EFCO 5500X User Manual

Assembly and Installation Instructions Section 1

™

March 2013

PART NO. YS57

EFCO 2012 Page 2

Series 5500 XTherm Curtain Wall Assembly and Installation Instructions

Table Of Contents

SECTION PAGE

Series 5500 XTherm™ Curtain Wall Assembly and Installation Instructions

1. General Notes and Guidelines…………………………………………………………..

2. Parts Identification - Fasteners and Accessories……………………………………

3. Parts Identification - 7” System………………..……………………………..…………

4. Parts Identification - 8” System…………………..……………………………………..

5. Parts Identification - Misc. Extrusions…………………………………………………

6. Typical Installation configurations……………………………………………………..

7. Frame Assembly…………………….………………………………………....................

8. Shop Applied Joint Plugs………….……………………………..….............................

9. Perimeter Pocket Fillers………………………………………………..….....................

10. Standard Anchorage Method…………………………………………………………….

11. Install Single Span Frame Components……………………………...………………..

12. Install Twin Span Frame Components….................................................................

13. Glazing Preparation…..……………………………………………………………………

14. Vertical Splice Joints………..…...………………………………………………………..

15. Exterior Cover installation........................................................................................

16. Reinforcement…………………………………….…….................................................

3 - 4
5 - 7
8 - 9
10 - 11
12 - 14
15
16 - 18
19 - 31
32
33
34 - 40
41 - 48
49 - 54
55 - 57
58– 59

Minimizing Condensation

Note: Please reference EFCO's "Understanding Condensation" brochure which can be obtained through your EFCO representative.
Condensation will form on any surface when unfavorable conditions (interior temperature and relative humidity and exterior temperature) are
present. When the formation of excessive condensation is a concern, it is highly recommended that a design professional is utilized to perform an
analysis of the shop drawings to recommend the best possible installation methods. Please contact your EFCO representative for information on
EFCO's Thermal Analysis Services.
Many current installation practices lead to an increase in the possibility of the formation of condensation. Though not all inclusive, the list of
examples below illustrates conditions under which condensation is likely to occur:

Note: Installation Instructions are provided as a supplement, and should be used in conjunction with

the final approved shop drawings.

EFCO 2012 Page 2

1. Bridging system thermal break with non-thermally broken metal flashing or lintels that are exposed to the exterior

2. System exposure to cold air cavities

3. Interior relative humidity levels not maintained at recommended levels, see EFCO’s “Understanding

4. Inadequate separation between system and surrounding condition at perimeter

5. Product combinations during the shop drawing stage that result in bridging ther mal breaks
of one or all products involved

Condensation” brochure

Series 5500 XTherm™ Curtain Wall Assembly and Installation Instructions

Section 1: General Notes And Guidelines

HANDLING / STORING / PROTECTING ALUMINUM

The following guidelines are recommended to ensure early acceptance of your
products and workmanship.

A. HANDLE CAREFULLY - Store with adequate separation between

components so the material will not rub together. Store the material off the
ground. Protect materials against weather elements and other
construction trades.

B. KEEP MATERIAL AWAY FROM WATER, MUD, AND SPRAY - Prevent

cement, plaster, and other materials from contacting with and damaging
the finish. Do not allow moisture to be trapped between the finished
surface and the wrapping material.

C. PROTECT MATERIALS AFTER ERECTION - Wrap or erect screens of

plastic sheeting over material. Cement, plaster, terrazzo, and other
alkaline materials are very harmful to the finish and are to be immediately
removed with soap and water. Under no circumstances should these
materials be allowed to dry or permanent staining may occur.

GENERAL GUIDELINES

The following practices are recommended for all installations:

A. REVIEW CONTRACT DOCUMENTS – Become thoroughly familiar with

the project. Check shop drawings, installation instructions, architectural
drawings and shipping lists. The shop drawings take precedence and
include specific details for the project. Shop drawings govern when
conflicting information exists in the assembly and installation instructions.
Note any field verified notes on the shop drawings prior to installing.
EFCO assembly and installation instructions are general in nature and
cover many conditions.

