We all want the best for our homes and we all want to know that what we buy is going to last. AAMA stands for American Architectural Manufacturers Association. These window certifications provide peace of mind for homeowners by ensuring their windows are up-to-date with industry standards, maximizing energy efficiency, and minimizing environmental impact. When you are looking for the best of the best for your residential and commercial windows, accept nothing less than an AAMA Certification.
A gold label is the best rating in the window and door industry. AAMA gold label windows can be installed in patio windows and doors too. When you are ready to get windows installed, be sure to research your options before you start your window project. An AAMA energy performance window exceeds the national fenestration rating council standard for commercial and residential patio doors and residential windows.
Windows with AAMA certifications are more desirable for the following reasons:
- They’re more resistant to high wind pressure & wind speeds
- They have less air infiltration
- Easy for any install crew to install
- Lower visible transmittance
- They have higher overall performance standards
- Independently tested
AAMA products are best if you want less water leakage, energy savings, and if you prefer high-quality standards. Remember, not all windows meet these same specifications or the highest quality standards required for certification programs.
How Companies Obtain AAMA Certification
You’ll find AAMA gold label certification information on the label attached to each product that carries it. Once you have this, you can feel confident knowing your window is backed by a manufacturer who went through all of the required steps and passed testing in order to achieve certification. It tells you that they stand behind their product and know it will meet or exceed your expectations.
The AAMA certification process is rigorous, and only the best products receive this designation. The Window Product Certification Committee oversees the program, and a manufacturer must submit their products for testing in order to become certifiable. Additionally, only certain window manufacturers meet the air leakage standard required to obtain a certification. These rigorous regulations are similar to the government-issued energy star requirements. All windows and doors are rated before being certified.
Some requirements for obtaining a certification from the architectural manufacturers association – AAMA are below:
- Solar heat gain coefficient
- Air leakage/water penetration
- Wind pressure
- Thermal performance
- Structural strength
- U factor
A manufacturer’s production line must produce the highest quality window assembly and glass to meet certifiable specifications.
Which Manufactures Have AAMA Certifications?
AAMA certification is only given to manufacturers who meet the highest standards in terms of product quality, environmental impact, and energy efficiency. You can find a list of certified manufacturers on the AAMA website as well as information on how to apply for the certification programs.
Manufacturers who have been awarded this certification include:
- Alside
- Anderson
- American Craftsman
- Certainteed
- Gorell
- John Wieland
- Masco
- Milgard
- Ply Gem
- ProVia
- Simonton
- Soft
- Lite
Replacement Windows Manufacturers and production lines in the window industry are required to submit quality control records before being added to the list above or considered for the certification program. All window options and individual components will be subject to the same component inventory and performance tests.
AAMA Certified Windows Versus Uncertified Windows
When it comes to a replacement window and door, you have a lot of choices. Not all of them are created equal, however, and some will perform better than others. If you’re looking for the best possible performance, decreased u factor, less water infiltration, high standards, or an nfrc certifications, then you should always choose AAMA windows.
Certified windows have been put through rigorous testing and meet the highest standards for performance. They are built to be efficient, durable, and reliable, which means you can expect years of use.
In other words, un-certified windows may not perform as well or last as long as AAMA models – even if your installer does a great job during the stall. They also don’t meet up with all of the industry standards for energy efficiency and environmental impact at this time.
If your window/door doesn’t carry the AAMA label then you should ask why not? Some manufacturers are updating their products to meet these certification program standards, while others may not be interested in the higher standards that are currently being set. It’s always good to ask questions so you have all of the information before you make a decision.
Are AAMA Certified Windows More Expensive?
Not all certified replacement windows are not more expensive than uncertified models. All manufacturing plants are responsible for setting their own price, so it’s up to you to do your homework and find the best value. rest assured you have a variety of different companies waiting to assist you with your home improvements.
One way you can reduce costs is by choosing one of the top brands in replacement windows, like Andersen, which offers top-quality, certified replacement windows at affordable prices.
This certification ensures your new windows are up-to-date with industry standards, maximizing energy efficiency and minimizing environmental impact. All of this is backed by a manufacturer who went through all of the required steps and passed testing in order to achieve their certification.
