Crystal Windows Expands Paint Finishing Production
Crystal Windows recently installed a new paint line at its Pennsylvania facility, expanding capacity and greatly reducing lead times. -New Equipment Provides Additional Capacity, Reduces Lead Times- QUEENS, NY, February 7, 2023 –To supplement its mainstay powder coat aluminum finish and extruded color vinyl, national manufacturer Crystal Window & Door Systems has expanded its in-house product finishing options with a new liquid paint line at its Pennsylvania factory. Both aluminum and vinyl window products can be accommodated by the new paint line, which uses specially formulated paint for each type of material. The fully-OSHA compliant paint booths, drying facilities, and associated spray equipment allows operators to paint profiles up to 18 feet long in one- or two-tone finish. Crystal predominately uses advanced powder coat paint finish in several dozen standard and stock colors for aluminum extrusions and extrudes vinyl profiles in either white or beige for its broad window and door product line. However, in some instances in-factory manual painting remains an important option for special window orders. The new Pennsylvania paint operation is part of the overall ongoing integration and optimization of Crystal’s production operations at the company’s New York and Pennsylvania facilities. “Liquid paint finish is a great alternative for vinyl windows requiring a non-extruded color and for smaller aluminum orders that don’t require premium powder coat finish or that need special color windows in an expedited time frame,” said Joseph Chang, Vice President of Production. “Our new paint equipment in Pennsylvania adds to our existing capabilities at our New York facility, greatly increasing capacity and reducing lead times for these orders.” The new Pennsylvania paint line more than doubles the combined capacity at the New York and Pennsylvania facilities. It also can accommodate longer profiles than the existing New York line. The new paint line allows greater production flexibility in terms of where products are completed and finished for shipment to customers and job sites throughout the nation. Crystal’s in-house painted aluminum and vinyl products are covered by factory warranties. “For those projects not able to utilize our powder coat aluminum extrusions or extruded color vinyl profiles, our customers will see many benefits with our in-house painted products. To accommodate most needs, we stock many colors and offer a wide array of custom colors through national suppliers,” said Chang. “This equipment gives us much greater capability to handle special jobs rapidly in the most efficient manner, assuring speedy delivery.”
Crystal Windows’ Riverside California Facility Hosts International Art Display
The Tree of Hope on display at Crystal Windows’ Riverside, CA, facility. With 25,000 donated baseballs from 30 countries around the world, the Tree of Hope is a symbol of the unifying power of sports and art. -Manufacturer’s Philanthropic ArmExhibits 20-foot “Tree of Hope”- RIVERSIDE, CA, December 8, 2022 –The Crystal Foundation, the philanthropic arm of national manufacturer Crystal Window & Door Systems, recently unveiled a special outdoor art exhibit at its Riverside, CA, production facility. The modern art creation The Tree of Hope is an homage to the sport of baseball with an eye toward environmental consciousness and world unity. With a shape evocative of a large Christmas tree, the art installation fosters Holiday thoughts of peace, love, and hope, especially meaningful in these stressful times. Crystal Foundation Chairman Thomas Chen, who is also the Founder and Chairman of Crystal Windows, is a patron of modern art and has supported many artists and their work in the past. The Tree of Hope is a 20-ft. tall structure with an 8-ft. diameter base comprised of baseballs from around the world and illuminated by 10,000 energy efficient LED lights. Over 40 countries have contributed 25,000 baseballs, some new but most used in actual games from Little Leagues to the Major Leagues. Professional U.S. teams such as the Philadelphia Phillies, Baltimore Orioles, New York Yankees, and New York Mets have donated baseballs for this project, along with teams from Canada, Latin America, Taiwan, Korea, Japan, Europe, and more, with many of the balls signed by entire teams and even a few baseball greats. Symbolizing the unity and positive energy that art and sports bring to the world, the Tree of Hope project was several years in the making from concept to installation. “As a longtime supporter of the arts, I am very pleased