AAMA Releases 503-08: Voluntary Specification for Field Testing of Newly Installed Storefronts, Curtain Walls and Sloped Glazing Systems

The American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA) released AAMA 503-08, a voluntary specification for field testing of newly installed storefronts, curtain walls and sloped glazing systems. The newly revised specification, titled "Voluntary Specification for Field Testing of Newly Installed Storefronts, Curtain Walls and Sloped Glazing Systems," establishes the requirements for test specimens, apparatus, sampling, test procedures and test reports to be used in evaluating the performance of installed storefronts, curtain walls and sloped glazing systems and their installation during construction, prior to issuance of the building occupancy permit, but no later than six months after issuance of the occupancy permit.

"The purpose of this specification is to provide a method which can be used to evaluate the installed performance of storefronts, curtain walls and sloped glazing systems for resistance to water penetration under controllable and reproducible test conditions intended to simulate wind driven rain events," says Ken Brenden, AAMA's technical standards manager. "This specification may also be used to evaluate the installed air leakage of 'punched opening' curtain walls, storefronts and sloped glazing," he adds.

Specifically excluded from this specification are windows, glass doors and skylights as defined in AAMA AG-07 (if required, these systems should be tested per AAMA 502). Also excluded from this specification are commercial entrance systems. AAMA officials explain that verifying the structural loading resistance performance of storefronts, curtain walls and sloped glazing systems is beyond the scope of this specification.

For more details or to order AAMA 503-08, visit the association's online store at www.aamanetstore.org.

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