Building Envelope Commissioning (NGA with GANA FB51-17)
The purpose of this document is to acquaint those associated with the glazing industry with the impact the Building Envelope Commissioning (BECx) can and will have when implemented in construction projects. BECx is a process intended to verify through standards and testing that the materials, components, and systems that make up the building envelope achieve the objectives and meet the performance requirements of the owner. This document was first published in July 2017.
Link to downloadable PDF.
Dynamic Glazing for High Performance Buildings (NGA with GANA FB32-11)
The exterior environment of a building envelope is subject to ever-changing environmental conditions such as wind, humidity, rain, sun and ambient temperature. One of the most significant influences on the building envelope design is the sun. The sun is composed of ultraviolet, visible and infrared light that is dynamic and constantly changing relative to the building. Designs that do not take the sun’s influence into account can subject the occupants of the building to conditions such as uncomfortable glare, solar heat gain, variable temperatures, and the early decay of fabrics, and surfaces that fade over time. This document discusses the characteristics of dynamic glazing which can mitigate against the influence of the sun. This document was first published in September 2011, and updated in 2018.
Link to downloadable PDF.
Energy Performance (NGA with GANA FB50-17)
This document provides a list of applicable energy-related terms used in the glass and glazing industry. This document was published in January 2017.
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Glazing Manual (50th Anniversary Edition) (GANA)
The GANA Glazing Manual is recognized as the definitive source in the glass and glazing field. This manual includes complete information about primary and fabricated glass products, quality standards, design considerations, general and specific glazing guidelines and glazing in hazardous locations. Formerly published by the Flat Glass Marketing Association (FGMA), this manual is frequently referred to as the “industry bible.”
Link to print version.
Link to downloadable PDF.
Insulating Glass U-Value Document (IGMA TR-1401-96)
This study examines one method of rating the u-values of insulating glass units by themselves. This report includes computer simulation results to determine the effect of spacer type, low-e coatings, argon gas filling and other variables on the U-values of sealed units. This document provides a comparative rating for different variables and is intended for use when the final window configuration is unknown.
Link to documents page.
Iridescence Patterns in Heat-Treated Architectural Glass (NGA with GANA FB20-08)
Glass used in architecture today commonly includes clear and tinted glass substrates, low-emissivity and solar-control coatings, decorative ceramic-frit patterns and safety glazing considerations that require glass to be heat-treated. Heat-strengthened and fully tempered glass is designed to meet increased thermal and mechanical stresses, or other specified physical criteria. As a result of the heat-treating fabrication process, quench patterns/marks or what is often referred to as a “strain pattern,” may become visible in heat-strengthened and fully tempered glass under certain natural or polarized lighting conditions. This document discusses these patterns. This document was originally published in January 2008, and was republished in 2017.
Link to downloadable PDF.
Methods for Measuring Optical Distortion in Heat-Treated Glass (NGA with GANA FB18-08)
As a result of heat-treating glass, optical distortions may arise from out-of-plane deformations of the glass surface. Currently, there are no industry-wide standards that specify acceptable values for these optical distortions; however, there are existing methods/instruments to measure them. The methods/instruments referenced in this document are designed and intended for in-plant use only. These methods for measuring distortion cannot be applied in the field on vertical glazing and cannot be used on insulating glass units. This document was published in April 2013.
Link to downloadable PDF.
Performance Improvements of Insulating Glass Units (NGA with GANA FB49-17)
The center of glass thermal performance of an IGU is a function of glass type, coating, and size and gas fill of cavity gap. This document will address these areas only and does not address IGU edge conditions.
Link to downloadable PDF.
PIB Primary Sealant (Joint with IGMA and NGA with GANA TB1250-19)
This document discusses the function of PIB primary sealants in insulating glass units (IGU), specifically looking at the performance and aesthetic attributes of Polyisobutylene (PIB).
Link to downloadable PDF.
