Client News: Wausau’s windows offer hurricane impact resistance, thermal performance, accessibility

Wausau Window and Wall Systems® INvent™ -HP -XLT Series windows meet the most stringent hurricane and energy codes, as well as accessibility needs of K-12 schools. These windows provide high thermal performance, decreased condensation and recycled content to meet buildings’ goals for sustainability, protection and occupant comfort.

As part of the Advantage by Wausau® standard product offering, INvent-HP-XLT high-performance windows are competitively priced and available on an accelerated delivery schedule to meet schools’ value-focused budgets and condensed construction schedules. All of Wausau’s INvent windows are backed with an industry-leading warranty of up to 10 years.

INvent-HP-XLT fixed, awning and project-out casement window units have received Florida’s Miami-Dade County Notice of Acceptance and meet the ASTM E 1996 requirements for large “D” missile impact testing for Wind Zones 1-3 and “E” missile impact testing in Wind Zones 3-4 for essential facilities. These windows were tested in accordance with Dade County Building Code Compliance Office Protocol TAS 201-94, “Impact Test Procedures;” TAS 202-94, “Criteria for Testing Impact and Non-Impact Resistant Building Envelope Components Using Uniform Static Air Pressure;” and TAS 203-94, “Criteria for Testing Products Subject to Cyclic Wind Pressure Loading.”

“With increased expectations for student safety and comfort, and the use of many school buildings as designated evacuation points for communities during severe weather events, the new INvent-HP-XLT product line is the perfect choice for design teams considering stringent performance requirements,” notes Wausau’s education market manager, Steve Gille. “Invent-HP-XLT windows have been impact-tested with a very broad range of available options -- such as large vent sizes, laminates, hardware types and installation accessories -- to provide the functionality necessary for buildings of many different types, in warm climates or cold climates.”

Addressing energy efficiency, condensation resistance and thermal performance, the frame uses 24mm XLT polyamide thermal barriers. INvent-HP-XLT windows can achieve a Condensation Resistance Factor (CRF) as high as 65 per the American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA) 1503 standard and a U-Factor as low as 0.34 BTU/hr.sqft.ºF per the National Fenestration Ratings Council’s NFRC 100 standard.

INvent-HP-XLT windows are tested to meet the AAMA AW-100 Architectural Performance Class ratings, including 910-10 lifecycle testing to 4,000 operating cycles, including thermal cycling, as well as stringent requirements for air infiltration, water resistance and structural integrity. Wausau also has tested a broad range of product options in compliance with the AAMA 513-12 guide specification, which outlines laboratory test methods for accessible operable window products.

In response to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), INvent-HP-XLT windows also feature hardware options capable of meeting the operating force and limited motion requirements of ICC/ANSI A117.1. Wausau’s accessible projected windows operate with one hand, and require an operating force of five pounds or less to unlock, open, close and lock without making users need to tightly grasp, pinch or twist their wrists. This helps ensure that fresh air and connection to the outdoors are made accessible to people with physical disabilities.

Wausau’s INvent-HP-XLT hurricane impact-resistant windows are available with 3-7/8-inch and 4-7/8-inch frame depths. The aluminum frames contain recycled content averaging 70% or greater. Wausau’s quality-controlled, factory fabrication and glazing ensure the intended performance and accommodate dual-color finishes. With a palette exceeding 30,000 color choices, painted finishes may be requested as liquid or powder coatings with ultra-low volatile organic compounds (VOC) and VOC-free content. Durable, VOC-free anodize finishes also may be selected.

Nationally recognized for its innovative expertise, Wausau Window and Wall Systems is an industry leader in engineering window and curtainwall systems for commercial and institutional construction applications. For more than 55 years, Wausau has worked closely with architects, building owners and contractors to realize their vision for aesthetic beauty, sustainability and lasting value, while striving to maintain the highest level of customer service, communication and overall satisfaction. Wausau is a part of Apogee Enterprises, Inc., a publicly held, U.S. corporation.

Wausau and its staff are members of the American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA), the American Institute of Architects (AIA), the APPA – Leadership in Educational Facilities, the Construction Specifications Institute (CSI), the Design-Build Institute of America, the Glass Association of North America (GANA), the National Fenestration Ratings Council (NFRC) and the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC).

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