In a session sponsored by UL Laboratory Canada, Robert Jutras presented on the impact of Canadian code changes and updated standards at the Fenestration and Glazing Industry Alliance (FGIA) Annual Conference in Orlando, FL. Jutras covered recent revisions to the North American Fenestration Standard (NAFS) Canadian supplement, a proposed change to revise provisions for wind and snow loading in the 2025 edition of the National Building Code (NBC) and two new Canadian standards covering resisting high winds and field testing.

Revisions to the NAFS Canadian Supplement

“We will be highlighting some revisions to the NAFS Canadian supplement today, among other topics,” said Jutras. He explained that the updated NAFS Canadian supplement from 2025 replaced the 2019 version. “Currently, the 2019 edition is incorporated by reference into the 2020 NBC,” he said. “A code change request will be prepared for the NBC 2025 code update in 2027.” The updates made to the NAFS Canadian supplement earlier this year were required to be consistent with NAFS-22, such as table references and section references, he said. “It also was updated to align with the 2020 NBC.”

Some updates include:

• A change was made from low-rise to low buildings in the definitions section, with modification of the definition itself and throughout the standard, to be consistent with NBC 2020 terminology.
• Notes were added to clarify the use of factors, including the use of Ct (topographic factor) in the calculation of Driving Rain Water Penetration (DRWP) specified in section 4.2.1.
• Modifications were made to the references for section 5.4 on air leakage performance, with the addition of a user note.

Additionally, Section 5.4 on Operating Force Requirements was deleted “because it is fully harmonized in NAFS now,” said Jutras.

NBC 2025 | Wind and Snow Loading

“Next, I want you to be aware of the proposed change to revise provisions for wind and snow loading in NBC 2025,” said Jutras. “These changes were proposed to account for potential loading changes resulting from climate change.” He referred participants to Proposed Change 1979 on Climatic Loads to see updated climatic data, which now incorporates the effects of climate change.

New High Wind Standard | CSA S520:22

Jutras moved on to covering the new Standard CSA S520:22, “Design and Construction of Low-rise Residential and Small Buildings to Resist High Wind.” “It is scoped to address best practice guidance for their design and construction, plus guidance to supplement the requirements in Part 9 of the NBC,” said Jutras.

CSA S520:22's content includes objectives and design requirements; wind loads; roofs; walls; connections for wind uplift resistance and anchoring of enclosed building frames. It also discusses connections and anchorages of beams and columns in open buildings; roof covering; garage doors; windows, doors, skylights and other fenestration products; and wall cladding.

“For combination and composite windows, mullions containing separate window or door units shall have sufficient strength and stiffness to support the assembly when subjected to the design pressure,” Jutras read from the standard. He also noted that impact resistance of fenestration products shall be demonstrated by one of the following: either impact resistance of fenestration by testing or by using an applied film for impact resistance.

New Field Testing Standard | CSA A440.8/.9

Last, Jutras spoke about the development of the new Standard CSA A440.8/.9 on field testing for fenestration products in Canada. “In January, a task group began working on Standard CSA A440.8/.9, a field testing standard for fenestration products in Canada,” said Jutras. He noted that it will go through public review and voting at the main CSA A440 committee. “We hope to see it published at some point in 2026,” Jutras said.

For more coverage about the FGIA Annual Conference, visit FGIAonline.org/news.

Your trusted industry resource, setting the standards for fenestration and glazing.