Feeling Legitimate
Why Product Certification is More than Worthwhile
by Jason Seals, Certification Services Manager for Fenestration, Fenestration and Glazing Industry Alliance
In a vast marketplace of fenestration products, how can architects and specifiers know they are selecting high-quality, high-performance products? Since 1962, our organization has been vetting products through a vigorous, third-party accredited AAMA Product Certification program to ensure quality and performance. It is in a company’s best interest to be certified, because this distinction can put qualified products ahead of the rest when it comes to final product selection. To date, more than 150 companies in over 210 manufacturing locations are a part of the more than 8,700 certified products, which are listed in the Fenestration and Gazing Industry Alliance (FGIA’s) Certified Products Directory (CPD).
In addition to the fact that certification helps products stand out in a competitive industry, the AAMA Gold Label and listing give assurance that certified products meet the requirements set forth in the North American Fenestration Standard/Specification for windows, doors, and skylights (AAMA/WDMA/CSA 101/I.S.2/A440) as mandated by the International Building Code, International Residential Code, and the National Building Code of Canada.
The AAMA Testing Process
To be listed in the FGIA CPD, an independent AAMA Accredited Test Lab must perform the testing, and the product must meet the following criteria:
• Prescribed maximum levels of air leakage through the assembly.
• No water penetration through the assembly at a specified simulated wind speed.
• Prescribed levels of structural resistance to wind and other dynamic pressures.
• Life cycle durability requirements as applicable based on the product’s performance class designation.
• Component verification for performance to AAMA specifications.
In addition to passing these tests in the lab, a licensed product is then subjected to two unannounced inspections each year to confirm: the manufacturer has continually monitored the product production for compliance with quality assurance procedures, the product is being built as described in the test report or with approved modifications, and the manufacturer is using the required certified profiles and verified components to fabricate certified products.
Furthermore, the licensee also is required to create and implement a quality management system (QMS) for the fabrication of all certified products. This QMS is then audited during each unannounced plant inspection.
A primary benefit of this thorough testing and inspection process is that licensees of the certification program tend to produce higher quality products. This is because they regularly mitigate problems found during manufacturing before the products leave the plant. Certified products experience fewer callbacks due to issues in the field and satisfied end-users, all of which support manufacturers’ efforts to build their brands. Essentially, the AAMA Gold Label places products in a higher category of quality and value, and this assures architects and owners that certified windows, doors, and skylights are durable and resilient, with a strong seal and protection against the elements.
Supporting the Industry
In the past 40 years, AAMA Gold Labels have been used to certify over one billion fenestration products. It also is important to note that 100% of the revenue collected from FGIA’s certification programs is invested back into the Association to write and maintain technical specifications, stay abreast of industry trends, and advocate for fenestration in both building codes and government regulations.
In addition to the Gold Label, FGIA also certifies profiles, components and insulating glass, and accredits fenestration, component, and field test laboratories. FGIA also acts as an Inspection Agency for the National Fenestration Rating Council’s (NFRC) thermal certification program, where fenestration manufacturers may certify their products for thermal performance.
The Certified Profiles program certifies vinyl and fiberglass profiles used as structural members in an AAMA-certified product. In the Component Verification program, painted finishes, weatherstrip, sealants, tapes, flashings, and hardware suppliers demonstrate that their products meet appropriate AAMA standards as referenced in AAMA/WDMA/CSA 101/I.S.2/A440.
For insulating glass, all insulating glass units (IGUs) used in an AAMA- or NFRC-certified product must be certified by an accredited IGU certification program. FGIA supports accredited IGU certification programs administered Associated Laboratories Inc, Insulating Glass Manufacturers Association of Canada, and the Insulating Glass Certification Council/Insulating Glass Manufacturers Alliance IGCC/IGMA Insulating Glass Certification.
Finally, the laboratory accreditation program was created to directly support the AAMA air-water-structural certification program by identifying highly qualified laboratories performing testing per AAMA specifications. Building upon its success as the only laboratory accreditation program specializing in lab testing of fenestration products and their components, the program was expanded to include the testing of curtain walls, storefronts, and fenestration components as well as field testing.
