The standard/specification progression

The history and evolution of the AAMA/WDMA/CSA 101/I.S.2/A440-05 standard/specification runs deep, and the basis for the new release references a list of predecessor documents, including: AAMA 101-93 Voluntary Specifications for Aluminum and Poly (Vinyl Chloride) (PVC) Prime Windows and Glass Doors; NWWDA I.S.2-93, Industry Standard for Wood Window Units; AAMA/NWWDA 101/I.S.2-97, Voluntary Specification for Aluminum, Vinyl (PVC) and Wood and Glass Doors; AAMA/WDMA 101, I.S.2/NAFS-02, Voluntary Performance Specification for Windows, Unit Skylights, and Glass Doors; AAMA/WDMA 1600/I.S. 7, Voluntary Specification for Skylights; and CAN/CSA A440-00/CSA A440.1-00, Windows/User Selection Guide to CSA Standard CAN/CSA A440-00, Windows.

Figure 1 Short-form Specification Product designations indicate the type of window, door or unit skylight.

Finally, and perhaps even more importantly, the standard will be included in the International Code Council�s 2006 I Codes, International Building Code (IBC) and International Residential Code (IRC), and has been submitted to the Standards Council of Canada for inclusion in the National Building Code of Canada, said Jeffrey D. Lowinski, Acting President, WDMA.

�The IBC and the IRC will reference AAMA/WDMA/CSA 101/I.S.2/A440-05. The new document is the first truly harmonized North American fenestration standard,� he said.

�The standard has been reformatted and includes a tremendous amount of detail, in an easy to use and reference document,� Lowinski continued. �In addition to the performance grades and other design criteria, it is a succinct and detailed standard which includes extensive references and other in-depth information for designers and specifiers.�

Specific test methods, material requirements, components, tables, examples and referenced documents round out the standard/specification and provide the in-depth information that architects and specifiers need to make proper design decisions for the selection of fenestration products. Referenced publications, a complete definition of related terms as well as details and other specific construction drawings are part of the standard/specification (AAMA/WDMA/CSA 101.I.S.2/A440-05 is available for purchase from WDMA offices or on-line at www.wdma.com).

�It establishes easy-to-use performance classes and tells the specifier exactly what the code criteria is and what it means. The standard will help the architect match his window, door or unit skylight to the specification and application,� Lowinski added.

The standard/specification incorporates the basic content of AAMA/WDMA/101/I.S.2/NAFS-02 relating to windows, patio doors, and unit skylights. It also incorporates new requirements for products not covered by AAMA/WDMA 101/I.S.2/NAFS-02, including requirements by the Joint Exterior Door Task Group for side-hinged exterior doors. There have also been numerous revisions to requirements carried over from some of the aforementioned standards/specifications to improve the clarity and uniformity overall of the rating system. To simplify the writing of performance specifications for windows, doors, and unit skylights, the authors prepared a �short-form specification� (Figure 1) which is recommended for use whenever possible. It may be used for most common types and classes of windows, doors, and unit skylights by merely inserting the applicable standard/specification designation(s).