Company Background
Wintite developed their interior storm system to help address the “energy crisis” of the late 70's and 80's. Once Wintite was developed into a superior operating system Wintite started to look at other forms of energy conservation. The company started to deveop co-generation systems. This proved very successful and a decision was made to concentrate on this new field. Rights to the product were passed on to The Door Factory which has continued the tradition of excellence set by Wintite.
The Magnetic Window Insulation System
The Wintite Magnetic Window Insulation System is a transparent interior-mounted, removable, self-storing window system that is installed on top of existing windows, curtain walls, patio doors or skylights.
Instead of removing the existing window, which in most cases is structurally sound albeit very inefficient, the system is installed from the inside, on top of the existing window.
The effect of this add-on is tremendous reduction in heat loss, total elimination of drafts, virtual elimination of condensation and ice build up, noise reduction, filtering of Ultra Violet rays, protection against water damage and enhancement of the window's appearance. this is accomplished at a fraction of the cost, time and disturbance generally associated with window replacement.
The system's frame is made of rigid extruded PVC. The glazing material used is typically crystal-clear architectural grade. non-yellowing acrylic1. The frame contains a continuous strip of flexible magnet. The magnet is drawn and attaches to a lacquered galvanized steel strip embedded or adhesively attached to the system's frame. providing an airtight seal.
Aesthetics are preserved by ensuring colour co-ordination with the existing frames and the installation of additional sub-frames or mullions to ensure free operation of the existing window.
The System fits any type of window, skylight or patio door, regardless of size, type, shape or style (wood, steel, aluminum, sliding, double hung, casement, sealed, single-pane, double-pane, thermo-pane, leaded, slanted, horizontal, vertical, arched, pointed, or round windows).
The acrylic glazing can be manufactured with the following properties: abrasion resistance, tinting, obscured, polycarbonate high impact and UV-A or UV-B filtering. Tempered glass can be used as a substitute for acrylic in certain situations.
Applications
The Wintite Magnetic Window Insulating System is intended for use as secondary glazing for institutional, commercial or residential buildings and private homes. The system's main characteristics are:
Improvement of window thermal performance ( 400% ) improvement depending on the type of original window. Sealing of all cold or hot air infiltration areas around the window opening, while allowing for operation of the original window, patio door, skylight or similar unit. Reduction of noise levels of up to 60%.
Direct benefits of the system include:
- Savings of up to 50% on heating and air conditioning costs.
- Energy conservation and environmentally sound practices.
- Greater personal comfort due to total elimination of cold/hot air infiltration.
- Virtual elimination of condensation and frost build-up.
- Sun glare reduction and UV ( ultra violet ) filtering.
- Return on investment in as low as three years.
- Improved living and working environment.
- Outside aluminum storms are not sealed -the temperature between the storm and main window is the same as the outside temperature -There is no energy barrier. Aluminum is one of the best transmitters of heat to the outside and cold to the inside.
- Wintite systems are the only approved system for heritage designated windows. The old existing windows are retained. Wintite provides 92% light without glare, against 89% for glass. They are unobtrusive but provide modern window technology.
- Wintite is the only window of this design that has had full professional testing performed by government and independent labs with full data available. Agencies such as Ontario Hydro, The Ministry of Energy and Union Gas recommend Wintite based on the fast payback! (3 years or less)
Product Development
During the "Energy Crisis" in the 1970's and early 1980's, Wintite designed and developed a residential interior storm window as an alternative to window replacement. Rather than limiting its efforts to energy efficiency, Wintite also ensured that other aspects of its application were considered, such as appearance, convenience, cost and overall customer satisfaction. The result has been a long list of satisfied clients, particularly in the Toronto area were marketing was first centred and in historic buildings in Canada and parts of the United States.
In 1990, recognizing the need for an alternative to window replacement in the commercial/industrial sector and capitalizing on the energy saving capabilities and increased customer and employee comfort of the interior Storm Window, Wintite designed a new Magnetic Insulating System for commercial, industrial and institutional applications.
Recently Wintite designed and produced a slider type window. This was created primarily for use in apartment buildings where owners have a risk of damage and misuse by tenants.
Wintite has also created a magnetic window system for sliding patio doors. Patio doors are infamous for the amount of heat loss and discomfort they create. These units are costly to replace with a high energy efficient unit. The creation of a sliding magnetic window system has fulfilled a need for customers. These windows are light enough that an individual of small stature or a senior can handle quite easily. Wintite currently offers aluminum screens that magnetically attach to the frame of the magnetic window system or existing window.
Testing
Wintite's Magnetic Window Insulation System has been tested and evaluated by:
The Canadian Construction Materials Centre, Institute for Research in Construction, National research Council of Canada ( CCMC Evaluation Report 10146-R, Division 08671, Issue Date 82-10-25, Revised date 88-08-08 ). Trow Engineering Consultants using CSA A440-2M.1991 standards, (Vision and Frame computer simulation. Ortech International under commissioning by the Ontario Ministry of Environment and Energy, (using ASTM-E283, ASTM-E783, CANICSA A440-M90 and Thermographic Analysis) Canadian Building Envelope Science and Technology ( Can-Best), in accordance with ASTME90-87 standards. Valcoustics Canada Ltd., Consulting Acoustical Engineers. The performance testing results have been outstanding.
