Window and Door June/July 2012 : Page 14
Code Arena laminated glass. Currently the IBC requires engineering analysis when framing supporting glass deflects more than 1/175 of the length of glass edge supported. An exemption is provided, however, for products tested and labeled in accordance with AAMA/WDMA/CSA 101/I.S.2/A440. In previous cycles, the Glazing Industry Code Committee and the Aluminum Extruders Council have sought removal of the exemption. AAMA and WDMA have argued, effec-tively, that maintaining the exemption was consistent with the IRC. The IRC does not limit the deflection of fram-ing supporting glass. Buildings built under the IRC have shown a signifi-cant reduction in failure rates when subjected to extreme wind events. The proposal by AAMA was offered as a compromise between the premise of GICC and AEC, that the exemption should be removed completely, and the premise of WDMA that no limits should be placed on the exemption. A Company The comparative analysis propos-al would have expanded current pro-visions to allow windows larger than those already rated in accordance with AAMA/WDMA/CSA 101/I.S.2/ A440 to be rated to a lower design pressure using engineering analysis only, without requiring additional testing of the larger unit. Use of en-gineering analysis would have been based upon all components of the larger unit being identical to those of the unit that was rated. Unfortunately for the sealant and flashing industries, a decision rendered during the ICC Group A Hearings was the disapproval of AAMA 711 and AAMA 714. Representatives of EIFS Industry Manufacturers Association spoke against the proposal at the hearings, questioning the status of AAMA’s standards development process as being an open and consensus process. ICC rules requires referenced standards to be “developed in an open and consensus process, such as ASTM or ANSI.” The representatives of EIMA claimed that “no EIFS manufacturer” had participated in the development of AAMA 711 and AAMA 714 stan-dard. In actuality, seven members of EIMA are also members of AAMA, and five of those members partici-pated in the balloting of AAMA 711 and AAMA 714. AAMA maintains, of course, that it employs a standards development process that meets the ICC criteria. Members will determine the organi-zation’s next course of action regards to the disapproval of AAMA 711 and AAMA 714 at the upcoming AAMA Summer Conference, scheduled for June in Oak Brook, Ill. Code Arena is brought to you by the America Architectural Manufacturers Association. Julie Ruth may be reached through AAMA at 847/303-5664 or via e-mail at julruth@aol.com. A New Level of Efficiency and Customer Emphasis Skyreach L&S Extrusions Corp A modern newly equipped North American extrusion facility with additional offshore capacity and staffed with experienced professionals who are committed to helping you succeed. Contact Franco Valente at extension 230 for more information on how we can help you with your extrusions or open die window systems & custom profile requirements. Skyreach L&S Extrusions Corp Tel: 416.663.1888 1.866.903.8800 www.skyreachls.com Manufacturer of Certified Profiles 14 | Window & Door | June/July 2012