WDMA Technical Conference Continues to Tackle S141 Issue

Members of the Window and Door Manufacturers Association (WDMA) are meeting this week to discuss various issues affecting the association including S141, involving side-hinged exterior doors. Mike Fischer, WDMA director of advocacy, reminded attendees that S141 was disapproved at the International Code Council hearings in February. Code proposal S141, which addressed the side-hinged exterior door standard, attempted to remove the current exemption for side-hinged exterior doors from nationwide testing of the AAMA/WDMA/ CSA A440 test standard. This proposal was submitted by the WDMA, who noted to the Code Council that the proposal would add testing and labeling requirements for side-hinged door assemblies that are included within the scope of AAMA/WDMA/CSA 101/I.S.2/A440.

A proposal is under review for the next code process in the fall, said Fischer.

"The WDMA membership determines the course we take forward," he said. "Comments are due next month for the final action hearings in September in Minnesota. We have decisions to make in the next couple of days."

According to Fischer, part of the problem with doors is the way they are defined. Not every product is included; for example, garage doors are not. But, according to Fischer, if you have a drainage plane, you are required to test it. Additionally, the exterior wall envelop shall be designed and constructed in a manner that prevent the accumulation of water within the wall assembly providing a water-resistant barrier behind the exterior veneer as required by Section R703.2 and a means of draining water that enters the assembly to the exterior, according to the 2006 International Residential Code Requirements, though there is an exception for testing wall assemblies.

With respect to water issues: a door shall not allow unintended water to pass beyond around or through the door or its designed or actual moisture barriers, if any.

Fischer raised the point of performance expectations and whether or not doors today are meeting the expectation of the homebuilder and customer. "The industry is not united on this issue," said Fischer.

Fischer encouraged members to offer their comments by June 9 or doors will be tested as they are today.

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