iWindow: Revolutionary Low Cost Commercial Glass Retrofit System

  iWindow FAQs

What is iWindow? iWindow is a custom-built, interior mounted, retrofit glass system for aluminum storefront, curtain wall, and window wall that delivers unprecedented thermal performance at a fraction of the cost of full glass replacement.

What is the targeted fenestration system for iWindow? iWindow performs best and shows the quickest ROI when installed on older, single-glazed aluminum framed wall systems that display poor stand-alone thermal performance.

Is field assembly required? No. The iWindow panel will arrive at the site fully assembled, with the mounting tracks and screw covers finished to match and ready for trimming to fit the opening.

What is a typical installation time? Since iWindow is shipped fully assembled, installation time on a typical curtain wall opening is as little as 20 minutes. As project conditions vary, installation times may vary as well.

What work needs to be done to the existing window prior to installing iWindow? Prior to installing the iWindow system, the existing system should examined for air and water infiltration and sealed as necessary. The existing glass should be cleaned and the condition should be inspected for loose paint or caulking, which should be removed and repaired.

Will condensation be a problem? The likelihood of condensation is very low, primarily due to the multiple insulating chambers. Condensation occurs when the interior surface temperature of the window assembly falls below the dew point of the adjacent air. The potential for interior condensation increases in buildings in colder climates, particularly if the interior is humidified during cold weather. As the iWindow can provide up to 4 times the insulating value of typical older monolithic glazing, the indoor glass temperature will be significantly higher, thus lessening the potential for condensation. In the rare event that condensation does occur, iWindow is designed to distribute any moisture away.

Do I need to be concerned about thermal stress glass breakage? When iWindow is installed in an existing opening with a single 6mm lite of either clear or tinted glass, thermal stress breakage is not a concern. In cases where the existing exterior lite is other than described above, we highly recommend that you consult with your Serious Materials Sales representative prior to ordering to insure that a thermal stress analysis is performed.

Is Heat Strengthened and / or Fully Tempered glass available for iWindow? Yes, both are available as options for iWindow. While not required in most installations, it is advisable to consult local building code officials prior to ordering to be sure that your project is in full compliance.

Do I need to be concerned about the added weight on my curtain wall system? Since the iWindow system uses a unique vertical mounting track, when properly installed the majority of the weight of the iWindow is transferred to the vertical members of the existing system. The integrity of the existing system and its ability to support the added weight of iWindow should be analyzed by a structural engineer prior to installation.

My opening is larger than the maximum size for iWindow, is there some way to still use it? Two iWindow units can be used to span larger openings with the use of a structural mulling tube. Please consult your Serious Materials Sales Consultant for further details.

Which iWindow glass package should I chose for my project? Serious Materials offers both low and high solar gain glass packages for iWindow. Which package is used depends on the design intent of the project, however Serious Materials recommends that the low solar gain package be used on projects where the existing glazing is clear, and the high solar gain package be utilized on projects where the existing glazing is tinted. The concept of spectrally selective ‘tuning’ is also possible with iWindow, whereby the low solar gain package is used on the southern & western facades to reduce summertime solar gain, and the high solar gain package is used on the northern & eastern facades to take advantage of wintertime solar gain.

Which glass thickness should I use for my project? Glass thickness should be chosen based on square footage of the iWindow unit. Units 20 square feet or less can utilize 3mm lites, units between 20 – 30 square feet should use 5mm lites, and units larger than 30 square feet will be furnished with 6mm lites.

How much insulating value, or “thermal performance” and thus energy savings, can iWindow provide compared to tinted window film?

iWindow provides up to 7x the thermal performance of existing windows for significant comfort and energy savings benefits in both summer and winter. A full-building upgrade of single-pane windows to iWindow significantly increases the insulation benefits (i.e., R-value/U-factor) of the building envelope. Film only reduces some unwanted heat gain (i.e., solar control) for only marginal comfort and energy savings. Furthermore, no film product can credibly promise anywhere near iWindow’s typical 10-25% annual energy savings in a building.

How much noise reduction does iWindow provide compared to that of tinted window film?

iWindow reduces exterior noise heard in the building by as much as 50% over that of existing windows. No window film product possesses any such acoustic benefits. In Sound Transmission Class (STC) tests conducted by an independent acoustics laboratory, iWindow improved the STC score of a single-pane window in a typical commercial curtain wall system from 28 to as high as 44.(1)Sound Transmission Class (STC) tests (ATEM EM 90) conducted by Stork Twin City Testing Corporation on October 28, 2011. Stork Twin City Testing has been accredited by the U.S. Department of Commerce and the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) under NIST’s National Voluntary Laboratory Accreditation Program (NVLAP) for conducting ASTM E90 test procedure. The full test report can be viewed here.

