The Power of Certified & Tested Insulating Glass Units

Now, manufacturers have one standard, one test and one certification protocol to adhere to, rather than trying to decide which of several to follow.
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Who Certifies and Why?

IGMA and the IGCC continue to move the industry forward to testing to the ASTM E 2190 Standard. As a manufacturer, user, buyer or certifier of insulating glass units, products tested and certified to the ASTM E 2190 should be equal to or improved over ASTM E 774 (CBA) or CGSB 12.8 IG units (see Harmonized IG Standards Comparison Chart). IGMA has made it easy for manufacturers, architects and others to get this information and provides a host of support materials and other documentation in support of the standard as well as a non-member Technical Advisory service.

The standard is designed to provide the same or greater tolerances for the tests listed, i.e., it at least meets the standard it replaces and in many cases exceeds it. IGMA has the most stringent quality assurance requirements for certification; 16 of the 20 elements required for ISO 9000. For more detailed information on the differences between the ASTM E 774 (CBA) and the CGSB 12.8 standards and the new harmonized insulating glass standards, contact the IGMA offices or visitwww.igmaonline.org/certification/IGMA.

"It is expected that irrespective of industry affiliation, the certification is obtained by insulating glass manufacturers who are committed to their customers and their products," Webb added.

As an architect, there are things which can be done to play a positive role in the use of insulating glass units. Ask the window manufacturer about certification before specifying IG units. Although they rarely make the glass, they are aware of or have access to the standards that their glass and glazing suppliers follow.

In the Field

Architects and specifiers in the field count on manufacturers to help them determine the proper insulating glass for the application, and also to ensure the units they select are tested and certified to current industry requirements. Architectural firms that work on large commercial projects are conscious of the positive attributes of insulating glass units and want to ascertain that the proper specification is made.

Nuts & Bolts of IGMA Certification

The Certification Cycle consists of three areas, all under the mandate and direction of an administrator.

Manufacturers fabricate insulating glass (IG) units;

Independent auditors, accredited to ANSI or equivalent, inspect units to ensure conformity to the manufacturers specifications and the program requirements;

Approved laboratories (accredited to ISO 17025) ensure conformance to the applicable test standard.

Three industry publications provide technical support to insulating glass manufacturers: TM-4000-02, The Insulating Glass Manufacturing Quality Procedures Technical Manual, TM-4100-03 Preventing Insulating Glass Failure Technical Manual and TM-3000-90(04) North American Glazing Guidelines For Sealed Insulating Glass Units For Commercial and Residential Use.

IGMA only accepts laboratories with third party accreditation to ISO 17025, Calibration and Testing Laboratories. Program administrators inspect each laboratory to the ASTM E 2188, E 2189 and E 2190 standards.

Certified product lines are identified by a permanent mark on the inside of the insulating glass unit bearing the IGMA trademark, identification of the manufacturer, the plant location and the year of manufacture.

 

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Originally published in Architectural Record.
Originally published in June 2006

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