Frequently Asked Questions

Re-engaging the Operator of our Internal Blinds
If the operator is moved too rapidly, it is possible (although uncommon) for the magnets of the operator to become disengaged. To reengage, simply raise the operator steadily to the top of the track until your hear two clicks. These clicks indicate that the magnets are now reengaged and your blinds will function reliably.

What is Low-E?
Low-E glass has an invisible metallic coating that blocks heat flow. Demonstrated to save energy, Low-E glass reduces solar heat gain in the summer — saving on air conditioning, and reduces heat loss in the winter — saving on heating bills. RSL supplies Low-E in both hard coat and soft coat for varying amounts of energy efficiency.

What are U-Factor and SHGC?
U-Factor: Defines the amount of heat loss; the lower the value, the less heat is transmitted through the doorglass.
Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC): The portion of directly transmitted and absorbed solar energy that enters the home; the lower the value, the less heat is transmitted through the entry. 

What are Daylight Transmission/Visible Transmission (DT/VT)?
DT/VT measures how much light comes through the doorglass; the higher the value, from 0 to 1, the more daylight is let in.

What is Sound Transmission (ST)?
Sound Transmission measures in decibels how much sound is reduced through the doorglass; the higher the value, the more sound transmission is reduced. RSL Protector doorglass is made with laminated glass in order to reduce sound transmission. It is ideal for use in multifamily housing and locations near inner city, highways & airports where noise suppression is desired.

How are RSL’s Products Tested
RSL has selected NAMI (National Accreditation and Management Institute), an NFRC authorized company, as its certification agency for our safety and energy Performance testing is conducted every two years and an audit of RSL’s fabrication process is done twice annually. RSL identifies approved insulated glass with NAMI logo and approval # etched in the bottom right corner of each IGU.
Intertek conducted successful seal durability testing (ASTM E2190 – fogging, humidity & accelerated weathering) of RSL sealed insulating glass units and summarized the results in ATI report #89495.01-122-28. NAMI certified these test results (report #NI1009973).

Intertek conducted Acoustical Performance testing (report #83632.01-113-11). This test measured sound transmission loss.
Intertek conducted thermal performance simulations of RSL Clear, LowE, GBG, BBG, Impact and decorative doorglass in accordance with NFRC standards for U Factor, Solar Heat Gain Coefficient, and Visible Transmittance. The tests included a wide range of doorglass sizes with various spacer widths, materials, insulating techniques, gas filling, clear tempered and LowE glass. The test were conducted using both polystyrene and polyurethane filled steel and fiberglass doors.

How is RSL doorglass sealed?
RSL doorglass frames protect against moisture and air infiltration in two ways (frame to glass and frame to door). RSL vinyl and Impact frames both have co-extruded flaps on both frame to glass and frame to door edges. These white, watertight flaps eliminate oozing and provide an excellent seal.

RSL’s injection molded frames use a frame to door sealant that is a white, foamed material combining the best qualities of closed cell foam and elastomer (rubbery) sealants. This high adhesion sealant has moderate surface tack with superior heat resistance (283 degrees F).The frame to glass sealant uses a mildew resistant, solid butyl that will not shrink, crack or become brittle.

Are RSL Impact doorglass approved for use in Florida and other coastal areas with hurricane building codes?
RSL’s Hurricane Impact units are engineered to meet high velocity hurricane zone requirements TAS 201, 202 & 203. Tested at Testing Evaluation Laboratories and approved by Florida Building Code #FL11515, this product withstood 9000 pressure cycles against water & air infiltration and has a DP of +/- 60psf.

How are RSL products identified?
RSL commodity, decorative, and internal blinds are identified with our name and with Low-E when applicable, as well as appropriate code requirements.

Which surface of insulated glass has Low-E?
RSL uses soft coat and hard LowE glass in order to reduce air conditioning energy in the summer and reduce heating in the winter. This energy efficient glass is insulated on the #2 side (sealed in the airspace on the outer pane of tempered glass and facing the inside of the home).

What tests are conducted on RSL products?

• ASTM E2188 – 2002
  Standard test method for IGU weather & humidity cyclic testing
• ASTM E2189 – 2002
  Standard test method for IGU resistance to fogging
• ASTM E2190 – 2008
  Standard test method for IGU performance. Six samples tested for 105 days in humidity and weather cycling tests with initial, intermediate and final frost / dew point requirements at minimum to -40°C. Two samples tested for 7 days to resistance to fogging with no fogging as pass criteria
• ASTM E413-04
  Standard test method for rating sound insulation
• NFRC 100-2004
  Procedure for determining U-Factors
• NFRC 200-2004
  Procedure for determining Solar Heat Gain Coefficient & Visible Transmittance
  
• ASTM E283
  RSL Doorglass products are tested to assure that they are protected against water and air infiltration in accordance with ASTM E283 for air tightness.
• ASTM E330 & E331 for water penetration, and E330 for structural performance.

What does DP or Design Pressure mean?
Design Pressure requirements vary based on product location in the building, height of the building, and wind zone designations. The positive DP # is the standard for wind blowing at the building (windward) and the negative DP # represents the vacuum pressure on the opposite side of the building (leeward).

DP is measured in PSF or pounds per square foot. Non Impact doorglass with injection molded frames: +/-60 to 80 PSF Non Impact doorglass with vinyl frames: +/-80 to 90 PSF Impact (after high velocity impact) doorglass with vinyl frames: +/-60 PSF.

How should RSL doorglass frames be painted of strained?
See our painting and staining page.

What is the proper cut-out size of a door for RSLdoorglass installation?
Cut out size should be 1″ larger than the glass size, for example, 23″ x 37″ for 22 x 36″.

How are warranty claims processed?
RSL processes credit or replacement products to the distributor that purchased directly from RSL.