Tubelite Inc.‘s new 400SS Series thermal, screw spline, aluminum-framed curtainwall features a thermally broken system to meet today’ commercial building codes and performance criteria. In addition to delivering high thermal performance (U-Factors) and condensation resistance, the new system is engineered for glazing in either the shop or in the field for installing on low- to mid-rise buildings.

“Based on the feedback we heard from glazing contractors and installers, we completely reinvented the screw spline curtainwall. Our new 400SS Thermal Curtainwall significantly reduces fabrication and installation labor costs to keep pace with fast-paced construction schedules, while supporting energy-efficient building goals,” said Mary Avery, Tubelite’s vice president of marketing.

“The expanded thermal break and thick gasketing of our 400SS Thermal Curtainwall helps buildings meet model energy codes and green building thermal performance guidelines including LEED® certification,” Avery continued. “This system can be pre-assembled, pre-sealed and pre-glazed under factory conditions, or stick-fabricated in the field. It is engineered to efficiently integrate with our operable windows, Therml=Block® entrances, MaxBlock® sun shades and aLuminate® light shelves for complete, convenient installation and dependable performance.”

Tubelite’s 400SS Series Thermal Curtainwall’s standard 2.5-inch-wide, aluminum-framed system is available in 6-, 7.5- and 10-inch depths and with an aluminum pressure plate. An optional polyamide pressure plate meets or exceeds stringent energy codes.

Successfully tested and simulated per National Fenestration Council (NFRC) procedures, the 400SS Series Thermal Curtainwall achieves a U-Factor of 0.38 for thermal transmittance using aluminum pressure plate and 0.31 using a polyamide pressure plate. It also meets the American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA) 1503 standard, achieving a frame condensation resistance factor (CRFf) of 68 with the aluminum pressure plate and 77 with polyamide.

In addition, Tubelite’s 400SS Series Thermal Curtainwall has been tested to AAMA 501 standards, which includes 15 psf static and dynamic water, air infiltration and exfiltration, vertical and horizontal interstory movement, seismic, and thermal cycling from -20 degrees F to +180 degrees F.

To meet this industry-leading performance, Tubelite’s thermally broken system uses a continuous 0.25-inch ethylene propylene rubber (EPDM) isolator. Silicone compatible glazing materials ensure long-lasting seals. An improved horizontal member allows for expansion/contraction clearances to minimize splice requirements.

Glass is positioned to the 400SS Thermal Curtainwall system’s exterior for enhanced resistance to rainwater. The 0.5-inch bite securely grips insulated glass or panels of 1-inch thickness. Infill thicknesses from 1/8 inch to 1-5/16 inches also can be accommodated.

Upon request, Tubelite can provide deep face covers, captured and structural silicone glazed (SSG) verticals and horizontals, steel reinforcing, and 90-degree inside and outside corners. Modified standard and custom sizes also can be specified. Tubelite has developed an optional top-of-slab anchoring system for project’s requiring greater adjustability, and removable interior covers at the head and sill members, for easier access to anchors.

The aluminum used to produce all of Tubelite’s framing systems, sun shades and light shelves can be extruded using EcoLuminum™, a high recycled-content aluminum billet composition. The aluminum is finished in a choice of seven anodized finishes or 20 standard paint colors, or, upon request, blended and custom colors may be specified. Durable finishes reduce buildings’ maintenance costs and enhance long lifecycles.

Please visit the product page, to learn more about Tubelite’s high-performance 400SS Series Curtainwall design details, test reports, installation instruction and specific performance data. For an AIA-approved continuing education course on “Product Selection for Aluminum Fenestration” or other presentations, please email dependable@tubeliteinc.com or call 800-866-2227.

