What does AAMA fenestration standards cover?

Performance classes for air, water and structural resistance; Anchorage of frames and units back to the structure; Glazing capture, setting blocks and gasket or wet seal; Perimeter flashing, sealant and weatherproofing details; Field water testing of installed openings.

What does a field inspection against AAMA fenestration standards look at?

Perimeter flashing and sealant photographed before trim and interior finishes bury the joint that keeps water out. Anchorage and shims documented at the jambs and head, shown fastened to structure rather than to the finish. Glazing capture, gaskets and weep openings photographed clear and unobstructed, since a blocked weep drowns the sill. Field water test observed and documented as it runs, with the spray rack and any leakage shown, not signed off from memory. Unit performance class confirmed against the opening it sits in, photographed at the label before the sticker comes off.

Which checklists verify work against AAMA fenestration standards?

3 free checklists in the RTI library reference this family. Each is listed on this page with the photo evidence every item needs before it can be submitted.

American Architectural Manufacturers Association (FGIA)

AAMA fenestration standards

The AAMA fenestration standards, now published under FGIA, describe how windows, curtain wall and storefront are rated and installed: the performance class a unit is built to, how it is anchored back to structure, how the glass is captured, and how the opening is made to shed water. On site they show up wherever the wall meets glass, because that is where water finds its way in when the perimeter seal, flashing and drainage are not built the way the class assumes.

Adoption varies by jurisdiction. Confirm the edition your authority having jurisdiction enforces before you run a walk against it.

What it covers

Performance classes for air, water and structural resistance
Anchorage of frames and units back to the structure
Glazing capture, setting blocks and gasket or wet seal
Perimeter flashing, sealant and weatherproofing details
Field water testing of installed openings

What the evidence looks like

Perimeter flashing and sealant photographed before trim and interior finishes bury the joint that keeps water out.
Anchorage and shims documented at the jambs and head, shown fastened to structure rather than to the finish.
Glazing capture, gaskets and weep openings photographed clear and unobstructed, since a blocked weep drowns the sill.
Field water test observed and documented as it runs, with the spray rack and any leakage shown, not signed off from memory.
Unit performance class confirmed against the opening it sits in, photographed at the label before the sticker comes off.

Checklists that verify work against AAMA fenestration standards

3 free checklists, each with the photo every item needs before it can be submitted.

Curtain wall Rough-in· Curtain wallCurtain wall rough-in inspection checklistEmbeds, anchors and slab-edge safing verified against the anchor schedule before units are hung6 items12 photos Curtain wall Final· Curtain wallCurtain wall final inspection checklistInstalled wall checked for alignment, gaskets, weeps and sealant, with a field water test on a sample of the wall8 items16 photos Curtain wall Punch· Curtain wallCurtain wall punch checklistCloseout walk for scratched glass and finishes, failed seals traced and re-tested, and operable hardware4 items6 photos

See the whole checklist library

Common questions

What is AAMA fenestration standards?: Windows, curtain wall and storefront: performance classes, anchorage, glazing, weatherproofing, field water testing. It is published by the American Architectural Manufacturers Association (FGIA). The AAMA fenestration standards, now published under FGIA, describe how windows, curtain wall and storefront are rated and installed: the performance class a unit is built to, how it is anchored back to structure, how the glass is captured, and how the opening is made to shed water. On site they show up wherever the wall meets glass, because that is where water finds its way in when the perimeter seal, flashing and drainage are not built the way the class assumes.
What does AAMA fenestration standards cover?: Performance classes for air, water and structural resistance; Anchorage of frames and units back to the structure; Glazing capture, setting blocks and gasket or wet seal; Perimeter flashing, sealant and weatherproofing details; Field water testing of installed openings.
What does a field inspection against AAMA fenestration standards look at?: Perimeter flashing and sealant photographed before trim and interior finishes bury the joint that keeps water out. Anchorage and shims documented at the jambs and head, shown fastened to structure rather than to the finish. Glazing capture, gaskets and weep openings photographed clear and unobstructed, since a blocked weep drowns the sill. Field water test observed and documented as it runs, with the spray rack and any leakage shown, not signed off from memory. Unit performance class confirmed against the opening it sits in, photographed at the label before the sticker comes off.
Which edition of AAMA fenestration standards applies to my project?: Adoption varies by jurisdiction. Confirm the edition your authority having jurisdiction enforces before you run a walk against it.
Which checklists verify work against AAMA fenestration standards?: 3 free checklists in the RTI library reference this family. Each is listed on this page with the photo evidence every item needs before it can be submitted.

A standard is only met if the evidence exists

RTI holds the submit button until every mandatory item is answered and the photos are attached, then chains the record so it can be proven untouched later.

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