AAMA Task Group Continues to Tackle Door Component Testing and Substitution
June 9, 2009

The American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA) Door Component Certification Task Group hosted an open forum on June 4, immediately following its Summer Conference to further the development of component substitution for door certification.

"The development of requirements for component testing of exterior side-hinged doors has been a high priority for AAMA members and the industry. AAMA and representatives of other associations have been working diligently to develop a program that allows the substitution of qualified door components within tested door assemblies," says Dean Lewis, AAMA chief engineer, certification programs.

The group met to further the development of guidelines to be used for side-hinged entry door component substitution/interchangeability. These guidelines will then be used by industry associations to craft procedural guides for their own individual certification programs. The group specifically deliberated on four sections of the current working draft: general requirements, hinges, locks and door glass assemblies. In addition to specific assignments, the current draft will be sent to those who had primary responsibility for authorship of the various sections for a thorough review and any necessary revisions. This was the fifth such open forum organized the AAMA Door Component Certification Task Group, which included other interested industry organizations and manufacturers.

"The expanded input from other associations is key to building a solid foundation for a workable rating and certification system that will facilitate code compliance and serve as a level playing field for all door pre-hangers and manufacturers. The substitution of qualified door components within tested door assemblies is an important part of this initiative," says Mark Fortun of Endura Products Inc. who chairs the AAMA Door Component Certification Task Group.

The task group will host another door forum on July 13 at AAMA offices in Schaumburg, Ill.

CLICK HERE for more information on this meeting and the door certification program efforts.

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