Herman T. Schneebeli Federal Building

WDP’s New York office performed a façade investigation and window replacement study at the GSA Federal Courthouse in Williamsport, Pennsylvania. The simple aluminum storefront window systems, understood to be original to the 1976 construction, were observed to be in poor condition, often exhibiting displaced, skewed, or missing snap trim and gaskets. Many of the windows were reported to exhibit air and water infiltration.

WDP prepared a testing program designed both to evaluate the performance of the existing window systems to establish a baseline for comparison of proposed window replacements, and to confirm whether leakage pathways were isolated to the window system itself or whether the window replacement design would need to address problematic perimeter conditions.

Air and water infiltration resistance testing was performed in accordance with ASTM standards to establish the baseline performance of the existing window systems. In addition to diagnostic spray testing, ASTM C1715 cavity drainage testing was performed to evaluate the effectiveness of the window head lintel and flashings. A qualitative analysis of the window thermal performance was performed as well.

Ultimately, the window replacement concept design was grouped into several phases of repairs – immediate repairs, intended to address the potential instability of insulated glazing units as a result of the incomplete capture where multiple snap trim sections were displaced or missing, short-term repairs, intended to provide new perimeter sealant joints to mitigate the worst leakage where perimeter sealants had failed, and a long term repair consisting of a comprehensive window replacement program. Three window replacement basis-of-design systems and associated cost estimates were included for consideration, ranging from a basic storefront system that meets both the current energy code as well as the GSA’s design standards, all the way to a high performing window wall system with state-of-the art vacuum insulated glazing units.

  • Field Investigation & Window Replacement Study
  • Comprehensive Report
  • Window Replacement Concept Recommendations
  • Energy-Efficient Window Replacement
  • Cost Estimating