Wausau’s INvent Series and zero sightline windows help meet ADA accessibility criteria

Date: 23 April 2013

In response to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), many of Wausau Window and Wall Systems® INvent™ Series family of windows, as well as 4250-Z zero sightline awning and casement insert vents, now feature hardware options capable of meeting the operating force and limited motion requirements of ICC/ANSI A117.1. “Accessibility is an essential concern for skilled nursing facilities, university residence halls, condominiums, apartments and hotels,” says Wausau’s health care market manager, Lisa May, LEED® Green Associate. “Wausau’s accessible projected windows operate with one hand, and require an operating force of five pounds or less to unlock, open, close and lock without making users need to tightly grasp, pinch or twist their wrists.

This helps ensure that fresh air and connection to the outdoors are made accessible to people with physical disabilities.”

May and her colleagues can assist with other accessibility design considerations, such as locating and detailing operable windows to meet the project’s “reach,” protrusion and approach area requirements. Wausau has tested a broad range of product options in compliance with the American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA) 513-12 guide specification, which outlines laboratory test methods for accessible operable window products.

To maximize energy efficiency and condensation resistance, most accessible INvent Series projected and casement windows are available with triple insulating glass, integral between-glass blinds and 24 mm XLT polyamide thermal barriers. Accessible options are also included within the INvent Retro™ Series of historical replication windows.

INvent and 4250-Z zero sightline project-out awning and casement windows are provided with linear-operation keeper latches and roto-operators for accessible operation, allowing the use of attractive and durable “flat” insect screens. Accessible INvent Series project-in casement windows are hand-operated with a Euro-style multi-point locking handle, are available in large vent sizes and allow for cleaning of exterior glass surfaces from the building’s interior.

Operable units present a seasonal opportunity for natural ventilation. Integral between-glass blinds minimize maintenance, while managing light and glare. Combined with the advantages of natural light, outside views and thermal performance, these qualities may aid buildings seeking certification under such programs as the U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED Green Rating System™.

Wausau’s extruded aluminum frames contain recycled content averaging 70% or greater. Quality-controlled, factory fabrication and glazing ensure the intended performance and accommodate dual-color finishes. With a palette exceeding 30,000 color choices, painted finishes may be requested as liquid or powder coatings with ultra-low volatile organic compounds (VOC) and VOC-free content. Durable, VOC-free anodize finishes also may be selected.

As part of the Advantage by Wausau® standard product offering, these high-performance windows are pre-engineered and factory-glazed to not only meet buildings’ accessibility and sustainability goals but also can contribute to blast mitigation, hurricane impact-resistance and energy efficiency needs. These competitively priced windows are backed with an industry-leading warranty of up to 10 years and are available on an accelerated delivery schedule.

Product descriptions, architectural details, AutoCAD files, specifications and technical guides for Wausau’s INvent Series windows and 4250-Z zero-sightline units -- and for all of Wausau’s windows, doors, specialty glazing and cladding products, and curtainwall systems -- can be found at www.WausauWindow.com.

Nationally recognized for its innovative expertise, Wausau Window and Wall Systems is an industry leader in engineering window and curtainwall systems for commercial and institutional construction applications. For more than 55 years, Wausau has worked closely with architects, building owners and contractors to realize their vision for aesthetic beauty, sustainability and lasting value, while striving to maintain the highest level of customer service, communication and overall satisfaction. Wausau is a part of Apogee Enterprises, Inc., a publicly held, U.S. corporation.

Wausau and its staff are members of the American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA), the American Institute of Architects (AIA), the APPA – Leadership in Educational Facilities, the Construction Specifications Institute (CSI), Glass Association of North America (GANA), the National Fenestration Ratings Council (NFRC) and the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC)