A Guide to Heavy Commercial Architectural Windows

Heavy commercial architectural windows can be found on a variety of both low- and high-rise buildings. When the correct style and materials are used, architectural windows can add interest and strength to the facade of any commercial building while keeping functionality.

Appearance

Architectural windows are popular throughout the country due to their ability to accommodate a number of different building styles while providing a sensible and functional addition to the structure. When selecting heavy commercial windows, builders have the ability to customize the color, size, shape, material and hardware. This allows owners to easily preserve the historic look and feel of their building or modernize and update its style. The ability to customize the design to match local architectural characteristics, combined with the ease of cutting-edge production capabilities, makes architectural windows an effective tool for builders and business owners.

Materials

Aluminum is the most common material used in the production of heavy commercial architectural windows. Fiberglass and vinyl, two of the more popular residential window materials, are not used due to their lower strength and inability to stand up to the stresses of the building.

Aluminum

Aluminum windows are the most popular heavy commercial window and for good reason. This material is strong, durable and can handle the stresses that commercial windows often face. Additionally they can have a painted, unpainted, or anodized finish for many aesthetic changes.

Wood

Wood windows can be installed in low-rise commercial buildings but aren't used often. Because of the appeal of aluminum, wood windows are used only under special circumstances. For buildings that require a natural, traditional appearance wood is a good option because of its variety of grain, color, and durability. Unlike other materials, wood windows require a lot of maintenance.

Window Categories

There are two common categories of heavy commercial architectural windows: sliding and projected. A third category, fixed frame windows, can also be found on commercial and industrial buildings. The category of sliding windows is compromised of sliders, single hung, and double hung.

Sliding Windows

Sliders are typically thought of as windows that move horizontally. They are an excellent choice for commercial grade window systems because they come in a variety of styles and allow for many optional features to be added on. For example, most glass companies will allow a builder to integrate internal blinds into sliding windows.

A single hung window has two sashes, one on the top of the window and one on the lower section. The top sash does not allow movement while the lower section, or sash, of the window is movable. This means the bottom of the window is able to slide in a vertical upward direction while the top of the window remains stationary. These are typically better sealed than double hung windows. Contrary to single hung windows, the double hung style allows both the lower and upper sashes to slide up and down vertically allowing a user to also open the top half of the window.

Fixed windows, as the name implies, do not have any moving sashes. The lack of moving parts makes this type incredibly effective at keeping air and water out. In many industrial buildings fixed windows are used in combination with sliding windows.

Projected Windows

Projected is another category of heavy commercial architectural windows. The projected category consists of casement and awning windows.

Those that hinge at the side are referred to as casement windows. They offer a large amount of air flow into a building due to the way they hinge. The downside of casement windows is that they tend to be exposed to rain and snow more often than other windows because of how far they open.

Windows that are hinged at the top and open outward at the bottom are called awning windows. They provide users the comfort of an open window while keeping protection from wind and rain.

Strength

Industrial and commercial buildings are often exposed to extreme weather such as earthquakes, hurricanes, and storms. If the windows do not hold up under these extreme conditions the entire building can be compromised. When choosing a heavy commercial architectural window, structural strength, solar heat control, and optical properties are the three quality factors that should be considered.

Commercial buildings require windows that provide exceptional strength and soundness to protect from weather conditions. Look for windows that have been structurally tested to withstand high winds. Because most commercial buildings have a significant amount of internal heat, it is typically best to chose windows with low solar heat gain. This prevents workplaces or schools from solar radiation which could add additional heat. Lastly commercial buildings require sunlight without glare. To allow light in without glare, commercial windows typically have reflective or tinted glass.

Heavy commercial architectural windows offer numerous options and possibilities that make it easier for schools, industrial facilities, low- and high-rise buildings to maintain the integrity and functionality of the building. Having a general knowledge of these windows will better prepare you for choosing the correct style for your building.

Since 1969 Litex, Inc. has been in continuous production of high quality architectural windows systems. We manufacture heavy commercial grade and architectural windows that are used in a variety of applications such as high, mid, and low-rise buildings, schools and various commercial and industrial facilities. Our philosophy at Litex is to provide complete prompt delivery of high quality architectural windows and products that best serve the customers' needs. Visit http://www.litex.com for more information.

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