|
Storm Product Standards
Catching Up to 21st Century Energy Efficiency
Demand
by Ken Brenden
kbrenden@aamanet.org
Storm doors and windows are receiving interest and have
garnered growing awareness from the Department of Energy and manufacturers
alike. Accordingly, they have been included in the scope of the latest
edition of the North American Fenestration Standard, NAFS-11 (AAMA/WDMA/CSA
101/ I.S.2/A440-2011).
To define the performance of these products, the specifications, AAMA
1002-11, Voluntary Specification for Secondary Storm Products for Windows
and Sliding Glass Doors, and AAMA 1102-11, Voluntary Specification for
Side-Hinged Secondary Storm Doors—previously dating to 1993 and 1989,
respectively—cover what was formerly known as “combination” or “insulating”
storm products but are now referred to as “secondary storm products” (SSP).
They interlock with NAFS by virtue of being added as operator types to
the new omnibus standard and by referencing NAFS-11 within them.
General Performance Requirements
NAFS requires structural, air infiltration and water penetration testing
for AAMA 1002 compliance of SSPs and structural and water testing for
side-hinged storm doors (AAMA 1102 products). These requirements are slightly
different from those in NAFS applicable to prime doors and windows. For
example, while structural (windload) testing is the same as for prime
windows and sliding doors at 150 percent of the applicable design pressure,
SSP water testing (for adequate drainage) is conducted at 10 percent of
design pressure (versus 15 or 20 percent for prime windows) for design
pressures of 20 psf or more. For design pressures less than 20 psf, the
water test pressure is zero. Air leakage test pressure for storm windows
is the same at all performance levels: 1.57 psf.
"In addition
to those imposed in NAFS, product-specific requirements for both internally
and externally applied fixed, and horizontally or vertically operable
storm windows and sliding doors are detailed in AAMA 1002."
SSP materials (structural members, fasteners, hardware,
weatherstrip, sealants, gaskets, coatings/finishes, insect screens and
glazing) are the same as those for prime doors and windows specified in
NAFS.
Product-Specific Requirements
In addition to those imposed in NAFS, product-specific requirements for
both internally and externally applied fixed, and horizontally or vertically
operable storm windows and sliding doors are detailed in AAMA 1002. These
include operating force requirements and, for vertically operating products,
safety drop testing for units with or without pre-set sash retention positions.
Another SSP-specific requirement is a sash/leaf concentrated load test
on the latch rail. A concentrated load of no less than 15 lbf (pound force)
is applied to the center of the span of the latch rail, both perpendicular
(normal) to, and then in the plane of, the sash or leaf. It is first pulled
in one direction and then in the opposite direction, which cannot cause
glass breakage, deglazing or frame deflection greater than 0.06 inch in
order to pass testing.
For AAMA 1102-compliant storm doors with an integral vertically operating
sash, AAMA 1002 requirements for the vertically operating storm window
sash drop safety stop test apply. Requirements are also set forth for
louver hardware in jalousie storm doors.
Storm doors are further required under AAMA 1102 to pass racking and sag
tests under applied loads of 30 to 40 lbf to determine permanent deflection
of the bottom member, not to exceed 0.25 inch for racking or 0.063 inch
in sag.
Products governed by AAMA 1002 and 1102 (and thus also by NAFS), may be
certified and labeled under the AAMA Certification Program.
For a copy of AAMA 1002-11 or AAMA 1102-11, visit the AAMA online Publication
Store at www.aamanet.org/store.
Ken Brenden serves as technical services manager for the American
Architectural Man-ufacturers Association in Schaumburg, Ill.
DWM
© Copyright 2012 Key Communications Inc. All rights reserved.
No reproduction of any type without expressed written permission.
|
