While both natural disasters wreak havoc on buildings, window selection requires different strategies. What’s the difference between hurricane and tornado window glazing? Hurricane glazing is there to protect the building envelop because we assume that people have left the building, while tornado … [Read more...]
Tips for Glass Handling Safety
As you might expect, at St. Cloud Window we frequently handle glass. Glass handling safety is one of our key concerns. For anyone working with glass, there are a few tips to follow to ensure the safety of your crew. Glass Magazine offers these 16 tips for glass handling safety: CARRY GLASS to … [Read more...]
Why Aluminum is a Popular Choice in Construction
There isn’t truly any magical material…but if there were one, it would be aluminum. It's unique in its durability and flexibility, making it easy to mold into unique shapes but also hard to break down. It’s unsurprising that aluminum is a popular choice in construction. According to Design Build … [Read more...]
Old Meets New in Historic Window Replacement
In downtown Albert Lea, it’s impossible to miss the historic Freeborn Bank Building. Listed on National Register of Historic Places as part of Albert Lea Commercial Historic District, the building and its many glass windows are an iconic piece of Albert Lea architecture. GLT Architects approached … [Read more...]
Acoustic Window Installation in the Kennedy Center
While historic theaters are gorgeous, they rarely retain acoustic standards as they age. When it comes time to renovate, it’s important to preserve the historical flavor of a building while ensuring the acoustics are optimal for live concerts. This was the challenge faced when the Kennedy Center … [Read more...]
What’s the Most Valued Office Perk? Not What You Expect.
Forget nap pods and trendy coffee machines – there’s really only one perk that employees want. According to a study by commercial real estate and investment firm CBRE, the best perk comes from nature: natural lighting. Views of the outdoors and natural light were the most valued perks at an office, … [Read more...]
Why Architects Need to Consider Acoustic Comfort in Design
As our cities grow, an unseen menace grows as well: noise pollution and exposure. Prolonged exposure to elevated noise levels has been linked to other health problems such as heart disease and mental illness. Acoustics can no longer be second-best: they need to be a priority when designing … [Read more...]
Sound Control: Acoustic Comfort Trends
Sound control and acoustic comfort are key factors when choosing windows, but are often overlooked. Why is Sound Control Important? Noise exposure is incredibly damaging to the human body. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, noise below an average of 70 decibels over 24 hours is … [Read more...]
Why Universities Need to Embrace Sustainability to Survive
As Generation Z enters college age, the issue of environmental impact and sustainability is more top-of-mind than ever. Many historic colleges and universities are investing in costly new renovation and restoration projects to meet the demands of green construction and sustainability. But … [Read more...]
Historic Window Replication in Ramble Hotel
How do you approach a new construction that seeks to mimic historic design? That was the question we had to answer when designing windows for The Ramble Hotel. St. Cloud Window was honored to work alongside other talented builders to bring this project to life, which was recently featured in … [Read more...]
Common Glazing and Lighting Mistakes to Avoid
We eat, shop, study, work, play, and gather in commercial spaces. Proper lighting is key when designing the building or creating the floorplan layout. FacilitiesNet highlights some of the most common glazing mistakes to be aware of and below is our breakdown of how to avoid those mistakes. Too … [Read more...]
Historic Window Replacement in John Michael Kohler House
The best renovation projects preserve a building’s original history while improving it for modern use, which is why the John Michael Kohler Art Center approached St. Cloud Window to replace the windows in the historic John Michael Kohler House. About John Michael Kohler House The John Michael … [Read more...]
Key Curtain Wall Design Loads to Consider
Curtain wall systems, no matter the scale, are complex projects that require careful planning. Five key curtain wall design loads considerations are structural integrity, weather-tightness, sound control, energy efficiency and provision for movement. Steven Saffell of Glass Magazine gives an … [Read more...]
How to Weather-Proof Commercial Windows
As winter approaches, it’s time to take steps to ensure your windows will last through the season as well as provide thermal comfort for your building’s occupants. FacilitiesNet offers the following advice for weather-proofing commercial windows: Windows have long been a source of excessive heat … [Read more...]
How Commercial Window Replacement Reduces Building Overhead
Windows are often not high on a list of considerations for business owners, but when commercial windows start to fail they can cost you a significant amount of money in the long run. Replacing commercial windows - in office, hotel, retail, school, hospital buildings - can reduce overhead in a few … [Read more...]
Improving Thermal Comfort in Warm Climates
In the summer months, many buildings struggle with thermal discomfort. Between the sun and humid air, areas with multiple windows can become unpleasant if considerations aren’t made during the build process. Using the correct window frames drastically improves thermal comfort during warm … [Read more...]
7 Mistakes to Avoid When Replacing Windows
There are many factors to consider when taking on a window replacement project. Budget, timing, window frame and glass type are the most common concerns. However, there are also a number of pitfalls that are easy to fall into if you don’t know to watch out for them. FacilitiesNet identified 7 … [Read more...]
When Should You Replace Commercial Windows?
As all things do, eventually your commercial windows will reach the end of their life. However, it may not be immediately obvious when windows need to be replaced. FacilitiesNet suggests monitoring 3 key performance metrics to gauge the health of your commercial windows, to decide if you need to … [Read more...]
A Guide to Window Classes, Codes and Glass Types (And Why They Are Important for Window Replacement Projects)
When selecting windows, energy-efficiency is a significant concern. High-efficiency windows can lower heating and cooling expenses. When specifying windows, glass type can determine energy-efficiency, while performance class designations identify the level best suited for the building. Since … [Read more...]
Why Noise Exposure is Bad For Your Health
Noise is all around us, every day. In large cities, outside noise is inescapable. But what does all this noise exposure do to our health? Why Is Noise Exposure Unhealthy? The Washington Post investigated noise exposure in New York, and what they found was disturbing: In a city whose cacophony … [Read more...]
Basic Principles of Acoustics: Why Architects Shouldn’t Leave It All To Consultants
Noise is a daily part of life, but too much noise creates stress and discomfort. While contractors can mitigate noise with the right windows and doors, true acoustic comfort is built from the ground up. ArchDaily stresses the importance of acoustic comfort, and why architects need to create with … [Read more...]
What to Know Before Tackling a Historic Renovation Project
As cities grow, older buildings naturally fall out of repair. Instead of tearing down these neglected buildings, consider reusing and/or renovating. ArchDaily offers a full guide to renovating buildings with several key suggestions to consider before tackling a renovation project. Why are … [Read more...]
5 Reasons Why Reusing Existing Buildings Is Important
As we look back at the AIA Committee on the Environment’s Top Ten Awards and consider the future of construction, one thing becomes clear: the way of the future is looking back. Reusing old buildings is not only practical but also has much more of a positive impact on the environment over new … [Read more...]
How to Measure Sound Dampening
As urbanization spreads, sound mitigation becomes more important. Sound dampening windows are a key consideration when building or remodeling. But how can you measure sound dampening, to ensure you achieve your optimal sound mitigation? Elisabeth Leamy of The Washington Post recently dug into sound … [Read more...]
How to Choose Commercial Windows
Many considerations need to be taken when choosing commercial windows, such as budget, appearance and noise mitigation. Aeroseal created a comprehensive guide to the most common window frame materials and their considerations. Below is a high-level overview of the considerations to keep in mind when … [Read more...]
