News

Crystal Windows Series 1240/1280 Aluminum Sliding Patio Doors now feature an improved quad roller system. The new robust 1240/1280 quad roller system is a major improvement over the prior dual system. -New Quad Rollers Ease Operation, Accommodate Larger, Heavier Glass Panels- QUEENS, NY, Aug 14, 2020 –Crystal Window & Door Systems, the national award-winning manufacturer, is pleased to announce important standard feature improvements to its Series 1240 and 1280 aluminum sliding patio doors.  Most significantly for both models, the door panel standard rollers have been upgraded from a dual to a quad system. The new heavy-duty quad rollers, available in either stainless or zinc-plated steel, now feature 1.71” diameter wheels versus the 1.25” diameter wheels on the former dual rollers.  The upgraded roller system is significantly easier to operate and can easily accommodate increasingly popular larger size door panels and triple-glazed insulating glass units (IGUs).  For example, a pair of the new quad rollers can readily handle sashes weighing up to 880 pounds. “Crystal continuously makes advances and product improvements to meet market needs and match trends,” said Sabrina Leung, Architectural Sales, and Engineering Manager.  “The quad roller system is an important upgrade which I’m sure will make the doors even more popular.”  In addition to the quad rollers, the new higher bottom rail profile on both the Series 1240 and 1280 now gives the appearance of a traditional wood sliding door. The Series 1240 sliding patio door, a mainstay of Crystal’s aluminum product line, is available in either 2- or 3-lite models.  The 4-½” frame depth door is AAMA rated CW-PG40/LC-PG45 and features a strong durable stainless-steel roller track.  Other upgrades to 1240 include a fiberglass insert sill for enhanced thermal performance and improvement to the sill’s weep system.  The door’s 1” standard IGU utilizes double-strength ⅛” tempered glass, and low-E coating and argon filling as well as triple glass IGUs are options. The Series 1280 is a heavy-commercial aluminum frame sliding patio door with an AW-PG50 rating.  The strong 4-9∕16” jamb depth door features a 1” IGU and a substantial pull meeting rail.  It is available in 2- or 3-lite versions. Other Series 1240/1280 options include grids, key locking handles, and nailing or face flanges. Adding a decorative touch to larger building openings, the Series 1240/1280 doors can be ordered with compatible sidelight and transom units.  Finally, as with all Crystal aluminum products, the Series 1240/1280 patio doors are available in standard AAMA 2604 white or bronze powder coat paint finish as well as a wide selection of custom colors.

Crystal Windows supplied new high-energy performance aluminum fixed  picture windows for a new off-campus residential property, Vic Village North, adjacent to University of Michigan’s Central Campus in Ann Arbor -Manufacturer Supplies High-Performance Fenestration for Off-Campus Property- QUEENS, NY, September21, 2020 –National manufacturer Crystal Window & Door Systems has added another new university property to its impressive portfolio of higher education window projects.  The newly constructed Vic Village North high-rise building in Ann Arbor, MI, offers luxury-style apartments for students just a block from University of Michigan’s Central Campus.  The building features over 500 Crystal high-performance picture windows for outstanding views of the vibrant neighborhood and the university campus. “In recent years, Crystal has supplied many new and renovated properties in Michigan with our highly energy efficient windows and doors,” said Crystal Regional Manager Frank Ganninger.  “We are very proud that our products are part of the redevelopment of beautiful Ann Arbor’s South University District.” Continuing the district’s revitalization, several new projects are planned in the coming years to increase student housing for the university and for area residents. Crystal supplied 536 energy efficient Series 5100 Aluminum Fixed Picture Windows for Vic Village North.  This popular heavy-commercial window features a 3-¼” jamb depth and narrow sightlines.  The frames were specially extruded and bronze color powder coat finished to the superior durability AAMA 2605 performance standard by Crystal subsidiary Gateway Extrusions.  Most of the Series 5100 windows utilized an option which combined two tall insulated glass panels side by side within one master frame.  Some of the combined windows were as large as 68” wide by 89” tall, providing occupants nearly floor-to-ceiling views and maximum natural light for indoor spaces.  The Crystal Series 5100 heavy-commercial fixed window is AAMA rated AW-PG100.  All windows were glazed with 1” insulating glass units (IGUs), with Vitro Solarban 60 low-E glass and Argon gas.  The majority of all the interior glass panes were tinted gray, and where code required, the IGUs were also tempered. In keeping with Ann Arbor Design Guidelines and the character of the university district, Crystal provided a custom horizontal grid system consisting of a 2” exterior applied grid, a 1” between-the-glass colonial grid, and a special order 2” interior flat tape-on grid.  To facilitate window installation, Crystal supplied complementary accessories, including subsills and receptors with L-anchor clips.  On one façade, outside corner 90-degree mullions were used to create elegant corner windows. Crystal partnered with longtime customer and leading building product distributor DeYonkers Window & Door of Rochester, MI to meet the design and construction requirements.  The project developer was Hughes Properties of Auburn Hills, MI.  The architect for the project was Hobbs+Black Architects of Ann Arbor, MI and the general contractor and fenestration installer was Wolverine Building Group of Grand Rapids, MI. Located at 1107 South University Avenue, Vic Village North consists of a 12-story central tower flanked by two 9- and 10-story towers. The 132,000-ft2student-focused residential property has student apartments and common spaces on the upper floors with retail shopping and dining space on the ground floor.  Vic Village North includes 57 fully furnished apartments with two- to six-bedroom configurations, study areas, a fitness center, a rooftop outdoor terrace with grills and a fire pit, bicycle storage, and electronic controlled access.

