WDMA News

WDMA Welcomes Corrim as Newest Member

The Window and Door Manufacturers Association (WDMA) announced today that CORRIM is the newest member of the association.

The Window & Door Manufacturers Association defines the standards of excellence in the residential and commercial window, door, and skylight industry and advances these standards among industry members while providing advocacy resources, educational and professional programs, and ways for members to provide greater value to their customers.

CORRIM (corrosion-immune) is an established manufacturer of fiberglass reinforced polymer (FRP) doors, frames, fixed windows, fixed wall louvers and door accessories. With over 40 years expertise, CORRIM specializes in the fabrication of both fully-customized door systems and a complete range of door panels. More importantly, we never lose sight of the fact that attention is given to ensure the final product is of sound design and engineering and of the highest quality.

CORRIM is honored to be recognized as a new member of WDMA to assist in the advancement of fiberglass doors and frames. CORRIM is committed to the highest material standards and the unparalleled commitment to customer service levels. 

For more information on the Window & Door Manufacturers Association, click here.

For more information on CORRIM visit their website.

Former WDMA Chairman Frank Marvin Passes Away

Former WDMA Chairman and long-time board member Frank R. Marvin passed away on March 2. Frank was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and long-time executive at Marvin, with a remarkable 42-year career at the window and door manufacturer headquartered in Warroad, Minnesota.  

Frank’s legacy is one of incredible personal impact on thousands of customers, employees, and community members. His uncommon ability to genuinely and thoughtfully connect with people by recalling the smallest and most unique of details about them, coupled with his signature humility and approachability, will leave a lasting effect on all who had the opportunity to know him.   

“My dad touched so many with his genuine interest in others—be it customers, employees, community members or his own family,” said Paul Marvin, Marvin Board Member and CEO. “It will be impossible to replicate his trademark ability to make every person feel special and his uncanny talent for connecting to so many in a very relatable way. We are incredibly fortunate to have known his kindness, his commitment and his unwavering support.” 

Frank’s customer-centric mindset and dedication to people shaped cornerstones of the Marvin business that continue today, including the company’s Signature Services department. It was here that Frank made an indelible impact on Marvin’s unique approach to complex, one-of-a-kind solutions for some of the most noteworthy spaces across the U.S. Perhaps most notably, Frank will be remembered for initiating the company’s production of its first round top windows, which would usher in the mass production of radius windows in the industry. In turn, this innovation transformed American architecture and helped to propel Marvin’s explosive growth in the 1980s.

“My dad was always willing to do whatever it took to meet our customers’ needs,” said Will Marvin, Marvin Board Member and Director of Retail Operations. “Where others saw the impossible, he relished the opportunity to find a solution and inspire others to do the same.”

Frank joined Marvin full-time in April 1969 and would later become the first member of the third generation of Marvin family to be elected to the Board of Directors. He served as Vice President of Sales from 1977 to 1981, after which he began an 11-year term as company President during a period of significant growth for Marvin. He later served as Vice Chairman of the Board and led company-owned distribution and retail operations until he retired in August 2011.

“My dad’s leadership and influence on the business through so many decades is something I will always remember and am grateful to have learned from,” said Dan Marvin, Marvin Board Member and President of Infinity from Marvin. “Marvin simply would not be what it is without his countless contributions.” 

Throughout his career, Frank was involved in many civic and business organizations, including serving as a long-time member and chairman of what is now known as the Window and Door Manufacturers Association (WDMA). 

“Frank’s contributions to the association and the industry are innumerable,” said WDMA President and CEO Michael O’Brien. “His leadership and support of WDMA helped propel it into the vital association it is today.”

Despite his successes, nothing meant more to Frank than his wife of 57 years, Margaret, their six children and spouses, and their 24 grandchildren, which represent part of the fifth generation and future of the company. 

WDMA Welcomes ThreeKit as Newest Member

The Window and Door Manufacturers Association (WDMA) announced today that ThreeKit is the newest member of the association.

