Revamped testing procedures, designed to ensure that vinyl window profiles used by AAMA-certified window and door producers are lead-free, have been approved by the American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA). The procedures changes, set to begin January 1, 2005, apply to both domestic and offshore extruders of vinyl profiles, as well as to AAMA-accredited testing laboratories and licensees of the AAMA certification program.

A key change to the program, according to an association news release, is the requirement for a new licensee to complete a 12-month weathering test, versus the six-month test period that was previously required. All AAMA profile licensees are also required to provide a complete listing of their fabricator customers in North America.

"One sample of each profile design and color found in the plant must be tested for lead content during the unannounced AAMA inspections, which take place twice a year," said Dean Lewis, manager of product certification. "As an additional safeguard, the lead-check test will be routinely conducted by AAMA-accredited laboratories whenever they test a window, door or skylight assembly-whether for AAMA certification or not."