AAMA

Window Standards /
Specifications, Ratings and
Testing
Presented by
Wojan Window & Door Corp.

Wojan Window & Door is a Registered Provider with The

American Institute of Architects Continuing Education
Systems. Credit earned on completion of this program will
be reported to CES Records for AIA members. Certificates
of Completion for non-AIA members are available on
request.
This program is registered with the AIA/CES for continuing
professional education. As such, it does not include
content that may be deemed or construed to be an
approval or endorsement by the AIA of any material of
construction or any method or manner of handling, using,
distributing, or dealing in any material or product.
Questions related to specific materials, methods, and
services will be addressed at the conclusion of this
presentation.

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This presentation is protected by U.S. and
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Reproduction, distribution, display and use of
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the speaker is prohibited.
Wojan Window & Door Corp. 2010

Learning Objectives
At the end of this program, participants will be able to:

Examine the evolution of window standards and code references

Identify the North American Fenestration Standard:

(NAFS-08) AAMA/WDMA/CSA 101/I.S.2/A440-08
and Compare it to previous versions (AAMA/NWWDA 101/I.S.2-97, 101/I.S.2/A440-05)

Recognize and apply NAFS-08 to specify product type, performance level and key
performance attributes

Understand what the Architectural Window (AW) performance class is, and
recognize the benefits to clients by contrasting its performance grade with the
other classes

Interpret AAMA 2603, 2604 & 2605 performance requirements for organic finishes,
for use in specs

Apply the concepts of air, water, structural and life-cycle testing to knowledge
about building integrity, soundness and energy efficiency (HSW)

AAMA/WDMA/CSA
101/I.S.2/A440-08
North American Fenestration Standard/Specification
for windows, doors, and unit skylights

Jointly published by AAMA, WDMA, and CSA

AAMA American Architectural Manufacturers Association

WDMA Window & Door Manufacturers Association
CSA Canadian Standards Association

Test Reports
At least once every four years,
the manufacturer must retest the product to
verify that the design continues to comply with
the standards requirements.

Wojan windows

AAMA/WDMA/CSA
101/I.S.2/A440-08

Source: AAMA

Evolution of standards
AAMA 440- 05

AAMA 101- 97

Covered aluminum,
vinyl & wood products
Measurement units
Primary: inch/pound (IP)
Secondary: metric (SI)

Forced Entry testing

became mandatory

Added eight additional

materials
Measurement units
Primary: metric (SI)
Secondary: inch/pound (IP)

Evolution of standards

Five previous performance classes (97/05)

Residential/R: Typically one- and two-family dwellings.
Light Commercial/LC: Typically low-rise multi-family,
offices, motels, libraries and professional buildings
(doctor, dentist, law).
Commercial/C: Typically lighter-use industrial, hotels,
and retail sales buildings.
Heavy Commercial/HC: Typically mid-rise hospitals,
schools, institutions, dormitories, government or public
buildings, and facilities where heavy use is expected.
Also, commonly used on other buildings with increased
loading requirements.

*Listed in order of performance.

Architectural Window/AW: Typically larger institutional or

high-rise / mid-rise buildings to meet increased loading
requirements, and buildings where possible misuse of the
fenestration products is expected.

Definitions of Four New (08)

Performance Classes
R: Commonly used in one- and two-family dwellings.
LC: Commonly used in low-rise and mid-rise multi-family dwellings and
other buildings where larger sizes and higher loading requirements are
expected.
CW: Commonly used in low-rise and mid-rise buildings where larger sizes,
higher loading requirements, limits on deflection, and heavy use
are expected.
AW: Commonly used in mid-rise and high-rise buildings to meet
increased loading requirements and limits on deflection, and in buildings
where frequent and extreme use of the fenestration products is
expected.

Evolution of standards
Test size requirements

AAMA 440- 08

AAMA 440- 05

Hung R Class test size:

40 x 63

Hung LC Class test size:

44 x 75

Hung C Class test size:

56 x 91

Hung CW Class test size:

56 x 91

Hung HC Class test size:

60 X 99

Hung AW Class test size:

60 X 99

Hung AW Class test size:

60 X 99

Hung R Class test size:

40 x 63

Hung LC Class test size:

44 x 75

Commercial Product Levels Deletion and Consolidation

AAMA 05 (Old)
AW (L/175)
HC (L/175)
C
LC
R

AAMA 08 (New)
AW (L/175)
CW (L/175)
LC
R

*Listed in order of performance

Uniform Load Deflection Test

CW or AW Product
L/175:
Where L is Length of the weakest rail
divided by 175 = Maximum deflection.
Example:
48/175 = to a maximum of 0.27 (.56%)

Product Designation System:

Previous

Product Designation System:

Previous

Product Designation System:

New 08 Format
CW-PG50-H

CW = Product performance class

(CW took the place of C and HC)

PG50 = Performance grade 50, designates Design

Pressure (DP) of 50

H = Product type is hung window

Product Designation - New 08 Format

Source: AAMA

Main Aspects of Testing (08)

Air Infiltration : ASTM E 283

Water Penetration:
ASTM E 331 AW products
ASTM E 547 - R, LC and CW products

Uniform Structural: ASTM E 330

Operating Force: ASTM E 2068

AW, CW, LC & R

Comparison of Requirements

* The '05 C rating has been eliminated from this comparison.