The Window & Door Manufacturers Association defines the standards of excellence in the residential and commercial window, door, and skylight industry and advances these standards among industry members while providing advocacy resources, educational and professional programs, and ways for members to provide greater value to their customers.

Threekit is the visual configuration leader in doors and windows, enabling game-changing dealer and website experiences to inspire and help buyers navigate and purchase products. Threekit customers can use their own product and business rules to deliver visuals in 3D and augmented reality, as well as in custom space planning settings. This provides dealers and buyers with everything they need to transact online. 

Building materials have become Threekit’s fastest growing category due to doors and windows companies wanting to provide differentiated experiences. Visual configuration enables a new age of product experiences that sets forward-thinking brands apart from the rest of the field.  

“Threekit helps door and window companies engage with buyers, architects and designers in a whole new way,” says Marc Uible, Threekit Vice President of Marketing, Business Development, and Alliances. “It gives dealers a way to explore and see options in real time while working with a customer. Ultimately, it simplifies the sales process and closes more deals.”

For more information on ThreeKit visit their website threekit.com.

WDMA Releases 2024 National Policy Agenda

Today, the Window & Door Manufacturers Association (WDMA) released its 2024 National Policy Agenda, a comprehensive guide and resource for federal policymakers that identifies priorities and offers solutions to the biggest challenges impacting U.S. manufacturers in the housing and residential construction industry.

“The WDMA National Policy Agenda is a comprehensive document outlining the pressing issues facing the window, door and skylight industry at the federal and state levels. We look forward to working with policymakers at all levels to implement fiscally-sound policies on a range of critical issues, including housing supply and affordability, energy efficiency and environmental regulation, and workforce development and immigration,” said WDMA Chair Emily Videtto, Executive Vice President, Sales & Marketing for Pella Corporation.

The 2024 WDMA National Policy Agenda is divided into ten different policy areas:

  • Energy Conservation
  • Building Codes
  • Environmental Stewardship
  • Building Safety
  • Housing and Economic Policy
  • Tax Policy
  • Product Supply
  • Trade Policy
  • Workforce/Workplace
  • Immigration Reform

”The window, door and skylight industry is integral to the residential and commercial construction markets,” said WDMA President and CEO Michael O’Brien. “WDMA is focused on partnering with Congress and the Biden Administration to advance legislative and regulatory policies that will keep U.S. manufacturers competitive and the housing and construction markets strong.”

WDMA's 2024 National Policy Agenda will be distributed to members of Congress and key officials in the Biden Administration.

New Product Category Rule for Fenestration Assemblies Now Available

A new Product Category Rule (PCR) has been released in collaborative partnership among the Fenestration and Glazing Industry Alliance (FGIA), the National Glass Association (NGA) and the Window and Door Manufacturers Association (WDMA). This PCR for Fenestration Systems provides manufacturers with the base document needed to develop Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs). EPDs provide a means for manufacturers to take comprehensive, third-party verified Life Cycle Assessments (LCAs) and transform them into standardized declaration labels for their products.

The new PCR for Fenestration Systems defines a normalized “declared unit” as one square meter of fenestration assemblies including framing and glass. To reflect the differences in fenestration manufacturing approaches, EPD results disclose the LCA results as a total fenestration system and also separately for both the frame and the glazing, because some manufacturers may make only the frame, or there may be variability in glass types used.

“This PCR is important for reporting and standardizing EPD information for fenestration systems,” said Kathy Krafka Harkema, FGIA U.S. Technical Operations Director. “It documents the goal and scope of LCAs for this category so that EPDs can be generated according to the applicable ISO standards. Without a well-defined industry PCR, it’s difficult for specifiers, architects, builders and other EPD users to make accurate comparisons in today’s sustainability-conscious world.”

This new PCR covers exterior-grade, finished, assembled fenestration assemblies including skylights, windows, curtain walls, storefronts and doors. For more specific inclusions, see Table 1 of the PCR for Fenestration Assemblies.

“Formerly known as the Windows PCR, this comprehensive new version more accurately describes the diverse range of fenestration products covered by this standard. This enables it to serve as an even greater and more helpful resource for those interested in using this PCR to develop EPDs as part of a focus on and commitment to sustainability,” said Craig Drumheller, WDMA Vice President, Technical Activities.

