Building Regulations and Planning Permissions

IQ Glass Expertise for the US Market

At IQ Glass, we believe that world-class architecture demands glazing systems that perform as exceptionally as they look. We bring our engineering expertise and architectural sensitivity to projects that require full compliance with the North American Fenestration Standard, officially AAMA/WDMA/CSA 101/I.S.2/A440 and its Canadian supplement CSA A440S1. Our glazing for North American Fenestration Standard is tested, verified, and trusted to meet the highest levels of performance integrity.

What the Standard Means for Architects  

This standard governs the performance of windows, doors, and skylights across North America. Unlike European CE marking or UK regulations, which often test component systems, the North American Fenestration Standard applies strictly to fully assembled end products. The tests evaluate a finished window or door unit in its exact final form, including configuration, components, and dimensions. Compliance is based on the performance of the actual tested product, not a general system type. This means that any variation in size or specification, even a different gasket or profile, constitutes a new product that must be retested independently to maintain certification. Our commitment to precision and repeatability ensures that our glazing for North American Fenestration Standard is verified, reliable, and built for confidence. 

How to Read a Product Classification

A typical classification might read something like LC-PG50 1050 x 2200 mm (41 x 87 in) – DAW. Here's what it means:

• LC is the Performance Class, indicating suitability for low- to mid-rise multi-family dwellings or commercial buildings, where moderate structural demands exist.

• PG50 refers to the Performance Grade, specifying that the unit was tested to withstand a design pressure of 50 psf.

• 1050 x 2200 mm is the tested size. Products installed at equal or smaller dimensions can be considered compliant.

• DAW stands for Dual Action Window, the type of product tested.

This classification assures architects and specifiers that the product meets verified criteria for air infiltration, water penetration, wind load resistance, operating force, and forced-entry resistance.

What’s tested, and why it matters  

The test sequence within the North American Fenestration Standard is extensive and highly controlled. Products are subjected to a series of assessments, including operating force, air leakage, water penetration, wind load resistance, and forced-entry resistance. The Canadian supplement, CSA A440S1, applies more stringent benchmarks for air permeability, providing an extra layer of quality assurance for projects north of the border. At IQ Glass, our glazing for North American Fenestration Standard undergoes these evaluations in accredited laboratories to guarantee technical integrity. 

Performance Classes and Pressure Ratings 

Performance classes within this framework help define which glazing products are appropriate for different types of buildings. The four classes include R, LC, CW, and AW. C

• Class R is intended for one and two-family residential dwellings
• Class LC applies to light commercial environments
• CW is suitable for commercial buildings that demand larger openings and greater structural performance
• Class AW, is tailored for mid to high-rise construction, where systems are expected to endure extreme use and higher loading pressures.

Although the standard provides recommendations about which classes are appropriate for certain types of buildings, final product selection should always be based on the specific performance demands of the project. 
 
 

The minimum pressure thresholds required to meet these classifications vary accordingly. For Class R, the minimum design pressure is 15 psf. Class LC demands a minimum of 25 psf, CW requires 30 psf, and AW must reach at least 45 psf. In addition to design pressure, corresponding minimums for water test pressure and structural test pressure are also established and must be achieved to meet the certification level. These values reinforce the structural and environmental durability of glazing for North American Fenestration Standard.

It is important to remember that all tests under this standard refer only to the specific configuration of the tested product. Any adjustment in the makeup of the glazing unit—from materials to size to operational mechanism—requires new testing. This ensures that only products that truly match their certified configurations are used in the built environment. This level of rigor makes NAFS certification a mark of trust and reliability, something we at IQ Glass treat as fundamental to every project. 

Specify with Confidence 

Our expertise in delivering architectural glazing for North American Fenestration Standard means US-based architects can specify IQ Glass systems with absolute confidence. Every product is backed by performance data that reflects real conditions, tested and validated in accordance with the most stringent local criteria. We combine aesthetic innovation with structural performance, helping realize bold architectural visions while ensuring code compliance and environmental resilience. 

To find out how we can support your next project with certified glazing for North American Fenestration Standard, contact our technical team today. We’ll guide you through specification, compliance, and performance seamlessly.