Tag: Tom Minnon
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Controlling Storefront and Curtainwall Water Infiltration
Most architectural aluminum glazing systems are not designed to be totally waterproof. Rather, most systems are designed to control water infiltration under extreme conditions and weep that water back to the exterior. Storefront and curtainwall systems differ in many ways: appearance, profiles, windload resistance, glazing, thermal performance and how they weep water. This discussion focuses…
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What to Expect in Thermal Performance at AIA 2012
As the American Institute of Architects (AIA) 2012 National Convention and Design Exposition opens in Washington, D.C., tomorrow, exhibitors will be showcasing new technology and products for use in the glass and glazing industry. One focal point will be increasing the thermal performance of commercial glazing systems. This has become paramount as new energy codes…
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Glazing and Energy Codes
Architects and building owners face growing challenges in balancing aesthetics and daylighting design needs with increasingly stringent building and energy code requirements. This month’s discussion will focus on ways to reduce heat loss and heat gain to comply with commercial energy codes. Thermal energy performance of glass can be improved several ways; many of them…
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Discussing Thermal Barriers
Aluminum remains the framing material of choice for architectural fenestration products used in non-residential applications. Aluminum has many excellent qualities from recyclability to engineering versatility to corrosion resistance. It also is an excellent conductor of temperature. Adding a barrier or “break” to insulate between the inside and outside aluminum surfaces, reduces the transfer of hot…
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Lessons in U-Factors
Energy efficiency and occupant comfort are two key criteria in designing green buildings, especially for projects seeking LEED® certification. Contributing to these goals, thermal performance will continue to be an essential factor in the upcoming International Green Construction Code (IgCC) and the 2012 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC), as well as the Architecture 2030 Challenge,…