In the fall of 2013, the students of Buffalo Academy of Science Charter School in Buffalo, N.Y., returned to a building with an entirely new look, thanks to the installation of new exterior windows. As a former elementary school having undergone various renovations over the years, the school’s owner, Apple Education Services, was interested in improving the appearance and uniformity of the building. However, school administrators were really interested in saving energy—and money—by replacing its older windows with energy-efficient models.

PVC Industries, a Clifton Park, N.Y., window fabricator, installed 460 separate window units throughout the school over the course of about a month. PVC Industries chose Deceuninck’s Revolution™ Tilt-and-Turn for the project because of the windows’ energy-saving and thermal ventilation capabilities, as well as their overall appearance—all of which exceeded what aluminum alternatives could offer.

The bronze exterior color with a white interior was selected for the project.. This was preferred over the one-color option of extruded aluminum in order to blend better with the building’s existing aesthetics. In addition, the Revolution window was more cost-competitive than similar aluminum options.

School administrators were also very impressed that a solid panel could be installed to accommodate their window-mounted air conditioners. If and when central air is installed, the school can have glass panels installed in their place. No other company offered the school this option.

Levent Usurla, Project Manager for United Construction and Management in Clifton, N.J., says that his company worked closely with Apple Education Services during the project. “Apple Education Services chose vinyl windows over aluminum because of their appearance, including the ability to resist fading and their high energy-efficient capabilities. Between the windows and the proper installation, the school is thinking they’ll save about 20 percent” in terms of energy savings, he says.

Vinyl extrusions as a material provide some of the best energy performance properties for windows. Vinyl windows also require low maintenance: No painting or staining is needed, and they simply wipe clean. Long-lasting vinyl windows are also color fast.

Revolution windows are certified by the American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA), which provides independent performance testing for fenestration companies. AAMA Wind Load, Air and Water infiltration resistance testing results for Revolution windows indicate capabilities in excess of the requirements for Commercial Window ratings of C-100. Additionally, the windows’ seven thermal chambers in both the frame and in the sash and a glass thickness of up to 15⁄8” achieve high thermal performance levels of R-5, R-7 or more.

• Project Name: Buffalo Academy of Science Charter School
• Location: Buffalo, NY
• Date Completed: 2013
• Fabricator: PVC Industries Inc.
• Construction: United Construction and Management
• Window Product: Revolution™ Tilt-and-Turn
• Manufacturer: Deceuninck North America
• Vinyl Benifits: Vinyl windows provide superior energy efficiency and optimal thermal properties; resist fading and UV degradation; require minimal maintenance; meet and exceed commercial window ratings in wind load, air and water infiltration resistance testing; provide secure, indirect ventilation with integral screen to keep out pests; furnish easy egress in emergencies; are cost effective; and are developed to allow for easy recycling in production, as well as easy removal during refurbishments and dismantling after their useful life.

Information for this study prepared through interviews and research conducted by Interline Creative Group, Inc. on behalf of The Vinyl Institute©