National manufacturer Crystal Window & Door Systems is pleased to offer another online learning opportunity for the design and construction community. Architects and specifying professionals can use performance standards for characteristics such as energy efficiency, strength, sound attenuation, and light transmission to specify windows and doors for any project.  This webinar will provide attendees with an understanding of standards and codes and how to apply them.   Objectives of the webinar:  Understand the evolution of window and door standards and code references Learn how to use the standard to specify product type, performance level, and key performance attributes Analyze special requirements for different window and door types Learn to use the short form specification A certificate of continuing education credit will be issued to attendees completing the webinar. The next Crystal Windows webinars are scheduled for Sept. 30, 2020, Oct. 28, 2020, and Dec 2, 2020, at 2 PM EST. To register for the webinar, contact Crystal Marketing Department, Amanda Li, AmandaL@crystalwindows.com Or call 800-471-9988 x 3250

Crystal Windows supplied new architecturally-rated energy efficient aluminum windows for the recently renovated and repurposed Sunset Yards commercial office building in Brooklyn, NY. -Almost 1,000 New Windows for 90+ Year Old Brooklyn Property- QUEENS, NY, June 30, 2020 – Crystal Window & Door Systems has played a key role in the recent restoration and conversion of a major Brooklyn, NY property.  Located at 341 39th Street, Sunset Yards is a newly renovated 200,000-ft2 10-story structure that converted a 1920s vintage warehouse (and attached 7-story building) into modern open office spaces with trendy, appealing industrial style finishes.  Those finishes include almost 1,000 new thermally efficient Crystal replacement windows fabricated to replicate the look of the original historic industrial windows.  The large windows not only breathe new life into the vintage structure, but they enhance the building’s outstanding views of Lower Manhattan, New York Harbor, the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge, and the surrounding resurgent Brooklyn neighborhood. The building’s 185 expansive openings utilized 940 new Crystal aluminum windows, mostly Series 8610 Picture and Series 8620 Project-Out Awning windows, plus several Series 5000 Double-Hung windows.  The vast majority of the Crystal Series 8610 and 8620 windows using continuous master frame options and mullions were assembled in large combinations of 6 or 4 windows.  Some of the largest window assemblies spanned openings over 17 feet wide and almost 7 feet tall. The Crystal Series 8610 Picture and the Series 8620 Project-Out windows are both heavy-duty construction, 3-¼” jamb depth, AAMA AW-rated high-performance products.  The Series 8620 Project-Out awning style window uses 4-bar stainless steel friction hinges and a double-weatherstripping sash perimeter for easy operation and tight weather-resistant sealing.  The Crystal 5000 Double-Hung aluminum window is also 3-¼” frame depth and features equal sash sightlines, anti-drift clip lock, and an AAMA CW-PG50 rating. The 1” insulated glass units (IGUs) of all the new Crystal windows were specified with 3∕16” Vitro Solarban 60 low-E coated and clear glass panes and were Argon gas-filled for enhanced energy efficiency.  Visually adding to the building’s distinctive look and echoing its early 20th Century industrial warehouse past, special 3M interior and exterior tape-on muntins were used to simulate the look of true divided lites. New Crystal aluminum windows at the renovated Sunset Yards in Brooklyn, NY, provide spectacular views of New York harbor. The use of receptors, sub sill, and clip/trim systems facilitated the installation of the new windows.  All windows and exposed installation accessories were finished in a durable environmentally sustainable AAMA 2604 powder coat bronze paint. The property owner and developer of Sunset Yards is Madison Realty Capital of New York, NY.  Perkins Eastman of New York, NY was the project architect, and Mega Construction of Queens, NY served as general contractor.  Several New York area fenestration companies provided the window installation services. The Sunset Yards building was originally constructed in 1926 directly adjacent to freight rail lines and near the Brooklyn docks and waterfront warehouse complexes, which were booming with activity at the time.  For most of its life the building has been home to various warehouse and light industrial companies.  Besides new windows, the recent renovation and conversion to modern post-industrial office spaces includes flexible open floor plans with reception and meeting areas, an attended and furnished lobby, and ground floor retail. A dramatic feature of the renovated property is a large mural by notable, award-winning artist Mike Perry.  Completed by the Mike Perry Studio team, the colorful mural depicts New York City scenes and covers the walls and columns in this repurposed loading dock area that is now a food truck café space open to tenants and the public from street level. The Sunset Park neighborhood is enjoying a tremendous renaissance and offers great transportation options, restaurants, parks, shopping, and beautiful residences.  More affordable than Manhattan, Sunset Park is enjoying an influx of technology, art, and media businesses, among others.

