PRODUCT RESOURCES
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product FAQs
Accessories
Acoustic Performance
Air/Water Penetration
Aluminum Finishes
Condensation
Entrances
Smoke Protection
Other
Our Product FAQ section will allow you to find detailed answers to common questions about our curtain wall systems, commercial windows, storefront systems and entrance solutions. Whether you’re an architect, contractor or facilities manager, this resource is designed to support you and your project with clear, accurate and up-to-date technical information.
Accessories FAQs
Attachment of roller shades to the interior surface of vertical mullions will not typically void Tubelite or EFCO storefront and curtainwall product warranties. However, it is advised that the additional load be considered when evaluating the structural capacity of the storefront or curtainwall system. In general, if the weight of the shades is not excessive, and if they are not cantilevered to the inside, the attachment does not result in any significant change to the requirements of the system. Additionally, with EFCO systems if EFCO field services becomes involved and if EFCO field services determine that the alteration by others created the issue for the EFCO product to not perform as tested, then the EFCO warranty is void.
Storefront and curtainwall drain water differently. Storefront drains water down the vertical mullions to the sub-sill or sill flashing. Storefronts are designed to be used with our extruded and thermally broken sub-sills, and do not require brake metal flashing.
The use of flashing beneath storefront products as unnecessary. All storefront systems are tested for air, water, structural, and thermal performance without sill flashing; and thus, it is not considered necessary to meet performance requirements. Flashing, when included, should be considered as part of the surrounding condition for aesthetics or function, and should be carefully detailed and integrated to the storefront system to prevent compromising the system’s performance.
Properly installed, curtainwall does not require flashing underneath the frame. Curtainwall drains water from each lite at the horizontals and water stays out of the verticals. Because of this, very little water weeps from the curtainwall directly onto the substrate beneath.
The use of flashing beneath our curtainwall products as unnecessary. All curtainwall systems are tested for air, water, structural, and thermal performance without sill flashing; and thus, it is not considered necessary to meet performance requirements. Flashing, when included, should be considered as part of the surrounding condition for aesthetics or function, and should be carefully detailed and integrated to the curtainwall system to prevent compromising the system’s performance.
Head receptors may be used with curtain wall, but it is done for cosmetic purposes only and is considered unnecessary. The design of curtain wall does not allow for loading to be carried through a snap-on cover, nor can it be carried through a head receptor. Standard deadload/windload anchoring is still required. When a head receptor is used, there is additional coping of the receptor is needed around the mullion anchors using either F/T, or standard head and sill anchors. There are often easier, cleaner ways to achieve the same objective. Sealing conditions also should also be reviewed.
The use of side blocks for Tubelite’s 400 Series Curtain Wall is unnecessary for it to function as intended and is not included in standard pricing. Glass shift has not been observed, either in the field or in laboratory testing.
We do not object to them being used if the client wishes to add them. Because all projects are unique in their requirements, conditions may exist that would justify their use such as shop-glazing a system or shifting due to anticipated seismic events.
EFCO’s curtain wall systems are designed for use with anti-walk glass side blocks in the glazing pocket to mitigate glass movement and so are recommend for use on these systems.
Acoustic Performance FAQs
Test report summaries of acoustic tests are published on the Tubelite website, but not all glass types perform equally. It’s impractical to test every possible glass type, so sometimes it’s necessary to estimate. To estimate acoustic performance in storefront or curtainwall, a good general guideline is “glass value minus three.” Take the STC or OITC value of the glass on its own and subtract three for the expected overall performance. For example, since a typical 1” insulated glass unit has a STC rating of 35, we expect the overall value to be 32 when it is installed in framing. When we compare glass performance values with Tubelite’s published test results, we see that the rule holds true with good accuracy. Viracon and other glass manufacturers publish acoustic performance tables that can be helpful for selecting glass to meet an acoustic specification.
Tubelite would be happy to review your application. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our Engineering Team:
Air/Water Penetration FAQs
Most non-terrace/swing entrances are not designed, tested, or rated for water resistance.
