1 Scope

NOTE This standard covers the furnishing and installation of interior window treatments used for solar control, glare control, daylight management, privacy, and room darkening — principally manual and motorized roller shades (solar/screen, room-darkening, and blackout), dual-roller assemblies, and fabric draperies on track systems. (1.1)

NOTE The scope includes the shade fabric, the roller tube and operating hardware, the brackets and mounting, the fascia or recessed pocket that conceals the roll, the hembar, the manual or motorized operating system, the low-voltage or line-voltage power and control infrastructure within the scope of this work, and the side and sill light-control channels where specified. (1.2)

1.3 Shade types, fabrics, sizes, mounting conditions, and locations for each opening shall be as indicated on the contract drawings and the window-treatment schedule.

1.4 Selection Basis

NOTE A window treatment is selected first for how it manages light and solar heat, not for how it looks. (1.4.1)

NOTE The single most consequential decision is the fabric openness factor — the percentage of the woven fabric that is open weave rather than yarn. (1.4.2)

NOTE A high openness preserves the view to the outside and admits daylight but controls glare and solar heat gain poorly; a low openness controls glare and heat far better but darkens the room and obscures the view. (1.4.3)

NOTE There is no openness that is best for every orientation: an east or west façade that takes low-angle direct sun needs a low openness (or a dual shade) to control glare at the desk, while a north façade or an interior light-borrowing opening can use a high openness and keep the view. (1.4.4)

NOTE Because the fabric hangs freely in an occupied space it is a fire-safety element governed by NFPA 701, and because it is operated daily by occupants — including in spaces used by children — its operating system is governed by the cord-safety requirements of ANSI/WCMA A100.1, so this standard treats the fabric's openness and solar optical properties, its fire performance, and the safety of its operating system as primary requirements. (1.4.5)

1.5 Coordination

1.5.1 This work shall be coordinated with GlazingGlass and GlazingResolves to the current edition.sync/glazing for the glass solar-heat-gain coefficient and visible transmittance that the shade works in series with.

1.5.2 This work shall be coordinated with Aluminum Entrances And StorefrontsAluminum Entrances and StorefrontsResolves to the current edition.sync/aluminum-entrances-and-storefronts for the mullion and pocket conditions that govern mounting.

1.5.3 This work shall be coordinated with Gypsum Board AssembliesGypsum Board AssembliesResolves to the current edition.sync/gypsum-board-assemblies for the in-wall and in-ceiling blocking and the recessed shade pocket.

1.5.4 This work shall be coordinated with Building Automation SystemBuilding Automation SystemResolves to the current edition.sync/building-automation-system and Lighting ControlsLighting ControlsResolves to the current edition.sync/lighting-controls where motorized shades are integrated with daylighting and façade-control sequences.

1.5.5 This work shall be coordinated with the electrical standards for line-voltage power to motorized-shade power supplies.

2 Referenced Standards

2.1 Materials, fabrication, and installation shall comply with the latest adopted editions of the referenced standards and codes.

Standard	Title
ANSI/WCMA A100.1	American National Standard for Safety of Corded Window Covering Products
NFPA 701	Standard Methods of Fire Tests for Flame Propagation of Textiles and Films
ASTM E84	Standard Test Method for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials
ASTM G21	Standard Practice for Determining Resistance of Synthetic Polymeric Materials to Fungi
ASTM E2180	Standard Test Method for Determining the Activity of Incorporated Antimicrobial Agents in Polymeric or Hydrophobic Materials
UL 2818 (GREENGUARD Gold)	Standard for Chemical Emissions for Building Materials, Finishes and Furnishings (low-emitting / GREENGUARD Gold criteria)
CDPH/EHLB Standard Method v1.2 (Section 01350)	Standard Method for the Testing and Evaluation of Volatile Organic Chemical Emissions
AATCC 16	Colorfastness to Light
AATCC 30	Antifungal Activity, Assessment on Textile Materials: Mildew and Rot Resistance of Textile Materials
NFRC 200	Procedure for Determining Fenestration Product Solar Heat Gain Coefficient and Visible Transmittance (glass + shade interaction)
ASHRAE 90.1	Energy Standard for Buildings Except Low-Rise Residential Buildings (daylighting and automatic shading provisions)
ICC A117.1	Accessible and Usable Buildings and Facilities (operable-parts reach and operation)
ADA 2010	2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design (operable parts)
UL 325	Standard for Door, Drapery, Gate, Louver, and Window Operators and Systems (motorized operators)
NFPA 70	National Electrical Code (low-voltage and line-voltage shade power and control wiring)

2.2 Where the contract documents, the adopted building or fire code, or a referenced standard impose more stringent requirements than another, the more stringent requirement shall govern.

