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It is finally here! The latest version of the Reynaers Group sustainability report describes our current ecological performance and sustainable commitments for the period of 2023-2030. It paves the way for a low-carbon and durable future for our company and our community. To help you in your sustainable building journey, Reynaers Group aims to be as… View Article

As cities become denser, the need for safe, high-quality windows and doors is on the rise. Reynaers Aluminium, GSW Partner, offers tested and certified systems that help prevent possible fire disasters. Discover how we can build safer and healthier projects together in our brand-new fireproof solutions brochure. Certified fireproof windows, doors, and façade elements prevent… View Article

The noise that accompanies urban living is a common feature, but most people prefer to keep it out of their homes and workplaces. GSW has seen a growing interest in holistic comfort within indoor spaces, with a focus on reducing sound transmission from the outside. This trend is particularly prominent in areas where new multifamily… View Article

The glass industry has faced growing scrutiny in recent years over bird deaths caused by collisions with glass façades. Between 365 million and 988 million birds are killed annually due to collisions with glass, and news of bird deaths at several high-profile projects has brought the issue to the fore. Consider the viral video and… View Article

With the 4Bird product family, GSW x Saint-Gobain offers a range of glasses with effective bird protection combined with Cool-Lite solar control coatings that allow the architect to design without compromising on the aesthetics or performance of the building envelope. ABOUT 4BIRD 4Bird products are combined with Saint-Gobain‘s Cool-Lite Xtreme and SKN solar control coated glass, offering… View Article

The growing construction sector is placing increased emphasis on acoustic performance in both new and retrofit projects. Factors such as population growth, urbanization, and a robust construction industry are driving this trend forward. LEED standards also highlight the importance of acoustics in creating comfortable environments. Society’s rising awareness of the impact of noise pollution on… View Article

Welcome to today’s blog post. There are so many topics we could chat about today, but we thought it would be the perfect time to chat about 4 things standing in the way of daylighting and views. You might be thinking what does this mean and why would you care about it? When working with… View Article

Tilt and Open Windows Tilt and open windows are European style windows with double action operation. They are opened with one handle that allows the sash to either tilt in, using the bottom hinges, or fully open inwards using the side hinges. For ventilation, they tilt; for cleaning access and fire escape, they open. Tilt… View Article

I know many of you are thinking, but why would I make the switch and what is the difference. Well, in today’s blog post we will take a closer look at that. Are Tilt and Turn Windows Better Than Casement? Let’s start with a comparison question. Which is better? Tilt and turn windows are better… View Article

We left off in our last blog with things that make us as a company, GSW, unique. We sell not only high quality European high energy efficient windows but also a high quality client experience. We want you to have the best product in your home and we know this is it!   Now, to… View Article

We will be starting a new series on our blog which will include all there is to know about tilt and turn European windows. Here at GSW we believe in quality and our European USA windows and doors deliver just that. Hop along on this series to learn more.   Now to start us of,… View Article

With the 4BIRD® product family, SAINT-GOBAIN BUILDING GLASS offers a range of glasses with effective bird protection combined with COOL-LITE® solar control coatings – that allow the architect to design without compromises on aesthetic or performances of the building envelope. 4BIRD®products are combined with Saint-Gobain ‘s COOL-LITE® XTREME and SKN solar control coated glass, offering… View Article

It’s no secret that sustainability and energy efficiency are major, still- growing trends in the commercial construction space. New building codes in major municipalities are driving builders and architects to design buildings, and retrofit existing ones, with the highest levels of efficiency in mind. Window and glass systems contribute significantly to a building’s efficiency. For… View Article

UNDERSTANDING STC & OITC RATINGS Not all windows are intelligent. An intelligent window can do more than you would think. The acoustical performance of windows and doors is influenced not only by the glass but also by the framing members and construction of the window assembly. Sound transmission class (STC) and Outdoor/Indoor Transmission Class (OITC)… View Article

TILT AND TURN WINDOWS AND THEIR POPULARITY  With the popularity and demand for tilt and turn windows increasing rapidly all over Europe, it was only a matter of time before the concept became popular in the United States. While most Americans see tilt and turn windows as a “new” style, they’ve been around for a… View Article

