by Melissa Thomson Light
These are just a few of the initiatives keeping skylight and sunroom manufacturers busy. Read on to discover the latest in both commercial and residential applications.
ODL of Zeeland, MI, has introduced its VISTA® 14-inch tubular skylight with Solar Lens™ Dome. The ultraviolet-resistant acrylic domed skylight is able to spread light evenly up to 300 square feet, according to the company. The tube shaft of the skylight is 95 percent reflective to maximize the available sunlight that is brought into the home. The company also distributes 10- and 21-inch versions of VISTA. Each kit contains enough tubing to complete a 48-inch installation, according to the company.
GE Structured Products of Pittsfield, MA, announced it has joined forces with other skylight manufacturers to promote architectural and standardized overhead glazing units that use LEXAN® Thermoclear® polycarbonate sheet.
The new glazing units consist of aluminum or vinyl frames and will simplify the process of specifying and installing high-powered skylights, vaulted daylight ceilings, stadium roofs and other overhead glazing applications, according to GE.
Overhead glazing systems built with LEXAN can be tinted, transparent and white-lined in a variety of dimensions and gauges, according to the company.
Skywall Translucent Systems of Terrell, TX, now offers the Advanced Translucent Skylight (ATS). The system is watertight and the one-piece rafter cap eliminates exposed fasteners and cap penetration. The patented thermal glazing clip isolates the system as well as provides constant and proper glazing pressure. Clean sightlines and added protection against condensation throughout the system is provided by the integral gutters.
The company utilized the ATS in a National Hockey League regulation-sized ice arena which was built inside the single-level Coral Ridge Mall in Coralville, IA. The system was put in over the ice arena, and Naturalite BMS 3000 ridge skylights were installed over the mall portion of the building.
In other news, Skywall has completed a 4,000-square foot Skycurve™ skylight project for National Traveler’s Life Company. The project includes a curved translucent barrel vault skylight with Tedlar protected fiberglass panels. A white Kynar finish was applied by The Vistawall Group to the interior and exterior of the skylight for long-lasting durability.
Another product from the company is the SW-250, a translucent curtainwall. It has been tested for air and water and its face cap measures 2½-inches and may be designed with various interior mullion depths to meet loading as well as aesthetic requirements, according to the company.
Macedonia, OH-based Patio Enclosures Inc. announced the design of a new sunroom, the ComfortView Room. The design has many new features including enhanced energy efficiency, all tempered safety glass, improved security latching and Italian door and window hardware. The room is made primarily of sliding glass and screen windows and doors. The company says it has the highest level of energy performance of any sunroom in the company’s history. The design combines the thermal properties of Geon Fiberloc®, a glass reinforced PVC and the structural properties of thermally broken aluminum. According to the company, a triple weather-stripping system enhances this performance by keeping air infiltration well below the industry standard.
The improved security latching includes a triple point locking system with dual deadbolt locks, including a lock that is out of reach of small children, and a turn-handle lock that indicates locks are engaged by its position. The doors can also be locked in an open position of 6-inches, enabling air to enter while keeping the room secure.
The 8,000-square-foot Sophia M. Sachs Butterfly House & Education Center of Chesterfield, MO, was built with the help of laminated glass with a Saflex® plastic interlayer. Tempglass Group Inc. of Perrysburg, OH, used the Saflex product in the overhead glazing of the building, including the center vault, which ascends 36-feet high at its apex. The laminated glass used in the overhead glazing of the conservatory, allows maximum light to shine through the structure, while blocking out 99 percent of the harmful UV light which can damage fragile plant life, according to the company.
A full-color brochure from Guardian 275 Translucent Daylights (GTD), a division of Major Industries, is now available. GTD’s full range of translucent fiberglass insulated sandwich panel systems commonly used in North America are described. The panels feature an aluminum grid core in several patterns, according to the company. Standard panels are 1½ - or 2¾-inch thick, with R-values up to six.
Naturalite Skylight Systems was chosen to complete skylight configurations for the West Oaks Mall in Oconee, FL. The project included 23 units of ridges and polygons and PPG Solex green laminated glass. A Kynar® finish was used on the interior.
Flex Lite Corp. of Mt. Vernon, IN, has introduced Twinfix’s Multi-link system and Two-Eighty glazing system for use in sloped roof glazing. According to the company, the Multi-Link system combines a standing seam friction fit, aluminum structural bars and interior PVC thermally broken caps, with LEXAN Thermoclear Multiwall 10 and 16 mm profiles. The Two-Eighty glazing system is also made of aluminum and its components allow flexible roof design with the change of gaskets.
Flex-Lite also has a new website which can be found at http://www.flex-lex.com.
Windsor Glass of Windsor, Ontario, recently completed the atrium at the front entrance of the Windsor Justice Facility. The 80- by 100-foot, 8,000-square-feet atrium was built by Windsor with the help of Alumicor Limited. Alumicor helped to modify Windsor’s 2500 Series capped and SSG curtainwall systems and 2300 Series skylight system to meet the requirements of the project, according to Alumicor.
The KLEERTECK glazing system from Sunbilt Solar Products by Sussman Inc. of Jamaica, NY, for curved and straight eave units eliminates exterior caps, according to the company. The system provides thermally broken tubular cross mutins for lateral rigidity, 1-inch insulating tempered glass, optional low-E and a motorized or manual insulating shade system. All units are available in straight or curved eave design with either bronze or white finish.
Wisconsin Solar Design of Middleton, WI, builds glass structures of all types and shapes including gable, ridge, lean-to, hipped, vault, quonest, pyramid and dome. The assemblies have been tested by Warnock Hersey Inc., an independent laboratory. The company provides a fully insulated glass structure, according to Fred Holtzman, AIA, PE.
Gammans Architec-tural Products of Newnan, GA, recently completed work, with only an eight week lead time, on the Aruba Radisson Hotel. The project consisted of three series 700 pyramids, the largest being 10 by 10 meters with hurricane zone loading. The framing is part of Gammans’ new 3DSKY Fast Track Delivery program.
According to the company, the eight week lead time included contract signing and design through overseas installation. The finish is Clear Anodized Plus with a clear organic corrosion resistant topcoat for protection against salt air. The glazing consists of 9/16-inch heat-strengthened laminated custom purple Opti-Color by Laminated Glass Inc. The architect is AI Group Architects.
Fisher Skylights Inc. of Holbrook, NY, says the company works closely with architects to offer custom design, engineering and fabrication to meet job conditions, architectural specifications and budget allowances.
According to the company, its latest CAD technology utilizes a database of proprietary designs to produce computer-generated shop drawings. Other services include budget pricing, factory pre-assembly and independent lab testing.
The company says it offers a variety of glazings including dual-seal silicone, MC Wonderglass™ and GE LEXAN™. It also offers maintenance-free aluminum extrusions.
Melissa Thomson Light is assistant editor for USGlass.
USG
© Copyright 1999 Key Communications, Inc. All rights reserved. No reproduction of any type without expressed written permission.