2.3 The Contractor shall resolve conflicts in writing with the Architect before proceeding.

2.4 The cord-safety requirements of ANSI/WCMA A100.1 are mandatory and shall not be reduced by any other document.

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 The submittal shall be internally coordinated — the fabric, the hardware, the mounting condition, and the control system shall be reconciled against the window-treatment schedule and the actual opening conditions before any product is ordered, because shade tube diameter, fascia depth, and pocket size all depend on the fabric thickness and the finished shade height and width.

Window-Treatment Schedule: A complete schedule listing every shade and drapery by opening, including the mark or item designation, shade type (solar, room-darkening, blackout, dual), fabric and openness factor, mounting type (inside, outside, recessed pocket), control type (manual chain or motorized), finished width and height, and quantity, cross-referenced to the floor plans and interior elevations.
Product Data: Manufacturer's product data for the fabric, the roller tube and hardware, the fascia or pocket, the hembar, and the operating system, with rough-in and clearance dimensions.
Fabric Samples with Performance Data: Physical samples of each scheduled fabric in the scheduled color, accompanied by the fabric's documented openness factor (percent open area) and solar optical properties — visible (light) transmittance Tv, solar transmittance Ts, solar reflectance Rs, and solar absorptance As — with the property set noting that Ts + Rs + As = 100%. For blackout fabrics, documentation of opacity (zero openness and zero light transmission through the fabric body) shall be included.
Shop Drawings: Coordination drawings showing each opening, the mounting condition (inside the jamb, outside on the wall/ceiling, or in a recessed pocket), bracket and fascia locations and projections, the pocket detail where used, mullion alignment for banks of shades, blocking and backing requirements, light-gap dimensions at jambs and sill, side/sill channel details, and the dimensional limits on a single shade band before it must be divided.
Motorization and Control Diagrams: For motorized shades, a control riser and one-line diagram showing motor type and voltage, power supplies and their feed, control devices (wall stations, sensors, gateways), the grouping of shades into control zones, RF or wired control topology, and the interface to any building automation or daylighting system, with the demarcation between this scope and the work of Building Automation SystemBuilding Automation SystemResolves to the current edition.sync/building-automation-system and Lighting ControlsLighting ControlsResolves to the current edition.sync/lighting-controls.
Fire and Emissions Certifications: Test reports or listings documenting NFPA 701 compliance for every scheduled fabric, ASTM E84 surface-burning classification where the fabric is used in a location requiring it (such as a return-air plenum or where the code classifies the fabric as an interior finish), the GREENGUARD Gold (UL 2818 / CDPH 01350) low-emitting certification where specified, and the antifungal/antimicrobial test data (ASTM G21 / AATCC 30 / ASTM E2180) where an antimicrobial fabric is specified.

Action Submittals Requiredcheckbox

☑ Window-treatment schedule by opening

☐ Product data for fabric, hardware, fascia/pocket, hembar, operating system

☐ Fabric samples with openness factor and solar optical data (Tv, Ts, Rs, As)

☐ Shop drawings with mounting, fascia/pocket, light-gap, and channel details

☐ Motorization control riser / one-line and zoning diagrams

☐ NFPA 701 fabric flame-propagation certificates

☐ ASTM E84 surface-burning report (where required for location)

☐ GREENGUARD Gold (UL 2818) low-emitting certification (where specified)

☐ Antifungal / antimicrobial test data (where specified)

3.1.3 The action submittals shall be submitted for review and returned before procurement or fabrication begins.

3.1.4 The submittal shall be internally coordinated, reconciling the fabric, the hardware, the mounting condition, and the control system against the window-treatment schedule and the actual opening conditions before any product is ordered.

3.2 Closeout Submittals

3.2.1 At substantial completion the Contractor shall provide the following before final acceptance.

Final as-built window-treatment schedule reflecting field changes to type, fabric, size, or control
Operation and maintenance data for the fabric (cleaning method), the hardware, and the motorized control system, including motor model and configuration, control-zone map, and RF channel or address assignments
Warranty documentation for the fabric, hardware, motors, and control components
For motorized systems, the final commissioned limit settings, group/scene programming, and integration points handed off to Building Automation SystemBuilding Automation SystemResolves to the current edition.sync/building-automation-system
Attic-stock fabric, hardware, and any specialty tools as required by the maintenance/spare section

Closeout Submittals Requiredcheckbox

☑ Final as-built window-treatment schedule

☐ O&M data including motor configuration and control-zone map

☐ Warranty documentation (fabric, hardware, motors, controls)

☐ Commissioned motor limits, scene programming, and integration handoff

☐ Attic stock and specialty tools

3.2.2 At substantial completion the Contractor shall provide the closeout submittals listed above before final acceptance.

