Specifying Fenestration – Understanding the Consultant’s Purpose in the Process (2020 Convention)

A testing technician from an accredited field-testing lab is onsite and is reviewing the project documents when he notices that the windows do not meet or exceed the building design pressure. He identifies the problem, determining that 200 windows must be removed and 800 windows on the project must be rejected, costing the project months and several hundred thousand dollars. With a proper understanding of the code requirements, this could have been avoided.

This presentation will cover the current practice and how it is flawed. It will explore the requirements for the International Residential Code (IRC) and the International Building Code (IBC) as they pertain to fenestration product certification. The speaker will specifically delve into the IBC 2012 and the newer section 1710, which requires that all windows and sliding glass doors be tested to conform to the North American Fenestration Standard (NAFS). The question, “What does this actually mean?” will be answered. This will be compared to the code requirements for storefronts/curtainwalls.

The presenter will look at the NAFS, fenestration specifications, and building design pressures based upon an ASCE-7 calculation, and complete the presentation by answering the question, “What is the role of the building enclosure consultant in this process?”

Ron Doddridge, FMPC

Designs by Arielle | Daytona Beach, FL

Ron Doddridge holds a B.S. in architecture and mechanical engineering, as well as in business/religion. He has 24 years of experience in fenestration and building enclosure consulting. Most recently, Doddridge completed his professional certification as an AAMA Fenestration Master, of which there are currently only 105 in the world.