AAMA announces IG certification program, offers cost savings for NFRC certification requirements

The American Architectural Manufacturers Association, Schaumburg, Ill., has joined forces with Associated Labs Inc., Dallas,to offer insulating glass certification, according to a July 1 release. The two organizations will work together to broaden accessibility to IG certification programs, just in time for the National Fenestration Rating Council's imminent requirement for IG certification, effective July 1."The success of the largest North American whole product certification program combines with ALI's well-established IG certification program," said Rich Walker, AAMA president and CEO, in the release. "This relationship brings together two powerhouses of fenestration expertise: ALI with decades of IG certification experience and AAMA with decades of fenestration product certification and standards setting experience." As of July 1, 2010, the NFRC will begin enforcing the requirement for IG certification by a listed, third-party certification program for all insulating glass units used in products that are authorized for NFRC certification and labeled in accordance with the NFRC 700, "Product Certification Program (PCP).""ALI offers competitive fees and a long history of IG certification," Walker said in the release. "ALI has been offering IG certification since 1968 and has been the soleadministrator ofAAMA's air-water-structural certification program since 1984."There will be immediate cost and scheduling savings for companies who currently participate in the AAMA air-water-structural certification program, walker said in the release. "Performing inspections for both the air-water-structural and IG programs offer significant cost savings.""AAMA brings to the table vast window and door experience, as well as marketing opportunities and accessibility to technology to increase the value of the licensee's investment," said Brad Schultz, vice president, ALI, in the release.An NFRC communication sent on June 22 states, "NFRC recommends that NFRC participating manufacturers contact one of the listed IGC Programs to obtain a copy of the IG Certification program requirements and discuss their options, ensuring that their insulating glass units are authorized for certification by the deadline date of July 1, 2010."In order to receive NFRC certification, manufacturers will be required to use certified insulating glass units from an approved, ANSI accredited certification agency, such as ALI. The listing of the IG certification program sponsors can be found on the NFRC Web site.To ensure that your NFRC certification is compliant with the new IG certification requirement, contact Schultz at ALI via e-mailor phone 214/565-0593.More information about AAMA and its certification program offerings can be found on the certification page.