ACG Blog · System selection
ES-8000, ES-8000T and ES-9500: How to Build a Project-Specific Shortlist
Compare ESWindows storefront families against opening sizes, thermal requirements, door interfaces and current project approval documents.
By Connor Walsh, President of American Commercial Glass · Sep 12, 2026 · Florida offices: West Palm Beach, Naples, Tampa
ES-8000, ES-8000T and ES-9500 serve different configurations. Start with the scheduled opening and required performance, then confirm the applicable assembly approval before proposing an equal.
ACG installs ESWindows systems for Florida commercial projects. Start with the ESWindows overview and Florida installation scope, then compare the scheduled openings against the selected model's current documents.
Selection basis. The model descriptions below were checked against the manufacturer's public product pages on October 24, 2026. They help build a shortlist. Obtain configuration-specific approval drawings, installation details and thermal documentation before accepting a system for a project.
How the three storefront families differ
ES-8000
ESWindows describes ES-8000 as an impact storefront for laminated glass, with factory glazing and a door adaptor. Check the scheduled glass, opening size and impact requirements against the current assembly approval. ES-8000 manufacturer information.
ES-8000T
ES-8000T adds a thermally broken frame. The manufacturer lists compatibility with the ES-9000 door. When the specification calls for thermally broken framing, include this model in the comparison and obtain performance documentation for the actual glass and frame configuration. ES-8000T manufacturer information.
ES-9500
ES-9500 is a center-glazed impact storefront. The manufacturer lists laminated and insulating laminated options and ES-9000 door compatibility. Confirm that the selected option covers the scheduled opening. ES-9500 manufacturer information.
Decision process: what to check before you shortlist
Do not start with a brand preference. Start with the opening schedule and the structural criteria.
- Approval geography. Confirm whether the project is in the HVHZ and verify that the active approval covers the exact assembly and location.
- Required design pressure and exposure. From ASCE 7 criteria on the drawings. Compare to tested design load for the candidate system and size. Do not assume one model’s DP applies to another.
- Impact class. Large missile vs small missile by elevation and height. Confirm LMI/SMI against the approval for that configuration.
- Thermal break need. Energy code, owner performance target, or spec language for thermally broken framing. If thermal is required, prioritize ES-8000T and verify U-factor for the specified glass, not a brochure sample.
- Panel size and span. Width × height on the schedule vs published tested maxima. Oversized openings need engineering, not optimism.
- Glass makeup. Laminated vs insulating laminated, Low-E surface, thickness. Approvals are configuration-specific.
- Door integration. Entrance pairs and adaptors. Manufacturer pages list ES-9000 compatibility for ES-8000T and ES-9500; confirm hardware and sill details on shop drawings.
- Finish. Anodized, painted, wood grain as available. Match warranty and coastal exposure expectations in writing.
- Material-only vs installed. Who owns anchors, sealants, field glazing exceptions, and NOA submittal packaging.
Comparison documents to request
A higher brochure number does not establish a better project fit. Compare all shortlisted models using the same opening, glass makeup and required performance.
| Selection question | Document to obtain | What to match |
|---|---|---|
| Will this assembly cover the opening? | Current approval drawings and installation instructions | Size, glass, support conditions, anchors and positive and negative design pressures |
| Does it meet the thermal specification? | Applicable whole-product thermal documentation | The proposed frame and glass configuration against the project's U-factor and SHGC requirements |
| Can the entrance be integrated? | Manufacturer door, adaptor and sill details | The selected storefront, door series, hardware and threshold |
| Is the approval suitable for this location? | Active product-approval record and limitations of use | The applicable code edition, impact classification and HVHZ coverage where required |
Record the selected document revision in the bid file. An approval number or performance value for a different size or configuration is not a completed comparison.
Project-specific shortlist worksheet (template)
Copy this table into your bid file. Fill every row from drawings, wind criteria and current approvals. The “Shortlist” column should name one or two models only after the criteria are filled. This is a template, not a completed selection for any project.
| Criterion (from this project) | Project value | Implication | Shortlist |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jurisdiction / approval path | ___________ (HVHZ NOA / FBC PA) | Only systems with active matching listing | |
| Required DP (+ / − psf) by zone | ___________ | Must be ≤ tested design load for size | |
| Impact (LMI / SMI / none) | ___________ | Match elevation height rules | |
| Thermal break required? (Y/N + target U) | ___________ | If Y, prioritize ES-8000T; verify U for specified glass | |
| Largest panel W × H | ___________ | Compare to listed maxima; engineer if over | |
| Glass makeup (lam / IGU lam / Low-E) | ___________ | Must appear in approval configuration | |
| Entrances / ES-9000 integration | ___________ | Adaptor, sill, hardware owner | |
| Finish program | ___________ | Confirm availability and lead time | |
| Scope: material-only vs furnish & install | ___________ | Who owns NOA package and field labor | |
| Resulting shortlist (1 to 2 models) | ___________ / ___________ | Config IDs: ___________ | ||
How ACG uses this on bid day
We do not pick a favorite storefront and reverse-engineer the openings. We take your plans and opening schedule, map each opening to wind and impact criteria, then shortlist only systems that can carry a matching approval configuration. For the ES-8000 storefront, design pressure is +80/-130 PSF per NOA 26-0724.09, and we confirm that controlling listing with the manufacturer before we lock the bid language.
ACG is a Florida CGC (#1531993) with offices in West Palm Beach, Naples and Tampa. Call (772) 486-7711 for product and assembly review.
Frequently asked questions
Is ES-8000 always pre-glazed?
The manufacturer product page states factory pre-assembled and pre-glazed for ES-8000, ES-8000T and ES-9500. That is a manufacturer claim for the systems as marketed. Field conditions, replacements and special sizes can change how glass is handled. Confirm on the shop drawings for your release. Do not treat “always” as absolute for every opening.
When should I shortlist ES-8000T over ES-9500?
When the spec or energy target requires a thermally broken storefront and the opening sizes and design pressures fit the ES-8000T tested envelope. If thermal is not required and the schedule needs the higher published design load and sightline profile of ES-9500, put ES-9500 on the shortlist and still verify approvals. Use the worksheet; do not default to a brand habit.
Where do I get the current NOA numbers?
From the active Miami-Dade Product Control listing or Florida Product Approval for the exact configuration, plus the manufacturer submittal. ACG coordinates that package on installed scopes. Numbers change; we do not freeze them into this article as permanent facts.
Send plans and the opening schedule
We will map openings to a shortlist, flag thermal vs non-thermal, and review product/assembly against current approvals. Material-only or furnish-and-install.
Send Us Plans(772) 486-7711 · FL CGC #1531993 · West Palm Beach · Naples · Tampa