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GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS
ARCHITECT'S GUIDE TO STEEL WINDOWS
SPECIFICATIONS: COLD ROLLED
SPECIFICATIONS: HOT ROLLED
GUIDELINES ON HOW TO INSTALL STEEL WINDOWS
 
WINDOWS FROM COLD-ROLLED SECTIONS
Introduction
These windows are made by mechanically forming various profiles or shapes from 20 gauge low carbon cold-rolled steel. Various shapes are then combined to form frame assemblies and ventilator assemblies. Windows from cold-rolled steel are defined and categorized as commercial and industrial windows with a minimum combined weight of frame and ventilator of 2.75 lbs. per lineal foot and capable of passing a structural load test of 30 lbs. per square foot.

Material
Sections to be used in the manufacture of these windows shall be composed of ASTM A653 low carbon cold-rolled formed steel sections with a thickness of 20 gauge and shall be so constructed that the glass in each window shall lie in the same plane within a tolerance of 1/4". The size of the frame and ventilator members shall be as follows:
a. Neither ventilator nor supporting frame shall have depth, front to back, of less than 1-1/4".
b. Muntins - Tee shaped face (min.) 1-1/4".

Construction
a. Frame and ventilator sections shall be cold formed and members shall be mitered and key cornered.
b. A butyl sealant shall be applied and corners shall be mechanically fastened so as to create a close fit.
c. Optional weatherstripping.
1. All operable windows shall be provided with weatherstripping, such that when tested in the closed and locked position in accordance with ASTM E-283 before leaving the factory, the air infiltration shall not exceed 0.37 cubic foot per minute per foot of crack length when subjected to a pressure differential across the window of 6.24 lbs. per square foot equivalent to a wind velocity of 50 miles per hour.
2. All operable windows shall be provided with weatherstripping, such that when tested in the closed and locked position in accordance with ASTM E331, no water penetrates for 15 minutes when a window is subjected to a rate of flow of 5 gal./hr./sq. ft. with a pressure differential across the window at 2.86 PSF.

Horizontal and Vertical Sliders
a. Single and double hung sash shall be fully counter-balanced at any desired position by means of adjustable balance mechanisms.
b. Horizontal sliding windows shall be operable with single sash or double sash style as specified.

Fire Rated Windows
Fire rated or labeled windows are used in window openings where it is necessary to restrict the spread of fire and smoke within buildings, whether from interior fire or from external fire. The determination as to where a fire rated window is required is governed by the building code and federal and state laws. The architect should follow these codes. Individual manufacturers should be contacted to determine which of their windows meet the fire rated window requirements.

General
Only labeled windows shall be used in window openings. The label on 3/4 hour fire windows for wall openings will stipulate testing laboratory. Fire rated windows shall conform to applicable specification of ASTM E163 and NFPA Standard 80.

Glass
Only labeled fire protection rated glazing material shall be used in fire windows. The individual glazing material exposed area shall not exceed 1296 sq. in. with no dimension exceeding 54 in. unless otherwise tested. Consult window manufacturer. When continuous glazing angles or channels are used to hold glass in a window, these continuous members must be steel.

Maximum Size Opening
Heavy intermediate, heavy custom, cold-rolled, and industrial windows will be used for openings not exceeding 84 sq. ft. in area with neither dimension exceeding 12 ft. When multiple units are installed, the distance between unprotected vertical steel mullions shall not exceed 7 ft. Standard intermediate types may be used for openings not exceeding 60 sq. ft. in area with neither dimension exceeding 10 ft. When multiple units are installed, the distance between unprotected steel mullions shall not exceed 6 1/2 ft.

Hardware
Operable fire windows shall have manufacturer's standard approved hardware.

Installation
Fire windows must be securely fastened to the wall and be capable of resisting all wind and other stresses for which the window was designed. The window manufacturer is not responsible for fire rating of adjacent walls.

Steel Casement Doors
Casement doors can be single or double swing doors fabricated from window sections previously described and may be designed to open in or to open out. Doors can be manufactured from either hot-rolled steel sections or cold-formed sections. These doors offer narrow sightlines and can be used for interior or exterior applications. Hardware availability includes hinges, latching systems, thresholds, closers and door holders. Doors can be designed with custom lock boxes and kick panels. For material, finishes, construction, glazing, installation, and accessories, refer to pages 5 - 7 and 10.

Formed, Steel Construction Doors
Custom formed steel construction doors and perimeter framing are intended for heavy traffic entrances. Hollow construction doors offer seamless stile faces and design flexibility to accommodate required sightline and hardware concealment. Hot-rolled steel or formed steel muntins are available. Glazing beads are furnished and the door stiles may be filled with an insulating material. Hardware availability includes hinges, latching systems, thresholds, closers and door holders.For material, finishes, construction, glazing, installation and hardware, contact SWI for specifications and manufacturers.




© The Steel Window Institute (2006) Contents are the property of the Steel Window Institute, its members or others who have licensed the information. All rights reserved.
 
SPECIFICATIONS: COLD ROLLED LINKS
WINDOWS FROM COLD-ROLLED SECTIONS
FIXED, PROJECT-IN, PROJECT-OUT, SIDE HUNG-IN, SIDE HUNG-OUT, VERTICAL SLIDER, HORIZONTAL SLIDER
FIRE RATED - FIXED, PROJECT-IN, PROJECT-OUT, SIDE HUNG-IN, SIDE HUNG-OUT, VERTICAL SLIDER, HORIZONTAL SLIDER