to sponsor the Tree of Hope and its creator, Lin Shih-Pao,” said Crystal Foundation Chairman Thomas Chen. “I feel the true hidden value of this contemporary work is the incredible international response to Lin’s invitation to donate baseballs to the project. Countries from around the world are represented here in the spirit of unity and hope,as its lighting ushers in the Holiday season and the New Year.” The Tree of Hope debuted at Crystal’s headquarters in New York in late 2019 and has since been exhibited at the Crystal facility in Northeast Pennsylvania and its subsidiary facility in St. Louis, MO. The Tree of Hope was originally planned for exhibit at the baseball events during the 2020 Olympic Games in Japan. Unfortunately delay of the Olympic Games by a year and pandemic restrictions forced the cancellation of the Tree of Hope Olympic plans. World-renowned Taiwanese artist Lin Shih-Pao, who brings thought-provoking works of avant-garde art to life from discarded and recycled materials, is the Tree of Hope creator. Mr. Lin is also the artist-in-residence at Crystal Park, Thomas Chen’s and The Crystal Foundation’s 200-acre art and nature preserve in Dutchess County, NY. Mr. Lin has exhibited extensively throughout Japan, Taiwan, and New York; he studied art in college in Japan and at graduate school at NYU.Mr. Lin’s latest solo exhibition The Golden Age opens this month at historic Flushing Town Hall in Queens, NY. The Tree of Hope will be on display through 2023 in the front parking lot at the Crystal Pacific Window & Door Systems’ facility, located at 1850 Atlanta Avenue in Riverside, near the intersection of I- 215 (Riverside Freeway)and CA-60 (Moreno Valley Freeway). The illuminated Tree of Hope can be viewed from Atlanta Avenue and the parking lot anytime, day or night. All visitors are welcome; those entering the employee parking lot and company grounds are urged to be aware and cautious of cars and trucks transiting the space. The Crystal Foundation was established almost 20 years ago by the Chen Family to support art, culture, and educational initiatives.
Crystal Windows Earns Industry Sustainable Recognition
-Industry Publication NamesManufacturer a 2022 Green Award Winner- QUEENS, NY, December 6, 2022 –National manufacturer Crystal Window & Door Systems recently earned another industry recognition for its sustainable production operations. Leading national fenestration publication US Glass Magazine named Crystal Windows a 2022 Green Award winner for Production Efficiencies in the November 2022 issue. Crystal was one of only five companies this year (and one of only two based in the USA) whose products or production processes were recognized for extraordinary efforts to provide a more healthy, sustainable living environment. Earlier this year, Crystal’s New York facility received an environmental award from national Door & Window Market (DWM) Magazine. “Crystal has long fostered a corporate culture to reduce, reuse, and recycle everywhere throughout all our factories,” said Andy Shashlo, COO. “Each of Crystal’s sustainable actions by itself may be small, but when added together, the impact on our operations is impressive. It is very rewarding to have our efforts recognized with this industry award from US Glass Magazine.” Crystal uses domestic suppliers for nearly all its product materials and components, it recycles all production scrap in various ways, and it optimizes logistics to coordinate between facilities, customers, project locations, and even supplier warehouses to reduce transportation. Besides seeking to ensure production processes are as environmentally friendly and efficient as possible, Crystal made a significant step this year with a one-MW solar electricity generation system installed at its New York headquarters and main production facility. The system will offset almost 35% of the company’s overall electricity needs at this location. Crystal also receives hydropower for another 25% of its electricity needs under a separate arrangement. Each year, US Glass Magazine selects Green Award winners based on strategies and commitment to environmental and operational performance, as well as high-performance architectural products. For 2022, along with Crystal Windows, US Glass Magazine recognized two international glass manufacturers, AGC Glass Europe (at its facility in Belgium) and Saint-Gobain (at its facilities in France, Spain, and Germany), for low-carbon glass production, and Dow for carbon-neutral silicone products. South America-based glass and window fabricator Tecnoglass was recognized for its green production processes.
