Crystal Expands Engineering Assistance Services for Window Projects
-New Analytical Capabilities Benefit Architects and Fenestration Professionals- QUEENS, NY, December 12, 2019 –National manufacturer Crystal Window & Door Systems has expanded its offerings of project engineering assistance services for architects and fenestration trade customers. The Crystal R&D/Engineering Department has recently qualified to use the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC)Component Modeling Approach(CMA) Program and its online directory. This powerful tool will give Crystal the ability during the project’s design and specification phase to estimate and optimize selections of window types, configurations, glazing options, and frame and spacer components to maximize overall window energy performance and energy efficiency ratings. While Crystal currently uses thermal performance modeling for glazing options, the CMA Program adds in spacers, window frames, and other components to the assessment. “Our capabilities with the NFRC’s CMA Program will greatly enhance our ability to help design and construction professionals make the best decisions for their fenestration products,” said Sabrina Leung, Architectural Sales and R&D/Engineering Manager. “With so many glazing, spacer, coating, and configuration choices available, Crystal’sengineering team will be able to use the CMA Program software tools to ensure the customer’s desired fenestration selections and configurations achieve energy code or advanced specification targets. We can recommend various alternatives guiding design, construction, and fenestration professionals on how best to achieve desired energy performance within their project budgets.” Crystal has several new products in the final stages of testing which will be added to the CMA directory when approved. The CMA Program is the latest addition to Crystal’s engineering and R&D services, which include fast-track custom window modification and accessory design, in-house product testing, sample mock-ups, and installation support. For example, Crystal supplies many landmark and historic projects that often require special accessories and product customization to meet design criteria and to replicate the original style of the building. Crystal’sR&D/Engineering Department, along with the company’s commercial sales team and its five production plants across the country, works closely with project architects, GCs, owners, and fenestration installation firms to provide tailored designs, installation support, and to expedite concepts into production. Using 3-D printing technology, Crystal can model detailed components, window profiles, and accessories prior to final production, and prepare samples of various designs for customers’ review and approval. Through consultation with its affiliate network of independent structural façade engineering professionals, Crystal’s R&D/Engineering Department also offers solutions and recommendations for particularly challenging projects, saving time and cost on installations. Crystal engineers routinely visit challenging job sites to consult on installations, field testing, and service. In addition, Crystalfacilitates new product development and customization with its in-house test chamber and engineering analysis. “We greatly reduce design cycle time by performing structural analysis, thermal simulations, and air and water testing of new products all in-house,” said Leung. “Once satisfied, we release the new product, product modification, or accessory for third-party independent lab testing, production, and ultimately sale.” Crystal’s R&D/Engineering team members have decades of experience in the window and door industry, both with domestic and European standards, designs, and energy codes. Additionally, their knowledge of production equipment, manufacturing processes, materials, and emerging technologies has helped Crystal to rapidly expand its product offerings, fast track new product development, and work with customers to provide the best solutions for their fenestration needs. “It’s important that fenestration, design, and construction professionals know we are here to support their projects every step of the way,” said Leung. “From initial concept through product selection, delivery, and final installation, our engineers provide their expertise and assistance to ensure the most successful and most effective fenestration projects possible.”
Crystal Supplies Advanced uPVC Windows for New Airport Hotel
– Manufacturer SuppliesNew Energy EfficientWindowsfor San Diego Marriott Affiliate- RIVERSIDE, CA, November 22, 2019 –Crystal California, the West Coast production operation of national manufacturer Crystal Window & Door Systems, recently provided commercial vinyl windows for the new TownePlace Suites by Marriott hotel located near the San Diego International Airport. Crystal supplied one of its leading products for this project, the Magnus Series 4500, the European inspired design uPVC commercial vinyl window. Crystal’s Magnus products combine the strength and durability of commercial aluminum windows with the outstanding thermal performance of vinyl windows. “Crystal was pleased to work with fenestration dealer and installer Picture Perfect Windows & Doors to design the right window system for this new hotel,” said Crystal project manager Vivian DeMarco. “Crystal also worked closely with the general contractor Roy Anderson Corporation adjusting production and delivery of the windows to accommodate the changing needs of the project schedule.” The project called for a total of 324 Crystal Magnus Series 4500 Fixed Picture Windows with a 3-¼” frame depth and AAMA PG40 rating. Most of the openings were specified with sash combinations involving vision glass with PTAC louver units below and some with grey spandrel laminated glass transoms all contained within a master frame. The majority of the Crystal Magnus windows were tall, with most either 90” or 124” in height. Optional nailing fins aided the installation of the new construction windows. Crystal California supplied its high-end commercial Magnus Series 4500 uPVC windows for the new TownePlace Suites by Marriott at San Diego International Airport, providing superior guest comfort. To provide the visual aesthetics of multiple glass lights in one opening, 1.85” wide simulated divided light tape and 1” thick applied sculpted grids were used extensively. High-quality durable dark bronze color foil laminate was used on the window frame exteriors with either extruded white vinyl or the bronze foil for interiors. The 259 PTAC louvers positioned in the window openings below the vision glass mate with space conditioning units supplying individual guest rooms. The Model AEL-42 PTAC louvers were sourced from Reliable of Geneva, AL, and factory installed in the window frames by Crystal prior to jobsite delivery. The Series 4500 windows’ 1” insulated glass units (IGUs) utilized dual panes of Cardinal 3⁄16” LoĒ3-366 exterior glass and 3⁄16” clear interior glass with Argon gas filling. The IGUs help the windows deliver great U-values of 0.28 and Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) values of 0.22. TownePlace Suites by Marriott at San Diego Airport is part of the Liberty StationCommunity and is located on a decommissioned Naval Training Center. With a naval motif inspired interior design, the hotel features 222 guest rooms, breakfast dining area, outdoor patio and pool facilities, a fitness center, meeting rooms, and catering for events. Hospitality specialist architecture firm Degan&Degan of Seattle, WA, designed the hotel, and Roy Anderson Corporation, a subsidiary of Tutor Perini headquartered in Gulfport, MS, was the general contractor. Picture Perfect Windows & Doors of San Diego provided fenestration installation services for the project.