Limitless Versatility  Every moving glass wall system is precision-crafted with uncompromising quality for long-term performance and elegance. As a leader in the industry, we strive to keep innovating — setting and continually raising the standard for the industry we pioneered, while servicing the diverse needs of our customers. Unmatched Quality Performance is our priority. Whether… View Article

VISUAL PERFECTION   Two decades ago, roller wave distortion in tempered glass was a big issue. The industry spent years debating how to measure, rest 2008 ASTM International published its Standard Test Method for Measurement of Roll Wave Optical Distortion in Heat-Treated Flat Glass, giving the industry a consensus-based method for testing roller wave. Thanks… View Article

Green building design isn’t a trend but a movement. The architectural community and the bodies governing codes and standards have grown more aware of the importance of sustainable manufacturing, design and installation of building materials over the decades. That has culminated in innovation in all aspects of the insulating glass unit (IGU). German System Windows can… View Article

On March 8, several Michigan representatives and the Committees on Energy introduced a bipartisan bill to amend the 2010 “Property assessed clean energy act.” Amendments include a change in title and a new addition. The act looks to “authorize local units of government to adopt property assessment programs and to create districts to promote the… View Article

The last year has witnessed increasingly ambitious plans from organizations on the global, national and state levels to meet carbon-neutral, net-zero goals in the next several decades. These plans look at “how we get to 2030, 2040, 2050 with some variant of carbon neutral, or net zero, or half reductions in carbon,” according to Stephen… View Article

THE IMPORTANCE OF THERMAL BRIDGING “Thermal bridging is a big deal. It is the silent degrader,”said Helen Sanders, leader in strategic business development for Techno form,during the meeting of the energy group of the NGA Fabricating Committee at the NGAGlassConference: Long Beach held in January. Thermal bridging occurs when building exterior cladding or structural components… View Article

As we sit and learn more about energy efficiency, we came across a great post regarding triple glazing and we wanted to share it with you all. It is taken from one of our favorite magazine’s – The Glass Magazine and it is written by Tom Culp. So, here we go!   As both national… View Article

We noticed that pivot doors have become more and more popular throughout the years. So we thought what better way to tell others about the great pivot door than write a blog post about it. A pivot door offers endless design possibilities – from dimensions to applications to materials. But the location of the pivot… View Article

Glass is known to be one of the most popular and adaptable building materials used today, due in part to the constant improvement of the solar and thermal performance, One way this performance is achieved is through the use of passive and solar control low-e coatings. So, the question often asked is : What is… View Article

In North America, the temperature outside, varies a lot over the course of a year: during the summer, we face very high temperatures, and in the cold season, the temperatures drop quite a lot. Therefore, ensuring thermal comfort inside buildings becomes a necessity for the well-being of the occupants. Working with Saint Gobain USA has… View Article

People tend to spend most of their time indoors because many of them live in developed cities and communes. When we are not at home, we work, learn or even engage in fun activities, especially in closed spaces, specially designed for this purpose. Thus, 90% of our time is occupied with indoor activities. Therefore, it… View Article

Building green homes can not only provide prospective buyers with clear benefits, such as decreased energy and water usage and utility bill savings, but some “hidden” benefits as well, including improved indoor air quality, more efficient heating and cooling systems, and more. The Home Performance Counts: Virtual Green Home Tour series provides insights into multiple… View Article

The creation of an effective learning environment is fundamental to the design of school, college and university buildings. In the right conditions academic progress can flourish, which is why the choice of windows, door and façade systems is critical. Daylight is an essential component in the creation of an effective learning environment. It is a… View Article

More than just sustainability – we think ahead For us, sustainability means more than environmental protection: We use resources responsibly, rely on long-term employee loyalty and balanced growth. Environmental protection Partial production with green electricity 8% share of electricity from our in-house hydropower plant Company’s in-house sewage plat Reusability of materials Resource conservation Reduction of… View Article