Crystal uPVC Windows Approved for Florida Hurricane Zones
Crystal Window & Door Systems’ MAGNUS uPVC Commercial Vinyl Series 4500 Tilt-and-Turn (shown above, with its test certificate) and Fixed windows received approval for use in Florida’s High-Velocity Hurricane Zones (HVHZ) as well as regions outside these zones. Crystal now has 10 windows approved for projects in Florida, with two in HVHZs. -High-End Commercial Vinyl Rated for Impact and Water Resistance- QUEENS, NY, November 17, 2022 – National manufacturer Crystal Window & Door Systems is pleased to announce that it has added two products to its roster of windows approved by the Florida Building Commission. The MAGNUS uPVC commercial vinyl Series 4500 Tilt-and-Turn and Fixed windows were just approved for use in Florida hurricane areas. Crystal already has eight other products approved for high-wind locations in the state by Florida building authorities. All these Crystal windows are also suitable candidates for high-wind and coastal locations in other states. “These are the first Crystal products rated for use in Florida’s High-Velocity Hurricane Zones (HVHZ) for impact and water resistance, as well as for use in less severe high-wind locations,” said Sabrina Leung, Architectural Sales and Engineering Manager. “The MAGNUS line is one of our top performers, with the perfect combination of aluminum’s superior strength and vinyl’s outstanding thermal performance. The uPVC line also offers great sound attenuation.” Qualifying for the Florida HVHZ rating, the MAGNUS Series 4500Tilt-and-Turn window achieved an R65/wind zone 4/missile level D rating, with water resistance tested at 9.75 psf. The MAGNUS Series 4500 Fixed window’s water resistance was successfully tested at 12.12 psf and is also rated R65. Both MAGNUS Series 4500 windows were tested with 1” overall tempered and laminated double-pane insulated glass units, incorporating the SentryGlas Plus by DuPont laminating interlayer. All testing was completed by independent test labs with separate independent engineering review for the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) for adherence to the current Florida Building Code. Crystal’s MAGNUS Series 4500 features a choice of either 2-⅜” or 3-¼” frame depths, multi-point locks, sash perimeter compression seals, and top quality hardware. The frame’s insulating multi-chambers are suitable for optional reinforcement, an important feature for large size or heavy commercial rated windows. The MAGNUS Series 4500 accommodates insulated glass units up to 1-⅜” and offers U-values as low as 0.20. The uPVC material’s High-Definition Finish (HDF) outperforms standard vinyl to assure years of unparalleled service with minimal maintenance and it is available in three extruded colors – white, beige, and clay. Additional solid color and wood grain foil options are available. To facilitate new construction and retrofit installations in a variety of building types, optional nail fins and other accessories are available. Other Crystal products approved for Florida construction zones outside HVHZ regions include eight select aluminum commercial, heavy-commercial, and architectural windows in slider, double-hung, fixed, and awning styles. Recently, Crystal supplied over 2,100 window and door products for two new student residences at University of Florida-Gainesville’s campus, in a high-wind region of central Florida. With the MAGNUS Series 4500, Crystal now has 10 products approved for use in Florida. “Crystal is expanding in the Southeast where new development and renovation construction is strong,” said Steve Chen, President. “Florida is an exciting market, and we are proud that our Florida-approved products are meeting this demand.”
Crystal Windows Opens Dallas Sales/Distribution Branch Office
National manufacturer Crystal Window & Door Systems is expanding in Texas with a new sales and distribution branch in Dallas. The new branch will include warehouse space and a sales showroom similar to this one at Crystal’s Chicago offices (above, right). -National Manufacturer Expands in Texas Market- QUEENS, NY, October 20, 2022 –Award-winning manufacturer Crystal Window & Door Systems is moving its national expansion plans forward with a new branch office in Dallas, TX. Located near major highways at 454 West Mockingbird Lane in the West Dallas neighborhood of the city, the facility will include a sales showroom, warehouse space, and administrative offices. At over 5,600 sq. ft., this will be the largest of Crystal’s branch sales and distribution centers independent of a production facility. “In recent years, Crystal has supplied several projects in the region and with the Texas construction market booming, it makes sense for us to establish a presence here,” said Frank Ganninger, Central West Regional Manager. “This will allow Crystal to further develop relationships with the design and construction professionals here.” The Dallas branch office is undergoing renovation and fit-out and will be operational early next year.
