American manufacturers learn Canadian building codes

by Samantha Ashenhurst | June 25, 2018 2:13 pm

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Underwriters Laboratories[2] (UL)/CLEB sponsored a workshop at the American Architectural Manufacturers Association[3] (AAMA) 2018 Summer Conference, clarifying what U.S. manufacturers need to know about Canadian codes, especially the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) A440S1-17, Canadian Supplement to the North American Fenestration Standard (NAFS)-11.

Robert Jutras, principal engineer, led the overview, touching on Canadian building codes, including codes for building envelopes and fenestration.

He started by explaining how Canadian building codes are broken down into four model codes:

• National Building Code (NBC);
• National Plumbing Code (NPC);
• National Fire Code (NFC); and
• National Energy Code for Buildings (NECB).

He also said, in Canada, codes are not divided by usage, like commercial or residential, or even by occupancy, as they are in the United States. Instead, codes are divided by size. Jutras also compared U.S. and Canadian codes, and discussed how manufacturers are impacted by the Canadian supplement.

“In the United States, NAFS certification is usually required, but in Canada, only NAFS testing is required,” said Jutras.

The Canadian supplement to NAFS covers climatic data specific to the determination of performance requirements; a process to determine performance requirements and product selection; and specific performance requirements. Jutras recommended using the Fenestration Canada performance calculator, a tool offered by the organization.

Source URL: https://www.constructionspecifier.com/american-manufacturers-learn-canadian-building-codes/

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