Wausau Window and Wall Systems teamed with long-time customer, J.R. Butler, Inc., to create the University of Colorado Hospital (UCH) new inpatient tower’s high-performance, serpentine curtainwall with sun shades. Opened in April 2013 and completed two months ahead of schedule, the $300 million, 12-story tower will add approximately 276 patient beds plus more operating and diagnostic rooms.

Situated on the Anschutz Medical Campus in Aurora, the hospital is committed to achieving the U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED® Gold certification for this 734,000-square-foot building. Wausau’s unitized curtainwall minimizes installation time, maximizes daylight and views and optimizes condensation resistance and thermal performance to achieve energy efficiency.

Further contributing to the project’s green goals, Wausau’s 7250i-UW unitized curtainwall systems’ extruded aluminum frames and ClearStory™ exterior sun shades contain recycled content averaging 70% or greater. Linetec finished the majority of the aluminum in a VOC-free, clear anodize for easy maintenance and durability. Viracon supplied the high-performance, low-e, insulating glass to match Colorado’s challenging climate.

Located off East Colfax Ave. and Peoria St. in Aurora, the new inpatient tower rises alongside the existing inpatient pavilion tower. The expansion urgently was needed as the initial tower has been fully occupied since 2007 and ambulances have been diverted because there was no room for additional patients. To serve this immediate need, the new tower broke ground in early 2011 and had an aggressive 24-month construction schedule. This was nearly one year ahead of what most general contractors were willing to estimate, according to Jeff Kleinschmidt, senior project manager with Denver-based glazing contractor J.R. Butler.

Accepting the challenge, Haselden Construction worked closely with J.R. Butler, to help brainstorm solutions to overcome the timeline. J.R. Butler proposed a series of design charrettes held at HDR, Inc.’s architectural firm headquarters in Omaha, Neb. Wausau’s sales and market managers, engineers and estimators were involved early in these discussions and throughout the design-assist approach.

Finite element thermal modeling was used to analyze thermal performance of specific frame-glass combinations. This aided the design team in selecting the appropriate glass makeup for the project design conditions. Modeling software like Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratories THERM program is publicly available and serves as the basis for the National Fenestration Ratings Council (NFRC) energy labeling.

The team also saved time by concurrently developing the curtainwall shop drawings and the construction documents. “This lean, integrated method allowed for a smooth approval process and minimized requests for information. Material was released for manufacturing three months before the 100% completed construction documents were released,” says Kleinschmidt. Throughout the project, J.R. Butler also provided budget trending, which “allowed Haselden and HDR to smartly manage the budget and avoid last minute scope cutting that so often negatively affects the architect’s vision for the project.”

Wausau’s Todd Sackmann, who was involved with the project from its earliest concepts, notes, “We evaluated the cost impact of every detail. Rather than wait days or weeks on modifications and responses, we expedited the process by meeting face-to-face at HDR’s offices. With respect to their design and the other Anschutz campus facilities, we kept the sightlines and accents similar to the buildings surrounding the new inpatient tower.”

“The serpentine wall was challenging to balance the desired look without creating too many different panel module widths,” Kleinschmidt remarks. In total, Wausau supplied more than 130,000 square feet of unitized curtainwall and SuperWall™ system for the project.

SuperWall was installed on the ground floor. The unitized curtainwall was modified as a ribbon window system for the third floor. The large curtainwall spans on the East and West elevations are “bumped out” 12 inches for visual interest. The East, West and South elevations also feature an additional 5,500 linear feet of sun shades on the second to twelfth floors. Integrated with the curtainwall design, the sun shades use a double bracket so they could be attached prior to installation, saving time in the field.

Kleinschmidt adds, “Our process helped HDR make decisions at the last possible moment so as to not impact the construction schedule. J.R. Butler used a unitized curtainwall approach that installed up to three times faster than a stick-built approach. This helped Haselden enclose the building sooner and expedite interior finishes.”