Crystal Windows designed and supplied a custom window wall system for the residential tower of The Venue, Pittsburgh, PA, a newly renovated mixed-use building with luxury apartments atop offices and parking. -Unique Pittsburgh Building Renovated Using Crystal Windows Custom Products – QUEENS, NY, September 2, 2020 –Crystal Window & Door Systems provided a custom-designed energy efficient window wall replacement system for a recently rehabilitated iconic Pittsburgh high-rise building.  Located at 625 Stanwix Street in downtown Pittsburgh, PA, The Venue is a unique 1967 vintage mixed-use 25-story structure. Rising atop The Venue’s large pedestal 10-story public parking garage and two floors of office space is the building’s setback 12-floor residential tower.  Crystal was enlisted to design and manufacture a custom cost-effective replacement for the original window wall exterior façade of the residential tower. Collaborating extensively with the project’s general contractor and engineer, Crystal developed a unique façade solution around its heavy-commercial Series 5100 picture window and a custom floor slab cover.  The window wall system was fabricated, assembled, glazed, and tested at Crystal’s New York facility.  Delivery of the window wall sections to the jobsite was particularly challenging, as The Venue is in the busy commercial downtown area of Pittsburgh.  Crystalcoordinated closely with the general contractor and local authorities to coincide night deliveries with street closures, and Crystal engineers and managers were present to oversee the process. “Creating the window wall system for The Venue was truly a team effort,” said Papo Perez, Crystal’s sales/project manager for the renovation. “I initially presented the proposed window wall to the GC and then worked with our engineering and production departments to finalize the design and fabrication process. The GC sent its engineers to our New York facility for the full-scale window wall mock-up review and testing. We also worked closely with the GC on delivery logistics for overnight hours to minimize disruption to local businesses and traffic.”Window wall sections were hoisted to the vacant 11th floor office space using an exterior construction elevator, and fenestration installation for the residential tower upper floors was swiftly completed using suspended scaffolding while the building remained occupied. The custom window wall is comprised entirely of 1,161 Crystal aluminum heavy-commercial Series 5100 Picture/Fixed Windows.  The 3-¼” jamb depth window boasts a 1” glazing pocket and an outstanding AW-PG100 rating.  While the windows varied in width, all were either 97-¼” or 108” tall to provide a true floor-to-ceiling window wall enclosure.  Some of the window wall segments used 2-lite Series 5100 windows vertically stacked in a common master frame with vision glass on the top sash while the lower sash was outfitted with a PTAC louver panel supplied and installed on site by the general contractor. The Crystal windows utilized the Series 5100 male/female interlocking frame option, which allows the windows to be self-mulled side-by-side horizontally.  Crystal also supplied three-piece 90-degree mullions for the building’s corners, as well as receptors and high-performance subsills with end dam caps to facilitate the window wall installation. The Venue apartments(shown above, during fenestration installation) overlook the rooftop pool and outdoor recreation area.  Below, Crystal window wall provides stunning views of the area, including PNC Park across the Allegheny River. Completing the façade renovation was the use of a custom-designed aluminum floor slab cover specially extruded by Crystal’s affiliate company Gateway Extrusions of Union, MO.  All windows, exposed installation accessories, and slab covers are finished with a modern black powder coat AAMA 2604 paint. The 1” insulated glass units (IGUs) for the window wall used Vitro ¼” tempered Solarban 60 coated dual-pane glass with Argon.  