Jessica Ferris, representing the Association of Millwork Distributors, offered a proposal at this week’s International Code Council hearings which was passed unanimously. In the section R612.3 regarding testing and labeling: Exterior windows and sliding doors shall be tested by an approved independent laboratory, and bear a label identifying manufacturer, performance characteristics and approved inspection agency to indicate compliance with AAMA/WDMA/CSA 101/I.S.2/A440. Exterior side-hinged doors shall be tested and labeled as conforming to AAMA/WDMA/CSA 101/I.S.2/A440 or AMD 100, or comply with Section R612.5.

The purpose of this proposed code change is to add a new standard to this section of the code, which provides manufacturers of side-hinged exterior doors the option to certify to a structural standard that includes procedures for component substitution, says Ferris.

Incorporating reference to the AMD 100 standard in Section 612.3 will provide producers of side-hinged exterior door systems (SHEDS) with an acceptable alternative method for testing and labeling structural performance requirements. AMD 100 allows for the interchange or substitution of components while maintaining a structurally rated system, which eases the burden of having to test each door configuration assembled for the marketplace. Like AAMA/WDMA/CSA 101/I.S.2/A440, AMD 100 utilizes the ASTM E330 test method for obtaining design pressure ratings of SHEDS.

“SHEDS have requirements that are quite different from exterior windows and sliding doors, and as such, have different considerations,” according to AMD. “The door industry is comprised of not only manufacturers but also smaller distributors and pre-hanger companies, dealers and builders that purchase their door components from multiple suppliers and interchange these components in their systems regularly depending on customer needs. AMD 100 upgrades SHEDS without negatively affecting this supply chain.”