Prescriptive Specification

SECTION 08520 - ALUMINUM WINDOWS

PART 1 - GENERAL

1.1 RELATED DOCUMENTS

A. Drawings and general provisions of the Contract, including General and Supplementary
Conditions and Division 1 Specification Sections, apply to this Section.

1.2 SUMMARY
A. This Section includes the following types of aluminum-framed windows:
1. Casement windows.
2. Fixed windows.

B. Related Sections include the following:

1. Division 8 Section "Glazing" for glazing requirements for aluminum windows,
including those specified to be factory glazed.

1.3 DEFINITIONS
A. AW: Architectural.
B. C: Commercial.
C. HC: Heavy Commercial.
D. LC: Light Commercial.
E. R: Residential.
F. Performance grade number, included as part of the AAMA/NWWDA product
designation code, is actual design pressure in pounds force per square foot (pascals) used
to determine structural test pressure and water test pressure.

G. Structural test pressure, for uniform load structural test, is equivalent to 150 percent of
design pressure.

H. Minimum test size is smallest size permitted for performance class (gateway test size).
Products must be tested at minimum test size or at a size larger than minimum test size to
comply with requirements for performance class.

1.4 PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS

A. General: Provide aluminum windows capable of complying with performance
requirements indicated, based on testing manufacturer's windows that are representative
of those specified and that are of test size indicated below:
1. Size indicated.
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B. Structural Performance: Provide aluminum windows capable of withstanding the following,

including wind loads based on passing AAMA/NWWDA 101/I.S.2, Uniform Load Structural
Test, at basic wind speed indicated:
1. Deflection: Based on passing AAMA/NWWDA 101/I.S.2, Uniform Load Deflection
Test.
2. Deflection: Design glass framing system to limit lateral deflections of glass edges to less
than 1/175 of glass-edge length at design pressure based on structural computations.
3. Basic Wind Speed: As indicated in miles per hour (meters per second) at 33 feet (10m)
above grade. Determine wind loads and resulting design pressures applicable to Project
according to the following, based on mean roof heights above grade as indicated on
Drawings:
a. Appendix B in AAMA/NWWDA 101/I.S.2.

4. Design Pressure: 30 lbf/sq. ft. (1440 Pa).

C. Air Infiltration: Maximum rate not more than indicated when tested according to
AAMA/NWWDA 101/I.S.2, Air Infiltration Test.
1. Maximum Rate: 0.1 cfm/sq. ft. (2 cu. m/h x sq. m) of area at an inward test pressure of 6.24
lbf/sq. ft. (300 Pa).

D. Water Resistance: No water leakage as defined in AAMA/NWWDA referenced test methods at a

water test pressure equaling that indicated, when tested according to AAMA/NWWDA 101/I.S.2,
Water Resistance Test.
1. Test Pressure: 15 percent of positive design pressure, but not less than 2.86 lbf/sq.ft. (140
Pa) or more than 12 lbf/sq. ft. (580 Pa).

E. Forced-Entry Resistance: Comply with Performance Level 10 requirements when tested

according to ASTM F 588.
F. Condensation-Resistance Factor: Provide aluminum windows tested for thermal performance
according to AAMA 1503, showing a CRF of 45, where windows are indicated to be "thermally
improved."
G. Thermal Transmittance: Provide aluminum windows with a whole-window U-value maximum
indicated at 15-mph (24-km/h) exterior wind velocity and winter condition temperatures when
tested according to AAMA 1503 or ASTM E 1423.
1. U-Value: 1.7 W/sq. m x K.
H. Sound Transmission Class: Provide glazed windows rated for not less than 35 STC when tested
for laboratory sound transmission loss according to ASTM E 90 and determined by ASTM E 413.
I. Thermal Movements: Provide aluminum windows, including anchorage, that accommodate
thermal movements of units resulting from the following maximum change (range) in ambient
and surface temperatures without buckling, distortion, opening of joints, failure of joint sealants,
damaging loads and stresses on glazing and connections, and other detrimental effects. Base
engineering calculation on actual surface temperatures of materials due to solar heat gain and
nighttime-sky heat loss.

