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AAMA 2605-05 Sets High Standards for Coated
Aluminum Extrusions and Panels
Strict criteria result in better performance
Provided by Marvin Windows and Doors
indows often define a building’s style and connect it with the outside world.
Technology improvements in materials, coatings, and processes allow
unprecedented flexibility in window design, resulting in the availability of larger
window sizes and dramatic shapes that are also low maintenance and energy efficient.
W
Photo courtesy of Marvin Windows and Doors.
Even as the window industry offers many new choices, fenestration products must meet
exacting design and functional standards. Understanding the advantages and disadvantages
of various window products will assist architects in specifying the most appropriate
windows on projects.
Aluminum clad window frames that meet the strict criteria of American Architectural
Manufacturers Association (AAMA) 2605-05 standards offer significant advantages in
several areas, including durability, color and gloss retention, and corrosion resistance. This
article will cover the properties of aluminum as a fenestration material and compare
the advantages and disadvantages of various window frame materials. The AAMA
2605-05 specification, the highest standard available, will be analyzed to provide architects
with a benchmark for quality in selecting the right windows for new construction and
renovation projects.
Aluminum Properties
Derived from bauxite, aluminum is one of the most abundant minerals in the earth’s crust.
About one-third the weight of iron, steel, copper, or brass, aluminum is easy to handle and
relatively inexpensive to transport. Aluminum has a high strength-to-weight ratio that is
equal to or stronger than steel. Protected by a naturally occurring oxide film, aluminum
offers some corrosion resistance and by nature does not rust. With high elasticity,
aluminum offers design flexibility and is conducive to innovative applications.
The Motherhouse of the Dominican Sisters of St. Cecilia in Nashville
underwent a massive renovation and expansion, including installation
of approximately 750 new and replacement clad windows.
CONTINUING EDUCATION
Use the learning objectives below to focus your study as you read AAMA 2605-05
Sets High Standards for Coated Aluminum Extrusions and Panels. To earn
one AIA/CES Learning Unit, including one hour of health safety welfare credit, answer the
questions on page 8, then follow the reporting instructions or go to the Continuing Education
section on archrecord.construction.com and follow the reporting instructions.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
After reading this article, you should be able to:
• Discuss the attributes of aluminum as a building material
• Compare advantages and disadvantages of different window frame materials
• Identify good, better, and best standards for clad aluminum paint finishes
• Understand how paint finishes fail
Aluminum is a sustainable material. Though not specifically addressed by the U.S. Green
Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®) rating system, a
positive environmental characteristic of aluminum involves the end of its life cycle.
Aluminum is 100 percent recyclable. Virtually anything made of aluminum can be recycled
repeatedly due to its economic value. Cans, foil, plates, molds, window frames, garden
furniture, and automotive components are typically melted down for recycling.
The re-melting of aluminum requires little energy. Only about five percent of the energy
required to produce the primary metal initially is needed in the recycling process, and there
is no off-gassing of harmful chemicals. Nearly one third of aluminum is manufactured from
recycled materials.
Durability is a significant factor when assessing a material’s long-term environmental
impact. Aluminum framed structures are not subject to rot or rust, and are known for their
extreme longevity. Although the electricity in producing aluminum is significant, this
embodied energy is used over many years.
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Architectural Record Version: 01
Issue Date: 05/07
Page No: 1
Filename: Marvin Windows CEU2
Writer / Designer: Matthew Healy
Last Revision: 3_30_07
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The Basics of Window Framing
Wood. Wood windows generally have a classic appearance. Wood is a versatile material,
can be painted in any color, and delivers exceptional thermal performance and energy
efficiency. Softwoods have an average R-value of approximately 1.25/inch. The biggest
drawback of wood is maintenance. Wood frames can have a long life span, but they are more
susceptible to the elements than metal or vinyl, and consequently require ongoing
repainting or refinishing. Wood must be protected from moisture because it is prone to
warping, cracking, ultraviolet radiation, and rot.
Wood Composite. The wood window industry has created a new generation of wood and
polymer composites that are extruded into a series of lineal shapes for window frame and
sash members. These composites can compare either structurally or thermally with wood.
Both, however, cannot be enhanced simultaneously. Increased density for structural
performance results in lower thermal performance.
Testing indicates that composite materials may have excellent long-term durability.