The relative ratio of framing and glass for EPDs based on this PCR is derived from National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) standard sizes and configurations prior to normalization. This may or may not be representative of the project-specific sizes and configurations on a specific building or group of buildings.

“This Fenestration PCR is more encompassing for the glass and glazing industry and will allow companies to generate their EPDs with the most up-to-date rules for sustainability,” said NGA Vice President of Technical Services and Advocacy, Urmilla Sowell.

View the new PCR for Fenestration Assemblies now. It is intended for use primarily in North America.

WDMA Welcomes Opco, Inc. as Newest Member

The Window and Door Manufacturers Association (WDMA) announced today that Opco, Inc. is the newest member of the association.

The Window & Door Manufacturers Association defines the standards of excellence in the residential and commercial window, door, and skylight industry and advances these standards among industry members while providing advocacy resources, educational and professional programs, and ways for members to provide greater value to their customers.

Opco is a privately held business located in Latrobe, Pennsylvania for 37 years. Opco expands, molds and cuts EPS (Expanded Polystyrene) and GPS (Graphite Expanded Polystyrene) products serving the construction and protective packaging markets. In the construction space, Opco fabricates custom door cores and window insulation parts to help its customers achieve Energy Star rating, as both EPS and GPS have excellent thermal characteristics.

Opco is also a longtime member of the EPS-IA Industry Alliance with Opco President Jon Lewis serving as the Chairman of the Board. Opco is a strong environmental steward in the EPS industry and partners with many of our customers and clients to recycle EPS, keeping the product out of landfills and back into the reuse and recycle stream.

“Opco is excited to bring value to the WDMA with its considerable industry experience as well as its unique and affordable custom product offering.” – Jon Lewis, Opco President.

For more information on Opco, Inc. visit their website here.

WDMA Welcomes Corning Incorporated as Newest Member

The Window and Door Manufacturers Association (WDMA) announced that Corning Incorporated is the newest member of the association.

The Window & Door Manufacturers Association defines the standards of excellence in the residential and commercial window, door, and skylight industry and advances these standards among industry members while providing advocacy resources, educational and professional programs, and ways for members to provide greater value to their customers.

Corning is one of the world’s leading innovators in materials science, with a 170-plus-year track record of life-changing innovations. The company applies its unparalleled expertise in glass science, ceramic science, and optical physics along with its deep manufacturing and engineering capabilities to develop category-defining products that transform industries and enhance people’s lives. 

Corning has created a family of glass solutions and process innovations designed to meet the evolving needs of the window industry and introduced Corning® ATG™, an ultra-thin, lightweight glass that can enable high-performance, lighter, and sleeker windows in a slimmer footprint. In addition, the company also recently introduced Corning® Thin Line™, an insulated glass unit (IGU) production line designed to manufacture thin triple IGUs with Corning’s lightweight ATG™ technology. Both innovations are enabling window makers to meet stricter thermal efficiency requirements outlined in the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s recently implemented program – ENERGY STAR® Version 7.0 – and offer industry leading products that can potentially qualify for tax incentives.  

“Corning brings its materials science expertise to the industry’s toughest challenges,” said Thomas Bertin-Mourot, innovation and growth leader, Advanced Windows program manager, Corning. “Our innovations come at a critical time for the window industry. We’re helping manufacturers efficiently produce highly tailored architectural designs and meet new energy and efficiency requirements. We’re looking forward to working with the WDMA organization to help the industry meet and advance standards and provide greater value to customers.” 

For more information on Corning Incorporated visit their website here.

Registration Now Open: Spring Meeting & Legislative Conference

The WDMA Spring Meeting & Legislative Conference will be held April 9-10, 2024. WDMA’s Legislative Conference is the signature policy-making event, comprised of advocacy and education, including a day to conduct in-person meetings with your members of Congress.

This fast-paced conference features conversations with Members of Congress, agency leaders, and political strategists. From main stage keynote presentations to panel discussions and networking sessions, you won’t want to miss a minute of this program. In addition to advancing our common interests, this growing conference is an opportunity to make our voices heard.