Crystal Windows Promotes Vivian DeMarco to Sales Manager
Crystal Window & Door Systems promoted sales representative Vivian DeMarco to Regional Sales Manager. DeMarco and her sales team are part of Crystal’s West Coast production affiliate Crystal Pacific. – Experienced Professional Leads West Coast Sales Operations – QUEENS, NY, October 11, 2022 –National manufacturer Crystal Window & Door Systems recently promoted San Diego account executive Vivian DeMarco to the position of Sales Manager. DeMarco is the company’s first female sales manager and is now responsible for overseeing the entire West Coast territory sales operation at Crystal Pacific Window & Door Systems, Crystal’s West Coast production affiliate based in Riverside, CA. Leading a team of four sales representatives who cover the entire Southern California region and beyond, DeMarco brings over 25 years of sales experience in the fenestration industry. “Vivian DeMarco has always been a trailblazer in the window industry, long before other women joined the ranks of fenestration professionals,” said Sergio Garcia, President of Operations for Crystal Pacific. “She has a tremendous sense of what builders, developers, and architects here on the West Coast want from window products and what will make their jobs easier. This has translated into steady growth and a loyal customer base for Crystal Pacific, which just marked its 10 year anniversary.” As Sales Manager, DeMarco is responsible for overseeing the strategic direction of sales for Crystal Pacific, guiding the sales team in developing their respective territories in line with the strategy, and coordinating between production operations and the sales team for product lead times, material availability, and project priorities. Focusing on ongoing professional development for the staff and training for new team members as company sales grow is a priority for DeMarco.She also continues to develop her existing territory in San Diego and Orange County. “We are seeing growth in the commercial market with our commercial vinyl and aluminum products, and a major focus of my efforts will be expanding that,” said DeMarco. “I am also working with production to anticipate builders’ needs and develop new products to deliver what they want in a more efficient manner.” DeMarco joined Crystal Pacific in 2013 as the San Diego branch and distribution manager, then moved to sales when the branch activities were absorbed into the growing Riverside operations. As Senior Account Executive for San Diego and Orange County, she rapidly expanded the customer base and built a positive reputation for the new West Coast manufacturing arm of Crystal Windows. Prior to this, DeMarco was a longtime sales representative for Superior Windows & Doors, a territory manager for Cascade Windows, and a sales representative for Sommer & Maca Glass Industries, manufacturer of fenestration production equipment. DeMarco earned a bachelor’s degree in communications from California State University, Fullerton. “When I started in sales, I felt this was the best job I ever had, and I still feel that way,” said DeMarco. “My territory is like my own small business for me to grow, but with the backing of a large company. I see this same sense of ownership with my entire sales team. With so much potential for growth here on the West Coast, it’s a very exciting time for Crystal Pacific.”
Crystal Windows Receives National Green Sustainability Award
-NY Facility’s Rooftop Solar System Recognized by Major Trade Publication- QUEENS, NY, September 15, 2022 –National manufacturer Crystal Window & Door Systems recently received a coveted Green Award for its commitment to sustainable operations. In the July/August 2022 issue of leading national trade publication Door & Window Market (DWM), Crystal was named one of the magazine’s annual Green Award winners for the new rooftop solar system at its New York City production facility. The new system not only reduces the company’s electric needs and utility bills, but also reduces Crystal’s carbon footprint and contribution to greenhouse gas emissions. “Crystal has always aggressively targeted ways to reduce energy usage and material waste in its production operations,” said Joseph Chang, Vice President of Production. “Now with this major solar electric generating system, we have taken matters to a whole new level.” After several months of design and construction, including a full roof renovation, the new one-MW,2,320-panel rooftop solar system is fully operational. The system is expected to generate nearly one million kW-h annually, providing up to 35% of Crystal’s total electricity needs at this facility. Crystal also utilizes hydropower for nearly 25% of its New York electricity needs. Attributed to the new system, the company’s recent electric bills already show a substantial reduction in utility-supplied electricity consumption. Each year, DWM Magazine reviews fenestration industry products, production, and other corporate initiatives to highlight stellar examples of sustainable and environmentally