25 Year Field Correlation Study Report (1980-2005) (IGMA TR-4000-08)
Jointly sponsored by the Department of Housing and Urban Development and the Sealed Insulating Glass Manufacturers Association (now IGMA), the study field evaluated ASTM E 774 Standard –certified insulating glass units. This study includes two phases. The initial study started in 1980 and Phase 2, started in 1990 incorporating newer technologies.
Link to documents page.
Assessing the Compatibility of Glazing Materials and Components (NGA with GANA FB28-11)
This document is intended for glazing professionals or anyone with an interest in evaluating the compatibility of glazing materials and components. Note that even when compatibility is confirmed, in applications where adhesion of materials is critical for the performance of the glazing system, such adhesion must be verified independently.
Link to downloadable PDF.
Assessing the Durability of Decorative Glass (NGA with GANA FB44-14)
The durability of a decorative glass product is a complex characteristic. Durability must be considered in context, against what factors the product must be durable. Sunlight, rain, cleaning solutions, abrasion, heat and other factors can work alone or in combination to adversely affect glass products. Test methods to measure and report a product’s resistances to such factors are important to communicate durability performance requirements and specifications. This document offers a profile of a number of important durability properties. For each property, an overview discusses each factor in some technical detail, examples are given where a glass product might encounter such a factor, and one or more test methods are suggested that can measure durability of a material or product against that factor. Where it was not possible to identify test methods specific to glass, methods for other materials, such as ceramics or plastics, are listed.
Link to downloadable PDF.
Best Practices for Installed Painted Decorative Glass (NGA with GANA FB70-20)
The objective of this document is to define testing standards for painted glass products for interior and exterior (non-spandrel) applications. The focus will be on adhesion, compatibility, chemical durability, and mechanical performance. This document contains a list of those standards as a starting point to help eliminate undesirable performance of installed back painted glass.
Link to downloadable PDF.
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.
Detention Facility Glazing (NGA with GANA FB26-10)
Detention facility glazing is defined as translucent or transparent material constructed to withstand measurable, complex loads from intentional, sustained threats or attacks in a detention and correctional environment. Detention glazing must comply with testing standards as set forth by several administrative bodies depending on whether the facility is a local, state or federal facility. Security glazing proposed to be used in adult and juvenile detention facilities must be of the appropriate rating in relationship to the security level of the facility. This document was first published in February 2010, and republished in August 2017.
Link to downloadable PDF.
Durability & Testing of Painted Decorative Interior Mounted Glass (NGA with GANA FB47-15)
The document specifically addresses glass that has been painted on the back side, or second surface, that is not exposed to direct human contact. There are many factors to keep in mind when determining the durability of backpainted decorative glass. It is generally installed in an interior setting and protected from the elements; however, it is still subject to an environment and application that requires the product to be durable. Backpainted glass may be exposed to mechanical or chemical attachments or cleaners, moist environments due to proximity of water or plumbing fixtures, exposure to ultra violet (UV) light, heat through windows, and various methods used for installation. This document will provide some of the factors to consider when determining the durability of a backpainted product and provide direction for testing to determine a products’ durability. This document was published in January 2015.
Link to downloadable PDF.
General EPD Education (NGA with GANA FM06-20)
This document is intended for the architectural, engineering and construction (AEC) community involved in the selection, specification and review of lifecycle environmental impacts of building components. It has been observed in the marketplace that professionals are trying to compare Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) values, and the purpose of this document is to highlight challenges in comparison.
Link to downloadable PDF.
Guidelines and Best Practices on How to Manage Color Variance of Decorative Glazing (NGA with GANA FB54-17)
Determining the acceptability of a color in decorative glazing is a process that requires participation and cooperation from the entire supply chain. A basic understanding of perceived color and the factors that affect it are critical to the success of establishing a color standard. This document offers a brief overview of perceived color and measurement methods that can be used in establishing a color standard for decorative glazing.
Link to downloadable PDF.
Guidelines for Appearance of Insulating Glass Unit Edges in Commercial Applications (NGA with GANA FB27-11)
This document addresses issues related to the appearance of insulating glass unit (IGU) edges in both captured and silicone structural glazed (SSG) commercial glazing systems. Components of IGU edges are discussed, and acceptance criteria provided where appropriate. This GIB is intended to address both vision and spandrel IGUs. Viewing and acceptance criteria are the same for both vision and spandrel units. These guidelines assume IGUs are sized correctly for the opening dimension and glazed according to GANA glazing guidelines. The document was written to address two lite (double glazed) IGUs. However, much of the information pertains to IGUs with three or more lites (triple glazed, quad glazed, etc.) The document was originally published in October 2011. This current version was published in March 2015.