Click here for more information and register today.

WDMA Legislative and Regulatory Update and Outlook Webinar

Following an historic month of infighting on Capitol Hill that paralyzed the House of Representatives without a Speaker for three weeks, brand new leadership in Congress is now confronting a looming government shutdown deadline in mid-November amid massive party differences on federal spending priorities. Join WDMA for a webinar that will examine the political dynamics and legislative landscape in Washington as lawmakers work through a contentious appropriations process, along with an update on key state and federal issues impacting the window, door and skylight industry.

WDMA members will have the opportunity to ask questions and hear from WDMA’s Director of Government Affairs Jacob Carter on issues ranging from PFAS and plastic packaging laws to taxes and labor regulations, while also learning about the remaining agenda on Capitol Hill for 2023 and the political outlook in the House and Senate.

The webinar will be held on Wednesday, November 15 at 3:00 p.m. ET.

Register here.

WDMA Welcomes PGT Innovations as Newest Member

The Window and Door Manufacturers Association (WDMA) announced today that PGT Innovations is the newest member of the association.

The Window & Door Manufacturers Association defines the standards of excellence in the residential and commercial window, door, and skylight industry and advances these standards among industry members while providing advocacy resources, educational and professional programs, and ways for members to provide greater value to their customers.

PGT Innovations manufactures and supplies premium windows, doors, and garage doors. Its highly engineered and technically advanced products can withstand some of the toughest weather conditions on Earth and are revolutionizing the way people live by unifying indoor and outdoor living spaces. Through its brands, PGT Innovations is also the nation’s largest manufacturer of impact-resistant windows and doors and holds the leadership position in its primary market.

The PGT Innovations’ family of brands include CGI®, PGT® Custom Windows and Doors, WinDoor®, Western Window Systems, Anlin Windows & Doors, Eze-Breeze®, Eco Window Systems, NewSouth Window Solutions, and Martin Door. The company’s brands, in their respective markets, are a preferred choice of architects, builders, and homeowners throughout North America and the Caribbean. Their high-quality products are available in custom and standard sizes with massive dimensions that allow for unlimited design possibilities in residential, multi-family, and commercial projects.

"We are excited to join the Window and Door Manufacturers Association, an organization that embodies the very standards of excellence we hold ourselves to at PGT Innovations," says Jeff Jackson, President and CEO of PGT Innovations. "With decades of leadership in the industry, we've always been committed to inventing, building, and delivering solutions that enhance lives. We look forward to contributing our passion and expertise to further drive WDMA's mission, ultimately providing greater value to our customers and the industry as a whole."

For more information on PGT Innovations visit their website

WDMA Welcomes Engineered Custom Coatings as Newest Member

The Window and Door Manufacturers Association (WDMA) announced today that Engineered Custom Coatings (ECC) is the newest member of the association.

The Window & Door Manufacturers Association defines the standards of excellence in the residential and commercial window, door, and skylight industry and advances these standards among industry members while providing advocacy resources, educational and professional programs, and ways for members to provide greater value to their customers.

ECC engineers and manufactures custom coatings to fit specific window and door OEM application and performance needs. ECC’s core focus and mission are simple; to protect and enhance customer assets and brands to the highest standards.

With over 90 combined years in business and several patents, ECC has the broadest array of chemistry technologies in the window and door industry, ranging from high-performance, 1K H2O Urethane, to Opaque UV, and 1K H2O Acrylic technologies, for applications on vinyl, aluminum, and fiberglass.

Since no two OEM coatings requirements are alike, ECC prioritizes technology as well as research and development. Over 25% of their staff is dedicated to R&D and Engineered Custom Coatings takes a customer-centric approach to all products developed in their labs.

“Engineered Custom Coatings is new to WDMA, but not new to high-performance coating solutions for the window and door industry. We are thrilled to join WDMA and are looking forward to growing with the esteemed members and this great association," states CEO & President Steven Hughes.

For more information on Engineered Custom Coatings visit their website.