responsible actions. This year, Crystal was one of nine companies, along with industry giants Jeld-Wen and Assa Abloy, featured in the Green Awards. In prior years, Crystal won another DWM Green Award for its energy-efficient residential vinyl product line. “Our New York headquarters and factory building has over 100,000 square feet of unshaded usable roof space, so solar panels just made sense,” said Steve Chen, President of Crystal Windows. “Just as we are committed to providing state-of-the-art energy efficient products for home and building owners, we are committed to reducing our carbon footprint here in New York City and making our production facility as energy efficient as possible.” According to the USEPA, replacing one million kW-h annually with solar energy eliminates over 1.5 million pounds of carbon dioxide per year from the atmosphere. That is the approximate equivalent of eliminating the greenhouse gas emissions from over ¾ million pounds of coal burned per year or annually removing 154 passenger vehicles from the road or by replacing 26,860 incandescent lamps with LEDs. Crystal Windows new 2,320-panel rooftop solar system at its Queens, New York City facility is expected to deliver about one-third of the factory’s electric needs annually. The significant use of renewable energy at the New York City facility is just one of many environmentally sustainable programs Crystal employs across its five national production facilities and broad product lines. Other initiatives include domestic material sourcing, scrap material recycling, extensive use of powder coat paint finishing on aluminum products, energy efficient facility operations, and optimized logistics for raw material and product transportation. “Crystal truly appreciates the DWM Green Award this year for our rooftop solar system,” said Chen. “This was a great decision for our operations, a great way to help New York City and New York State achieve their greenhouse gas emission reduction targets, and a great way to create a more sustainable future for all.”
Crystal Improved Terrace Door Rises to New Heights
Crystal Window’s Series 1450/1460 Aluminum Swing Terrace Door has been structurally and thermally enhanced and offers new hardware (hydraulic closer shown below), glazing, and a laboratory water-tested ADA low sill option. -Features Include ADA Compliant Sill, Enhanced Structural Performance, New Hardware – QUEENS, NY, August 30, 2022 –National manufacturer Crystal Window & Door Systems is pleased to announce its significantly improved Aluminum Series 1450 Out-Swing and Series 1460 In-Swing Terrace Doors are now available. This best-selling architectural product line has been reengineered and redesigned for elevated structural and thermal performance, with new features, options, and enhanced ADA compliance. Crystal’s Series 1450/1460 Terrace Dooris constructed with heavy-duty 0.093” wall thickness extrusion and a redesigned strong multi-chamber 3-¼” jamb frame, making it well-suited for high-rise and wind-prone installations. Superior thermal performance of the Series 1450/1460 door is achieved with polyamide strut thermal break and heavy-duty gasketing to achieve U-values as low as 0.32. This thermal performance far surpassesNew York City’s latest energy code specifications, one of the most stringent state or municipal energy codes in the country. The Series 1450/1460 door offers glazing of either 1” or 1-¼” dual- or triple-pane tempered insulated glass units, with low-E coatings and gas-filling options for further energy efficiency and sound attenuation. Crystal upgraded all the hardware selections for the Series 1450/1460to give the terrace door a sleeker look with even easier operation. The multi-point locking door features a new no-backplate door handle option which matches handles on Crystal’s high-end casement window products for continuity of appearance, and a separate cylinder keylock can be placed above or below this door handle. Slim heavy-duty barrel hinges provide years of perfectly aligned operation. A powerful adjustable hydraulic closer from leading German hardware manufacturer G-U (Gretsch-Unitas) features a concealed mounting plate and slide arm assembly designed for outswing door operation, which allows effortless operation of the door while maintaining the door’s sleek look on the interior. A bottom stile 10” kick plate is also available for the ADA-compliant Series 1450D door. The aluminum frame of Crystal’s Series 1450/1460Aluminum Swing Terrace Door is finished in durable environmentally sustainable powder coat paint, to either AAMA 2604 or 2605 performance standards. Architects and property owners can choose from a broad palette of standard and stock colors, two-tone (different interior and exterior) frame colors, and any custom color desired. Left: The Crystal Series 1450/1460Swing Terrace Door 3-¼” jamb frame features polyamide strut thermal break, 0.093” wall thickness extrusion, and heavy-duty weatherstripping. Right: The new contemporary no-backplate handle comes with a separate keylock option.
