NFRC Expands Ratings to Allow Certain Shading Devices

NFRC Expands Ratings to Allow Certain Shading Devices April 12, 2013 Organizations

At its spring meeting this past week, the National Fenestration Rating Council’s board of directors approved changes to NFRC 100 and NFRC 200, allowing certain shading devices to be rated for U-factor and solar heat gain coefficient.

These changes apply to products that use shading systems (blinds, shades) that are integral to the product as shipped from the manufacturer, including dynamic attachments for swinging doors. Also included is dynamic glazing such as electrochromic products and certain non-specular transmittance products such as frits, translucent fiberglass, and etched glass.

These changes, however, do not apply to aftermarket items, officials note.

Jim Benney, NFRC CEO, said the change finalizes the processes needed for rating these kinds of products and brings new benefits to the industry and the public. “In addition to broadening NFRC’s capabilities, we’ve provided a fair, uniform, and accurate rating system that will allow consumers the ability to compare these products more effectively.”