Updated Documents
The Fenestration and Glazing Industry Alliance (FGIA) has released two updated specifications for the testing of rainscreens. AAMA 508-21, Voluntary Test Method and Specification for Pressure Equalized Rain Screen Wall Cladding Systems, and AAMA 509-22, Voluntary Test and Classification Method for Drained and Back Ventilated Rainscreen Wall Cladding Systems. Both FGIA documents are now available for purchase and were last updated in 2014.
AAMA 508 establishes the requirements for test specimens, apparatus, test procedures, test reports, and minimum performance criteria to be used in evaluation of water penetration resistance, cavity pressure characterization, and water entry into the cavity for an opaque panel pressure equalized rainscreen wall cladding system. It is a sister document to AAMA 509.
AAMA 509 assists architects, owners, contractors, manufacturers, and designers in selecting and specifying these systems to meet project performance objectives. This edition has been revised to clarify scope inclusions and exclusions as well as specimen setup and testing procedures aimed at maintaining consistency with referenced AAMA literature and partner specifications such as AAMA 508 as well as the evolution of current industry practice. Structural testing requirements have been removed from the specification and updates to the reporting and interpretation sections included to aide in the interpretation and use of the specification.
The FGIA has released an updated specification for producing quality PVC fenestration products. AAMA 320-22, Standard and Guideline for Quality Welding, Bonding, and Ventilation of Thermoplastic (PVC) Extrusion Based Fenestration Products, is now available for purchase. This document was last updated in 2010. It provides guidelines for successful welded corners and to reduce the risk of deformations and malfunctions of fenestration products fabricated with extruded PVC profiles due to heat build-up from sun exposure. Such deformations and malfunctions may include, but are not limited to, organic coated, laminated, cap stocked/co-extruded, and solid-colored profiles. This is especially recommended when darker substrates are used, or geographic location moves toward locations of high incidence solar radiation.
