American Architectural Manufacturers Association

January 31, 2012

Skylight/Sloped Glazing Council Updates Documents, Discusses Codes and Creates Course

The AAMA Skylight/Sloped Glazing Council is currently working on several document updates, as well as reviewing and commenting on an ASTM human impact document. AAMA is promoting daylighting through codes and working proactively to introduce provisions for natural daylighting into green and energy codes. The Skylight NAFS Task Group is reviewing and commenting on its course in order for a conference call tobe scheduled to discuss all member comments.

January 31, 2012

Objectifying the Subjective: In Pursuit of Metrics for Daylighting

Lisa Heschong (Heschong Mahone Group) presented a roadmap for the development of daylighting performance metrics to the NRFC in November 2010. The following is a summary of her presentation and ensuing discussion.

In the context of green construction, building owners, designers and standards developers look increasingly to daylighting to provide natural interior illumination while saving money on energy costs and reducing a building's impact on the environment.

December 22, 2011

BHMA 101

Hardware is a mission-critical component of operable fenestration. Recognizing this, a window or door intended for AAMA certification under the current North American Fenestration Standard (NAFS), i.e., AAMA/WDMA/CSA 101/I.S.2/A440, must have its various hardware items tested for compliance with applicable AAMA 900-series standards.

December 20, 2011

Canadian Codes Updated, Effects on Fenestration Industry

Much is written about code development in the U.S., but little is often said about the building codes of our neighbor to the north. While their code change cycle is not as frequent as ours, new versions have recently been released and will be of interest to manufacturers selling across the border.

November 29, 2011

Wall Interface Council Activities Update

AAMA's Wall Interface Council met at the National Fall Conference to discuss several issues, including industry document updates. Visit the Wall Interface Council home page for more information.

November 29, 2011

WIC Solicited for Expert Advice, Requests Quotes from Labs

The Western Wall and Ceiling Contractors Association (WWCCA) asked AAMA to review selected details for window installation in stucco, and whether or not a sill pan is needed in particular instances. WWCCA is writing a guide that intends to reference AAMA; as a result, they asked the Wall Interface Council to review their guide before it is published.

September 30, 2011

Daylighting Gains Recognition in Codes

Daylight harvesting is a relatively new term that encompasses a systematic approach to daylighting in which optimization of sunlight diffuses through a combination of side-lighting and top-lighting. When combined with a sensor-based electric lighting control strategy, a desired task light level is maintained while minimizing ongoing energy costs. As a result of its strong energy savings potential, codes and standards have begun to address daylight harvesting.

September 30, 2011

NFPA Appeal Denial Offers Opportunity to Strengthen the Case for Smoke Vents

The principal standard governing the use of smoke and heat vent products is NFPA 204 2012, Standard for Smoke and Heat Venting. There are also allied standards, such as NFPA 92B, Standard for Smoke Management Systems in Malls, Atria and Large Spaces. Various code requirements are based on these standards, such as the IBC and the IFC. In terms of thoroughly addressing the use of smoke vents, NFPA 204, arguably the most influential of the standards, remains essentially a draw.

August 30, 2011

Door Installation Guidelines; Latest Progression of Techniques to Counter Extreme Weather Conditions

Over the past decade, two emerging priorities have driven much of the research and standards development activity in the fenestration industry: 1) hurricane protection and 2) the philosophy of looking at a wall as a total system rather than a collection of independent components.

August 30, 2011

Door Council Activities Update

At the AAMA National Summer Conference, held in Minneapolis, MN, many of the Door Council task groups and committees held meetings. The task groups reviewed documents, additionally they reviewed ballot responses and discussed other Council activities in order to continue in the development processes. For more information on the Door Council’s activities, please visit www.aamanet.org/door.