1. Temperature Change (Range): 120 deg F (67 deg C), ambient; 180 deg F (100 deg C)
material surfaces.
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J. Life-Cycle Testing: Test according to AAMA 910 and comply with AAMA/NWWDA
101/I.S.2.
K. Casement Windows: Comply with AAMA/NWWDA 101/I.S.2 for the following tests:
1. Vertical Deflection Test.
2. Hardware Load Test.
3. Torsion Test.

L. Horizontal-Sliding Windows: Comply with AAMA/NWWDA 101/I.S.2 for the

following tests:
1. Operating Force.
2. Deglazing: When tested according to ASTM E 987.

1.5 SUBMITTALS
A. Product Data: Include construction details, material descriptions, fabrication methods,
dimensions of individual components and profiles, hardware, finishes, and operating
instructions for each type of aluminum window indicated.
B. Shop Drawings: Include plans, elevations, sections, details, hardware, attachments to
other Work, operational clearances, and the following:
1. Mullion details, including reinforcement and stiffeners.
2. Joinery details.
3. Expansion provisions.
4. Flashing and drainage details.
5. Weather-stripping details.
6. Glazing details.
7. Window cleaning provisions.
8. For installed products indicated to comply with design loads, include structural
analysis data signed and sealed by the qualified professional engineer responsible
for their preparation and used to determine the following:
a. Structural test pressures and design pressures from basic wind speeds
indicated.
b. Deflection limitations of glass framing systems.

C. Samples for Initial Selection: For units with factory-applied color finishes.
D. Samples for Verification: For aluminum window components required, prepared on
Samples of size indicated below.
1. Main Framing Member: 12-inch- (300-mm-) long, full-size sections of extrusions
with factory-applied color finish.
2. Hardware: Full-size units with factory-applied finish.
3. Weather Stripping: 12-inch- (300-mm-) long sections.
4. Architect reserves the right to require additional samples that show fabrication
techniques, workmanship, and design of hardware and accessories.

E. Qualification Data: For Installer and. testing agency.

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F. Field Quality-Control Test Reports: From a qualified testing and inspecting agency engaged by
Contractor.

G. Product Test Reports: Based on evaluation of comprehensive tests performed within the last four
years by a qualified testing agency, for each type, grade, and size of aluminum window. Test
results based on use of down-sized test units will not be accepted.

H. Maintenance Data: For operable window sash, operating hardware, weather stripping, and
finishes to include in maintenance manuals.

1.6 QUALITY ASSURANCE

A. Installer Qualifications: An installer acceptable to aluminum window manufacturer for

installation of units required for this Project.

B. Testing Agency Qualifications: An independent testing agency, acceptable to authorities having

jurisdiction, with the experience and capability to conduct the testing indicated, as documented
according to ASTM E 548.

C. Source Limitations: Obtain aluminum windows through one source from a single manufacturer.

D. Product Options: Drawings indicate size, profiles, and dimensional requirements of aluminum
windows and are based on the specific system indicated. Refer to Division 1 Section "Product
Requirements."

1. Do not modify intended aesthetic effects, as judged solely by Architect, except with
Architect's approval. If modifications are proposed, submit comprehensive explanatory
data to Architect for review.

E. Fenestration Standard: Comply with AAMA/NWWDA 101/I.S.2, "Voluntary Specifications for

Aluminum, Vinyl (PVC) and Wood Windows and Glass Doors," for minimum standards of
performance, materials, components, accessories, and fabrication unless more stringent
requirements are indicated.

1. Provide AAMA or WDMA-certified aluminum windows with an attached label.

F. Glazing Publications: Comply with published recommendations of glass manufacturers and

GANA's "Glazing Manual" unless more stringent requirements are indicated.

G. Mockups: Build mockups to verify selections made under sample Submittals and to demonstrate
aesthetic effects and qualities of materials and execution.
1. Build mockup in building envelope wall in locations shown on Drawings.
2. Perform tests specified in "Field Quality Control" Article. Modify mockup construction
and perform additional tests as required to achieve specified minimum acceptable results.
3. Approved mockups may become part of the completed Work if undisturbed at time of
Substantial Completion.

