AAMA Updates Test Methods for Exterior Walls
August 4, 2015
The American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA) recently released AAMA 501-15, a document updating test methods, specifications, and field checks for evaluating “the structural adequacy of wall systems and their ability to resist water penetration and air leakage.”
Previously updated in 2005, the revised document is to be referenced in current laboratory and field testing methods for exterior wall systems comprised of curtain walls, storefronts and sloped glazing.
According to José Colon, chair of the AAMA 501 Update Task Group, the revised standard is designed to make sure all labs and product manufacturers are on the same page as far as procedures and pass/fail criteria for certain parts of the standard. New technologies for testing equipment have also been taken into consideration in the revised standards.
“Historically, AAMA 501 has been the base standard for project specific test requirements,” Colon is quoted as saying on the AAMA website. “More and more specifications are being written that are actually even longer than what is called out in AAMA 501.” This is especially the case in places with more detailed codes, like Miami-Dade or the state of Florida in general, Colon said.
“A specific product or system company will ask us to test per AAMA 501 just to get their system testing so they can get certification from Miami-Dade or Florida,” he said. “The building code requires AAMA 501 on curtain wall and store front systems. Plus, we have other manufacturers or glazing contractors that will need similar testing per AAMA 501, or greater, for a specific project.”
For more information, contact Bruce Croak, Graham Architectural Products’ technical marketing manager, at 717-849-8100.
GAP Promotes Two, Adds Two
July 30, 2015
Graham Architectural Products (GAP) has promoted two associates and added two more.
Michael Mostris and Joe Brown received promotions, while Paul Heinzen and Brian Cook have joined the company.
Mostris is filling the newly created position of Western Division Sales …
New Leadership at NFRC
July 23, 2015
With the recent departure of its longtime chief executive officer, the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) has now lost three veteran staffers in the past three months.
Early this month, the organization’s chief executive officer, Jim Benney, became the third …
June Economic Data Mixed
July 9, 2015
Although the Dodge Momentum Index declined in June, Dodge Data & Analytics said in its monthly report that “real estate market fundamentals remain favorable and can be expected to support a pickup in new plans for commercial buildings later this …
GAP Announces Three New Hires
July 8, 2015
Graham Architectural Products is pleased to announce the addition of three new associates.
Antonio “Tony” Iglesias has joined Continental Glass Systems, LLC, (CGS) as a project manager in the Hialeah, FL, operation, while Graham Architectural Products’ York location has added …
AAMA Updates Standards for Aluminum Finishes
July 1, 2015
The American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA) has updated and released two documents specific to aluminum finishes in what a spokesman called “a continuation” of the organization’s plans “to address current issues, test methods and bring specifications up to date with …
May Construction Data Paints Mixed Picture
June 15, 2015
The Dodge Momentum Index, a monthly measure of the first report for nonresidential building projects in planning, dipped ever-so-slightly in May, extending what has been an essentially flat 2015. However, in better news, construction hiring increased in the month, continuing …
GAP Announces Director of Finance for New Partnership
June 4, 2015
Ariel Peralta has joined Graham Architectural Products (GAP) as director of finance for the company’s new partnership with Continental Glass Systems, LLC, Hialeah, Florida.
In this position, Peralta will lead, direct and implement the company’s strategic and tactical financial reporting …
Retrofit Magazine Highlights GAP’s Historic Replication Work
June 1, 2015
When it comes to renovating historic architecture, only a handful of companies are able to replicate the look of the original windows while designing the thermal performance enhancements necessary to achieve optimal energy- and cost-efficiency.
Yet this unique ability is …
AAMA Clarifies Stance on Test Report Expiration Dates
May 20, 2015
A recent technical bulletin released by the American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA) strongly reinforces a stance long-held by quality manufacturers.
AAMA says that once a product is performance tested, the test report remains valid, even after the testing laboratory’s own …