1 Scope
NOTE This standard governs the furnishing and installation of thermally broken extruded aluminum entrance and storefront systems for the ground-floor and perimeter glazing of commercial, institutional, and light industrial buildings. (1.1)
1.2 The scope includes the storefront framing assembly, the swing entrance doors (medium-stile, wide-stile, and narrow-stile) and their hardware, the insulating glass infill, thermal break construction, perimeter anchorage, and the air and water seal interfaces with adjacent envelope assemblies.
1.4 This standard establishes minimum performance, material, fabrication, and installation requirements applicable to all of those conditions.
1.5 The Contractor shall treat the storefront as a single coordinated system, and the Architect, structural engineer, glazing trade, and adjacent envelope trades shall coordinate submittals so that all performance criteria are reconciled before fabrication begins.
NOTE An entrance and storefront assembly must simultaneously satisfy structural, thermal, water-control, air-control, fire-egress, accessibility, and durability requirements, and each performance category cross-couples to the others. (1.6)
NOTE A deeper thermal break that improves U-factor may require a different anchor preparation; a higher design pressure may require thicker glass or a heavier framing depth that changes the door stile width; a laminated inboard lite specified for ADA safety changes the IGU weight and therefore the hardware torque requirements. (1.7)
1.8 Coordination with Adjacent Work
1.8.2 Coordinate this work with Building Thermal Insulation for the continuity of the building thermal envelope at the head, jamb, and sill of the storefront. 1.8.4 Coordinate this work with the air barrier and fluid-applied waterproofing trades for continuity of the air and water control layers across the rough opening.
2 Referenced Standards
2.1 Materials, fabrication, performance testing, and installation shall comply with the latest adopted edition of the referenced standards listed below.
2.2 Where the contract documents or the adopted building code impose more stringent requirements than a referenced standard, the more stringent requirement shall govern.
2.3 The Contractor shall resolve conflicts in writing with the Engineer of Record before proceeding.
2.4 Standards List
| Standard |
Title |
| AAMA/WDMA/CSA 101/I.S.2/A440 |
North American Fenestration Standard (NAFS) — Specification for Windows, Doors, and Skylights |
| AAMA CW-13 |
Structural Properties of Glass for Windows in Buildings |
| AAMA 501 |
Methods of Test for Exterior Walls |
| AAMA 501.2 |
Quality Assurance and Diagnostic Water Leakage Field Check of Installed Storefronts, Curtain Walls, and Sloped Glazing Systems |
| AAMA 501.4 |
Recommended Static Test Method for Evaluating Curtain Wall and Storefront Systems Subjected to Seismic and Wind Induced Inter-story Drifts |
| AAMA 502 |
Voluntary Specification for Field Testing of Newly Installed Fenestration Products |
| AAMA 503 |
Voluntary Specification for Field Testing of Newly Installed Storefronts, Curtain Walls, and Sloped Glazing Systems |
| AAMA 611 |
Voluntary Specification for Anodized Architectural Aluminum |
| AAMA 612 |
Voluntary Specification, Performance Requirements and Test Procedures for Combined Coatings of Anodic Oxide and Transparent Organic Coatings on Architectural Aluminum |
| AAMA 2603 |
Voluntary Specification, Performance Requirements and Test Procedures for Pigmented Organic Coatings on Aluminum Extrusions and Panels |
| AAMA 2604 |
Voluntary Specification, Performance Requirements and Test Procedures for High Performance Organic Coatings on Aluminum Extrusions and Panels |
| AAMA 2605 |
Voluntary Specification, Performance Requirements and Test Procedures for Superior Performing Organic Coatings on Aluminum Extrusions and Panels |
| AAMA TIR-A8 |
Structural Performance of Composite Thermal Barrier Framing Systems |
| ASTM B221 |
Standard Specification for Aluminum and Aluminum-Alloy Extruded Bars, Rods, Wire, Profiles, and Tubes |
| ASTM E283 |
Standard Test Method for Determining Rate of Air Leakage Through Exterior Windows, Curtain Walls, and Doors Under Specified Pressure Differences |
| ASTM E330 |
Standard Test Method for Structural Performance of Exterior Windows, Doors, Skylights, and Curtain Walls by Uniform Static Air Pressure Difference |
| ASTM E331 |
Standard Test Method for Water Penetration of Exterior Windows, Skylights, Doors, and Curtain Walls by Uniform Static Air Pressure Difference |
| ASTM E547 |
Standard Test Method for Water Penetration of Exterior Windows, Skylights, Doors, and Curtain Walls by Cyclic Static Air Pressure Difference |
| ASTM E1105 |
Standard Test Method for Field Determination of Water Penetration of Installed Exterior Windows, Skylights, Doors, and Curtain Walls, by Uniform or Cyclic Static Air Pressure Difference |
| ASTM E1886 |
Standard Test Method for Performance of Exterior Windows, Curtain Walls, Doors, and Impact Protective Systems Impacted by Missile(s) and Exposed to Cyclic Pressure Differentials |
| ASTM E1996 |
Standard Specification for Performance of Exterior Windows, Curtain Walls, Doors, and Impact Protective Systems Impacted by Windborne Debris in Hurricanes |
| ASTM E2190 |
Standard Specification for Insulating Glass Unit Performance |
| ASTM C1036 |
Standard Specification for Flat Glass |
| ASTM C1048 |
Standard Specification for Heat-Strengthened and Fully Tempered Flat Glass |
| ASTM C1172 |
Standard Specification for Laminated Architectural Flat Glass |
| ASTM C1376 |
Standard Specification for Pyrolytic and Vacuum Deposition Coatings on Flat Glass |
| ASTM C920 |
Standard Specification for Elastomeric Joint Sealants |
| NFRC 100 |
Procedure for Determining Fenestration Product U-factors |
| NFRC 200 |
Procedure for Determining Fenestration Product Solar Heat Gain Coefficient and Visible Transmittance at Normal Incidence |
| ICC A117.1 |
Accessible and Usable Buildings and Facilities |
| ANSI/BHMA A156.4 |
Standard for Door Closers and Pivots |
| ANSI/BHMA A156.3 |
Standard for Exit Devices |
| ANSI/BHMA A156.16 |
Standard for Auxiliary Hardware (including push/pull and offset pulls) |
| IGCC/IGMA |
Insulating Glass Certification Council / Insulating Glass Manufacturers Alliance — IGU certification |
| GANA Glazing Manual |
Glass Association of North America — Glazing Manual |
| IBC Chapter 24 |
International Building Code — Glass and Glazing |
| IBC Chapter 10 |
International Building Code — Means of Egress (door clearance, opening force, panic hardware) |
3 Submittals
3.1 Action Submittals
3.1.1 The following submittals shall be submitted for review and returned before procurement or fabrication begins.
3.1.2 Storefront, glazing, door, and hardware submittals shall be coordinated into a single review package so that framing depths, door stile widths, IGU thicknesses, and hardware preparations are reconciled against one another before any product is ordered.
3.1.3 Storefront shop drawings shall provide elevations of every storefront condition, drawn to scale, with all mullion locations, door locations, transom and mid-rail lines, glass type designations keyed by lite, glass thicknesses, dimensions of all framing members, and dimensions of all rough openings.
3.1.4 Storefront shop drawing section details shall be provided at the head, jamb, sill, intermediate horizontals, intermediate verticals, door head, door jamb, door sill (threshold), and at every transition to an adjacent envelope assembly, and shall show the thermal break, the gasket compression at glazing pockets, the perimeter sealant joints, the anchor type and location, and the air and water control layer continuity.
3.1.5 Door and hardware shop drawings shall provide elevations of every door type indicating stile and rail dimensions, door size, hand, swing direction, hardware preparation locations, and glazing, together with a complete hardware schedule organized by hardware set number identifying each product by function, ANSI/BHMA grade, finish (BHMA three-digit code), and applicable listing.
