Why glazing scopes generate more RFIs than most trades
Division 08 work sits at the intersection of architecture, structural engineering, and energy code compliance. The glazing contractor must resolve conditions that three or four design disciplines touched — slab edge geometry from the structural engineer, anchor conditions from the architect's details, glass spec from the glazing spec section, and code compliance from the energy analysis. When those inputs conflict, the resolution must happen through RFI before fabrication begins.
Glazing materials are custom-fabricated with 10–18 week lead times for curtainwall and 6–10 weeks for storefront. A missing anchor condition discovered after material is ordered is a schedule problem, not just a paperwork issue. Thorough RFI coordination in pre-construction is the most important schedule protection tool ACG has.
RFI lifecycle — from identification to resolution
Phase 1 — Identifying the condition
ACG reviews drawings before submitting shop drawings. During that review, we systematically check each condition: sill, head, jamb, mullion, anchor, glass, hardware. When something is missing, ambiguous, or internally inconsistent, we log it for RFI. Common discovery points: shop drawing preparation, site verification survey, pre-construction coordination meetings.
Phase 2 — Writing and submitting the RFI
A well-written RFI is specific. It cites the drawing sheet number and detail, the specification section, and the exact question. Vague RFIs waste response time. ACG's standard RFI format includes: project name and number, RFI number, date submitted, required response date, specification reference, drawing reference, issue description, and proposed resolution (if ACG has one). The proposed resolution accelerates the review process for the architect.
Phase 3 — GC routing to architect or EOR
ACG submits the RFI to the GC through Procore. The GC reviews and routes to the architect of record, or to the structural engineer of record if it is an anchor or structural question. The GC maintains the RFI log and tracks response dates. ACG monitors for overdue responses and escalates to the GC if the required response date passes.
Phase 4 — Response and disposition
The architect (or EOR) returns a response through the GC. ACG reviews the response for three things: (1) does it answer the question, (2) does it change the scope of work, (3) does it affect other pending RFIs or submittals. If the response generates a scope change, ACG issues a PCO within 5 business days.
Common Division 08 RFI types
| RFI type | Description | Frequency | Typical resolution time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Missing head/sill condition | Detail not shown for a specific location; ACG cannot fabricate anchor without it | Very high | 7–10 BD |
| Anchor condition — slab edge | Slab edge geometry, embed plate location, or anchor type not coordinated with structural | High | 10–14 BD (EOR review) |
| Product substitution | Specified product discontinued, not available, or not NOA-listed for project conditions | Moderate | 7–14 BD (architect approval) |
| Glass type conflict | Spec section calls for different glass than glazing schedule; tint, coating, or thickness mismatch | Moderate | 5–7 BD |
| Code clarification — HVHZ | Whether project location requires Miami-Dade NOA vs Florida Product Approval | Moderate | 5–7 BD |
| Missing dimensions | Clear opening dimensions not shown; frame size cannot be confirmed without them | Moderate | 5–7 BD |
| Thermal performance target | Energy code U-factor requirement not met by specified system; upgrade needed | Low–moderate | 7–10 BD |
| Hardware coordination | Door hardware specified in Section 08 71 does not coordinate with frame prep in Section 08 41 | Low | 7 BD |
How ACG documents RFIs in Procore
ACG uses a standardized Procore RFI template on every project. Each RFI is assigned a sequential number (e.g., ACG-RFI-001), tagged to the relevant spec section and drawing, and given a required response date based on the project schedule. The RFI log exports as a PDF or Excel for GC distribution and is preserved as a permanent project record.
For GCs not operating in Procore, ACG maintains a parallel RFI log in our own Procore environment and transmits RFIs via the GC's preferred method. We do not rely on email chains for RFI documentation — every item gets a numbered log entry regardless of how it is transmitted.
What ACG includes in every RFI
- Project name, project number, and ACG contract number
- RFI number (sequential, per project)
- Date submitted and required response date
- Specification section(s) at issue
- Drawing sheet and detail reference
- Issue description — specific, not general
- Proposed resolution from ACG (where feasible)
- Attachments: marked-up drawing PDFs, photos, manufacturer data as applicable
RFI response and PCO protocol
When an RFI response reveals a scope change — a detail that adds work, a product upgrade required by the response, or a condition that changes the anchor engineering — ACG submits a PCO within 5 business days. We document the connection between the RFI number and the PCO number so the change order trail is clear. This protects both ACG and the GC from scope creep disputes at project closeout.
RFI responses that confirm existing scope with no change do not generate a PCO. ACG closes the RFI in Procore and notes "no cost impact" in the disposition field.
Frequently asked questions
What is the standard RFI response time for commercial glazing?
ACG targets 7 business days for standard Division 08 RFIs. RFIs involving structural anchor conditions, NOA compliance, or substitution requests that require manufacturer engineering may take 10–14 business days. We flag the expected response time when the RFI is submitted.
Who initiates RFIs on a glazing project?
ACG initiates RFIs directed to the GC, who routes them to the architect or EOR. The GC is the contractual conduit. ACG does not contact the architect directly unless specifically authorized in the subcontract or on design-build projects.
Does ACG use Procore for RFI tracking?
Yes. ACG manages RFIs through Procore on every project where the GC operates in Procore. For other platforms, ACG parallel-tracks in our own Procore and maintains documentation for the project record.
What is a substitution RFI in glazing?
A substitution RFI requests approval to use a different manufacturer or product than spec. ACG documents substitution RFIs with full technical comparisons — frame depth, glass bite, thermal performance, NOA coverage — for the architect's review.
How does RFI coordination affect lead times?
ACG cannot release shop drawings — and therefore cannot release material to fabrication — until critical RFIs are resolved. An unresolved anchor RFI can delay a 14-week curtainwall order by weeks. Clearing the RFI log as early as possible in pre-construction is the best schedule protection measure available.
What happens when the GC does not respond to an RFI by the required date?
ACG follows up in writing on the day the required response date passes. If response is further delayed and it is impacting the fabrication schedule, ACG escalates to the GC's project executive and documents the delay in Procore. Schedule impacts from unanswered RFIs are tracked and submitted as time impact claims if the delay extends beyond 10 business days past the required date.
Send drawings to ACG
Send us your drawings and we will identify the RFI items before bid. A pre-bid RFI list from ACG saves time during pre-construction and produces more accurate pricing. FL CGC #1531993. 350+ projects completed.
Related resources
- Bid & Procurement Hub — Division 08 overview
- Commercial glazing submittal process
- AIA G702 / G703 pay applications for glazing
- Storefront vs curtainwall — system selection
- Florida HVHZ glazing contractor
- Architect CSI spec sections
- Florida Product Approval & NOA index
- Commercial glass cost data — 2026