The Insulating Glass Certification Council (IGCC) has launched a new program “to advance the long-term performance of insulating glass units (IGUs),” according to the group.
A motion was approved at a recent IGCC/Insulating Glass Manufacturers Alliance (IGMA) certification meeting to provide an option to help determine if changes or variability in supplied materials has occurred, giving a better understanding variability in an IGU’s total performance.
For fabricators to maintain IGCC/IGMA certification, IGUs are tested to the ASTM E2190 Insulating Glass Durability Standard specifications and must meet performance and evaluation criteria. However, if repeat testing produces unexpected results, IGCC is creating a next-step solution.
“IGCC/IGMA is working with a recognized independent laboratory to test sealant components using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analyses,” says John G. Kent, the IGCC/IGMA certification program’s administrator. “We are setting up a program where the fabricator has an option to characterize the sealant components they use, and create a data vault based on known quality ‘chemical fingerprints’ in order to make future sealant comparisons.”
The program is currently voluntary. “Fabricators are welcome to participate in the fingerprint process and create a vault for their company’s components, pre- and/or post-ASTM test weathering,” according to IGCC.