Glass Upgrade System

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 and sound-reduction 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 installation.

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 higher 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 Energy 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 Energy Sales Consultant for further details.

Which iWindow glass package should I chose for my project? Serious Energy 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 Energy 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.

iWindow can reduce exterior noise heard in the building by 10 dB or more over that of an existing window. 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. 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 Installation 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 +/- 1/4” 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 minimum installed depth of both versions of iWindow (1-3/8" GU and 7/8" GU) is 2.375”.

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: iWindow 5 and/or 7

Color: iWindow comes in Clear Anodized and Dark Bronze Paint.

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

  iWindow Installation 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 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 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 operable windows requires the windows to be sealed and caulked 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 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.  iWindow Warranty for details.