Despite recent developments in technology and the proposed tightening of U-values and window-to-wall ratios, many designers are still unaware of the benefits of aluminum and what the extrusion process can offer. It has become clear that aluminum extruders can add value to the projects design, and should have a seat at the design table during the DD (design development) phase.
The trend toward IPD (Integrated Project Delivery) is bound to grow as the industry grapples with tighter, stricter codes, an increasing demand for sustainable buildings and further developments in capabilities. Much time and money is wasted when architects have to issue RFIs (Request For Information) to determine whether a profile can be extruded or not. Sometimes the answer is “No”-then it’s back to the drawing board; more often the answer is “Yes, but there’s a more efficient, more cost-effective option.”
The benefits of working on a project that follows the IPD process, shown below, are clear. We can see the impact of controlling cost and scheduling by bringing suppliers on board earlier in the design process. Architects want and need the input from the suppliers as soon as possible, because as the design process continues, the cost of changes rise dramatically the closer they move toward the constructions document phase.
Another argument for earlier involvement is the increasing emphasis on LEED certification. The growing focus on sustainability presents an opportunity to explore the benefits of aluminum. It’s estimated that nearly 75 percent of all aluminum ever produced is still in use today. At Rosemont, Ill.-based Sapa Extrusions North America, we have the capability to produce extrusions with whatever scrap content a customer specifies for a given project-even up to 100 percent.
Because of this, aluminum can contribute to a variety of LEED credits, including the following:
- Avoidance of chemicals of concern
- Building reuse and whole building life cycle assessment
- Life cycle analysis
- Material life cycle disclosure and assessment
- Reducing halogenated organic compounds
- Responsible extraction of raw materials
- Ventilation, thermal comfort and daylight
Specific to the building and construction industry, aluminum’s sustainability lends to cradle-to-cradle opportunities that contribute toward life cycle analysis. Energy-efficient windows and doors are easily produced with aluminum extrusions, satisfying these types of indoor environmental qualities. At Sapa, we can help our customers obtain additional LEED credits for having ISO certification and regional priority-the proximity of our 16 North American locations enables a closer sourcing and therefore a lower carbon footprint.
We know that aluminum is the material of choice for architects when designing facades or exterior envelopes for numerous reasons. The challenge is to convey those benefits to specifiers at the design table. We need to make it clear that in addition to significant benefits in LEED certification, emerging technology is providing effective thermal enhancements and design features that tip the balance even further toward the use of aluminum.
At Sapa, we are excited about a recent initiative we call “Project .25” that illustrates how aluminum extrusion can achieve significant improvements in the U-values of curtain wall systems. Experimenting with thermal modeling within the fenestration area, we were able to help manipulate the glazing pocket, coating, and the thermal breaks to achieve U-values of 0.25 or better. That compares to the current typical range of U-values that are between 0.35 to 0.48.
How did we do it?
- Warm-edge spacers
- Thermally broken systems frame
- Double/triple I.G. units
- Low-E coatings
- Air/argon filled glazing
Our Project .25 analyses makes clear that even in a head-to-head comparison, aluminum comes out on top of other materials and can be adapted in a wide variety of ways to address LEED goals or specific building codes. However, at Sapa, our goal is to help bring value-added services to the architect during the design process to achieve the energy goals of the project.
That’s why the earlier we can become involved in the design process, the more opportunity we have to help improve aspects of the design and help to reduce costs.
—
Jason Weber is the business development manager- commercial building and construction at Rosemont, Ill.-based Sapa Extrusions North America. To learn more, visit www.sapagroup.com/en/na.