Metal Matters

In the Details
Efforts Underway to Update Storefront and Entrance Manua

By Ken Brenden

The American Architectural Manufacturers Association’s (AAMA) Aluminum Storefront Door Task Group has taken up the task of revising the venerable Aluminum Storefront and Entrance Manual (AAMA SFM-1-87) and also is planning to develop an Application Guide for Commercial Storefront and Entrance Systems. The manual, which is positioned to serve as an aid for solving the special design problems of public entrance areas, provides authoritative information on good design practice including hardware selection and structural design.

“In the course of revising the 1987-vintage AAMA Aluminum Storefront and Entrance Manual
(AAMA SFM-1), industry changes since the last publication will affect what information is included.
The task group will evaluate the inclusion of new information regarding advances in design, current
product offerings, updated performance requirements and more.”

Work in Progress
During the AAMA 72nd Annual Conference, which took place February 22-25, in Coronado, Calif., the initial review identified a number of necessary changes, such as the use of current Construction Specifications Institute and American Institute of Architects guide specifications. In addition, the manual will also reference applicable current standards, such as ASCE/SEI 7, Minimum Design Loads for Buildings and Other Structures, and ASTM E 1300, Standard Practice for Determining Load Resistance of Glass in Buildings. Ensuring that definitions are congruent with those in other sources such as ASTM E 331, Standard Test Method for Water Penetration of Exterior Windows, Skylights, Doors and Curtain Walls by Uniform Static Air Pressure Difference and correcting water test pressure levels (20 percent vs. 10 percent) and air leakage rates (0.1 cfm/ft2 at 6.24 psf vs. from 0.06 cfm/ft2 at 6.24 psf) is also at the top of the list for necessary revisions.

Likewise, the manual is being reviewed to delete outdated information, such as that of stock painted finishes and shading coefficients. Mention is also added regarding the inclusion of operability and long-term durability of astragals and weather sweeps that may be added to entrances subject to testing to ASTM E 283, Standard Test Method for Determining Rate of Air Leakage Through Exterior Windows, Curtain Walls, and Doors Under Specified Pressure Differences Across the Specimen.

Latest Updates
In the course of revising the 1987-vintage AAMA Aluminum Storefront and Entrance Manual (AAMA SFM-1), industry changes since the last publication will affect what information is included. The task group will evaluate the inclusion of new information regarding advances in design, current product offerings, updated performance requirements and more. Code-mandated performance requirements, as well as new and improved systems, will also be taken into consideration. The supplemental Application Guide for Commercial Storefront and Entrance Systems is still in the development stages; however, the guide is slated to address performance requirements (air, water, structural and thermal) for both laboratory and field-testing, in addition to accessibility concerns. The membership’s review of the document is scheduled for completion this summer, and the final document is expected to be available via AAMA’s online publication store (www.aamanetstore.org) later this year. AG

Ken Brenden is the technical services manager for the American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA) based in Schaumburg, Ill. Mr. Brenden's opinions are solely his own and not necessarily those of this magazine.

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