Crystal Introduces New AW Rated Aluminum DH Window
Crystal introduces the new AW-rated aluminum double-hung Series 2700 window. Featuring a sloped sill, equal sightlines, and easy-clean tilt-in sashes, the new premium window provides enhanced energy performance to meet stringent energy codes. -New Window Features AW Rating and Enhanced Energy Efficiency- QUEENS, NY, July 26, 2023 –Award-winning national manufacturer Crystal Window & Door Systems has once again expanded its broad product line with a new window. The new Series 2700 is a 3-¼” jamb aluminum tilt-in sash double-hung window with enhanced energy performance and an AW-rated model. Suitable for a variety of replacement and new construction applications, the Crystal Series 2700 meets the latest stringent energy code requirements of New York City and other jurisdictions. The Crystal Series 2700 Double-Hung and Series 2710 Fixed/Picture window models are available in both commercial window CW-PG50 and architectural-rated AW-PG50 versions. The Series 2710 is also available in a variety of special shapes. All the windows have strong 3-¼” depths frame with thermally improved wide thermal break profiles. “The new Series 2700 window is an amazing addition to the Crystal product line,” said Sabrina Leung, R&D/Architectural Sales Manager for Crystal. “The affordable 3-¼” frame window with enhanced energy performance that easily complies with new codes and an AW-rated option certainly fills a ‘sweet spot’ in the Crystal lineup. I’m sure it will be a big hit with architects, developers, builders, and fenestration contractors.” The Crystal Series 2700 Double-Hung features a fast draining sloped sill, easy clean tilt-in sashes and an aesthetically pleasing equal sightline design. The 2700 Double-Hung also includes a full width auto-lock pull/lift rail at the head and sill, as well as a continuous weather strip at the meeting rail for improved air and water tightness, all ensuring convenience, safety, and comfort. The Crystal Series 2700 aluminum double-hung window features tilt-in sashes for convenient cleaning and a full-width auto-lock lift rail for ease of operation. In addition to the features of the standard CW-rated version, the Crystal Series 2700 AW-rated model adds steel reinforcement to the lock rail, anti-bow pins at the jambs, and recessed custodial torx tilt latches for the lower sash. As a result, the AW-PG50 window achieves a 10psf water rating. The Crystal Series 2700 window provides a 1” glazing pocket, and with a single low-E coated and Argon filled double-pane insulating glass unit (IGU), the window easily and affordably complies with New York City energy codes. With other IGU options, U-values as low as 0.33 are possible. Besides low-E, Argon, and triple glass IGUs, between-glass and simulated divided lite grids are also available. Options to speed Series 2700 new construction and retrofit installations including a 1-¼” nailing fin or 2-½” face flange frame. Crystal mullion systems facilitate combining Series 2700 windows with one another. Adding to comfort, convenience, and safety, other options include sash opening limit stops, full or half screens, and block-and-tackle or ultra-lift balances. All the Crystal Series 2700 windows come finished in durable AAMA 2604 sustainable powder coat standard colors, with a wide variety of custom colors and an optional upgrade to AAMA 2605 finish is available.
Crystal Windows President Among Queens, NY Power Leaders
Crystal Window & Door Systems President Steve Chen was named to the City & State New York Magazine 2023 Queens Power 100 List. -City & State NY Magazine Includes Steve Chen in Annual List- QUEENS, NY, June 12, 2023 –The success and growing prestige and influence of Crystal Window & Door Systems and its top executives continue to be recognized by the press and public. Recently, Steve Chen, President of Crystal Windows, was included by City & State New York Magazine in its notable Queens Power 100 List for 2023. The list, published in the magazine’s May 22, 2023, print and online editions, highlights the top 100 movers and shakers in the New York City Borough of Queens. Queens is home to almost 50,000 businesses and 2.4 million people, making it the fourth largest city in America if ranked separately. In selecting Chen for the auspicious list, City & State editors noted the size of the company’s Queens workforce, product compliance with new aggressive energy codes, and the company’s community, philanthropic, and educational support. Crystal’s headquarters and production facility in Queens employs 350 workers, with 99% residing in New York City or State, and 98%are minorities. Crystal supports many local educational, art, and charitable institutions and programs such as the Queens Museum, Queens Theatre in the Park, and Queens Library Foundation. The company recently established a $1.1 million endowment for Queens College School of the Arts for art exhibits and scholarship programs. “At Crystal Windows, we are always focused on doing what’s best for our customers, our employees, and our community,” said Steve Chen. “It is very rewarding to see these corporate values recognized.” City & State New York, a weekly publication, is the leading political and public policy publication for New York City and New York State. The annual Queens Power 100 List includes numerous elected officials, key government agency heads, major non-profit and advocacy group leaders, and a select group of business leaders based in Queens.
