Compression-Seal Technology (CST) resists air, noise and water infiltration for thermal and acoustical performance Special to the Canadian Design and Construction Report Architects, engineers, builders, and manufacturers are witnessing the transformation of the building land- scape, as critical modifications to energy standards and codes are put in place through both federal and voluntary initiatives. The window and door systems of a decade ago don’t meet today’s codes and as fenestration plays a more im- portant role in the building envelope, windows and doors must meet tougher standards, and not only for high per- formance buildings. “In today’s building climate, owners increasingly ex- pect architects, engineers and even builders in some Installation example of compression-seal tilt-turn designs in a commercial project. cases to identify and specify a window system that will achieve a higher set of energy performance criteria,” said James Clavel, national sales director for REHAU in Canada. “It can be daunting for even the most knowl- edgeable designer, especially with the sheer number of options in the market.” Owners look to architects to know which fenestration solutions are available in the market, which can ade- quately deliver on or exceed the stricter minimum per- formance specifications, and which are worth the investment. This requires in-depth knowledge of the technologies and materials that constitute an intelligently designed window system. “Materials are the easy part,” Clavel says. “PVC (vinyl) is a natural choice for its insulating properties, especially over aluminum. Beyond this, it’s the performance en- hancing elements of a window design that should be given serious consideration when choosing the type of system to specify.” Compression-seal technology in the tilt-turn design: A tilt or turn operation provides both ventilation and egress while glass and insulated panel options provide added versatility. This system can meet high wind-load, high-rise and hurricane-impact requirements. The frame depth is ideal for insulated concrete form (ICF) construc- tion. Available configurations include tilt-turn windows, and atrium, French, sliding and tilt-turn doors. 54 – December 2011 — The Canadian Design and Construction Report What is Compression-Seal Technology (CST)? CST is a special gasket compressed between the op- erable sash and frame of a window or door, which seals the joint by resisting air, noise and water infiltration for thermal and acoustical performance. Under pressure, this gasket tightly seals the space be- tween the sash (movable) and frame (stationary) compo- nents of a window or door system to resist air, noise and water infiltration. This exponentially raises the thermal and acoustical performance of the window or door. Pressure is applied to the gasket through the use of hardware. The hardware is positioned on both the sash and frame so the gasket is compressed, like a garden hose in a vise.