Link to downloadable PDF.
Guidelines for IG Manufacturers; Studies of Sealant Compatibility (IGMA TB-2403-91)
These guidelines address the determination of the compatibility of glazing sealants and glazing materials with the IG unit edge seal for a particular building project specification and test methods used.
Link to documents page.
Guidelines for Measuring Color of Decorative Glazing Materials (NGA with GANA FB68-20)
Measuring color of decorative glazing in the field may be necessary from time to time in order to resolve perceived color match issues. The following color survey procedure provides the recommended steps to measure and compare units that are ready to be installed and already installed units to mock-up, attic stock or newly produced replacement units and each other.
Link to downloadable PDF.
Guidelines on How to View Decorative Glazing Products in Interior and Exterior Applications (NGA with GANA FB67-20)
The purpose of this document is to define decorative glass and provide guidelines for inspection methods and acceptance criteria.These guidelines are applicable for factory and field evaluation only.
Link to downloadable PDF.
Heat Soaking Testing (NGA with GANA FB56-18)
Fully tempered glass used in architectural applications may break spontaneously for a variety of reasons, including, but not limited to, unperceivable imperfections or inclusions in the glass substrate. Most inclusions are stable, but some inclusions, most notably nickel sulfide, may cause a spontaneous break if it is located in the tension region. The purpose of a heat soak test is to reduce the risk of a spontaneous break by influencing the inclusion to break the glass during the test. This document was first published in 2018.
Link to downloadable PDF.
Heat-treated Laminated Glass Exposed Edges (NGA with GANA FB59-18)
The architectural glass industry has seen a growing interest in minimally-supported glass applications, including facades, skylights, interior partitions and glass balustrades. Whether the glass is glazed top and bottom, point-supported or cantilevered, the trend is for less metal around the edges of the glass. Laminated glass is being used for its ability to provide post-breakage glass retention. Designer and customer requirements for the same high quality finished edge they can consistently receive with monolithic glass are driving the industry to develop guidelines to accommodate these evolving needs; however, no such guidelines currently exist. Gain an understanding of how to meet both safety and aesthetic needs using the standards and resources available today.
Link to downloadable PDF page.
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.
Methods of Test for Exterior Walls (AAMA 501)
Laboratory and field test specifications for metal curtain walls including performance characteristics, test specimens, methods, recommended practices, test apparatus and testing procedures.
Link to document.
North American Glazing Guidelines for Sealed Insulating Glass Units for Commercial and Residential Use (IGMA TM-3000-90(04))
These advisory guidelines address the importance of good glazing practices and are intended for use by those who design, specify, manufacturer and install insulating glass units. These guidelines address glass types, framing, glazing clearances, setting blocks, spacer shims, glazing materials, glazing systems, receiving, storage & handling, glass protection & cleaning for both commercial and residential applications.
Link to documents page.
One Optical Number Does Not Fit All (NGA with GANA FB57-18)
The glass industry has been challenged for many years with creating an optical measurement standard for glass products and windows. Measuring glass distortion, i.e., deviation from flatness, is not a new topic. However, with tighter energy efficiency demands, more variations in glass sizes, code changes and new glazing systems have resulted in more heat-treated glass, double (and even triple) insulating glass units, and multi-ply laminates in use than ever before. All of these products may increase the amount of distortion seen on buildings. Learn more about creating an optical standard and/or number for a glass product. This document was first published in 2018.
Link to downloadable PDF.
Quality Assurance and Diagnostic Water Leakage Field Check of Installed Storefronts, Curtain Walls, and Sloped Glazing Systems (AAMA 501.2)
The purpose of this specification is to provide a quality assurance and diagnostic field water check method for installed storefronts, curtain walls and sloped glazing systems.
Link to document.
Recommended Dynamic Test Method for Determining the Seismic Drift Causing Glass Fallout from Window Wall, Curtain Wall and Storefront Systems (AAMA 501.6)
This method provides a means of determining the horizontal racking displacement amplitude of exterior wall system framing members that would cause fallout of representative architectural glass panels under controlled laboratory conditions.
Link to document.
