NAFS 2026 makes secondary designator mandatory

by anthony_capkun_2 | 1 June 2026 3:31 pm

[1]

The 2026 edition of the North American Fenestration Standard (NAFS) for windows, doors, and skylights has been published.

AAMA/WDMA/CSA 101/IS2/A440, North American fenestration standard/specification for windows, doors, and skylights, is the result of a multi-year effort by CSA Group[2], Fenestration and Glazing Industry Alliance[3] (FGIA), and Window & Door Manufacturers Association[4] (WDMA).

Lisa Bergeron, FGIA’s Joint Document Management Group (JDMG) co-chair, says NAFS-26 does not contain any major revisions except for the secondary designator clarification.

The secondary designator provides the underlying test values—such as design pressure and water resistance—that contribute to the overall performance grade used in fenestration product ratings (primary designator).

Previously optional, the secondary designator is now mandatory and must be included in product test reports and labels. It must show performance values for:

• Positive design pressure
• Negative design pressure
• Water penetration resistance test pressure

This clarification means more detailed performance information will now appear directly on product labels, providing greater clarity during submittals, inspections, and onsite verification.

The change was proposed by FEMA, which had become increasingly concerned with water intrusion performance, particularly in coastal and hurricane-prone regions. Following discussions with the JDMG, the change to the secondary designator was accepted.

“The JDMG held meetings with representatives from FEMA and came to agreement on how to address their concerns through NAFS,” said CSA’s JDMG co-chair Robert Jutras.

FEMA’s proposal also aligned with recommendations previously raised by the Florida Building Commission.

“Since NAFS is a document that puts all the requirements for fenestration products in a single place, it has become a document that different code bodies have adopted,” said WDMA’s JDMG co-chair Dan Raap, noting that NAFS is referenced in the national building codes of both the U.S. and Canada.

“As it has been before, NAFS remains an excellent industry tool as an internationally accepted performance standard for the included fenestration product types,” Bergeron added.

An agreement among the three organizations requires NAFS to be reviewed every five years to keep current with changes in the industry.

NAFS 2026 is available for purchase through all three partner organizations.

Source URL: https://www.metalconstructionnews.com/news/nafs-2026-makes-secondary-designator-mandatory/

---