As population density increases in urban areas, acoustics has become a vital consideration in the building industry. Demand has increased for larger windows, to increase natural light and for wonderful outdoor views, however, it often comes with unwanted exposure to the outside noise. One of … [Read more...]
Using Sound Transmission Class (STC) Ratings to Create Quiet Spaces
As urban areas become more population-dense, cities and developers are challenged to find quiet locations for new apartments, hotels, offices, and commercial spaces. Effective use of acoustic products has become essential to creating quiet spaces. The Sound Transmission Class (STC) rating is one … [Read more...]
How Acoustic Windows Reduce Impact of Noise Pollution
As people seek to be closer to loud but job-rich city centers or noisy transportation hubs such as freeways and train stations to ease commute times and lower fuel costs, reducing noise pollution has become increasingly important. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reports, noise … [Read more...]
Advantages of Triple Pane Glass for Commercial Windows
Whether beginning a new commercial construction project or replacing windows in an existing building, choosing the right type of glass is a critical part of the planning process. There is a great number of different types of glass available, with dual pane being the most common. However, triple-pane … [Read more...]
Glass and Glazing Efficiency: What You Need to Know
How do you achieve optimal efficiency in windows? This seemingly simple question has a much more complicated answer. Glass Magazine's April 2020 Issue (page 48) discusses this topic at length. Below are some key takeaways. How to Determine Performance Know the Numbers When choosing windows, … [Read more...]
Why Choose Curtain Wall for Educational Facilities
Educational facilities recognize high-performance windows are key to achieving healthy, high-performance learning environments. They must meet both generalized and purpose-specific needs such as athletic facilities or libraries, but remain attractive to students, faculty, and donors. And … [Read more...]
Laminated Glass: Separating Fact from Fiction
Laminated glass improves safety and sound attenuation, while strengthening windows and allowing for creative designs. However, despite the popularity of laminated glass, there are a few misconceptions that remain. USGlass magazine recently addressed some of these common mistaken … [Read more...]
How to Evaluate Windows for Hurricane Resistance
Preparing for hurricanes is always top of mind during late summer, but 2020 is predicted to be a particularly severe year. There are as many as 25 named storms expected in 2020 – twice the average number according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). How to Evaluate … [Read more...]
Acoustic Windows “Quiet” Airport Noise at Four Atlanta Airport Hotels
The Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is the busiest airport in the world, with nearly 100 billion passengers a year. This volume of traffic also means a greater volume of noise. For nearby business and hotels, mitigating this noise to ensure acoustic comfort is critical – and … [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...]
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...]
Millwright Building: New Construction and New Windows, Create Historic Look
Restoring historic windows is one thing, but what if you need to make a new building look old? This was a question we faced when working on the Millwright Building – a brand new building that needed to look like it was lifted out of the 1900s. About Millwright Building Millwright is the newest … [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...]
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...]
Aluminum Window Frames Offer Versatility
Aluminum continues to be a popular choice for window frames, both for its attributes and low cost. As the American Architectural Manufacturers Association explains, aluminum is an attractive choice for many reasons: Versatility Aluminum's versatility has long made it a preferred material … [Read more...]
Aluminum Window Frames Offer Recyclability
Aluminum continues to be a popular choice for window frames, both for its attributes and low cost. As the American Architectural Manufacturers Association explains, aluminum is an attractive choice for many reasons: Recyclability Aluminum is sustainable. Aluminum is a noncombustible and … [Read more...]
Aluminum Window Frames Offer Design Flexibility and Affordability
Aluminum continues to be a popular choice for window frames, both for its attributes and low cost. As the American Architectural Manufacturers Association explains, aluminum is an attractive choice for many reasons: Design Flexibility, Affordability Aluminum extruded profiles can range … [Read more...]
Historic Window Replication in Brooklyn Lofts
As an expert in historic window replacement, replication, and restoration, we’re often asked to work on historic replication projects. St. Cloud Window was approached for work on a warehouse conversion in Brooklyn, called the Plymouth Lofts. As part of the DUMBO (Down Under The Manhattan Bridge … [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...]