Recommended Static Test Method for Evaluating Window Wall, Curtain Wall and Storefront Systems Subjected to Seismic and Wind-Induced Inter-story Drift (AAMA 501.4)
This test method provides a means of evaluating the performance of windows, window wall, curtain walls and storefront systems when subjected to specified horizontal displacements in the plane of the wall.
Link to document.
Recommended Voluntary In-Plant Test Methods and Performance Criteria of Desiccants for Sealed Insulating Glass Units (IGMA TM-2100-78(81))
These advisory guidelines address the importance of good glazing practices and are intended for use by those who design, specify, manufacturer and install insulating glass units. These guidelines address glass types, framing, glazing clearances, setting blocks, spacer shims, glazing materials, glazing systems, receiving, storage & handling, glass protection & cleaning for both commercial and residential applications.
Link to documents page.
School Security Glazing (NGA with GANA FB71-21)
The objective of this document is to provide information on security (delayed forced entry) glazing options for windows and
doors installed in schools. It is important to determine the assets, the potential threats and hazards, and the level of vulnerability in order to know what level of testing or certification is required, before specifying the glazing. Many test standards are available to determine the suitability of glass for safety applications. This document is a guide to the standardized methods recommended and used by the glass industry.
Link to downloadable PDF.
Sealant Manufacturers Minimum Sealant Dimensions and Placement Survey (IGMA TB-1201-89(05))
This technical bulletin includes a chart of dual seal, hot melt extruded, single seal and Intercept™ spacers for silicone, hot melt, polysulfide, polyurethane and curing hot melt. This document includes depth of primary & secondary sealant, beneath spacer, total siteline, shoulder, thickness and thickness before press.
Link to documents page.
Security Glazing (NGA with GANA FB43-14)
The objective of this document is to provide information on security glazing options for windows and doors installed in schools. Before the glazing is specified, it is important to determine the assets, threat/hazard, vulnerability, and risk associated with each school. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has updated its publication: “Primer to Design Safe School Projects in Case of Terrorist Attacks and School Shootings” (December 2012) with an appendix that provides a checklist for use in these assessments.This document was published in January 2014.
Link to downloadable PDF.
Standard Test Method for Ball Drop Impact of Laminated Architectural Flat Glass (GANA LD 100-06)
This test method covers the destructive ball drop testing of laminated flat glass products intended for use in architectural glazing applications.
Link to downloadable PDF.
Standard Test Method for Center-Punch Fragmentation of Fully Tempered Flat Glass (GANA TD 101-04)
This test method covers the destructive fragmentation and evaluation of the fracture pattern of monolithic fully tempered flat glass products intended for use in architectural safety glazing applications.
Link to downloadable PDF.
Standard Test Method for Water Penetration of Windows, Curtain Walls and Doors Using Dynamic Pressure (AAMA 501.1)
This test method establishes the equipment, procedures and requirements for optional laboratory testing of exterior windows, curtain wall and door systems for water penetration using dynamic pressure.
Link to document.
Test Methods of Insulating Glass Sealants (IGMA TM-2400-76(90))
This manual covers types of sealants, application test methods for sealant type, tables of test conditions to standardize temperature, mixing and volume conditions and specific tests.
Link to documents page.
Test Method for Thermal Cycling of Exterior Walls (AAMA 501.5)
Procedures recommended for evaluating the effects of thermal movement on large wall sections. The document includes standardized approach for thermal cycle testing of joints, anchors and other components of exterior walls.
Link to document.
Unsupported Edge Conditions of Insulating Glass Units (Joint with IGMA and NGA with GANA TB1800-18)
The document addresses concerns regarding the structural and durability performance of unsupported insulating glass unit edges subject to uniform load including glass stresses, practical glass deflections, sealant strength capabilities, spacer stress and deformation limits, load durations, dead load support and setting block location and other variables that influence the unsupported edge condition for insulating glass units.
Link to downloadable PDF.
Voluntary Guide Specification for Blast Hazard Mitigation for Fenestration Systems (AAMA 510)
This guide specification may be used to establish system performance classifications that can be expected to reduce the hazards resulting from a prescribed blast load. This guide specification allows manufacturers to voluntarily test products to a standard test size for system evaluation and comparison. System categorization and standard test sizes have been established for a broad range of product types.
Link to document.
Voluntary Guideline for Forensic Water Penetration Testing of Fenestration Products (AAMA 511)
The purpose of this AAMA voluntary guideline is to provide specific information to assist industry professionals in selecting the appropriate adaptations to the existing testing standards for application to field investigations of fenestration products.