3.1.6 The hardware supplier shall provide a letter of compliance confirming the schedule meets ICC A117.1 / ADA, IBC means of egress, and any panic hardware requirements for the occupancy and occupant load.
3.1.7 Structural calculations for the storefront framing and anchorage shall be signed and sealed by a professional engineer licensed in the project jurisdiction, demonstrating compliance with the design pressures established in the project structural drawings, and shall address mullion spans, mullion deflection limits, glass thickness selection per AAMA CW-13, and anchor capacity at every anchor type and condition.
3.1.8 Where the storefront is supported between concrete or steel structure with inter-story movement, calculations shall demonstrate accommodation of building movement without compromising air, water, or structural performance.
3.1.9 Manufacturer's published product data shall be submitted for the framing system, doors, gaskets, sealants, thermal break material, and finish, including the system's NAFS performance class, design pressure rating, and results of laboratory testing per ASTM E283, E331, E330, and any applicable impact testing per ASTM E1886/E1996.
3.1.10 An Insulating Glass Unit (IGU) submittal shall be provided for each glass type, indicating the outboard lite (thickness, heat treatment, coating type and surface), spacer type and material (warm-edge required where indicated), primary and secondary seal materials, inert gas fill (argon, krypton, or air), and the inboard lite (thickness, heat treatment, laminated interlayer where applicable), with the IGU manufacturer's IGCC/IGMA certification included.
3.1.11 Thermal and solar performance reports shall be submitted, providing NFRC 100 U-factor, NFRC 200 SHGC and VLT, and condensation resistance factor (CRF) for the complete fenestration product as required by the energy compliance documentation.
3.1.12 Component-level calculations shall not substitute for whole-product NFRC ratings where the energy code requires certified ratings.
3.1.13 Finish samples of each finish, minimum 12 in. by 12 in., shall be submitted on the actual extrusion profile or on a representative profile of equivalent thickness, demonstrating color, gloss, and finish quality.
3.1.14 For anodized finishes, samples shall be from the anodizing batch run for the project or shall demonstrate the manufacturer's typical color range so that lot-to-lot color variation can be evaluated.
3.1.15 For organic-coated finishes, samples shall be on a section of the actual extrusion profile to be furnished.
3.1.16 Where mock-up testing is required, mock-up test reports shall be submitted, including the results of laboratory and field testing performed on the project mock-up and any deficiencies identified and corrective actions taken before production fabrication releases.
3.1.17 Action Submittals Datasheet
☑ Storefront shop drawings (elevations and details)
☐ Door and hardware shop drawings with hardware schedule
☐ Structural calculations signed and sealed by licensed PE
☐ Manufacturer's product data with NAFS performance class
☐ IGU make-up submittal with IGCC/IGMA certification
☐ NFRC 100/200 U-factor, SHGC, and VLT reports
☐ Condensation resistance factor (CRF) report
☐ Finish samples on actual or equivalent extrusion profile
☐ Mock-up test reports (where mock-up required)
3.2 Closeout Submittals
3.2.1 At substantial completion the Contractor shall provide the following closeout submittals before final acceptance:
- Final as-built storefront and door schedules reflecting any field changes
- Field test reports per AAMA 502 (window/door units) or AAMA 503 (storefront/curtain wall systems) where field testing was performed
- Cleaning and maintenance instructions for the framing finish, glass, gaskets, sealants, and hardware, including the manufacturer's recommended cleaning products and any products that shall not be used on the finish
- Warranty documentation from the framing manufacturer, the IGU manufacturer, the sealant manufacturer, and the door hardware supplier
- Spare parts inventory turned over to the Owner, including weatherstripping, door closer adjustment tools, and any specialty fasteners required for hardware adjustment
☑ As-built storefront and door schedules
☐ AAMA 502 or 503 field test reports
☐ Cleaning and maintenance instructions
☐ Framing finish warranty (anodized or organic coating)
☐ IGU warranty (minimum 10 years against seal failure)
☐ Sealant warranty
☐ Door hardware warranty
☐ Spare parts inventory turnover to Owner
4 Quality Assurance
4.1 Manufacturer and Fabricator Qualifications
4.1.1 The storefront framing manufacturer shall demonstrate a minimum of ten years of continuous production of thermally broken aluminum entrance and storefront systems of the performance class specified.
4.1.2 The manufacturer shall provide independent laboratory test reports for the specific framing system indicating compliance with the NAFS performance class designation indicated on the drawings.
4.1.3 The fabricator and installer (which may be the same firm) shall demonstrate a minimum of five years of experience installing the specific framing system or an equivalent thermally broken storefront system of the same NAFS class.
4.1.4 For projects with impact-rated requirements, projects in hurricane wind-borne debris zones, or projects with blast-resistance requirements, the installer shall demonstrate prior project experience with assemblies of equivalent performance.
4.1.5 The glazing contractor shall employ glaziers certified or trained by the framing system manufacturer for the specific glazing pocket configurations, gasket types, and structural silicone applications (if applicable) used on the project.
4.2 Mock-Up
Not required
Visual mock-up — color, finish, and glass type confirmation only
Visual mock-up plus AAMA 501 chamber test (laboratory testing of mock-up)
Field mock-up — typical bay installed in place and field tested per AAMA 502/503
Field mock-up plus AAMA 501.4 inter-story drift test (seismic regions)
4.2.1 Where a mock-up is required, it shall be installed at a location acceptable to the Architect and shall include all components of a typical bay — framing, glass, door (if a door is in the typical bay), perimeter sealants, anchorage, and transitions to adjacent envelope assemblies — so that the air and water control layers can be evaluated as a complete system.
4.2.2 Field test results on the mock-up are the basis for accepting the system for production installation, and deficiencies identified in the mock-up shall be corrected and re-tested before production work proceeds.
4.3.1 The storefront and entrance system shall be classified per AAMA/WDMA/CSA 101/I.S.2/A440 (NAFS), which classifies products by performance class and design pressure, denoted as "Class-Performance Grade" (for example, CW-PG50).
4.3.2 The storefront and entrance system shall be tested, rated, and labeled per AAMA/WDMA/CSA 101/I.S.2/A440 (NAFS).
NOTE NAFS class is determined by intended end-use and minimum performance requirements; the performance grade (PG) is the design pressure rating in psf at which the product has been tested. (4.3.3)
R — Residential (not appropriate for commercial storefronts)
LC — Light Commercial (low-rise commercial, limited public access)
CW — Commercial (standard ground-floor commercial storefronts, mid-rise)
AW — Architectural (high-traffic public entrances, institutional, high-rise commercial)
Per drawings
NOTE CW class is the appropriate default for ground-floor commercial storefronts in retail, office, and similar mid-rise applications where moderate-to-high cycle traffic is expected and the building height is below approximately 80 feet. (4.3.5)
4.3.6 AW class shall be specified for high-traffic public entrances such as airports, transit hubs, hospitals, large public buildings, and any storefront on a high-rise building where wind loads and life-cycle durability require the highest performance tier.
4.3.7 LC class is appropriate only for low-traffic light commercial applications and shall not be used for buildings with continuous public entry.
15100
152025304050607080100
Default: 40 psf
Per drawings
4.3.9 The design pressure shall be derived from the project structural drawings and the building code wind load determination for the project location, height, and exposure category.
4.3.10 The design pressure used for the storefront shall be no less than the larger of the positive and negative pressures at the storefront's elevation.
4.3.11 Coastal projects shall coordinate the design pressure with the impact testing requirements below, and hurricane-zone and high-exposure projects routinely require design pressures of 60 psf or more.
5.1 Structural — Wind Load and Deflection
5.1.1 The storefront framing shall withstand the design positive and negative wind pressures without permanent deformation, glass breakage, anchor failure, or loss of air or water seal.
5.1.2 Testing per ASTM E330 shall be performed at 1.5 times the design pressure for one minute without permanent deformation in any framing member exceeding 0.2 percent of the member span.
