indows are a building’s first impression. But in Alaska communities, windows must do more than look good: they must withstand winds over 100 mph and provide insulation in frigid temperatures.

Capitol Glass, formerly Capitol Northerm, provides windows, doors, and custom glass for projects statewide, ranging from single-family homes to hospitals and schools.

Capitol Glass is the Alaska source for Northerm windows: double, triple, and quad-paned windows featuring rubber gaskets, foam spacers between panes, and exceptionally thick, multi-chambered profiles. They are rated to withstand 165 mph winds and have high U-factor ratings (non-solar heat transfer) and condensation resistance numbers from the National Fenestration Rating Council.

Matt Pennington, co-owner of Window Medics and Climate Control of Alaska, cites the all-around component quality, including thicker vinyl, as the reason Northerm’s products are his “go-to window.”

Pennington also lauds Capitol Glass’ flexibility and expertise. He recalls a hotel project for which exterior installation would have required diverting power from nearby lines at the customer’s expense. Capitol Glass engineered a custom product that could be fully installed from within, greatly reducing project costs.

Capital Glass’ local knowledge also helps clients avoid last-minute or excessive costs. “Logistics takes up a large part of any supplier’s time and bandwidth in Alaska,” says Capitol Glass General Manager Zac Shelton.

Shelton explains, “At certain times of year there are certain ways to get products to certain communities. An air carrier can only carry certain sized crates, and different carriers have different requirements for how they want their crates built. To meet those logistical constraints, we may need to help customers with design of large windows using combined, smaller openings to create a unified large piece. If it’s getting on a barge, we need to prioritize those orders knowing when that barge is going to leave and making sure it gets there.”

Products are custom-crated in house and delivered by company staff to the airport.

Even on the road system, flexibility is key. Shelton recalls having a load of windows meet a customer at the Hub of Alaska gas station parking lot in Glennallen because that was the best place for the customer to arrange for labor to help unload.

Capitol Glass employee Michael Funner builds a custom crate for a window heading to Samuel Simmonds Memorial Hospital in Utqiaġvik.

Zac Shelton photo

Capitol Glass has had more than seventy years to get to know Alaska and what it takes to do business here.

Eventually, the company transitioned from automotive glass work to manufacturing. Now, windows are manufactured at a plant in Whitehorse, Canada, owned by sister company Northerm. Insulated and custom glass is made in Anchorage. Both companies are part of the RAB Energy Group, which bought the business from the Phelps family in 2000. Shelton adds that Northerm is 100% Yukon First Nations owned, which he says he believes provides a strong connection to Alaska Native corporate customers.

Throughout the changes, the Phelps family has stayed part of the company. Byron “BJ” Phelps Jr. grew up in the shop with his dad, Byron Phelps, and spent summers sweeping the shop floors. BJ joined the company as a full-time employee in 1997. Over his long career, BJ has done just about everything from delivery driving to glazing and auto-glass replacement. You can find him today as the lead on tablework, which is the art of hand-cutting custom glass and mirror orders.

Shelton has been GM at Capitol Glass for just over a year. He came from a background in big box retail management. He enjoys that with just twelve employees, the company provides “a great opportunity to get to know each other and enjoy the people you work with. A lot more responsibility is on each person to be a positive part of the team. When your crating person is out, you’ve got to help. When there’s a family emergency, we can all step in.”

Shelton appreciates the networking made possible by being part of the Associated General Contractors (AGC) of Alaska. “AGC has been good in helping build a network of local contractors and getting visibility into projects early. It’s been great to be a part of that.”

Looking toward the future, Shelton says he’s “excited to see continuing evolution in windows. There’s a trend into large glass with smaller frames, whether it’s fiberglass or aluminum. The challenge for us is continuing to meet that aesthetic while still getting the performance that Alaska demands. There are some new frames coming online in the next couple of years. I’m excited to see how that plays out. You can have a great open sightline so you can see those mountains and still have a window that can withstand 165 mph winds.”

Shelton adds that he is always on the lookout for the right projects for Northerm’s quad-pane windows, citing its “fantastic thermal performance.”

After more than seventy years, Capitol Glass has not forgotten what glass is for. Shelton reflects, “There’s so much real estate that you’re paying a premium for because of the view.”