The Fenestration and Glazing Industry Alliance (FGIA) updated a mulled assemblies document: AAMA 450-20, Performance Rating Method for Mulled Combination Assemblies, Composite Units, and Other Mulled Fenestration Systems.
The document was last updated in 2010. The performance rating method describes procedures and requirements for determining the air leakage, water resistance, and structural performance of mulled fenestration systems.
The document includes test procedures and calculation procedures for determining the performance of mulled fenestration systems. Mulled fenestration systems may be factory assembled or assembled onsite with parts and instructions supplied by the product manufacturer.
“The North American Fenestration Standard says that ‘mullion ratings shall be determined according to the requirements and procedures of AAMA 450 for both composite units and mulled combination assemblies.’ However, until now, AAMA 450 provided no guidance for composite units,” said Dave Goldsmith (PlyGem), co-chair of the FGIA Requirements for Mulled and Combination Window Assembly Update Task Group. “This document will put powerful new tools into the hands of engineers to assist them in determining how to construct structurally sound and weatherproof fenestration products in the most economical ways, and should also drastically reduce the amount of testing required to validate a large variety of composite unit configurations,” Goldsmith said.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | May 6, 2020
A few ways contractors can manage COVID-19 risks
Staggered start times, rigorous tool cleaning, virtual training among the strategies.
Codes and Standards | May 5, 2020
NAHB loses influence in 2021 IECC building code development
Despite objections from the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), the development of the 2021 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) is nearing conclusion. NAHB objected to several more stringent energy efficiency provisions.
Codes and Standards | May 5, 2020
2020 IECC will lead to significant carbon emissions reductions
New model building code nearly finalized.
Codes and Standards | May 4, 2020
New York expands prevailing wage law
Now includes private projects with 30% or more of public subsidies.
Codes and Standards | May 1, 2020
OSHA says most employers don’t have to track worker COVID-19 infections
Agency clarifies responsibility for contractors, others.
Codes and Standards | Apr 29, 2020
New York City tightens restrictions on construction during pandemic
Dept. of Buildings has issued more than 100 violations and stop-work orders.
Codes and Standards | Apr 28, 2020
ASHRAE, WELL panels to tackle revising standards to limit spread of viruses in buildings
Will examine ways to reduce infectious threats through building designs and operations.
Codes and Standards | Apr 24, 2020
Dept. of Labor issues guidance for respiratory protection during N95 shortage
Elastomeric respirators or powered, air-purifying respirators, and expired N95s are allowable alternatives
Codes and Standards | Apr 23, 2020
Group will create ecosystem for smart building data
Seven Finnish companies aim to integrate all technical systems into a single platform.
Codes and Standards | Apr 23, 2020
COVID-19 epidemic demonstrates value of flexible hospital space
Some rooms being repurposed for ICU care.
