AAMA Analysis_ DWM

Volume 11, Issue 2 - March 2010

AAMA Analysis

Requirements for Fiberglass Coatings Evolve
by Ken Brenden

In early 2001, the first standard governing the use of fiberglass fenestration profiles, AAMA 305-2000 (updated in 2006), was released. By the end of 2003, AAMA established a Fiberglass Material Council (FMC) to further develop standards and promote fiberglass as a viable fenestration material.

Because the long-term durability of fiberglass profiles—more generically termed “fiber reinforced thermoset profiles”—depends largely on the applied coatings, the FMC embarked upon a project to develop specifications for factory-applied organic coatings, listed below. These define the capabilities and expectations for “good, better and best” levels of finishes for fiberglass fenestration profiles, addressing different performance needs for film integrity, exterior durability and general appearance for different applications and market needs.

"Earmarked for future development are specifications for performance of exterior stained products and information on solar reflectivity of exterior façades."

Fiberglass Specifications
• AAMA 623-07, Voluntary Specification, Performance Requirements and Test Procedures for Organic Coatings on Fiber Reinforced Thermoset Profiles

• AAMA 624-07, Voluntary Specification, Performance Requirements and Test Procedures for High Performance Organic Coatings on Fiber Reinforced Thermoset Profiles

• AAMA 625-07, Voluntary Specification, Performance Requirements and Test Procedures for Superior Performance Organic Coatings on Fiber Reinforced Thermoset Profiles

The table (below) summarizes the scope of the performance parameters and increasing performance requirements set forth by the three specifications.

Future Specification Activity
The FMC already is updating these specifications, focusing on clarification of chemical resistance testing, in response to inquiries from testing operations noting variances in results associated with different coating colors. AAMA 623 weathering exposure requirements also are being increased. Earmarked for future development are specifications for performance of exterior stained products and information (possibly leading to a specification) on solar reflectivity of exterior façades, which has potential to address the urban “heat island effect” of various materials on vertical surfaces (perhaps similar to “cool roof” requirements).

As materials and performance requirements evolve, it is important that consensus groups such as AAMA keep specifications up to date so the industry can stay on the cutting edge..

Ken Brenden serves as technical standards manager for the American Architectural Manufacturers Association in Schaumburg, Ill. He may be reached at kbrenden@aamanet.org. His opinions are solely his own and do not necessarily reflect those of this magazine.