B. INSTALL ALL FRAMING MATERIAL PLUMB, LEVEL, AND TRUE –

Proper alignment and relationships to benchmarks and column
centerlines, as established by the architectural drawings and the general
contractor, must be maintained.

C. ERECTION SEQUENCE - The sequence of erection should be

coordinated with the project general contractor to prevent delays and
minimize the risk of material damage. Note: When preset anchors are
required, coordinate and supervise anchor and insert placement with the
general contractor including insert layout drawings, where required.

D. PERIMETER CONDITIONS - Verify that all job site conditions and

accompanying substrates receiving the installation are in accordance with
the contract documents. If deviations occur, notification must be given in
writing to the general contractor and differences resolved before
proceeding further with the installation in the area in question.

E. ISOLATION OF ALUMINUM - Prevent all aluminum from coming in direct

contact with masonry or dissimilar materials by means of an appropriate
primer.

F. SHIPMENT VERIFICATION - Verify contents of all material shipments

received upon their arrival. Verify quantity and correct finishes. Notify

EFCO® immediately of any discrepancies or damage that may have
occurred.

G. SEALANT - All sealant must meet [ASTM C 920, CLASS 50]. For the

purposes of these instructions, sealant is to be defined as the following:
SEALANT - A weather resistant, gunnable liquid filler which when cured
provides a resilient, flexible (± 50% movement capability min.) air and
water seal between similar and dissimilar materials.

All sealant must be compatible with all surfaces on which adhesion is
required, including other sealant surfaces. All frame surfaces should be
clean, dry, dust, and frost free. If a primer is required, it must be applied to
clean surfaces. All perimeter substrates shall be clean and properly
treated to receive sealant. All sealants and primers must be applied
according to the sealant manufacturers instructions and
recommendations.

This system is designed and has been tested to utilize silicone sealants at
all internal joineries, i.e., joint plugs, gasket intersections, etc. It is the
responsibility of the glazing contractor to submit a statement from
the sealant manufacturer indicating that glass and glazing materials have
been tested for compatibility and adhesion with glazing sealants, and
interpreting test results relative to material performance, including
recommendations for primers and substrate preparation required to obtain
adhesion. The chemical compatibility of all glazing materials and framing
sealants with each other and with like materials used in glass fabrication
must be established.

Maintain caulk joints as shown in the approved shop drawings. A 3/4”
minimum joint is required at the head and jamb condition to accommodate
installation, building movements, and thermal expansion and contraction.

EFCO 2012 Page 3

Series 5500 XTherm™ Curtain Wall Assembly and Installation Instructions

Section 1: General Notes And Guidelines

H. STRUCTURAL SEALANT JOINTS - The maximum allowable size of the

glass lite is controlled by the width and depth of the structural silicone joint
combined with the specified design wind load (PSF or Pa). The stress on
the structural silicone must not exceed 20 PSI (137 KPa) for a 6:1 safety
factor.
In order to determine the structural silicone sealant contact width or bite
which adheres the glass to the frame, a calculation must be performed on a
job by job basis. The formula which determines the sealant width is based
on using a trapezoidal load distribution rule. This formula is expressed as
follows:

Structural Sealant = 0.5 x Short Span (ft) x Wind load (lb/ft²)
Bite or Contact Width (in) Sealant Design Strength (=20 lb/in²) x 12 in/ft

Example: Lite size is 48” x 60” and wind load for the project is 60 psf.

Structural Sealant = 0.5 x 4’ x 60 psf

or 120 or .500”

Bite or Contact Width (in) 20 x 12 240

Sealant manufacturers, as a general rule, specify the structural sealant
depth (glue line) to be one half of the contact width for a 2:1 width to height
ratio. The glue line should not exceed 3/8” thick nor be less than 1/4” thick.
The standard joint size for Series 8800 is 1/2” x 1/4”.

I APPROVED SOLVENT OR CLEANER - Degreasing solvents, such as

methyl ethyl ketone (MEK), toluene, xylene, acetone and mineral spirits
can been used to remove oils or other surface contaminants, but may leave
a residue film on the cleaned surfaces, which must be removed. A solution

of fifty percent Isopropyl alcohol and fifty percent water is recommended for

the final cleaning and preparation of substrates for sealant application.
Refer to the sealant manufacturer’s application instru ctions, ASTM C 1193 ­ 09, project specifications, and local environmental regulations for
requirements.