However, composites that are made from wood mixed with vinyl can share characteristics of
vinyl, such as distortion and discoloration in hot climates. Their use for window applications
is relatively new; installation in housing started in the mid-1990s.
Fiberglass. Fiberglass frames offer superior energy efficiency. Fiberglass is twice as
strong as steel. While its strength and durability make it suitable for large expanses of
Extruded Aluminum Cladding in Historic Renovations
Extruded aluminum clad frames have a significant place in restoration work. Built in
the 1880s, LaFortune Student Center and Washington Hall at Notre Dame University,
South Bend, Indiana, are both on the National Register of Historic Places. This
renovation, designed by Architecture Design Group, South Bend, Indiana, called for
energy-efficient, low-maintenance windows that preserved the profiles and unique
colors of the original. Including a large circular window assembly in Washington Hall,
all the windows duplicated the original Irish Tan color in low-maintenance aluminum
cladding. At LaFortune Student Center, double-hung windows with extruded aluminum
cladding and simulated divided lites were used. Casings for the clad window were
factory applied—a solution that can save significant job site time and labor while
resulting in consistent, high-quality casing and a good match for the building
character and materials.
Extruded aluminum cladding
is also specified for projects
that have unique historical
features. For example, at the
University of Minnesota,
Nolte Hall features windows
with architectural nuances.
The windows built for
this restoration project,
designed by Miller Dunwiddie
Architecture, Minneapolis,
Minnesota,
incorporated
custom extruded aluminum
clad casing and sill profiles,
simulated divide lites, and a
recessed transom on a
number of large round top
Fenestration that preserved the profiles and
windows. One of the design
unique colors of the existing 300-plus windows
details replicated was
were critical in the renovation of Washington
Hall at Notre Dame University.
the ogee lug, a curved
ornamental part that hangs
down from the lower corners of upper sash in double-hung windows. This historic
feature was recreated in low-maintenance clad aluminum. A new insulating glass
sash was designed to save energy, while preserving the original art glass and
wood millwork.
Photo courtesy of Marvin Windows and Doors.
features that provide a Photo courtesy of Marvin Windows and Doors.
durable, energy-efficient,
low-maintenance solution.
This is illustrated in the
restoration undertaken by
the Motherhouse of the
Dominican Sisters of St.
Cecilia congregation in
Nashville, Tennessee, which
embarked on a major
renovation and expansion to
save the building and
gain more space. One of
the major components
of the project involved
building and installing
Energy efficient clad windows duplicated
the intricacies of the original profiles on
approximately 750 new and
the renovation project at the University
replacement windows. The
of Minnesota’s Nolte Hall.
new construction involved
over 300 windows; the
renovation called for approximately 440 custom-built windows in a variety of shapes
and sizes, many of them of massive dimensions and requiring unique design solutions,
including custom panning systems and replication details.
The window specifications for the renovation included clad double-hung and singlehung windows, many with round tops. Round top windows were of an uncommon
design with a round-topped sash and frame on the exterior and a round-topped sash
and rectangular frame on the interior. Also included were 22 distinctive "angel wing"
windows. These were clad single-hung, round top windows almost 12 feet high and
featuring interior authentic divided lites in the upper sash; a three-and one-half-inch
beaded wood bar on the interior with one-and three-quarter-inch beading around the
circular lite; and a decorative exterior one-piece milled upper sash. Existing peeling
and rotting sills and jambs of varying widths were covered with a maintenance-free
aluminum surface.
“A historic renovation project of this type can be very exacting in terms of
fenestration,” says Jim Thompson, AIA, partner, Fowlkes and Associates, Nashville,
Tennessee. “We were looking for windows that require minimum maintenance, have a
long life, provide the complex profiles that would be similar to the originals, and meet
Designers look to aluminum cladding for windows that precisely reproduce the the requirements of the local historic review board. The durability and flexibility of
aesthetic intricacies of the original windows, and contemporary materials and extruded aluminum frames helped us achieve these goals.”
2
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glass, it’s also virtually maintenance free. Fiberglass expands and contracts at the exact
same rate as glass, reducing stress cracks and other temperature-related fractures.
Fiberglass frames achieve strength without the bulk, and thus may be built with a lower
frame profile like traditional aluminum frames, but with better thermal performance.
However, the rigid composition of fiberglass may limit design flexibility.