5.1.3 Framing deflection under the design wind load shall not exceed L/175 of the clear span of any framing member, or 3/4 inch, whichever is smaller, where L is the unsupported span between supports.
5.1.4 For framing members supporting glass, deflection shall not exceed L/175 or the maximum deflection permitted by the glass thickness and span per AAMA CW-13, whichever is less.
NOTE Excessive deflection causes gasket compression loss, glazing pocket leakage, and visible "oil-canning" of the framing finish. (5.1.5)
5.1.6 Framing Deflection Limit Under Design Wind Load
● L/175 or 3/4 in., whichever is smaller (standard NAFS requirement)
○ L/240 or 1/2 in., whichever is smaller (stricter, large lite or curtain-wall-adjacent applications)
○ Per project structural specifications
5.2 Air Infiltration
5.2.1 Air infiltration through the storefront framing, doors, and operable joints shall be tested per ASTM E283 at a static pressure differential of 6.24 psf (equivalent to 50 mph wind).
5.2.4 Air Infiltration — Fixed Framing (ASTM E283 at 6.24 psf)
0.010.1
0.010.030.060.1
Default: 0.06 cfm/sf
0.31.5
0.30.511.5
Default: 1 cfm/linear ft of crack
NOTE Swing entrance doors have inherently higher air leakage than fixed framing because they require operating clearances at the perimeter weatherstrip. (5.2.5)
5.2.6 Where lower air infiltration is required (vestibule applications, high-performance envelope, certified passive house projects), an automatic door bottom (sweep drop seal) and full-perimeter compression weatherstripping shall be specified.
5.2.7 Where lower air infiltration is required, the vestibule shall be detailed so that the inner and outer doors are not open simultaneously under normal traffic flow.
5.3 Water Penetration
5.3.1 Water penetration testing shall be performed per ASTM E331 (static) and ASTM E547 (cyclic) at a test pressure equal to 20 percent of the design wind pressure (positive), with a minimum test pressure of 6.24 psf and a typical maximum of 15 psf.
5.3.2 No uncontrolled water shall pass beyond the interior face of the framing during the test period.
5.3.3 Water that enters the glazing pocket or framing internal cavities shall drain to the exterior via weep slots and shall not be visible on the interior face.
5.3.4 Water Penetration Test Pressure (ASTM E331/E547)
6.2420
6.24810121520
Default: 8 psf
5.3.5 Field water testing of installed storefronts shall be performed per ASTM E1105 or AAMA 503 at a pressure equal to two-thirds of the laboratory-tested pressure (a typical 8 psf laboratory test corresponds to approximately 5 psf field test).
5.3.6 Diagnostic water leakage checking per AAMA 501.2 (calibrated spray nozzle, no chamber) may be used to identify the location of leaks during construction but does not substitute for AAMA 503 chamber testing where the contract documents require certified field testing.
5.4.1 The complete fenestration product (framing plus glazing) shall meet the U-factor, SHGC, and VLT requirements indicated on the energy compliance documentation, certified per NFRC 100 and NFRC 200.
5.4.2 Whole-Product U-Factor (NFRC 100)
0.250.65
0.250.30.350.40.450.50.550.60.65
Default: 0.45 Btu/h·sf·°F
Per drawings
0.20.55
0.20.250.30.350.40.450.50.55
Default: 0.3 SHGC (unitless)
Per drawings
0.30.75
0.30.40.50.60.70.75
Default: 0.5 VLT (unitless)
Per drawings
NOTE The U-factor of a thermally broken aluminum storefront with a high-performance IGU (low-e coating, argon fill, warm-edge spacer, dual or triple glazing) typically ranges from 0.35 to 0.50 Btu/h·sf·°F, and achieving U-factors below 0.35 generally requires triple glazing or a high-performance polyamide strut thermal break with a thicker framing depth. (5.4.3)
NOTE The SHGC and VLT are governed by the IGU coating selection; a single low-e coating on surface 2 (outboard of the cavity) provides a moderate SHGC with high VLT, while higher-performance solar-control coatings reduce SHGC at the cost of slightly reduced VLT. (5.4.4)
5.4.5 The Architect shall confirm that the SHGC and VLT targets are achievable simultaneously with the U-factor target before the IGU make-up is finalized.
5.5 Condensation Resistance
4580
455565707580
Default: 65 CRF
NOTE Condensation Resistance Factor (CRF) measures the framing and IGU's resistance to interior surface condensation under cold-climate conditions; CRF below approximately 55 indicates a high risk of interior condensation on the framing edges in cold climates, while CRF of 65 or higher is appropriate for most heated commercial applications in climate zones 5 through 7. (5.5.1)
5.5.2 Buildings with high interior humidity (natatoriums, ice arenas, hospitals, food processing) shall require CRF of 70 or higher and shall be reviewed against the project's interior dew point with the framing manufacturer.
5.6.1 Where acoustic performance is required by the contract documents (transit-adjacent projects, hospitality, residential mixed-use, healthcare), the storefront assembly shall meet the specified Sound Transmission Class (STC) or Outdoor-Indoor Transmission Class (OITC) rating, tested per ASTM E90 and rated per ASTM E413 (STC) or ASTM E1332 (OITC).
NOTE Acoustic performance is driven primarily by the IGU make-up — asymmetric laminated lites, larger air spaces, and acoustic interlayers can achieve STC values of 38 to 45 in standard storefront framing, while STC values above 45 generally require an integrated double-glazed-window-with-laminate-and-large-airspace assembly that may exceed the depth of standard storefront framing. (5.6.2)
5.6.3 Acoustic Rating Required
Not required — no acoustic specification
STC 30–35 (light noise control, basic urban applications)
STC 36–40 (moderate, hospitality, healthcare)
STC 41–45 (transit-adjacent, music venues, recording-quality)
OITC rating — exterior noise (aircraft, traffic) — see specifications
Per drawings
5.7 Impact and Wind-Borne Debris Resistance
5.7.1 For projects located in hurricane wind-borne debris zones as designated by the IBC or by the AHJ, the storefront and glazing shall be tested per ASTM E1886 (impact and cyclic pressure protocol) and shall comply with the performance requirements of ASTM E1996 for the applicable wind zone (Zone 1 through Zone 4).
NOTE Two impact-resistance categories are relevant: large missile (typically used at openings within 30 feet of grade) and small missile (used at higher elevations on tall buildings). (5.7.2)
5.7.3 Impact / Wind-Borne Debris Requirement
Not required — project is not in a wind-borne debris zone
Required — ASTM E1996 small missile (high-rise locations above 30 ft)
Required — ASTM E1996 large missile (ground-floor entrances in hurricane zones)
Required — ASTM E1996 large missile plus enhanced design pressure for hurricane zones
5.7.4 Impact-resistant storefronts require laminated glass in both lites of the IGU (or a laminated inboard lite with a tempered outboard lite per the impact testing report), a stiffer framing system to retain the IGU under cyclic loading after impact, and structural perimeter anchorage.
5.7.5 Impact-resistance testing is performed on the specific framing system with the specific glass type and shall not be transferred between systems.
5.7.6 Substitutions of glass type or framing component in impact-rated assemblies shall not be made without an updated test report from the framing manufacturer.
5.8 Seismic and Inter-story Drift
5.8.1 For projects in high seismic zones or for storefronts that span between floor slabs or between concrete columns with significant inter-story drift, the storefront framing and anchorage shall accommodate the design inter-story drift without glass breakage or loss of perimeter seal.
5.8.2 Testing per AAMA 501.4 establishes the static drift the system can accommodate.
NOTE Standard storefront anchorage typically accommodates drift of 1/2 inch in either horizontal direction; high-drift designs require slotted anchors, oversized perimeter joints, or articulated framing connections. (5.8.3)
5.8.4 Inter-Story Drift Accommodation Required
○ Not applicable — storefront is supported on slab-on-grade or single-story structure
● Standard — up to 1/2 in. drift in either direction with slotted anchors
○ Enhanced — drift greater than 1/2 in., AAMA 501.4 test required
6 Materials
6.1 Aluminum Extrusions
6.1.1 Aluminum extrusions for framing members, door stiles, rails, mullion caps, and pressure plates shall conform to ASTM B221, alloy 6063 in temper T5 or T6 as appropriate to the structural and finishing requirements of each profile.
