Performance Grade Ratings measure product performance throughout window and door units. Andersen® window and patio door units receive independently tested ratings for performance grade and air infiltration.
Performance Standards
The Window and Door Manufacturers Association (WDMA), the American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA), and the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) have jointly released AAMA/WDMA/CSA 101/I.S 2/A440-08; North American Fenestration Standard/Specification for windows, doors, and skylights, which calls for using "Performance Grade" as well as the new rating to describe products that comply to the standard. This new version, dated "-08", has been adopted by the 2009 International Building Code (IBC) and the International Residential Code (IRC).
Performance Grade ratings replace Design Pressure Ratings as the preferred method of measuring product performance throughout the window, door, and skylight industry to define products that comply with all the requirements of the 101/I.S 2/A440 standard.
A product only achieves a "Performance Grade" or "PG" rating if that product complies with not only the structural loading requirement, but all other performance requirements such as air infiltration, resistance, water penetration resistance, ease of operation, and resistance to forced entry. A "Design Pressure Rating" or "DP" rating will now describe a product rating that has only been tested for structural loading and not air infiltration, water testing, or other requirements for Performance Grade.
Performance Classes
This Standard/Specification defines requirements for four performance classes. The performance classes are designated R, LC, CW, and AW. This classification system provides for several levels of performance. Product selection is always based on the performance requirements of the particular product.
Elements of Performance Grade (PG) Designations
In order to qualify for a given performance grade (PG), test specimens need to pass all required performance tests for the following, in addition to all required auxiliary (durability) tests (not shown here) for the applicable product type and desired performance class:
Operating Force (if applicable): minimum and maximum operating force varies by product type and performance class.
Air Infiltration Resistance: tested in accordance with ASTM E283 at a test pressure of 1.57 PSF. The allowable air infiltration for R, LC, and CW is 0.3 cubic feet per minute per square foot of frame (cfm/ft2).
Water Infiltration Resistance: tested in accordance with ASTM E547 with the specified test pressure applied per AAMA/WDMA/CSA 101/I.S 2/A440-08. The test consists of four cycles. Each cycle consists of five minutes with pressure applied and one minute with the pressure released, during which the water spray is continuously applied. The water spray shall be uniformly applied at a constant rate of 5.0 U.S gal/ft2 · hr.
Uniform Load Deflection Test: tested in accordance with ASTM E330 for both positive and negative pressure (pressure defined by AAMA/WDMA/CSA 101/I.S 2/A440-08) with the load maintained for a period of 60 seconds. After loads are removed there shall be no more permanent deformation in excess of 0.4% of its span and no damage to the unit which would make it inoperable. Starting with the 2008 specification, design pressure (DP) will only represent the "uniform load deflection test."
Uniform Load Structural Test: tested in accordance with ASTM E330 for both positive and negative pressure (pressure defined by AAMA/WDMA/CSA 101/I.S 2/A440-08) with the load maintained for a period of 10 seconds. After loads are removed there shall be no damage to the unit which would make it inoperable.
Forced-Entry Resistance (if applicable): tested in accordance with ASTM F588 (windows), F-476 (swinging doors), and F842 (sliding doors) at a performance level 10 rating.
Both design pressure ratings and performance grades are expressed in pounds per square foot. The change from design pressure to performance grade has not changed how our products have been or will be tested.
Code requirements for design pressure and product compliance will vary by municipality. Appropriate selection of Andersen products that conform to all applicable laws, ordinances, building codes, and safety requirements are the sole responsibility of the architect, designer, building owner, and/or contractor. Check with your local building code officials for specific information.
Non-Stormwatch® Protection Performance Ratings
100 Series Windows & Patio Doors 
200 Series Windows & Patio Doors
400 Series Windows & Patio Doors
A-Series Windows & Patio Doors
E-Series Windows & Patio Doors (Non-Impact)
Big Doors
Entry Doors
Stormwatch® Protection Performance Ratings
400 Series windows with Stormwatch® Protection
E-Series Windows & Patio Doors with Stormwatch® Protection
A-Series, 400 Series Windows & Doors with Stormwatch® Protection
For older vintage windows and doors, consult the Product Guide for Professionals for the model year the product was manufactured. Please contact a local retailer or dealer, see Locating Andersen® Window and Door Retailers/Dealers.
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