flexiblefullpage -
billboard - default
interstitial1 - interstitial
catfish1 - bottom
Currently Reading

Updated specification rates ability of windows, doors, skylights, sliding glass doors to withstand impacts from windborne debris

Windows and Doors

Updated specification rates ability of windows, doors, skylights, sliding glass doors to withstand impacts from windborne debris

The rating system is designed for conditions generally associated with hurricanes.


By Peter Fabris, Contributing Editor  | August 31, 2023
Photo: Pexels Expect the Best
Photo: Pexels Expect the Best

The Fenestration and Glazing Industry Alliance (FGIA) updated a specification providing a system for rating the ability of windows, doors, skylights and sliding glass doors to withstand impact and pressure cycling generally associated with hurricane conditions.

“Since the Florida Product Approval, and recently the Texas Department for Insurance (TDI), may utilize certification and listing of a fenestration product by an independent agency, AAMA 506 can be utilized to assure windborne debris resistant fenestration will meet the criteria required for nationwide acceptance,” says Lothar Erkens, an executive with Winco Window Company, and Architectural Products Council Co-chair of the FGIA Impact Specification Review Task Group. “This assures that the product not only provides protection against windborne debris, but also provides comfort and protection against excessive air infiltration, water infiltration and structural performance suitable to a project specific Performance Grade (PG).”

AAMA 506-23 was last updated in 2016. It is now available for purchase in the FGIA online store. 

Related Stories

| Sep 10, 2012

Specialty door types—plenty of functional variety

In the MasterFormat section 08 30 00, Specialty Doors and Frames, a number of door types are listed for special functions, access locations, sliding and folding hardware, and even pressure-resistant types.

| Aug 6, 2012

Kibby has joins the Harmon team

Kibby has over 24 years of experience in the glazing industry, coming to Harmon from Architectural Wall Systems where he worked in business development.

| Jul 18, 2012

Alcoa appoints Hunter Architectural Manager

Hunter to operate with the goal of driving specification, new product adoption and overall demand for the Alcoa BCS North America product range.

| Jul 16, 2012

Kawneer partners with Premier Glass Products

PGP representatives will work closely with the Kawneer sales force to enhance customer and architectural coverage for the combined Kawneer/Traco product portfolio of high performing architectural aluminum products and systems.

| Jul 16, 2012

Business school goes for maximum vision, transparency, and safety with fire rated glass

Architects were able to create a 2-hour exit enclosure/stairwell that provided vision and maximum fire safety using fire rated glazing that seamlessly matched the look of other non-rated glazing systems.

| Jul 13, 2012

July 2012: Products at Work

Panel wall system, folding windows, rubber flooring, wire mesh railings.

| Jul 3, 2012

DORMA Acquires Florida Door Controls in Support of Growth in Southern Markets

DORMA gains one of the nation's largest independent automatic door distributors.

| Jun 11, 2012

Historic church gains energy efficiency, retains aesthetics with architecturally rated windows

New windows would need to not only stand the test of time, but also accommodate the aesthetics of an architecturally historic church.

boombox1 - default
boombox2 -
native1 -

More In Category




halfpage1 -

Most Popular Content

  1. 2021 Giants 400 Report
  2. Top 150 Architecture Firms for 2019
  3. 13 projects that represent the future of affordable housing
  4. Sagrada Familia completion date pushed back due to coronavirus
  5. Top 160 Architecture Firms 2021