Issue link: http://digital.canadawide.com/i/734400
OCTOBER 2016 | 27 Curtain Wall & Window Wall PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY ALL WEATHER WINDOWS; FLYNN GROUP OF COMPANIES Changing standards and greater efficiencies in the curtain wall and window wall sector by NATALIE BRUCKNER-MENCHELLI T he curtain wall and window wall industry is evolving at a rapid pace as new innovations, technologies and standards influence the market. Automated machinery has significantly reduced the time needed to fabricate product and increased the quality. This has resulted in a shift toward smart curtain wall and window wall systems that have a shorter payback period and are driving the industry toward new standards that will continue to raise the bar. It's a time of change for the sector here in Canada; and one being driven by lead- ers in their field. "While there is consistent pressure from developers to bring in products at a lower cost, the big players are driving higher quality control and faster building enclosure," explains Greg Hildebrand, vice-chair of the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) A440 Window Standard Technical Committee. Over the past few years, these very leaders have been pushing for standards that will significantly contribute to improving the performance of window and curtain wall systems with regards to resistance to water penetration, wind load, conden- sation and leakage. Earlier this year substantial changes to Part 5 of the National Building Code of Canada 2015 (NBC) added a whole variety of performances for window wall and curtain wall. "They've previously fallen through the cracks, but that's no longer the case. Part 5 now details minimum performance requirements, as well as establish- ing laboratory and in-situ testing procedures," explains Hildebrand. This is the first mention of the North American Fenestration Standard (NAFS) standard in a Canadian building code, however it is an obligation that applies to all fenestration products, whether or not those products are within the scope of NAFS. Another major change happening in the sector is the development of CSA A440.5, which is expected to come into force in 2017. "The CSA A440.4 committee is devel- oping a A440.5 standard that will cover window wall under insulation guidelines for high exposure windows," explains Hildebrand, an engineer who specializes in high-rise developments. "It specifically addresses the window wall industry and will dictate the protocols for testing the products in the lab and the field." That's great news for companies like All Weather Windows that specializes in energy efficient and durable exterior products. "We are definitely seeing a drive for more energy efficient products, and the new revisions are actually helping to fur- ther drive innovation and improvements in thermal performance as well as water management and structural performance of the systems," says Paul Pagnucco, gen- eral manager of the Commercial division. Wall To Wall All Weather Windows Commercial has seen an increase in the use of thermally efficient products in both dual and triple glazed applications. "We have been using these products on Alberta Infrastructure projects, particularly schools, and most recently for the Lethbridge Police Services addition and renovation. These types of systems are popular in residential use of curtain wall frames due to their enhanced thermal performance," explains Pagnucco. Innovation and improved performance will also advance as standards evolve. "I believe companies and products will con- tinue to innovate in response to Provincial adoption of the NBC," says Pagnucco. Products like Alumicor's 2600 Thermawall feature a full frame separation for a superior thermal performance. Integral glass support eliminates concerns of dead loads imposed upon thermal breaks, while composite action "Bigfoot" thermal break provides increased and cost-effective resistance to wind loads. Brand new proprietary gasketing improves thermal performance and, in addition, the prod- uct has been rigorously tested to AAMA and CSA standards with superb results. Another company that hails the recent changes to standards is Flynn Group of Companies. The main 200,000-square-foot Flynn manufacturing facility is equipped with top-of-the-line glazing and CNC production equipment, process- ing everything from their 6450 Unitized curtain wall system to custom curtain walls for commercial high-rise projects and rainscreen panel systems; and all under strict quality control. "Offsite unitized construction guarantees consistent quality and accelerates site installation, closing in the building quicker, minimizing delays due to weather condition and facilitating fit-out sooner in the building schedule," explains Michael Roche, manager, business development North America. When it comes to sustainability, Flynn is encouraging the use of recycled alumi- num in its curtain walls. In conjunction with a sister company, Flynn has developed a thermally enhanced bracket sub girt system to carry its rainscreen panel system to achieve insulation effective R values, reducing the amount of energy needed to heat and cool a building. With available enhanced high-performance glazing sys- tems Flynn has future-proofed itself ahead of ever-changing building codes. "The future of the sector is about sustainability and innovation. If we do not inno- vate we stagnate. The same old does not cut it anymore in the facade sector. We love that architects are pushing the envelope of design," says Roche. "Just look at the proj- ects we have delivered such as Ryerson on Yonge Street and the Bergeron Centre for Engineering; with innovative out-of-the-box thinking we designed, developed and delivered custom envelope solutions, like we say, turning renderings into reality." Over the past 25 years, Durabuilt Windows & Doors has also established itself as a leader in innovation for window wall systems with its state-of-the-art 180,000-square-foot facility. Jeff Ward, director of sales and marketing at Durabuilt, says that the company is dedicated to pushing the limits of high-performance functionality, magnificent design and ultimate beauty with its Vivacé system. "Vivace's luxurious finishes, superior seal system, impeccable design details and clean lines, and steel reinforce- ment for large window wall capability mean it continues to grow in popularity for new home construction and commercial projects," says Ward. Its engineered nine chamber frame profile has an overall 2¾-inch depth that pro- vides superior structural support, while its 2¾-inch vinyl frame and sash feature thick outer walls combined with dead air chambers that provide exceptional thermal values. Millennium Library, Winnipeg, MB. Ryerson Student Learning Centre, Toronto, ON.