4 Quality Assurance

4.1 Single-Source Responsibility

Single-Source Responsibilityradio

● Single manufacturer for fabric, hardware, and operating system (standard)

○ Single manufacturer for hardware and operating system; specified fabric line from an approved fabric source

○ Multiple sources permitted — appearance, dimensions, and control compatibility coordinated by Contractor

4.1.1 The shade hardware, tube, operating system, and — for motorized work — the motors and controls should be furnished as a coordinated system from a single manufacturer so that tube sizing, fabric attachment, bracket geometry, and control compatibility are guaranteed.

4.1.2 Where a fabric from a separate source is specified, the Contractor shall confirm the hardware manufacturer qualifies that fabric for the scheduled shade size.

NOTE An unqualified fabric can deflect, telescope, or exceed the tube's roll-up capacity. (4.1.3)

4.2 Mock-Up

NOTE A mock-up of each shade type and fabric installed at a representative opening allows the Architect to confirm the fabric color, openness, light gap, fascia alignment, and — for banks of shades — the visual consistency of the roll and the alignment of adjacent shades before the balance is fabricated. (4.2.1)

NOTE For motorized banks, a full-module mock-up additionally verifies that grouped shades stop at a consistent height (level deployment across the bank), which is a common and visible deficiency. (4.2.2)

4.2.3 A mock-up of each shade type and fabric shall be installed at a representative opening for the Architect to confirm fabric color, openness, light gap, fascia alignment, and the visual consistency and alignment of adjacent shades before the balance is fabricated.

4.2.4 For motorized banks, a full-module mock-up shall verify that grouped shades stop at a consistent, level height across the bank.

Mock-Up Requiredradio

● Required — one shade of each type/fabric installed at a representative opening for approval

○ Required — full bank of shades at one representative façade module

○ Not required

4.3 Field Measurement

NOTE Inside-mounted shades depend on a square, plumb, and consistent jamb-to-jamb dimension; a shade cut to a nominal width that does not fit the as-built opening either binds or leaves an excessive light gap. (4.3.1)

4.3.2 The Contractor shall field-measure each opening after the surrounding construction (jambs, pockets, fascia substrate, mullions) is in place and before fabricating shades.

4.3.3 The Contractor shall measure each opening individually rather than assuming nominal dimensions.

5 Environmental and Service Conditions

5.1 Solar Orientation and Glare

5.1.1 The shade fabric is selected to control the actual solar and glare condition at each façade, which the schedule shall identify by orientation.

NOTE Direct beam sun on east and west façades produces the most severe glare at low sun angles and generally requires a low openness factor, a dual shade, or automated control; south façades take high-angle sun that is more readily managed; north façades and interior borrowed-light openings take diffuse light and tolerate a high openness that preserves the view. (5.1.2)

5.1.3 The window-treatment schedule shall identify the controlling glare and solar condition for each shade by orientation.

Controlling Solar / Glare Conditionselect

East / West façade — direct low-angle sun, severe glare (low openness or dual shade)

South façade — high-angle direct sun (moderate openness)

North façade / diffuse — minimal direct sun (higher openness, preserve view)

Interior / borrowed light — privacy and light control, no direct solar

5.1.4 The openness factor and solar properties shall be selected to suit the controlling glare and solar condition identified for each shade.

5.2 Glass Interaction

NOTE The shade works in series with the glass; the interior shade reduces but does not eliminate the solar heat already admitted by the glazing. (5.2.1)

NOTE The effective solar performance of the assembly depends on both the glass solar-heat-gain coefficient and visible transmittance (see GlazingGlass and GlazingResolves to the current edition.sync/glazing) and the shade's solar properties, evaluated together per NFRC 200 methodology; a low-openness reflective shade behind high-SHGC glass still admits substantial heat because much of the rejected energy is absorbed and re-radiated into the room from between the glass and the shade, so the most effective interior-shade performance pairs a solar-control glass with a high-reflectance, low-openness fabric. (5.2.2)

5.3 Plenum and Concealed Locations

NOTE NFPA 701 alone addresses the hanging-textile flame-propagation hazard but does not by itself satisfy a plenum surface-burning requirement. (5.3.1)

5.3.2 Where a shade pocket opens into a return-air plenum, or where the fabric or its pocket is otherwise within a plenum or an area where the code regulates the surface-burning characteristics of materials, the fabric and pocket materials shall additionally meet the ASTM E84 surface-burning classification required for that location (typically Class A: flame-spread index 25 or less and smoke-developed index 50 or less).

