Several AAMA Proposals to Building Code Approved during ICC Hearings

These approved changes include the following: An increased threshold of doors to decks, balconies and patios that serve multi-family units Addition of recent changes to the wind load provisions of ASCE 7-10 Recognition of Tubular Daylighting Devices (TDDs) as a type of skylight and sloped glazing Requirement of Window Opening Control Devices (WOCD) for certain window replacementsPatio Door ThresholdsThe ICC approved the AAMA proposal of permitting the threshold of doors to decks, balconies and patios that serve multi-family (Type B) dwelling units to be raised up to 4 3/4 inches higher than the exterior floor or landing.This approved proposal will permit the height of the threshold itself to exceed 1/2 or 3/4 inch in height, as long as the additional height is contained within the permitted 4-inch step down between the interior floor and the exterior surface.



Inclusion of ASCE 7-10 Changes

AAMA’s proposals to include recent changes to the wind load provisions of ASCE 7-10 in the 2015 IBC were also approved. The first proposal includes the clarification that allowable stress design wind load is to be used in the application AAMA/WDMA/CSA 101/I.S.2/A440, ASTM E330 and ANSI/DASMA 108.



The second proposal modifies the glass design load equations of Chapter 24 for consistency with the allowable stress equations of Chapter 16.



Recognition of TDDs

Additionally, the proposal to recognize TDDs as a type of skylight and sloped glazing was approved, as well as AAMA’s proposal to include the structural load requirements for TDDs. With this addition, TDDs will be required to be tested and labeled in accordance with AAMA/WDMA/CSA 101/I.S.2/A440, as well as unit skylights, exterior windows and sliding doors.



WOCD

Also approved was the proposal of requiring WOCD for certain replacement windows in existing one- and two-family dwellings and multi-family units. However, WOCDs would only be required if the entire window unit was being replaced and if the window opening would require WOCDs in new construction.



Disapproved Proposals

AAMA-proposed changes that were disapproved by the ICC will be discussed at the AAMA Summer Conference during the Code Action Committee meeting June 14.



Unfortunately for the sealant and flashing industry, the addition of references to AAMA 711, Voluntary Specification for Self Adhering Flashing Used for Installation of Exterior Wall Fenestration Products  and AAMA 714,Voluntary Specification for Liquid Applied Flashing Used to Create a Water-Resistive Seal around Exterior Wall Openings in Buildings to the IBC was voted down.



The following proposals were also disapproved:

• AAMA proposal to expand the current comparative analysis provisions to allow windows larger than those already rated in accordance with AAMA/WDMA/CSA 101/I.S.2/A440 to be rated to a lower design pressure using engineering analysis only, without requiring additional testing of the larger unit.




• AAMA proposal to limit the current exemption to requiring engineering analysis when glass supporting framing deflects more than L/175. The current exemption applies to all fenestration products tested and labeled in accordance with AAMA/WDMA/CSA 101/I.S.2/A440.

The responses developed by AAMA’s Code Action Committee will be submitted by way of public comments, which are due August 1.