FGIA Releases Updated Flashing Standard
Last week, the Fenestration and Glazing Industry Alliance (FGIA) released an updated liquid-applied flashing standard.
The new document establishes the minimum performance requirements for liquid-applied flashing used to provide water-resistive seals around exterior wall openings in buildings. The new standard by the American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA) also includes fenestration products such as windows and doors, as well as other through-wall penetrations.
“Liquid applied flashing products are realizing increasing application for sealing building interfaces, including flashing around windows and doors,” said Jim Katsaros (DuPont Performance Building Solutions), Chair of the FGIA Flashing Committee. “These products offer many performance advantages, including outstanding adhesion to a wide variety of substrates, ultimate conformability for complex geometries and, in many cases, vapor permeable water-resistant seals.
“The AAMA 714 document sets forth minimum performance and durability requirements for these materials, helping to ensure proper utility in end use. It is referenced in both the IRC and IBC Codes as a requirement for the use of these materials in window and door flashing applications.”
AAMA 714-22, Specification for Liquid Applied Flashing Used to Create a Water-Resistive Seal Around Exterior Wall Openings in Buildings, is now available for purchase. Other AAMA documents can also be purchased from FGIA on the online store for a discounted member rate of $20 or at the non-member price of $60.
Previous Sealer, Barrier Standards
Several years ago, in 2016, the fenestration industry group AAMA released a new document detailing best practices with regard to sealants. Voluntary Specifications and Test Methods for Sealants, a publication that comprises six distinct sections in addition to an introduction.
A the time, the document was the first update for the AAMA 800 series since 2010. It deals with specifications and best procedures for dealing with sealants in fenestration applications.
The full document is AAMA 800-16; the six sections that go into it also retain their own individual publication numbers. This is the first time they’ve been separated out in this way. The specific sections deal with:
The following year, AAMA released a new technical guide addressing the most commonly used composite thermal barrier systems.
The 72-page AAMA TIR-A8-16, Structural Performance of Composite Thermal Barrier Framing Systems, includes several new figures and instructions specific to testing dual cavities. At the time, the update was noted to be the first since 2008.
Most recently, although not a standard, the Biden Administration announced the launch of a new program to improve indoor air quality in buildings and reduce the spread of COVID-19 in March 2022.
The program, dubbed the Clean Air in Buildings Challenge calls upon building owners and operators, schools, colleges and universities, and organizations of all kinds to assess their indoor air quality and make ventilation and air filtration improvements to help keep occupants safe.
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, “infectious diseases like COVID-19 can spread through the inhalation of airborne particles and aerosols. In addition to other layered prevention strategies like vaccination, actions to improve ventilation, filtration and other proven air cleaning strategies can reduce the risk of exposure to particles, aerosols, and other contaminants, and improve indoor air quality and the health of building occupants.”
It is reported that the EPA and the White House COVID-19 Response Team consulted with the Centers for Disease Control, the Department of Energy and several other Federal agencies with roles in promoting healthy indoor air quality in buildings to develop the Clean Air in Buildings Challenge.
