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Description

The Wintite Magnetic Window System is an interior-mounted, removable, self-storing window system which is attached magnetically to the perimeter of prime windows, patio doors, skylights and similar openings.

The glazing material used is crystal-clear, architectural grade acrylic, guaranteed non-yellowing. The acrylic glazing is held in place by an extruded PVC frame. The sash contains a continuous strip of flexible permanent magnetic rubber strip. The magnetized seal is attracted to a lacquered galvanized steel strip that is attached with adhesive tape to the window frame. If necessary, a custom sub-frame is built or custom moulding installed in order to accommodate the system.

Aesthetics are preserved by ensuring colour co-ordination with the existing frame and the installation of custom mouldings or sub-frames as required.
The Wintite Magnetic Window System is custom built to fit any type of window 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, arched, pointed or round windows).

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Applications

The Wintite Magnetic Window System is used as secondary glazing in a variety of residential, commercial and institutional applications. The systems main characteristics are:

  • Improvement of window thermal performance for energy conservation
  • Reduction of hot or cold air infiltration/exfiltration
  • Noise reduction
  • Sun glare reduction and UV protection

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Standards

The system has been tested 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).

The product complies with the intent of the National Building Code of Canada (NBC), 1985 Clause 3.l.4.5(3)(g) and Table 3.l.ll.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.

Click here for technical data

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Sound Reduction

The reduction of sound transmission through a single-glazed window due to the addition of magnetic windows has been both calculated and measured by Econ, Inc., and has been measured by others using a NASA acoustic measurement system. The results of these tests which are summarized below support the earlier Econ, Inc., findings. Two thickness' (1" and 1 1/2") were tested. Measurements were made over the frequency range of 500 to 5,000 Hertz (cycles per second). The average reduction sound over this frequency range was as follows (see chart to the right):

Acrylic
Thickness

Air Space
Thickness

Decibles

Air Space
Precentage

0.080"
1"
10.7dB
70%
0.125"
1"
14.6
81%
0.080"
11/2"
15.1
82%
0.125"
11/2"
19.2
89%
10:1 attenuation

One will note that the thicker acrylic (0.125") and the greater air space (1 1/2") give better sound reduction; the results shown are approximately the same as the 10 to 1 reduction noted in other magnetic window literature.  Use the following example (see chart to the right) to illustrate the effective of magnetic windows in reducing noise:

For a list of sound level effects from typical sourcesclick here

Outside noise level
100dB
Extreamly loud
Single-glazed window only
65dB
loud
Magnetic window
0.125" thick arcylic, 1 1/2" air space
45dB
Very quiet

In conclusion, the magnetic window not only provides insulation against heat, cold and air filtration, but also provides a very effective insulation against noise.  The result is not only improved comfort from a thermal standpoint, but also improved aural comfort.  Noise is generally accepted as one of our most common pollutants, and the magnetic window is an effective protection against that form of pollution.

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Heat Conduction Savings

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.

For the U value calculations click here

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Specifications

Infiltration Savings

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 un-shaded).

Sound Quieting

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).

Safety 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.

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