The Arcadia NS212 Series and TC470 Series storefront systems represent a comprehensive solution for commercial door and window framing, designed for moderate to high-traffic environments. These systems are engineered to meet rigorous performance standards, ensuring durability, energy efficiency, and aesthetic flexibility. This article provides a detailed overview of the installation process, product specifications, quality assurance protocols, and hardware considerations based on the official documentation provided by Arcadia, Inc. The information is relevant to U.S. consumers, especially architects, contractors, and DIY professionals involved in commercial construction or renovation projects.
Overview of the NS212 and TC470 Series
The Arcadia NS212 Series is a narrow stile entrance system engineered for moderate traffic environments. It includes a complete package of doors, door frames, and hardware, ensuring a single-source solution for storefront applications. The system supports multiple configurations and is designed to meet the performance standards set by the American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA), American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM), and the Aluminum Association (AA).
The TC470 Series is a thermally broken aluminum window wall system that provides hurricane impact resistance and low air and water infiltration. It is suitable for commercial storefronts and offers flexibility in design with the ability to mull various window types at 90-degree angles. Both series emphasize performance, durability, and aesthetic adaptability, making them suitable for modern commercial architecture.
Product Standards and Material Specifications
The NS212 and TC470 systems are built to meet strict material and fabrication standards. The primary components are made from 6063-T5 aluminum alloy, a material known for its strength, durability, and resistance to corrosion. Screws, fastening devices, and internal components are manufactured from aluminum, stainless steel, or zinc-plated steel in accordance with ASTM A-164. Isolation methods are implemented to prevent galvanic corrosion between dissimilar metals.
The NS212 Series features vertical stiles of 2 inches, a top rail of 2-1/16 inches, and a bottom rail of 10/12 inches. The glazing stops are available in either square or beveled designs and are suitable for 1/4 or 1-inch infill. The TC470 Series, on the other hand, is a 2 1/4-inch by 4 1/2-inch thermally broken aluminum system, ideal for window walls and curtain walls.
Both systems require anodized or fluorocarbon-coated finishes, with options including Colornodic AB1 Light Champagne, AB2 Champagne, AB3 Light Bronze, AB4 Medium Bronze, AB5 Standard Medium Bronze, AB6 Dark Bronze, AB7 Standard Dark Bronze, AB8 Black, and AG2 Gold. Anodized finishes must conform to AA-M12C22A34 or AA-M12C22A44 standards, while fluorocarbon coatings must meet AAMA 2605.2 specifications.
Hardware and Accessories
The NS212 Series is equipped with a range of standard hardware components, including auxiliary locks (two-point, three-point, flushbolts), cylinders (mortise, rim, dummy, thumbturn), panic devices (cross, touch bar, flush mid panel), push/pull handles (standard, offset radius, straight radius), cylinder guards (security ring/retainer ring), exit indicators (message panel), transom decals, door stops/holders, and mail slots. These hardware options are selected based on the specific requirements of the installation.
Hardware is supplied and installed by Arcadia, ensuring compatibility and performance. The TC470 Series does not include hardware, but the installation process for window systems is typically handled by the same contractor or manufacturer.
Performance and Testing Requirements
Both the NS212 and TC470 systems are subjected to rigorous testing to ensure compliance with industry standards. The NS212 Series undergoes testing for dual moment corner joint strength, air infiltration (ASTM E283), water penetration (ASTM E331), and structural uniform load (ASTM E330). These tests are conducted by AAMA-accredited laboratories and are used to validate the system’s durability and performance under various environmental conditions.
The TC470 Series is tested for hurricane impact resistance, making it suitable for high-risk coastal areas. It also provides low air and water infiltration, which contributes to energy efficiency and occupant comfort.
Quality Assurance and Warranty
Arcadia ensures quality through a single-source responsibility model, where the door, frame, and hardware are sourced from a single manufacturer. This approach minimizes the risk of component incompatibility and ensures a cohesive system design. Test reports from AAMA-accredited laboratories are provided to confirm that the system meets all performance requirements.
