AAMA releases test procedure and quality assurance guide for thermal barriers

AAMA 505-09, a test procedure, and QAG-1-09, a quality assurance processing and monitoring guide, have been released by the American Architectural Manufacturers Association, Schaumburg, Ill. AAMA 505-09, “Dry Shrinkage and Composite Performance Thermal Cycling Test Procedure” outlines a laboratory method to measure the amount of dry shrinkage and retained composite longitudinal shear resistance of extrusions incorporating a thermal barrier after thermal cycling. The process of thermal cycling described in AAMA 505-09 is referred to as the “differential” method and is to be used for product qualification of all types of thermal barriers. AAMA QAG-1-09, “Quality Assurance Processing & Monitoring Guide for Poured and Debridged Polyurethane Thermal Barriers” is a quality assurance checklist for the in-plant processing of poured and debridged thermal barriers. AAMA QAG-1-09 includes information related to equipment checks, chemical storage and handling, process control, debridging and fabrication. Both documents were developed by the AAMA Composite Thermal Barrier Testing Procedures Task Group, co-chaired by Patrick Muessig from Azon USA Inc., Kalamazoo, Mich., and George Nash from Ensinger Inc., Washington, Pa. “The improvement of the thermal performance of fenestration systems has become increasingly important in recent years,” Muessig said. “These two documents describe the thermal test cycling methods known as the ‘soak’ test used for continuous quality checks and the ‘differential’ method used for product qualification.” AAMA 505-09 and AAMA QAG-1-09 are available to members at a cost per document of $10 for download, $20 for paper copy and $25 for CD. Non-members may purchase the documents at a cost of $25 for download, $50 for paper copy and $55 for CD. To order AAMA 505-09 and AAMA QAG-1-09, visit the AAMA Online Publication store at www.aamanetstore.org. More information about AAMA and its activities can be found at www.aamanet.org.