6 Shade Types and Fabrics

6.1 The shade type and fabric for each opening shall be as indicated on the window-treatment schedule.

NOTE The selections below establish the type and the controlling fabric properties. (6.2)

6.3 Shade Type

NOTE The solar (screen) roller shade is the workhorse of commercial interiors: an open-weave fabric that cuts glare and solar heat while preserving a view to the outside, selected by openness factor. (6.3.1)

NOTE The room-darkening shade uses a dense, tightly woven or coated fabric to reduce light substantially without being fully opaque. (6.3.2)

NOTE The blackout shade uses an opaque (typically multi-layer or foam-backed) fabric that passes no light through the fabric body, used in conference rooms, auditoria, patient rooms, and media spaces — though light still escapes around the edges unless side and sill channels are provided. (6.3.3)

NOTE The dual-roller shade carries both a solar shade and a blackout shade on a single mounting so occupants can choose glare control with a view by day or full darkening on demand. (6.3.4)

NOTE Draperies on a track system are used where a soft, full-height fabric appearance is desired and where stack-back at the jamb is acceptable. (6.3.5)

6.3.6 The shade type shall be specified for each window based on the required light control, opacity, and appearance.

Shade Typeselect

Solar (screen) roller shade — open-weave fabric, glare/heat control with view-through

Room-darkening roller shade — dense fabric, low light transmission, not fully opaque

Blackout roller shade — opaque fabric, zero light transmission through the body

Dual-roller (dual) shade — solar shade and blackout shade on one bracket

Drapery on track system — fabric drapery on manual or motorized traverse track

6.4 Fabric Openness Factor — Solar Shades

NOTE The openness factor is the percentage of the fabric area that is open weave. (6.4.1)

NOTE It is the primary lever between glare/heat control and view/daylight. (6.4.2)

NOTE A 1% openness is nearly opaque to glare and rejects the most solar heat but darkens the room and gives the least view-through; a 10% to 14% openness gives the clearest view and the most daylight but the weakest glare control. (6.4.3)

NOTE A 3% openness is the commercial default for typical office glazing, balancing glare control at the work surface against a usable view; a 5% openness is common where view is prioritized over the most demanding glare control. (6.4.4)

NOTE The fabric color interacts with openness: a dark fabric of a given openness controls glare better and gives a sharper view-through, while a light fabric of the same openness reflects more solar heat back out and produces more interior glare from diffuse brightness. (6.4.5)

6.4.6 The openness factor shall be selected together with the orientation identified above.

Solar Shade Fabric Openness Factorrange

%

13571014

6.5 Solar Optical Properties

NOTE The three solar optical properties — solar reflectance (Rs), solar absorptance (As), and solar transmittance (Ts) — sum to 100% of the solar energy striking the fabric. (6.5.1)

NOTE A high solar reflectance on the exterior-facing side rejects heat back toward the glass and is the property that most improves an interior shade's thermal performance; a light or metallized exterior face raises Rs. (6.5.2)

NOTE Visible transmittance Tv governs how much daylight and view pass through and is closely tied to glare: a lower Tv means stronger glare control and a darker room. (6.5.3)

6.5.4 The solar optical properties shall be documented for each scheduled fabric.

6.5.5 The solar optical properties shall be selected so the shade meets the glare and solar-heat objective for its orientation while supporting any daylighting credit under ASHRAE 90.1.

Solar Reflectance (Rs) — exterior-facing fabric siderange

%

2035506580

Visible (Light) Transmittance (Tv)range

%

135101525

6.6 Blackout and Room-Darkening Opacity

NOTE A blackout fabric has zero openness and passes no light through its body. (6.6.1)

NOTE Room-darkening fabric reduces light substantially but is not opaque. (6.6.2)

NOTE Most escaping light at a blackout shade comes around the edges, not through the cloth. (6.6.3)

6.6.4 The Contractor shall not represent a dense solar or room-darkening fabric as blackout.

6.6.5 True blackout requires an opaque fabric and, to actually darken a room, side and sill light-control channels as described under Mounting and Light Control.

Light Control Through Fabric Bodyradio

● Solar / screen — open weave, view-through (openness as scheduled)

○ Room-darkening — dense, low transmission, not fully opaque

○ Blackout — opaque, zero light transmission through the fabric body

6.7 Fabric Fire Performance

NOTE NFPA 701 is the correct fire test for a freely hanging fabric, which limits weight loss and residual flaming after a controlled flame exposure, and compliance is mandatory regardless of any other requirement. (6.7.1)

6.7.2 Where the fabric is installed in a plenum or other location regulated for interior finish, the required ASTM E84 surface-burning classification shall be specified.

Fabric Surface Burning (ASTM E84) — where required by locationradio

● Not required — fabric not in a plenum or regulated interior-finish location

○ Class A required — flame-spread index ≤ 25 and smoke-developed index ≤ 50 (plenum / regulated finish)

6.7.3 Every shade and drapery fabric installed under this standard shall pass NFPA 701, the flame-propagation test for hanging textiles and films.

Fabric Flame Propagation (NFPA 701)radio

● NFPA 701 compliant (standard, required for all hanging shade and drapery fabric)

6.8 Antimicrobial / Antifungal Fabric

NOTE In dry, conditioned offices a standard fabric is appropriate. (6.8.1)

6.8.2 An antifungal/antimicrobial fabric should be specified for healthcare spaces, natatoriums, kitchens, and other high-humidity environments where mold or microbial growth on the fabric is a concern, with fungal resistance demonstrated to ASTM G21 or AATCC 30 and antimicrobial activity, where claimed, demonstrated to ASTM E2180.

