News

-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.”

-Series AC85 Window Provides Solution for High Noise Locations- QUEENS, NY, September 12, 2019 –National manufacturer Crystal Window & Door Systems, based in New York City, has added an outstanding sound reduction window– the AC85 Acoustic Casement Window– to its ever-growing product line.  The Crystal AC85Acoustic Casement Window delivers superior sound attenuation and is increasingly popular in buildings situated near airports, rail lines, highways, heavy-traffic city streets, or other demanding high-noise locations. The aluminum frame Crystal AC85 Acoustic Window is available in either the combined in-swing/out-swing casement or fixed window styles.  The heavy-duty aluminum 7-⅞” depth thermally-broken master frame window features a dual-sash configuration (the interior sash opening in and the exterior sash opening out) capable of delivering impressive acoustical sound reduction ratings of STC 57 and OITC 46   STC (Sound Transmission Class) and OITC (Outdoor-Indoor Transmission Class) are standardized measures of the window’s ability to reduce sounds transmitted through it when closed and locked.  The STC rating number roughly reflects the decibel reduction in noise that a partition can provide.  OITC is a similar but much newer and less established sound reduction evaluation scale which covers different frequency ranges from STC ratings. A higher STC value means greater sound reduction or blocking ability.  Since the STC is logarithmic, even a small increase in STC value means a significant increase in noise reduction.  Typical STC ratings for a basic single-pane window are about 27 and for a double-glazed window, 26-37.  An 8” cinder block wall with insulation and drywall have been STC rated at 54.  The Crystal AC85 Acoustic Casement Window comes in with an even higher STC 57 rating. The Crystal AC85 Acoustic Casement Window dual sashes each have a 1-¼” glazing pocket which accepts double or triple pane insulated glass units.  With appropriate glass, Low-E coatings, and argon filling options, notable U-values of 0.28 are achieved. Multipoint sash locks actuated by a sleek, modern design brushed chrome finish handle assure a tight and secure closed seal.  Sash opening limit devices and screens are available.  A variety of standard and custom color durable finishes for the window are available in either the standard AAMA 2604 or the optional AAMA 2605powder coat environmentally sustainable paint finishes. To facilitate installations, an assortment of Crystal’s accessories such as mullions, receptors, and subsill systems are available.  The AC85 master frame can also be mated with factory-installed PTAC louvers, perfect for multi-family housing, hotel, or other new construction or renovation projects.

– Industry Executive Named to Top Operations Position – RIVERSIDE, CA, August 26, 2019 – National manufacturer Crystal Window & Door Systems is pleased to announce that Mr. Sergio Garcia has been promoted to General Manager at the company’s Crystal California Riverside116,000-ft2 production facility.  In this role, Mr. Garcia oversees operations, administration, and strategic sales direction for Crystal’s West Coast production activities and markets Mr. Garcia brings 20 years of operational experience in the window manufacturing field to this position.  He joined Crystal in 2015 as Operations Manager responsible for daily production scheduling, materials handling, and shipping to customers.  His role expanded with plant and equipment management, and in 2017 he was promoted to Assistant General Manager.  As Crystal’s operations in California grew and the company added new energy-efficient product lines, Mr. Garcia was instrumental in new equipment acquisition, staff training on new products, entrance into new markets, and building a skilled and dedicated workforce of nearly 100 employees. Sergio Garcia, General Manager of Crystal California, West Coast operations for national manufacturer Crystal Window & Door Systems Sergio has been a tremendous leader and a natural choice as we expand our operations on the West Coast,” said Steve Chen, President of Crystal Window & Door Systems.  “In the coming years, Sergio will be in charge of adding several new commercial fenestration products, expanding our presence in Northern California, Arizona, and Nevada, and automating more of the fabrication process as we continue to improve quality and efficiency.” Before coming to Crystal, Mr. Garcia was Operations Manager at Superior Windows & Doors in Ontario, CA.  There he developed an online ordering system, automated many production processes, and helped the company prepare to relocate its operations. Mr. Garcia holds a degree in Business and Computer Programming from Riverside Community College.  He lives with his wife and son in the Riverside area.

