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comment Division 08: Openings
3M
www.3m.com/prestigeseries
October 2006
The Prestige window film series from 3M is the first clear and non-metal based window films to significantly reduce heat and UV rays entering residential or commercial buildings, according to the manufacturer. The absence of metal prevents against corrosion on the film and eliminates interference with wireless and cellular signals. During summer and in warmer climates, the Prestige Series blocks up to 66 percent of heat penetrating the window.
Alcan Composites USA
www.alcancompositesusa.com
November 2006
For the new global headquarters for engineering and construction
company Fluor Corp in Irving, Texas, Alcan Composites USA created
custom sunscreen louvers of Alucobond aluminum composite material. The
energy-saving sunscreen louvers were designed, fabricated, and
delivered for installation faster than a competing pre-manufactured
sunscreen, and contributed to the project's submission for certification by the USGBC's LEED rating system.
The sunscreen louvers were designed to reduce the building heat load
and shade the glass-lined dining area and in image-lined history walk-up.
Algoma Hardwoods, Inc.
www.algomahardwoods.com
December 2000
Algoma Hardwoods, a supplier of architectural wood doors for
commercial and institutional buildings, has earned a SmartWood
Certification, permitting the company to build and supply
environmentally certified wood doors.
Alpen Energy Group
www.alpeneg.com
December 2007
Alpen uses a combination of suspended low-e heat mirror films, low-e coatings on glass, low-iron glass that increase visible light transmittance, low-conductivity gas fill (including krypton and xenon), pultruded fiberglass frames insulated in vacuum silica aerogel packets, and low-conductivity glazing spacers, to provide the 13Ž8'' Alpenglass fiberglass windows with a range of properties for different needs.
Andersen Corporation
www.andersenwindows.com
April 2006 updated
Andersen Corporation, makers of Andersen windows and patio
doors, refuses to source wood from endangered forests and
gives preference to Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) or equivalent
wood supplies in the manufacture of its products. The FSC
is an international, independent, non-profit organization
with a diverse membership representing environmental, business,
and social interests.
Andersen is NFRC rated and labeled, Energy Star compliant in all climate zones, and Green Seal certified.
Andersen Windows¹ high performance Low-E4 glass features an exterior coating that, when activated by sunlight, helps reduce dirt build-up and water spots, and promotes faster drying. Exclusive to Andersen windows and doors, the glass will be standard on the manufacturer¹s 400 Series products. Low-E4 glass is on average 41 percent more energy efficient in summer and 35 percent more energy efficient in winter than standard dual-pane glass. The glass coatings also can reduce glare and cut UV light by 83 percent.
Bieber USA
www.bieberusa.com
April 2007
Bieber USA¹s solid three ply seasoned eucalyptus is harvested from FSC certified South American plantations. A low-maintenance, renewable hardwood alternative to mahogany and teak options, the custom designed windows and doors are finished with water-based finishes. Unlike traditional American windows, Bieber¹s tilt and turn functionality allows the windows to open easily and completely inward.
Daylite Co.
www.dayliteco.com
August 2001
Daylighting skylight units can totally eliminate the need
for electrical lighting during daylight hours. Daylite has
manufactured tubular skylights for the home and in the last
few years has developed and patented a commercial unit for
use in warehouses, schools, sports facilities, etc.
Joel Berman Glass Studios
www.jbermanglass.com
August 2002
Joel Berman Glass Studios uses a process of recycling and
reusing tempered glass which traditionally can not be processed
any further.
The Bilco Company
www.bilco.com
January 2002
The Lumivent automatic fire vent's multi-wall cover construction
provides an increase of more than 40 percent in insulation
performance when compared to traditional domes.
CPFilms, Inc.
www.cpfilms.com
December 2000
Vista UVShield window films by CPFilms help control solar
energy by helping to reduce excessive heat gain, glare, hot
spots, and wasted energy while blocking 99.9 percent of all
damaging ultraviolet rays. The Skin Cancer Foundation awarded
the product the prestigious Seal of Recommendation.
CPI
www.cpidaylighting.com
Controlite panels consist of proprietary translucent half-cylinder
Rota-blades built into translucent light transmitting polycarbonate
panels. When fully open they allow for a maximum of 60 percent
light transmission; when closed, they allow a minimum of 6
percent. The angle of the Rota-blades is completely adjustable
through a manual, motorized, or a fully-automated system that
adjusts the Rota-blades automatically to maintain the desired
light level throughout the day.