Antimicrobial / Antifungal Fabricradio

● Not required — standard fabric

○ Required — fungal/mildew resistance (ASTM G21 / AATCC 30) and/or antimicrobial treatment (ASTM E2180), healthcare and high-humidity spaces

6.9 Low-Emitting Fabric

NOTE Shade fabric is a large interior surface in occupied spaces; a low-emitting fabric certified to GREENGUARD Gold (tested to UL 2818 against the CDPH 01350 emission criteria) limits volatile-organic-compound emissions and supports indoor-air-quality and green-building objectives. (6.9.1)

NOTE It is the default for occupied commercial and institutional projects. (6.9.2)

6.9.3 Where specified, the shade fabric shall be certified low-emitting to GREENGUARD Gold (tested to UL 2818 against the CDPH 01350 emission criteria).

Low-Emitting (GREENGUARD Gold / UL 2818) Certificationradio

● Required — GREENGUARD Gold (UL 2818 / CDPH 01350) certified fabric

○ Not required

6.10 Colorfastness to Light

NOTE A window-treatment fabric is, by definition, exposed to sunlight daily. (6.10.1)

NOTE A fabric that fades unevenly — the lower, more-exposed portion fading faster than the portion that rolls up — produces a visibly two-toned shade within a few seasons on a sunny façade. (6.10.2)

6.10.3 The shade fabric shall be colorfast to light per AATCC 16 (xenon-arc light source) at a rating appropriate to the solar exposure of its façade.

7 Hardware and Components

NOTE The roller-shade hardware is the system that holds the fabric flat and straight, rolls it up without telescoping or fabric deflection, and conceals the roll. (7.1)

7.2 Components shall be the manufacturer's coordinated system sized for the scheduled fabric and shade dimensions.

7.3 Roller Tube

NOTE An undersized tube on a wide shade deflects under its own load and causes the fabric to wander and telescope (creep toward one end as it rolls), which is the most common roller-shade defect. (7.3.1)

7.3.2 The roller tube diameter shall be sized by the manufacturer for the shade width, the rolled-up fabric volume at full height, and the fabric weight, so that tube deflection across the span is limited and the fabric tracks straight.

Roller Tube Sizingradio

● Manufacturer-sized aluminum/steel tube for the scheduled width, height, and fabric (limit deflection)

○ Tube diameter as scheduled on the drawings

7.3.3 The maximum width of a single shade band before it must be split into two bands on a shared bracket shall not exceed the manufacturer's limit for the selected tube and fabric.

7.4 End Brackets and Idler

NOTE Each shade is carried on a drive-end bracket (housing the manual clutch or the motor) and an idler-end bracket. (7.4.1)

NOTE For banks of shades a continuous mounting rail or extrusion aligns adjacent shades and supports a continuous fascia. (7.4.2)

7.4.3 The mounting bracket type shall be specified as manufacturer's end brackets or a continuous mounting rail, based on whether shades are installed individually or in a bank.

Mounting Bracketsradio

● Manufacturer's end brackets — drive end (clutch or motor) and idler end (standard)

○ Continuous mounting rail / extrusion for banks of shades

7.4.4 Brackets shall be anchored to solid blocking or structure, not to gypsum board alone, as described under Installation.

7.5 Fascia and Pocket

NOTE A fascia is a removable extrusion that conceals the rolled fabric and hardware on an exposed (face- or ceiling-mounted) shade and is the standard finished condition. (7.5.1)

NOTE A recessed ceiling pocket conceals the shade entirely within the ceiling and gives the cleanest appearance. (7.5.2)

NOTE An open roll with no concealment is acceptable only in utility and back-of-house spaces. (7.5.3)

7.5.4 For a recessed ceiling pocket, the pocket size, the closure/light-baffle at the pocket opening, and the access for service shall be coordinated with Gypsum Board AssembliesGypsum Board AssembliesResolves to the current edition.sync/gypsum-board-assemblies and detailed on the drawings.

7.5.5 An open roll with no concealment shall be used only in utility and back-of-house spaces.

Roll Concealmentselect

Fascia — removable extrusion concealing the roll, exposed mount (standard)

Recessed ceiling pocket — shade concealed in a pocket with a closure / light-baffle

Open roll — no fascia or pocket (utility / back-of-house)

Cassette / closed headbox — fabric enclosed on all sides

7.5.6 Pocket and fascia dimensions shall be confirmed against the final fabric and height, because they depend on the tube diameter and rolled fabric volume.