The aluminum cladding can be thin or thick, based on how it is manufactured. Roll-form
aluminum is a thin sheet that is bent to cover and protect the exterior of the window. Rollform aluminum isn't much thicker than a beverage can, and is easily bent and damaged.
Most standard windows using roll-form aluminum use a less expensive paint coating that
can easily fade, chalk, and scratch.
Vinyl. Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or vinyl is a versatile material with a good insulating value
and available in a wide range of shapes and styles. Vinyl is not as rigid as aluminum, and
is not as strong as either aluminum or fiberglass. Internal hollow chambers are often added
to provide strength. These chambers also trap air, increasing the energy performance and
improving the sound deadening qualities of the frame. The more internal chambers, the
stronger and more energy efficient the vinyl frame will be. As with aluminum, the design of
the extrusion is critical to the energy performance, structural strength, and economics of
the product. Vinyl frames are generally the least expensive option.
The aluminum used on clad windows can also be extruded. Extrusion, or forcing solid metal
through an opening under compressive forces, is somewhat like forcing toothpaste through
a tube. Extruded aluminum is made from heated ingots forced through a shaped opening
with the aid of a powerful hydraulic press to produce a wide variety of useful products in
almost any shape. Extruders maintain standard shaped dies—angles, channels, bars, tubes,
pipes, among them—but custom dies can be made to any design specification.
However, vinyl expands and contracts due to heat and cold. Additionally, the damaging
effects of ultraviolet (UV) light cause vinyl to eventually chalk and fade. The pigment in
darker vinyl breaks down after exposure to UV light, which causes fading. Due to the likely
fading problem with darker hues of vinyl, manufacturers often opt to offer lighter shades.
With constant exposure to the weather, vinyl windows can become brittle with age and may
not last as long as some other materials.
Aluminum. Aluminum frames are light, strong, durable, and low maintenance. The
drawback of aluminum is that it causes conductive heat loss, which affects the U-factor and
decreases energy efficiency. It also allows for condensation buildup, which may cause
problems in the building interior. Because aluminum is about 1,000 times more heat
conductive than materials like wood and vinyl, aluminum window frames are often designed
using a lower profile cross-section than their wood and vinyl counterparts.
A standard aluminum frame window will allow heat to travel freely from the warm inner side
of the frame to the cold exterior side. This heat loss path can be short-circuited by
separating the aluminum in a section of the frame and replacing it with a non-conductive
material. A thermal break separation of only one-quarter inch can substantially improve
window performance. It is important that all frame parts which extend metal from inside to
outside be broken and that the breaks are placed correctly to avoid thermal bridges or short
circuits for heat loss. This type of frame requires additional manufacturing steps and
typically costs more than standard aluminum windows. It is advisable to check the National
Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) window U-factor rating since not all thermal break
windows perform better than well-designed standard aluminum products.
Aluminum Clad Wood Frames. Window frames that are wood on the inside but have a
protective coating outside are known as clad. When wood frames are clad with vinyl,
aluminum, fiberglass, or composites, they combine wood's insulation with the durability of
man-made materials. Clad-wood products feature a wood interior that improves thermal
efficiency. Thermal energy performance of properly designed wood clad products can
approach the efficiency of wood windows.
While typically more costly than vinyl, aluminum cladding is stronger and more flexible.
Aluminum cladding can be painted, with manufacturers offering many different colors. As
another benefit, aluminum cladding is only applied to the window exterior, enabling the rich
traditional appearance of wood to be visible on building interiors.
Although aluminum is a conductor of heat and cold, because the cladding does not extend
to the interior, the wood minimizes the transfer of heat and cold, making the windows
energy efficient. Many aluminum window manufacturers offer a higher nickel content to the
aluminum, thereby dramatically reducing the risk of corrosiveness.
Extruded aluminum is heavier in weight than roll-formed aluminum. About as thick as a
quarter, extruded aluminum is a strong and durable cladding material. Extruded aluminum
is generally more wear-resistant than roll-formed aluminum and because it is a thicker
substrate, offers a more conducive surface for a thicker, more durable paint coating. Before
it is painted, extruded aluminum is profiled, or contoured to fit the outline of the molding
or other architectural element. This adds to extruded aluminum’s ability to support a
thicker, more even coating.