J. SETTING BLOCKS - Refer to the approved shop drawings for placement

of setting blocks. Consult with the glass manufacturer for the correct setting

block length for glass sizes over 40 square feet.

STRUCTURAL SEALANT JOINT DETAIL

WEATHER SEAL

STRUCTURAL SEALANT
CONTACT WIDTH

SEALANT DEPTH
(GLUE LINE)

SSG SEALANT JOINT

SPACER GASKET

K. SECONDARY SEALANT JOINT DESIGN - The design of the secondary

sealant joint is based on the 50:50 load sharing principal where the I.G. unit
is comprised of two symmetrical lites of glass. The secondary sealant joint
that adheres the two lites of glass together only carries half the wind load
applied to the I.G. unit. Since the load is halved, the secondary sealant
contact width is half that of the SSG joint. Using the example earlier for the
1/2” x 1/4” SSG joint, the secondary sealant contact width for the I.G. unit in
the example is 1/4”.

Edge deletion is required on the coated surfaces (#2, #3, #4, #5, or #6) for
hard or soft coated glazing products.

SECONDARY SEALANT JOINT DETAIL

1 2 3 4 5 6

STANDARD TUBULAR
SPACERS RECOMMENDED

SECONDARY SEALANT
CONTACT WIDTH

EXTERIOR

INTERIOR

EFCO 2012 Page 4

Series 5500 XTherm™ Curtain Wall Assembly and Installation Instructions

Section 2 - Parts Identification - Fasteners and Accessories

Fasteners

Profile

Part #

STC0

SFZ8

STK4

Description Profile

#13-16 X 5/8" HWH-SMS 18-8 A GM

#8-15 X 1/2" PL-FH-SMS 18-8

#8-18 X 1/2" PL-FH-SMS 410 TEK/2

Part #

SFQ5

STT6

1/4"-14 X 1 1/2" HWH SHOULDER- SMS 18-8 B

Description

#8-18 X 9/16" PL-FH-SMS ZC TEK/2

Accessories

Profile

Part #

WEP8

Standard 1/4” Preset Glazing Gasket Peroxide Cure 60 Duro Shore A EPDM

Description

Material

WT01

WEP4

WEP0

EFCO 2012 Page 5

Standard 1/4” Preset Perimeter Spacer Gasket Peroxide Cure 70 Duro Shore A EPDM

Standard 1/4” Preset SSG Spacer Gasket General Purpose 70 Duro Shore A Silicone

Standard Isolator Gasket

Shore A 90 Duro General

Purpose Flexible PVC

Series 5500 XTherm™ Curtain Wall Assembly and Installation Instructions

Section 2 - Parts Identification - Fasteners and Accessories

Accessories

Profile

Part #

HEN2

LC08

HCV9

Captured System Perimeter Joint Plug / Filler

HEN1

HCV7

Standard Perimeter Pocket Filler Rigid PVC

Captured System Intermediate Joint Plug Shore 00 60 Duro Black EPDM Sponge

SSG System Perimeter Joint Plug / Filler

Description

Standard 2” Setting Block

Shore A 85 Duro General

Shore 00 60 Duro Black

General Purpose Silicone

Shore 00 60 Duro Black

General Purpose Silicone

Material

Purpose Black EPDM

HCV8

HGR4

KX90

EFCO 2012 Page 6

SSG System Intermediate Joint Plug Shore 00 60 Duro Black EPDM Sponge

SSG System Temporary Glazing Retainer Chemlon 109 - SSG - Black

Captured System Temporary Glazing Retainer

7089 X 2” Long (FC39), WEP8 X 4” Long,

(1) STC0 Fastener

Series 5500 XTherm™ Curtain Wall Assembly and Installation Instructions

Section 2 - Parts Identification - Fasteners and Accessories

Accessories

Profile

Part #

WEP6

WNA3

Expansion Mullion Finger Gasket

Wedge Gasket use with 17S7 Glazing adaptor

Description

Shore A 70 Duro General

Material

Purpose Black EPDM

Shore A 60 Duro

Santoprene

EFCO 2012 Page 7

Series 5500 XTherm™ Curtain Wall Assembly and Installation Instructions

Section 3 - Parts Identification - 7” System

Profile

Part No.