While most of the glass was clear, many IGUs used Solarcool Grey or Graylite II tinted glass to mask interior wall partitions. The colored glass panels also create architecturally interesting dark-tinted vertically aligned ribbons on the otherwise clear glass façade. In the coming weeks, Crystal will supply window wall systems in the simulated silver anodized finish for the former office space on the 11th and 12th floors, which is being converted to condominiums. In 2016, SHIR Capital of Austin, TX, acquired the Stanwix Street building and invested several million dollars to modernize and renovate the entire structure.  SHIR Capital’s affiliate general contractor Ava’s Construction of Pittsburgh handled the rehab project, engineering consulting services were provided by BECS of Clarksville, MD, and Reich Brothers Windows of Portersville, PA, completed the fenestration installation.  Nexus Signature Communities of Austin, another affiliate of SHIR Capital, is the property manager for The Venue. The Venue was built in 1967and was originally known as Allegheny Towers.  The building is located near the Fort Duquesne Bridge and the intersection of the Allegheny, Ohio, and Monongahela Rivers.  The Venue has outstanding views of the city and PNC Park, home of major league baseball team Pittsburgh Pirates.  The mixed-use property features 95 luxury rental apartments, two floors of office space (being converted to condominium apartments), and a 700-car public parking garage.  Residents enjoy a new fitness center, rooftop pool and recreation area, lounge, and other gathering spaces.

Queens Museum glass walkway dedication ribbon-cutting ceremony shown are (L to R) Queens Museum Trustee Seth Kupferberg, NY City Councilman Barry Grodenchik, Queens Museum President & Executive Director Sally Tallant, Crystal Windows Chairman and Founder Thomas Chen, Taipei Economic & Cultural Office in NYDeputy Director Hans Chang. –Manufacturer Donated Materials for Queens Museum’s Historic Exhibit- QUEENS, NY, February 26, 2020 – Crystal Window & Door Systems, the award-winning national manufacturer, is proud to have donated glass materials and coordinated the renovation of the historic Panorama of the City of New York glass walkway at the Queens Museum in Flushing Meadow Park.  The Museum’s glass walkway, renamed “Crystal Walkway”, was officially opened by the institution’s Board of Trustees and other officials with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on February 25, 2020. The Panorama is an architectural scale model of New York City, originally created for the 1964 World’s Fair.  At almost 10,000 square feet, it is the largest architectural scale model in the world and is surrounded by an elevated visitor viewing walkway.  Four sections of the perimeter walkway use glass floor panels to permit viewing of the model below. Thomas Chen, founder and Chairman of Crystal Windows, has been a member of the Queens Museum’s Board of Trustees for the past 10 years.  When the replacement of the existing obscured, scratched, and discolored glass walkway panels became a priority, Chen stepped up to donate resources for the project, saving the Museum tens of thousands of dollars in capital expense. “It was a pleasure to be able to assist in preserving this treasured replica of New York City,” said Chen.  “Crystal is always glad to lend a hand for our neighbors in this great city.” At the ribbon-cutting reception attended by nearly 70 guests, Queens Museum President & Executive Director Sally Tallant thanked Chen and Crystal Windows for the donation.  “Over the years as a Trustee, Thomas has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for the Museum,” said Tallant.  “However, today’s gift is priceless.” “Because of Crystal’s generous donation, visitors to the Queens Museum will be able to fully enjoy the experience of the Panorama once again,” added Debra Wimpfheimer, Chief Operating Officer for the Museum.  Signage placed along the glass railing of the walkway states “Crystal Walkway −glass flooring generously donated by Crystal Window & Door Systems.”As a thank, you, Queens Museum Trustee Seth Kupferberg, of Flushing business Kepco, Inc., presented Thomas Chen with the ceremonial title to the Crystal Window & Door Systems’ Queens factory land parcel on the Panorama. The refurbishment used 248 laminated and tempered glass pieces totaling almost 1,500 square feet supplied by Tempco Glass Fabrication of Flushing, NY and Cardinal Glass Industries of Jessup, PA Guests at the Queens Museum dedication enjoy a clear view of the Panorama of the City of New York (at left).  Crystal’s donation is recognized by signage along the glass walkway (center).  