HI-FINITY REYNAERS  For over 50 years, Reynaers Aluminum has been designed cutting-edge glazing solutions for some of the most iconic building in the world. Today, we are going to present the Hi-Finity Reynaers. Ultimate design freedom.  Available in a wide variety of configurations with open or glass corners, large and connected glass panels, motorized sashes,… View Article

Advanced solar control and thermal insulation glass that is a perfect choice for sustainable buildings in single glazing application. SGG Evo is an energy efficient glass that offers high performance across all seasons. It is a cutting-edge product that offers dual advantages of solar protection and thermal insulation in both Single and Double Glazing applications…. View Article

Anodizing is an electrochemical process in which aluminum is actively involved, making it difficult to compare with the rest of available surface treatments. You can find amazing anodizing in our aluminum products Schüco USA & Reynaers USA by GSW. To learn more, keep reading. What is anodizing and why choose it? During this process a… View Article

There are many Passive House myths circling around. One of them is that you can’t open windows in Passive House buildings. This is so not true and it is actually very important that you have openable windows. We, at Schüco USA by GSW will give you six reasons why.    1. A cheap and easy… View Article

The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the adoption of some codes in the U.S., but code cycles continue, including those for the I-codes. The Fenestration and Glazing Industry Alliance (FGIA) held a “U.S. and Canadian Codes Report” session during its 2021 Virtual Annual Conference to keep its members informed about the latest in codes.   ICC… View Article

An infinite view with ultimate performances The Hi-Finity patio door is the epitome of modern design, combining the ultimate in contemporary aesthetics with outstanding performance. This state-of-the-art structurally glazed door offers the possibility of floor-to-ceiling and wall-to-wall glass, an ergonomically designed handle and a concealed locking system. For the discerning householder or architect who wants… View Article

Unique thermal insulation with sophisticated design Schüco aluminum windows to passive house standard Bielefeld/Munich. The design of sustainable building envelopes demands more than just implementing the current energy standards. In view of the challenges of climate change and amended legal adjustments, windows will be required to match concepts such as passive house or Energy Plus…. View Article

Building Passive House can truly change the structure of your home Today, we would like to share this quick post that consists of an interview by Edward Lowes What is the component certification process like? What are the prerequisites for getting a component certified? These are just some of the questions that the new series… View Article

NAPHN Market Survey Report 2020 Recap   What does the Passive House industry look like in 2020? If you want the pulse on the Passive House industry in North America, you’re in luck — today we’re recapping all the latest passive house statistics from NAPHN’s Market Survey Responses Report. At the North American Passive House… View Article

Introducing the Jumbo Glass by GSW. The modern structural glass facades are including larger glass panels and less hardware than ever before. The aesthetic creates transparency and it presents a design challenge when it comes to accommodating for seismic drift. Richard Kaire and David Dunham, engineering manager and director of business development, respectively at Sentech Architectural… View Article

A guide to optimizing energy performance across the multifamily building cycle Established in 1974, The Community Preservation Corporation (CPC) is a nonprofit affordable housing and community revitalization finance company that believes housing is central to transforming underserved neighborhoods into thriving and vibrant communities. CPC’s Sustainability Platform was formed in 2008 to carry out the organization’s… View Article

TRICKLE VENT VENTILATION SOLUTIONS FROM SCHÜCO BY GSW       Comfortable indoor climate and high level of comfort for an optimum living and working environment The quality of the ambient air is a decisive factor in the health, well-being and performance of the people in a building. If it deteriorates, e.g. due to the… View Article

HI-FINITY EXTENSIONS OPEN THE DOORS TO CREATIVE COLLABORATION   The latest extensions to the Hi-Finity range add substantial creative potential to the palettes of the architects and designers, shifting the boundaries of creative ability into new territory. We at GSW are honored to be able to work with those high efficient products and we look… View Article

ENJOY THE SOLUTIONS FOR FRESH AIR GSW CAN BRING YOU THROUGH RENSON FOR YOUR FUTURE PROJECTS The Trickle Vent brings you the Sonovent Acoustic Solution which was developed to meet the two aspects of living comfort:  Physical Comfort – fresh and healthy air without draught Acoustic Comfort – up to 56 dB noise reduction There… View Article