-Manufacturer Donates Products for New Jersey Fire-Damaged Home- FLUSHING, NY, June 24, 2019 –National manufacturer Crystal Window & Door Systems was pleased to announce its products played the leading fenestration role on a recently filmed episode of the Emmy Award-winning home improvement television show George to the Rescue.  This NBC TV series features the efforts of home improvement contractor George Olyphant to provide critical contractor renovation services for the houses of families in dire need, such as suffering a serious family illness or other crisis. George to the Rescue is entering its 10th season and will air on NBC’s NY Metro Area broadcast affiliate Channel 4 in the fall. Crystal donated windows and a sliding patio door for this George to the Rescuerestoration project at a modest one-story ranch home in the New York City suburb of West Orange, NJ.  The home improvement project for an immigrant family from Guyana included restoration of the kitchen following a damaging fire and a bedroom makeover for their young son suffering from a serious illness.  Shown above are the Crystal windows arriving, window installation by Montclair, NJ general contractor RTH. Shown below are the installed patio door and a twin window unit, and Crystal Marketing Manager Steven Yu(left) and show host George Olyphant with new Crystal windows. “Crystal was invited to participate in this heart-warming project by host George Olyphant’s team, and we didn’t hesitate to help,” said Steven Yu, Marketing Manager for Crystal.  “We knew our popular energy efficient vinyl windows and patio doors would be perfect for the project.” For the kitchen remodel, Crystal donated two twin Series 300 single-hung tilt-in sash vinyl windows and a Series 1500 vinyl sliding patio door.  The Crystal Series 300 2-⅝” jamb twin units use a continuous head and sill frame to horizontally combine 2 single-hung windows.  The Series 300 features fusion welded frame and sash corners, constant force balances, and a ⅞” insulated glass unit (IGU).  The Crystal Series 1500 vinyl patio door has a 4-⅝” frame depth, fusion welded frames and sashes, an extruded frame screen, and strong, safe tempered glass lights for the 1” IGUs.For enhanced energy efficiency, the Series 300 and the Series 1500 both used Vitro Solarban 60 low-E glass and Argon gas filled insulated glass units.  To facilitate easy installation and maintenance, the windows and door feature integral nailing fins and a standard white extruded finish. Crystal has participated in numerous home improvement construction TV shows including A&E’s Flip This House and Flipping Boston, DIY Network’sAmerican Rehab: Restoring Victoria, and Fox’s Home Free.

-Manufacturer’s Display Named “Most Creative” At Major Expo- FLUSHING, NY, April 10, 2019 –National manufacturer Crystal Window & Door Systems earned top honors for its exhibit at the recent BuildingsNY Show, an annual major building design, construction, and property management industry trade show.  The Crystal display was awarded most Creative Booth Design by BuildingsNY Show organizer Reed Exhibitions, a leading international trade show planner for a wide variety of industries around the world, and the show’s major sponsors the Associated Builders & Owners (ABO) of Greater New York and New York Association of Realty Managers (NYARM).                      Crystal Window & Door Systems’ exhibition display was awarded most Creative Booth Design by the organizers ofNew York City’s leading annual property trade showBuildingsNY The Crystal winning display incorporates its energy efficient windows and doors into the booth’s surrounding walls backlit with panoramas of the New York skyline. This gives viewers the experience of being in an upscale apartment or office and seeing the beauty and visual impact of Crystal’s products firsthand.  A slide show featuring Crystal’s many notable projects around the nation and company news can be seen on a monitor built into another wall.  To draw visitors to the exhibit, Crystal built a large interactive video game display inside an actual Crystal window.  Event attendees playing the game could win prizes throughout the show’s exhibit hours. “Our exhibit is relatively new, less than a year old, so this was an unexpected and very pleasant surprise to receive an award,” said Steven Yu, Marketing Manager for Crystal.  “Crystal has participated in the BuildingsNY Show for many years, and all the exhibitors do a great job of showing their products and services, which makes being named Most Creative quite an honor.” This year’s BuildingsNY Show was held at the Javits Center in Manhattan, on April 2-3 and featured a full agenda of informational seminars and presentations in addition to exhibits by 250 product and service providers to New York’s vast realty community. Over the two days, thousands of architects, engineers, property managers, developers, contractors, and building owners toured the exhibit hall.

– Number of Manufacturing Employees Approaches 100 Milestone – RIVERSIDE, CA, March 15, 2019 – Crystal Pacific Window & Door Systems (known as Crystal California) has dramatically increased its workforce in recent years and is now approaching the 100-employee milestone.  As of the end of 2018, the workforce size has increased almost 80% in the two years since early 2017 and 113% in the four years since the end of 2014.  The seven-year-old vinyl and uPVC window manufacturer, located in Riverside, CA, is the West Coast division of national award-winning manufacturer Crystal Window & Door Systems headquartered in New York City   Riverside, CA-based Crystal Pacific Window & Door Systems (known as Crystal California) has expanded its workforce almost 80% since early 2017 in response to increased sales and market presence Sergio Garcia, General Manager for Crystal California, stated “Our workforce growth is directly attributable to our enormous success introducing new products, increasing sales, and expanding our presence in the marketplace. Crystal’s workforce growth exemplifies the resurgent national economy and the rebounding Riverside business community. Of course, credit also goes back to our parent company’s strategic vision seven years ago, during economically challenging times, to launch a West Coast operation here in Riverside.” Over the past few years, the company has made great strides to bring online new production equipment, launch new products, grow sales, and add experienced production workers and sales staff.  Increasingly, Crystal California is involved with supplying large notable construction projects as well as serving major window dealer/distributors in California and neighboring states.