Crestline
www.crestlinewindows.com
December 2000
Crestline has introduced Earthgard, an environmentally-friendly
window component engineered from straw fibers, North America's
largest renewable resource. This fiberboard contains only
non-toxic resins, is dimensionally stable, and will not warp.
Engineered Glass Products
www.egpglass.com
December 2005
In appearance, Thermique windows are indistinguishable from
ordinary glass, but the difference is they give off heat and
eliminate drafts, while saving energy and money.
Forms+Surfaces
www.forms-surfaces.com
October 2007
Eco-Etch Doors is the most recent addition to the Forms+Surfaces¹ line of fire-rated doors as well as the launch of a new eco-friendly process for creating etched designs. Using the largest physical etching system in North America, etched designs are applied to metal door faces with the company¹s advanced photolithographic bead-blasting system instead of with harmful acids or chemicals. The mask used to create each design is water soluble and removed using water alone. The doors are available in standard sizes up to 4' x 10' and with 45-, 60-, 90-, and 180-minute UL fire ratings.
Glass Consult
www.iqglas.com
Now available in North America for
both residential and commercial projects, IQ Glas is a heated-glass
window system that has been available in Europe for more than
17 years. IQ Glas features a double-pane structure that allows
radiant heat to warm sunroom, conservatories, indoor swimming
pools, and other rooms that are difficult to heat efficiently
with traditional convection heating. The inner pane has a
thin metal-oxide coating that helps disperse heat equally,
while the outer pane has a special coating that keeps heat
inside while repelling cold air. Between the two panes, an
inert gas enables the system to achieve high levels of thermal
insulation (.14 U-Value), even though the temperature of the
windowpane never exceeds body temperature. The manufacturer
claims the main advantage of the product over traditional
heating methods is the ability to keep dust circulation to
a minimum, ideal for anyone suffering from asthma or allergies.
Hunter Douglas Contract
www.hunterdouglascontract.com
August 2006
At last year¹s GreenBuild, Hunter Douglas Contract¹s Nysan division introduced GreenScreen Eco fabric, the latest addition to the GreenScreen family of PVC-free solar shading fabrics designed exclusively for internal and external contract roller shades and solar control systems. The fabric is made of pre-stretched polyester available in three percent openness and five colorways. Customized dual coloring allows for a greater level of heat control, glare reduction, and outward visibility.
Hurd Millwork Co.
www.hurd.com
April 2004
Hurd has added three new glazing options to its ComfortGlaze
system. Sun Blocker is formulated to keep homes cooler in
southern climates, Climate Control keeps homes warm in northern
climates, and Super Sun Blocker is for locations with strong
or extreme sunlight (shown). All Hurd windows feature high
performance glass from Guardian Industries.
Jeld-Wen
www.jeld-wen.com
September 2008 updated
AuraLast wood protects wood windows and patio doors against
wood decay, water absorption, and termite infestation. AuraLast’s
water-based treatment process is not compromised by nail or
screw holes, and results in a significant decrease (96 percent)
of VOCs during production. Jeld-Wen offers a 20-year warranty
against decay and/or infestation for Pozzi Custom Collection
products with AuraLast.
Jeld-Wen now offers Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI) certified products as part of its Custom Wood window line. The company has achieved chain of custody plant certification from SFI, based on third-party independent audits that ensure facilities meet SFI¹s high standards of forest products stewardship. The certified products, which include Ponderosa pine custom windows, patio doors, and trim components, cost an additional 10 percent.
Kawneer
www.kawneer.com
November 2006
Kawneer celebrated its 100 year anniversary this year by unveiling an expanded exhibit booth at the AIA show and introducing new products including the AA3900 Thermal Sliding Door and the AA900 ISOWEB window, completing Kawneer¹s family of high performance products. Designed specifically for climates subject to temperature extremes, both products feature an ISOWEB polyamide thermal break that provides low thermal transmittance and high condensation resistance while eliminating dry shrinkage. This design also allows for a two-color finish option not possible with traditional thermal barriers.
Based on what you have seen and read about this project, how would you grade it? Use the stars below to indicate your assessment, five stars being the highest rating.