Complex shapes are more efficiently Complex shapes are more
produced by extrusion than by other efficiently produced by
methods, such as stamped, formed, rolled, extrusion than by other
cast, welded or machined processes. That is methods, such as stamped,
because with extrusions, rather than joining formed, rolled, cast, welded or
different elements, a custom extrusion machined processes.
design can combine all elements into a
single component in a single economical die. Extrusions also yield a stronger product that
offers tighter dimensional stability. In addition, aluminum extrusions can offer architects
the flexibility to design a complex profile.
Window manufacturers offer a wide variety of extruded products to meet the rising demand
for unique fenestration products. Round tops, or circular windows, as well as octagons,
hexagons, trapezoids, pentoids, triangles, or virtually any geometrically shaped window can
add dimension and drama to a building exterior. In some cases, manufacturers offer a
combination of roll-form and extruded aluminum techniques according to the function of
each frame component. For example, aluminum-clad windows can be made with extruded
frames and roll-form sashes. This can result in the finish on the two different substrates
exhibiting different performance over time.
Case Studies
Because of its chief attributes—wood interior, ease of maintenance, energy efficiency—
extruded aluminum cladding is often preferred over other systems in residential and
commercial projects. Rock Island Lofts, in downtown Minneapolis, was originally designed
by Oertel Architects, St. Paul, Minnesota, with an all-aluminum window system
characteristic of this type of structure. However, developer Shamrock Construction sought
windows with a wood interior to achieve a more upscale look, and opted instead for a
commercial grade, extruded aluminum that offered a richer interior look and a lowmaintenance exterior. On the seventh floor of the building, the window units had to function
properly, and meet wind load requirements. The twelve-foot-eight inch by eleven-foot-fourinch window assemblies were installed around a steel substructure from the building
interior. The assemblies were designed to be sealed from the exterior and covered with
extruded aluminum mull covers.
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quality causes the pigment particles to stick to a substrate, the higher quality the resin, the
more durable the paint will be. When high-performance resistance to corrosive
environments is called for, resins will be more costly. Polyvinlidene fluoride (PVDF) resin, a
thermoplastic fluoropolymer that relies on the superior strength of the carbon-fluoride
bond, is one of the strongest chemical bonds in existence. It is used in fluoropolymer resin
coatings and paints. PVDF resins should be considered for all projects calling for the
highest purity, strength, and resistance to solvents, acids, bases, and heat.
Photo courtesy of Marvin Windows and Doors.
When formulated into a coating composition containing a minimum of 70 percent PVDF
resin, the resultant coatings exhibit superior color and gloss retention, chalk and corrosion
resistance, flexibility, stain resistance, overall durability, and can stand up to direct sun,
extreme temperature variations and acidic pollutants without fading. Coatings with 70
percent PVDF meet or exceed the AAMA 2605-05 specifications.
Abundant windows create a high-style residence at Rock
Island Lofts designed by Oertel Architects in Minneapolis.
For the Madison County Highway Department facility in Alton, Illinois, designed by AAIC Inc.,
Collinsville, Illinois, many energy-efficient windows allow ample natural light into the
interior. Extruded aluminum clad windows were finished in Cape Cod Blue in a commercialgrade finish that met AAMA 2605-05 specifications. “We used aluminum clad wood
windows because we were looking for energy efficiency and durability in an operable
window and a wood look on the interior,” says Barry Moyer, AIA, design director at AAIC Inc.
“Typically, all-aluminum window systems are used because they’re less expensive, but they
may not have the energy efficiency or aesthetic appeal of aluminum clad wood frames and
sash. We have experienced some surface deterioration, fading, and cracking with vinyl and
vinyl clad wood windows specified on projects that are now 10 to 20 years old. I have seen
factory-applied paint coatings on aluminum clad wood windows that are 30 years old which
exhibit only minimal color change and fading.”
Boosting Energy Efficiency
In addition to exterior cladding, the window and door industry offers insulating glass to
significantly reduce heat transfer through windows. Two layers of glass protect an inner
layer of argon, an inert gas placed between glass panes to improve the insulating value of
the sealed glass unit. Many window companies also offer a low-e coating on the glass
which can further reduce thermal transmission as well as block out harmful UV rays. In
addition to obvious benefits, this coating can also reduce or slow the fading of carpets and
furniture. Insulating glass increases energy efficiency while decreasing building heating
and cooling costs. In residential construction, insulating glass also reduces the need for
storm windows.