J.R. Butler completed the curtainwall five weeks ahead of schedule and Haselden delivered the building in February 2013, after just 22 months. At its peak, the entire project involved 1,200 construction-related workers. Once the tower is fully occupied, the hospital anticipates as many as 1,400 new employees.

The new inpatient tower more than doubles the size of the previous emergency department with 56,000-square-foot space on the first floor. Neurology, cardiology, oncology, acute and critical care are each on separate floors. A new rooftop landing pad and dedicated trauma elevators quickly transport patients by helicopter.

UCH is the Rocky Mountain region’s leading academic medical center and one of five Colorado hospitals comprised by University of Colorado Health. The hospital’s physicians are affiliated with the University of Colorado School of Medicine, part of the University of Colorado system.

Starting in 1996, the Anschutz Foundation began making a generous series of gifts to help both the UCH and the University of Colorado Denver build new facilities on the just-decommissioned site of the Fitzsimons Army Medical Center in Aurora, Colorado. Planned as a four-phase development spanning between 2000-2011, the new UCH campus will ultimately include more than 750 beds, consisting of nearly 2 million square feet of facilities with a construction value in excess of $500 million. The master plan for the campus will include more than $2 billion construction value when completed.

“The excellent reputation of UCH and the demand for our high quality care has grown so quickly the need for this expansion is coming much sooner than we anticipated in our master plan,” said UCH’s president and CEO, John Harney. “We’re very excited to be expanding into the new building, which has been designed on a patient- and family-centered care model.”

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University of Colorado Hospital, Inpatient Tower Expansion, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO
Owner: University of Colorado Health; Aurora, Colo.; http://www.uch.edu
Architect: HDR, Inc.; Omaha, Neb.; http://www.hdrinc.com/
General contractor: Haselden Construction, LLC; Centennial, Colo.; http://haselden.com/
Glazing contractor: J.R. Butler, Inc.; Denver; http://www.jrbutlerinc.com/
Glazing systems – manufacturer:  Wausau Window and Wall Systems; Wausau, Wis.; http://www.wausauwindow.com
Glazing systems – glass assemblies:  Viracon, Inc.; Owatonna, Minn.; http://www.viracon.com/
Glazing systems – finisher:  Linetec, Wausau, Wis.; http://www.linetec.com

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The American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA) recently published a document that recommends static water penetration resistance test pressures for non-hurricane-prone U.S. regions. AAMA TIR A13-13, Recommended Static Water Penetration Resistance Test Pressures in Non-Hurricane-Prone Regions of the United States was prepared for those who require information on maximum static pressures used during testing of products’ resistance to wind-driven rain penetration, when such tests are conducted as part of the North American Fenestration Standard (NAFS) test regimen.

“Resisting wind-driven rain penetration is one of the primary functions of fenestration systems and is addressed by many industry standards, building codes and project specifications,” says Steve Fronek (Apogee Enterprises, Inc./Wausau Window and Wall Systems), co-chair of the TIR A13-09 Update Work Group. “The 12 psf (580 Pa) water penetration resistance test pressure cap cited in NAFS has served all industry stakeholders well for more than 20 years and is recommended for general use outside of high velocity wind zones for low- and mid-rise construction in the U.S. When specified as part of the NAFS test regimen, it represents a solid trade-off between cost, performance, aesthetics and functionality for most construction projects.”

AAMA TIR A13 is not intended to validate or quantify the statistical repeatability or reproducibility of any test method or to recommend new or revised test methods.

AAMA TIR A13 references important industry standards which include:
* AAMA 502-12, Voluntary Specification for Field Testing of Newly Installed Fenestration Products
* AAMA 511-08, Voluntary Guideline for Forensic Water Penetration Testing of Fenestration Products
* AAMA GS-001-84, Voluntary Guide Specification for Aluminum Architectural Windows
* ASCE/SEI 7-10, Minimum Design Loads for Buildings and Other Structures

AAMA TIR A13-13, Recommended Static Water Penetration Resistance Test Pressures in Non-Hurricane-Prone Regions of the United States may be purchased from AAMA’s Publication store.

