Draft Details

CSA A440.6

1.1

This Standard sets forth characteristics of effective and durable installation methods, in both new and existing buildings, of fenestration products within the scope of AAMA/WDMA/CSA 101/I.S.2/A440 that are intended for installation in buildings of all occupancies to which NBC Parts 3, 4, 5, and 6 of Division B apply.

1.2

In addition to fenestration products within the scope of AAMA/WDMA/CSA 101/I.S.2/A440, this Standard also applies to the installation of

a) fenestration products installed as ribbons, strips, or punched windows that are fabricated with components typically used in curtain wall systems;

b) window walls; and

c) storefronts (where exposed to the exterior).

1.3

This Standard covers the installation process from pre-installation procedures through to post-installation and includes fenestration design features that allow improved performance of products installed in high exposure conditions. This Standard also outlines processes related to fenestration installation, such as shop drawing review, field testing, and mock-up testing, to improve the performance of the installed product. Therefore, the provisions of this Standard should be considered by responsible parties at the product design stage, at the building design stage, at the field installation stage, and at the post-installation stage.

1.4

This Standard provides minimum requirements for the installation of fenestration products in high exposure situations and where compliance is required to Part 5 of the NBC, or comparable requirements in applicable local codes. CSA A440S1 provides guidance on the determination of the design wind pressure and driving rain wind pressure exposure conditions that fenestration products are subjected to.

This Standard addresses issues that could compromise the performance of the fenestration product as established by testing to the requirements of AAMA/WDMA/CSA 101/I.S.2/A440 or as otherwise required by Part 5 of the NBC.

1.5

Where installation methods are not specifically addressed in this Standard, or where there are differences between this Standard and installation instructions of the manufacturer of a fenestration product, a design professional should be consulted for a solution consistent with the intent of the minimum requirements and principles in this Standard and with the intent of Part 5 of the NBC or comparable section in applicable local codes.

1.6

This Standard describes laboratory testing procedures for combination window assemblies, including window walls.

1.7

The application of this Standard requires a working knowledge of applicable federal, provincial, and local (municipal) building codes and regulations specifically concerning, but not limited to, required means of egress, fire safety requirements, and requirements for safety glazing.

1.8

This Standard does not apply to

a) selection of fenestration products for a given application;

b) installation of

i) storm windows or storm doors;

ii) fire-rated fenestration;

iii) vehicular-access doors (garage doors);

iv) commercial entrance systems;

v) revolving doors;

vi) commercial steel utility doors (e.g., roof access doors or doors to electrical rooms);

vii) sloped glazing (other than unit skylights, roof windows, or tubular daylighting devices);

viii) curtain wall, except as noted in Clause 1.2 a);

ix) interior fenestration products;

x) sunrooms;

xi) bay and bow windows;

xii) balcony enclosures; and

xiii) glazed architectural structures as referred to in Part 5 of the NBC;

c) maintenance of installed fenestration products (see Annex G for guidance);

d) rebuilding of fenestration products; and

e) fabrication of fenestration products, whether such fabrication takes place in a factory or at the installation site (i.e., stick-built assemblies).

Notes:

1) For product performance selection information, see CSA A440S1.

2) For recommendations for product selection for high exposure locations, see Annex L.

1.9 

This Standard does not purport to address all of the safety problems associated with its use. It does not set out requirements relating to the safety of the person installing the units. It is the responsibility of the installer to obtain necessary health and safety training and to follow proper procedures for safe handling and application of installation materials and fenestration products.

Note: Installers should be aware of existing hazardous materials, such as asbestos or lead paint. They should request a copy of the hazardous material survey or designated substance survey for the building prior to commencing any work.

1.10

This Standard is not intended to replace professional advice. When information provided in this document is incorporated into buildings, it must be reviewed by knowledgeable building professionals and reflect the specific conditions and unique design parameters of each building. Use of this Standard does not relieve designers of their responsibility to comply with local building codes, standards, and by-laws with respect to the selection, interface design, and installation of fenestration products.

1.11

This Standard assumes that its users are familiar with the terminology, procedures, requirements of good building practice and the available installation information provided by fenestration product manufacturers.

1.12

This Standard does not address the qualifications and skills that a installers should possess. It assumes familiarity with the fundamentals of building construction in Canada as described in Division B, Part 5 of the NBC or equivalent local code and of installation techniques for fenestration products normally available in Canada. Although guidance is provided in the manner of installation of fenestration products, it is not a training manual.

1.13

Annex H provides information on climate change, its potential effects on fenestration in buildings and provides guidance for climate change resilient design for fenestration products and installation.

1.14

In this Standard, “shall” is used to express a requirement, i.e., a provision that the user is obliged to satisfy in order to comply with the Standard; “should” is used to express a recommendation or that which is advised but not required; and “may” is used to express an option or that which is permissible within the limits of the Standard.

Notes accompanying clauses do not include requirements or alternative requirements; the purpose of a note accompanying a clause is to separate from the text explanatory or informative material.

Notes to tables and figures are considered part of the table or figure and may be written as requirements.

Annexes are designated normative (mandatory) or informative (non-mandatory) to define their application.

1.15

The values given in SI units are the units of record for the purposes of this Standard. The values given in parentheses are for information and comparison only.

CSA A440.7

In addition to fenestration products within the scope of AAMA/WDMA/CSA 101/I.S.2/A440, CSA A440.6 also applies to the installation of:

a)    fenestration products installed as ribbons, strips or punched windows that are fabricated with components typically used in glass and metal curtain wall systems;

b)   window-walls (as defined under “other fenestration assemblies” in Part 5 of the NBC); and

c)    storefronts (where exposed to the exterior).

The individual components of window wall, such as fixed units, vent operator units, sliding door units, and swing door units can be classified under, and must individually meet the specified requirements from  AAMA/WDMA/CSA 101/I.S.2/A440, and CSA A440S1, as these standards govern for these components.

As window wall is considered a ‘combination fenestration product,’ it is governed by A440.6, and under the terms of A440.6:20, 11.1.1, the connections between these components must also meet the requirements of AAMA/WDMA/CSA 101/I.S.2/A440 and CSA A440S1. If two different performance level units are within the same fenestration product combination, the lower performance level achieved may be applied to the combination assembly, unless the overall combination is tested. 

Although there are performance class categories for the sub-assemblies of window wall, there are no such categories for the assemblage known as window wall. The performance class is not applicable to window wall because NAFS testing does not account for evaluation of inter-storey drift, dynamic water testing, and thermal movement considerations. Refer to clause 11.2 in A440.6 for further guidance:

-      rainscreen performance;

-      thermal control and condensation resistance; and

-      full-scale testing, both laboratory and field performance.