Aluminum-Framed Storefront

PART 1 GENERAL

1.1 SUMMARY
A. Section includes thermally broken aluminum storefront framing with 1-inch insulating glass, doors, hardware, and accessories.
B. Related Sections:
1. Section 08 80 00 — Glazing
2. Section 08 71 00 — Door Hardware

1.2 REFERENCES
A. AAMA 501.2 — Field Check of Metal Storefronts, Curtainwalls, and Sloped Glazing for Water Leakage.
B. AAMA 1503 — Voluntary Test Method for Thermal Transmittance and Condensation Resistance.
C. ASCE 7-22 — Minimum Design Loads for Buildings and Other Structures.
D. ASTM E283 — Standard Test Method for Determining Rate of Air Leakage.
E. ASTM E330 — Standard Test Method for Structural Performance.
F. ASTM E331 — Standard Test Method for Water Penetration.
G. ASTM E1886 / E1996 — Standard Test Methods for Performance of Exterior Windows, Curtain Walls, Doors, and Impact-Protective Systems Impacted by Missile and Pressure Cycles.
H. ANSI Z97.1 — Performance Specifications for Safety Glazing Materials.
I. Florida Building Code (FBC) 8th Edition (2026), including HVHZ provisions where applicable.
J. Miami-Dade Notice of Acceptance (NOA) for HVHZ projects.

1.3 PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS
A. Wind Load: Design pressures calculated per ASCE 7-22 for Florida exposure category C unless noted otherwise on Drawings.
B. Air Infiltration: Maximum 0.06 cfm/SF at 6.24 psf per ASTM E283.
C. Water Penetration: No water penetration at static pressure of 12 psf per ASTM E331.
D. Structural Performance: No permanent deformation greater than L/175 of span at 1.5x design wind load per ASTM E330.
E. Impact Resistance (HVHZ projects): Pass ASTM E1886 large-missile impact and ASTM E1996 cyclic pressure tests.
F. Thermal Performance: U-factor not greater than 0.55 BTU/hr-SF-deg F per AAMA 1503; SHGC and Visible Transmittance per Florida Energy Code.

1.4 SUBMITTALS
A. Product Data: Manufacturer's catalog data, finishes, performance ratings.
B. Shop Drawings: Elevations, sections, details, anchor locations, glazing methods, sealant joints. Sealed by Florida Professional Engineer.
C. Florida Product Approval (FPA) or Miami-Dade NOA for the proposed assembly.
D. Wind-load calculations sealed by Florida PE for each opening size and exposure.
E. Samples: 12-inch corner sample of framing system in specified finish; 6-inch glass sample with edge condition.
F. Manufacturer's Authorization Letter listing the installer as authorized for the proposed system.
G. AAMA InstallationMasters certification or equivalent for installer.
H. Warranty: 5-year minimum manufacturer's warranty; 2-year installer warranty.

1.5 QUALITY ASSURANCE
A. Manufacturer Qualifications: Minimum 10 years of continuous production of aluminum storefront systems.
B. Installer Qualifications: Authorized by manufacturer; AAMA InstallationMasters certified or equivalent; minimum 5 years installing similar work in Florida.
C. Mock-up: 8 ft x 8 ft minimum, including all conditions, to be approved by Architect prior to general fabrication.

1.6 DELIVERY, STORAGE, AND HANDLING
A. Deliver materials to site in protective wrapping.
B. Store vertical, off the ground, in dry location protected from weather and construction operations.

PART 2 PRODUCTS

2.1 MANUFACTURERS
A. Acceptable manufacturers, subject to Florida Product Approval / Miami-Dade NOA verification:
1. ESWindows (Series ES-50 or approved equivalent).
2. Euro-Wall (DirectSet storefront series).
3. Other manufacturers with equivalent FPA/NOA documentation, approved in writing by Architect prior to bid.

2.2 ALUMINUM FRAMING
A. Aluminum: 6063-T6 alloy and temper conforming to ASTM B221.
B. Wall Thickness: 1/8 inch minimum nominal.
C. Frame Depth: 4-1/2 inches minimum unless noted otherwise.
D. Thermal Break: Polyurethane or polyamide thermal isolator, factory installed.
E. Finish: Class I anodized (AAMA 611) or AAMA 2605 fluoropolymer coating, color as selected by Architect from manufacturer's standard range.

