4 minute read
Kim Piercy
A New Generation of Windows Modern windows provide sound reduction, heat reduction and protection against hurricane wind loads
KIM PIERCY
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M “ y condo is so hot in the afternoon sun.” “The trash truck is so loud in the mornings, even with the windows closed.” “My windows always leak when it rains.” Sound familiar? These common complaints are stressors we often hear about from owners who are in need of new windows. The good news is that today’s generation of windows provides vast improvements to sound reduction and protection against the elements, including heat reduction and hurricane wind loads. The Mount Terrace condominium in Hawaii Kai is one of the most recently upgraded buildings to enjoy the benefits of today’s generation of windows. Featuring dual-pane insulated glass, anodized aluminum frames, high-quality stainless steel fasteners and hardware, and high-quality commercial grade sealants, it is the prime example of what today’s new windows can do for owners and associations. Or as one original unit owner put it: “My apartment used to reach 96 degrees in the morning. Now it doesn’t get any warmer than 72 degrees!” It’s all thanks to dual-pane insulated glass. The most noticeable differences owners talk about after new windows are installed is how cool and quiet their unit is compared to before. New
dual-pane tempered glass with low-E coating not only meets Oahu’s energy code requirements, but assists in creating a quiet and energy-efficient unit by dramatically cutting down on street noise and thermal heat transmission. The glass also helps reduce solar transmission, thereby preventing ultraviolet rays from negatively affecting the temperature in a unit and destroying personal belongings, including flooring, furniture and drapery.
With less energy required to cool down the unit on warm days, and greater protection provided to personal belongings, owners save money while enjoying the peace of their condo without the interference of blaring sirens and morning traffic.
With Hawaii’s hurricane season in full swing, having peace of mind that your windows can provide protection against those dangerous winds makes all the difference. New windows must go through wind-load testing, so owners who are equipped with that data no longer have to wonder how much their windows can withstand during severe weather. Make sure your contractor provides wind-load testing data before agreeing to any new window and door installations. Buildings with windows 25 years or older featured thin frames made of either steel or aluminum that are unable to withstand current wind-load testing standards. Modern heavy-profile aluminum frames meet Oahu’s current strict building codes and feature a high-grade commercial finish that requires minimal maintenance and has a proven long life in coastal areas. Anodized finishes provide the greatest color retention and resistance to corrosion.
The high-quality stainless steel hardware and fasteners used to assemble the window frames ensure corrosion resistance and prevent rust from affecting the strength and operation of the window. Gone are the days when low-quality steel rollers are frozen and no longer slide.
Deterioration of caulking and sealants are commonly the leading cause of leaks during heavy rains. The high-qual
ity commercial-grade sealants used to install new windows provide long warranties, giving owners peace of mind that they no longer have to worry about water leaking into their units.
With all the benefits new commercial-grade windows can provide, associations and owners are encouraged to review the condition of their windows and determine if it is time for replacement. Not only are old windows a safety hazard, but upgraded windows can greatly help improve quality of life. ❖
Kim Piercy is a project manager at Elite Railings & Windows, a supplier and installer of aluminum railings and windows for condominium and commercial installations. She works alongside architects, engineers and consultants to help the company remain at the forefront of technology by utilizing state-of-the-art products, material and techniques. Reach her at Elite Railings & Windows at 842-7245 or erw@erwhawaii.com.
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