Healthy, Green and LEED School Window Replacement Systems

Aging school buildings face the ongoing challenge of increased maintenance expenses and poor energy performance. High on the list of issues in classrooms are the building's fenestration systems. Kalwall Window Replacement Systems are more than 300 percent more efficient than insulated glass, and their unique, highly insulating, diffuse-light-transmitting technology has become the system of choice for schools in virtually every climate.

More than 50 years of research and development, product improvement and innovation have positioned Kalwall as the standard-setter in school window replacements. The heart of the system is the Kalwall translucent insulated panel — a structural composite sandwich panel formed by permanently bonding specially formulated translucent fiberglass sheets to a grid core of interlocked, structural I-beams. The face has an innovative weather-resistant, low-maintenance composition that is shatterproof, maintenance-free and highly vandal-resistant. System options include high-performance sash units, translucent and opaque panels, opening glass windows, louvers and spandrel panels.

Energy efficiency is inherent in the translucent structural sandwich panel design invented by the company in 1955. The panels are infilled with various densities of specialized translucent insulation during the manufacturing process. U-factor options range from 0.29 to 0.05 Btu/hr/ft2/°F (R-3 to R-20) for the 2¾-inch panels as tested and/or computer modeled according to NFRC-100 procedures endorsed by the Department of Energy. The ultimate in energy efficiency and condensation control is achieved in the optional thermal-break systems. The thermal insulation is 1¾-inches thick compared with less than ½-inch of insulation offered by the best of other manufacturers. Savings in heating and cooling costs are realized, and a rapid payback is achieved.

Kalwall has been featured in many LEED-accredited buildings, contributing points in five separate categories. And Kalwall+Nanogel^®, a recent Kalwall innovation, pushes energy efficiency even further. By infilling the panels with translucent aerogel, the most insulating, diffuse-light-transmitting technology available today, R-20 insulation (U=0.05) is achieved with 20 percent light transmission.

The systems are factory-prefabricated, pre-finished and rapidly installed from inside or outside a building at significantly lower installation costs. School window replacements often take place while classes are in session with minimal disruption. Kalwall is renowned for its quality of balanced, glare-free daylighting. There is no need for curtains or window shades. Blackboards and computer screens are free of glare in classrooms featuring Kalwall. Visit Kalwall.com or daylightmodeling.com for more information.