2.3 GLAZING
A. Insulating Glass Units: 1-inch overall thickness; outboard 1/4-inch heat-strengthened with low-E coating; 1/2-inch air space with argon fill; inboard 1/4-inch laminated for impact assemblies (PVB or SGP interlayer per FBC).
B. Safety Glazing: All glazing within 24 inches of doors, within 18 inches of finished floor, and other ANSI Z97.1 / 16 CFR 1201 mandated locations: tempered or laminated.

2.4 DOORS AND HARDWARE
A. Doors: Wide-stile aluminum, 1-3/4 inches thick, matching framing finish.
B. Hardware: Section 08 71 00. ANSI A156.10 / A156.19 automatic operators where indicated.

PART 3 EXECUTION

3.1 EXAMINATION
A. Verify openings are plumb, square, and within construction tolerances. Notify Architect of conditions outside tolerance prior to commencing work.

3.2 INSTALLATION
A. Install framing per approved shop drawings, manufacturer's instructions, and FPA/NOA installation diagrams.
B. Anchor patterns must match the tested assembly. Substitution of anchors voids the FPA/NOA.
C. Install perimeter sealant per ASTM C920 Class 50 weather-rated.
D. Install glazing using approved gaskets and structural silicone where specified. Wet-glaze applications require lab-trained applicator.

3.3 FIELD QUALITY CONTROL
A. Field water test per AAMA 501.2 or ASTM E1105 at locations and frequency directed by Architect; no water penetration permitted.
B. HVHZ projects: field water test required by AHJ.

3.4 CLEANING AND PROTECTION
A. Clean exterior glass and framing per manufacturer's instructions immediately after installation.
B. Protect installed work from damage by other trades through Substantial Completion.

3.5 WARRANTY
A. Provide manufacturer's 5-year warranty against defects and 2-year installer warranty against installation defects.

3.4 EXAMINATION
A. Examine openings, substrates, structural support, anchorage, blocking, and conditions for compliance with manufacturer's requirements before beginning installation. Verify rough openings are plumb, square, and within manufacturer's tolerances.
B. Verify that field measurements match approved shop drawings.
C. Verify continuity of water-resistive barrier (WRB) and air barrier at the rough opening per the project's air-barrier and water-management details.
D. Proceed with installation only after unsatisfactory conditions have been corrected. Beginning installation indicates acceptance of substrate and opening conditions.

3.5 PREPARATION
A. Clean opening surfaces immediately before installation. Remove dust, debris, and loose particles.
B. Apply primers and sealant tapes per manufacturer's instructions where required for bond compatibility.
C. Coordinate with the General Contractor for any required flashings, pan flashings, sill pans, or membrane transitions at the rough opening before frame installation.

3.6 ADJUSTING
A. Adjust operating sashes, doors, hardware, and accessories for smooth, leak-proof operation. Re-lubricate per manufacturer recommendations.
B. Replace defective work that cannot be successfully repaired.

3.7 CLEANING AND PROTECTION
A. Remove labels, dirt, foreign substances, and excess sealant from finished surfaces using methods recommended by glass and frame manufacturers. Do not use abrasive cleaners, alkaline solutions, hydrofluoric-acid-based cleaners, or solvents that could damage glass coatings, anodized finishes, or PVDF coatings.
B. Replace glass that is broken, chipped, cracked, abraded, or damaged in any way before Substantial Completion.
C. Provide temporary protection to assemble units against staining, scratching, and damage during construction. Remove protection at Substantial Completion.

3.8 DEFICIENCY PROCEDURES
A. Documented Deficiencies: Record any deficiencies discovered during examination, installation, or commissioning in the project Owner-Architect-Contractor (OAC) log. Coordinate with General Contractor on corrective action and re-inspection.
B. Water Infiltration: Investigate any reported water infiltration following AAMA 511 forensic procedures. Document chain of custody for warranty claim purposes.

END OF SECTION

Prepared by American Commercial Glass (ACG), Florida CGC #1531993, for use by architects and specification writers. This spec section is provided as a starting point — modify per project, code edition, and AHJ requirements. Always verify Florida Product Approval / Miami-Dade NOA documentation matches the specified system. For questions or system-specific guidance, contact [email protected].