What to Know About Commercial Window Replacement

Window Replacements in Houston

There are many components to commercial windows. Consider each of these when discussing the job with a commercial window replacement contractor.

Glass

One type of glass is called annealed glass. Annealed glass is commonly used in construction, but it is also the weakest and breaks into large, stiletto fragments. Thermally tempered glass (TTG), however, is four times stronger and far less hazardous. There is also heat-strengthened glass that is partially tempered; however, it shatters into large daggers, making it somewhat dangerous.

Some glass has an interlayer of thick polyvinyl that bonds two pieces of glass together. This reduces the shatter and, depending on the viscosity, can improve thermal abilities. Laminated glass also has two layers of bonded glass with an interlayer to reduce fragmenting. Even monolithic glass, or a single sheet, can have a thin security film applied to reduce uncontrolled shattering from such things as a blast from a foreign object.

North American Fenestration Standards

Water

All glass is tested for quality through forced entry resistance, water permeation, air leakage, load deflection and structural tests. Water penetration resistance is based on design pressure and varies according to lightweight or heavyweight commercial use with increased levels for skylights. Architectural class (AW) requires higher resistance: water resistance makes up for 20 percent of the design pressure. AW class commercial window replacements are normally reserved for high rises.

Blast Hazards

Rocks, debris, flying glass and shrapnel are all hazards to glass. Glass is tested to determine if the minimum requirements of the American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA) are met for shockwaves from explosions, light, sound and heat. The AAMA also has specific guidelines for glazing. Impact/Hurricane Requirements are based on locations such as high-velocity zones. In this situation, glass must meet standards to resist impact from debris similar to blasts.

Sound Mitigation

Glass also plays a role in lowering the noise that escapes. Most states have specific standards regarding sound mitigation, which requires examining the exterior environment to determine what is necessary. Double or triple paned windows meet customary regulations.

Source: ezinearticles

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 Window Replacements in Houston

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