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Kolbe’s new Ultra Series tilt-turn window will be on display at the American Institute of Architects (AIA) National Convention & Design Exposition in booth #334.

“This dual-action product can swing in for access and easy cleaning, or tilt in like a hopper for ventilation, all with the simple turn of a handle,” says Kolbe’s product and market manager, Lance Premeau, LEED® Green Associate. “These versatile tilt-turn windows combine American flush-to-frame design with European functionality.”

At AIA 2013, visitors will see the 36-by-60-inch Ultra tilt-turn unit with black hardware and a aluminum clad exterior with a clear anodized finish that enhances the European-inspired style. Kolbe’s tilt-turn model at AIA also features energy-efficient, triple pane, insulating glass with LoE3-366 coating, which is an option on many Kolbe products. On the interior, an engineered, laminated veneer bamboo product (sourced from suppliers such as Lamboo®) extends the environmental statement. Bamboo is the most renewable material of its kind currently available for the building products industry.

A wide range of wood species also is available for Ultra Series tilt-turn windows, including those certified by the Forest Stewardship Council™ (FSC® license code FSC-C019541). FSC-certified options, recycled content and energy efficient glass choices further support projects’ green building goals, such as those pursuing recognition by ENERGY STAR®, Green Building Initiative’s Green Globes™, and the U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED Rating Systems.

Kolbe’s Architect Library and online resources can help simplify the research and specifying process. For example, design teams can easily communicate and visually customize many Ultra Series product dimensions and functionality using Kolbe’s architectural drawings and 3-D Revit® building information models (BIM). In addition to BIM tools, the website includes air, water, structural and thermal reports; warranties; installation and maintenance information; and online videos to demonstrate product operation and performance testing.

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The American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA) released education courses on commercial and residential installation, field testing/forensic evaluation and fenestration anchorage, as part of the association’s FenestrationMasters® program. This is the fifth group of FenestrationMasters courses released by AAMA.

“FenestrationMasters thus far has provided a broad range of information on assembled products and their requirements then went deeper into the details of components and on to building and energy codes,” says Dean Lewis, AAMA’s educational and technical information manager. “Group 5 now takes us to the point of the products’ actual use, covering flashing and sealants for installation, residential and commercial installation, anchorage, field testing and forensic evaluation. While challenging, many candidates will find this to be the most practical, useful and interesting portion of the entire course of study.”

Group 1 courses cover product types and design considerations, window, door and skylight performance standards, proper glass selection and specialty performance considerations (blast, impact, tornado and acoustics).
Group 2 courses cover profile performance and material considerations, as well as coatings and finishes.
Group 3 courses cover hardware, weatherstrip and weatherseals, as well as sealants and adhesives used during factory fabrication.
Group 4 courses cover code requirements, energy efficiency and thermal performance, as well as skylights and daylighting.

AAMA is planning to release Group 6 (curtainwall systems and storefronts) in June. For a full course listing, visit www.aamanet.org/fenestrationmasters.

About FenestrationMasters
FenestrationMasters, a nationwide education and certification program for professionals in the window, door, skylight, curtainwall, storefront and sloped glazing industries, was developed to help companies differentiate their business and increase their credibility by offering their customers the benefit of employees who have pursued a well-rounded education in the fenestration industry.

There are two different credentials available through the program, both requiring successful completion of the applicable coursework and the certification exam: FenestrationMaster™ and FenestrationAssociate™. To qualify for the FenestrationAssociate (entry-level) certification, no minimum education or experience is required.To qualify for the FenestrationMaster (advanced-level) certification, one of the following prerequisites must be met:
* Four-year degree in engineering, architecture or applied sciences and four years experience
* Six years fenestration product-related experience

FenestrationMasters courses can be purchased by group or by annual subscription through AAMA’s Publication Store. Discounts are available for groups of 10 or more. AAMA members receive further reduced pricing. For questions regarding the FenestrationMasters program, visit www.aamanet.org/fenestrationmasters or contact fenestrationmasters@aamanet.org.

