---
title: Window Treatments
…9 unchanged lines
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. 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. Shade types, fabrics, sizes, mounting conditions, and locations for each opening shall be as indicated on the contract drawings and the window-treatment schedule; this standard establishes the material, performance, fire-safety, cord-safety, control, and installation requirements that apply across those conditions.
−A window treatment is selected first for how it manages light and solar heat, not for how it looks. The single most consequential decision is the fabric openness factor — the percentage of the woven fabric that is open weave rather than yarn. 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. 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. Because the fabric also 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 window-covering cord-safety requirements of ANSI/WCMA A100.1. This standard treats the fabric's openness and solar optical properties, its fire performance, and the safety of its operating system as primary requirements, not as afterthoughts to appearance.
+A window treatment is selected first for how it manages light and solar heat, not for how it looks. The single most consequential decision is the fabric openness factor — the percentage of the woven fabric that is open weave rather than yarn. 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. There is no openness that is best for every orientation: an east or west facade that takes low-angle direct sun needs a low openness (or a dual shade) to control glare at the desk, while a north facade or an interior light-borrowing opening can use a high openness and keep the view. Because the fabric also 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 window-covering cord-safety requirements of ANSI/WCMA A100.1. This standard treats the fabric's openness and solar optical properties, its fire performance, and the safety of its operating system as primary requirements, not as afterthoughts to appearance.
−Coordinate this work with [[sync/glazing]] for the glass solar-heat-gain coefficient and visible transmittance that the shade works in series with, with [[sync/aluminum-entrances-and-storefronts]] for the mullion and pocket conditions that govern mounting, with [[sync/gypsum-board-assemblies]] for the in-wall and in-ceiling blocking and the recessed shade pocket, with [[sync/building-automation-system]] and [[sync/lighting-controls]] where motorized shades are integrated with daylighting and façade-control sequences, and with the electrical standards for line-voltage power to motorized-shade power supplies.
+Coordinate this work with [[sync/glazing]] for the glass solar-heat-gain coefficient and visible transmittance that the shade works in series with, with [[sync/aluminum-entrances-and-storefronts]] for the mullion and pocket conditions that govern mounting, with [[sync/gypsum-board-assemblies]] for the in-wall and in-ceiling blocking and the recessed shade pocket, with [[sync/building-automation-system]] and [[sync/lighting-controls]] where motorized shades are integrated with daylighting and facade-control sequences, and with the electrical standards for line-voltage power to motorized-shade power supplies.
# Referenced Standards
…98 unchanged lines
options:
- "Required — one shade of each type/fabric installed at a representative opening for approval"
− - "Required — full bank of shades at one representative façade module"
+ - "Required — full bank of shades at one representative facade module"
- "Not required"
default: "Required — one shade of each type/fabric installed at a representative opening for approval"
…10 unchanged lines
## Solar Orientation and Glare
−The shade fabric is selected to control the actual solar and glare condition at each façade, which the schedule shall identify by orientation. 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. The Architect shall identify the controlling glare and solar condition for each shade so the openness factor and solar properties below are selected to suit it.
+The shade fabric is selected to control the actual solar and glare condition at each facade, which the schedule shall identify by orientation. Direct beam sun on east and west facades produces the most severe glare at low sun angles and generally requires a low openness factor, a dual shade, or automated control; south facades take high-angle sun that is more readily managed; north facades and interior borrowed-light openings take diffuse light and tolerate a high openness that preserves the view. The Architect shall identify the controlling glare and solar condition for each shade so the openness factor and solar properties below are selected to suit it.
```datasheet
label: Controlling Solar / Glare Condition
type: select
options:
− - "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)"
+ - "East / West facade — direct low-angle sun, severe glare (low openness or dual shade)"
+ - "South facade — high-angle direct sun (moderate openness)"
+ - "North facade / diffuse — minimal direct sun (higher openness, preserve view)"
- "Interior / borrowed light — privacy and light control, no direct solar"
−default: "East / West façade — direct low-angle sun, severe glare (low openness or dual shade)"
+default: "East / West facade — direct low-angle sun, severe glare (low openness or dual shade)"
```
…139 unchanged lines
```
−A window-treatment fabric is, by definition, exposed to sunlight daily, so it shall be colorfast to light per AATCC 16 (xenon-arc light source) at a rating appropriate to the solar exposure of its façade. 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.