WDMA Welcomes North American Specialty Laminations as Newest Member

The Window and Door Manufacturers Association (WDMA) announced today that North American Specialty Laminations (NASL) is the newest member of the association.

The Window & Door Manufacturers Association defines the standards of excellence in the residential and commercial window, door, and skylight industry and advances these standards among industry members while providing advocacy resources, educational and professional programs, and ways for members to provide greater value to their customers.

North American Specialty Laminations is the trusted source for innovative lamination, fabrication, and finishing solutions to the global building products industries. With five locations across North America, NASL delivers products and services to empower our customers to deliver high-performance integrated architectural solutions to their customers, in virtually any color, texture, or pattern.

Their scale and growing production footprint, coupled with their proprietary FACTOR Program creates shared efficiencies in capital investments, labor, and transportation for a streamlined supply chain. NASL is the single source solution to deliver color via lamination/paint/stain to a broad range of product offerings to our valued customers.

“We are pleased to be an active WDMA member and welcome the many benefits associated with our membership”, states Doug Rende, CEO – NASL. “With color becoming such an important growth aspect within our industry, we look forward to sharing our expertise in delivering cost and time efficiencies to our partners in business.

For more information on North American Specialty Laminations visit their website.

WDMA Releases 2023 U.S. Industry Market Study

The Window & Door Manufacturers Association (WDMA) has released the WDMA 2023 U.S. Market Study for Windows, Architectural Interior Doors, and Patio & Entry Doors. This study is designed to define the historical, current, and forecasted size of the industry market. The report is based on direct industry input for product shipments in 2022 and combined with other primary and secondary research to benchmark the results. The Farnsworth Group, a nationally recognized market research expert, conducted the surveys, analyzed the data, and prepared the report.

 The 2023 market study report includes an analysis of the attitudinal drivers of homeowners and contractors, key macro drivers in the residential and commercial markets, and a special section to gauge overall shipment demand sentiment and expectations to understand the current and expected challenges for the industry. This report delivers timely information on residential/light commercial windows, patio doors, residential entry doors, and interior architectural door market trends and product relationships; regional data, historic data from 2020 through 2022, and forecast data for 2023 through 2025.

Quick facts and key takeaways:

  • The residential window market has shown steady growth, although not as remarkable as the previous year's performance. In 2022, there was a notable increase in residential window shipments, with vinyl windows remaining the most commonly shipped type. Shipments of sliding patio doors also experienced growth, although at a slower pace compared to the impressive rates seen in 2021. Surprisingly, even hinged patio doors, which were anticipated to decline, witnessed an increase in shipments compared to the prior year.
  • The housing market continues to be surprisingly resilient. As interest rates stabilized, it appears that potential home buyers have emotionally adapted to the fact that higher rates will be here to stay. Thus, both new and existing home sales remain strong. New home prices have begun to decline while existing home prices continue to rise. This narrowing price gap along with only a 2.9 month supply of existing homes for sale has strengthened the new home market.
  • For 2023, the factors driving the new residential market and the remodeling market, although mixed, are producing a stronger performance level than many predicted 6 to 9 months ago. The next several months will be very interesting to see if the relative strength of the housing and remodeling market can continue despite negative economic factors and the Fed’s actions.

Along with shipments and forecasting information, the study also presents national and divisional data and detailed product data for housing stock, new projects, and non-residential construction to provide additional insights into the health of the construction industry.

The complete study is available for purchase online in the WDMA store in the Statistical Reports section for non-members. Individual market segments of the 2023 U.S. Market Study related specifically to residential windows, residential patio and entry doors and architectural doors are also available for purchase separately.

WDMA Welcomes Novagard Solutions, Inc. as Newest Member

The Window and Door Manufacturers Association (WDMA) announced today that Novagard Solutions, Inc. is the newest member of the association.

The Window & Door Manufacturers Association defines the standards of excellence in the residential and commercial window, door, and skylight industry and advances these standards among industry members while providing advocacy resources, educational and professional programs, and ways for members to provide greater value to their customers.

