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AAMA releases new comparison of condensation ratings systems for fenestration

Fenestration and Glazing

AAMA releases new comparison of condensation ratings systems for fenestration

Document compares three ratings systems.


By Peter Fabris, Contributing Editor | September 4, 2015
AAMA releases new comparison of condensation ratings systems for fenestration

Condensation on a window. Photo: Arron T. Williams/DeviantArt

The American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA) released a new document laying out comparisons among three different rating systems for condensation on interior surfaces of fenestration products.

The formation of condensation on these surfaces in winter months is problematic in almost all modern buildings. This document addresses some of the common causes and the technical issues related to condensation. It also offers a comparison of the tools available for rating fenestration systems for condensation resistance.

“This new AAMA document was developed to provide a single reference source on the three common condensation rating systems for the U.S. and Canada,” says Doug Holmberg (Apogee Enterprises), co-chair of the Condensation Ratings Comparison Task Group. “It also provides information on how each rating is calculated for comparing the condensation resistance of products and the differences in the rating systems.”

Steve Strawn (JELD-WEN), co-chair of the Condensation Ratings Comparison Task Group, adds that window condensation ratings can be difficult to understand, and that the question has been further complicated by the use of different methods to rate condensation resistance.

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