Specialty
How Energy Efficient are Your Windows and Doors?
Computer Thermal Simulations
Computer thermal modeling of fenestration products saves energy, reduces energy costs, and assures that your building is in compliance with today’s stringent energy codes. Our staff of NFRC-certified simulators can produce, evaluate and certify thermal performance values on your new or existing windows, doors, curtain walls, and other fenestration products to verify that they meet industry standards.
Value of Thermal Modeling
We work closely with NFRC-accredited thermal test laboratories in performing two-dimensional thermal models to determine the overall U-factors, SHGC, VT, and CR values of your fenestration products. Our thermal modeling services also include:
- Performing R&D analysis to produce thermal performance values on design build construction projects
- Expediting the CMA process to receive NFRC and CMA certification
- Working directly with manufacturers of frames, IGU spacers and glass
- Consulting with specifying authorities, test laboratories, Approved Calculation Entities (ACE), third-party validation Inspection Agencies (IA), the NFRC and Accredited Simulation Laboratories (ASL)
We utilize the following thermal modeling software, procedures and methods:
- Simulation Software: Therm 6.3, Window 6.3, Optics 5, CMAST
- NFRC 100 – Procedure for Determining Fenestration Product U-factors
- NFRC 101 – Procedure for Determining Thermophysical Properties of Materials For Use in NFRC-Approved Software Programs
- NFRC 102 – Procedure for Measuring the Steady-State Thermal Transmittance of Fenestration Systems
- NFRC 200 – Procedure for Determining Fenestration Product Solar Heat Gain Coefficient and Visible Transmittance at Normal Incidence
- NFRC 201 – Procedure for Interim Standard Test Method for Measuring the Solar Heat Gain Coefficient of Fenestration Systems Using Calorimetry Hot Box Methods
- NFRC 300 – Test Method for Determining the Solar Optical Properties of Glazing Materials and Systems
- NFRC 303 – Constructing a Laminate in Optics5
- NFRC 304 – Creating an Applied Film Layer in Optics for NFRC Certification
- NFRC 400 – Procedure for Determining Fenestration Product Air Leakage
- NFRC 500 – Procedure for Determining Fenestration Product Condensation Resistance Values
- NFRC 501 – User Guide to the Procedure for Determining Fenestration Product Condensation Resistance Rating Values
- NFRC CMA and CMAST: Component Modeling Approach; Procedure to Determine Performance Rating Using Glazing, Frame and Spacer Components for Commercial Products.
- AAMA 1503 – Simulated Condensation Resistance Factor
- AAMA 507-07 – Determining the Thermal Performance Characteristics of Fenestration Systems Installed in Commercial Buildings
SolidWorks 3D modeling
SolidWorks enables us to create detailed 3D Modeling of your wall assembly to ensure its structural integrity before construction begins
Advanced Technology, Advanced Solutions
The architectural team at WJH&A can convert your design concepts, drawings and hand-drawn sketches into impressive 3D models of your building envelope assemblies. View the model from any direction to see how assemblies interface with fenestration components to achieve code-compliant weather resistive barriers.
Evaluate Assemblies Before They’re Built
Using SolidWorks or AutoCAD 3D CAD modeling, W.J. Higgins can create interior and exterior views of various conditions to illustrate the best means and methods for proper assembly and installation during building construction or renovation.
Building Enclosure Commissioning (BECx) is a quality focused collaboration process wherein the facility and specifically the enclosure systems and assemblies are evaluated against defined performance requirements to ensure the Owner’s Project Requirements are achieved in accordance with IECC expectations.
| The Process | Our Focus |
|---|---|
|
|
Drawn from Decades of Experience
WJH&A specializes in aluminum extrusion design. From decades of designing new extrusion dies, we have mastered the black art of die design for the critical fit and function of your extrusion. We are proud of our track record and reputation for value engineering of profiles that achieve the desired result while being extruder-friendly and cost-effective.
Our extrusion design specialties include:
- Fit and function
- Designing for:
– Fit and function
– Finish quality
– Construction
– Energy Performance - Building
- Installation
- Construction
- Assembly
- Fabrication
- Thermal
- Understand extruder’s capabilities
- Evaluate structural integrity
Keen Attention to Detail
Through detailed structural analysis we can proactively identify and eliminate potential issues before they become a problem.
We perform preliminary structural analysis and consult with licensed professional engineers to validate solutions. We also collaborate and coordinate calculations with shop drawings on projects requiring stamped calculations from a state registered engineer.
- Component analysis
- Simple span and twin span calculations
- Licensed professional engineer “Larson Engineering”
- Stamped calculations
- Project specific analysis and calculations
- Product specific analysis and calculations
Don’t Hope it Works, Know it Works
- Laboratory testing
- Field testing
- Dynamic, static, hurricane, blast, fire, thermal, sound, structural
- Test standards: AAMA, ASTM, MIAMI-DADE, NFPA, CAN/ULC
Performance Results at Your Fingertips
WJH&A works closely with clients to provide technical product information that captures special features and unique applications regarding the product’s tested performance.
- Product features
- Applications
- Performance
- Interfacement with other trades
- Critical application conditions
The Details You Need
To assist estimators, contractors and architects with product selection and application, we offer illustrated design guidelines compiled from product performance test reports, structural calculations and product standards.
Documentation includes:
- General dimensional guidelines
- Windload charts
- Attachment spacing
- Product selection
- Application preference
- Fabrication requirements
Designed to Help You Succeed
Field experience is essential in developing installation manuals. Our design team has field installation and manufacturing fabrication experience in all the various types of fenestration products. We provide professionally illustrated instructions through each step of the product installation and/or the product fabrication requirements.
- Windload charts
- Attachment spacing
- Product selection
- Application preference
- Fabrication requirements