Marvin Window and Door
www.marvin.com
The environmental goal of the company is to meet or exceed
applicable environmental laws. This is fulfilled by incorporating
environmental priorities into product design and by minimizing
environmental impact during production. Recycled materials
used in window production include aluminum, cardboard, glass,
metal, paper, plastic, tires, oil, batteries, soda cans, printer
cartridges, and electric motors. In addition, some Marvin
products recently began displaying the Energy Star Label.
Marshfield DoorSystems
www.marshfielddoors.com
March 2003 updated
Marshfield introduces a new addition to their family of Environmental
Class wood door products—the non-rated and 20-minute-rated
particleboard core door, certified by Scientific Certification
Systems. The doors are suited for use in offices, schools,
hospitals, government facilities and other commercial applications
where specifying green productsis the goal.
Pella
www.pella.com
A founding member of the National Fenestration Rating Council,
Pella offers high-performance window options for commercial
and residential applications. For example, InsulShield, an
argon-filled, multi-layer low-E insulating glass for energy-efficient
performance can be specified across many product lines. Additionally,
the company's between-the-glass Slimshade blinds are available
in energy-saving Goldtone Type-E finishes.
Pella Corporation
www.pellacommercial.com
December 2007
Pella has added a double-hung window to their Impervia line of energy-efficient windows made from Duracast, the company¹s durable engineered fiberglass composite. The windows come in three sash split options‹traditional, contemporary, and cottage. The sash tilts in for convenient glass cleaning from the inside. Windows are available with a variety of color, glass, muntin, and hardware options.
Pilkington
www.activglass.com
January 2002
Pilkington Activ Self-Cleaning Glass uses the sun's UV rays
to break down organic dirt while at the same time reducing
the surface tension of water, allowing it to sheet down the
surface and wash away the dirt. It also provides an approximate
20 percent reduction in ultraviolet light transmission over
clear glass and equivalent energy efficiency.
Pilkington North America
www.pilkington.com
February 2004
Pilkington's Eclipse Advantage reflective Low-e glass is the
world's first pyrolytic glass to combine subtle reflectivity
with desired thermal and solar control performance. In addition,
for a reflective glass, the product offers a high level of
visible light transmittance, which reduces the need and costs
for artificial lighting. The composition that gives the glass
its low emissivity, solar control, and subtle reflectance
is an integral part of the glass surface, not just an applied
coating.
PPG Architectural Glass
www.ppgideascapes.com
February 2005 updated
PPG claims that Solarban 80 glass is the industry’s best-performing
solar control Low-E glass. With a Light to Solar Gain (LSG)
ratio of 2.04, the highest in the industry, Solarban 80 glass
features a steel jade appearance when shaded and a satin reflective
finish in direct sunlight.
Oceans of Color is a collection of spectrally selective tinted glasses with LSG ratios that range from 1.28 to 1.34. Caribia, the newest addition to the collection, features an aqua-green patina. Other ocean-inspired tints include the light green tranquility of Solexia glass, emerald-green Atlantica glass, and aqua-blue Azuria glass. The solar control performance of Oceans of Color can be further enhanced by combining these individual tints in 1'' insulating units with Sungate100 Low-E glass or Solarban 60 solar control Low-E glass.
PPG Industries
www.ppgideascapes.com
January 2008 updated
PPG Industries has introduced Vistacool Azuria glass, a subtly
reflective, color-enriched architectural glass that gives
a luminous aqua-blue appearance while transmitting high levels
of daylight. The glass was developed to fulfill requests for
a tinted high-performance architectural glass with high visible
light transmittance (VLT) and a reflectivity that is more
muted than the mirror-like finish of traditional reflective
glass. Vistacool Azuria has a VLT of 52 percent, roughly twice
the average of other reflective, coated, tinted glass products
on the market.
Solarban z50 glass, the latest addition to PPG¹s line of Solarban solar control Low-E glasses, features a cool steel-blue gray appearance, minimal exterior reflectance, and comfortably bright levels of visible light. When combined with popular tints from the PPG Oceans of Color collection of spectrally-selective tinted glasses, Solarban z50 glass dramatically expands the aesthetic and performance options available to architects.