Crystal Windows Appoints Steven Yu VP of Sales and Marketing
Steven Yu, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Crystal Window & Door Systems -Experienced Sales Professional Leads National Sales Operations- QUEENS, NY, May 1, 2023 –National manufacturer Crystal Window & Door Systems recently promoted Regional Sales Manager Steven Yu to Vice President, Sales and Marketing. Yu, who has been involved in Crystal sales and marketing efforts for nearly 20 years, will direct sales operations across the country as well as corporate marketing initiatives. “Steven brought innovative sales strategies first to Crystal’s Mid-Atlantic Sales Region and more recently to our Metro New York City Sales Region, both with significant results,” said Steve Chen, President. “He has demonstrated tremendous ability to bring complex projects to fruition, grow sales for the company, and market our products to an ever expanding audience.” Yu is now responsible for overseeing sales to commercial and residential trade customers through a team of 36 regional sales managers and sales professionals. He also directs Crystal’s Marketing Department activities, including new product launches, print and online communications, trade show and event participation, and customer engagement. In his new role as Vice President, Yu will focus on increasing market share for Crystal in the Southeast and Midwest, extensively promoting new Crystal commercial and residential product offerings, and enhancing Crystal’s market positioning as a high performance manufacturer. Yu joined Crystal in 2004 as a graphic designer in the Marketing Department. After holding several positions of progressive responsibility, he was promoted to Marketing Manager, where he expanded sales support activities to serve the company’s growing sales team. In 2011 and in addition to Marketing Manager, Yu became Regional Sales Manager for Crystal’s Mid-Atlantic Region, which covers Pennsylvania, Delaware, and Maryland through Virginia. Under his leadership, regional sales increased five-fold. In 2019, he added responsibility for Crystal’s large New York Metro Region, which covers all of New York City and surrounding counties in New York State. Prior to joining Crystal, Yu worked as a website and database application systems developer at Polytechnic University in New York, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in computer science.
Crystal Windows Dallas Sales and Distribution Branch Office Open for Business
Crystal Window & Door Systems’ new sales and distribution branch office in Dallas, Texas, is now open for trade professionals. Popular Crystal aluminum and vinyl products (such as shown above) are on display at the company’s new Dallas branch office showroom DALLAS, TX, April 11, 2023 –The new Dallas sales and distribution branch office of national manufacturer Crystal Window & Door Systems is now open for business. Conveniently located near major highways at 454 West Mockingbird Lane in Dallas, the new facility is open from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. Serving trade professionals, the 5,600-ft2 facility has a product showroom, sales counter, and order pickup loading areas. The new Dallas sales and distribution branch provides contractors, builders, architects, and others in the design and construction fields the opportunity to view sample products and to meet and consult with Crystal’s experienced sales staff regarding their next window project. Manufactured at one of the company’s five American facilities, Crystal’s full line of energy-efficient vinyl and aluminum windows, as well as sophisticated architectural fenestration systems, are available through the new Dallas branch office. Also, Crystal offers the exciting commercial vinyl MAGNUS uPVC line up of windows and doors that combine the strength of aluminum windows with the thermal efficiency of vinyl. Launched over 30 years ago, Crystal now offers virtually every style of window and door – hung, sliding, fixed, projected, casement, bay/bow, and special shape. The company’s products are suitable for every replacement and new construction window project and building type, from simple single-family homes to multifamily, commercial, historic, high-rise, or institutional properties throughout the Dallas area. Contractors and other trade professionals are encouraged to stop by and meet the Crystal sales professionals or call 469-248-3012 to discuss upcoming projects. To learn more about Crystal and its outstanding product line, visit www.crystalwindows.com.