How does iWindow compare to window film in terms of unwanted heat from direct sun, or “solar heat gain?”

iWindow’s control of unwanted heat gain, or solar control, is delivered without sacrificing as much visible light as most film applications. This results in retaining more natural lighting within the building. In fact, in many instances, iWindow can deliver the same or better solar control compared to film, while allowing 2-5 times more visible light into the building to better enable daylighting strategies and potentially even reduce lighting costs.

How does iWindow’s ease of installation compare with that of window film?

In most cases, iWindow can be installed by personnel with light carpentry skills and each iWindow unit typically installs in 20 minutes or less. Applying window film demands a high level of experience and skill. Installation quality is the major factor determining the long-term performance and stability of the film’s color and overall appearance.

How does iWindow’s durability compare to that of window film?

iWindow carries a 15-year full manufacturer’s warranty—versus the commercial window industry’s standard 10 year warranty—and it is designed to last 20 years or more. Most film applications last no more than 10 years, with product degradation such as unsightly peeling and/or cracking often appearing even sooner. Moreover, window film is often difficult and thus costly to remove once peeling and/or cracking has begun. This often puts building owners and operators in the difficult position of having to choose whether to preserve a building’s aesthetics with costly and disruptive premature film removal (and possible re-application) before the end of the film’s useful life.

How does iWindow price/performance compare to that of window film?

The iWindow solution is a compelling value when compared to a window film. For commercial buildings with existing single-pane windows, the installed cost of iWindow is typically about twice the installed cost of film. Given its superior thermal,solar control and noise reduction, as well as about twice useful life, iWindow provides far more than twice the value of window film to building occupants and owners.

  iWindow Measuring Instructions

1. It is critical for a successful installation that accurate measurements for each iWindow unit are carefully recorded. Take the opening measurements carefully, do not add or delete. Use caution not to bend the measuring tape to get in the corners or accurate measurements will not be achieved.

2. Measure exactly where the iWindow unit will be mounted. Measuring elsewhere may result in inaccurate readings. Note that the iWindow Framing system can handle a +/- 3/16” discrepancy in measurement and still install correctly and tightly into the frame.

3. Verify the depth available in the sill to mount the window. The frame depth for iWindow AL is 1.875”. The recommended installed depth of iWindow AL is 2.5”.

4. Check to see if the window is square by using a framing square, or by measuring diagonally from corner to corner (top left to bottom right, top right to bottom left).

Measuring iWindow

Five (5) measurements are required for each iWindow installation. Note that all measurements are taken for the frame system supporting the existing windows.

1. Measurement A: Left height
2. Measurement B: Right height
3. Measurement C: Top width
4. Measurement D: Center width
5. Measurement E: Bottom width

Ordering iWindow

For each iWindow, please include the following information:

Note that this is the minimum information that is required. If in doubt of any measurements or special conditions exist, please call our office.

Model Numbers:
iWindow AL

Frame Style:
Aluminum frame

Color:
iWindow AL comes in Clear and dark Bronze Anodized.

*Special colors are available upon request. Minimum order requirements and an upcharge will apply.

  iWindow Installation Instructions

Inspection and Storage: Upon delivery, uncrate iWindow panels and inspect for proper finish color, glass type and size, and verify that no shipping damage has occurred.

Storage and Handling: iWindows should be stored in an upright position, protected from weather, dirt, direct sunlight, and high traffic. Always transport iWindows with all packaging materials in place.

Tools and Materials you will need:

• 1/8” shims
• 1/2” block(s)
• Cordless Drill / Driver
• Small rubber mallet or glazing hammer
• #6 – 32 x 1” Self-drilling screws
• #10 – 24 x 1” Self-drilling screws
• Commercial glass cleaning solution and lint free wipes

Tools and Materials you may find helpful:

• Glazing suction cup
• Level
• Tape measure
• Pencil
• Flat and Phillips head screwdrivers
• Flat pry bar

  iWindow Installation Instructions

1. Inspect the existing opening:

• Check to confirm that the existing opening has no noticeable air or water leaks. Any air or water infiltration issues must be remedied prior to installing iWindow.
• Thoroughly clean the inside surface of the existing glazing. Ensure that all surrounding surfaces are free and clean of any dirt or debris. Allow glass surface to air dry completely to ensure no moisture is trapped after installation.
• Installation of iWindow inside wood operable windows requires that the existing wood be free from loose paint and/or caulk, and that all damaged surfaces are repaired and sealed prior to installation.

2. Unpack and prepare iWindow:

Remove packaging from iWindow and inspect for any damage. Included with the unit you will find 5 main components:

3. Install Mounting Tracks with screws and adhesive tape:

• Use shims and spacing blocks to help align mounting tracks. Mounting tracks should be parallel to the glass with a 1/2” space between existing glass and track and a 1/8” space between bottom of track and existing frame sill.
• Ensure gap between the bottom edge of the track and the frame sill is the identical to the gap between the top edge of the track and the frame head.
• Remove liner on VHB tape and apply track to metal window frame.
• Install #10 – 24 x 1” Self-drilling screws screws in the top and bottom pre-drilled holes on each track.

