The Interface: Storefront Glazing
Today’s buildings face increasing complexity due to multi-layer assemblies, multiple trades, limited field training, tight schedules and higher performance expectations, all within cost-sensitive projects. In contrast, earlier buildings were simpler, relied on skilled apprenticeship models and were designed to lower performance standards. Modern occupants demand precise environmental control, high indoor air quality, energy efficiency and zero tolerance for condensation or mold. Achieving this depends on a well-designed and properly constructed building enclosure. While performance data guides material selection, poor detailing at transitions, terminations and flashing can significantly undermine intended performance. This presentation reviews the evolution of building enclosure design with a focus on aluminum storefront glazing systems.
Learning Objectives:
- Building Enclosure History and Design Principles: Participants of the session will review building construction practices of the past and present, specifically wall construction and interfacing with fenestration. Building Science principles will be overlaid to better understand the importance of proper interfacing.
- Laboratory Certification Testing, Computer Modeling and Field Performance Testing: Expanding on the first learning objective; the presentation will further dive into building science principles by exploring product certification, modeling and testing of fenestration.
- Constructability and Construction Sequencing: Participants will review how performance-based interfacing details impact constructability and construction sequencing.
- Case Studies: Project examples will be reviewed, including wall opening details for window, storefront and curtain wall glazing assemblies.
Presenter: Adam Ugliuzza, PE, CPHC, Partner, Building Enclosures Group, Sustainable Building Partners