There are many obstacles to creating a net zero carbon building, so how can we overcome them? asks Jerry Tate Creating net zero carbon buildings is quickly moving from pipe-dream to reality. The climate emergency, new regulations and changing client attitudes will reshape the built environment, but achieving this standard is really hard and, as… View Article

AT GERMAN SYSTEM WINDOWS WE CAN HELP YOU CHOOSE FROM A VARIETY OF SCHÜCO GERMANY DESIGN STYLES AND ENERGY EFFICIENT PRODUCTS TO MATCH YOUR PROJECT.    In the article below we took a home that describes how Schüco works and what they do to make their project look perfect. Enjoy!   UNUSUAL, YET HOMELY  A… View Article

Imagine getting a full night’s sleep at an airport hotel, despite dozens of planes flying overhead in the early morning hours, or being able to hear dinner conversation easily while airplanes take off at regular intervals. That’s what the team behind the new TWA Hotel at John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York are… View Article

    What is a triple glazed window? To some it may seem obvious, but there is more to a triple glazing that just the three panes of glass within the sealed frame. Between each pane is a pocket of air or inert gas, such as argon; argon is heavier than air and works as… View Article

Today we will be talking about the flexible and durable seals. There are many important components in a window. Every component must be high class, it must be designed to work with other components, and it must be designed properly within the system itself. Operative windows have gaskets, also known as seals, to seal the… View Article

Internorm came out with the beautiful KF 520, a system that combines innovative design with technical know-how. The window sash is not visible from outside due to its glass appearance and can optically not be distinguished from fixed glazing. This sash also contains the revolutionary locking I-tec Secure which renders levering of the window impossible… View Article

Palo Duro Homes built this 2,215 square-foot home in Sante Fe, New Mexico to the performance criteria of the U.S. Department of Energy Zero Energy Ready Home (ZERH) program. The project won a 2015 DOE Housing Innovation Award. Photo courtesy Palo Duro Homes Are you ready for a home that lives, works, and lasts better?… View Article

Here at GSW we are always excited to incorporate high quality products into our work, as we said before. We started working with SIGA in 2019, and have learned so much from their products and have seen the quality that they offer. We are honored to say we are the only SIGA distributors here in… View Article

  One of the most important glass performance measures is U-value—also known as U-factor—which measures the insulating characteristics of the glass, or how much heat flow or heat loss occurs through the glass due to the difference between indoor and outdoor temperatures.   U-values can tell you how well an insulated glass unit (IGU) will… View Article

    In today’s blog post we will be talking about Roto and the new features that have been integrated in the Patio Alversa sliding and tilt&turn hardware systems here at German System Windows. Roto has implemented a number of improvements and additional features on its Patio Alversa suite for Parallel Sliding and Tilt &… View Article

By definition, a ‘Net-Zero’ home is one that produces at least as much energy as it consumes on an annual basis. They’ve been around for less than 10 years, but the strategy behind the design and building sciences to create Net-Zero homes are taking North America by storm. In fact, the Ontario government has put… View Article

ABSTRACT There are many opinions in industry with regard to appropriate material choices for sheathing membranes and exterior insulation of framed wall assemblies. Opinions vary on what is sensible for the vapour permance of materials outboard of the framing so that not only will wetting and drying will be in harmony, but other interests such… View Article

In this post, we’ll go over a few key tips for installing windows, sliding doors, and swing doors. Maybe you are updating your windows in your home to change the look or increase the energy efficiency, but whatever it is we hope this information will help you get an insight on the highlights of installation…. View Article

STUDIO XL      Internorm USA crafts luxurious windows and doors that are the statement pieces of custom residential architecture. Elevate homes into distinctive havens with Internorm’s seamless blend of authentic materials and obsessive engineering. Our spectrum of high energy performance products are build with precision to match the sophisticated visions of the most creative… View Article

As a supplier and installer of high performance windows, German System Windows chooses with attention their partners, that’s why it is an honor to be exclusive Internorm dealers in the United States. With an experience of over 85 years, Internorm gives products of high quality, a unique design, surprising us from year to year with… View Article

