THE BENEFITS OF SINGLE-SOURCE SPECIFYING

Before getting into the multitude of practical and performance benefits that aluminum can offer as a fenestration material, it is important to address the advantages of using a single-source manufacturer for fenestration products. Using a single-source provider of fenestration products can help architects and designers throughout the design process and also help streamline the construction and installation phase. Some of the main benefits of sourcing fenestration from a single-source manufacturer include consistency of product, ease of ordering, simpler integration with plans and schedules, and enhanced support from manufacturers.

Consistency

Likely one of the strongest arguments for selecting a single-source manufacturer for aluminum fenestration is the consistency of product. From a visual standpoint, having all window and door frames produced in the same factory-controlled environment by a single source ensures that everything from base extrusion to finishes will be the same. This is especially true for higher-end projects that call for multiple types or styles of fenestration within the same project. Specifying all fenestration from a single source will ensure that there are no batch differences in finishes. Additionally, when all fenestration is produced from a single source, products will age at the same rate. This can be especially important when anodizing for challenging environments where fenestration will be exposed to extreme heat, cold, UV radiation, or sea salt.

Photograph by Miles Minno; courtesy of All Weather Architectural Aluminum

The fenestration in the Capetanios Residence in El Dorado Hills, Calif. was sourced from a single manufacturer to ensure cohesiveness in the profiles and color across the entire project.

Ease of Ordering

he simplicity of dealing with a single-source manufacturer cannot be overstated. Architects often find themselves managing a myriad of suppliers for different components of a project. By consolidating the aluminum fenestration with a single manufacturer, the ordering process becomes more straightforward, reducing administrative complexities and the potential for miscommunication. This results in a more efficient workflow, allowing architects to focus on the creative and technical aspects of their designs rather than navigating through multiple procurement channels. Single-source manufacturer selection can often result in greater discounts and simpler warranty documentation.

Integration with Design

As noted above, consistency of product is a strong motivator for selecting fenestration from a single source, however, the technical integration of materials and products is also important. Coordination and compatibility issues are minimized when all fenestration components come from the same source. This ensures that windows and doors seamlessly integrate into the overall architectural vision, promoting design coherence, and aesthetic consistency as well as supporting performance goals. If attempting to qualify for green building certification programs, a single-source manufacturer can provide Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) for each type and unit as a package, helping maintain accurate documentation.

Manufacturer Support

A final benefit of working with a single-source manufacturer is that the relationship often translates to better customer support and a more streamlined communication process. Architects can establish a direct and cohesive relationship with a dedicated contact person, fostering a more collaborative and responsive partnership. This enhanced communication helps address any concerns promptly, reducing the likelihood of project delays and ensuring that the final product aligns closely with the architect's vision. In addition, some manufacturers can provide a more holistic support network for architects and builders that includes everything from Building Information Modeling or BIM files specific to the fenestration type to supporting installation training and best practices during construction.

CAPETANIOS RESIDENCE–A SINGLE-SOURCE STORY

When the builder is the homeowner, material selection and quality construction are brought into sharp focus. Such was the case for Dustin Smith, President of Smith Development and Construction Company when they designed and built their home, the Capetanios Residence, in El Dorado Hills, Calif.

The project called for large windows and doors, allowing ample views of the exterior and providing natural lighting for the Scandinavian-inspired open floor plan. To achieve the contemporary, streamlined look of the project, Smith chose aluminum fenestration throughout.

“Having a larger single framed opening was our goal; the best way to achieve this was through the use of aluminum windows and doors,” Smith said. “The fact is that larger windows with more glass are achievable with aluminum doors when compared to wood, fiberglass, and vinyl.”

Along with the aesthetics, the physical properties of aluminum also were key in the material selection process. As a seasoned veteran in the construction business, Smith understood the necessary balance between budget and quality.

“As the homeowner on this project, I felt the initial investment made the most sense, practically speaking,” he said. “Because of the longevity and lack of ongoing maintenance found in wood windows, the durability of aluminum played an important role in my decision.”

From the position of being a veteran homebuilder, Smith also had the insight to understand how fenestration choices impact the installation process. When specifying design elements and materials, Smith was able to use their unique perspective to avoid potentially challenging installation issues.

“Using aluminum products on residential projects provides designers and homeowners with several benefits. One that specifically comes to mind would be having one large unit such as a mulled unit, or in my case having a double mulled, top and bottom unit, that installs as one unit. The single installation allows me to have less flashing and therefore water intrusion concerns,” Smith said. “Often large expanses of glass are achieved by having wood framing and flashing between each of several smaller windows. As a professional contractor, this is a liability as it is difficult to waterproof.”

After the decision to specify aluminum fenestration throughout, Smith then had to decide whether utilizing multiple or single-source manufacturers to fabricate the custom windows was appropriate. In the end, Smith chose a single-source provider.

“Choosing products from a single source was critical in our decision. When you are building a higher-end custom home in our market, aesthetics play an important role,” he said. “Having cohesiveness in the profiles and color of the aluminum between doors and windows was a major factor in going with a single-source manufacturer for our entire home. “

Photograph by Miles Minno; courtesy of All Weather Architectural Aluminum

Aluminum frames were specifically selected for the multi-slide patio door panels on the Capetanios Residence to achieve a streamlined, contemporary aesthetic and to improve the glazing-to-frame ratio.

TAKING ALUMINUM FULL CIRCLE

Part of the unique qualities of aluminum include sustainable attributes. These can be highly desirable when pursuing green building programs like the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) green building certification program, developed by the U.S. Green Building Council. While aluminum offers a wide range of environmentally responsible benefits based on performance, one of the most significant sustainable benefits is the end-of-life recyclability of the metal.