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Appleton Coated’s U360 Design Competition now is accepting entries for 2014. Submissions must be printed all, or in part, on Utopia and/or Curious Collection papers, accompanied by a completed entry form, produced in 2013, and postmarked no later than Dec. 6, 2013.

“U360 showcases the best examples of what paper makes possible,” says Ferkó X. Goldinger, Appleton Coated’s marketing manager. “It recognizes the all-around effective, creative role that print communication plays in marketing mix and celebrates design, content and printing excellence.”

A panel of design experts, who bring a full-circle view of strategy, design and print production, will judge Appleton Coated’s U360 Design Competition. The 2014 winners will be announced next year and featured in a showbook distributed throughout North America, on the Appleton Coated website and in other marketing communications.

For detailed instructions and an online entry form for the U360 Competition, please visit UtopiaPaper.com and click on the U360 section.

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Florida’s Manatee Technical Institute (MTI) celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2013 with the opening of a new, modern, high-tech Main Campus facility. Students, faculty and visitors are welcomed through the school’s impressive two-story lobby featuring Chicago Metallic® SpanAir® metal panel ceiling systems.

Located at 6305 State Road 70 East in Bradenton, Fla., MTI‘s state-of-the-art $44 million facility boasts 210,000 square feet of space. Designed with the latest energy-efficient construction and teaching technologies, this facility compares with surrounding universities in quality and features.

As the building’s main feature, the multi-purpose lobby serves as a 700-person reception area or reconfigured as a 400-seat dining hall. The two-story space directs the eye upward to a sloped, curved ceiling created using Chicago Metallic’s products. Acousti Engineering Company of Florida installed approximately 27,000 square feet of SpanAir metal ceiling panels.

MTI broke ground on the project in March 2011. Construction was completed in 18 months. Architectural firm Fawley|Bryant’s executive vice president, Michael Bryant, LEED® AP, explains, “This design is meant to attract your attention and have a presence that elevates MTI to its proper position as one of the most well respected technical schools in the country.” Realizing the potential and value MTI has for the community, the district committed to creating a new MTI “state-of-the-art, globally recognized campus” in 2003 and, through a competitive interview process, hired the team of Fawley|Bryant and internationally known architects Hellmuth Obata Kassabaum (HOK) to design the new MTI.

“The open space that awaits guests when they first walk into the building and look slightly left is meant to induce the ‘wow’ factor. Creating a space of unique grandeur was a key element for the architect and general contractor,” says Jackie Drake, ASID, IIDA. As a licensed interior designer with Acousti, Drake worked closely with the design team, Chicago Metallic and general contractor The Beck Group to bring this impressive vision to reality.

“It’s a massive space. Fawley|Bryant was able to bring it to the next level. They chose a metal ceiling system to maximize the height of the lobby space, follow the curve of the roofline and complement the overall, modern look of the building,” describes Drake. “The installation team consisted of true artisans. Chicago Metallic’s products were able to encompass all of the project’s requirements; providing a custom fit at a good value.”

One of Acousti’s trusted partners, Jason Wisniewski, works as a manufacturer’s architectural representative with Architectural Products, LLP and of Chicago Metallic’s products. “We were involved with the project for more than a year, from the early stages of design through to completion. Chicago Metallic’s SpanAir products offered a competitive advantage that met all of the client’s needs.”

“We’ve worked together with Chicago Metallic for many years,” says Carl Needham, Acousti’s associate manager. “This project went perfectly smoothly – from the cooperative relationship with have Chicago Metallic’s engineering department through the installation on site. It was a great project, very successful.”

Contributing to the project’s success, Acousti relied on SpanAir Hook-in and Hook-on Planks. These metal ceiling panels provide large-scale concealed metal panels that are easy installed into conventional, exposed suspension systems. These planks seamlessly integrate with lighting, security, air, fire and audio systems. They easily can be removed for plenum access during maintenance or replaced for future renovation needs.

The SpanAir system accommodates either flat or wave designs by using custom and perimeter trim components. EZ Hook-in™ (patent pending) tabs on each plank nest into notched 1-3/8-inch main tee, providing downward accessibility without tools. The planks’ square edge design with perimeter gasket on two sides ensures proper alignment, convenient removal and vibration dampening.

“Along with anti-vibration, acoustical enhancement is a cinch with SpanAir’s variety of perforation designs and the Acoutex™ backer,” states Doug Bernard, Chicago Metallic’s regional sales manager in the southern U.S. and Caribbean. “It’s a very large space designed to meet numerous functions and sound performance was important.”

Drake reiterates this: “In this big open space, the terrazzo flooring was a potential concern for reverberation. By perforating the metal ceiling panels and adding an acoustic backer, we helped improve the sound quality.”

Supporting design flexibility, Chicago Metallic manufacturers SpanAir metal ceiling panels in a wide range of widths and lengths, solid or perforated designs, and finish options are available. Supporting to project’s environmental goals, Chicago Metallic offers factory-applied powder-coated paints and finishes with no volatile organic compounds (VOCs). For MTI, a standard Satin Silver finish was selected, enhancing the high-tech styling and accentuating the metallic look.

The metal comprising SpanAir planks contain 100% recycled aluminum content. Like the finishes, the aluminum does not contain organic compounds, which mitigates mold and microbial growth. These attributes not only are appropriate for Florida’s humid climate, but also contribute to MTI’s sustainability goals, which are guided by the U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED Rating System. At the end of the ceiling system’s useful life, it is 100% locally recyclable.

For MTI’s design and building team, economic sustainability goals were as important as environmental sustainability goals. Chicago Metallic Corporation certifies that the SpanAir ceiling systems complies with the 2009 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, section 1605, Buy American Provisions. Along with supporting products made in the U.S.A., buying domestically helped MTI save labor, time and associated costs, according to Drake.

She elaborates, “Chicago Metallic makes their products here in the States. Not only does purchasing through them support a U.S. company, it shortens the lead-time substantially — about half of the time that their competitors were suggesting. Chicago Metallic helped expedite the whole process.”

“The project team worked diligently to make sure ever-changing program needs were met and that the spaces could be converted as technology and curriculum for these important programs evolve,” said Jane Dreger, director of Manatee County Schools Department of Construction Services (DCS). DCS is responsible for the administration of the building construction program for Manatee County School District. The new Main Campus building was funded with $4.5 million from a state Department of Education grant and the remainder was generated from a local sales tax.

“The design of the new MTI Main Campus has been an intense and long process, and the dream of many people, including staff, students, community supporters and business partners,” concludes Fawley|Bryant’s Bryant. “We have all worked together to create the kind of facility this community deserves and needs. …As such, it will become one of the most significant economic drivers for future growth of Manatee County by providing the training of our current workforce and those of our future.”

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Manatee Technical Institute, Main Campus, 6305 State Road, Bradenton, Florida 34203
* Owner: School District of Manatee County; Bradenton, Fla.
* Architect and interior designer: Fawley|Bryant, Inc.; Sarastoa, Fla.
* General contractor: The Beck Group; Tampa, Fla.
* Installing contractor: Acousti Engineering Company of Florida; Venice, Fla.
* Manufacturer’s architectural representative: Architectural Products, LLC; Ocala, Fla.
* Ceiling system manufacturer: Chicago Metallic Corporation; Chicago; SpanAir® Hook-in and Hook-on Metal Plank ceiling panel systems; Chicago
* Photographer: Mark Borosch Photography

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During the American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA) Summer Conference, to be held in Rosemont, Ill., June 9-12, Dr. Tom Gloria, managing director of Industrial Ecology Consultants, will present information on conducting product life cycle assessments (LCAs) and developing Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) using the Product Category Rules (PCR) guidance document, which is scheduled to be completed by fall 2013. Registration for the Summer Conference ends May 31.