6.1.2 Temper T6 shall be used for structural mullions, transom bars, and door stiles that carry hardware loads; temper T5 is acceptable for non-structural pressure plates, glass stops, and trim.
6.1.3 Minimum wall thickness for primary structural members shall be 0.080 in. (2.0 mm).
6.1.4 Minimum wall thickness for non-structural trim shall be 0.062 in. (1.6 mm).
6.1.5 Aluminum Alloy and Temper
○ 6063-T5 (non-structural trim, glass stops, pressure plates)
○ 6063-T6 (structural framing, door stiles, rails, transoms)
● Mixed — T6 for structural, T5 for trim (as required by member function)
6.2 Thermal Break
6.2.1 Thermally broken framing members shall use one of the following thermal-barrier methods, as selected by the Architect and confirmed in the framing manufacturer's submittal.
Poured-and-debridged polyurethane — liquid polymer poured into raceway and debridged after cure
Polyamide strut — pultruded glass-reinforced polyamide nylon strut mechanically crimped into raceways
Composite extrusion — co-extruded thermoplastic between aluminum profiles
Per drawings
NOTE Polyamide strut thermal breaks (typically 24 mm to 40 mm wide glass-fiber-reinforced polyamide) provide superior thermal performance, higher structural shear transfer between the interior and exterior aluminum profiles, and better fire performance compared to poured-and-debridged polyurethane. (6.2.2)
NOTE Polyamide strut systems also accommodate dual-color finishes (different interior and exterior colors) more reliably than poured-and-debridged systems because the two aluminum halves are finished independently before assembly. (6.2.3)
NOTE Poured-and-debridged systems are acceptable for standard CW-class storefronts where the U-factor and CRF requirements are moderate and dual-color finishing is not required. (6.2.4)
6.2.5 Thermal Break Width (Polyamide Strut Systems)
1660
16242832364060
Default: 24 mm
NOTE A wider polyamide strut yields a lower whole-product U-factor at the cost of a deeper framing profile and higher framing cost; a 24 mm strut is typical for CW-class systems targeting U-factors of approximately 0.42 to 0.48, while a 32 mm or 40 mm strut is typical for high-performance applications targeting U-factors below 0.38. (6.2.6)
6.2.7 The thermal break dimension shall be confirmed against the U-factor and CRF requirements of the project.
6.3 Glass and Insulating Glass Units (IGU)
6.3.1 Glass shall conform to ASTM C1036 (flat annealed), ASTM C1048 (heat-strengthened or fully tempered), or ASTM C1172 (laminated).
6.3.2 Where heat treatment is specified, tempered glass shall be heat-soak tested to reduce the risk of nickel sulfide spontaneous breakage.
6.3.3 Coatings shall conform to ASTM C1376, and the coating type and surface location shall be indicated on the IGU submittal.
6.3.4 Outboard Lite — Heat Treatment
Annealed (low-traffic, no impact, no safety-glazing condition)
Heat-strengthened (typical exterior, resists thermal stress)
Fully tempered (safety-glazing locations per IBC 2406, doors, sidelights, low railings)
Heat-strengthened with ceramic frit (spandrel applications, decorative)
Per drawings
Annealed (only where safety glazing not required)
Heat-strengthened (typical non-safety-glazing locations)
Fully tempered (safety glazing — doors, sidelights, low locations)
Laminated — heat-strengthened plies with PVB interlayer (safety, acoustic, security)
Laminated — tempered plies with SGP interlayer (high-strength laminated, hurricane zones)
Per drawings
NOTE Laminated inboard lites are increasingly the default for accessible-route storefront glazing because the laminated lite remains in the frame after breakage, preserves the air seal of the IGU, and reduces the hazard to occupants compared to a tempered monolithic lite that disintegrates into a curtain of cullet. (6.3.5)
6.3.6 For impact-rated assemblies, laminated lites are required.
6.3.7 For non-impact applications, laminated inboard lites are recommended at all ground-floor and accessible-route locations even where not required by code.
6.3.8 IGU Make-Up
Double-glazed (two lites with single airspace)
Triple-glazed (three lites with two airspaces) — high-performance, cold climates
Per drawings
0.250.75
0.250.3750.50.6250.75
Default: 0.5 inches
Per drawings
○ Air (standard, lowest cost, modest thermal performance)
● Argon (typical specification, ~10% U-factor improvement, low cost premium)
○ Krypton (high-performance, smaller airspace applications)
○ Aluminum spacer (lowest cost, highest edge conductance, condensation risk at edge)
○ Warm-edge stainless steel spacer (moderate improvement)
● Warm-edge structural foam or thermoplastic spacer (best CRF, recommended)
NOTE Warm-edge spacers (stainless steel, thermoplastic, or structural foam) significantly improve the condensation resistance at the IGU edge and modestly improve the whole-product U-factor compared to traditional aluminum box spacers. (6.3.9)
6.3.10 Warm-edge spacers shall be specified for all projects in climate zones 5 through 8 and for any project where CRF of 65 or higher is required.
6.3.11 Low-Emissivity Coating Surface (Numbered from Exterior)
Surface 2 (outboard lite, cavity side) — typical, high VLT, moderate SHGC
Surface 3 (inboard lite, cavity side) — heating-climate orientation, retains solar gain
Surface 2 + Surface 4 (dual low-e) — high-performance, cold climates
No low-e coating (clear glass only, where required)
Per drawings
6.3.12 The IGU manufacturer shall be certified by the Insulating Glass Certification Council (IGCC) or by the Insulating Glass Manufacturers Alliance (IGMA), with the certification confirmed by laboratory testing per ASTM E2190.
6.3.13 Field-glazed (site-fabricated) IGUs shall not be used; all IGUs shall be factory-fabricated and delivered to the site as sealed units.
6.4 Sealants and Gaskets
6.4.1 Glazing pocket gaskets shall be extruded EPDM or silicone with the durometer specified by the framing manufacturer for the glazing pocket configuration.
6.4.2 EPDM gaskets shall conform to ASTM C509 or ASTM C864 as appropriate.
6.4.3 Silicone gaskets shall be specified where high temperature exposure or extended UV exposure is anticipated.
6.4.4 Glazing Gasket Material
● EPDM — standard, lowest cost, adequate for most applications
○ Silicone — high-temperature, UV-resistant, premium
○ TPE (thermoplastic elastomer) — engineered for specific framing system
6.4.5 Perimeter sealants between the storefront frame and the adjoining construction shall be one-part or two-part silicone or polyurethane elastomeric sealant conforming to ASTM C920, Type S or M, Grade NS, Class 50 or 100 (movement capability).
6.4.6 The sealant manufacturer shall confirm compatibility with the framing finish, the adjacent substrate (concrete, brick, EIFS, metal panel), and any backer rod or bond breaker used in the joint.
6.4.7 Perimeter Sealant Type
Silicone — ASTM C920 Type S, Grade NS, Class 100/50 (highest movement, longest service life)
Polyurethane — ASTM C920 Type S, Grade NS, Class 35 (lower cost, paintable, moderate movement)
Polyether (hybrid) — ASTM C920, paintable, moderate UV resistance
6.4.8 Sealant joint width and depth shall comply with the sealant manufacturer's published joint design recommendations, with joint width sized to accommodate the calculated thermal movement of the framing relative to the adjoining construction.
6.4.9 Backer rod shall be closed-cell or open-cell polyethylene as specified by the sealant manufacturer.
6.4.10 Closed-cell backer rod shall not be used where the sealant manufacturer requires open-cell backer rod to prevent outgassing into the sealant joint.
