Before they’re allowed to be sold on the market, windows and doors go through a bevy of tests that measure if they’re worthy to be sold to American homeowners. By doing so, the standards for good doors and windows are set, and the people responsible for these standards is the American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA). The performance standards for windows and doors have evolved over the years just to ensure that you get the product you deserve.
How the Standards Are Determined
The process of determining door and window standards is a complex one. According to the AAMA’s Publication guide, there are four group levels involved in their document development process. Product groups or the material councils will first appoint committees to handle the industry’s issues of concern. That way, they can divide the work into specific tasks and assign them to groups. Afterwards, the completed draft is sent for balloting in order to achieve a broad-based consensus. Usually, the draft is balloted to a member with the needed technical expertise. Upon approval, the draft is once again balloted “upstream” to the committee and council to whom the originating group reports.
The draft will then go through numerous changes and iterations before reaching an acceptable consensus version before being balloted to the correct product group (architectural and/or residential groups, such as window replacement companies). At the same time, the document will then be posted on the AAMA website for everyone to see and peruse.
The Importance of These Standards
As the consumer, it’s understandable to be confused about the importance of these standards. These standards actually ensure that the product that’s about to be sold on the market is performing the way it should be in terms of durability, longevity and even energy efficiency. This benefits you because these qualities will allow you to save a significant amount in the long run.
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