4. Check alignment of Mounting Tracks:

• Align iWindow unit with tracks and slide into frame. Check the gap at top and bottom to ensure alignment.
• Remove iWindow unit, and install remaining screws every 12-16 inches into predrilled holes in mounting tracks.

5. Fasten iWindow unit to Mounting Tracks:

• Clean the existing glass surface again and the iWindow panel before installing.
• Slide iWindow into frame.
• Fasten the iWindow unit to the mounting tracks using #6 – 32 x 1” Self drilling screws. Do not over torque to avoid stripping the holes.

Install screw covers with thumb pressure or small rubber mallet.

7. Clean the installed iWindow unit:

Thoroughly clean the glass surface of the newly installed iWindow unit.

  iWindow Installation Instructions

1. If you intend to install the iWindow onto an alternative substrate such as wood, masonry, or drywall framing, slight variations in the installation instructions apply.

• If installing over an operable window, the window must be sealed for zero air infiltration to prevent moist exterior air from entering the cavity. This may involve painting and/or caulk ing depending on the window type. Allow plenty of time for materials to dry and cure be fore installing iWindow to avoid trapping excess vapors in the cavity.
• The mounting track arrives with predrilled holes for mechanical fasteners. We recommend installing a fastener once every 12-16 inches. Fastener type, length, and size depend on the substrate setup to which you are fastening.
• Prior to applying the mounting track, we recommend running a bead of silicone sealant down the backside of the track to provide a tight seal against a possibly uneven substrate.
• Once mounting tracks are installed, mounting the iWindow unit can proceed per iWindow installation instructions, step 4) above.

  iWindow Installation Instructions

iWindow Width Tolerance

The iWindow mounting tracks allow for ¼” discrepancy in the measured size of the existing window frame. Taking care during the measurement phase of the iWindow ordering process will result in a tighter and cleaner looking iWindow installation. See the maximum and minimum width tolerance illus¬trations below:

  iWindow Maintenance Instructions

Maintenance of iWindow Aluminum Retrofit Glass Systems

The iWindow custom built retrofit glass system uses a unique design that attaches to the interior framing of the existing fenestration system, making installation and maintenance of the system much easier than conventional interior storm products. iWindow is an effective, affordable alternative to deliver the energy savings, maximum visible light, and improved indoor comfort to your building occupants.

Condensation and Mold Resistance

Condensation can only occur between the existing exterior glass and iWindow if the existing fenestration system leaks water. Some air infiltration around the existing outer single pane or operable windows will actually help reduce condensation. A small amount of condensation can also occur when the humidity level inside the building exceeds the outdoor relative humidity. The warm, humid air comes in contact with the cold exterior window leaving a small amount of moisture behind. This moisture will disipate as the level of indoor humidity is reduced.

When properly installed, iWindow AL fits tightly against the existing fenestration system’s framing. The probability of condensation building up between the iWindow system and the existing exterior wall is minimal due to the sealed air space between the exterior glass and iWindow, the triple sealed iWindow glass system and the tight fit to the existing fenestration system framing. The robust marine glazing provides a tight seal between the iWindow’s glass unit and aluminum frame while the bulb seals located at the top & bottom of the unit are designed to provide a tight seal between the iWindow frame and the existing fenestration framing.

Note: Check to confirm that the existing exterior windows have no severe air or water leaks. Air and water infiltration issues with the existing exterior window must be addressed and repaired before installing iWindow. Installation of iWindow inside wood operable windows requires the wood windows to be sealed and caulked and fresh paint applied to the lineals before iWindow is installed.

Removal of iWindow

Periodic maintenance may be required to the iWindow system and the existing exterior glass. This may be due to water infiltration from the existing exterior windows, gaps in the existing fenestration framing which could permit dirt or insects to infiltrate the iWindow’s cavity air space, or accidental glass breakage of the interior or exterior window.

Each iWindow AL unit is easily removed in just 10-15 minutes. First remove the interior trim, then retract the self-tapping attachment screws. Carefully lift the iWindow unit out of mounting track. When re-installing the unit, lift the iWindow unit into the mounting tracks, align the holes and reinstall the self-tapping screws, then replace the screw covers over the iWindow unit. Please refer to the iWindow installation instructions for complete details.

Service Life

Serious Materials manufactures iWindow to the highest standards, and when properly installed and maintained are designed to perform for many years. Serious Materials, Inc. guarantees to the original commercial purchaser that they will either repair or replace any iWindows that are found to be defective in materials or workmanship during the warranty period. Refer to Serious Materials, Inc. commercial window warranty for details.