7 Framing System Configuration
7.1 Framing Depth and Glazing Pocket
1-3/4 in (45 mm) — light commercial, single glazing or thin IGU, LC class
2 in (51 mm) — standard CW-class storefront, dual-glazed IGU up to 1 in. overall
2-1/2 in (64 mm) — heavy CW or AW class, larger IGUs, impact-rated systems
3 in (76 mm) or greater — AW class, high-performance, triple-glazed
Per drawings
NOTE A 2 in. nominal framing depth is the appropriate default for standard CW-class commercial storefronts with a 1 in. IGU and standard wind loads, while deeper framing (2-1/2 in. or 3 in.) is required for larger spans, higher design pressures, impact-rated assemblies, and triple-glazed IGUs. (7.1.1)
7.1.2 The framing depth shall be coordinated with the wall thickness, the head and sill flashing detail, and the door stile dimension before the system is finalized.
7.2 Center-Set, Front-Set, and Back-Set Glazing
NOTE The glazing pocket location within the framing depth defines the system as center-set, front-set, or back-set, which drives the relationship between the glass face and the framing face, the head and sill flashing detail, and the appearance of the system in elevation. (7.2.1)
● Center-set (glass centered in framing depth — symmetric flush appearance both sides)
○ Front-set (glass set toward exterior — recessed interior, flush exterior)
○ Back-set (glass set toward interior — recessed exterior, flush interior)
Per drawings
NOTE Center-set is the typical default for standard commercial storefronts and provides a balanced appearance from both interior and exterior, front-set is used where the design requires a flush exterior face with a recessed interior reveal, and back-set is used in the inverse condition. (7.2.2)
7.2.3 The Architect shall confirm the glazing pocket location on the framing elevations and section details before submittal.
7.3 Mullion Spacing and Lite Size
7.3.2 Maximum unsupported mullion height between supports at floor and roof shall be confirmed against the structural calculations for the design pressure and the framing manufacturer's published mullion span tables.
7.3.3 Vertical mullions in tall storefront elevations may require splice connections or supplemental steel reinforcing inside the mullion cavity for spans exceeding 12 to 14 feet at typical CW-class design pressures.
7.3.4 Mullion Reinforcing Required
● Not required — standard 6063-T6 mullion adequate for span and design pressure
○ Steel tube reinforcement inside mullion cavity (specify dimensions)
○ Splice or intermediate support at floor or beam line
Per drawings
7.3.5 Maximum lite size shall be confirmed against AAMA CW-13 glass thickness tables for the design pressure and the IGU make-up.
7.3.6 Larger lites require thicker glass and may require heat treatment beyond annealed, and the IGU submittal shall reflect the largest lite dimensions on the project.
8 Entrance Doors
8.1 Door Stile Width
NOTE Swing entrance doors integrated with aluminum storefront framing are categorized by stile width, which drives the available hardware preparations, the door's structural rigidity, and the appearance in elevation. (8.1.1)
Narrow stile (2 to 2-1/2 in. stile) — minimal hardware, light traffic, retail boutiques
Medium stile (3-1/2 in. stile) — standard hardware, typical commercial entry, most common
Wide stile (5 in. stile) — heavy hardware, panic devices, high-traffic public entries
Per drawings
NOTE Wide-stile doors are the typical default for high-traffic public entrances, AW-class systems, and any door receiving a panic exit device, a heavy-duty closer, or both, because the wider stile provides the structural section required to support panic hardware mounting and the closer arm reaction without distortion of the door leaf over the door's service life. (8.1.2)
NOTE Medium-stile doors are appropriate for standard commercial entries with cylindrical or mortise locks and surface-mounted closers. (8.1.3)
NOTE Narrow-stile doors are appropriate only for light-traffic retail applications with minimal hardware; they do not accept panic devices and have limited closer mounting options. (8.1.4)
8.2 Door Construction
8.2.1 Door leaves shall be fabricated from extruded aluminum profiles of the same alloy and temper as the framing (6063-T6), with corner construction by mechanical mortise-and-tenon, screw spline, or welded joinery as specified by the manufacturer.
8.2.2 Corner construction shall be sealed to prevent water entry into the internal door cavity.
8.2.3 Door thickness shall match the framing depth at the door pocket so that the door operates within the framing without binding or excessive perimeter clearance.
8.2.4 Door Leaf Corner Construction
● Mechanical mortise-and-tenon with sealed corners (typical, factory-assembled)
○ Screw spline with sealed corners (alternative mechanical assembly)
○ Welded corners (premium, AW-class, monolithic appearance)
8.3 Door Glazing
8.3.1 Door glazing shall match the storefront IGU make-up unless specifically noted otherwise on the door schedule.
8.3.2 Door glass shall be fully tempered or laminated per IBC Chapter 24 safety glazing requirements.
8.3.3 Door glass that meets only heat-strengthened criteria does not comply with the safety glazing requirement and shall not be installed in entrance doors.
8.3.4 Door Glass — Safety Glazing
● Fully tempered IGU (both lites tempered) — typical, meets IBC 2406 safety glazing
○ Laminated inboard lite over tempered outboard — preferred for impact and acoustic
○ Fully tempered with laminated inboard — hurricane zones and impact-rated
8.4 Mid-Rail
NOTE A mid-rail is a horizontal stiffening member crossing the door leaf at approximately the lockset height, dividing the glass into upper and lower lites. (8.4.1)
8.4.2 A mid-rail is required where the door receives a panic exit device, because the rail provides the mounting surface for the rim or mortise device housing.
8.4.4 Door Mid-Rail Configuration
No mid-rail — full glass door, narrow or medium stile, no panic device
Mid-rail at lockset height (panic device mounting)
Mid-rail at lockset height plus bottom rail at kick height (standard accessibility)
Full bottom rail only (no mid-rail) — alternative kick-protection arrangement
Per drawings
8.5 Door Clearances and Accessibility
8.5.1 Doors on accessible routes shall comply with ICC A117.1 and ADA requirements for clear opening width, maneuvering clearance, opening force, and threshold height.
8.5.2 The minimum clear opening width shall be 32 in. (measured between the face of the door at 90 degrees open and the opposite stop) per ICC A117.1 Section 404.2.3.
8.5.3 Threshold height shall not exceed 1/2 in. with the rise above 1/4 in. beveled at 1:2 slope per ICC A117.1 Section 303.
8.5.4 Door Clear Opening Width
3248
3234364248
Default: 36 inches
Per drawings
8.5.5 For interior doors on accessible routes the opening force shall not exceed 5 lbf measured at the latch edge per ICC A117.1 Section 404.2.8.
8.5.6 The 5 lbf limit does not apply to forces required to overcome air pressure differentials at exterior doors, but the limit on the hardware-operable force still applies.
8.5.7 Where the exterior force exceeds the limit due to wind, stack pressure, or HVAC pressurization, the design shall consider a vestibule, an automatic operator, or a re-balanced building pressurization scheme rather than relaxing the hardware opening force.
9 Hardware
9.1 Hardware Sets and Coordination
9.1.1 Door hardware shall be grouped into hardware sets, each designated by a hardware set number on the storefront door schedule.
9.1.2 All openings sharing the same hardware set number shall receive identical hardware unless specifically noted otherwise.
9.1.3 The hardware schedule shall be prepared or reviewed by a certified architectural hardware consultant (AHC) and shall confirm that every hardware selection is compatible with the door stile width, the framing system, the fire and egress requirements of the opening, and the building's hardware finish.