Wondering if your energy bills could be lower this winter? It might be worth taking a look at the amount of heat escaping through your windows. The North American Insulation Manufacturers Association reports that 90 percent of U.S. homes are under insulated and a simple inspection could save you money and keep the temperature more… View Article

Based on new research, roughly 90 percent of existing U.S. homes are under insulated, wasting energy, money and decreasing comfort for homeowners. This estimate is derived from information in the 2015 Residential Energy Consumption Survey, using methods to estimate insulation levels developed by Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory and applied by Boston University researchers as part of a… View Article

In today’s blog post we will go over how air pollution can be damaging every organ in your body. Many won’t understand how exactly than can happen but today we will be explaining every detail so you can be more aware of it.   Air pollution may be damaging every organ and virtually every cell… View Article

  Interview with Mark Siddall Mark Siddall is an architect with a passion for designing low energy buildings. Recently he’s taken a look back at his last decade of projects and thought about the things that clients have asked for and what their cumulative thinking is. He’s used this as a starting point to come… View Article

This blog will be slightly different from any that we’ve wrote in the past. There are multiple misconceptions that PassiveHouse builders and designers will hear almost everyday, and today we decided to discuss what these are:   1. A Passive House Heats Itself – MYTH   This is not factually correct, because nothing heats itself…. View Article

      California’s Codes and Standards (CASE) team issued their review of PHCA’s low-rise multifamily Reach Code proposal last week and the results are remarkable. In today’s blog post we will give you a high level summary so here it is:   The CASE report confirms Passive House targets deliver performance well beyond that… View Article

// High-performance, low-energy windows. Frameless glazing, oversize windows and sliding doors, structural glazing, glass corners   NO LIMITS   There are no limits to your architectural creativity with Internorm glazing solutions. Whether it’s uninterupted glazing, oversize panels and sliding doors, or glass corners, we have the solution.     SET YOUR IMAGINATION FREE   You can… View Article

    We thought a lot about how many people actually know details about blinds and how they can help your home. In today’s blog post, we thought it would be a great idea to go into deep detail about all of the blinds that Internorm USA can provide your home. Sophisticated Sun Protection for… View Article

    As many of you are aware, technology is taking over our world and it’s doing it fast. It feels like it was just yesterday when we were still writing everything by hand in school, and we had our flip-phones in our pockets. And look at us now. We send our children to school… View Article

Passive House is considered the most rigorous voluntary energy-based standard in the design and construction industry today. Consuming up to 90 percent less heating and cooling energy than conventional buildings, Fundamental to the energy efficiency of these building sare the following five principles: 1) Superinsulated Envelopes, 2) Airtight Construction, 3) High-performance Glazing, 4) Thermal-bridge-free Detailing… View Article

    Break-ins? Broken locks? Warping and gaps around your window and door? Not in your house. What is a multi-point locking system? Multi-point lock systems contain: multiple locking points along the length of the window and door system. Individually, these act as separate deadbolts when engaged; together, they make up a locking system that… View Article

  One of the most defining features of modern-style homes includes the extensive use of glass. With that glass, however, comes a long standing debate that pits walls against windows. Windows provide natural light, views and enhance the overall beauty of a home. Walls that are properly insulated are inherently more efficient. But trends and… View Article

  Customer’s first point of focus   When the end user operates the window, where is their attention focused first? On the handle. You could say that the handle is the user interface of your window. It is like the dashboard and controls of a car, or the operating system of a smartphone or tablet…. View Article

What is the difference between heat-strengthened (HS) and fully tempered (FT) glass? How do I determine which is needed for my project?   Heat-strengthened (HS) glass has been subjected to a specifically controlled heating and cooling cycle, and is generally twice as strong as annealed glass of the same thickness and configuration. It has a… View Article

  Not all windows are intelligent. An intelligent window can do more than you would think.   The acoustical performance of windows and doors is influenced not only by the glass but also by the framing members and construction of the window assembly. Sound transmission class (STC) and Outdoor/Indoor Transmission Class (OITC) are measured in… View Article

Noise is subjective. Everyone defines for themselves what level of noise they can tolerate. One thing everyone agrees on, noise is a harmful thing. Noise is everywhere, on the highway and on the street, in the shouting of children at school, and at parks, and even in everyday conversation sounds, that are heard in workplaces… View Article

