Window and Door Standards: How Are They Determined?

In the past, people had limited window options for their homes. When you needed replacement windows or doors, you could only choose between wood and mill-finish with single-pane glass for the frame. Fortunately, today, units are available in a wide range of materials and customization options to complement every home and meet specific needs. 

In 1947, The Aluminum Window Manufacturers Association created the first industry-standard alloys, which were for the structural strength of double-hung aluminum windows. Currently, the North American Fenestration Standard covers 10 window materials and 45 types of windows. Keep on reading to learn how these door and window standards are determined. 

How Are Window and Door Standards Developed?

Developed in 1962, the American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA) was the first third-party window performance program, allowing manufacturers to exhibit the performance of their products to customers. 

Thanks to the AAMA certification, consumers were able to identify windows and doors that went through independent laboratory testing and followup on-site inspection of the production process. To determine if the windows or doors you’re interested in are authorized, you can check out AAMA’s online Certified Products Directory (CPD). 

Moreover, the AAMA develops standards in an open consensus method indicated in AAMA 120, Procedural Guide for Creation, Publication and Maintenance of AAMA’s Technical Development. You can find this in the AAMA online store. 

The standard development for doors and windows involves four group levels. Product groups of material councils designate committees to handle issues about the industry. Usually, the committees divide the work into specific tasks and assign them to task groups. The task group, committee or council level addresses tasks by drafting a standard. 

Balloting: Achieving a Broad-Based Consensus

After completing a draft or when it is in certain stages of development, it’s sent to the members of the initial development group. Once approved, the committee and council that the originating group reports will receive it. 

Drafts typically undergo numerous alterations and revisions before they make it to the final version. When approved, they are balloted to the responsible product group and posted on the AAMA website for comments. Before the document can advance in the development process, all comments or concerns must be resolved. 

Members receive the ballots because their technical expertise is essential for assessing the document. While a member may not play a major role in the drafting process, balloting lets them speak their concerns about product representation and application. Every comment from the members matters.

Various task groups and committees are developing at least 60 new or updated documents, which includes around 20 specifications, according to the monthly Technical Ballot Status Report by AAMA staff. These guidelines have different focuses, such as skylight selection and daylighting design, engineering analysis of fastener systems, organic coating quality control and water penetration resistance of door hardware.  

Why Window and Door Standards Matter

Whether you need new casement, picture or sliding windows, you must consider their performance before purchasing. Many homeowners are choosing windows and doors based on the appearance of the units. While appeal matters, you should also determine whether your preferred windows and doors can help with your indoor comfort and ventilation.

Another thing to take note of is convenience. A good replacement window or door is not only beautiful, but will also make your life easier. You also shouldn’t choose units because of their price. While quality windows may have a higher upfront cost, you’ll eventually recoup this value through energy savings and higher home value. 

High-performance and energy-efficient windows and doors can help keep your home cool in summer and warm in winter. They prevent the outside temperature from affecting your interior, meaning your HVAC system doesn’t need to exert as much effort to keep you comfortable. Today, you can get high performance from nearly all window styles. 

Basic Factors to Consider in Your New Windows and Doors

Frame Material

Wood, fiberglass and vinyl are among the most popular window and door materials. Each of these options come with their own set of pros and cons. When choosing a material, you must consider if they are suitable for your Nashville home. For instance, aluminum windows may come at a low cost, but they won’t offer that much insulation for your home, and they only work in certain parts of the country. Then, there’s wood, which is durable and appealing, but prone to moisture-related problems. 

At Renewal by Andersen® of Nashville, we install replacement windows in Fibrex® material. Fibrex is extremely strong because it was made from real wood fiber. The material is so strong that it can be manufactured into narrower frames, giving you more glass area and more expansive views. 

Being a low-maintenance composite, Fibrex barely expands and contracts with extreme temperature changes. Since Fibrex offers superior resistance to heat, we can offer frames in dark exterior colors. Moreover, it exceeds the performance of wood, aluminum, fiberglass and vinyl windows. 

Panes

Replacing your old, single-pane windows with dual-pane ones will significantly increase your home’s energy efficiency. You’ll immediately notice that your home is more comfortable and see a decrease in your energy costs. 

In between the panes of insulated glass units (IGU) are inert gas fills, usually argon or krypton. These gases improve the insulating properties of windows and doors. They can also reduce noise transmission, making them ideal for busy neighborhoods and those who value their peace and quiet. 

Style

The natural light and ventilation you can get from windows and doors vary by style. Double-hung windows feature two operable horizontal sashes. Sliding windows open from side to side while casements open outwards with a crank handle. Then, there are also stationary picture windows, which can give you plenty of sunlight. 

Choose Renewal by Andersen® of Nashville for quality and energy-efficient windows and doors. We are a leading window company in the area. Give us a call at (866) 609-5033, or fill out our contact form to schedule a free consultation. We serve homeowners in Nashville, TN, and the surrounding communities.