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AAMA Extends Timeframe for Testing Hardware, Publishes Two Wall Cladding Technical Bulletins
July 26, 2012AAMA's Certification Policy Committee has authorized an extension for component testing of hardware products—specifically AAMA 900-series hardware components—in the AAMA Component Verification Program.
The prior requirement of retesting every 18 months in order to remain on the Verified Components List (VCL) has now been extended to as long as three years if all requirements are met.
VCL Requirements
Specifically, the hardware component manufacturer must verify with an annual letter on the anniversary of test completion to AAMA’s Validator (Associated Laboratories Inc. [ALI]) that no changes in product construction have been made. Any change in construction (which is defined as a change in the assembly method or a change of components used in the assembly) will require retesting.
Manufacturers should note that a change in brand or vendor of the assembly components does not constitute a change requiring a retest. However, material certificates, test data or other supporting evidence indicating the equivalency or improvement of the new assembly components must be maintained and made available to ALI upon request.
Questions regarding this change may be directed to Dean Lewis, AAMA’s Chief Engineer, Certification Programs. All Certification Program Bulletins can be found in the Members Only portion of the AAMA website.
Technical Bulletins
In addition to extending the timeframe for component testing, AAMA has recently published two technical bulletins that evaluate wall cladding system elements that can be tested to AAMA 509-09 and AAMA 508-07.
To attain a classification based on the AAMA 509 test method or to qualify a system to AAMA 508, a wall cladding systems must be comprised of the following elements:
- An exterior cladding element
- A ventilation cavity behind the system (or an air cavity to qualify to AAMA 508)
- A separate air/water barrier, located inboard of the rain screen and ventilation cavity (or air compartment for AAMA 508)
- A back-up wall system
Certification Procedural Guides
Additionally, AAMA has updated and republished the following certification procedural guides: 103-12, Procedural Guide for Certification of Window and Door Assemblies, 204-12, Guidelines for AAMA Accreditation of Independent Laboratories Performing On-Site Testing of Fenestration Products and LAP-1-12, Laboratory Accreditation Program Operations Manual.
All certification procedural guides are available from AAMA’s Publication Store.
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