This article originally appeared on SIGA’s blog: What is window flashing? What is it? Why does it matter? And where can you learn more? Like many things in our collective memory, windows aren’t as simple as they used to be, which means window flashing, too, has reached a whole new level of complicated. Case in… View Article

There are a lot of dangers in the world right now. Crime, terrorism, vandalism, natural disasters, and everyday accidents that are concerns for owners and managers of public and commercial buildings. A complete, tiered security plan offering multiple layers of protection is the current best way to provide the highest level of protection. GSW Glass… View Article

ENDURING FASCINATION Not only is the huge variety of colors available for GSW's quality UPVC windows a decisive factor in the selection process, but also the consistent quality of their decorative surfaces. German System Windows offers various methods of surface finishing to keep your windows lastingly beautiful and easy to maintain. LAMINATION The window profile... View Article

    A window can do a lot more than you would think European windows open up rooms, create an atmosphere and at the same time form the transparent boundary of the living space. To achieve all this, not only must they work perfectly, they must also have as attractive of an appearance as possible. After… View Article

    1. What is acoustic laminated safety glass? Acoustic glass consists of a minimum of two sheets of glass bonded together by at least one inter layer, known as a PVB (Polyvinyl Butyral), providing protection against noise sources whilst maintaining the safety and security properties of standard laminated glass.   2. How does acoustic… View Article

High performance thermal insulated glazing enhances windows energy efficiency by significantly reducing heat loss Thermally insulating glass (also known as low-emissivity or low-E glass) usually forms the inner pane of an Insulating Glass Unit (IGU). The glass has a transparent metallic coating that reflects heat from radiators or fires back into the room, rather than… View Article

  Passive House is a building standard that is truly energy efficient, comfortable and affordable at the same time.   Building for energy efficiency, comfort and affordability. Typical heating systems in Central Europe, where the Passive House Standard was first developed and applied, are centralized hot water heating systems consisting of radiators, pipes and central oil… View Article

  A great window is only as good as the installation behind it.  We are conscious that the installation is a very big deal. No matter if the building is new or a replacement. Even the highest quality windows will under perform if they are incorrectly installed. In order to make sure that your windows… View Article

How can I have a safe house, but still enjoy the sun and the day light ? The answer is at your fingertips: windows and doors equipped with laminated glass. What is laminated glass ? Laminated glass is a safety and security glass that is made by sandwiching a laminated sheet between two pieces of… View Article

  The most crucial part of a successful project is choosing the right architectural glass. To learn more about the decisions in the evaluation, specification and selection of architectural glass, GSW Glass ( partnered with Saint Gobain Glass ) recommends that each customer becomes familiar with the properties and benefits of the most common glass… View Article

WHY IS CHOOSING THE CORRECT GLASS IMPORTANT? There are a lot factors to consider when choosing the correct glass and you should think about low solar heat gain,high solar heat gain ,U-value ,R -value ,safety and secure. SGG is Europe’s best selling range of high performance low-emissivity products, incorporating the very latest advancements in thermally… View Article

    This study examines the thermal performance impact of center-of-glass (COG) deflections in double- and triple-pane insulating glass units (IGUs) installed at several locations throughout the US. Deflection was measured during summer and winter temperatures; the results show that outdoor temperature variations can be represented a linear change in COG gap width in double-… View Article

Many of our customers have been asking if it is worth it buying tilt & turn windows. The answer is YES ! In today's blog post we will provide you with 10 reasons why you should choose Tilt & Turn Windows for your home, and also how they will benefit you.   10 Reasons to... View Article

PROPER INSTALLATION We will work with your project team to ensure the most cost – effective package possible ,and work with your general contractor to make sure the windows are installed flawlessly ,with the best flashing tape,to provide a lifetime of reliable service.     Windows are known to be one of the most susceptible… View Article

Glass is known to be one of the most popular and adaptable building materials used today, due in part to the constant improvement of the solar and thermal performance, One way this performance is achieved is through the use of passive and solar control low-e coatings. So, the question often asked is : What is… View Article