The American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA) has become widely recognized for developing voluntary standards to test and validate the performance and quality of windows, doors and skylights. The current AAMA/NWWDA 101/I.S.2 specification establishes stringent standard for the testing of windows in the following categories:
Design Pressure (DP): Resistance to wind and other dynamic
pressures. The higher the DP rating of a window or door, the
more resistant it will be to the effects of wind and other
pressures.
Air Infiltration: Air Infiltration is the amount of air leaking
through a window or door. The lower the air infiltration rating,
the better. To pass, a window cannot exceed 0.3 CFM/Sq Ft of
air infiltration with a 25 mph wind.
Water Resistance: The ability of a window to withstand leakage from a wind driven
rain. Windows are rated on a pass/fail basis.
Forced Entry Resistance: A skilled/trained lab technician attempts to gain entry with
common tools. A window must pass the forced entry resistance test to be certified to
the AAMA/NWWDA 101/I.S.2 specification.
When shopping for windows and doors, look for the gold certification label. Under this certification program window and door manufacturers submit products to an AAMA accredited independent testing laboratory where they are tested to the AAMA/NWWDA
101/I.S.2 specification. Manufacturers also allow an independent agency to randomly inspect products at the factory to assure products conform to specifications.
American Craftsman® Windows and Doors
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