PPG has introduced a new high-performance glass combining the industry-leading solar control performance of Solarban 80 low-E clear glass with the company¹s new blue-green Optiblue glass. The result is an architectural glass with a metallic gray-green exterior tint and a neutral gray interior appearance. In a standard 1'' insulating glass unit, Solarban 80 Optiblue glass produces a solar heat gain coefficient of .23 and visible light transmittance of 34 percent. This results in a light-to-solar gain (LSG) ratio of 1.48, which exceeds the U.S. DOE¹s 1.25 LSG threshold for spectrally selective glass.
Sage Electrochromics
www.sage-ec.com
December 2005
SageGlass products have the ability to tint and “untint”
at the touch of a button, subtly adjusting to occupant’s
needs. This functionality helps reduce energy bills by controlling
solar heat gain and increases worker productivity by allowing
additional daylighting, minimal glare, and enhanced occupant
comfort. The glass is currently offered in Classic, Sea Green,
Cool View Blue, and Clear-as-Day Gray.
Serious Materials
www.seriousmaterials.com/Windows
September 2008
Serious Materials, the Sunnyvale-California based developer and manufacturer of sustainable green building materials, has introduced ThermaProof, a new line of windows they claim will offer the highest full-frame R-values in the world. ThermaProof is a complete family of windows for residential and commercial construction that offer R-values at R-8, R-11, or R-14 across the entire glass and insulated frame rather than just at the center of the glass. This helps reduce a typical building¹s heating and cooling energy use by 20 to 40 percent, resulting in an 8 to 16 percent energy savings. Most building owners will see a return on investment in anywhere from one to five years; while some might see a return in as little as nine months.
To drive up the R-value of the window the manufacturer includes one, two, or three layers of mylar to reduce the amount of convection and air flow in the window cavity. In addition, a brand new spacer technology holds the glass panes apart from each other to create a large insulating gap. A wet seal is used to place the glass in the frame, rather than a dry seal, meaning no heat or cooling loss. A new framing system ‹ foamed PVC for residential and insulated fiberglass for commercial ‹ insulates the frames as well as the glass (unlike aluminum frames). Finally, a ³triple fin² weatherstripping seals everything tightly. Styles available include double-hung, single-hung, slider, casement, sliding doors, French doors, and storefront. Curtainwall framing is not currently available but will be in the future.
Simonton Windows
www.simonton.com
September 2004
Simonton Windows introduces a new series of injection-molded
geometric-shaped windows in the ProFinish product line. The
frame of the octagon-, circle-, and oval-shaped windows is
made in one piece in a customized mold. Each unit features
a standard 1'' Insulated Glass Unit with a Super Spacer for
high energy efficiency.
Solatube International
www.solatube.com
May 2004
Solatube International is based in Vista, Calif. where its
tubular skylight and solar-powered attic ventilation products
are produced for worldwide distribution. Solatubes can be
used to earn or contribute to the following LEED certification
credits: Daylight Credit; Energy Optimization Credit; Recycled
Content Credit; Regional Credit; System Controllability Credit;
and Innovation in Design Credit.
So-Luminaire
www.soluminaire.com
August 2004
Unlike passive skylights, the ADS-600 active daylighting system
employs a mirror array that tracks the sun precisely throughout
the year, directing light from the brightest part of the sky
down and into interior spaces. The mirrors conduct low-angle
sunlight efficiently, and also shade the intense light sometimes
found at high sun angles. The system runs on energy generated
by a single photovoltaic cell.
Special-Lite
www.special-lite.com
April 2006
The GREENGUARD Environmental Institute (GEI) has certified
that Special-Lite entrance products meet the GREENGUARD Product
Emission Standard for Children & Schools, the most rigorous
product emissions criteria to date. Special-Lite doors and
frames were the first commercial door and frame products to
achieve GREENGUARD Certification, and are also the first to
meet the stringent new Children & Schools Standard that
ensures low emission levels for volatile organic compounds
(VOCs).
VELUX America, Inc.
www.veluxusa.com
April 2006 updated
All VELUX products have earned an Energy Star rating, which
means they meet the minimum requirements set by EPA and the
Department of Energy to ensure that a product is energy efficient.
In addition, all products are made from certified forests,
and have an NFRC rating that certifies that all of the U-value,
shading coefficient, and solar heat gain measurements the
company publishes are coming from reliable tests designed
by the National Fenestration Ratings Council ( NFRC ).