+A window-treatment fabric is, by definition, exposed to sunlight daily, so it shall be colorfast to light per AATCC 16 (xenon-arc light source) at a rating appropriate to the solar exposure of its facade. 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 facade.
# Hardware and Components
…73 unchanged lines
```
−Manual chain operation is the economical default for most openings, using a continuous-loop bead chain and a spring clutch. 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. 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. Battery and rechargeable motors are limited to retrofit and small quantities because of the ongoing battery-service burden.
+Manual chain operation is the economical default for most openings, using a continuous-loop bead chain and a spring clutch. Motorization is specified where shades are out of reach, where a bank must deploy in unison, where automated daylighting or facade control is intended, or where the cord-safety analysis favors eliminating the operating cord entirely. 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. Battery and rechargeable motors are limited to retrofit and small quantities because of the ongoing battery-service burden.
## Cord Safety — ANSI/WCMA A100.1
…54 unchanged lines
- "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 daylighting / photosensor and facade-control sequences"
- "Integrated with the building automation system (BACnet or manufacturer gateway)"
default: "RF (wireless) control with handheld and wall transmitters, grouped into zones"
```
−Motorized shades shall be grouped into control zones — typically by façade, by orientation, and by room — so that shades sharing a solar condition move together and stop at a consistent height. 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 [[sync/lighting-controls]]), or integrated with the building automation system through a BACnet-capable or manufacturer gateway (see [[sync/building-automation-system]]). 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; the demarcation shall be shown on the control diagram so neither scope is omitted. Grouped shades shall be commissioned so that a zone deploys to a uniform, level height.
+Motorized shades shall be grouped into control zones — typically by facade, by orientation, and by room — so that shades sharing a solar condition move together and stop at a consistent height. 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 [[sync/lighting-controls]]), or integrated with the building automation system through a BACnet-capable or manufacturer gateway (see [[sync/building-automation-system]]). 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; the demarcation shall be shown on the control diagram so neither scope is omitted. Grouped shades shall be commissioned so that a zone deploys to a uniform, level height.
# Mounting and Light Control
…44 unchanged lines
## Mullion Alignment for Banks
−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. Adjacent shade bands shall align in height and the gap between bands shall be consistent. Mullion alignment shall be coordinated with [[sync/aluminum-entrances-and-storefronts]] and [[sync/glazing]].
+Where shades occur in a continuous bank across a glazed facade, 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. Adjacent shade bands shall align in height and the gap between bands shall be consistent. Mullion alignment shall be coordinated with [[sync/aluminum-entrances-and-storefronts]] and [[sync/glazing]].
# Testing
…18 unchanged lines
## General
−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. Shades shall be field-measured and fabricated to the as-built openings. Brackets, fascia, pockets, and channels shall be aligned within the bank and across the façade.
+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. Shades shall be field-measured and fabricated to the as-built openings. Brackets, fascia, pockets, and channels shall be aligned within the bank and across the facade.
## Anchorage and Blocking
…24 unchanged lines
type: select
options:
− - "5 years against material defect and (on solar façades) excessive fading — standard"
+ - "5 years against material defect and (on solar facades) excessive fading — standard"
- "10 years — premium fabric program"
- "1 year — budget / utility fabric"
−default: "5 years against material defect and (on solar façades) excessive fading — standard"
+default: "5 years against material defect and (on solar facades) excessive fading — standard"
```
…18 unchanged lines
```
−The fabric shall be warranted against material defect and, on sun-exposed façades, against excessive fading inconsistent with the AATCC 16 rating; the manual hardware against clutch and tube defects; and the motors and control components against defects in materials and workmanship, each for the period selected. 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. Damage from abuse, unapproved cleaning, or operation outside the manufacturer's instructions is excluded.
+The fabric shall be warranted against material defect and, on sun-exposed facades, against excessive fading inconsistent with the AATCC 16 rating; the manual hardware against clutch and tube defects; and the motors and control components against defects in materials and workmanship, each for the period selected. 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. Damage from abuse, unapproved cleaning, or operation outside the manufacturer's instructions is excluded.
# Maintenance and Spare Materials
…21 unchanged lines
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, and — for motorized systems — 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. The maintenance data shall state the approved fabric-cleaning method and the recommended inspection interval for the cord-safety devices and the motorized limits.