing subcontractor across Florida. We handle Division 08 glazing scope on commercial, multifamily, institutional, and specialty projects. More on what GCs need from us on our GC resources page.
Division 08 in Florida: Special Considerations
Florida's Division 08 scope is more complex than most states. The Florida Building Code adds requirements that don't exist elsewhere:
- Florida Product Approvals: Every glazing product installed under a Florida building permit needs a FL PA number or Miami-Dade NOA. This applies to storefront systems, curtainwall, windows, and doors.
- HVHZ requirements: Projects in Miami-Dade and Broward counties require Miami-Dade NOA-approved systems for all exterior glazing.
- Impact glazing requirements: Most Florida coastal projects require impact-rated glazing throughout — not just in wind-exposed areas.
- Large missile impact testing: Florida requires large missile impact (9 lb, 2x4) testing for most commercial glazing — stricter than the small missile standard used elsewhere.
See our full services page for a breakdown of what ACG handles in each Division 08 section.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Division 08 in construction?
Division 08 is the Openings division of the CSI MasterFormat specification system. It covers all components that create openings in a building: doors, windows, storefronts, curtainwall, window wall, skylights, hardware, glazing, and louvers. It is one of 50 divisions in the MasterFormat used to organize construction specifications.
What sub-sections are in Division 08?
Division 08 runs from 08 11 (Metal Doors and Frames) through 08 88 (Special Function Glazing). Key sections include: 08 41 Entrances and Storefronts, 08 44 Curtain Wall and Glazed Assemblies, 08 51 Metal Windows, 08 71 Door Hardware, 08 80 Glazing, and 08 88 Special Function Glazing (fire-rated and bullet-resistant glass). The full table above lists every section.
Who installs Division 08 work on a commercial project?
Division 08 work is typically split between a glazing subcontractor (storefronts, curtainwall, window wall, windows, and glass), a door subcontractor (hollow metal doors and frames), and a hardware supplier. On most commercial projects, the glazing subcontractor handles everything from Section 08 41 through 08 88. A dedicated Division 08 glazing subcontractor like ACG can handle all glazing-related work under a single contract, simplifying coordination for the GC.