SECTION 08 44 13 — ALUMINUM-FRAMED CURTAINWALL
American Commercial Glass | acglass.com | FL CGC #1531993
Last updated: 2026-05-09
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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.

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.

END OF SECTION

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Source: https://acglass.com/architect-specs/section-08-44-13-aluminum-curtainwall.html