5G12

5G13

5G14

5G15

FL04

(Made from17S5)

Description

7” Head / Sill / Jamb

7” Intermediate Horizontal

7” Door Header

7” Intermediate Vertical

Splice for 5G15, 5G12

Tooling Drawing / Cut Formulas

55XT-008

Cut to length = horizontal D.L.O.

Cut to length = horizontal D.L.O.

55XT-001, 55XT-009

Reference FL04 Part Drawing.

55XT-008

5G16

17S2

FK34

(Made from 15H9)

EFCO 2012 Page 8

7” Expansion Vertical

7” Expansion Vertical

7” Mullion Clip

55XT-002, 55XT-006

55XT-003, 55XT-007

Reference FK34 Part Drawing.

Series 5500 XTherm™ Curtain Wall Assembly and Installation Instructions

Section 3 - Parts Identification - 7” System

Profile

Part No.

FK20

(Made from 15L9)

FL06

(Made from 17S4)

17S3

7” SSG Intermediate Vertical

FL05

(Made from 17S6)

15B7

Description

Splice for 5G16

Splice for 17S2

Splice for 17S3

7” Frame Filler

Use with 5G12 and 5G15.

Tooling Drawing / Cut Formulas

Reference FK20 Part Drawing.

55XT-011

Reference FL06 Part Drawing.

55XT-012

55XT-004

Reference FL05 Part Drawing.

55XT-010

Cut to length = horizontal D.L.O. at

std. head and sill. CW55-152 at

verticals.

.

.

.

EFCO 2012 Page 9

.

.

.

Series 5500 XTherm™ Curtain Wall Assembly and Installation Instructions

Section 4 - Parts Identification - 8” System

Profile

Part No.

5G06

5G07

5G08

5G09

FL01

(Made from 15P7)

Description

8” Head / Sill / Jamb

8” Intermediate Horizontal

8” Door Header

8” Intermediate Vertical

Splice for 5G09, 5G06

Tooling Drawing / Cut Formulas

55XT-008

Cut to length = horizontal D.L.O.

Cut to length = horizontal D.L.O.

55XT-001, 55XT-009

Reference FL01 Part Drawing.

55XT-008

5G10

17P4

FK35

(Made from 15K3)

EFCO 2012 Page 10

8” Expansion Vertical

8” Expansion Vertical

8” Mullion Clip

55XT-002, 55XT-006

55XT-003, 55XT-007

Reference FK35 Part Drawing.

Series 5500 XTherm™ Curtain Wall Assembly and Installation Instructions

Section 4 - Parts Identification - 8” System

Profile

Part No.

FK22

(Made from 15M2)

FL03

(Made from 17P6)

17P5

8” SSG Intermediate Vertical

FL02

(Made from 17P8)

15B2

Description

Splice for 5G10

Splice for 17P4

Splice for 17P5

8” Frame Filler

Use with 5G06 and 5G09.

Tooling Drawing / Cut Formulas

Reference FK22 Part Drawing.

55XT-011

Reference FL03 Part Drawing.

55XT-012

55XT-004

Reference FL02 Part Drawing.

55XT-010

Cut to length x horizontal D.L.O. at

std. head and sill. CW55-152 at

verticals.

.

.

.

EFCO 2012 Page 11

.

.

.

Series 5500 XTherm™ Curtain Wall Assembly and Installation Instructions

Section 5 - Parts Identification - Misc. Extrusions

Profile

Part No.