7.6 Hembar

NOTE The hembar weights the bottom of the fabric so it hangs flat and rolls evenly. (7.6.1)

NOTE A concealed (internal) hembar sealed in a fabric pocket is the standard appearance; an exposed hembar in a coordinated finish is used where a visible bottom bar is acceptable; a wrapped hembar is used on blackout and room-darkening shades to avoid a light line at the bottom edge. (7.6.2)

7.6.3 The hembar type shall be specified based on the shade fabric and the desired appearance of the bottom edge.

Hembar Typeselect

Concealed (internal) hembar in a sewn or welded fabric pocket (standard)

Exposed hembar (extruded, finish to match)

Wrapped hembar (fabric-wrapped) for blackout/room-darkening

7.6.4 The hembar shall be straight and weighted appropriately for the shade width so the fabric does not flutter or hang unevenly.

8 Control and Operation

8.1 The operating system shall be as scheduled — manual or motorized — and shall satisfy the cord-safety requirements of ANSI/WCMA A100.1 and the accessible-operation requirements of ICC A117.1 and the ADA Standards.

8.2 Manual vs. Motorized

NOTE Manual chain operation is the economical default for most openings, using a continuous-loop bead chain and a spring clutch. (8.2.1)

8.2.2 Motorization is specified where shades are out of reach, where a bank must deploy in unison, where automated daylighting or façade control is intended, or where the cord-safety analysis favors eliminating the operating cord entirely.

Operating Systemselect

Manual — continuous-loop bead chain clutch with cord-safety tension/retention device

Motorized — low-voltage DC motor (RF and/or wired control)

Motorized — line-voltage AC motor (RF and/or wired control)

Motorized — battery / rechargeable motor (limited / retrofit)

NOTE Low-voltage DC motors are the common commercial choice — they are quiet, suit RF and wired control, and avoid an electrician at each shade — while line-voltage AC motors are used for larger shades or where the infrastructure favors them. (8.2.3)

NOTE Battery and rechargeable motors are limited to retrofit and small quantities because of the ongoing battery-service burden. (8.2.4)

8.3 Cord Safety — ANSI/WCMA A100.1

NOTE The strangulation hazard of an accessible operating cord or a free-hanging chain loop is the principal life-safety concern of any window covering, and ANSI/WCMA A100.1 is the governing standard. (8.3.1)

NOTE The standard's strong preference is for cordless or inaccessible-cord products. (8.3.2)

8.3.3 In spaces accessible to children — schools, daycares, pediatric and patient areas, residential occupancies — operation shall be cordless (motorized) or shall use an inaccessible-cord design.

Operating-Cord Safety (ANSI/WCMA A100.1)radio

● Cordless or inaccessible-cord operation (motorized or cordless) — default, required in spaces accessible to children

○ Continuous-loop chain with permanently installed tension / hold-down device to eliminate the hazardous loop

○ Custom corded product with WCMA-compliant cord-length and retention provisions (restricted use)

8.3.4 Where a continuous-loop bead chain is used, it shall be installed with the manufacturer's permanently mounted tension or hold-down device so that no hazardous free loop can form, and the device shall be fastened to the structure.

8.3.5 Corded products with accessible pull cords shall be limited to the restricted custom-order conditions ANSI/WCMA A100.1 permits, with the standard's cord-length and retention provisions, and shall not be used in spaces accessible to children.

8.3.6 The Contractor shall not substitute an accessible-cord product for a scheduled cordless or motorized shade.

8.4 Accessible Operation

NOTE Motorized operation with a reachable switch or automatic control satisfies the accessible-operation requirement directly and is often the simplest path to compliance at hard-to-reach openings. (8.4.1)

8.4.2 At openings on an accessible route, the shade's operable parts — the chain, wall switch, or control — shall be within the reach range (15 in. to 48 in. above the floor for an unobstructed reach) and operable with one hand without tight grasping, pinching, or twisting of the wrist, per ICC A117.1 and the ADA Standards.

Accessible Operation (ICC A117.1 / ADA)radio

● Operable parts within reach range and operable with one hand without tight grasping/pinching/twisting, at accessible openings

○ Motorized operation at accessible openings (switch/sensor within reach)

8.5 Motor Power and Listing

NOTE Low-voltage DC motors are powered from a listed Class 2 shade power supply. (8.5.1)

8.5.2 The motor power source shall be specified as low-voltage DC, line-voltage AC, or battery, and coordinated with the electrical work.

Motor Power Sourceselect

Low-voltage DC from a listed shade power supply (Class 2), home-run or daisy-chained

Line-voltage AC (120/277 V) to the motor, fused/branch-circuit per NEC

Battery / rechargeable (retrofit / limited)

Motor / Operator Listingradio

● Motorized operators listed to UL 325; wiring per NFPA 70 (standard)

8.5.3 The demarcation, conduit/raceway, and the line-voltage feed to the power supply shall be coordinated with the electrical work.