9.1.5 Hardware Set Reference
Per drawings — door schedule (deferred by default)
9.2 Hinges and Pivots
NOTE Entrance doors integrated with aluminum storefront framing typically use either continuous (geared) hinges spanning the full door height or floor pivots and top pivots. (9.2.1)
NOTE Butt hinges (the standard for hollow metal and wood doors) are uncommon on aluminum entrances because of the door's structural section and the cycle-life demands of the application. (9.2.2)
9.2.3 Entrance Door Pivot or Hinge Type
Continuous geared hinge (full height, aluminum body with stainless pin)
Offset top pivot and floor closer/pivot combination
Center-hung floor closer/pivot with top pivot
Butt hinges (3 or 4 per leaf) — light-duty narrow-stile only
Per drawings
NOTE Continuous geared hinges are the preferred standard for high-cycle commercial entrances because the hinge distributes the door weight along the full height of the leaf, eliminates door sag over time, and provides superior resistance to forced entry. (9.2.4)
NOTE Floor closers (closer mechanism concealed in the floor with a pivot bearing) are appropriate where the door's clean appearance is paramount (high-end retail, lobby entries) and provide hold-open and back-check functions; they require coordinated floor construction and are more expensive than surface closers. (9.2.5)
9.3 Closers
Surface-mounted overhead closer (standard, field-adjustable, lowest cost)
Concealed-in-transom closer (clean appearance, factory-set in transom bar)
Floor closer/pivot (concealed in floor, premium appearance, full closer functions)
Per drawings
9.3.1 Closers shall conform to ANSI/BHMA A156.4-2024 and shall be sized for the door weight, width, and wind exposure.
9.3.2 The closer shall provide adjustable closing speed, latch speed, back-check, and (where required) delayed action functions.
9.3.3 The closer shall be adjusted at substantial completion so that the door opening force complies with the accessibility limits indicated above and the closer reliably latches the door at the close of the closing cycle even under back-pressure (interior negative pressure relative to exterior).
9.3.4 Door Closer Back-Check Required
● Back-check required (resists opening beyond 70°–80°, protects wall and adjacent storefront)
○ No back-check (where door swing arc is fully clear)
9.4 Exit Devices (Panic Hardware)
Not required (occupant load below 50, no panic hardware required by IBC)
Required — rim panic device (single door, standard)
Required — surface vertical rod device (pair of doors, top and bottom latching)
Required — concealed vertical rod device (pair of doors, clean appearance)
Required — concealed mortise device (single door, premium clean appearance)
Per drawings
9.4.1 Exit devices on aluminum entrances shall be specifically listed by the device manufacturer for use on aluminum stile entrance doors; not all panic devices are listed for narrow-stile or medium-stile aluminum entrances.
9.4.2 The device's strike preparation, mounting screws, and crossbar projection shall be coordinated against the door stile width before procurement.
9.4.3 Devices listed only for hollow metal or wood doors shall not be substituted on aluminum entrance doors without written confirmation from the device manufacturer.
9.4.4 Exit device outside trim (the trim engaged from the secure side of the door) shall be specified per the security requirements of the opening.
9.4.5 Where the building uses an access control system to control entry through the entrance, the outside trim shall be coordinated with the access control hardware (electric strike, electrified trim, or electrified panic device).
9.4.6 Exit Device Outside Trim
No outside trim — egress only, separate entry through adjacent door or access control
Key-retracts-latch — outside key cylinder operates latch
Outside lever trim — free entry from outside, no keying
Electrified outside trim — coordinates with access control system
Per drawings
9.5 Locks and Cylinders
9.5.1 Where the entrance door is locked from the exterior without a panic device, the lock shall be a deadlock or hookbolt-style lock specifically engineered for aluminum stile doors.
9.5.2 Cylinders shall match the building's keying system, coordinated with the Owner's hardware standard and with Doors Frames And Hardware for keying hierarchy. 9.5.3 Cylinder finish shall match the hardware set finish.
9.5.4 Entrance Door Locking Hardware
Mortise hookbolt deadlock (standard for narrow and medium stile)
Mortise deadlock (no hookbolt, standard for wide stile)
Electromagnetic lock (mag-lock) at door head (access controlled)
Electric strike with mortise latch (access controlled with mechanical egress)
Exit device with key cylinder (panic-rated egress, controlled entry)
Per drawings
9.6 Push/Pull and Offset Pull Hardware
9.6.1 Where the entrance door does not have a lever-handle lock or panic device crossbar on the exterior, an offset pull (vertical pull handle) shall be provided on the exterior face for occupant operation.
9.6.2 The pull shall be mounted at a height compliant with ICC A117.1 (between 34 in. and 48 in. above the finished floor) and shall be securely fastened with through-bolts to a backing plate inside the door stile to resist long-term loosening from cyclical use.
9.6.3 Exterior Door Pull Type
Offset pull handle, vertical mount (standard pull hardware)
Crossbar (panic device crossbar provides exterior pull)
Lever handle (where mortise lock with lever is specified)
Flush pull (recessed pull, automatic operator-equipped doors)
Per drawings
9.7 Thresholds and Weatherstripping
9.7.1 Thresholds shall be extruded aluminum, mill or anodized finish, with a sloped or beveled profile compliant with ICC A117.1 maximum threshold height and bevel slope.
9.7.2 The threshold shall include a continuous integral weatherseal or shall be coordinated with the door bottom sweep so that the closed door provides a continuous perimeter seal against air and water infiltration.
9.7.3 Threshold Type
Saddle threshold, flat with bevel both sides (interior or sheltered exterior)
Offset threshold with sealing strip (standard exterior, single door)
Half-saddle threshold with pile or fin seal (vestibule conditions)
Recessed threshold (floor-recessed, flush walking surface)
Per drawings
Surface-mounted brush or fin sweep (standard, lowest cost)
Automatic door bottom (cam-action drop seal, drops when door closes)
Concealed automatic door bottom (mortised into bottom rail)
NOTE Automatic door bottoms (cam-actuated drop seals that lower when the door closes) are preferred over surface-mounted brush sweeps for exterior doors because the drop seal achieves a tight closure against the threshold when the door is closed and lifts clear of interior flooring when the door is open. (9.7.4)
NOTE Concealed automatic door bottoms (mortised into the bottom rail of the door) provide the cleanest appearance and the best seal performance and are the appropriate default for AW-class entrances and for any door where measured air infiltration must be minimized. (9.7.5)
9.7.6 Perimeter weatherstripping at the head, jamb, and meeting stile (at door pairs) shall be continuous compression-pile or fin-seal weatherstripping installed in a kerf in the door framing or as a manufacturer-specified clip-on bulb seal.
9.7.7 Weatherstripping shall be replaceable in the field without removing the door or the framing.
10 Glazing
10.1 Glazing Method
Dry glazed with EPDM gaskets (typical, factory-fabricated glazing pockets)
Wet glazed with structural silicone at exterior (high-performance, captured interior, sealed exterior)
Wet glazed at exterior and interior (full wet glazing, AW-class, custom systems)
Structural silicone glazing — four-sided (curtain-wall-style, NOT typical for storefront)
Per drawings
NOTE Dry glazing with extruded EPDM or silicone gaskets is the standard and appropriate default for storefront systems; the IGU is set into the framing pocket against a continuous interior gasket and held by a snap-in exterior glass stop with a matching gasket. (10.1.1)
NOTE Wet glazing (with structural silicone at the exterior face) is used in higher-performance applications where the captured-glazing approach is supplemented or replaced by a silicone seal between the IGU and the framing; wet glazing systems require strict quality control during silicone application and are not the appropriate default for standard storefronts. (10.1.2)
10.1.3 Four-sided structural silicone glazing is a curtain-wall construction method and is generally not used in storefront systems; if specified, the system shall be re-evaluated against curtain wall requirements rather than storefront requirements.
10.2 Setting Blocks and Edge Clearances
10.2.1 Setting blocks shall be EPDM or silicone, 85 to 90 Shore A durometer, sized to support the full width of the IGU edge.
10.2.2 Setting blocks shall be located at the quarter-points of the bottom lite edge unless the IGU is large or has unusual aspect ratio, in which case the framing manufacturer's setting block locations shall govern.
10.2.3 Edge clearance, face clearance, and bite (the depth of glass engagement into the framing pocket) shall comply with the GANA Glazing Manual and the framing manufacturer's published glazing instructions.
10.2.4 Setting Block Material and Durometer
● EPDM, 85 ± 5 Shore A (standard)
○ Silicone, 85 ± 5 Shore A (where EPDM compatibility is a concern)
10.3 Glazing Pocket Drainage
10.3.1 The exterior glazing pocket shall be drained to the exterior by weep slots cut in the exterior glass stop or sill member.
10.3.2 Weep slot location and spacing shall be per the framing manufacturer's published details, and weep slots shall be located in the exterior face of the framing so that water exiting the slot is shed clear of the wall below, not trapped in the sealant joint between the storefront and the adjacent wall.
10.3.3 Internal framing drainage cavities shall be open to weep slots at every horizontal member.
NOTE Clogged weep slots are the most common cause of water leakage through storefront systems in service. (10.3.4)
11 Anchorage
11.1 Anchor Types
11.1.1 Storefront framing shall be anchored to the surrounding structure at the head, sill, and jambs by anchors of the type specified by the framing manufacturer and confirmed by the project structural calculations; anchor types include welded steel angles, expansion or screw anchors to concrete and masonry, and through-bolts to structural steel.
Steel angle welded to embedded plate in concrete slab
Mechanical expansion anchor or screw anchor into concrete slab
Through-bolt to steel beam or steel angle
Through-bolt to wood blocking (wood-frame structures only)
Per drawings
Embedded anchor bolt set in concrete slab during pour
Mechanical anchor into cured concrete slab
Subsill receptor with thru-anchor to slab
Per drawings
Steel clip welded to embedded plate
Mechanical anchor into adjacent masonry or concrete jamb
Through-bolt to steel jamb or steel framing
Per drawings
11.1.2 Anchor spacing shall be per the structural calculations and shall not exceed the framing manufacturer's published maximum spacing for the design pressure.
11.1.3 Where the surrounding structure cannot directly receive anchors (for example, a thin metal stud wall jamb adjacent to the storefront opening), the structural engineer shall provide a steel reinforcement plate, a continuous backing angle, or a thickened jamb stud to receive the anchor loads.
11.1.4 Storefront anchors shall not be installed in light-gauge metal stud framing that has not been engineered to receive them.
11.2 Subsill Receptor and Sill Pan Flashing
11.2.1 A subsill receptor (a continuous extruded aluminum channel set into the sill condition and sealed to the underlying construction) shall be provided at every storefront sill condition.
NOTE The subsill receptor captures any water that enters the framing system and drains it to the exterior through weep slots in the subsill, isolating the interior side of the framing from any incidental water in the assembly. (11.2.2)
11.2.3 A subsill receptor is critical to the water-tightness of the storefront and shall not be omitted as a cost-saving measure.
11.2.4 Subsill Receptor Required
● Yes — continuous extruded aluminum subsill receptor at all sills (standard)
○ No — direct anchorage to slab with flashing (acceptable only for sheltered, interior sills)
11.2.5 End dams shall be formed at every termination of the subsill (at the jamb and at intermediate breaks in the run) by mechanically forming the subsill or by installing a separate end dam piece sealed to the subsill.
NOTE End dams prevent water that has been collected by the subsill from running out the open end of the subsill and into the wall cavity, and improperly formed or omitted end dams are one of the most frequent causes of moisture damage to the wall construction below the storefront sill. (11.2.6)
11.2.7 Subsill End Dams
● Formed integral with subsill (mechanically formed end up)
○ Separate end dam piece sealed to subsill (factory-fabricated or field-fabricated)
○ End dams are not required (NOT acceptable for exterior storefronts)
11.3 Air and Water Control Layer Continuity
11.3.1 The air barrier and water resistive barrier of the adjacent wall construction shall be lapped or sealed to the perimeter of the storefront framing so that there is no break in either control layer across the storefront opening.
11.3.2 Flexible flashing tape, fluid-applied flashing membrane, or a transition membrane compatible with both the adjacent air/water barrier and the storefront frame material shall be installed in a shingled pattern from the bottom up so that any water that breaches the cladding above is directed onto the storefront's exterior face or into the subsill receptor, not behind the air/water barrier.
11.3.3 Perimeter Air and Water Control Transition
Flexible flashing tape lapped over building wrap to frame face
Fluid-applied flashing membrane painted over building wrap and onto frame perimeter
Transition membrane (manufacturer-specific) sealed to both air barrier and frame
Per drawings — perimeter air/water transition detail
12 Aluminum Finish
12.1 Anodized Finish
● AA-M12C22A41 — Architectural Class I clear anodized (0.7 mil minimum, AAMA 611)
○ AA-M12C22A44 — Architectural Class I integral color anodized (0.7 mil minimum, AAMA 611)
○ Architectural Class II anodized (0.4 mil minimum, AAMA 611) — interior only
Per drawings
12.1.1 Class I anodized finishes (0.7 mil minimum coating thickness) shall be used for all exterior applications and for all applications where extended service life and consistent finish appearance are required.
12.1.2 Class II anodized finishes are acceptable only for interior, non-exposed applications and shall not be specified for any storefront or entrance application where the finish is visible from the exterior or from an occupied public space.
NOTE Anodized finishes are subject to color variation between production lots, and mixing extrusions from independent anodizing runs without color verification produces visible color variation in the installed elevation. (12.1.3)
12.1.4 The Architect shall require that all extrusions for a single project be anodized in a coordinated run or in a controlled sequence of runs with documented color matching between runs.
12.2 Organic Coating (Painted Finish)
AAMA 2603 — pigmented organic coating (commercial-grade, interior and sheltered exterior)
AAMA 2604 — high-performance organic coating (typical exterior commercial)
AAMA 2605 — superior performing organic coating (premium exterior, PVDF/fluoropolymer)
Per drawings
NOTE AAMA 2605 (typically a polyvinylidene fluoride or PVDF-based fluoropolymer coating) is the highest-performing organic finish and provides the longest service life with the least color fade; it is the appropriate specification for premium commercial exterior applications, monumental buildings, and any project where finish longevity is a primary criterion. (12.2.1)
NOTE AAMA 2604 is the typical default for standard commercial exterior storefronts; it provides good service life and color retention at a lower cost than AAMA 2605. (12.2.2)
NOTE AAMA 2603 is appropriate for interior or sheltered exterior applications where weather exposure is limited. (12.2.3)
12.2.4 Finish Color
Per drawings — finish schedule (deferred by default)
12.2.5 Custom colors and metallic finishes shall be confirmed against the coating manufacturer's available palette and against the framing manufacturer's coating supplier capabilities.
12.2.6 Some metallic and high-gradient color finishes are not available in AAMA 2605 from all suppliers, and the Architect shall confirm color availability before the finish is specified.
13 Installation
13.1 Pre-Installation Coordination
13.1.1 Before any storefront framing is delivered to the site, the Contractor shall conduct a pre-installation meeting with the framing installer, the glazing trade, the adjacent envelope trades (air barrier, flashing, cladding), and the structural engineer's representative if applicable.
13.1.2 Pre-installation meeting topics shall include confirmation of rough opening dimensions and tolerances, sequence of perimeter air and water barrier installation relative to storefront installation, anchor type and embedment confirmation, glazing schedule and IGU delivery timing, and field testing schedule.
13.1.3 Deficiencies in adjacent construction (rough opening out of square, anchor preparation missing, air barrier discontinuity) shall be resolved before storefront framing is installed.
13.1.4 Pre-Installation Meeting Held
● Required — meeting held with all coordinated trades before delivery
○ Not required (small project or single-trade installation)
13.2 Rough Opening Tolerances
13.2.1 Rough openings shall be plumb, level, and square within the framing manufacturer's published tolerances and within the maximum tolerance of 1/4 in. in any 12 ft dimension, whichever is more stringent.
13.2.2 Out-of-tolerance rough openings shall be corrected before framing installation; shimming or stretching the framing to fit an out-of-square opening introduces locked-in stresses that distort gaskets, compromise water-tightness, and accelerate sealant joint failure.
