Association News: UL/CLEB reviews Canadian codes, NAFS-11 supplement during AAMA Summer Conference

UL/CLEB sponsored a workshop at the American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA) 2018 Summer Conference in Lake Tahoe, California, clarifying what manufacturers need to know when it comes to Canadian codes and CSA A440S1-17, the Canadian supplement to the North American Fenestration Standard (NAFS)-11. Robert Jutras, principal engineer, led the overview, touching on Canadian building codes, including codes for building envelopes and fenestration.

Canadian building codes are broken down into four model codes: National Building Code; National Plumbing Code; National Fire Code; and National Energy Code for Buildings. In Canada, Jutras explained, codes are not divided by usage, like commercial or residential, or even by occupancy, as they are in the U.S. Instead, codes are divided by size. Jutras also compared U.S. to Canadian codes and discussed how manufacturers are impacted by the Canadian supplement.

"In the United States, NAFS certification is usually required, but in Canada, only NAFS testing is required," said Jutras, adding that the Canadian supplement to NAFS was also important to understand.

The supplement covers climatic data specific to the determination of performance requirements; a process to determine performance requirements and product selection; and specific performance requirements. Jutras recommended using the Fenestration Canada performance calculator, a tool offered by the organization.

More information about AAMA and its activities can be found via the AAMA website, aamanet.org.

AAMA is the source of performance standards, product certification and educational programs for the fenestration industry.SM

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