Latest Fenestration Standard Receives ANSI Approval

This new standard is the result of a four-year effort by the Window & Door Manufacturers Association (WDMA), American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA), and Canadian Window and Door Manufacturers Association (CWDMA), with input from Canadian Standards Association (CSA) TC members, through the U.S./Canadian Fenestration Standards Harmonization Task Force."Though this version of the standard is not widely used in Canada, it does represent a significant step toward achieving seamless business across the U.S./Canadian border for fenestration industry manufacturers, which is expected to come with approval of the next version," said AAMA Chairman of the Board of Directors Chris Fuldner (EFCO). "And the ANSI-approval is a ringing endorsement that it's a step in the right direction."

This first version of the North American Fenestration Standard (known as NAFS-1 before it achieved ANSI recognition), combines the performance based standards from ANSI/AAMA/NWWDA 101/I.S.2-97, Voluntary Specification for Aluminum, Vinyl (PVC), and Wood Windows and Glass Doors, and the performance requirements from AAMA/WDMA 1600/I.S.7, Voluntary Specification for Skylights. Although somewhat lengthy, the title of the new ANSI standard reflects the efforts and history of the groups and standards which preceded it, and the wide acceptance and recognition of these numeric designations within the industry. The "02" in the new title reflects the date of original approval of the new standards by the sponsoring organizations.

"Recognition of this new fenestration standard means that window, skylight and glass door manufacturers now have a single, ANSI-approved, voluntary specification document for their products," said Alan Campbell, WDMA president.

Preparation for the next edition of the North American Fenestration Standard (NAFS-2) is already well underway. The draft includes a side-hinged exterior door specification, and is currently entitled 101/I.S.2/A440, Specification for the Performance of Windows, Doors, and Unit Skylights. It is intended that it, too, will be processed for ANSI approval in the United States, as well as by CSA for SCC approval in Canada.