They are designed for high traffic and accessibility. There are trade-offs when designing for water resistance that reduce an entrance’s accessibility and ability to handle high traffic. This is not unique to Tubelite or EFCO – you will find that similar products from our competitors are also not rated for water resistance.
To avoid water issues, commercial buildings are typically are designed with overhangs or awnings to protect the entrances from rainfall.
Tubelite’s curtain wall systems must be installed with the exterior perimeter seal at the shoulder of head, sill, and jamb members where they meet the adjacent construction. This seal must be in place for a field test to be valid. Size sealant joints per installation manuals and approved shop drawings. Interior seals and additional exterior seals are considered cosmetic and not required for curtain walls.
See the example image below:
Tubelite’s/EFCO’s exterior storefront systems must be installed with both the exterior and interior perimeter seals at the outer and inner edges of the head, sill, and jamb members where they meet the adjacent construction. Sealant joints should be sized per installation manuals and approved shop drawings. To achieve published air and water infiltration performance and for a field test to be considered valid, both interior and exterior seals must be in place as shown in our installation instructions and the example below:
Tubelite’s ribbon window systems must be installed with both the exterior and interior perimeter seals at the outer and inner edges of the head, sill, and jamb members where they meet the adjacent construction. Sealant joints should be sized per installation manuals and approved shop drawings. To achieve published air and water infiltration performance and for a field test to be considered valid, both interior and exterior seals must be in place as shown in our installation instructions and the example below:
Storefront doors on upper floors generally are discouraged due to the potential air and water infiltration problems that may result from higher pressures and exposure to rain on upper floors. Storefront doors are designed to be accessible and handle high traffic, but there are trade-offs that limit the ability to resist water and air infiltration. Buildings should be designed with overhangs and awnings above the entrances to limit the amount of contact with water.
Outswing storefront doors are better at resisting water infiltration than inswing doors because any weather-sweep on the threshold will help direct water away from the building.
Each of Tubelite’s curtain wall systems has multiple options for mullion depths. All mullion depths in each system have the same fundamental design, the only difference being the size of the backmember used. All other aspects of the framing system remain the same. The tests outlined in each system’s test summary were performed on one mullion depth to verify the system’s design and its ability to meet air and water infiltration requirements. Testing all system depths is not practical or warranted. Because the other mullion depths use the same glazing, pressure plates, water dams, and gaskets, the air and water infiltration test results are valid for them as well. Thermal performance is addressed in separate reports.
Each project must be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. The structural performance of the curtain wall is dependent on the backmember depth, reinforcement, and anchoring. Framing for every project should be evaluated to ensure that it meets building code requirements, which will vary from project to project.
For Tubelite, the maximum recommended height of all exterior 2″ x 4-1/2″ storefront frames is 12 feet. The maximum recommended height of exterior 2” x 6-1/2” storefront frames is 14 feet. For EFCO, the maximum recommended height of all exterior 2″ x 4-1/2″ storefront frames is 10 feet. The maximum recommended height of exterior 2” x 6-1/2” storefront frames is 13 feet. These are the maximum heights at which these systems have been tested for water infiltration resistance. Additionally, these maximums are based on how quickly a given height of storefront can remove a corresponding height of water buildup from the system, not the structural capabilities of a certain height system. Exterior storefront frames exceeding these heights have an increased risk of leaks. A curtain wall system should be used for exterior frames taller than 14 feet.
Aluminum Finishes FAQs
Visually, there typically is not much of a difference between Class I and Class II clear anodize. The difference is in the performance:
Class I is a high-performance finish used for exterior building products that must withstand continuous outdoor exposure and high traffic. It also is more resistant to salt spray.
Class II anodic coatings are recommended for interior applications or light exterior applications receiving regularly scheduled cleaning and maintenance such as storefronts and entrance ways.
Another difference to keep in mind is that Class I has a dry film thickness of at least 0.7 mils, while Class II can range between 0.4 to 0.7 mils. The two coatings can be nearly identical in thickness, or Class I can be up to twice the thickness of Class II.
Depending on the alloy, the finish thickness can have a significant effect on the color and brightness of clear anodic films. For 6063-T6 alloy, the visual variation between Class I and Class II is minimal, and unlikely to be detected by the casual observer.
