American Architectural Manufacturers Association

SECURITY FENESTRATION RATING CERTIFICATION PROGRAM BENEFITS AND ADVANTAGES

Standardization in security fenestration ratings, as offered by  Architectural Testing based upon the AAMA 510 document, allows for accurate product comparison and verification of performance ratings. Key features of the program are summarized below.

Certification Program Benefits

• Testing performed in a consistent manner by accredited test facilities
• Size of the test samples is prescribed
• Mounting of the test sample is consistent at each laboratory
• Temperature, humidity and other environmental factors are prescribed with tolerances
• Reports must meet minimum information and data requirements
• Accredited Laboratories must document calibration of equipment
• Complete and comprehensive reports (includes all relevant testing data, stamped drawings, and all other information as required in the test methods or certification program reporting requirements)
• Owners/Contractors/Architects/Specifiers all benefit from certified products

• Certification provides on-going independent validation that products that were tested to achieve compliance with blast resistance standards and specifications continue to be manufactured with the materials, methods and care used to manufacture the original test samples.
• It offers assurance that substitutions of materials and variations in methods and procedures of workmanship that are critical to the performance of blast resistant products are not permitted without verification of continued performance through retesting.
• A rigorous quality assurance program at the manufacturer’s facilities is a requirement of the program and is independently reviewed on a continuous basis through the independent auditing process, which is integral to certification.

• Levels the playing field for:
  • Manufacturers
  • Installers
  • Specifiers
  • End-users of product
• Installed products are consistent with the tested products
• Distinguishes quality-minded manufacturers (participation in a Quality Assurance Program)
• Web listing of certified products for easy references (readily accessible via the internet for consumers, building owners, contractors, specifiers, architects and others to research)
• Label provides immediate verification to specifier or code official during visual inspection at job site
• Use of label in sales/marketing and product literature is permitted (with prior approval)