Novagard manufactures a complete line of professional grade one-part and two-part silicone sealants, as well as hybrid sealants, designed for manufacturers, dealers, wholesalers, and contractors. NovaFlex silicones sit at the top of the Building Systems sealant hierarchy, offering permanently flexible seals that are VOC compliant, UV resistant, weather tight, and will not degrade over time.

Within the window manufacturing sector, Novagard glazing products meet or surpass all industry standards for window and door fabrication applications. Their approved formulations are trusted by window and door manufacturers for their high tensile strength, quick cure rates, and excellent adhesion to most substrates.

“We have been serving the window manufacturing industry for over 30 years, and are delighted to become a member of the WDMA”, said Joe Borak, Senior VP of Sales. “We look forward to working together with some of the best minds in the industry to continue to develop and support standards around high performance, quality windows and doors.”

For more information on Novagard Solutions, Inc. visit novagard.com

Maine Delays PFAS Reporting to 2025

Maine Governor Janet Mills (D) has signed LD 217, “An Act to Support Manufacturers Whose Products Contain Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances,” legislation that delays the new reporting requirements for manufacturers of products that contain PFAS.

The bill extends the January 1, 2023, deadline for reporting the use of PFAS in products for sale to January 1, 2025, and authorizes reporting the amount of total organic fluorine if the amount of each PFAS compound is not known. The bill also allows the amount of PFAS to be reported based on information provided by a supplier rather than testing and exempts manufacturers that employ 25 or fewer people from the reporting requirements. Further, the bill clarifies that the requirements and prohibitions of PFAS in products do not apply to used products or used product components, and makes other technical clarifications to PFAS reporting requirements. The changes made by the bill to the law regulating PFAS in products will be made retroactive to January 1, 2023.

WDMA has heavily advocated for extensions and is working with the state of Maine and a coalition of industry stakeholders to limit and reduce the scope of PFAS regulations on our membership.

More information about Maine’s PFAS registration program can be found here, and WDMA members with questions may contact Jacob Carter, WDMA’s Director of Government Affairs, at [email protected].

Minnesota Enacts 2032 Ban on PFAS

Last week, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz (D-MN) signed one of the nation’s strictest laws (HF 2310) regulating the use of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in consumer products. Similar to the state of Maine, the new law requires manufacturers to submit detailed reports on products containing PFAS to the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency beginning in 2026, while banning the sale all products with PFAS by 2032. This was enacted as part of a larger $670 million environmental omnibus bill that advanced through the Minnesota Legislature in recent months and represents the most prominent example of Maine’s PFAS regulations being used as model framework for larger states to adopt. While there will be an extensive rulemaking process over the next two years that is likely paired with a legislative effort to delay and modify the PFAS provisions in Minnesota, WDMA members should internally investigate their own use of PFAS to make a determination about whether Minnesota’s new law applies to their products.

Below are important dates from Minnesota’s HF 2310 that could affect WDMA members.

  • January 1, 2025 – The following products are banned from being sold in Minnesota if they contain PFAS: carpets or rugs; cleaning products; cookware; cosmetics; dental floss; fabric treatments; juvenile products; menstruation products; textile furnishings; ski wax; or upholstered furniture.
  • January 1, 2026 –  Manufacturers of consumer products with PFAS must submit reports to Minnesota Pollution Control Agency.
  • January 1, 2032 – A person may not sell, offer for sale, or distribute for sale in Minnesota any product that contains intentionally added PFAS, unless the commissioner has determined by rule that the use of PFAS in the product is a currently unavoidable use. The commissioner may specify specific products or product categories for which the commissioner has determined the use of PFAS is a currently unavoidable use.

In consideration of recent developments in Maine and Minnesota, WDMA is hosting a session on PFAS laws and regulations during the Technical & Manufacturing Conference in Minneapolis from June 27-29, 2023.

WDMA members with questions may contact Jacob Carter, WDMA’s Director of Government Affairs, at [email protected].

