First impressions are everything and even more so with today’s buildings. What stands out when looking at a strip mall, car dealership, department store or fast food restaurant? More often than not, it’s the entrance or storefront system that catches an architect’s eye. These systems must be designed to entice potential customers to visit the merchant. Durability, performance and safety must also be top considerations due to the abundant use of glazing.
Aluminum as we know it is adapting to the industry. It has the ability to maintain its strength and meet the tightest energy codes in the market. Aluminum with thermal barriers is a material you should highly consider when specifying your next project.
Many manufacturers today offer thermally broken aluminum storefront systems, but the advantages of aluminum thermally broken systems are now becoming apparent. Aluminum storefront fenestration has been the norm since World War II, and has remained the choice product because of its high-strength, lightweight, recyclability and environmental resiliency. It can also be easily anodized or painted by today’s standards.
Anodized Finishes
Anodized aluminum will maintain its color and appearance. Today, architects have access to a palette of anodized colors-including white, clear, champagne, medium bronze, dark bronze and black in matte finish.
Conventional anodized aluminum finishes are known for their beauty of bringing out the natural luster of the aluminum-the “Grain of the Metal” one might say. To help provide protection for the conventional anodized finish, the porous anodic film is subjected to a hot water or steam sealing process; however, aqueous seals cannot completely close every pore of the anodic layer. This leaves the anodized finish vulnerable to the construction process and the environment. YKK AP recognizes the importance to seal every pore of the anodic finish. The Austell, Ga.-based manufacturer uses an “Anodized Plus” finish that replaces the traditional sealing process with an electro-deposited organic seal to ensure that all pores are closed and that the anodized finish is protected from common construction chemicals and caustic environments.
Overall, aluminum stands up better to the environment. And with a high-quality anodized finish, it can resist damage from mortar, acid rain, pollution, detergent and salt spray. Look for a manufacturer with an anodized finish and a 10-year warranty.
Thermal Performance
Another benefit of the aluminum storefront system is the evolution of thermal performance by incorporating dual-break technology. Aluminum storefronts with dual-break pour-debridged polyurethane thermal barriers perform 18 percent more efficient with the same glazing than a single barrier.
The advent of dual-break technology allows framing systems to achieve lower U-factors. Upgrading the storefront first before upgrading the Insulated Glazing Unit (IGU) to achieve your energy objectives reduces front-end costs. Framing is less square footage than the IGU in most cases and offers the best increase in performance for the dollar spent. If you upgrade the frame and the glass you can find a manufacturer with a U-factor of 0.32 Btu/hr•ft2•°F or lower with high-performance low emissivity argon filled IGU’s with thermally broken spacers. This performance rating will go a long way in specifying an energy-efficient product that provides thermal comfort for customers and energy savings for the building owners.
The double thermal barrier design significantly reduces heat transfer and keeps internal surfaces warmer. The dual polyurethane pour and debridged thermal barrier system allows aluminum fenestration to get that extra thermal performance without losing strength. You also won’t lose the aesthetic appeal of the storefront/entrance system and I-values remain similar or the same.
When specifying a storefront don’t forget a thermal entrance. A thermally broken door will provide better performance and help maximize retail space, thus expanding the showroom area. In some climate zones a thermally broken door may be used in place of a vestibule freeing up valuable square footage. In large egress areas thermally broken doors can reduce the U-factor by 30 percent or more over a traditional non-thermal door with the same glazing. Also, if they replace a monolithic glazed door the U-factor can be reduced by 57 percent or more. Both of these options reduce energy use and create savings for the owners. These aluminum storefronts systems are working on becoming the dominant choice in the market today.
Installation
Storefront systems also tend to be friendlier to the installer. Many manufacturers are adopting a high-sill seal to match the sightline of sill and not a bump or ripple. Installers are also using the sill flashing as a base to anchor. This eliminates additional penetrations through the system and turns out to be friendlier for architects looking at water control. Less drilling and less flashing penetrations will better control water over time.
Architectural aluminum system manufacturers will be happy to assist you with questions around thermal performance or aesthetics of storefronts and entrances. With energy codes constantly evolving, thermal performance will continue to be high priority. Aluminum fenestration systems will provide the thermal and structural performance, durability, and aesthetics architects are looking for.
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David Warden is the enerGfacade brand manager for YKK AP America, Austell, Ga. For more information on storefront and entrances, visit www.ykkap.com.