Sliding Window Screens and Guards: An RFQ Checklist for Project Buyers

For an aluminum sliding window RFQ, mark the insect screen, any fall protection requirement, sill detail and drainage route on the opening schedule. Specify them as separate items with clear supply and approval responsibilities. A statement such as ‘window with screen’ is too vague for a comparable quotation.

Identify the opening and use case

Begin with the project location, room use, floor level and each opening's width and height. Include an elevation and a section showing the finished floor, interior sill, exterior façade and available installation depth. State the intended direction of sliding and the clear opening that the project needs.

These details matter because a screen, a guard and the sliding sash occupy different positions in the assembly. Ask the supplier to show the arrangement on the project drawing instead of relying on a generic product image.

Separate insect screening from fall protection

An insect screen is selected to keep insects out while allowing ventilation. A guard or balustrade is a separate safety decision governed by the project's location and applicable requirements. Do not treat the two as interchangeable. As one example, the 2024 International Residential Code states that insect screening is not considered a guard; the governing rules for your project may differ.

If fall protection is required, have the responsible designer define its location, geometry, loads and evidence requirements. Ask the bidder to identify whether a guard, opening limiter or another specified measure is included. A catalogue mention of an optional balustrade is not proof that a proposed configuration meets a particular code.

Draw the screen arrangement

State whether a screen is required for every opening or only selected locations. Ask how it is accessed, removed and maintained, and whether the chosen arrangement changes the usable opening or sightline. Record who provides the mesh, frame, hardware and replacement components.

CIMU's PS118 Side-Pressure Sliding Window is listed with configurable screen or balustrade options. That makes it a relevant system to discuss, but the final combination and dimensions must be checked against the project. Buyers comparing Aluminum Window & Door Profiles should ask for the actual configuration drawing, not infer the chosen option from the product family name.

Confirm the sill and drainage interface

Give the interior and exterior levels, sill finish, any balcony or façade interface and the intended route for water away from the opening. Ask each bidder to show the frame and sill section together with the surrounding construction. Mark which party supplies flashings, waterproofing and installation sealants.

The drainage detail is a coordination item between the window system and the building envelope. Do not assume a product cross section alone defines how water leaves the completed installation. If project performance evidence is required, specify the test scope and configuration to be compared.

Make each quotation comparable

Request a line-by-line response covering the frame and sash, glazing, screen, guard or balustrade if required, hardware, sill, finish, accessories, delivery and installation boundary. Ask suppliers to list exclusions and provisional assumptions. Separate the price for aluminum profile extrusions or a component package from a complete installed window if those are different offers.

An Aluminum Profiles Manufacturer, system supplier and fabricator may have different responsibilities. CIMU describes itself as a window and door system provider that supports configuration and production coordination. Confirm the exact supply scope for your order instead of assuming every party provides the same services.

RFQ information to send CIMU

• Project location, use and applicable design requirements.
• Opening schedule with dimensions, quantities and floor levels.
• Plans, elevations and sill or façade sections.
• Sliding direction, glazing and finish preferences.
• Screen locations and maintenance access requirements.
• Guard or fall protection requirements set by the project designer.
• Performance targets and requested supporting evidence.
• Supply boundary, installation responsibilities and destination port.

Send these details with your enquiry. CIMU can discuss whether PS118 or another aluminum sliding system is a suitable starting point; final availability and commitments depend on the reviewed configuration, drawings and contract.

CIMU window systems: https://cimualu.com/products/windows/

PS118 product: https://cimualu.com/products/ps118-side-pressure-window/

Project enquiry: https://cimualu.com/contact/

Sources

CIMU, PS118 Side-Pressure Sliding Window and window systems catalogue: https://cimualu.com/products/windows/

CIMU, FAQ on project information and configuration: https://cimualu.com/faq/

International Code Council, 2024 International Residential Code R321.1.1: https://codes.iccsafe.org/s/IRC2024V2.0/chapter-3-building-planning/IRC2024V2.0-Pt03-Ch03-SecR321.1.1

This is a procurement checklist. The project designer and local authority determine applicable safety requirements.