During manufacturing, a chemical bond is created between the extruded aluminum and the
paint to resist chalking and fading. For best results, before the finish is applied, aluminum
cladding goes through a five-step pre-treatment process to ensure the finish adheres
smoothly. Unlike roll-form aluminum, clad extrusions are formed first and then painted.
This results in superior adhesion and a
consistently thick finish so that clad PVDF resins should be
products retain color and gloss qualities. considered for all projects
calling for the highest purity,
Environmental conditions can cause strength, and resistance to
coatings to fail. Precipitation, ultraviolet solvents, acids, bases, and heat.
Industry Standards
rays, heat, and temperature extremes are
all capable of breaking down exposed surfaces. Standards were developed to assure
the building community that coatings on extruded aluminum retain their integrity.
Adherence to these standards enables architects to make reliable projections about
product performance.
The American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA) is a source of finish
performance standards, product certification and educational programs for the window,
door, and skylight industry. AAMA maintains specifications for all fenestration materials.
For years, architects recognized 603 and 605 as standards for organic coatings on
architectural aluminum and panels. These have been superseded by new specifications that
Photo courtesy of Marvin Windows and Doors.
Paint and Coatings on Aluminum Extrusions
In understanding extruded aluminum cladding, it is helpful to have a working knowledge of
applied coatings and paints. Liquid paint applied to an aluminum substrate consists of 60
percent solvent, 10 percent pigment and 30 percent binder/resin.
Solvents are the liquids that dissolve or disperse other substances; they are the liquid
portion of the paint. Pigments are the finely ground, solid particles that provide color and
are dispersed in liquid to make paint. When the elements of the environment attack the
pigment portion of the paint and cause the color to change, fading occurs.
Binders are the non-volatile resins that bind pigment particles together. Paint binder, or
resin, is solid, and represents the bulk of the dry paint. Typically, it is a strong material, and
essentially gives the paint its thermal and weathering properties. Because its adhesive
4
Extruded aluminum clad windows complement the contemporary
design of the Madison County Highway Department.
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will enhance architects’ ability to specify
the right level of performance for factory
spray-applied organic coatings for project
requirements. The AAMA Document
Management Committee (DMC), in
conjunction with AAMA’s technical staff,
reviews all documents that have not been revised in the last five years to determine if new
information is available or necessary. If needed, the DMC asks the appropriate committee
to review and refine the document. In the case of 2605, the AAMA Finishes Committee last
refined the document in 2005 to support the latest industry knowledge. AAMA 2605-05 is
the highest industry standard available, ensuring ten-year color retention and chalk
resistance. Adherence to AAMA 2604-05 (five-year color retention and chalk resistance) and
AAMA 2603-02 (one-year color retention and chalk resistance) offer less, though better and
good performance levels, respectively.
AAMA 2605-05 is the highest
industry standard available,
ensuring ten-year color
retention and chalk resistance.
The most recent AAMA standards reflect good, better, and best performance for extruded
aluminum clad windows:
Best: 2605-05, 10 years color retention and chalk resistance
Better: 2604-05, 5 years color retention and chalk resistance
Good: 2603-02, 1 year color retention and chalk resistance
The same ASTM test methods and performance criteria are used to evaluate color uniformity
and specular gloss, which is a measure of the light reflected by the surface of a material.
Specular gloss can be inherent in the material, or the result of the molding process or
surface texture. Gloss is always referenced against a standard. Gloss can also be affected
by environmental factors such as weathering or surface abrasion. In addition, the same
impact resistance and chemical resistance are used in both standards. Both involve test
methods and criteria not required under 2603-02. While AAMA 2604 addresses complete
coatings systems based on 30mg of chrome pretreatment; AAMA 2605 applies to highperformance coatings based on 40mg of chrome pretreatment Both coating specifications
may use a non-chrome pretreatment process. In places where there are environmental
concerns, chrome pretreatment may not be allowed.
AAMA 2605-05: The Highest Standard in the Industry
In accordance with standards, aluminum extrusions or panels must undergo a surface
preparation for a PVDF coating application that involves the following steps:
• Acid or alkaline wash to remove impurities
• A fresh water rinse
• Chemical conversion—a chromium or non-chromium pretreatment. This is a process
that treats the metal surface chemically when the metal is immersed in or sprayed
with various solutions. The finish provides good protection and adhesion; it is
typically used as a base for another, final finish.