Link to document.
Voluntary Guidelines for the Identification of Visual Obstructions in the Airspace of Insulating Glass Units (IGMA TM-3100-09)
These advisory guidelines may assist in the determination of unintended visual obstructions in the insulating glass unit airspace.
Link to documents page.
Voluntary Laboratory Test Method to Qualify Fenestration Installation Procedures (AAMA 504)
This test method is used to evaluate and qualify specific fenestration installation procedures based on laboratory measurements of air leakage and water penetration resistance. The test specimen and procedures are based on wood frame construction generally used in new construction residential applications.
Link to document.
Voluntary Specification for Field Testing of Newly Installed Fenestration Products (AAMA 502)
This specification establishes the requirements for field test specimens, apparatus, sampling, test procedures and test reports to be used in verifying the air infiltration resistance performance and water penetration resistance performance of newly installed fenestration products.
Link to document.
Voluntary Specification for Field Testing of Newly Installed Storefronts, Curtain Walls and Sloped Glazing Systems (AAMA 503)
This specification establishes the requirements for test specimens, apparatus, sampling, test procedures and test reports to be used in evaluating the performance of newly installed storefronts, curtain walls and sloped glazing systems. This specification provides a guide which can be used to evaluate the installed performance of storefronts, curtain walls and sloped glazing systems for resistance to water penetration under controllable and reproducible wind driven rain conditions.
Link to document.
Voluntary Specifications for Impact and Cycle Testing of Fenestration Products (AAMA 506)
This specification is designed to provide 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.
Link to document.
Voluntary Specifications for Residential Translucent Sloped Glazing Systems (AAMA 2001)
This standard establishes minimum requirements for the performance features of residential translucent sloped glazing system products built from aluminum, vinyl (PVC), wood and/or alternate materials.
Link to document.
Voluntary Test and Classification Method for Drained and Back Ventilated Rain Screen Wall Cladding Systems (AAMA 509)
This voluntary test and classification method establishes the requirements for test specimens, apparatus, test procedures, test reports and performance data that may be used in the evaluation of drained and back ventilated rain screen wall cladding systems. The primary purpose of this test method is to quantify the volume of rain water contacting an imperfect AWB and the system’s ability to allow for ventilation/drying as measured by air flow through the cladding.
Link to document.
Voluntary Test Method and Specification for Pressure Equalized Rain Screen Wall Cladding Systems (AAMA 508)
This specification and test method establishes the requirements for test specimens, apparatus, test procedures, test reports and minimum performance criteria to be used in the evaluation of pressure equalized rain screen wall cladding (panel) systems.
Link to document.
Voluntary Test Methods & Voluntary Performance Quality Assurance Criteria for Spacers for Sealed Insulating Glass Units (IGMA TM-2000-76(82))
This manual includes information of test specimens, recommended voluntary test and performance quality assurance criteria for hollow shaped spacers to accept edge sealant to minimize air leakage between the spacer and the glass.
Link to documents page.
Voluntary Test Methods & Voluntary Performance Quality Assurance Criteria for Two Component Polysulfide Sealants Used in Manufacturing Sealed Insulating Glass Units (IGMA TM-2301-85)
This manual includes information of test specimens, recommended voluntary test and performance quality assurance criteria with typical values based on laboratory test results, and various test methods.
Link to documents page.
Voluntary Test Methods for Chemical Effects of Glazing Compounds on Elastomeric Edge Seals (IGMA TR-1000-75(91))
This test method covers the procedure for an oven-type test of sample 6” X 6” insulating glass units exposed to glazing compounds or other materials which could contact units on the unbranded elastomeric edge seal.
Link to documents page.
Voluntary Test Methods for Thermal Performance of Fenestration Products with Multiple Glazing Options (AAMA 1505)
This document outlines the procedures used to determine thermal performance ratings of products with more than one glazing option using test data.
Link to document.
Weatherability & Durability of Decorative Glass (NGA with GANA FB46-15)
Decorative glass products are being integrated into an increasing number of new interior and exterior applications. Assessing the ability of decorative glass products to sustain conditions prevailing in a given interior or exterior environment becomes an important question. The objective of this glass information bulletin is to offer guidance to the industry with respect to the weatherability and durability properties of decorative glass.
Link to downloadable PDF.
Window Glazing for Durability (Residential) (IGMA)
This CD video addresses window glazing for residential applications.
Link to documents page.