R, LC, CW & AW Comparison:

Air Infiltration Testing

Wojan windows

Wojan windows

Wojan windows

Wojan windows

Air Infiltration

Source: AAMA

R, LC, CW & AW Comparison:

Water Penetration

Water Penetration

* Per AAMA 502, field

water pressure is
allowable at 2/3 of
design pressure.

Source: AAMA

R, LC, CW & AW Comparison:

Uniform Structural

R, LC, CW & AW Comparison:

Other Requirements

Source: AAMA

AAMA 502
AAMA 502 refers to field testing of
fenestration products and allowable
performance values.

Air Infiltration: Field air infiltration is

permitted to be 1.5 times design values.
Water Penetration: Field water pressure is
allowable at 2/3 of design pressure.

Architectural Windows

AAMA 910
Life Cycle Testing

Life Cycle Testing

Required on AW
the most significant difference versus CW product

To model throughactual performance

Equivalent to 7 years of everyday use.

Life Cycle Testing

Required for AW

Three Steps of Life Cycle Testing for the

Architectural Window (AW) AAMA rating:
1.

2.

3.

TESTING: Testing the Window for Air Infiltration,

Water Penetration, Uniform Structural &
Operating Force.
Cycle Test Including MISUSE: Cycles of misuse
and abuse.

RE-TESTING: Repeat Air Infiltration, Water

Penetration testing & Operating Force.

Life Cycle Testing

Required for AW

(optional for other classes)

Vent Cycling Testing:

Operating ( 2,500 cycles )
* 1,250 cycles of, Opened and Closed, Locked and
Unlocked
* 5 cycles of Misuse and Abuse
* 1,250 cycles of, Opened and Closed, Locked and
Unlocked

Performance Testing
After Life Cycle Testing
Required for AW

(optional for other classes)

Repeat Air Infiltration Testing

Repeat Water Penetration Testing
Verify Operating Force

Must pass all or does not achieve AW rating.

Specifying AW Products

When should AW Products be specified?

How are budgets impacted by use of
AW products ?

Are there other factors that should be

considered ?

Specifying AW Products

For Heavy Use and Durability; Longer Life;

Highest Performance Levels
They typically Cost More
Drawback: Aesthetics and other Features
the end user may object to
Advantage: Green Aluminum has
Recycle Capabilities

Developing Your Window

Specification

Building location
and mean roof
height
Typical building
usage
Largest window
opening on the
project
Frame Material

Benefits of Specifying
NAFS-08 & AW Grade Windows

Ensures Better Products

Promotes Long Term Performance
Exposes Imposters
Raises Performance Levels
Minimizes Liability
Ensures the Best Products for your application

Aluminum Finishes

2603 - Organic
2604 & 2605 -Fluoropolymer Based
(Kynar)
Anodic (611-98)
Relative Warranties

AAMA 2603, 2604 & 2605

AAMA has instituted the following new
Voluntary Specification(s), Performance
Requirements and Test Procedures for
Pigmented Organic Coatings on Aluminum
Extrusions and Panels

Finish Warranty

COMPARISON CHART

AAMA 611-98

Anodized Finishes

Anodized finishes come in two classes:

Architectural Class I : 0.7 mil and thicker
anodic coatings
Architectural Class II: 0.4-0.7 mil coating
Note: There is No Warranty on Anodized Finishes
(Source: AAMA)

AAMA 611-98

Anodized Finishes
All previous

AAMA Specifications
for Anodized finishes
were replaced by
AAMA 611-98

Structural vs. Energy

Commercial vs. Residential

Separate and Distinct Criteria
Carefully Weigh the aspects and how
they relate to the Specific Project Needs
Longevity and Performance vs.
Incentives

What Criteria for Energy ?

NFRC 100 (U Value) 200 (SHGC) vs AAMA 1503

Frame Material
What is Test size used in evaluation?
NFRC = 47x59 vs. AAMA =48x72
How many of that size on the building?
Glass Package:
Low E Hard Coat or Soft Coat
Spacer Standard or Warm Edge
Air or Gas Filled (Argon/Krypton % duration)

Thank you for your time.

Are there any questions?
Feel free to contact our office or your Local Wojan Sales
Representative for more details or if you have questions.
Wojan Window & Door Corp.
Toll Free: (800) 632-9287
www.wojan.com

Since 1952, WOJAN has provided quality aluminum windows

and sliding doors for the U.S. marketplace. The diverse product
line is rated for a variety of commercial and architectural
applications. The veteran-owned, Inc. 5000 company has
manufacturing facilities in Charlevoix and Coldwater, Michigan.

The Window & Door Professionals Since 1952