Client News: Wausau introduces CrossTrak Sliding Doors for high-rise balconies; Innovative design for ease of installation, lift and slide operation, wider expanses, architectural performance ratings

Wausau Window and Wall Systems announces a new product line: CrossTrak™ Sliding Doors. Developed for easy operation when providing high-rise balconies' expansive views, these large doors' operable and fixed panels span up to 8 by 10 feet. They feature a rigid 5-7/8-inch-deep aluminum frame, insulating glass units and a polyamide thermal barrier for energy efficiency, while meeting the industry's most stringent performance requirements.

"Architects told us that they wanted to design around broader views and more natural daylight, and we made it our mission to deliver," says Steve Fronek, P.E., Wausau's vice president of design engineering. "CrossTrak is different from other sliding glass doors. Each panel is an independent, factory-glazed frame that's guaranteed square. These side-stacking frames self-align on an extruded anchor or receptor. An interlocking polyamide channel, fitted with a stainless steel roller track insert, runs continuously across the sill, creating the 'cross track.' Unlike other doors, CrossTrak is easy to install plumb, square and level – even in large openings."

Half-slide, end-slide, center-slide and center-open two-track configurations may be side-stacked with Wausau's INvent™ fixed lites, or projected or casement vents, to accommodate even wider continuous views and added ventilation. Wausau's factory fabrication and glazing help ensure trouble-free installation. Fixed and sliding glass door units are set as individual frames in continuous ribbons. CrossTrak doors are backed with a limited warranty of up to 10 years.

CrossTrak products are offered in a choice of inside track doors for use behind Juliet balconies, or outside track doors with accessible thresholds, operated by either conventional or lift-and-slide hardware. All available options were tested rigorously, to help ensure performance across the broad selection of project-specific configurations. Euro-style lift-and-slide doors were tested to withstand high-rise wind loads and achieve ratings up to AAMA AW-100 (Architectural) Performance Class as established by the North American Fenestration Standard AAMA/WDMA/CSA 101/I.S.2/A440-11 (NAFS). The NAFS standard includes stringent criteria for air, water and structural performance, as well as thermal cycling and durability testing to 4,000 operating cycles.

Understanding other key design considerations in high-rise residential projects, Wausau's available battery of test reports on these doors includes acoustic performance, thermal transmittance and condensation resistance. The doors are listed in the National Fenestration Rating Council Component Modeling Approach database for quick access to energy performance values, certification and rating information.

Enhancing the doors' aesthetic, Wausau's CrossTrak Sliding Doors may be finished in a large palette of more than 30,000 paint colors, or in frosty matte clear or bronze anodize tones. Unique patina-free copper anodize also is available. Frame finishing can be two-color, with the exterior in one finish and the interior in another, to match decor. Complementing the doors' finish and contemporary design, standard hardware is available in a variety of colors and finishes, and operable panels incorporate an integral, extruded "palm tree" pull handle providing a comfortable grip. Various hardware and screen options are available.

To learn more about Wausau's CrossTrak Sliding Doors and other high-performance products, please visit www.wausauwindow.com.

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 60 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), Glass Association of North America (GANA), the National Fenestration Ratings Council (NFRC) and the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC).

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