Crystal Chairman and Founder Thomas Chen (at right), atop the new Crystal Walkway. The Panorama of the City of New York was commissioned by Robert Moses and was built by renowned model maker Raymond Lester & Associates for the 1964 World’s Fair, at a cost of $673,000, comparable to $5 million today.  It took 100 model makers three years to create 895,000 to-scale structures in the Panorama representing the actual buildings, bridges, airports, and parks in all five Boroughs of New York City.  The model structures, many hand-painted, are crafted from wood, plastic, Formica, foam, paper, and even etched brass for the bridges.  The lighting system for the entire Panorama was recently updated with LED lights operating in a continuous cycle to replicate day and night, with many model buildings decorated with phosphorescent paint to glow under the night cycle black light. The Queens Museum building was built for the 1939 World’s Fair to showcase New York City.  Designed by architect Aymar Embury, II, who also designed the Central Park Zoo and Triborough (now RFK) Bridge, the building once housed the newly formed United Nations General Assembly after World War II until the current United Nations building was completed in Manhattan.  The Queens Museum, adjacent to the Unisphere, serves as the gateway to Flushing Meadows Corona Park. Today the Queens Museum has many permanent exhibits of local and regional art, history, science, and technology displayed, along with rotating exhibits by artists from around the world.  Also, the Queens Museum sponsors programs for the community including school field trip tours, after-school art classes, and adult professional development workshops.  At the center of the main exhibit floor is a modern, multi-use space where events, performances, and programs are held.

-Knock-Down (KD) Door Perfect for Space Constrained Jobsites, Stocking Dealers- QUEENS, NY, January 20, 2020 – Responding to the needs of space constrained job sites and stocking dealer/distributors, Crystal Window & Door Systems is delighted to announce its new Series CVP-1100 Knock-Down (KD) Vinyl Sliding Patio Door.  With its welded-corner factory glazed sash panels and mechanically fastened master frame ready for job-site assembly, the Crystal Series 1100 offers fenestration and construction professionals easy handling, transport, storage, stocking, and installation, all at a great value.  The KD Series 1100 comes in standard 5-ft. and 6-ft. sizes and, with standard glazing, is stocked by Crystal for immediate availability. “Crystal developed this product in response to our trade customers’ requests.  They were seeking an affordable vinyl patio door in a KD configuration suitable for jobsites challenged by small elevators, cramped staircases, narrow halls, and tight doorways,” said Blaise Benevenga, Crystal’s New Jersey/New England Sales Manager.  “We are very pleased the Crystal KD Series 1100 Patio Door meets all those requirements and more at a very competitive price.” The extruded white vinyl Crystal KD Series 1100 comes with complete assembly hardware and instructions.  The patio door disassembled master frame, factory glazed sash panels, and insect screen are all packaged separately for space-saving storage and easy handling.  The KD product can be readily moved and loaded for transport by one person rather than the team effort required for a standard patio door.  The Crystal KD Series 1100 is applicable to a variety of building applications including private homes, townhouses, garden apartments, and multi-family buildings.  It is also the perfect solution for stocking window, door, and building product dealer/distributors with cramped and limited space warehouses.   The Crystal KD Series 1100 patio door, available in either 5’ or 6’ widths by 6’-8” tall (nominal) sizes, features a 4-⅝” frame depth.  While the knock-down master frame is mechanically fastened, the operating and fixed sash panels have fusion-welded mitered joints and are factory glazed.  The door’s high glass-to-frame ratio utilizes 1” insulated glass units (IGUs) with ⅛” double-strength tempered glass. A latch locking pull handle, adjustable tandem rollers, and stainless steel sill track cover ensure security and ease of operation.  The fully reversible sash panels feature a full interlocking meeting rail and double weather-stripping.   Numerous options can be used to tailor the Crystal KD Series 1100 Patio Door to be a perfect fit for virtually every project.  Optional matching sidelight, transom, and circle top units, as well as between-the-glass grids or applied grids add style, functionality, and beauty to the project.  Low-E glass and argon gas filling enhance energy efficiency and a nailing fin option aids installation.  Other options include a key locking handle upgrade and custom color availability on large quantity orders.