• Ambient fresh water rinse
The purpose of these standards is to help architects, contractors, and building owners
specify factory-applied organic coatings that will provide and maintain a superior level of
performance in terms of coating integrity, exterior weatherability, and general appearance
over many years. The standards also give buyers an added measure of quality assurance and
serve as a reference point for regulators.
To adhere to the AAMA 2605-05 standards, properly prepared test panels are subjected to
the following rigorous tests:
AAMA 2603 applies to polyester and acrylic coating and is intended primarily for interior,
light commercial and residential-grade coatings of at least 20 microns (0.8 mil) thickness.
A one-year South Florida weathering test is optional.
Requirement: Color uniformity must be consistent with color range or numerical value
established between the approval source and the applicator.
AAMA 2604 and 2605 apply to coatings of at least 30 microns (1.2 mils) thickness that are
intended primarily for commercial and architectural-grade applications. AAMA 2604 applies
to silicon polyester coatings; AAMA 2605 applies to coatings that contain 70 percent PVFD.
Color uniformity. Random samples are checked usually under a uniform light source from
various angles and by instrumental methods.
Specular gloss. Gloss consistency is tested from one unit to another. A 60-degree gloss
meter measures newly finished aluminum for a gloss value.
Requirement: Gloss values must be within five units of the manufacturer’s specification.
Chalking
Fading
No
Chalking 10
Good
Severe
Fade
8
12
6
9
4
6
2
Severe
Chalking 0
Poor
15
3
5
Polyester
10
Years Exposed
Siliconized
Polyester
20
70% PVDF
Poor
No
Fade
0
5
Polyester
10
Years Exposed
20
Siliconized
Polyester
Good
70% PVDF
Coatings with 70 percent PVFD on aluminum substrate show minimal chalking and fading at 5, 10 and even 20 years of exposure.
05.07
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Spec
Details
AAMA
613-05
AAMA
620-02
AAMA
2603-02
AAMA
2604-05
AAMA
2605-05
Color
Retention
1/2 yr fade
≤ 5 delta E
5 yrs fade
≤ 5 delta E
1 yr
≤ slight fade
5 yrs fade
≤ 5 delta E
10 yrs fade
≤ 5 delta E
Impact resistance. This tests whether the coating will
rupture after impact. A tester drop dart impacts the surface in
order to deform a small piece of the sample. Tape is applied
over the deformed area and sharply removed at a right angle
to the panel.
Requirement: No removal of the coating from the substrate.
Chalk
Resistance
No
specification
3000 hrs
chalk ≤ 8
1 yr
slight chalk
5 yrs
chalk 8
10 yrs
chalk 8
Hardness
HB
HB
H
F
F
Gloss
Retention
No
specification
3000 hrs
50% retention
No
specification
5 yrs
30% retention
10 yrs
50% retention
Abrasion
Resistance
No
specification
3000 hrs
10% loss
No
specification
5 yrs
10% loss
10 yrs
10% loss
Dry Film
Thickness
.8 mils
minimum
0.9 mils
minimum
0.8 mils
minimum
1.2 mils
minimum
1.2 mils
minimum
Pretreatment
System
No
specification
Chrome/
chrome free
Chrome 30 mg/
chrome free
Chrome 30 mg/
chrome free
Chrome 40 mg/
chrome free
Salt Spray/
Humidty
No spec
1500 hrs
3000 hrs
3000 hrs
1500 hrs
1500 hrs
3000 hrs
3000 hrs
4000 hrs
4000 hrs
PVC / Plastic Coil Coating
Spray coating on extrusions
Coated aluminum extrusions with 70 percent PVFD show superior results on
all test variables compared to either coil-coated or PVC/plastic elements.
Dry film hardness. (The term film is used interchangeably with coating.) This is a test for
susceptibility to damage that might be sustained during shipping or installation. A tester
pushes a pencil with F (medium) hardness held at a 45-degree angle into the film and tries
to rupture it.
Abrasion resistance. This tests the number of years a
product is likely to resist wearing off. Sand is filtered through
a funnel until it wears through the top coat.
Requirement: The amount of sand falling onto the test
sample without wearing through the surface must be within
calculated parameters.
Chemical resistance. Color retention and adhesion are
tested following chemical contact with five different
substances. The following values are used:
Muriatic Acid: A 10 percent solution at a 15-minute exposure
Requirement: There should be no blistering or noticeable
change in appearance to the naked eye. There should be no
removal of the coating.