H. Preinstallation Conference: Conduct conference at Project site to comply with requirements in

Division 1 Section "Project Management and Coordination." Review methods and procedures
related to aluminum windows including, but not limited to, the following:
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1. Inspect and discuss condition of substrate and other preparatory work performed by other
trades.
2. Review and finalize construction schedule and verify availability of materials, Installer's
personnel, equipment, and facilities needed to make progress and avoid delays.
3. Review required testing and inspecting procedures.

1.7 PROJECT CONDITIONS

A. Field Measurements: Verify aluminum window openings by field measurements before

fabrication and indicate measurements on Shop Drawings.

1. Established Dimensions: Where field measurements cannot be made without delaying the
Work, establish opening dimensions and proceed with fabricating aluminum windows
without field measurements. Coordinate wall construction to ensure that actual opening
dimensions correspond to established dimensions.

1.8 WARRANTY

A. Special Warranty: Manufacturer's standard form in which manufacturer agrees to repair or

replace aluminum windows that fail in materials or workmanship within specified warranty
period. Failures include, but are not limited to, the following:

1. Failure to meet performance requirements.

2. Structural failures including excessive deflection.
3. Water leakage, air infiltration, or condensation.
4. Faulty operation of movable sash and hardware.
5. Deterioration of metals, metal finishes, and other materials beyond normal weathering.
6. Insulting glass failure.

B. Warranty Period: Three years from date of Substantial Completion.

C. Warranty Period for Metal Finishes: 10 years from date of Substantial Completion.

D. Warranty Period for Glass: 10 years from date of Substantial Completion.

PART 2 – PRODUCTS

2.1 MANUFACTURERS

A. Available Manufacturers: Subject to compliance with requirements, manufacturers offering

products that may be incorporated into the Work include, but are not limited to, the following:

1. Casement Windows:
a. Sidem.

2. Fixed Windows:
a. Sidem.
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2.2 MATERIALS, GENERAL

A. Aluminum Extrusions: Alloy and temper recommended by aluminum window manufacturer for
strength, corrosion resistance, and application of required finish, but not less than 22,000-psi
(150-MPa) ultimate tensile strength, not less than 16,000-psi (110-MPa) minimum yield strength,
and not less than 0.062-inch (1.6-mm) thickness at any location for the main frame and sash
members.

B. Fasteners: Aluminum, nonmagnetic stainless steel, epoxy adhesive, or other materials warranted
by manufacturer to be noncorrosive and compatible with aluminum window members, trim,
hardware, anchors, and other components. Cadmium-plated steel fasteners are not permitted.

1. Reinforcement: Where fasteners screw-anchor into aluminum less than 0.125 inch
(3.2 mm) thick, reinforce interior with aluminum or nonmagnetic stainless steel to receive
screw threads, or provide standard, noncorrosive, pressed-in, splined grommet nuts.
2. Exposed Fasteners: Unless unavoidable for applying hardware, do not use exposed
fasteners. For application of hardware, use fasteners that match finish of member or
hardware being fastened, as appropriate.

C. Anchors, Clips, and Accessories: Aluminum, nonmagnetic stainless steel, or zinc-coated steel or
iron complying with ASTM B 633 for SC 3 severe service conditions; provide sufficient strength
to withstand design pressure indicated. Cadmium-plated steel anchors, clips, and accessories are
not permitted.

D. Reinforcing Members: Aluminum, nonmagnetic stainless steel, nickel/chrome-plated steel

complying with ASTM B 456 for Type SC 3 severe service conditions, or zinc-coated steel or
iron complying with ASTM B 633 for SC 3 severe service conditions; provide sufficient strength
to withstand design pressure indicated. Cadmium-plated steel reinforcing members are not
permitted.

E. Compression-Type Weather Stripping: Provide compressible weather stripping designed for

permanently resilient sealing under bumper or wiper action, and completely concealed when
aluminum window is closed.

1. Weather-Stripping Material: Dense elastomeric gaskets complying with

ASTM C 864.

F. Sliding-Type Weather Stripping (For horizontal sliding or double hung windows): Provide
woven-pile weather stripping of wool, polypropylene, or nylon pile and resin-impregnated
backing fabric. Comply with AAMA 701/702.

