AAMA Continues to Validate Stringent Testing Protocols for Rating Severe Wind-Driven Rain Resistance

The American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA) has begun a 12-month review to thoroughly evaluate AAMA 520, Voluntary Specification for Rating the Severe Wind-Driven Rain Resistance of Windows, Doors and Unit Skylights. The final document is expected to be published next summer, well in advance of the 2009 hurricane season.

"Following the 2004 hurricane season's destructive power and the property damage of wind-driven rains, the Florida Building Commission sought out AAMA's Southeast Region organization. At the FBC's urging, we have assessed current test methods and developed a standard of performance for testing windows to enhance their ability to resist water penetration under hurricane conditions," says AAMA's president and CEO Rich Walker. "The resulting document will serve as an elevated performance characterization but is not intended for building code adoption and enforcement."

John Lewis, AAMA's technical director, explains that the majority of door and window testing is based on AAMA/WDMA/CSA 101/I.S.2/A440. "This standard relies on static pressure tests for evaluating structural performance and resistance to water penetration. The goal of AAMA 520 is to better replicate hurricane conditions using a rapid pulsating test with computer-controlled cycling of high and low pressures."

Scott Warner, AAMA Southeast Region president and executive vice president of Architectural Testing, Inc. (York, Pa.), also notes that AAMA is simultaneously working with ASTM to modify the existing ASTM E 2268 Standard Test Method for Water Penetration of Exterior Windows, Skylights and Doors by Rapid Pulsed Air Pressure Difference, which is referenced in the AAMA 520 voluntary specification.

CLICK HERE for more information about AAMA 520, Voluntary Specification for Rating the Severe Wind-Driven Rain Resistance of Windows, Doors and Unit Skylights.

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