_{About Tubelite Inc.}

_{For more than 70 years, glazing contractors have counted on Tubelite’s dependable service, fabrication and distribution of architectural aluminum products. Part of Apogee Enterprises, Inc., the company is an industry leader in eco-efficient storefront, curtainwall and entrance systems, and recognized for its fast, reliable and consistent delivery.}

_{Tubelite’s corporate office, fabrication, warehouse and shipping operations are located in Walker, Michigan. Its Dallas location provides additional fabrication, warehouse and shipping operations. Its facility in Reed City, Michigan, houses the company’s aluminum extrusion operation. The company also has offices in Rock Hill, South Carolina, and Warwick, Rhode Island.}

_{Tubelite and its staff are members of the American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA), the American Institute of Architects (AIA), the Construction Specifications Institute (CSI), the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC), the National Glass Association/Glass Association of North America (NGA/GANA), the Society of Military Engineers (SAME) and the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC).}

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Helping save time, labor and associated costs, Tubelite has engineered its breadth of aluminum-framed fenestration products to serve as individual components and together, as a complete building envelope. Its windows and doors integrate and install into Tubelite’s curtainwall, window wall and storefront systems.

Tubelite’s products are manufactured to meet the aesthetic, performance and environmental goals of each project, as well as for easy fabrication and installation. Mary Avery, Tubelite’s vice president of marketing, explains, “We’ve introduced several new products in the last few years – our TerraPorte terrace doors, 900RW ribbon windows and Phantom 5000 vents. These fit within our existing products and work together as an integrated system that helps save labor and headaches.”

She continues, “Customers who once relied on us primarily for our entrances and storefront, now count on Tubelite for their one-stop, total package of aluminum-framed entrance, storefront, curtainwall, ribbon and vent window, and daylighting systems. All of our products have been designed and tested to meet stringent industry performance standards.”

Tubelite’s products are tested per the American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA) standards for air, water, structural and condensation resistance. They also are tested and modeled for thermal transmittance per the National Fenestration Council (NFRC) procedures.

Avery adds, “Our product engineers have taken the time-consuming work of matching system depths for a consistent appearance and connections for a dependable, proper installation.”

Further demonstrating its dependability and partnership, Tubelite’s processes ensure orders are delivered undamaged, complete and on time.

For an AIA-approved continuing education course on “Product Selection for Aluminum Fenestration” or other presentations, please email dependable@tubeliteinc.com or call 800-866-2227.

About Tubelite Inc.
For more than 70 years, glazing contractors have counted on Tubelite’s dependable service, fabrication and distribution of architectural aluminum products. Part of Apogee Enterprises, Inc., the company is an industry leader in eco-efficient storefront, curtainwall and entrance systems, and recognized for its fast, reliable and consistent delivery.

Tubelite’s corporate office, fabrication, warehouse and shipping operations are located in Walker, Michigan. Its Dallas location provides additional fabrication, warehouse and shipping operations. Its facility in Reed City, Michigan, houses the company’s aluminum extrusion operation. The company also has offices in Rock Hill, South Carolina, and Warwick, Rhode Island.

Tubelite and its staff are members of the American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA), the American Institute of Architects (AIA), the Construction Specifications Institute (CSI), the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC), the National Glass Association/Glass Association of North America (NGA/GANA), the Society of Military Engineers (SAME) and the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC).

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Project photos of Centrum Bucktown by Michael Lipman.

Tubelite’s tie-rod doors are built for easy modification and repair — all without compromising durability and longevity. Pat Neyhart, vice president of Wooster Glass Co., has worked with the company for 40+ years and knows of several Tubelite doors in Wooster, Ohio that have performed for decades.

Click here to read the full article in Building Design+Construction.

The tie-rod doors installed at the Wayne Savings Bank in 1964 remain in operation today, thanks to their durability and adaptable construction. Neyhart says, “Those are the original doors for the bank. We’ve never taken it off or had to replace a tie rod or anything. I cannot remember having anybody go up there to service that door.”

The retail location at 116 East Liberty Street has had many lives during its past 40 years, but like the bank, only one set of doors. Several years ago, Neyhart remembers adding a panic bar exit device on one door. He explains that it was a fairly simple modification: “You take the two tie rods off and replace the rails. You can disassemble the tie rods manually, without power tools, and do it right in the field.” 

Watch a video showing how tie-rod doors can be serviced and replaced with ease.

“Tie rod definitely has its advantages,” confirms Neyhart. “We prefer to use Tubelite because of the adaptability.”

Please contact us if we can answer any additional questions for you regarding aluminum entrance systems, and let us know how we help you select the most dependable products for your next project.

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