In-person participants at the 2023 Fenestration and Glazing Industry Alliance (FGIA) Annual Conference had the opportunity to experience several different types of hardware and watch demonstrations of various FGIA document tests at seven stations.
“Being able to touch some of the samples and see it live really increases comprehension,” says Richard Dean of Ultrafab, who provided the demonstration at the AAMA 701/702 weatherstrip station. “A lot of the people are hands-on learners. We’re happy to be able to provide that experience.”
What stations were there?
The following stations were present at the conference’s demonstration:
AAMA/WDMA TB 23, Clarification of the Definition of a Window Opening Control Device
The AAMA/WDMA TB23 clarifies the definition of a Window Opening Control Device (WOCD) and provides an understanding of a WOCD’s function. This station had three windows: two featuring WOCDs and one with limiting devices. Station visitors were invited to test their knowledge of which were actually WOCDs.
AAMA 906, Specification for Sliding Door and Lift and Slide Roller Assemblies
The AAMA 906 evaluates the performance and durability of rollers used in the operation of sliding doors and lift and slide doors. This station had a test rig to test operating forces on samples of sliding door rollers.
AAMA 902, Voluntary Specification for Sash Balances
The AAMA 902 provides rating criteria and test procedures for qualifying sash balances to two performance levels and six Maximum Applied Force (MAF) Classifications. This station included a video showing test procedures.
AAMA 901, Voluntary Specification for Rotary & Linear Operators in Window Applications
AAMA 901 covers procedures, materials and performance criteria for determining the durability of gear-type rotary and linear operating devices used for opening and closing casement, awning, jalousie and other similar types of windows. This station demonstrated how the window operators are tested and provided examples of operators before and after testing.
AAMA 701/702, Performance Specification for Pile Weatherstrips and Polymer Weatherseals
AAMA 701/702 is a specification for weatherstripping and weather seals, respectively. This station had examples of sample preparation and analysis. There, a demonstrator explained how UV, heat and humidity affect weatherstrips and share common causes of failure. The tests discussed included compression set, length shrinkage, compression load deflection and UV degradation.
AAMA 904, Specification for Multi-Bar Hinges in Window Application
The AAMA 904 covers procedures, materials and performance criteria for determining the durability of multi-bar hinges used for opening and closing casement, projected and parallel opening windows. This station had a video showing AAMA 904 testing. An example window with testing tools was also available.