Crystal Windows Help Modernize New York City Housing
Crystal Window & Door Systems supplied 1,700 new energy efficient replacement aluminum windows for 99 Fort Washington Avenue Apartments. The project is part of a 13-property rehabilitation initiative with New York City Housing Authority, for which Crystal is supplying nearly 14,000 windows. -Manufacturer Supplies Almost 14,000 New Windows for Major Apartment Rehab Program- QUEENS, NY, April 4, 2023 –National manufacturer Crystal Window & Door Systems is part of an extensive multi-property, multi-year project to modernize and preserve New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) properties, under New York City’s Permanent Affordability Commitment Together (PACT) public-private partnership initiative. Crystal is supplying nearly 14,000 new replacement windows for 13 public building sites dispersed throughout northern Manhattan. This phase of the overall effort, known as NYCHA PACT Renaissance, will provide 1,700 fully renovated affordable status apartments for residents. As part of this initiative, Crystal recently supplied almost 1,700 new energy efficient aluminum windows, key components of a major rehabilitation of a Washington Heights, Manhattan, public apartment building. Located at 99 Fort Washington Avenue on Manhattan’s upper west side near the NewYork-Presbyterian Columbia University Irving Medical Center, and with a beautiful view of the nearby George Washington Bridge, the massive multi-wing 6-story city-block complex has 226 apartment units. “Crystal is very pleased to be part of this property rehabilitation bringing beautiful living environments to residents of northern Manhattan,” said Vincent Grieco, Technical Sales Manager for Crystal. “Our products, engineering expertise, and supply partner relationships allow us to offer the perfect solution for every replacement project.” For 99 Fort Washington Avenue, Crystal collaborated with the renovation contractor on installation alternatives, since replacing the building’s original steel frame windows posed several challenges. Crystal supplied a total of 1,671 new replacement windows for the 99 Fort Washington project. The majority of the windows were the very popular Crystal Series 2600 aluminum double-hung, and the rest were matching Crystal Series 2100 aluminum fixed picture windows. Both the Crystal Series 2600 and 2100 are solid performers with strong 3-¼” frame depths and ⅞” insulated glass pockets. The Series 2600 double-hung is AAMA rated CW-PG50/PG65 and the Series 2100 fixed is CW-PG65/PG90. To facilitate installation for this project, both Crystal window styles were specified with 2-½” head/sill and 2” jamb frame face flanges. All window frames and exposed accessories were finished with powder coat paint in durable AAMA 2604 bronze color by Crystal’s extrusion subsidiary. The Series 2600 double-hung window features metal latch tilt-in top and bottom sashes. To ease operation, lower sashes incorporated Ultra-Lift balances. The Series 2600 also features an anti-drift head clip latch as well as a full width bottom sash clip latch lift rail. Both sash latches automatically secure the sashes in closed position for safety, security, and a weather-tight seal. All windows for 99 Fort Washington were glazed with ⅞” Argon-filled insulated glass units (IGUs) using either a Vitro SB-60 low-E Glass/clear glass combination or a Vitro SB-60/AGC Comfort Select CS73 combination. The AGC CS73 was used on facades requiring enhanced thermal performance. Where required in hallways, stairwells, and bathrooms, wire glass or obscured glass facilitated code compliance. The Series 2100 fixed windows were glazed with a ⅞” thick insulated A/C panel, which the general contractor used to accommodate window-mounted A/C units. Crystal provided accessories for the project including H-mullion systems and an extensive amount of 1” x 4” snap trim with 3” clips. The snap trim, clips, and face flange frames were key elements speeding the replacement of the original steel frame windows. The development team for this NYCHA PACT initiative includes Monadnock Construction of Brooklyn, NY, several local housing non-profit groups, and several NY housing financing agencies. Façade and interior renovation work at all properties in this project is being performed by ETC Companies of Ramsey, NJ, a longtime Crystal customer that partnered with Crystal for the replacement windows. The 99 Fort Washington Avenue apartment building features 226 completely renovated residential units and common areas, and it is convenient to public transportation and shopping.
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.