8.5.4 All wiring shall comply with NFPA 70.

8.5.5 Motorized operators shall be listed to UL 325.

8.6 Control Integration

8.6.1 Control may be local (wall stations), wireless (RF transmitters and keypads), integrated with a daylighting/photosensor sequence that positions shades automatically by sun condition (see Lighting ControlsLighting ControlsResolves to the current edition.sync/lighting-controls), or integrated with the building automation system through a BACnet-capable or manufacturer gateway (see Building Automation SystemBuilding Automation SystemResolves to the current edition.sync/building-automation-system).

Control Methodselect

Local wall station / keypad per zone (standalone)

RF (wireless) control with handheld and wall transmitters, grouped into zones

Integrated with daylighting / photosensor and façade-control sequences

Integrated with the building automation system (BACnet or manufacturer gateway)

8.6.3 Where the shades are integrated with BAS or daylighting, the shade scope shall provide the motors, the shade-side controllers, and the documented interface/points, and the control sequences and head-end shall be the work of the referenced standards.

8.6.4 The demarcation between the shade scope and the referenced control standards shall be shown on the control diagram so neither scope is omitted.

8.6.5 Grouped shades shall be commissioned so that a zone deploys to a uniform, level height.

9 Mounting and Light Control

9.1 The mounting condition for each opening shall be as indicated on the drawings and the window-treatment schedule.

NOTE Mounting governs both the appearance and the amount of light that escapes around the shade. (9.2)

9.3 Inside vs. Outside Mount

NOTE An inside (jamb) mount sets the shade within the window reveal for the cleanest relationship to the window, but it requires a deliberate clearance between the fabric edge and each jamb so the fabric does not rub or bind; that clearance is a light gap through which light escapes. (9.3.1)

NOTE An outside (face/wall) mount oversizes the shade beyond the opening to overlap the wall and minimize the side light gap, at the cost of a larger visible shade; it is the default where the opening is out of square or where light control matters more than a flush appearance. (9.3.2)

NOTE Ceiling and recessed-pocket mounts hang the shade from above and are coordinated with the ceiling and the pocket. (9.3.3)

9.3.4 The mounting condition — inside, outside, ceiling, or recessed pocket — shall be specified for each window and coordinated with the surrounding construction.

Mounting Conditionselect

Inside (jamb) mount — shade within the window reveal

Outside (face/wall) mount — shade on the wall or mullion outside the opening

Ceiling mount — shade hung from the ceiling/structure above the opening

Recessed pocket — shade concealed in a ceiling pocket

Light Gap at Jambs — Inside Mountrange

in

0.250.3750.50.6250.75

Per drawings

9.3.5 For an inside (jamb) mount, the light gap shall be the minimum the hardware and the as-built jamb tolerance allow — typically about 3/8 in. per side — and shall be confirmed by field measurement.

9.4 Side and Sill Channels for Blackout

NOTE For solar and screen shades the perimeter light gap is unimportant. (9.4.1)

NOTE For blackout and room-darkening shades it is everything: most of the light that reaches a "blackened" room comes around the fabric edges, not through it. (9.4.2)

9.4.3 To achieve genuine room darkening the fabric edges shall be captured in side channels at both jambs.

Side / Sill Light-Control Channels (blackout/room-darkening)select

Not provided — gaps at jambs and sill acceptable (solar/screen shades)

Side channels both jambs — capture fabric edges to block side light

Side channels and sill channel — full perimeter light control for true room darkening

9.4.4 For the most demanding applications (auditoria, imaging rooms, projection and media spaces) a sill channel shall capture the hembar as well, closing the perimeter.

9.4.5 The Contractor shall not represent a blackout shade without perimeter channels as achieving full darkening.

9.4.6 Side and sill channel details, and the resulting overlap onto the wall, shall be shown on the drawings.

9.5 Mullion Alignment for Banks

9.5.1 Where shades occur in a continuous bank across a glazed façade, the shades, brackets, and continuous fascia shall align with the window mullions and with each other so that the bank reads as a single coordinated element.

9.5.2 Adjacent shade bands shall align in height and the gap between bands shall be consistent.

9.5.3 Mullion alignment shall be coordinated with Aluminum Entrances And StorefrontsAluminum Entrances and StorefrontsResolves to the current edition.sync/aluminum-entrances-and-storefronts and GlazingGlass and GlazingResolves to the current edition.sync/glazing.

10 Testing

Field Operational Testingcheckbox

☑ Operate each manual shade through full travel; verify smooth clutch, even tracking, no telescoping

☐ Verify each cord-safety tension/retention device is installed and fastened (ANSI/WCMA A100.1)

☐ Operate each motorized shade; verify limits, quiet operation, and correct direction

☐ Verify grouped/zoned shades stop at a uniform level height across each bank

☐ Verify control integration (RF / daylighting / BAS) responds correctly per zone

☐ Verify blackout perimeter channels close the light gap where specified

10.1 The Contractor shall operate every shade through its full travel and demonstrate smooth operation and even fabric tracking without telescoping.

