The Fenestration and Glazing Industry Alliance has introduced a new technical information report aimed at improving consistency and accuracy in structural testing for folding door systems. The document, titled AAMA TIR-A21-26, provides detailed guidance on deflection measurement and the correct placement of gauge devices during testing procedures.

Designed specifically for folding doors, the report establishes clear criteria for measuring both deflection and permanent deformation under uniform static air pressure conditions. It aligns with widely recognized testing standards, including ASTM International E330 and AAMA/WDMA/CSA 101/I.S.2/A440, ensuring compatibility with existing performance requirements across the industry.

A key focus of the report is to standardize how accredited laboratories position measurement devices and calculate structural responses. By doing so, it helps eliminate inconsistencies that can arise from varying testing methods. The document also includes practical examples to assist laboratories in identifying unsupported spans typically associated with different folding door configurations.

According to Dave Stammen of ASSA ABLOY, who chairs the FGIA task group behind the initiative, the report was developed to support test labs in meeting industry standards that require accurate recording of deflection and deformation data. The goal is to create a more uniform approach that benefits manufacturers, testing facilities and specifiers alike.

AAMA TIR-A21-26 is the fourth publication in an ongoing FGIA series addressing structural test measurement practices. The report is now available for purchase through the FGIA online store, with pricing set at $25 for members and $70 for non-members.