1. Weather Seals: Provide weather stripping with integral barrier fin or fins of semirigid,
polypropylene sheet or polypropylene-coated material.

G. Replaceable Weather Seals: Comply with AAMA 701/702.

H. Sealant: For sealants required within fabricated windows, provide window manufacturer's
standard, permanently elastic, nonshrinking, and nonmigrating type recommended by sealant
manufacturer for joint size and movement.
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2.3 GLAZING

A. Glass and Glazing Materials: Refer to Division 8 Section "Glazing" for glass units and
glazing requirements applicable to glazed aluminum window units.

2.4 HARDWARE

A. General: Provide manufacturer's standard hardware fabricated from aluminum, stainless steel,
carbon steel complying with AAMA 907, or other corrosion-resistant material compatible with
aluminum; designed to smoothly operate, tightly close, and securely lock aluminum windows and
sized to accommodate sash or ventilator weight and dimensions. Do not use aluminum in
frictional contact with other metals. Where exposed, provide solid bronze, extruded, cast, or
wrought aluminum, die-cast zinc with special coating finish] [or] [nonmagnetic stainless steel.

B. Sill Cap/Track: Extruded-aluminum with natural anodized finish track of thickness, dimensions,
and profile indicated; designed to comply with performance requirements indicated and to drain
to the exterior.

C. Locks and Latches: Designed to allow unobstructed movement of the sash across adjacent sash
in direction indicated and operated from the inside only.

E. Roller Assemblies: Low-friction design.

E. Four- or Six-Bar Friction Hinges: Comply with AAMA 904.

1. Locking mechanism and handles for manual operation.

2. Friction Shoes: Provide friction shoes of nylon or other nonabrasive, nonstaining,
noncorrosive, durable material.

F. Casement Windows: Provide the following operating hardware:

1. Operator: Gear-type rotary operator located on jamb at sill.

a. Rating: Provide rotary operator rated C-R15 according to AAMA 901.
2. Hinge: Heavy-duty, concealed, four- or six-bar friction hinge with adjustable-slide
friction shoe; designed to permit ventilator operation for inside cleaning of outside glass face; two
per ventilator.
3. Lock: Concealed multipoint locks operated by single lever handle or lift-type throw; three
per ventilator.

2.5 FABRICATION

A. General: Fabricate aluminum windows, in sizes indicated, that comply with requirements and that
meet or exceed AAMA/NWWDA 101/I.S.2 performance requirements for the following window
type and performance class. Include a complete system for assembling components and anchoring
windows.
1. Casement Windows: R.
2. Fixed Windows: R.
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3. Horizontal-Sliding Windows: R.

B. Fabricate aluminum windows that are reglazable without dismantling sash or ventilator framing

C. Weather Stripping: Provide full-perimeter weather stripping for each operable sash and ventilator.

1. Horizontal-Sliding Windows: Provide operable sash with a double row of sliding weather
stripping in horizontal rails and single- or double-row weather stripping in meeting or
jamb stiles, as required to meet specified performance requirements. Provide
compression-type weather stripping at perimeter of each movable panel where sliding-
type weather stripping is not appropriate.

D. Weep Holes: Provide weep holes and internal passages to conduct infiltrating water to exterior.

E. Mullions: Provide mullions and cover plates as shown, matching window units, complete with
anchors for support to structure and installation of window units. Allow for erection tolerances
and provide for movement of window units due to thermal expansion and building deflections, as
indicated. Provide mullions and cover plates capable of withstanding design loads of window
units.

F. Subframes: Provide subframes with anchors for window units as shown, of profile and
dimensions indicated but not less than 0.062-inch- (1.6-mm-) thick extruded aluminum. Miter or
cope corners, and weld and dress smooth with concealed mechanical joint fasteners. Finish to
match window units. Provide subframes capable of withstanding design loads of window units.

G. Factory-Glazed Fabrication: Glaze aluminum windows in the factory where practical and possible
for applications indicated. Comply with requirements in Division 8 Section "Glazing" and with
AAMA/NWWDA 101/I.S.2.

H. Glazing Stops: Provide snap-on glazing stops coordinated with Division 8 Section "Glazing" and
glazing system indicated. Provide glazing stops to match sash and ventilator frames.

