Home Innovation Hosts Windows Advisory Group Meeting for Building America

Upper Marlboro, MD; December 16, 2016 – Earlier this week, Home Innovation hosted researchers, building scientists, and decision-makers from both the public and private sectors for a Building America advisory group focused on the structural support of windows installed in walls with continuous insulation. Participants included window manufacturer members of the American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA), rigid foam sheathing manufacturer members of the the American Chemistry Council's (ACC) Foam Sheathing Committee (FSC), and staff from Home Innovation, AAMA, ACC, DOE, and the Window and Door Manufacturers Association (WDMA).

The Advisory Group was gathered to provided expert input on the window project's test plan. Given the number of variables that go into a window installation -- e.g., window product type, size, weight, fastener choice, foam sheathing type and compressive strength, etc. -- the potential test matrix is massive and complex. Home Innovation staff presented a preliminary inventory of foam sheathing products, window products, and window testing/rating standards to feed the testing matrix and provide the Advisory Group members a basis for their discussion.

Following a lively and productive discussion about the installation characteristics that would be critical to ensure meaningful testing, and providing feedback on the most relevant test standards to apply as part of the test protocol, the meeting concluded. Home Innovation will incorporate the Advisory Group guidance into the official test plan by early January, and begin initial testing on the identified installation parameters thereafter. Once the initial testing is complete, the Advisory Group will be reconvened to assess if any changes to the test matrix and/or test protocol need to be adjusted before completing lab testing no the full matrix.

For more information on Home Innovation's Building America project work, contact us.

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ABOUT: Home Innovation Research Labs, located in Upper Marlboro, Md., is a full-service research, testing, and consulting firm determined to improve the quality, durability, affordability, and environmental performance of single- and multifamily homes and home building products – in short, we aim to perfect the home. Founded in 1964 as a subsidiary of the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), our team has been integral in solving many of our client’s most difficult product and technology issues, and helping to introduce some of the most groundbreaking innovations in construction. Through an interdisciplinary research approach – including market research, building science analysis, laboratory testing, and standards development – we help to find a home for innovation in the construction industry.

NOTE TO EDITORS ON STYLE USAGE: To identify this company and its work correctly, first reference should be "Home Innovation Research Labs." In subsequent mentions, “Home Innovation” should be used; we are not identified by an acronym. Prior to February 12, 2013, the company was known as the NAHB Research Center.