5G11

5G17

1283

Snap Filler for 5G11 and 5G17

9155

4437

Description

Door Jamb Adapter

Door Header

Door Stop Snap Cover

Door Header Door Stop

Tooling Drawing / Cut Formulas

55XT-000974, 55XT-001649, 55XT-001679,
55XT-000823, 55XT-000878, 55XT-000846,
55XT-002487, 55XT-002520, 55XT-002523,
55XT-002524, 55XT-002525, 55XT-002526,

55XT-002533

55XT-000767, 55XT-00827,55XT-00950,

55XT-000951, 55XT-00952, 55XT-002521,
55XT-002522, 55XT-002527, 55XT-002528,
55XT-002529, 55XT-002530, 55XT-002531,

55XT-002532

Cut to length x horizontal

D.O. minus 1/32”.

Cut to length x horizontal

D.O. minus 1/32”.

Cut to length x horizontal

D.O. minus 1/32”. 55XT-000576

9933

17R1

FWF1

EFCO 2012 Page 12

Door Header Door Stop

Door Header Filler

Strike Plate Adapter

Cut to length x horizontal

D.O. minus 1/32”. 55XT-000953,

55XT-000954, 55XT-000605

Cut to length x horizontal D.L.O. at

side lite minus 1/32”.

Reference FWF1 Part Drawing.

Series 5500 XTherm™ Curtain Wall Assembly and Installation Instructions

Section 5 - Parts Identification - Misc. Extrusions

Profile

Part No.

FWF2

FWF3

FWF4

FWF5

FL08

Description

Strike Plate Adapter

Strike Plate Adapter

Strike Plate Adapter

Strike Plate Adapter

2” Glazing Setting Chair

Tooling Drawing / Cut Formulas

Reference FWF2 Part Drawing.

Reference FWF3 Part Drawing.

Reference FWF4 Part Drawing.

Reference FWF5 Part Drawing.

Reference FL08 Part Drawing.

KW95

7090

KZ54

EFCO 2012 Page 13

Standard 2 1/2” Pressure Plate

Standard 2 1/2” X 3/4” Cover

2” Pressure Plate used at Door

Header

Reference KW95 Part Drawing.

CTWL-594F

Cut to frame dim. at vertical.

CTWL-219A at horizontal.

Reference KZ54 Part Drawing.

Series 5500 XTherm™ Curtain Wall Assembly and Installation Instructions

Section 5 - Parts Identification - Misc. Extrusions

Profile

Part No.

2” x 3/4” Snap Cover used at Door

7419

17S7

(2” to 1” for 2 1/2” glazing pocket)

Head Pipe Sleeve Anchor x 1 3/8”

FK12

(Made from 1835)

Head Pipe Sleeve Anchor x 1 3/8”

FK81

(Made from 15Y7)

Head Pipe Sleeve Anchor x 1 3/8”

FK82

(Made from 15Y8)

Description

Header

1” Glazing Adapter

Long

(1/2” Dia. Fasteners)

Long

(3/8” Dia. Fasteners)

Long

(1/4” Dia. Fasteners)

Tooling Drawing / Cut Formulas

CTWL-219A

Cut to length

Horizontal D.L.O. minus 1/16”

Vertical D.L.O. Plus 1”

Reference FL12 Part Drawing.

Reference FK81 Part Drawing.

Reference FK82 Part Drawing.

FK18

(Made from 15H4)

FK19

(Made from 15H5)

EFCO 2012 Page 14

Alternate Anchor x 1 3/8” Long

Alternate Anchor x 1 3/8” Long

Reference FK18 Part Drawing.

Reference FK19 Part Drawing.

Series 5500 XTherm™ Curtain Wall Assembly and Installation Instructions

Section 6 - Typical Installation Configurations

The wall sections below depict the standard types of installations for the S-5500 X-Therm curtain wall.
Refer to the approved shop drawings for dimensions and configurations of the frame, anchor and splice.

5G06

Head Anchor

(Page 33 and 44)

5G06

Head Anchor

(Page 33 and 34)

5G06

Head Anchor

(Page 33 and 34)

Intermediate Dead

350” MAX.

5G07

MULLION LENGTH

5G07

5G07

Intermediate Wind

5G07

Load Anchor

(Page 42 through 44

at jamb)

Load Anchor

(Page 42 through 44

at jamb)

(Page 46 and 47 at

intermediate vertical)

Floor Slab

Mullion Splice
(Page 55)

(Page 46 and 47 at

intermediate vertical)

350” MAX.