“Gloria’s presentation is especially timely considering quantitative and verified information on the environmental and health impacts of consumer products is increasingly being sought in both the U.S. and international markets,” says Rich Walker, AAMA’s president and CEO. “When finalized, the PCR document will offer manufacturers the tools needed to provide comprehensive, product-specific Environmental Product Declarations to their customers.”

The PCR document is a response to a widely recognized need for a single ANSI-approved resource to use in developing industry recognized and uniform, comparative EPDs and substantive LCAs.

About the Speaker
Tom Gloria, Ph.D. is managing director of Industrial Ecology Consultants. He has nearly 20 years of professional experience in sustainability management consulting and information technology engineering design. His work encompasses product innovation; environmental LCA and life cycle management; methods and policy implications regarding greenhouse gas emissions inventories; and energy efficiency feasibility analysis.

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Wasco will be exhibiting at the Western Roofing Expo in booth #626 and at AIA Expo in booth #2727

Wasco Skylight Products Inc. has opened its new manufacturing facility in Reno, Nev., producing both standard and custom skylights for the commercial and residential market, and expanding its distribution west of the Rocky Mountains. The company expects to send its first shipment from Reno by the end of the month and is planning an open house later this summer.

With its headquarters in Wells, Maine, Wasco has cultivated a strong reputation as an innovative, American manufacturer with nearly 80 years of industry leadership. Since the 2007-08 recession, the company has enjoyed more than 60% growth, and 20% growth in 2012.

Wasco leased the new 57,000-square-foot facility located at 6645 Echo Avenue in Reno. Situated within one day’s journey from every major city in the western states, this market represents about 26% of all construction spending.

“We predict significant sales in the first year at the Reno facility, based on our customers’ positive response and the strong potential for growth,” says Jeff Frank, CEO of Wasco. “We’ve created a unique, energy-efficient skylight product line that’s perfect for the western region’s desire for sustainable daylighting solutions in high-end residences and high-performance commercial buildings.”

Sara Havard, Wasco’s COO, elaborates, “Building on our success, the new manufacturing plant positions us closer to our western customers so we can deliver commercial unit skylights within one week from order and residential orders within 72 hours.” Custom unit skylights account for a significant portion Wasco’s business and typically ship less than two weeks from order receipt in Reno to delivery at the customer’s site, which represents the shortest lead times in the industry.

Chad Gibson, product manager with Allied Building Products’ corporate purchasing team, says that the company “is a proud distributor of quality Wasco skylights. At Allied, we strive for manufacturing partners who deliver excellence in product, industry leadership, integrity and performance. Wasco is exactly that kind of partner, and their new Reno facility will ensure their best in industry delivery!”

Steve Dean, Cardinal Glass’ plant manager and Wasco’s long-time supplier, adds, “Wasco’s expansion into Reno is very exciting for us. We’ve been doing business with Wasco since we opened our Wilkes Barre facility. To see them grow and expand to the West Coast, especially during these times, is a great sign of the quality of this company.”

Oldcastle BuildingEnvelope’s Perrysburg’s sales manager, Douglas Dewar, also notes, “Oldcastle BuildingEnvelope has been a partner to Wasco for many years. Knowing the success of their business allows for continued growth is very exciting. Our team wishes Wasco Product’s all the best in this new expansion.”

James Satterwhite, global commercial manager for Cabot Corporation’s construction market, agrees, “It’s a testimony to the management and the employees of Wasco to have facilitated such growth in the recent economy. The addition of a western U.S. fabrication base will make their truly unique solutions to the current and pending ASHRAE mandates available to a region that lives and breathes the culture of sustainable practices in building design and construction.”