2.6 FINISHES

A. General: Comply with NAAMM's "Metal Finishes Manual for Architectural and Metal Products"
for recommendations for applying and designating finishes.

B. Finish designations prefixed by AA comply with the system established by the Aluminum
Association for designating aluminum finishes.

C. Baked-Enamel Finish: AA-C12C42R1x (Chemical Finish: cleaned with inhibited chemicals;

Chemical Finish: acid-chromate-fluoride-phosphate conversion coating; Organic Coating: as
specified below). Apply baked enamel complying with paint manufacturer's written instructions
for cleaning, conversion coating, and painting.

1. Organic Coating: Thermosetting, modified-acrylic enamel primer/topcoat system

complying with AAMA 2604 except with a minimum dry film thickness of 1.5 mils (0.04
mm), medium gloss.
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a. Color: As selected by Architect from manufacturer's full range.

PART 3 - EXECUTION

3.1 EXAMINATION

A. Examine openings, substrates, structural support, anchorage, and conditions, with Installer
present, for compliance with requirements for installation tolerances; rough opening dimensions;
levelness of sill plate; coordination with wall flashings, vapor retarders, and other built-in
components; operational clearances and other conditions affecting performance of work.

1. Masonry Surfaces: Visibly dry and free of excess mortar, sand, and other construction debris.

B. Proceed with installation only after unsatisfactory conditions have been corrected.

3.2 INSTALLATION

A. General: Comply with manufacturer's written instructions for installing windows, hardware,
accessories, and other components; Drawings; and Shop Drawings.

B. Install windows level, plumb, square, true to line, without distortion or impeding thermal
movement, anchored securely in place to structural support, and in proper relation to wall
flashing and other adjacent construction.

C. Set sill members in bed of sealant or with gaskets, as indicated, for weathertight construction.

D. Install windows and components to drain condensation, water penetrating joints, and moisture
migrating within windows to the exterior.

E. Metal Protection: Separate aluminum and other corrodible surfaces from sources of corrosion or
electrolytic action at points of contact with other materials by complying with requirements
specified in "Dissimilar Materials" Paragraph in Appendix B in AAMA/NWWDA 101/I.S.2.

3.3 FIELD QUALITY CONTROL

A. Testing Agency: Owner will engage a qualified independent testing and inspecting agency to
perform field tests and inspections and to prepare test reports.

B. Testing Services: Testing and inspecting of installed windows shall take place as follows:

1. Testing Methodology: Testing of windows for air infiltration and water resistance shall be
performed according to AAMA 502, Test Method [A] [B], by applying same test
pressures required to determine compliance with AAMA/NWWDA 101/I.S.2 in Part 1
"Performance Requirements" Article.
2. Testing Extent: Three windows as selected by Architect and a qualified independent
testing and inspecting agency. Windows shall be tested immediately after installation.
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3. Test Reports: Shall be prepared according to AAMA 502.

C. Remove and replace windows where test results indicate that they do not comply with specified
requirements.

D. Additional testing and inspecting, at Contractor's expense, will be performed to determine

compliance of replaced or additional work with specified requirements.

3.4 ADJUSTING

A. Adjust operating sashes and ventilators, screens, hardware, operators, and accessories for a tight
fit at contact points and weather stripping for smooth operation and weathertight closure.
Lubricate hardware and moving parts.

3.5 PROTECTION AND CLEANING

A. Protect window surfaces from contact with contaminating substances resulting from construction
operations. In addition, monitor window surfaces adjacent to and below exterior concrete and
masonry surfaces during construction for presence of dirt, scum, alkaline deposits, stains, or other
contaminants. If contaminating substances do contact window surfaces, remove contaminants
immediately according to manufacturer's written recommendations.

B. Clean aluminum surfaces immediately after installing windows. Avoid damaging protective
coatings and finishes. Remove excess sealants, glazing materials, dirt, and other substances.

C. Clean factory-glazed glass immediately after installing windows. Comply with manufacturer's
written recommendations for final cleaning and maintenance. Remove nonpermanent labels and
clean surfaces.

D. Remove and replace glass that has been broken, chipped, cracked, abraded, or damaged during
construction period.

END OF SECTION 08520