Products for Energy Applications (NGA with GANA FB63-19)
Performance data for glazing products or components that designers can use to improve the energy performance of their building envelopes based on their need to optimize U-factor or SHGC, or both.
Link to downloadable PDF.
Quality Assurance Processing & Monitoring Guide for Poured and Debridged Polyurethane Thermal Barriers (AAMA QAG-1)
Quality assurance checklist for the in-plant processing of poured and debridged thermal barriers. Includes equipment checks, chemical storage and handling, process control, debridging and fabrication.
Link to document.
Standard Practice for Determining the Thermal Performance Characteristics of Fenestration Systems Installed in Commercial Buildings (AAMA 507)
This document provides a uniform standard method for determining the thermal performance of building specific fenestration systems that are installed in commercial buildings. The following thermal performance characteristics are included in this document: thermal transmittance (U-factor), solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC), visible transmittance (VT), air leakage and condensation resistance factor (CRF). A “Certificate of Compliance” form is included in this document.
Link to document.
Thermal Stress in Heat-Treated Spandrel Applications (NGA with GANA FB62-19)
Spandrel glass is glass that has been rendered near opaque and glazed in wall areas covering structural columns, floors, walls, or other building elements that are intended to be concealed from outside view. Increasing standards of energy efficient initiatives are placing unique and unanticipated demands on spandrel glazing. Recently, attention has been drawn to several incidents in which spandrel glass has experienced solar-induced thermal stress breakage. This document discusses the phenomenon of thermal stress build-up, the factors that contribute to it and potential mitigation options.
Link to downloadable PDF.
Understanding Reflected Solar Energy of Glazing Systems in Buildings (NGA with GANA FB60-18)
The study of light is subjective in some specific aspects, like color and glare, but very objective in aspects like direction and reflection. Basic optics laws tell us that when a light ray travels in a medium and finds a glass surface, for example, part of the incident ray is reflected and the rest is transmitted to the other side of the glass. Depending on glass characteristics and some other factors, the light transmitted exhibits a different range of phenomena such as heat-gain. This document provides education on design considerations to reduce the possible effects of the reflective characteristics of exterior cladding materials and glazing systems used in building construction. This document was published in October 2018.
Link to downloadable PDF.
Vacuum Insulating Glazing, An Introduction (NGA with GANA FB66-20)
The document provides an overview of vacuum insulating glazing, its appllications, energy and acoustic performance, capabilities, testing and standards and a glossary of terms.
Link to downloadable PDF.
Voluntary Quality Assurance Processing Guide for Polyamide Thermal Barriers (AAMA QAG-2)
This Processing Guide is to assist architects, manufacturers, designers, and/or owner(s) in utilizing polyamide 6.6 thermal strip profiles, reinforced with 25% glass fibers in three axes, for use in curtain wall, storefront, windows, doors, and skylights. This standard applies to aluminum composite sections used in fenestration products.
Link to document.
Voluntary Test Method for Thermal Transmittance and Condensation Resistance of Windows, Doors and Glazed Wall Sections (AAMA 1503)
This test method measures the thermal characteristics of windows, doors and glazed exterior wall sections under steady-state conditions. Specifically, measurements and calculations made using this procedure can be used to determine the thermal transmittance (air-to-air) or U-Factor, the air infiltration rate and/or the condensation resistance factor, hereafter called “CRF” for these products.
Link to document.
White Paper on the Relevance of Decorative Glass Products to the U.S. Green Building Council Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Green Building Rating System™ (GANA)
The intent of this White Paper is to address areas of the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED®) Rating System that are relevant to the use of Decorative Glass. This document describes the ways in which decorative glass products are consistent with the intent of the LEED® Rating System. Although individual building products do not in themselves constitute conformance to the LEED® criteria, depending on the amount and type of glass used in a project, this versatile material has great potential to help achieve LEED® credits. The information contained in this paper has been developed using general or typical information on various decorative glass products. More specific information and performance data can be obtained through individual manufacturers that produce decorative glass products.
Link to downloadable PDF.