The Fenestration and Glazing Industry Alliance has updated a specification document providing a standardized comparative analysis procedure for determining the structural integrity of window and door products. The AAMA 2502-24 (Comparative Analysis Procedure for Window and Door Products), an FGIA document, is now available for purchase in the FGIA’s online store. The document was last updated in 2019.

“[The] AAMA 2502 is an engineering procedural document that allows engineers to calculate the structural capacity of fenestration products that vary from tested products in size and design pressure,” said Lynn Miller of PGT Innovations, co-chair of the FGIA’s Comparative Analysis Update Task Group. “This standard is referenced in the International Building Code and the Florida Building Code.”

The comparative analysis procedure is especially suited for regions where it is desirable to document the performance of each window and exterior door size to meet specific structural design pressure criteria. For window and door manufacturers, the procedure provides a uniform approach for dealing with different code jurisdictions and specific design pressure for each size of fenestration product opening.

“This procedure will allow manufacturers to determine structural ratings for products at non-tested sizes,” said Rich Rinka, FGIA technical manager for fenestration standards and U.S. industry affairs and staff liaison for the FGIA’s Comparative Analysis Update Task Group. “This provides a method for the specifier or design professional to verify product structural wind-load performance, as determined by professional engineering practices, based on comparison to a test unit that has been subjected to structural loads.”

The AAMA 2502-24, as well as other documents available from the FGIA, may be purchased from the FGIA’s online store at the discounted member rate of $30 or the non-member price of $90.