Velux now offers solar battery powered blinds for its fixed skylights. The new blinds offer the convenience of an electrical blind without the expense of installation by a professional electrician. The built-in solar cell converts direct or diffused light from the sun to electrical energy, which is stored in a battery with a capacity of approximately 500 operations without recharge. The blinds will be competitively priced with existing blind offerings from the manufacturer.
Vetrazzo
www.vetrazzo.com
March 2007
Composed of a patent-pending formula that includes recycled glass, cement, additives, and pigment, Vetrazzo surfacing can be used for countertops, tabletops, flooring, and architectural cladding. All of the glass used in the product is recycled, and it makes up to 85 percent of the final material. Glass sources include curbside recycling programs and a range of post-industrial sources. Fourteen design options are currently available.
Viracon
www.viracon.com
February 2005
Viracon has introduced the newest addition to its VRE (Viracon
Radiant Low-E) architectural glass family. Solarscreen VRE-67
Insulating Glass combines a crisp, neutral exterior appearance
and VRE’s highest light transmission at 67 percent. The
Light to Solar Gain Ratio (LSG) for VRE-67 ranges from 1.25-1.92—an
LSG of 1.25 or higher is required for Green Glazing designation.
VT Industries
www.vtindustries.com/doors
March 2003
VT Industries has been awarded Forest Stewardship Council
(FSC) certification that qualifies the company as a provider
of certified wood doors. This certification is awarded by
the SmartWood Program of the Rainforest Alliance, an FSC accredited
certifier. Before receiving its chain-of-custody certification
under the FSC system, an on-site evaluation was conducted
by a SmartWood assessor of the VT manufacturing facility in
Holstein, Iowa. The evaluation was designed to verify that
storage, manufacturing procedures and inventory systems segregate
certified and non-certified products. In order to maintain
its certification, VT will annually undergo an audit to show
they are maintaining these standards.
October 2005 updated
VT Industries now offers a new generation of environmentally
responsible architectural wood doors manufactured from rapidly
renewable agricultural fibers. The new core material is manufactured
from materials like wheat straw, soybean straw, and sunflower
hulls, and is bonded together with formaldehyde-free resins.
Limited door sizes are available with 45-minute and 60-minute
fire ratings.
December 2007 updated
VT Industries Architectural Wood Doors are Greenguard-certified for Children and Schools and Indoor Air Quality. Doors are produced in an environmentally-friendly facility and are made from recycled or recovered material including agricultural fiber content. Door options include five-ply wood veneer and high pressure decorative laminate flush doors.
Wausau Window and Wall Systems
www.wausauwindows.com
September 2005 updated
Planned to be the greenest building developed by California
State, Sacramento’s Capitol Area East End Complex needed
to comply with, or exceed the standards set by Calfornia Building
Code Title 24 for energy efficiency and green buildings. To
help achieve the State’s goal, the design/build team
integrated Wausau’s energy-efficient windows and curtainwall
into the facade to maximize the use of daylight.
Wausau has teamed with SAGE Electrochromic glass to offer Sage Glass electronically tinted windows. Now available on a limited basis for commercial, institutional, and healthcare buildings, the windows help control glare, reduce heat gain, and block ultraviolet rays, while increasing the benefits of daylighting and maintaining a connection to the view outside. SAGE produces SageGlass lites by coating float glass with several layers of invisible ceramic material, then fabricates these coated lites into IGU’s. Wausau then glazes the IGU’s into its aluminum framing systems. Once shipped to the site, the windows are installed into the building’s electrical system and are operated individually by the occupant or automatically by the energy management system.
Weather Shield Windows & Doors
www.weathershield.com
January 2007 updated
Weather Shield’s new sliding patio door and French sliding
door feature a standard DP-35 design pressure rating, with
a DP-50 upgrade available that complies with some of the strictest
building code requirements in the country. The doors feature
a 1 3ž4 thick jamb, approximately 25 percent heavier
jamb components, an improved slider system, and a new door
channel design that guides the moving panel.
The Zo-e-shield glazing system is now available on Weather Shield Windows & Doors products. The new technology delivers low center-of-glass U-values and solar-heat gain coefficients while protecting interiors from UV rays. The glazing¹s exterior surface repels dirt and reduces water spots.
Zo-e-shield¹s Real Warm Edge Spacers create an insulating barrier against heat flow, sound, and condensation.
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