New Queens High-Rises Use Advanced Crystal Windows
Crystal Windows recently supplied 1,554 energy efficient MAGNUS commercial uPVC vinyl windows for three new construction multifamily buildings in Forest Hills, Queens, New York on a beautiful campus. -Manufacturer Supplies Over 1,500 High-Performance uPVC Windows for Project- QUEENS, NY, August 17, 2022 – Crystal Window & Door Systems, the award-winning national manufacturer, is proud to have furnished the recently completed multi-year Apex Place Apartments project with 1,554 high-performance commercial vinyl uPVC windows. The three affordable housing high-rise towers, each between 13 and 17 stories tall, were specified with Crystal’s premier extremely energy efficient MAGNUS Series 4500 window line. The three multi-family buildings, known as Apex One, Apex Two, and Apex Three, are located on the same residential campus near the Long Island Expressway (I-495) and 108th Street in the Forest Hills section of New York City’s Borough of Queens. Unplasticized polyvinyl chloride or uPVC has been in common use as a commercial window frame material in Europe for decades. Now uPVC is growing in popularity in America since it offers strength similar to aluminum with the superior thermal efficiency of traditional vinyl windows. Added benefits of the new material include low maintenance and inherent sound reduction properties. “We are seeing increasing demand for our MAGNUS commercial uPVC vinyl windows in all types of mid- and high-rise projects, especially because it provides exceptional comfortfor residents in multifamily properties,” said Sabrina Leung, Architectural Sales and Engineering Manager for Crystal. “Architects are embracing this material, specifying it here in New York and in all the major markets across the country.” Crystal’s uPVC MAGNUS 4500 In-Swing and Fixed windows were exclusively used throughout the three buildings at Apex Place. Virtually all the windows were very large in size and used combinations of 2 or 3 casement, fixed, and HVAC louver panels combined in expansive master frames. Most of the building’s window openings were nearly floor-to-ceiling, with window combinations commonly spanning 65-¾” x 88-⅝” or 65-¾” x 97-¾,” while some were exceptionally large at 81” x 104”. The Crystal MAGNUS 4500 window systems were a natural choice for such a project. The Crystal MAGNUS 4500 Series windows feature a strong cadmium- and lead-free multi-chamber 2-⅜” depth uPVC frame. Adding to the windows’ strength and ability to span large openings, frames and sashes have internal steel channel reinforcement. Both the MAGNUS 4500 In-Swing Casement and Fixed windows for this project were AW-PG70 rated. All the MAGNUS windows had standard white interiors and durable Grey or Medium Brown RenolitFX exterior foils. A standout feature of the Crystal MAGNUS 4500 In-Swing window is its compression dual-seal weather-tight technology. Other features include a multi-point locking system operated by a stylish high-quality handle. Project specifications also called for the inclusion of a New York City code approved limit opening device. For all the MAGNUS windows, thermal performance was enhanced by using Vitro SB60 glass and Argon gas for the 1-5∕16” dual pane insulated glass units (IGUs). The insulated glass package played a key role in the windows’ ability to surpass U-value 0.29 and SHGC 0.29 project specifications. The use of dissimilar thickness glass in the IGU, combined with the large overall IGU size and inherent sound attenuation properties of uPVC, delivered excellent OITC ratings of 30. Reduction of sound transmittance was an important specification requirement because the project is situated near a major highway. The 1,214aluminum model AEL-42 PTAC louvers for the project were manufactured by Reliable of Geneva, AL. Crystal sourced and factory fitted the louvers with the other vision glass windows into the MAGNUS master frames. The three new towers of the Apex Place Apartments provide 442 units of much-needed affordable housing. The project is particularly interesting in that the three new construction buildings and a new 4-story parking garage structure were nestled in amongst three existing NYC Housing Authority multi-family buildings. Along with the existing community center and expansive central green spaces, the new buildings create an integrated cohesive campus. The new towers are all equipped with rooftop solar panels and offer expanded community spaces, fitness rooms, children’s playrooms, and on-site laundry facilities. The owner/developer for Apex One, Two, and Three is Apex Place Association and Phipps Houses, both of New York, NY. Architectural services were provided by a partnership between Curtis & Ginsberg Architects of New York, NY, and FX Collaborative of Brooklyn, NY. Monadnock Construction of Brooklyn, NY was the general contractor for the three-building new construction project.
