AAMA updates Fenestration Products Laboratory Heat Build-Up test method

AAMA 1506-18, "Voluntary Test Method for Laboratory Heat Build-Up Effects on Fenestration Products," intends to determine the effects of heat rise on fenestration product assemblies intended for vertical installation. This document was first released in 2004. This is its first update.

Changes to this standard include aligning Section 7.3.2.1 to ASTM D4803 rather than G179, because D4803 is specifically for building products. D4803 is also referenced in AAMA 303, "Voluntary Specification for Rigid Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) Exterior Profiles," which was updated by AAMA at the same time. Additionally, a footnote was removed in order to maintain a consistent and standardized testing method.

"This test method exposes fenestration products to a uniform field of IR energy directed at the product at an angle similar to outdoor exposure during the summer months in hot and dry climates in the U.S.," said Jeff Franson (Quanex Building Products), chair of the AAMA 1506 Vinyl Profile Heat Build-Up Task Group. "Changes made to this document now mean it, and AAMA 303, are more consistent when it comes to testing."

This test method alters the exterior ambient temperature and cycles the IR exposure to better simulate daytime exposure of the fenestration product being tested. This test method may accelerate dimensional and shape changes due to temperature and IR exposure cycling.

It is recommended for use on fenestration products that have a greater tendency to absorb IR energy. This test method can be used by designers and specifiers to evaluate the fenestration products resistance to dimensional and shape changes that may occur due to heating by solar radiation.