AAMA Publishes Life Cycle and Anchorage Documents
August 3, 2010

The American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA) has published documents relating to fenestration anchorage and life cycle testing. AAMA 910-10, Voluntary "Life Cycle" Specifications and Test Methods for AW Class Architectural Windows and Doors, is a specification and test method intended to model, through accelerated testing, the normal wear that can be expected during the life of a typical architectural door or window product.

"Since its introduction more than 20 years ago, the AAMA 910 'Life Cycle' testing specification for AW Class windows and doors has been widely accepted by industry consultants and the specifying community," says Ken Brenden, AAMA technical services manager. "With the advance of technology, along with two decades of experience and test data from a variety of materials, this specification and test method has been updated to reflect the changing needs of the marketplace, such as longer warranty periods, sustainable design, more durable finishes and increasingly more stringent code requirements."

The newly created AAMA TIR-A-14-10, Fenestration Anchorage Guidelines, serves as a companion document to AAMA 2501 (Voluntary Guideline for Engineering Analysis of Window and Sliding Glass Door Anchorage Systems) and offers engineering rules and guidelines in the design of anchorage fasteners for doors and windows. The document provides an overview of the issues that must be addressed during anchorage design and analysis.

Brenden states, "In the window and door industry, the type of available anchoring systems are just as varied and numerous as the different types and configurations of available windows. No matter which anchor system is utilized, the principle engineering methodology does not change."

Visit AAMA's online publication store to learn more or to purchase.

Need more info and analysis about the issues?
CLICK HERE to subscribe to USGlass magazine.