AAMA Releases Document Addressing Static Water Test Pressures in Non-Hurricane-Prone Regions

SCHAUMBURG, ILL. – AAMA TIR A13-09, which provides information in regards to resistance to wind-driven rain penetration, has been released by the American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA). Resistance to wind-driven rain penetration is one of the primary functions of fenestration systems and is addressed by many industry standards, building codes and project specifications.

AAMA/WDMA/CSA 101/I.S.2/A440 provides the specifying authority, builder and consumer with some latitude in selecting an appropriate maximum water test pressure. AAMA TIR A13-09 was prepared for anyone who requires information on recommended maximum static pressures used during testing of products’ resistance to wind-driven rain penetration, when such tests are conducted as part of the AAMA/WDMA/CSA 101/I.S.2/A440 regimen.

“Though technical in nature, it is the intent of the document to present this information in clear ‘layman’s’ language and is based on the accumulated experience and expertise of AAMA’s members and staff,” says Ken Brenden, AAMA technical standards manager. He continues, “Recent work by ASTM and AAMA has been focused on testing and rating of fenestration products that are intended for use in areas subjected to extraordinarily severe rain conditions, as experienced during tropical storms and hurricanes, but this report is applicable in all areas of the country due to storms, tornadoes and other non-hurricane weather conditions.”

This Technical Information Report (TIR) is limited to water resistance testing, although there is some degree of correlation with design wind pressures for a given site and application. Catastrophic structural damage and life safety concerns may lead to a greater degree of conservatism in structural design than is appropriate for water penetration resistance. Structural performance and wind-borne debris damage are not covered in this document.

The Recommended Static Water Test Pressures in Non-Hurricane-Prone Regions of the United States is available to members at a cost of $10 for download, $20 for paper copy and $25 for CD. Non-members may purchase the document at a cost of $25 for download, $50 for paper copy and $55 for CD. To order AAMA TIR A13-09, visit the AAMA Online Publication Store at www.aamanetstore.org; call 847-303-5664; or write the American Architectural Manufacturers Association, 1827 Walden Office Square, Suite 550, Schaumburg, IL 60173. More information about AAMA and its activities can be found at www.aamanet.org.

The new AAMA TIR A13-09 document is applicable in all areas of the country due to storms, tornadoes and other non-hurricane weather conditions.

AAMA is the source of performance standards, product certification, and educational programs for the fenestration industry.