Why is Certification Important?
To be deemed as conforming to AAMA/WDMA/CSA 101/I.S.2/A440 and therefore certifiable under the AAMA Certification Program, windows made of polymeric (vinyl, fiberglass, ABS, composite) sash and frame materials must be made from profiles that comply with applicable AAMA specifications for those materials.
Profiles must be certified for compliance through the AAMA Profile Certification Program in which randomly-selected production line samples of extrusions are tested by an accredited third-party laboratory for conformance with the appropriate AAMA profile specification. The requirements include impact resistance, dimensional stability, heat resistance, weight tolerance, and color retention as determined from years of actual outdoor weathering tests.
The profile producer must also prepare a Quality Control Manual setting forth the procedures used to promote ongoing conformance of the product with the AAMA specifications. At least two unannounced in-plant inspections are conducted annually by third-party inspectors to determine continued compliance with the program.
The AAMA Profile Certification directory lists the producers (and their code designations) who are licensees of the Profile Certification Program. Certification procedures are fully described in AAMA 109, Procedural Guide for the AAMA Fenestration Exterior Profile Certification Program.
If a producer is not included in this listing, that producer’s extrusions may not be used in a window or sliding glass door which is labeled in the AAMA Gold Label Certification Program. Not all producers certify every one of their profiles. To verify the current certification status of any licensee’s specific extrusion(s), contact FGIA below or the Validator, Associated Laboratories Inc., at (214) 565-0593.
How to Participate in the AAMA Certified Profiles Program[
Who Is Eligible?
Any producer of profiles used in the manufacture of fenestration products—such as vinyl or fiberglass components—that meet the applicable program specifications may participate in the Certified Profiles Program.
Step-by-Step Participation Guide
1. Review Program Requirements and Apply
2. Test Your Profile(s)
- The program Validator, Associated Laboratories, Inc. (ALI), will request:
- A list of all profiles to be included in the program
- A breakdown of compounds, colors and cap stocks for each profile
- Information on any coatings or laminates applied to certified profiles
- ALI will randomly select 10 percent of the total profiles (rounded up) for testing.
- Example: 51 profiles = 5 tested samples
- The licensee must provide production samples of the selected profiles, properly marked and shipped to an AAMA Accredited Laboratory of their choice for testing.
3. Submit Your Quality Management System (QMS)
- Submit your QMS manual to ALI for review.
- The manual must outline quality control procedures for each manufacturing site producing certified profiles.
- ALI will evaluate the manual for compliance with AAMA 109 Section 3 for vinyl, or AAMA 112 Section 3 for fiberglass
- Licensees will be notified if revisions are needed.
4. Test Report Review
- After testing is completed, the lab will send a test report to ALI for evaluation.
- This report serves as the technical basis for certification.
5. Authorization to Certify
- Once the QMS and test reports are approved and all fees are paid:
- FGIA will issue authorization to certify the profiles.
- The licensee will be added to the Certified Profile Licensees Directory.
6. Label Your Products
- Begin labeling profiles at the place of manufacture.
- Products are not considered certified until properly labeled.
- Labels may be ordered by contacting ALI directly.
After Certification | Ongoing Compliance
FGIA conducts biannual, typically unannounced inspections to ensure continued compliance. During these inspections:
- Profile Resampling for Continuation Testing
- ALI will sample profiles equal to 10 percent of the total program profiles.
- Samples are taken from both production lines and inventory.
- These are tested at an AAMA Accredited Laboratory to confirm continued compliance.
- Quality System Audit
- Inspectors will audit the facility’s QMS to ensure it remains in line with program requirements.
If discrepancies are found, the licensee must respond within 30 days with a Corrective Action Plan, including:
- Immediate containment actions
- A root cause analysis
- Preventive measures to avoid future occurrences
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