Aluminum-Framed Curtainwall

PART 1 GENERAL

1.1 SUMMARY
A. Section includes aluminum-framed curtainwall, including unitized and stick-built systems, structural silicone glazing where specified, and HVHZ-rated assemblies.

1.2 REFERENCES
A. AAMA CW-DG-1 — Aluminum Curtain Wall Design Guide Manual.
B. AAMA TIR-A8 — Structural Performance of Composite Thermal Barrier Framing Systems.
C. ASTM C1184 — Standard Specification for Structural Silicone Sealants.
D. ASTM E283, E330, E331, E1105, E1886, E1996.
E. ASCE 7-22.
F. Florida Building Code 8th Edition (2026), HVHZ provisions where applicable.

1.3 PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS
A. Wind Load: Design pressures per ASCE 7-22 for project location and exposure.
B. Air Infiltration: Maximum 0.06 cfm/SF at 6.24 psf per ASTM E283.
C. Water Penetration: No uncontrolled water penetration at 20 psf static and dynamic pressure per ASTM E331 / AAMA 501.1.
D. Pressure Equalization: Pressure-equalized rain screen design with continuous compartmentalized drainage cavity.
E. Thermal Movement: Accommodate 180 deg F operating range without permanent deformation, sealant failure, or glass breakage.
F. Structural Silicone: Conform to ASTM C1184 with manufacturer's project-specific approval letter.
G. Impact Resistance (HVHZ): Pass ASTM E1886 / E1996.

1.4 SUBMITTALS
A. Product Data, Shop Drawings (sealed by Florida PE), Calculations (sealed), Florida Product Approval / NOA, Mock-up Test Reports.
B. Structural Silicone Application Plan including applicator certification and lab-test report on substrate adhesion.
C. Manufacturer's Authorization Letter listing the installer.
D. AAMA InstallationMasters or equivalent installer certification.

1.5 QUALITY ASSURANCE
A. Manufacturer: Minimum 10 years of continuous curtainwall production.
B. Installer: Authorized by manufacturer; minimum 5 projects of similar size and complexity in Florida; structural silicone applicator certified by sealant manufacturer.
C. Mock-up: Visual mock-up plus full-scale performance mock-up tested per AAMA 501.1 at independent testing laboratory.

1.6 DELIVERY, STORAGE, AND HANDLING
A. Deliver materials in manufacturer's original, unopened, undamaged containers with identification labels intact.
B. Store materials in a dry, ventilated location, off the ground, protected from weather, moisture, dust, and contact with dissimilar materials. Maintain factory-applied protective coverings until immediately prior to installation.
C. Handle glass per GANA Glazing Manual Section 13. Reject and replace any unit with cracked, chipped, or scratched glass. Do not store glass in direct sunlight; cover with non-staining, opaque material if outdoor storage is unavoidable.
D. Field-measure all openings prior to fabrication. Do not begin fabrication until field measurements are reconciled against shop drawings and recorded on the project Owner-Architect-Contractor (OAC) meeting log.

1.7 PROJECT CONDITIONS
A. Field Measurements: Verify dimensions of structural openings and tolerances at perimeter conditions before fabrication. Coordinate with the General Contractor for sequencing if openings will be modified after measurement.
B. Existing Conditions: Coordinate with adjacent trades — concrete, masonry, framing, sheathing, water-resistive barriers, flashings — to ensure proper sequence of work. Verify that perimeter substrate conditions are within manufacturer's installation tolerances before beginning fenestration work.
C. Coordination: Verify that openings, anchors, embeds, sealant joints, and water-resistive barrier terminations are installed and inspected before glazing system installation begins.

1.8 WARRANTY (PROJECT-SPECIFIC)
A. General Warranty: Warranties specified in this section do not deprive Owner of other rights Owner may have under other provisions of the Contract Documents.
B. Special Project Warranty: Submit a written warranty signed by the manufacturer and the installer covering failure of materials and workmanship for the period specified, beginning on the date of Substantial Completion. Warranty shall cover, without limitation, failure to meet performance requirements, structural failure under specified design loads, water and air infiltration in excess of specified rates, glass breakage from non-impact causes, and seal failure resulting in interior condensation between glass surfaces.

PART 2 PRODUCTS

2.1 MANUFACTURERS
A. Acceptable manufacturers:
1. ESWindows (ES-7000, ES-8000 series).
2. Other manufacturers with FPA/NOA documentation, approved in writing prior to bid.

2.2 ALUMINUM FRAMING
A. Aluminum: 6063-T6 per ASTM B221.
B. Frame Depth: 6 inches minimum.
C. Thermal Break: Pour-and-debridge polyurethane or composite thermal isolator.
D. Finish: AAMA 2605 70 percent fluoropolymer or Class I anodized; color as selected.

2.3 GLAZING
A. Insulating Glass Units: 1-inch overall, dual-pane with low-E coating; outboard heat-strengthened minimum; inboard laminated for impact assemblies.
B. Spandrel Panels: Heat-strengthened with ceramic frit on #2 surface or back-painted on #4 surface, opaque.
C. Structural Silicone: Two-part neutral cure, ASTM C1184 conforming, manufacturer's pre-tested compatibility with framing and gaskets.

2.4 SEALANTS AND GASKETS
A. Perimeter Sealant: ASTM C920 Type S, Grade NS, Class 50, neutral cure silicone.
B. Glazing Gaskets: EPDM or silicone, factory cured.
C. Setting Blocks and Edge Blocks: Silicone-compatible, durometer per manufacturer.

PART 3 EXECUTION

3.1 INSTALLATION
A. Install per approved shop drawings, manufacturer's instructions, and FPA/NOA installation diagrams.
B. Verify anchor locations and structural backup prior to installation.
C. Maintain pressure-equalization compartments per shop drawing tolerances.
D. Structural silicone application: lab-trained applicator only; cure conditions per manufacturer; quality-control documentation maintained on site.

3.2 FIELD QUALITY CONTROL
A. Water Test per AAMA 501.2 or ASTM E1105 on installed curtainwall: minimum 25 percent of openings or as directed by Architect; no water penetration permitted.
B. HVHZ projects: field water test required by AHJ.

3.3 CLEANING, PROTECTION, AND WARRANTY
A. Clean per manufacturer's instructions.
B. Provide 10-year manufacturer's warranty on framing and finish; 10-year structural silicone warranty; 2-year installer warranty.

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].