Western Canadian window and door manufacturers, architects and specifiers now have a regional source for performance testing of fenestration products and systems, with Architectural Testing’s (ATI) new laboratory in Winnipeg.
Officially opening September 1, 2011, the facility marks the twelfth North American laboratory facility established by York, PA-based ATI and the company’s first located outside U.S. borders.
All testing facilities, personnel and methodologies are fully accredited to ISO/IEC 17025 by the ICC’s International Accreditation Service (IAS). The Winnipeg facility will also be accredited by the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) for conducting window and door certification tests, and by the American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA) and Dade County (FL) for conducting window and door certification tests specified by those authorities.
The 7,000 square-foot installation is equipped to conduct testing for the basic window and door performance attributes of resistance to wind loading, water leakage, air infiltration and forced entry. A positive test report enables certification and compliance labeling of products per the omnibus AAMA/WDMA/CSA 101/IS2/A440 North American Fenestration Standard (NAFS), mandated by the National Building Code of Canada (NBC). Additional tests can be conducted for resistance to impact from wind-borne debris (critical for products intended for use in hurricane-susceptible zones, as required by Miami-Dade TAS test protocols), negative pressures and for the performance of mulled assemblies. Various other methods for testing to AAMA and ASTM requirements are also available.
The Winnipeg facility additionally offers a regional platform for industry-leading building envelope Commissioning (BECx), forensic investigation and field testing services.