Accessibility of operable windows and balcony doors

Examining the AAMA 513-14 test method
The purpose of the AAMA 513-14 laboratory test method is to demonstrate whether a given window unit (as designed) is capable of being operated with forces and motions consistent with ICC A117.1 limitations when properly installed, adjusted, and maintained.

Operation of any window includes four actions:

• unlocking or unlatching;
• opening the sash or vent;
• closing the sash or vent; and
• locking/latching.

As previously noted, all four actions must meet accessibility requirements for force, motion, and reach. They must also be performable using one hand.

Tests are run on all classes’ large gateway-size windows, or the alternative minimum test size in the case of R Performance Class. (For more on classes, see “NAFS Operating Force Limitations.”) By grouping accessibility testing of hardware and weather seal packages, used across a range of individual products, one test assembly can qualify multiple individual products. AAMA 513 is a useful lab method, eliminating the variables of wind and weather that could affect operating force onsite, as well as addressing critical issues such as sampling, measurement precision, test equipment, methodology, and inspection. An Appendix addressing field testing was added in the most-recent update to AAMA 513.

Some manufacturers’ accessible windows perform the same as standard operable windows, with no reductions in air, water, thermal, or structural performance necessary. However, AAMA 513-14 allows some leeway, given the low locking forces and friction required to keep forces below ICC/ANSI A117.1 limits. As noted in AAMA 513:

For accessible units, certain “reductions” in air infiltration and water resistance performance requirements shall be permitted, when compared to conventional testing, given the desirability of minimizing operating forces.

Air infiltration: 1.5 times the maximum air infiltration specified in AAMA/WDMA/CSA 101/I.S.2/A440, for the type and class tested shall be allowed.

Water resistance: Unless testing to limited water “LW” rating, conduct laboratory water penetration resistance testing at 15% of the inward-acting design pressure for the project for R, LC and CW Class products, or 20% of the inward acting design pressure for the project for AW Class products, but not less than:

• 140 Pa (2.92 psf) for R Class products;
• 180 Pa (3.76 psf) for LC Class products;
• 220 Pa (4.59 psf) for CW Class products; or
• 390 Pa (8.15 psf) for AW Class products.

Structural integrity: Design loads shall be based on project requirements, or the following minimums, whichever is greater:

• 720 Pa (15.04 psf) for R Class products;
• 1200 Pa (25.06 psf) for LC Class products;
• 1440 Pa (30.08 psf) for CW Class products; or
• 1920 Pa (40.10 psf) for AW Class products.

Design load shall not necessarily be based on the performance requirements of AAMA/WDMA/CSA 101/I.S.2/A440 applicable to optional performance grade ratings, unless specified otherwise.

The AAMA publication offers the following language for specifiers’ use:

Accessibility: As indicated on architectural drawings or project specifications, operable windows and doors as required in occupied spaces shall meet the operating force limits and motion restrictions of ICC A117.1, Section 309.4, when tested by an AAMA-accredited lab in accordance with AAMA 513-14.

All code-required operable windows in a given occupied space may be required to meet these restrictions.