Technology Glass
Acro Aluminum designs a new thermal door

Two years ago, president of Acro Aluminum Brent Friesen, was frustrated by the lack of doors that matched the thermal performance of a glazing system, resist water penetration and arrive without months of delay.

Recognizing the need for innovation, Friesen decided it was time to make something new. Following a couple of unsuccessful design attempts, Friesen alongside his father and business partner attended GlassBuild. There the three were introduced to a talented designer who created an exceptional door that surpassed all expectations.

The aluminum thermal door outperforms leading aluminum doors in thermal efficiency and water penetration resistance. An innovative threshold design provides robust water resistance at 180 PA while meeting ADA standards.

The structure of the door is an interior aluminum-U channel that uses polyamide shear blocks to support aluminum cladding around the perimeter of the door.  Which creates a double thermal break giving the door a U-value of 0.27 Btu/h-ft2-F with a double glaze LowE IGU.  This is better thermal performance than most industry leading triple glazed aluminum doors.

The door is being fabricated out of Acro Aluminum’s Vancouver warehouse.