AAMA reports plans for certification extension; celebrates Gold Label 50th anniversary at Conference

Date: 6 March 2013
Source: AAMA
At AAMA’s 76th Annual Conference in Tucson, Ariz,, the American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA) announced the intent to update an interim procedural guide that will provide a documented, optional process to extend current, unexpired AAMA product certification to any edition of AAMA/WDMA(/CSA) 101/I.S.2(/A440), North American Fenestration Standard/Specification for windows, doors, and skylights (NAFS) for a period of two years for products that have had no changes.

The procedural guide, AAMA 106-13, Interim Procedural Guide for Extension of NAFS Certification is anticipated for release prior to the AAMA Summer Conference in June.    

“Over the past 10 years, testing and certification requirements have increased; we are now testing more combinations of windows, and there are more special conditions to meet ratings for hurricane zones and local building codes,” says Mike DeSoto (MI Windows and Doors), co-chair of AAMA’s Certification Extension Review Task Group. “Allowing a streamlined method of extending certification on products that have not changed since the last test provides manufacturers with much needed relief. The engineering resources we [manufacturers] are saving by reducing the frequency of renewal testing can be focused on research and development, certifying new products and introducing product enhancements.”



AAMA Celebrates 50 Years of Gold Label Certification

Also during the Annual Conference, current licensees of AAMA’s Gold Label Certification were recognized. AAMA’s Certification Labeling Program began in 1963, when AAMA was the Architectural Aluminum Manufacturers Association.

“While the program has stood the test of time, we are still making improvements thanks to our many active members, and we are excited about the anticipated certification extension revision of the AAMA product certification program,” says Rich Rinka, AAMA's certification manager. “The AAMA Certification Program would not be possible without our licensees, component suppliers and accredited laboratories.”