The NS212 Series comes with a two-year warranty against manufacturing defects in metals. This warranty covers failures or deterioration caused by the manufacturing process but does not extend to damage resulting from improper installation, misuse, or environmental factors beyond the scope of the product's design.
Installation Procedure
The installation of the NS212 Series and TC470 Series involves a series of precise steps to ensure proper fit, function, and aesthetic integration. While the TC470 Series installation process is not explicitly detailed in the source material, the NS212 installation guidelines provide a general framework for storefront installation. The following steps outline the key considerations for installing the NS212 Series:
Measure the Opening: The first step in the installation process is to measure the door opening or the area where the threshold will be installed. It is essential to measure notches and other structural features that may affect the fit of the threshold. When installing a threshold for a door, the height and width of the rabbet must be measured to determine the necessary notching.
Mark and Trim the Threshold: After obtaining the measurements, the threshold should be marked accordingly. The cut-outs should be transferred to the threshold, and the ends should be trimmed to ensure a proper fit in the desired location.
Drill Mounting Holes: Once the threshold is positioned, pilot holes should be drilled through the pre-drilled holes in the threshold. If the installation involves concrete, a concrete bit and anchors should be used to secure the threshold to the floor.
Secure the Threshold: The final step is to secure the threshold in place using the appropriate fasteners. Silicone caulk or weather-resistant caulking may be applied to ensure a watertight seal and to prevent air infiltration.
These steps are essential for achieving a secure and durable installation. It is recommended that the installation be performed by a qualified contractor or professional to ensure compliance with manufacturer guidelines and local building codes.
Customization and Design Flexibility
Arcadia emphasizes customization and design flexibility in its storefront systems. Both the NS212 and TC470 systems can be tailored to meet the specific aesthetic and functional requirements of a project. The NS212 Series offers multiple hardware configurations and finish options, allowing architects and designers to create storefronts that align with the overall architectural vision.
The TC470 Series supports a variety of window types and configurations, enabling the creation of complex facades with multiple window units. This flexibility makes it suitable for projects that require a unique design identity while maintaining structural integrity and performance standards.
Applications and Project Examples
Arcadia storefront systems have been used in a wide range of commercial applications, including office buildings, retail centers, and mixed-use developments. One notable example is the renovation of two office buildings on the Sunset Strip in Los Angeles, where Arcadia was selected for its ability to balance aesthetic concerns with performance and technical requirements.
The company's products are designed to meet the demands of modern architecture, offering a combination of durability, energy efficiency, and design versatility. These attributes make them suitable for both new construction and retrofit projects, where performance and aesthetics must be carefully balanced.
Compliance and Industry Standards
Compliance with industry standards is a key aspect of Arcadia's product development and manufacturing processes. The NS212 Series complies with AAMA Aluminum Storefront and Entrance Manual standards, ensuring that all components meet the required specifications for design, materials, fabrication, and installation.
The TC470 Series is tested in accordance with ASTM standards for hurricane impact resistance, air infiltration, and water penetration. These tests are conducted by recognized testing laboratories and are used to validate the system's performance under extreme conditions.
Conclusion
The Arcadia NS212 and TC470 storefront systems offer a comprehensive solution for commercial door and window applications. With a focus on durability, performance, and design flexibility, these systems are suitable for a wide range of environments, from high-traffic retail spaces to hurricane-prone regions. The installation process, while complex, is designed to ensure a secure and long-lasting fit, with detailed guidelines provided by the manufacturer.
Both systems are manufactured using high-quality materials and are subjected to rigorous testing to ensure compliance with industry standards. The single-source responsibility model and extensive warranty further enhance the value proposition for architects, contractors, and building owners.
For those involved in commercial construction or renovation projects, understanding the technical specifications and installation requirements of these systems is essential for achieving optimal results. By following the manufacturer's guidelines and leveraging the available customization options, professionals can create storefronts that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing.