PPG spacers among first submitted for NFRC CMAST software database

Pittsburgh-based PPG Industries’ Intercept stainless steel and tin-plated spacers are among the first spacer products added to the National Fenestration Rating Council’s Component Modeling Approach Software Tool database, according to an Aug. 3 release.

The submission enables energy consultants, window manufacturers and other industry professionals to configure fenestration products with Intercept spacers to determine their U-factor, solar heat-gain coefficient and visible light transmittance. These are key measures for code compliance and energy certification for buildings and their glazing systems.

Paul Bush, manager, technical services, PPG performance glazings, said Intercept spacers were submitted to CMAST to support the commercial window manufacturersthat use them. “With the CMAST calculations, our customers can fully document the performance advantages of Intercept spacers according to a uniform standard that is accepted throughout the industry,” he said in the release. “Ultimately, that will help them sell more windows.”

According to the NFRC, Intercept stainless steel or tin-plated spacers each can be modeled in CMAST in 21 finished airspace widths ranging from 6.35 millimeters to 22.23 mm (0.250 to 0.875 inches). The products are configured as Path III spacers, which enables software users to benefit fully from the actual Intercept spacer geometry and effective conductivity (Keff).

Under the NFRC’s Component Modeling Approach, fenestration products such as windows, doors and skylights are examined in terms of their glazing, frame and spacer components. CMAST software calculates the performance values of these components in combination to help energy consultants maximize the energy efficiency of fenestration products.