The multi-party effort to standardize performance requirements for fenestration products in North America has been approved by the Canadian Standards Associations (CSA). On January 7, 2005, the standard was officially approved by a joint meeting of executives of the three associations involved: the American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA), the Window & Door Manufacturers Association (WDMA) and the Canadian Window and Door Manufacturers Association (CWDMA).

Expected to become effective in 2006, the new document, Standards/Specification for Windows, Doors and Unit Skylights, now also covers the category of side-hinged doors.

"101/I.S. 2/A440-04 represents years of collaboration within our industry, yet a few hurdles remain before it will be fully implemented," said Dean Lewis, certification manager for AAMA. "We expect initial acceptance into the IBC and IRC very soon, with the final ICC hearing for code adoption set for September. Realistically, however, it may be another three years before all manufacturers will be certifying their products to the most current uniform North American standard."

Printed and electronic copies of the document will be available from all three co-publishers. Orders can be placed with AAMA by visiting the association's website, www.aamanet.org, or by faxing AAMA at 847/303-5774.