Satterwhite continues, “Locally fabricated EcoSky unit and custom fabricated skylights both made with Lumira® aerogel should be a winner in creating demand in the region by offering solutions to the daylighting dilemma around area restrictions confounded by daylighting metrics. Wasco and Lumira aerogel is a proven winning combination already. The new regional expansion will certainly build on that.”

Drawing from Wasco’s experienced East Coast team, plant manager Michael Jones and customer service representative Jeff Binette have relocated to Nevada. They will focus on maintaining the company’s emphasis on high-quality manufacturing and customer satisfaction. At this time, up to 20 employees from the Reno area also will be hired. More will be added to accommodate future production.

Additional staff also is expected to join the operations in Wells, Maine. Wasco will continue to make its own vinyl extrusions for skylight frames in Maine and ship them to Reno for assembly.

As part of its ongoing plan for continuous improvement, Wasco moved in 2011 from its outdated facility in Sanford, Maine and leased a 100,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art facility in Wells. Embracing just-in-time operations, the company’s leaders made multi-million dollar capital investments in high-tech, automated manufacturing equipment and estimating systems to increase efficiency and boost productivity. Its engineering staff also was doubled to work hand-in-hand with customers throughout the U.S. on developing daylighting solutions for their individual projects. Wasco has also added a dedicated research and development engineering staff.

About Wasco’s Energy-Efficient Daylighting Solutions

* Lumira aerogel – This represents a major breakthrough in insulating technology. Wasco skylights with Lumira aerogel are considered the highest performing daylighting product available on the market today. By adapting aerogel technology to practical, everyday solutions in fenestration products, Lumira products diffuse sunlight while acting as an environmentally sound thermal insulator.

* EcoSky – This glare-free unit skylight bathes the space in natural diffused light and provides three times the thermal performance of competitors. EcoSky3 is the only skylight that meets IECC 2012 requirements in all climate zones.

* The Dynamic Glazing Series
– SageGlass® – This electronically tintable glass can be switched from clear to a dark tint at the click of a button, or programmed to respond to changing sunlight and heat conditions. SageGlass products offer significant advantages compared to conventionally glazed products because they provide the highest possible solar control without sacrificing the view through the glass, while helping reduce energy consumption and costs.
– SCHOTT ASI® – This photovoltaic module is based on advanced, thin film technology that guarantees outstanding performance even with low sunlight levels.
– Solera® – This line of translucent insulated glass units is used in architectural daylighting to provide the highest quality diffused daylight. Solera converts harsh direct beam sunlight into soft diffused daylight, while allowing the desired light level.
– Solera with Lumira aerogel – This daylighting strategy dramatically improves thermal performance, while providing the freedom to design to virtually any specification in standard framing.

* Parans Solar Lighting System – This captures sunlight with Parans Solar Receivers on the outside of the building. Optical fibers transfer the sunlight through the building structure and deeply into the indoor environment.

* Hurricane and Blast Resistant Skylights – This responds to the changing climate and security threats.

* Composite Materials – This currently is being researched by Wasco as an alternative to aluminum framing, which will provide stronger, lighter and longer spans.

About Wasco’s Community Involvement

Wasco and its staff are active members of their professional and local communities as board members, volunteers, sponsors and supporters of:
* American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA) and its Skylight Council,
* Jobs for Maine’s Graduates mentorship program,
* Junior Achievement of Maine’s board of directors,
* National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC),
* Sanford-Springdale Chamber of Commerce’s board of directors,
* Sanford-Springdale YMCA’s capital campaign,
* United Way of York County’s annual campaign and board of directors,
* York County Community College’s advisory board, capital campaign and foundation,
* York County Youth Financial Education Fund’s advisory board,
* and more than 20 years as holiday party hosts for under-privileged children.

For more information call 800-388-0293 or visit www.WascoProducts.com.