WDMA Announces New Leadership Team

The Window & Door Manufacturers Association (WDMA) announced its new leadership team which was installed at the WDMA Board of Directors meeting on March 31. At the meeting, the Board elected Emily Videtto of Pella Corporation as the association's 2023-2025 chair. She replaces outgoing Chair Steve Tourek of Marvin, who will become immediate past chair.

"I am honored to serve the board and work with an outstanding group of manufacturers, suppliers, and the staff at WDMA. We continue to navigate a number of challenging industry dynamics including labor shortages and rapidly changing public policy," said Videtto. "I look forward to working together to amplify our collective voices and influence progress as we strive to serve our customers with high quality windows, doors and skylights."

Emily Videtto is Pella Corporation's Executive Vice President of Sales and Marketing, leading the enterprise's go-to-market strategy and innovation engine. Founded in 1925 and headquarted in Pella, Iowa, Pella Corporation has designed and built high-quality, innovative windows and doors for nearly a century. Today, the Company has 19 manufacturing locations, over 250 showrooms, and more than 10,000 team members across its family of brands. Pella has received nearly two dozen innovation accolades, including Fast Company's Most Innovative Companies award for the second consecutive year, and is also recognized as one of America's top employers by Newsweek and Forbes. 

“I am looking forward to working with Emily as WDMA’s new chair. Her knowledge, creativity and dedication to advancing the industry and the association will be invaluable as we take on the challenges facing the industry on several fronts and help take the association to the next level,” said WDMA President and CEO Michael O’Brien. “I also want to acknowledge outgoing Chair Steve Tourek for his outstanding leadership and dedication to WDMA during a particularly challenging time for the industry.”

In addition to Videtto, the other members of the 2023-2024 WDMA Executive Committee are:

  • Vice Chair/Treasurer: Jeff De Lonay, Kolbe Windows & Doors, Wausau, WI
  • Executive Committee Door Representative: Fenton Challgren, Therma-Tru Doors, Maumee, OH
  • Executive Committee Window Representative: Andrea Nordaune, Andersen Corporation, Bayport, MN
  • Executive Committee Supplier Representative: Dave Pinder, Cardinal Glass Industries, Eden Prairie, MN
  • Immediate Past Chair: Steve Tourek, Marvin, St. Paul, MN

WDMA and Fenestration Canada Announce Agreement to Work Together to Advance Industry Interests in North America

The Window & Door Manufacturers Association (WDMA) and Fenestration Canada (FenCan) announced a formal agreement to cooperate in a number of areas for the mutual benefit of WDMA and Fenestration Canada members. The associations believe the agreement will further both associations’ goal of promoting, protecting and advancing the window, door and skylight industry in North America.

Under the agreement, both associations are pledging to work closely on cross-border policy issues to achieve a mutually beneficial outcome for their members. By teaming up on these issues, WDMA and Fenestration Canada believe they achieve better and greater results.

"WDMA and FenCan have always had a great working relationship but we are excited to formalize our efforts and deploy the combined influence of both organizations in the policy arena," said Michael O’Brien, WDMA President and CEO.

Stéphane Labelle, Fenestration Canada’s Executive Director adds: "This collaboration represents a unique opportunity for both organizations to pool their expertise to advance the industry as a whole. By working together, we can better overcome challenges, drive innovation, and promote the interests of manufacturers and stakeholders across the fenestration sector."

Further, under the agreement, WDMA and FenCan members will have more opportunities to participate in each other’s events and the associations.

2022 North American Fenestration Standard Published

The 2022 edition of AAMA/WDMA/CSA 101/I.S.2/A440, North American Fenestration Standard/Specification for windows, doors, and skylights (NAFS) has been published. This standard is the result of a multi-year effort by CSA Group, Fenestration and Glazing Industry Alliance (FGIA) and Window & Door Manufacturers Association (WDMA). The updated 2022 standard replaces the 2017 edition, representing a continued evolution of the standard to improve harmonization across North America.

The 2017 NAFS standard is already referenced in the 2021 editions of the International Building Code and International Residential Code, with the recently released standard proposed to be included in the 2024 editions of these codes. The 2017 NAFS standard is also referenced in the 2020 edition of the National Building Code of Canada, with the recently released standard proposed to be included in the 2025 edition.

