ISSN: 1546-962X
Published Online: 24 August 2005
Page Count: 17

Effect of Installation Details on the Condensation Performance of Window Frames

Kudder, RJ
Senior Consultant, Raths, Raths, and Johnson, Inc., Willowbrook,IL

Babich, SK
Architect II, Raths, Raths, and Johnson, Inc., Willowbrook,IL

Johnson, DK
Consulting Engineer, Raths, Raths and Johnson, Inc., Willowbrook,IL

(Received 21 May 2004; accepted 3 June 2005)

Abstract

Industry standard tests and calculation methods under laboratory conditions are used to determine a Condensation Resistance Factor (CRF) for window frames. The CRF is one of several performance parameters used to select fenestration products for specific conditions of exposure and occupancy. Colder climates and higher interior humidity typically require fenestration products with higher CRFs. The CRF by itself is not necessarily a predictor of the ability of a window frame to resist interior surface condensation due to thermal bridges or breaches in thermal breaks created by installation details, rough opening materials, and surrounding wall details. This paper explores the affect of installation details on the interior surface temperature of metal window frames, and indirectly, the likelihood of surface condensation on the frame.

Keywords:
condensation, CRF, dew point, modeling, THERM program, window frames

Paper ID: JAI12488
DOI: 10.1520/JAI12488
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