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Contributing to building occupants’ comfort, Technoform Glass Insulation North America, Inc., (TGI NA) now offers TGI(R)-Spacer in a 1-inch width for commercial and residential insulating glass products, such as windows, entrance systems and curtainwall. This new product not only optimizes thermal performance and condensation resistance, but also enhances acoustic performance for quiet interiors.

Blending naturally with any window frame, TGI-Spacer’s straight sightline and smooth matte finish complement insulating glass products’ appearance. TGI NA expands product design options with a new Dark Grey color added to its standard color palette, which also includes light grey, bronze, champagne, white and black. Custom colors are also available upon request.

Beyond aesthetics, independent laboratory testing validates that with this new 1-inch-wide TGI-Spacer and two lites of 0.25-inch glass (0.25-inch annealed/ 1.002-inch TGI-Spacer/ 0.25-inch annealed) a Sound Transmission Class (STC) rating of 35 and an Outdoor-Indoor Transmission Class (OITC) rating of 27 can be achieved.

“Reaching this exceptional level of acoustic performance is now possible without using any laminated glass,” says TGI NA’s product manager, Dheeraj Corepall.

Years of independent tests at the leading U.S. and global testing laboratories and use in the field have proven that TGI-Spacer meets or exceeds existing energy codes, as well as the most stringent industry standards for long-term unit durability, UV resistance, gas retention, fogging and moisture penetration.

With this newest addition, TGI-Spacers are available in widths ranging from 0.25 inch (6.35 mm) to 1.002 inch (25.45 mm). The patented design combines the benefits of high-performance polymers and thin stainless steel, setting the performance standard for insulating glass products.

Please visit www.glassinsulation.us for more information on TGI® Products’ advantages, product portfolio, technical documentation and downloadable resources including Master Part Chart, User Guidelines, Commercial Brochure, Residential Brochure and TGI 3-Part Specification.

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During National Home Remodeling Month in May, the American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA) urges homeowners to trust their window and door replacement to professional installers. Proper installation ensures a home’s windows and doors will perform as intended.

Replacing windows and doors were one of the top five most common remodeling projects of 2012, according to a National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) survey of remodelers.

“While purchasing the most expensive windows and doors on the market may seem like a good way to increase home value and save on energy costs, poorly installed products may end up costing more in the long run,” cautions Rich Walker, AAMA’s president and CEO.

He adds, “Installation can be complicated, and manufacturers’ installation instructions don’t always provide complete details on how to handle the hundreds of different surrounding wall and job site conditions. Also, many manufacturers’ warranties don’t cover installation; and if they do, you must use the approved and recommended installation method.”

The InstallationMasters™ Training and Certification Program is a nationwide course for installers of windows and patio doors in the residential and light commercial markets. Each participant who submits all required registration material and passes a thorough written exam is certified as an installer and receives an official InstallationMasters photo identification card. Homeowners can ask to see this card to ensure the installer’s credentials are up to date.

To assist remodelers in the proper installation of windows and doors, the following documents are available for purchase on AAMA’s Online Publication Store.

• FMA/AAMA 100-12, Standard Practice for the Installation of Windows with Flanges or Mounting Fins in Wood Frame Construction
• FMA/AAMA 200-12, Standard Practice for the Installation of Windows with Frontal Flanges for Surface Barrier Masonry Construction for Extreme Wind/Water Conditions
• AAMA 2400-10, Standard Practice for Installation of Windows with an Exterior Flush Fin Over an Existing Window Frame
• AAMA 2410-13, Standard Practice for Installation of Windows with an Exterior Flush Fin Over an Existing Window Frame
• AAMA IPCB-08, Standard Practice for the Installation of Windows and Doors in Commercial Buildings
• AAMA IM-TM-08, InstallationMasters Training Manual

To obtain additional information regarding the InstallationMasters program, please contact Karen Yetter with Architectural Testing, Inc. at 717-764-7700.

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