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AAMA 1503 Thermal Testing and CRF

 

Introduction

 

The American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA) published AAMA 1502.3 in 1972.  This Voluntary Standard was developed specifically to measure the Condensation Resistance of windows and sliding glass doors.  In 1980, AAMA published AAMA 1503.1 for the measurement of thermal transmittance (U-Factor).  Subsequent revisions resulted in the two documents being merged and updated.  The current AAMA 1503-98 voluntary test method contains the latest improvements and is utilized as a direct test for the air-to-air thermal transmittance and condensation characteristics for all fenestration products.

 

The AAMA 1503 test method is based on ASTM methodology.  The U-factor is determined under winter, night-time conditions which simulate 70 degrees F on the interior side of the sample and 0 degrees F on the exterior side of the sample.  In addition, an exterior surface coefficient is established which is based on a 15 mph wind. 

 

Standard test sizes and configurations are specified as part of the AAMA 1503 standard.  This allows for direct comparison of products.  The standard also allows for the testing of any size specimen for qualification of specific installations.  This is helpful in those cases when an architect desires a more accurate value for products that vary significantly from the standard comparison size. 

 

Link to the AAMA website.  http://www.aamanet.org/

 

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