by Brianna Crandall — June 3, 2019 — Have you wondered the best way to wash windows with external shades, or how to handle thermal bridging or glazing issues? The American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA) has released a new technical information report providing design considerations for exterior shading devices such as aluminum sun shades, glass awnings, deep snap-on covers, and louvered shading devices with outriggers that also covers energy and maintenance issues.
AAMA TIR-A16-19, Design of Exterior Shading Devices, was developed to offer design considerations for manufacturers, architects and other members of the design team, as well as present important information for those responsible for facilities maintenance.
The AAMA technical report covers exterior shading devices such as aluminum sun shades, glass awnings, deep snap-on covers, and louvered shading devices with outriggers. Image courtesy AAMA
Steve Fronek (Apogee Enterprises), chair of the AAMA APG Shading Device Task Group, pointed out:
Exterior shading devices are often incorporated into the façade of commercial and institutional buildings to reduce solar heat gain and to add elements of visual interest. This technical information report presents design considerations for manufacturers, architects and other members of the design team, as well as information for those responsible for facilities maintenance.
AAMA notes that this document should be used in conjunction with AAMA 514-16, Standard Test Method for Static Loading and Impact on Exterior Shading Devices, in preparation of architectural drawings and specifications, shop drawings and structural calculations, and maintenance programs, to avoid some of the technical and practical issues that can arise from improper design or application of shading devices.
Items in the scope of this document include, but are not limited to, impact loading on exterior shading devices, combined loading, new construction/renovation, window-washing considerations, thermal bridging, glazing and more. Items not within its scope include interior light shelves, window wells and other considerations.
AAMA TIR-A16-19, Design of Exterior Shading Devices, as well as other AAMA documents, may be purchased from AAMA’s online store. AAMA is the source of performance standards, product certification and educational programs for the fenestration industry. More information about the group and its activities can be found on the AAMA website.
