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Bigger and Better
AAMA Releases 2011 Edition of NAFS
by KEN BRENDEN
AAMA has just released the next edition of AAMA/ WDMA/CSA
101/I.S.2/A440, also known as the 2011 North American Fenestration Standard
(NAFS) for doors, windows and skylights. Already set to be referenced
in the 2012 I-codes (the International Building Code (IBC) and International
Residential Code (IRC)), the revised standard features several changes.
This standard/specification was thoroughly restructured with separate
sections for products and materials and components, together with updated
performance parameter tables.
Smooth Operators
More operator types were also added. The 2008 version of NAFS addressed
31 operator types, while the new version offers 36. The five additions
are described below.
• Mullion assembly (MA) is defined as the unit formed by joining two or
more individual fenestration units together with a horizontal or vertical
member.
• Parallel opening window (POW) is defined as a window consisting of an
operable sash that moves horizontally outward perpendicular to the plane
of the frame and remains parallel to the frame throughout its range of
motion.
• Secondary storm product (SSP) is defined as a door, window or skylight
product intended to be used only in conjunction with (and attached to
the internal or external frame or sash of) a primary door, window or skylight
product for the purpose of enhancing thermal performance.
• Tubular daylighting devices for closed ceiling (TDDCC) and for open
ceiling (TDDOC) were added. TDDs are defined as non-operable fenestration
units primarily designed to transmit daylight from a roof surface to an
interior space, and generally consisting of an exterior glazed weathering
surface, a light-transmitting tubular conduit with a reflective inner
surface and an interior closure glazing in a retainer frame. In closed-ceiling
installations, the tubular conduit passes through unconditioned space,
while in open-ceiling versions, the tubular conduit is suspended in conditioned
space.
• The roof window (RW) and unit skylight (SK) categories have been split
into two: glass glazed (RWG/SKG) and plastic glazed (RWP/SKP) and are
not identified by performance classes.
'"he outermost surface
of test samples of hardware intended for repetitive human touch by the
consumer in its installed condition must be tested for the presence of
lead in accordance with ASTM E1753."
Check for Lead
Requirements on lead content for hardware were also added. The outermost
surface of test samples of hardware intended for repetitive human touch
by the consumer in its installed condition must be tested for the presence
of lead in accordance with ASTM E1753 (Rhodizonate surface swab test).
If the hardware is coated, the coatings (e.g., paint, plating, oil or
clear coat) are considered the outermost surface of the part. If lead
is indicated, the lead content must be confirmed by either Test Method
A (under which the lead content of the surface material must not exceed
0.02 percent by weight) or Test Method B (which specifies percentage limits
for bronze or brass).
Mullion provisions were reorganized with new ratings and designations.
If tested as a combination assembly, the individual units making up a
factory-made combination assembly must also qualify as individual units.
Combination assemblies with mullions between separate door or window units
can be qualified by testing as a single combination unit or by testing
as individual units, with mullion performance tested separately or calculated
for air, water and structural performance in accordance with AAMA 450,
Voluntary Performance Rating Method for Mulled Fenestration Assemblies.
Field-mulled units are not covered.
NAFS-11, the material-neutral guidepost for fenestration specifiers, has
been evolving since 1997 and serves as the basis for product certification
as required by IBC and IRC. Everyone in the industry should be familiar
with the requirements of this standard/specification.
Ken Brenden serves as technical services manager for the American
Architectural Manufacturers Association in Schaumburg, Ill.
DWM
© Copyright 2012 Key Communications Inc. All rights reserved.
No reproduction of any type without expressed written permission.
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