Air tightness and thermal performance in both laboratory and on-site tests were improved so dramatically that the equipment used was checked under the erroneous assumption that it was not functioning properly. The reports (available upon request), as well as documented and audited energy savings at test sites, have demonstrated the system's energy savings, short pay-back and noise reduction capabilities. Note: See the Bayshore Trust Photos and information.
In June of 1993 Wintite was given an award by the Ministry of the Environment and Energy, in recognition of its outstanding contributions to energy conservation in Ontario through the development and use of the Wintite Magnetic Window Insulation System.
The product complies with the intent of the National building code of Canada (NBC), 1985 Clause 3.1.4.5(3)(g) and table 3.1.11.B+ and Measures for Energy Conservation in New Buildings, 1978 (for air infiltration). The use of the product has been accepted by Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation since 1982. CMHC 10146
Primary Applications
- Government buildings
- Commercial buildings
- Factories and industrial buildings
- Condominiums
- Apartment complexes
- Hospitals, schools and other institutional buildings
- Private homes
- Museums, art galleries, theatres
- Churches and other religious buildings.
All these structures usually suffer from one or more of the following problems
- energy loss through poorly insulated windows and surrounding trim structure discomfort due to cold drafts and temperature changes
- excessive noise
- fading of carpets, furniture, paintings due to excess ultra violet rays
- dust filtration through window cracks
- heavy condensation or frost on the inside of panes
- water infiltration through window frame cracks
Traffic, School, Sports, Fields & Airport Noise
The superior noise reduction benefits of the Wintite magnetic window insulating system make the product a principal consideration by homeowners and businesses in zones where high decibel noise is a concern. These areas include major traffic arteries, sports fields, schools, public swimming pools and specifically airports where expansion and increased traffic cause local residents to incur great discomfort and aggravation.
Employees working in positions requiring shift changes also experience common residential noises of every day life such as the noise of lawnmowers, snowblowers, garbage collection, children playing and Infiltration of light through normal glass windows and covering blinds.
Click here to see how the Wintite system addressed energy and noise concerns for some of our commercial clients.
Technical Specifications
Heat Conduction Saving
The U value reduced from approximately 1.13 to 0.53 (R=1.9) when system applied to normal windows.
Savings conducted on a house in New England realized savings of 90:000 to 120.000 BTU's per square foot of glass per year.
Infiltration Saving
Installation was designed to seal around the window frame virtually eliminating infiltration loss.
Infiltration savings for non-airtight windows range from 80.000 to 200.000 BTU's per year per square foot of glass on the windward side.
Solar Loading
Tinted acrylic available with shading coefficients down to 0.46 (0.31 including the existing prime window) retaining good visibility without glare.
Air conditioning savings from reduced solar loading exceed 50,000 BTU's per square foot of glass per year (on South, East and West faces were unshaded).
Over 25 dB(a) noise reduction over flat audio spectrum; up to 38 dB(a) total, including glass and air space, when installed as second glazing (depending on the glass thickness, acrylic thickness, and integrity of the seal).
Safty Glazing
Acrylics in thickness' of .08 inches and greater conform to consumer product safety commission standards for glazing materials and to the requirements of ANSIZ97. 1
The impact resistance of acrylic glazing materials used in Wintite Window installations range from 6.0 to
18 times greater than the same thickness of normal window glass (4.7 to 18.1 foot-pounds energy to break 1/8" to 1/4" thickness).
Where even higher strength is required, polycarbonate glazing materials can be substituted, making the installation virtual unbreakable by normal means.
Light Transmitance
Colourless acrylics have 92% up to 1/4". NOTE: Glass typically has 89% at the sane thickness.
Weight
One-quarter (1/4) to one-half (1/2) as heavy as glass and aluminum combination.
Surface Hardness
Rockwell Hardness : M - 104 (ASTM-D785)
Very good scratch-resistance coatings, equivalent to glass, are now available from at least two manufacturers - at extra cost.
Ultraviolet radiation Transmitiance
A wide range of UV transmitting and filtering formulations is available in acrylic sheets. If desired, essentially all radiation above 275 mamometers can be transmitted; alternatively, very short cut-off of transmitted radiation in the UV range can be assured, as for example in museum application.
Maintenance
Acrylics may be washed with commercial acrylic cleaners or with a mild detergent (3% JOY in lukewarm water). use clean, soft cloths to avoid marring.
Tar, grease , paint, etc can be removed with kerosene or naphtha.
Standard acrylics can be scratched by abrasive and sharp instruments is attacked, much the same as glass. minor abrasions can be removed with commercial acrylic polishes or by waxing.
Fire Response
The products of combustion are no more toxic than those of burning paper or wood. Acrylics will soften above 260 degrees Fahrenheit and ignite at about 560 degrees Fahrenheit - higher than most woods.
Details on the approvals of acrylics under various codes will be provided by the manufacturers on request.
Complying with building codes and underwriters Laboratory standards will keep the fire hazard within acceptable limits.
