News
AAMA 502-12 harmonized with NAFS

May 2, 2012 – AAMA 502-12, "Voluntary Specification for Field Testing of Newly Installed Fenestration Products," has been published by the American Architectural Manufacturers Association. This updated specification establishes the requirements for field test specimens, apparatus, sampling, test procedures and test reports to be used in verifying the air infiltration resistance performance and water penetration resistance performance of newly installed fenestration products.

"The purpose of AAMA 502-12 is to provide a method which can be used to
evaluate the installed performance of fenestration products for air
leakage resistance and water penetration resistance under controllable,
reproducible and appropriate conditions," says Kim Flanary (Milgard),
co-chair of the AAMA Field Testing Task Group.

In addition to editorial changes, revisions to AAMA 502-12 include the
addition of the CW class and removal of C and HC classes as performance
classes in examples of allowable air leakage rate, which is in keeping
with the recently updated AAMA/WDMA/CSA 101/I.S.2/A440-11, North
American Fenestration Standard.

Specifically, Scott Warner of Architectural Testing, co-chair of
the AAMA Field Testing Task Group, says the specification was revised to
clarify language regarding field testing on project specific size
windows that are smaller than the minimum gateway size identified in
NAFS-11. "The acceptable air infiltration rate for these smaller sized
products will be allowed to be increased at the discretion of the
specifier and manufacturer," he says.

Updated from the 2011 document, AAMA 502-12 references important
industry standards which include AAMA/WDMA/CSA 101/I.S.2/A440-11, "North
American Fenestration Standard/Specification for windows, doors, and
skylights;" AAMA 503-08, "Voluntary Specification for Field Testing of
Newly Installed Storefronts, Curtain Walls and Sloped Glazing Systems"
and ASTM E783-02 (2010), "Standard Test Method for Field Measurement of
Air Leakage through Installed Exterior Windows and Doors."

The specification is applicable during construction, prior to the
issuance of the building occupancy permit but no later than six months
after installation of the fenestration product.

AAMA 502-12, "Voluntary Specification for Field Testing of Newly
Installed Fenestration Products" is available for AAMA members to
download at a cost of $15. Non-members may purchase the document at a
cost of $45 for download. The specification is also available for
purchase on CD and hardcopy. To order AAMA 502-12, visit AAMA's publication store.

Related links
American Architectural Manufacturer's Association