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Updated specification rates ability of windows, doors, skylights, sliding glass doors to withstand impacts from windborne debris

Windows and Doors

Updated specification rates ability of windows, doors, skylights, sliding glass doors to withstand impacts from windborne debris

The rating system is designed for conditions generally associated with hurricanes.


By Peter Fabris, Contributing Editor  | August 31, 2023
Photo: Pexels Expect the Best
Photo: Pexels Expect the Best

The Fenestration and Glazing Industry Alliance (FGIA) updated a specification providing a system for rating the ability of windows, doors, skylights and sliding glass doors to withstand impact and pressure cycling generally associated with hurricane conditions.

“Since the Florida Product Approval, and recently the Texas Department for Insurance (TDI), may utilize certification and listing of a fenestration product by an independent agency, AAMA 506 can be utilized to assure windborne debris resistant fenestration will meet the criteria required for nationwide acceptance,” says Lothar Erkens, an executive with Winco Window Company, and Architectural Products Council Co-chair of the FGIA Impact Specification Review Task Group. “This assures that the product not only provides protection against windborne debris, but also provides comfort and protection against excessive air infiltration, water infiltration and structural performance suitable to a project specific Performance Grade (PG).”

AAMA 506-23 was last updated in 2016. It is now available for purchase in the FGIA online store. 

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