AAMA provides architects with continuing education courses.
Press Release Summary:
AAMA hosted local architects during the Architects of a Better Mind educational seminar presented at the Las Vegas Convention Center on October 6 and 7. The event focused on up-to-date insights on residential and commercial fenestration product applications. Offered concurrently with the GlassBuild America trade show, the seminar featured eight one-hour AIA-accredited Learning Unit courses, each qualifying for Health, Safety and Welfare continuing education credits.
Original Press Release:
AAMA Provides Architects with Eight Continuing Education Courses
Seminar Offered in Conjunction with the GlassBuild America Show
SCHAUMBURG, Ill. -- The American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA) hosted local architects during the Architects of a Better Mind educational seminar presented at the Las Vegas Convention Center on October 6 and 7. The event focused on up-to-date insights on residential and commercial fenestration product applications. Offered concurrently with the GlassBuild America trade show, the seminar featured eight one-hour AIA-accredited Learning Unit (LU) courses, each qualifying for Health, Safety and Welfare (HSW) continuing education credits. By attending, AIA members fulfilled their full year's HSW continuing education requirements.
The courses covered the following topics:
Specifying Windows and Doors Using Performance Standards
AAMA President and CEO, Rich Walker, kicked off the program with a presentation on how the latest window and door standards -- referenced by the I-codes -- are used to specify product type, performance level and key performance attributes. Special requirements for different window and door types were discussed, and Walker explained the use of the AAMA short form specification.
Glass: The Right Choice
Tracy Rogers (Edgetech) presented a course created by the AAMA Glass Material Council (GMC) on the function of glass in a building, focusing on its response to solar energy. Types of glass and coatings, as well as the application of various glass fabrication solutions, such as laminated, heat-treated, fire-rated and spandrel glass, were reviewed. The session concluded with a discussion of glass performance, selection criteria and the role of glass in "green" design.
Vinyl Windows: Designed for Performance
Presenting on behalf of the AAMA Vinyl Material Council, Joe Hums (Quanex) explained the benefits of vinyl as a building product, dispelling environmental misconceptions and noting its performance in the field. Hums traced the growth of vinyl fenestration products and the evolution of its manufacturing process. He wrapped up with a discussion of the types of products available and the industry performance standards that serve as the basis for product certification.
Introduction to Designing Fenestration for Blast Mitigation
Presented by Raj Goyal (Architectural Testing, Inc.), this AAMA Blast Education Task Group course covered the various forms of blast -- specifically addressing the most deadly manifestation, the shock wave -- and the resulting damage caused by flying glass and structural debris. Window construction and configurations for minimizing blast damage, such as the use of laminated glass, and proper testing and installation were discussed.
Forensic Water Testing of Fenestration Products
Field water testing was the subject of a presentation by Scott Warner (Architectural Testing Inc.). Warner explained how forensic testing focuses on recreating leaks that the building has experienced, rather than uncovering new leaks. His discussion also centered around the AAMA 502, Voluntary Specification for Field Testing of Newly Installed Fenestration Products and AAMA 511, Voluntary Guideline for Forensic Water Penetration Testing of Fenestration Products.
Introduction to Unit Skylights for Daylighting of Commercial Buildings
Andy Nelson (CrystaLite) presented on behalf of the AAMA Skylight Council. His presentation revealed daylighting design strategies and benefits, focusing on the energy-saving potential of complementing daylight with interactive electric lighting controls. Key specification issues and resources for further design study were also presented.
Fiberglass for Fenestration
Representing the AAMA Fiberglass Material Council, Jeff Miller (Comfort Line) noted how the increasing popularity of fiberglass as a fenestration framing is based on its strength and energy saving, sustainable performance. Fiberglass formulations and the pultrusion process were also explained.
Designing Windows for Improved Sound Attenuation
In his discussion of glass and sound control, Jim Plavecsky (Edgetech) covered glass design considerations for optimizing sound control and the engineering factors involved. He explained the indices used to classify sound transmission loss, specifically sound transmission class (STC) and outdoor-indoor transmission class (OITC).
AAMA continuing education learning units are available as classroom programs through participating members or as online self-study courses. For more information regarding AAMA's educational offerings, visit the AAMA Web site at www.aamanet.org or contact Angela Dickson at 714-596-3574, or adickson@aamanet.org .
AAMA is the source of performance standards, product certification, and educational programs for the fenestration industry.(SM)
Angela Dickson, marketing manager, AAMA
Email: adickson@aamanet.org
