New Product Focus

glass
True Blue
Two new blue-tinted glasses, Pacifica and Solarblue, are now available from PPG Industries’ performance glazings business.
Dark-blue Pacifica glass may be combined in an insulating unit with the company’s color-neutral, high-performance coated glasses to generate light to solar gain (LSG) ratios up to 1.63. It is also compliant with the Florida reflectivity code requirements for “turtle glass.”

Solarblue glass has a light sky-blue tint. When used in an insulating unit with clear glass it has a VLT of 50 percent and a solar heat gain coefficient of 0.49. When combined with the company’s color-neutral, high-performance coated glasses, it can achieve LSG ratios up to 1.84. www.ppgideascapes.com/blues

glazing systems
Unitized Design
As a part of its range of unitized solutions, Kawneer Company Inc. offers the 1600 SS Unitwall™ in both stock lengths and fabricated for pre-glazing. The system is designed for low- to mid-rise projects and is ideal for new or remodeling projects.

The 1600 SS Unitwall is also available in a vertical SSG version and a fully captured version, which is dry-glazed and eliminates the use of silicone. A rain screen pressure equalization option is also available. The system can accommodate different color options for the exterior and interior with anodized and fluoropolymer painted finishes available. www.kawneer.com

security glazing
Passing the Test
Special-Lite has announced that its SL-17 fiberglass reinforced polyester (FRP) flush door has been found to provide protection to building occupants from flying debris in the event of an explosion according to ASTM F 1642-04, Standard Test Method for Glazing and Glazing Systems Subject to Airblast Loading criteria. Architectural Testing Inc. (ATI) conducted the test earlier this year.

According to a company announcement, ATI attached a standard SL-17 door to a large shock tube, which simulates the effect of an actual explosive device. When subjected to force in the 5.5 to 6.5 psi range, the SL-17 was slightly damaged but remained operational.

The SL-17 previously passed similar third-party tests for windborne debris and impact resistance in order to achieve hurricane rating and Florida product approval. www.special-lite.com

sealants
A Touch of Gray
As a way to provide the architectural and design community with a new aesthetic option for fenestration systems, the Fenzi Group’s Butylver one-component, solvent-free sealant is now available in gray. The sealant is used for insulating the inside (first barrier) of IG units and has low water vapor and gas permeability, weatherability and adheres to glass, aluminum and stainless steel.

According to information from the company, the sealant is ideal for curtainwall applications. In such applications, for example, the edge seal is visible and the gray color matches the structural silicone used for the secondary seal. When the edge seal is covered by the frame, as in conventional IG units, gray-colored butyl highlights the primary seal, making it stand out from the secondary seal. www.fenzi.com

glass partitions
CRL Unframes “All-Glass” Restroom Partitions
Los Angeles-based C.R. Laurence Co. Inc. (CRL) is introducing frameless all-glass restroom partitions.

Designed for use with ½-inch-thick tempered glass only, the RPS system utilizes the customer’s choice of CRL’s Vienna or Cologne Series Hinges. Polished stainless, brushed stainless and powder coated 2- by 3-inch post systems, along with matching hardware, will match most any commercial décor. Brackets for mounting adjoining fixed panels, and privacy locks are sold separately to accommodate various applications. The doors swing inwards. www.crlaurence.com

doors and windows
For Outdoors and In
New lift and slide pocket doors from Germany’s Montag Windows & Doors feature panels available up to 110 square feet that allow architects to integrate indoor and outdoor spaces. The doors can be used in applications where unobstructed views and walkout accessibility is desired, such as pools, golf course views, courtyards or beachfront homes.

The doors are custom fabricated in Germany and are available in a number of pre-finished wood species including meranti, mahogany, teak and ipé.

For coastal markets, the company also offers impact-resistant glazing configurations using a 1 ¼- inch laminated, insulating unit with a low-E coating. Impact-rated products are available in 4- by 8-foot panels that can be configured with two, three or four panels. www.montagwindows.com

YKK Celebrates Product Launch
Some celebrate with cake. YKK AP America in Austell, Ga., is celebrating YKK Group’s 50-year anniversary in the architectural products business with the launch of enerGfacade™, a new family of energy-efficient products. The family includes several products, such as Luminance™, ThermaShade™ and YOW350T. 

The YOW350T is a heavy duty, architectural-grade window system that includes a triple-glazing feature with integral blinds for strong solar heat gain control. When used in combination with standard glazing, the YOW350T provides a U-value of .32 in a fixed window option. 

The Luminance light shelf system improves interior daylight with highly reflective melamine surfaces, which diffuse light deeper into the interior. A unique assembly process includes a 90 degree tilt-down panel feature allowing for the easy maintenance of the light reflecting surface and the glazing above it. When combined with ThermaShade™ sunshades, Luminance gives a complete sun control solution.  www.ykkap.com

“Serious” Window Business
The new SeriousWindows WAP Series™ from Sunnyvale, Calif.-based Serious Windows was designed specifically for Department of Energy Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) agencies and states to be able to source into low-income housing projects as replacement windows. According to an announcement from the company, the National Energy Audit Tool model showed that the SeriousWindows WAP Series could create up to 12 times more energy savings per household than other weatherization measures. www.seriouswindows.com

resources
IGMA Announces the Launch of Latest Publication
“Voluntary Guidelines for the Identification of Visual Obstructions in the Air Space of Insulating Glass Units” is the most recent publication from the Insulating Glass Manufacturers Alliance (IGMA). The publication consists of advisory guidelines to assist in achieving long-term performance of sealed insulating glass units and is intended for use by those who design, specify, manufacture and install insulating glass units.

Written as a result of open discussions and review by the IGMA Visual Quality Working Group and others knowledgeable in the field, these guidelines were developed in accordance with IGMA’s due process procedures to help assure their reasonableness. They reflect existing technology and are subject to periodic review and change. www.igmaonline.org

resfire-rated glass
InterEdge Adds PYRAN® Platinum to Product Line
Sausalito, Calif.-based InterEdge Technologies has added PYRAN® Platinum to its line of glazing products. According to the company, PYRAN® Platinum offers optical quality and clarity with little distortion and provides fire and impact safety protection. This eco-friendly fire-rated glass-ceramic is made without the use of hazardous heavy metals. It is available in both filmed (Platinum-F) and laminated (Platinum-L) units. www.firesafe-glass.com

Architects' Guide to Glass & Metal
© 2009 Copyright Key Communications Inc. All rights reserved. 
No reproduction of any type without expressed written permission.