Crystal Windows Provides US Navy with New “Eyes” on Pacific
Crystal Pacific supplied new highly energy efficient MAGNUS uPVC commercial vinyl windows in sliding and fixed styles with special glazing for the classified activities building overlooking the Pacific Ocean at Point Loma Naval Base near San Diego Harbor. -Manufacturer Supplies uPVC Windows for San Diego Area Naval Facility – RIVERSIDE, CA, July 28, 2022 –An important classified facility at the Point Loma Naval Base is sporting new windows as it overlooks the Pacific Ocean near San Diego Harbor. The building, which has been described as a modern-day “technical lighthouse” for US Navy ships at sea was recently renovated with 95 new windows supplied by Crystal Pacific Window & Door Systems. The project involved numerous product, production, and delivery challenges which Crystal navigated well. First was the need for a window system that would stand up to the damaging effects of incessant salt sea air and UV sunlight. Besides the significant challenge of providing materials to a secure military facility job site, the Navy also imposed an incredibly aggressive timeline for project completion, to which Crystal and the fenestration installer responded with “all hands on deck.” “Crystal Pacific’s success with this project is a result of our great product lineup, the can-do spirit of our technical and production staff, and our sales team’s smooth coordination with the general contractor and Naval Base staff,” said Vivian DeMarco, Sales Manager for Crystal Pacific. All the windows were fabricated at Crystal’s Riverside, CA, factory. The general contractor and fenestration installer for the project was B3 Construction of San Diego. To handle the sea and sun environment, the 4-story west-facing building just 100 yards from the ocean was supplied with 95 Crystal MAGNUS Series 700 uPVC commercial vinyl windows with special glass options. The Crystal MAGNUS uPVC windows combine the strength of aluminum with the energy efficiency and low maintenance of vinyl windows. Crystal used two styles of MAGNUS Series 700 uPVC window for the Naval Base project. Most of the windows were the Series 700 single-slider rated R-PG55, and a few Series 700 fixed windows were also used with a CW-PG70 rating. Both windows feature strong, durable cadmium- and lead-free multi-chambered 3-¼” jamb depth uPVC frames. Crystal’s uPVC windows are easily capable of spanning large openings. The new MAGNUS windows were mulled onsite to form continuous horizontal ribbons spanning entire floors on the modernist building. The single-slider windows were used for openings as large as 60” wide by 53-½” tall and the fixed windows were used in sizes of 69-½” wide by 53-½” tall with a few 52” wide by 92” tall. The MAGNUS Series 700 single-slider features include dual brass rollers and pull rails for easy operation, reinforced interlocking sashes for a weather-tight seal, and a modern design automatic sash lock. To maintain the building’s original interiors and exteriors, the Crystal MAGNUS windows were finished with a durable bronze Renolit foil which is extremely resistant to heat, sun, salt, air pollution, and abrasion. Both Crystal MAGNUS Series 700 styles used have a 1” insulated glass unit (IGU) pocket. For this San Diego area project, the IGUs were all specified with dual pane tempered Cardinal triple coated LoE3-366, argon gas filling, grey tinting, with a few units fitted with obscured glass. The Cardinal LoE3-366 is noted for its superior thermal and sun control properties while maintaining the clearest views. The special glass package combined with inherent uPVC energy efficiency delivered U-values of 0.29 and solar heat gain (SHGC) of 0.21 for the Series 700 slider and U-values of 0.28 and SHGC of 0.23 for the fixed style. “Crystal is really quite proud of our products and performance with this project, including the final delivery which we made right on time,” said DeMarco. “Our customer, B3 Construction, as well as the property owner, the US Navy, are both satisfied and looking forward to working with Crystal again.”