The Joint Document Management Group (JDMG), comprised of representatives from all three associations, stresses the importance of NAFS-22.

Operating Force
“Operating force tables were combined to include all product types and Performance Classes, and a single requirement identifies the maximum ‘force to initiate’ and ‘force in motion.’ This was done to both simplify and to harmonize requirements between Canada and the United States,” said Brad Fevold, Director of Regulatory Affairs for Marvin, who served as WDMA’s JDMG co-chair.

Door Requirements
“Another change is that the Limited Water (LW) rating and designations for sliding doors were added to provide consistency for all door products. Finally, folding door assembly qualifications were revised and updated to include an additional sixth configuration to better reflect the breadth of product offerings in the market,” said Fevold.

Material and Components
“‘Material and Components’ clauses were partitioned into ‘Requirements without Alternative,’ ‘Requirements with Alternative’ and ‘Design Guidance.’ In addition, prescriptive or redundant auxiliary and component tests were removed,” said Steve Fronek, P.E. and Vice President Preconstruction for Wausau Window and Wall Systems, who served as FGIA’s JDMG co-chair.

Concise Clauses
To maximize continuous improvement opportunities, every clause in NAFS-22 was subjected to review and enhancement using time-tested, inclusive, consensus-based processes at each of the JDMG associations. “The result is a concise, quality-focused standard, allowing for end-product performance evaluation, as well as meeting secondary goals including product comparison, durability assessment and addressing technical certification issues,” said Fronek.

Canada/U.S. Harmonization
Several Canadian-specific changes are reflected in NAFS-22. “NAFS-22 is a huge achievement for its impact on products intended for the Canadian market, as it has been harmonized to address both countries’ requirements”, said Robert Jutras, Chair of CSA’s Technical Committee and CSA’s JDMG co-chair. “In Canada, the selection of the water penetration resistance test pressure is still defined in accordance with the A440S1 Canadian Supplement to NAFS, and air exfiltration testing will now be required in the U.S.”, he added.

Mulled Products
Additionally, Jutras pointed out an important change regarding evaluation of mulled products. This change was the transition from AAMA 450-10 to AAMA 450-20, which now includes provisions for evaluating mullions for composite window products. Finally, Jutras noted that the tables for the Available Performance Grade Requirements have been consolidated. “This was done to provide clarity for specifiers,” Jutras said.

AAMA/WDMA/CSA 101/I.S.2/A440:22 is available online at Window & Door Manufacturers Association, CSA Group, or Fenestration and Glazing Industry Alliance.

WDMA Releases 2023 National Policy Agenda

Today, the Window & Door Manufacturers Association (WDMA) released its 2023 National Policy Agenda, a comprehensive guide and resource for federal policymakers that identifies priorities and offers solutions to the biggest challenges impacting U.S. manufacturers in the housing and residential construction industry.

“WDMA continues to work with Congress and the White House to collaborate and implement fiscally sound policies that are meaningful on issues ranging from housing, energy efficiency and energy independence to workforce development and immigration,” said WDMA Chair Steve Tourek, Senior Vice President & General Counsel for the Marvin Companies. “Our policy framework offers a comprehensive approach that will strengthen the U.S. economy and housing market by promoting sustainable manufacturing and residential construction across the country.”

The 2023 WDMA National Policy Agenda is divided into ten different policy areas:
  • Energy Conservation
  • Building Codes
  • Environmental Stewardship
  • Building Safety
  • Housing and Economic Policy
  • Tax Policy
  • Product Supply
  • Trade Policy
  • Workforce/Workplace
  • Immigration Reform
”Window, door and skylight manufacturers are essential to housing and building markets that are key to a thriving economy,” said WDMA President and CEO Michael O’Brien. “WDMA is focused on partnering with Congress and the Biden Administration to advance legislative and regulatory policies that will keep U.S. manufacturers competitive and the housing and construction markets strong.”

WDMA's 2023 National Policy Agenda will be distributed to members of Congress and key officials in the Biden Administration.