AAMA Updates Document Addressing Impact and Cycle Testing

The American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA) has released AAMA 506-08, a voluntary specification for impact and cycle testing. The document is designed to provide a system for rating the ability of doors, windows, skylights and sliding glass doors to withstand impact and pressure cycling generally associated with hurricane conditions.

According to Ken Brenden, AAMA technical standards manager, the revamped seven-page document, first published in 2000 and titled Voluntary Specifications for Impact and Cycle Testing of Fenestration Products, includes several updates.

“In addition to various editorial changes, the most significant changes were the addition of a new section 8.0, ‘Qualification of Alternate Constructions,’ although these alternate constructions or details must also successfully complete all requirements of Section 6.0 to be qualified, therefore, some additional testing may be required,” says Brenden.

An exception was also allowed in Section 6.2 regarding mullions and the addition of cladding or a wrapped material. In addition to the three previous versions of the 101/I.S. 2 standard, AAMA 506-08 also recognizes products that have satisfied the minimum requirements associated with AAMA/WDMA/CSA 101/I.S. 2/A440-08, NAFS-North American Fenestration Standard/Specification for windows, doors, and skylights.

In addition, the reference to storefronts and curtainwalls was removed and the text “surrounding building substrate for which qualification by this standard is sought” was added in Section 7.1 that deals with test specimen preparation, according to Brenden.

The Voluntary Specifications for Impact and Cycle Testing of Fenestration Products is available to non-members for $25 for download, $50 for paper copy and $55 for CD.

CLICK HERE for further information or to order the document.

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