13.2.3 Rough Opening Tolerance
● 1/4 in. in any 12 ft dimension (standard tolerance)
○ 1/8 in. in any 12 ft dimension (tighter, high-performance applications)
○ Per framing manufacturer's published requirements
13.3 Framing Installation Sequence
13.3.1 The framing shall be installed in the following general sequence, adjusted as needed for project-specific conditions: install subsill receptor and seal to substrate; install jamb framing members anchored to substrate; install head framing member and verify level; install intermediate horizontals and vertical mullions; install perimeter sealant and backer rod at all transitions to adjacent construction; install glazing; install doors and hardware; install door perimeter weatherstripping and threshold seals; field-test as required; clean and protect.
13.3.2 Framing members shall be installed plumb, level, and square.
13.3.3 Mullions shall be aligned to within 1/16 in. of plumb over the full mullion height.
13.3.4 Horizontals shall be aligned to within 1/16 in. of level over the full horizontal length.
13.3.5 Misalignment shall be corrected by adjusting the anchor locations or by re-cutting the framing; shimming alone shall not be used to correct out-of-plumb or out-of-level framing.
13.4 Glazing Installation
13.4.1 Glazing shall be installed after the framing is complete, square, and weather-protected.
13.4.2 IGUs shall be set on setting blocks at the quarter-points, with the interior gasket continuous around the perimeter and the exterior glass stop snapped in with continuous exterior gasket.
13.4.3 Gaskets shall be installed without splices wherever possible; where a splice is unavoidable, the splice shall be located at a corner or at a designated splice location in the framing manufacturer's published instructions and the splice shall be sealed.
13.4.4 Field cutting of IGUs is prohibited.
13.4.5 Damaged or undersized IGUs shall be replaced from the IGU manufacturer; on-site modification of IGU dimensions voids the IGU warranty and compromises the edge seal.
13.5 Door and Hardware Installation
13.5.1 Doors shall be installed last in the framing sequence so that the doors are not damaged during the framing and glazing operations.
13.5.2 Hardware shall be installed and adjusted per the hardware manufacturer's instructions.
13.5.3 Door closers shall be adjusted at substantial completion so that opening force, closing speed, latch speed, and back-check all comply with the project requirements.
13.5.4 Door closer adjustment shall be documented in the closeout submittals.
13.5.5 Hardware Adjustment Verification at Substantial Completion
○ Required — third-party or AHC adjusts and documents each closer
● Required — installer adjusts and documents each closer
○ Not required (small project, single door)
14 Field Testing
14.1 Quality-Assurance Diagnostic Water Test (AAMA 501.2)
NOTE The AAMA 501.2 check uses a calibrated nozzle spraying water at the framing under no static pressure differential, and is used to identify localized leakage at gaskets, sealant joints, and transitions during construction so that corrections can be made before the system is enclosed by adjacent construction. (14.1.2)
14.1.3 AAMA 501.2 is not a substitute for AAMA 503 chamber testing where the contract documents require certified field testing.
14.1.4 AAMA 501.2 Diagnostic Water Check
Not required
Required — one location per elevation
Required — multiple locations per elevation
Required — every storefront door perimeter
NOTE AAMA 502 testing consists of air infiltration testing per ASTM E783 (the field counterpart of ASTM E283) and water penetration testing per ASTM E1105 at two-thirds of the laboratory water test pressure. (14.2.2)
14.2.3 AAMA 502 Field Test Required
Not required (no operable units)
Required — first unit installed and one unit per 100 thereafter
Required — one unit per opening type
Required — every installed unit
14.3.2 AAMA 503 testing uses a sealed chamber attached to a typical bay of the installed system and applies static pressure differential while measuring air infiltration per ASTM E783 and water penetration per ASTM E1105.
14.3.3 AAMA 503 test pressures shall be two-thirds of the laboratory test pressure for the corresponding tests.
14.3.4 The Contractor shall coordinate the AAMA 503 test schedule with the construction schedule so that the test is performed after the storefront and adjacent envelope construction are complete but before interior finishes are installed on the interior face.
14.3.5 Test locations shall be selected by the Architect or the Engineer of Record to represent typical construction conditions and shall include at least one location at a door perimeter and at least one location at a typical mid-elevation bay.
14.3.6 Test deficiencies shall be repaired, and the test shall be repeated at the deficient location until the test is passed.
14.3.7 Repairs that require disassembly of the framing shall be documented in writing and shall not invalidate the warranty of unrelated framing sections.
14.3.8 AAMA 503 Field Test Required
Not required
Required — one test location per storefront elevation
Required — three test locations per project
Per drawings — field test plan
15 Cleaning and Protection
15.1 Construction Protection
15.1.1 Storefront framing and glass shall be protected from damage by adjacent construction operations from the time of installation through substantial completion.
15.1.2 Protection shall include corner guards on door stiles and exposed mullions at floor level where carts, ladders, or trades work in close proximity; temporary plywood or plastic film on glass at door openings where pedestrian traffic passes; and removal of construction debris that could scratch the framing finish during cleaning.
15.1.3 Welding, cutting, and grinding operations shall not be performed within 25 feet of installed storefront glass without sacrificial blankets or shields protecting the glass from weld spatter, grinding sparks, or debris.
NOTE Weld spatter on glass creates inclusions that cannot be removed without replacing the glass; this is a common and avoidable cause of late-project glass replacement claims. (15.1.4)
15.2 Final Cleaning
15.2.1 At substantial completion, the framing finish, glass, and gaskets shall be cleaned to the framing manufacturer's published procedures and to the finish manufacturer's product-specific recommendations.
15.2.2 Acidic cleaners (including masonry cleaners and concrete-residue removers), abrasive cleaners, and solvent cleaners not approved by the framing manufacturer shall not be used.
NOTE Improper cleaners damage anodized and organic-coated finishes and may cause permanent staining or coating breakdown. (15.2.3)
15.2.4 Cleaning Products — Restrictions
Mild detergent and water only — no solvents, no acids, no abrasives
Manufacturer-approved cleaner per finish product data sheet
Per drawings — cleaning specifications
15.2.5 Glass shall be cleaned with a non-abrasive glass cleaner approved by the IGU manufacturer.
15.2.6 Razor scraping of construction debris from glass shall not be performed on coated glass surfaces because the coating may extend to the visible face of the lite in some configurations and razor scraping damages the coating.
16 Warranty
16.1 Warranty Terms
16.1.1 The framing manufacturer shall provide a written warranty against defects in materials and workmanship for a minimum of two years from substantial completion, covering replacement of defective components and incidental labor required for replacement.
16.1.2 The IGU manufacturer shall provide a written warranty against insulating glass unit seal failure (visible obstruction, fogging, or moisture between the lites) for a minimum of ten years from substantial completion.
16.1.3 The finish manufacturer shall provide a written warranty against finish failure (color fade beyond AAMA-published limits, coating delamination, chalking) for a minimum of ten years for AAMA 2604 finishes and twenty years for AAMA 2605 finishes, from the date of finish application.
16.1.4 The sealant manufacturer shall provide a written warranty against sealant failure (adhesive failure to the framing or adjacent substrate, cohesive failure of the sealant, or loss of seal integrity) for a minimum of ten years for ASTM C920 Class 50 or 100 silicone sealants.
16.1.5 Warranty Term — Framing Manufacturer
515
51015
Default: 10 years
520
5101520
Default: 10 years
520
51020
Default: 10 years
16.1.6 Warranties shall be written in the name of the Owner, shall be transferable for the warranty term, and shall not exclude routine field-test repairs performed under AAMA 502 or AAMA 503 protocols.
16.1.7 Warranty exclusions for damage caused by improper cleaning, building movement beyond the system's tested capacity, or modifications by other trades shall be specifically identified in the warranty document; blanket exclusions shall not be accepted.