Concrete Removal Advisory
Concrete is always part of the jobsite. It is important to protect aluminum components including finished aluminum from any wet masonry work. Concrete and mortar in their uncured state have a very high pH. High pH substances readily attack aluminum and in particular, can very quickly damage anodized aluminum. In the event uncured mortar or concrete type materials come in contact with any aluminum material, finished or unfinished, it is critically important to remove the wet masonry as soon as possible as permanent damage can occur within minutes of contact.
If a large amount of concrete come in contact with finished aluminum and is allowed to cure, there is a very high likelihood the aluminum and finish will be damaged beyond repair and must either be replaced or field painted.
In the event small amounts of masonry come in contact with finished aluminum, it should be removed as quickly as possible using a plastic spatula or scraper. The paint will not easily stick to painted surfaces so it should be easy to remove. The painted surface should then be cleaned with a neutral detergent cleaner and rinsed. Concrete on anodize surfaces should be removed the same way. In the event the concrete leaves a mark on the anodize aluminum and where the anodize coating is still intact, it is recommended that the area be cleansed with a mild abrasive such as Soft Scrub or Barkeepers Friend. Copious amounts of water should be used afterward to ensure remnants of these mild abrasives are completely rinsed away. The anodized aluminum should be left to dry. There is some likelihood that the seal of the anodic coating has been compromised at his point due to the concrete attack. Therefore it is highly recommended that Linseed Oil be rubbed onto the anodic coating to help “reseal” the anodic film from atmospheric attack. The Linseed Oil should not be used in direct sunlight. It should be applied, left to sit for a few minutes and the buffed or wiped dry. Linseed Oil is a natural polymer that crosslinks and protects the compromised anodized surface that can last for years.
No. Aluminum should not be in contact with fresh concrete. Plastic shims, caulk, or bituminous paint are all appropriate means of isolation.
Fresh concrete is concrete that is not fully cured. Curing typically can take up to 28 days. The risk is higher of aluminum corrosion is higher if an accelerant (a chloride) is used in the concrete. Once cured, the concrete is pH-neutral and would pose a minimal risk. The reactive chemicals are then captive in the cement and would have minimal potential for corrosion. Keeping the area free of moisture, as it should be after installation, helps prevent any potential corrosion.
Contact of aluminum with fresh concrete is known to cause permanent staining of finishes. The pH can be quite high and contact with fresh concrete can be a problem. There are no known, documented cases where aluminum in contact with cured concrete has resulted in corrosion.
Condensation FAQs
The issue of condensation and frost on the interior surfaces of architectural aluminum framing usually arises seasonally when outdoor temperatures reach extreme lows. Thermally “broken” systems reduce the effects of cold temperatures, but high humidity levels found in residential, and some commercial buildings can accentuate condensation.
The Fenestration & Glazing Industry Alliance offers information and documents provided by the American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA) to help explain the conditions that cause condensation and provide information on further reducing it.
ASHRAE 99.6% Heating Dry-Bulb (HDB) Temperature for Major U.S. Cities and State Capitals
This document summarizes the values for major U.S. cities and state capitals that represent dry-bulb temperatures corresponding to 99.6% annual cumulative frequency of occurrence (cold conditions), in degrees Fahrenheit.
View the PDF »
“Understanding Indoor Condensation in Your Home”
AAMA started evaluating the thermal performance of windows and doors in 1972. The first AAMA voluntary standard for thermal performance was developed specifically to measure the condensation resistance of windows and sliding glass doors. Since that time, AAMA standards have evolved to include windows and doors of various materials and types, as well as ensuring that emerging technologies are assessed.
As an association of window, door and skylight manufacturers, AAMA understands that these products enhance the beauty and comfort of your home by providing views, ventilation, and daylight. To maximize the enjoyment and realization of these attributes, you should understand how condensation is formed and how it can be minimized.
The CRF Tool is intended to provide general guidance on suggesting a minimum Condensation Resistance Factor (CRF) based on a project-specific set of environmental conditions.