Mortar: A 24 pat test in 100 percent humidity. Wet pats of
mortar two inches in area and one-half inch thick should be
applied to the coated aluminum panel and immediately
exposed to 100 percent humidity at 100 degrees F.
Requirement: The mortar should be able to be easily removed and the residue wiped clean
with a damp cloth. There should be no loss of coating and no change in visual appearance
of the sample panel.
Photo courtesy of Marvin Windows and Doors.
Requirement: Film does not rupture.
Film Adhesion. This is a test for a coating lifting off the substrate. This test is conducted
in three categories:
Dry Film Adhesion: Tape is scored in a prescribed cross hatch pattern and adhered to a
sample, and then sharply pulled off at a right angle to the plane being tested.
Wet Film Adhesion: The panel with tape over the cross hatch patterns should be immersed
in distilled or de-ionized water at 100 degrees F for 24 hours. The sample panel should then
be removed and wiped dry, after which the film adhesion test is repeated.
Boiling Water Film Adhesion: The sample panel is immersed in boiling water for 20 minutes.
The water remains boiling for the full 20-minute test period. The sample is removed and
wiped dry and the adhesion test is repeated.
Requirement: For all tests, there should be no removal of coating under the tape either
within or outside the cross hatched area, nor blistering anywhere on the test specimen.
Paint that lifts off is measured as a percentage failure rate.
6
“Angel Wing” windows replicated the authentic divided
lite and beading on the original windows.
05.07
Architectural Record Version: 01
Issue Date: 05/07
Page No: 6
Filename: Marvin Windows CEU2
Writer / Designer: Matthew Healy
Last Revision: 3_30_07
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Educational Advertising Section
Corrosion Resistance. Blistering and seepage resulting from humidity are tested at an
exposure of 4,000 hours in a controlled heat and humidity cabinet.
Photo courtesy of Valspar.
Requirement: No formation of more than a few blisters of a prescribed size.
Salt Spray Resistance. The coating is scored deeply enough to expose the base metal
using a sharp knife or other blade instrument. The test panel is exposed for 4,000 hours
using a five percent salt solution. The solution is removed, and the panel dried. Tape is
applied over the scored area and sharply pulled off.
Requirement: A minimum rating of seven on cut edges and minimum blister rating of eight
within the test field.
Weathering. Tests for fading, chalking, gloss, and erosion are conducted over an extended
period of time. Samples are placed on a fence facing the sun and left exposed to the
elements for a prescribed period of time.
South Florida Test. Sites for on-fence testing are to be a South Florida exposure south of
latitude 27 degrees N and at a 45 degree angle facing south for a minimum of 10 years.
Test samples are exposed to the elements in South Florida.
Nitric Acid: A 30-minute test exposure to a 70 percent nitric acid solution
Requirement: The coating must maintain its integrity and at the least meet prescribed
levels for color retention, chalk resistance, gloss retention, and erosion resistance.
portion of the panel unexposed to acid.
Chalking: Refers to a failure of the resin which results in paint coming off the surface of
a product. This is evidenced by the white power that comes off the surface, indicating
the paint system is breaking down. Chalking is measured on an exposed, unwashed
painted surface.
Detergent: A 30 percent detergent solution at 100 degrees F for 72 hours
Requirement: No more than what is represented as a No. 8 rating for colors and a No. 6 for
Requirement: No blistering, loss of coating adhesion or change in visual appearance.
whites after exposure for 10 years. Chalking is measured on a 10 point scale. The higher the
number, the better the performance.
Requirement: No more than a prescribed amount of color change when compared to the
Window Cleaner: 10 drops of window cleaner applied for 24 hours
Requirement: No blistering or change in visual appearance, no removal of film under tape.
In a comparative analysis of the test results for 70 percent PVDF application, silicone
polyester, and polyester and acrylic coatings on aluminum extrusions, 70 percent PVFD
offers the best choice. ■
See Quiz on the Next Page
This article also appears online at our Continuing Education Center.
No processing fee when you take this quiz online at construction.com/CE/.
