Architect Westchester Michael McCann - AIA continuing ed credits

Attended Continuing education seminar for AIA CEU credits - hosted by Authentic Window Design and Marvin Windows. Seminar focused on window design and characteristics and how windows perform with wind, rain, air and operating force. The seminar also covered performance testing, including hurricanes and impact professional standards.
The Standards covered included material testing for temperature, UV , humidity and resistance for corrosion, especially in coastal areas like Westchester and the Hamptons where salt is an issue. Paint fading and durability were also discussed.

The presenter mentioned that any window product receiving the Hallmark Certification is an indication of the highest level of underwriters' approval. It signifies that the product has undergone an in plant third party inspection under a quality control audit. Areas of certification include for example, skylights, Florida special needs and mold. Hallmark Certification provides additional assurance of predictable performance.

Another part of the s

eminar included architectural materials standards. The presenter from Marvin Windows mentioned that some municipalities were instituting inspections for windows and doors to see that they were installed per manufacturers specifications and if they were not installed correctly, a certification of occupancy would not be issued. Building inspectors and towns are trying to prevent problems associated with improper window and door installation, such as windows/doors out of square, water leakage leading to mold problems and lack of good insulation. Therefore, the Marvin Window presenter believes that Window Installation codes are coming, making builders install windows and doors properly according to the manufacturers installation instructions. Bad installations he said can lead to mold and moisture problems.

For vinyl windows the Marvin Window presenter discussed Sill Pan flashings which direct incidental water and moisture away from the interior plane of the window so that the water drains to the exterior of the building and down to the ground. He also covered weather resistant barriers, shims and sealants. As to sealants, compatibility of adjoining materials determines what type of sealant to use, taking into account adherence and rate of expansion and contraction of materials. A good sealant will allow for at least 25 to 50 % expansion and contraction.