10.2 For manual shades, the Contractor shall demonstrate that the cord-safety device is installed and fastened.

10.3 Motorized shades shall be demonstrated for correct upper and lower limits, quiet operation, correct direction, level deployment across each zone, and correct response to the integrated control system.

10.4 Where blackout perimeter channels are specified, the resulting darkening shall be demonstrated.

11 Installation

11.1 The Contractor shall install all window treatments level, plumb, and at the locations and mounting conditions shown, in accordance with this standard, the contract documents, and the manufacturer's instructions.

11.2 Shades shall be field-measured and fabricated to the as-built openings.

11.3 Brackets, fascia, pockets, and channels shall be aligned within the bank and across the façade.

11.4 Anchorage and Blocking

NOTE The operating loads, the weight of a wide shade, and the handling of the shade in service will pull a gypsum-only anchor loose; like grab-bar backing, shade blocking cannot be added after the wall or ceiling is closed without demolition. (11.4.1)

11.4.2 Shade brackets, mounting rails, fascia, pockets, side/sill channels, and drapery tracks shall be anchored to solid blocking, backing, or structure and shall not be fastened to gypsum board alone.

Bracket Anchorageradio

● Anchored to solid blocking, backing, or structure (no gypsum-only anchors) (standard)

○ Manufacturer's anchors into solid framing per opening type

11.4.3 Blocking for shade brackets and ceiling pockets shall be installed during rough framing in coordination with Gypsum Board AssembliesGypsum Board AssembliesResolves to the current edition.sync/gypsum-board-assemblies.

11.4.4 The Contractor shall confirm blocking locations against the shop drawings before the substrate is closed.

11.5 Protection and Cleaning

NOTE Soils and oils are difficult to remove from shade fabric, and abrasive or solvent cleaning that is not approved can damage the weave, the coating, or the colorfastness. (11.5.1)

11.5.2 Shade fabric shall be protected from construction dust, moisture, and overspray; shades should be installed after the principal dust-generating work is complete, or be kept in protective packaging until that work is done.

11.5.3 Fabric shall be handled with clean hands or gloves.

11.5.4 At completion the fabric shall be cleaned only by the manufacturer's approved method; abrasive or solvent cleaning that is not approved shall not be used.

12 Delivery, Storage, and Handling

12.1 Shades and fabric rolls shall be delivered in the manufacturer's protective packaging, clearly labeled by opening mark, and stored indoors in a clean, dry, conditioned space, flat or upright as the manufacturer directs, away from moisture, direct sun, and construction traffic.

12.2 Fabric shall not be stored where it can be crushed, kinked, or soiled.

12.3 Shades shall not be delivered to the site before the spaces are ready to receive and protect them.

13 Warranty

Fabric Warranty Periodselect

5 years against material defect and (on solar façades) excessive fading — standard

10 years — premium fabric program

1 year — budget / utility fabric

Hardware Warranty Periodselect

Limited lifetime on manual clutch and tube hardware — standard

5 years on hardware

1 year on hardware

Motor and Control Warranty Periodselect

5 years on motors and control components — standard

3 years on motors and control components

1 year on motors and control components

13.1 The fabric shall be warranted against material defect and, on sun-exposed façades, against excessive fading inconsistent with the AATCC 16 rating.

13.2 The manual hardware shall be warranted against clutch and tube defects.

13.3 The motors and control components shall be warranted against defects in materials and workmanship, each for the period selected.

13.4 The Contractor shall separately warrant the installation, including level and aligned mounting, secure anchorage to solid blocking, correct cord-safety device installation, and — for motorized work — correct limit setting, zoning, and integration, for not less than one year from substantial completion.

13.5 Damage from abuse, unapproved cleaning, or operation outside the manufacturer's instructions is excluded.

14 Maintenance and Spare Materials

Attic Stock — Fabric and Hardwareselect

2% of each fabric (by area) and 2% of each shade type's operating hardware, minimum one each

5% of each fabric and hardware

No attic stock required

Motorized Spare Componentscheckbox

☑ Spare motors (one per motor type/size)

☐ Spare control transmitters / wall stations

☐ Spare power supply (one per type)

☐ Programming/configuration tool and credentials turned over

14.1 The Contractor shall turn over attic stock of each scheduled fabric and of each shade type's operating hardware so the Owner can repair a damaged shade without a full reorder.

14.2 For motorized systems, the Contractor shall turn over spare motors, control devices, and a power supply of each type, together with the configuration tool, the zone map, and the credentials required to service and reprogram the system.

14.3 The maintenance data shall state the approved fabric-cleaning method and the recommended inspection interval for the cord-safety devices and the motorized limits.