Although regulations for fenestration products to be tested and certified have always been in place, they are now enforced in a more consistent manner. The recent changes in federal, provincial, and municipal building codes aimed to make them more harmonized, have affected the fenestration industry directly.
LabTest Certification provides fast turnaround and competitive pricing for Testing and Certification according to national and international industry-set fenestration standards developed by: CSA, AAMA, ASTM, WDMA, and NFRC.
Thermal Modeling
Thermal Performance Ratings and U-values are now being requested by most municipalities in the form of a temporary label attached to the finished product before installation.
LabTest offers Thermal Modeling and Energy Efficiency evaluation in accordance with CSA A440.2 and NFRC 100 for Energy Performance of Fenestration products, as well as documentation preparation and submittal to National Resources of Canada (NRCan) for Energy Star Program in Canada.
Thermal Modeling includes but is not limited to:
- Overall coefficient of heat transfer (U-factor)
- Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC)
- Visible Transmittance (VT)
- Energy Rating
- Condensation Resistance
- Air Leakage
NAFS and Thermal Modeling results can be used for simple R&D or Certification.
NAFS Testing
NAFS testing is required to determine the Performance Class (R, LC, CW, AW) and Performance Grade (PG) for fenestration products. A permanent label showing the appropriate ratings must be attached to the finished product before installation.
LabTest offers NAFS Physical Performance evaluation in accordance with AAMA/WDMA/CSA 101/I.S.2/A440 Standards and Specifications.
Testing includes but is not limited to:
- Operating Force
- Air Leakage Resistance
- Water Penetration Resistance
- Uniform Load Deflection
- Uniform Load Structural
- Forced-entry Resistance
- Stabilizing Arm Load
- Horizontal Concentrated Load
- Vertical Concentrated Load
- Thermoplastic Corner Weld
Products:
- Fixed & sliding windows
- Casement Windows
- Hinged/Sliding Doors
- Skylights & Roof Windows
- Awning and Hung Windows
- Tilt & Turn (Dual-action) Windows and Doors
- Side-lite and Transom
- Folding Doors
- And more.