05.07
Architectural Record Version: 01
Issue Date: 05/07
Page No: 7
Filename: Marvin Windows CEU2
Writer / Designer: Matthew Healy
Last Revision: 3_30_07
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CONTINUING EDUCATION
A I A / A RC H I T E C T U R A L R E C O R D
CONTINUING EDUCATION Series
A I A / A RC H I T E C T U R A L R E C O R D
CONTINUING EDUCATION Series
Educational Advertising Section
CONTINUING EDUCATION
Program title: “AAMA 2605-05 Sets High Standards for Coated Aluminum Extrusions and Panels,” (05/07). AIA/CES Credit: This article will earn you one AIA/CES LU hour of health,
safety, and welfare credit. (Valid for credit through May 2009). Directions: Refer to the Learning Objectives for this program. Select one answer for each question in the exam and fill
in the box by the appropriate letter. A minimum score of 80% is required to earn credit. To take this test online, go to http://archrecord.construction.com/continuinged/default.asp
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
After reading this article, you should be able to:
• Discuss the attributes of aluminum as a building material
• Compare advantages and disadvantages of different window
frame materials
• Identify good, better, and best standards for clad aluminum paint
finishes
• Understand how paint finishes fail
5. Compared to roll-formed aluminum, extruded aluminum is:
❑ a. generally more wear-resistant.
❑ b. less durable.
❑ c. lighter.
❑ d. easier to damage.
6. In clad frames, heat transfer can be reduced by:
❑ a. additional layer of cladding.
❑ b. insulating glass.
❑ c. it can’t be reduced.
❑ d. none of the above.
QUESTIONS
1. Compared to steel, aluminum strength to weight ratio is:
❑ a. higher
❑ b. half as strong
❑ c. as strong or stronger
❑ d. lower
2. Fiberglass frames:
❑ a. can become brittle with age.
❑ b. have an average R-value of approximately 1.25/inch.
❑ c. can easily fade, chalk or scratch.
❑ d. expand and contract at the same rate as glass.
3. Vinyl frames:
❑ a. in darker colors can break down after exposure to UV light.
❑ b. are more rigid than aluminum.
❑ c. are stronger than fiberglass.
❑ d. never use internal hollow chambers.
4. Clad-wood products feature a wood interior that improves thermal
efficiency.
❑ a. True
❑ b. False
Last
Name
7. Liquid paint consists of:
❑ a. pigment and solvent.
❑ b. binder and pigment.
❑ c. resin and pigment.
❑ d. pigment, resin/binder, solvent.
8. The highest standard for coated aluminum extrusions or panels is:
❑ a. AAMA 2605-05.
❑ b. AAMA 2603-02.
❑ c. AAMA 2604-05.
❑ d. ASTM.
9. Film adhesion is a test for:
❑ a. the number of years a product is likely to resist wearing off.
❑ b. color retention.
❑ c. blistering and seepage.
❑ d. a coating lifting off the substrate.
10. Chalking refers to a breakdown in:
❑ a. pigment.
❑ b. solvent.
❑ c. resin.
❑ d. application process
Check below:
First
Name
❏
To register for AIA/CES credits: Answer the test questions and send the completed
form with questions answered to address at left, or fax to 609/426-5592.
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Address
City
State
Tel.
Zip
❏ For certificate of completion: As required by certain states, answer test questions,
fill out form, and mail to address at left, or fax to 888/385-1428. Your test will be scored.
Those who pass with a score of 80% or higher will receive a certificate of completion.
Fax
Material resources used: Article: This article addresses issues concerning health and safety.
E-mail
AIA ID Number:
Completion date (M/D/Y):
Check one: ❏ $10 Payment enclosed. (Make check payable to Architectural Record and mail to:
Continuing Education Certificate, PO Box 5753, Harlan, IA 51593-1253.) For customer service,
call 877/876-8093.
Charge:
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I hereby certify that the above information is true and accurate to the best of my
knowledge and that I have complied with the AIA Continuing Education Guidelines for
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Marvin Windows and Doors is a premier manufacturer of made-to-order wood and clad wood windows and doors. The company’s Built around you® approach means
that each window and door is crafted to precise specifications and accompanied by expert service. This results in stunning, top-of-the-line units that fit perfectly,
perform exceptionally, and delight your customers.
www.marvin.com
8
05.07
Architectural Record Version: 01
Issue Date: 05/07
Page No: 8
Filename: Marvin Windows CEU2
Writer / Designer: Matthew Healy
Last Revision: 3_30_07
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