While not an absolute value, the CRF is a rating number obtained under specified test conditions to allow a relative comparison of the condensation performance of the product. It will provide a comparative rating of similar products of the same configuration and permit the determination of the conditions beyond which an objectionable amount of condensation may occur.
The humidity level is typically quite high in a pool area (natatorium) and consequently, condensation on doors, windows, storefront, and other systems should be expected in months with colder temperatures.
The factors determining the occurrence of condensation are: outside temperature, inside temperature, interior relative humidity, and the condensation resistance factor (CRF) rating of the system.
The best approach to improve condensation on pool area doors is to try to reduce the humidity as much as possible. This proves difficult in a natatorium setting do to the evaporative nature of warm and water filled spaces.
From a natatorium design standpoint, condensation can be greatly reduced by incorporating an airlock or vestibule as the point of entry to these spaces. A vestibule will keep the difference in outdoor air temps and indoor pool area temps to a minimum and will do more to combat condensation than will the use of thermally broken doors opening directly to the outdoors. While thermal doors are often recommended for natatoriums for improved condensation resistance, during the cold months of winter, even a thermal door in this type of application may experience condensation in a natatorium.
Entrance FAQs
Tubelite ForceFront Blast® were developed and tested with specific hardware to withstand blast impacts. Concealed vertical rod (CVR) panic exit devices were chosen and tested because they hold the door in place more securely in an impact. CVR panic hardware have bolts that secure the door at both the header and the threshold.
Rim panics were not included in our blast testing because they only latch at the panic location.
For the doors to remain blast rated, any hardware substitutions must be evaluated and approved by a professional blast engineer. Please review the available test reports for blast hardware options.
Below are Tubelite’s guidelines for door leaf weight when using our P795 offset pivots.
Number of Pivots | Recommended Leaf Weight Limit (lbs.) |
2 | 120 |
3 | 210 |
4 | 240 |
Both Tubelite’s and EFCO’s door products, regardless of stile width (within each product line) use the same fundamental design. The difference between them is the widths of the stiles and rails used in their construction. All other aspects of the doors remain the same (within each product line). To verify the performance of the door design, narrow and medium stile doors were tested. Non-thermal, thermally broken, and heavy wall/monumental wide stile doors have the same design; therefore, the test results are valid for them as well.
Smoke Protection FAQs
EFCO and Tubelite have not tested any of our products for smoke or fire resistance at this time.
Other FAQs
No asbestos material or components containing asbestos are used in the manufacturing of any of EFCO or Tubelite’s products.
EFCO and Tubelite test their curtain wall, storefront, ribbon window, and entrance systems in accordance with industry standards. The results of these tests are published on our website and given in test reports. Some of these reports have expiration dates that have since passed.
Many test laboratories list expiration dates on test reports as part of their own policies, or as a requirement for various certification and labeling programs. Tubelite products are not labeled, and any labeling protocols are not applicable to field-glazed systems. There is no requirement to retest at regular intervals, unless the testing apparatus or procedures change, or the product design or materials change.
FGIA (AAMA) has a statement regarding this:
Test reports are a historical record of test results on specific test specimens, tested to a defined standard or standards; a “snapshot” of the product at a certain point in time.
Laboratories may include expiration dates on their test reports that reflect their individual policies. These expiration and/or test record retention dates will vary from laboratory to laboratory and test report to test report. As historical records cannot technically “expire”, these dates are arbitrary. In the event that no changes are made to the design and/or construction of the product as documented in the test report, it is the position of AAMA that the test report remains valid as a reflection of the facts as of the date of the test.
Test reports prepared by AAMA accredited laboratories are mandated throughout AAMA’s certification and verification programs and are referenced in its voluntary standards, specifications and test methods. Though some test reports may contain expiration and/or test record retention dates established by the testing laboratory, AAMA does not rely on these dates in its certification and verification programs. For the purposes of certification and validation, a test report is considered valid for the duration established by the requirements of the applicable certification or verification programs. For example, AAMA/WDMA/CSA 101/I.S.2/A440 test reports are mandated to include test dates, report dates and a test record retention date