MULLION LENGTH

350” MAX.

MULLION LENGTH

Floor Slab

5G07

Intermediate Wind

Load Anchor

(Page 42 through 44

at jamb)

(Page 46 and 47 at

intermediate vertical)

5G07

5G07

350” MAX.

MULLION LENGTH

5G07

Floor Slab

5G06

Single Span

Sill Anchor

(Page 33 and 34)

5G06

Twin Span

Sill Anchor

(Page 33 and 34)

5G06

Multi-Span

Sill Anchor

(Page 33 and 34)

EFCO 2012 Page 15

Series 5500 XTherm™ Curtain Wall Assembly and Installation Instructions

Section 7 - Frame Assembly

Perimeter O.G.

Mullion

Apply sealant in reglets of

jambs at horizontal locations.

Perimeter O.G.

Jamb Mullion

Apply sealant in reglets of

jambs at horizontal locations.

Frame assembly screws : 1/4” - 14

x 1 1/2” HWH SMS 18-8 typical.

Vertical Filler

Frame Gasket

Intermediate

Horizontal

Frame Gasket

Vertical Filler

Figure 4

Apply sealant in reglets of

jambs at horizontal locations.

Vertical Filler

Head

Horizontal Filler
Apply at installation.

Horizontal Filler
Apply at installation.

Figure 2

Perimeter O.G.

Mullion

Apply a bead of sealant into the snap

Perimeter O.G.

Jamb Mullion

reglet of the jambs adjacent to the head,
sill, and intermediate horizontal locations
(2 1/2” height) prior to snapping the filler
and mullion, to seal the filler to the jamb
at the glazing pockets.

Figure 3

Frame Gasket

Sill

Figure 5

EFCO 2012 Page 16

Series 5500 XTherm™ Curtain Wall Assembly and Installation Instructions

Section 7 - Frame Assembly

1. Using an approved solvent or cleaner, clean the frame gasket contact surfaces of all oils and other contaminants.

2. Remove the liner from the frame gaskets and apply them to the matching surfaces of the mullions ensuring the holes and edges align as required. See
Figure 2, 3, 4, page 17. Butt sealing the ends of the horizontals may be used instead of applying frame gaskets, if desired.

3. Smooth out the frame gaskets onto the mullion surfaces by forcing out any remaining air bubbles.

4. Assemble the outside glazed framing members as shown below. Additional support for frames with the filler as a vertical on both sides may be needed
depending on the overall frame size. See the note on page 17 for special sealant requirements at perimeter jamb, filler and horizontal intersections.

5. Carefully trim away excess gasket material around the exposed areas if required.

Frame Gasket

Perimeter O.G.

Mullion

Vertical Filler

Head

Intermediate

O.G. Mullion

Clean mullion
surfaces.

Frame assembly screws : 1/4” - 14 x 1

1/2” HWH SMS 18-8 (SFQ5) typical.

Female

Expansion

Mullion

Male

Expansion

Mullion

Frame Gasket

Intermediate

Horizontal

Sill

Mullion

Clip

Perimeter O.G.

Figure 1

Mullion

EFCO 2012 Page 17

Series 5500 XTherm™ Curtain Wall Assembly and Installation Instructions

Section 7 - Frame Assembly

6. Seal the jamb as shown in Figures 3 thru 5 on page 17 at the horizontal locations, and snap the perimeter jamb mullion onto the filler portion of the
assembled frame.

7. Fasten the jamb to the filler with SPC9 screws at the horizontal locations. The number of fasteners will vary with the length of the perimeter jamb member
and the number of horizontals in the frame, but a minimum of 1 SPC9 per jamb is required. Jamb attachment is required for left and right jamb frame
assemblies.

Apply sealant in reglets of jambs at

horizontal locations.

(See Figures 3 thru 5 on page 16.)

Perimeter O.G.

Jamb Mullion

Fasten the jamb to

the filler with SPC9

screws at the

horizontal locations.

(1 location minimum).

Typical Left Jamb Frame

Figure 6

EFCO 2012 Page 18