Security Screen and Storm Shutter Certification Program

Security Screen and Storm Shutter Fast Facts

Third-party certification program sponsored by Architectural Testing which provides manufacturers with the opportunity to certify that their security screen or storm shutter products meet the requirements of one or more applicable standards and the requirements of this program. The test methods and specifications referenced in the program guidelines provide manufacturers and consumers with performance benchmarks relative to wind-load, impact ratings, resistance to windborne debris and intrusion from forced entry. Performance ratings for certification are determined by the manufacturer based upon actual test results. Continued product compliance is verified by Architectural Testing during unannounced audits and periodic product testing.

Value

For the purposes of this Certification Program, a security screen or storm shutter is a product that is designed to withstand impact from windborne debris and/or intrusion from forced entry, and is not an integral part of the window or door system it is installed on. Security screens or storm shutters have their own framing system and can be configured to be operable or fixed. Screens fabricated from fiberglass mesh (insect screens) are not designed to withstand the qualifying performance parameters of this program, and are, therefore, not eligible.

This Certification Program provides several important benefits:

• Assurance to buyers that products bearing the program label are the same as the samples that were independently tested and rated.
• Assurance that the test parameters were consistent for all products bearing the program label, thus providing a direct apples-to-apples comparison of performance.
• Assurance to buyers that participating manufacturers maintain a quality control program which is audited by Architectural Testing for compliance with the Program Guidelines, and that Architectural Testing conducts unannounced plant audits and performance tests on randomly selected products on an ongoing basis.

Architectural Testing validates the manufacturer's certification through:

• Initial review and approval of their Quality Control Program.
• Evaluation of test reports and data for compliance with minimum requirements.
• Ongoing unannounced manufacturing facility audits to determine continued compliance with Program Guidelines.
• Periodic random product selection and independent testing to verify continuing conformance to initial performance qualifications.

Participating Manufacturers:

Security Screen and Storm Shutter Certification Logo: The Stamp of Approval

Manufacturers who satisfy the requirements of the Security Screen and Storm Shutter Certification Program are licensed to apply certification program labels to qualifying products. In addition, a web-based certified products list is maintained for reference by specifiers, code and building officials, architects, insurance companies, potential buyers and others. Participating manufacturers are also permitted to use the program label in sales and marketing literature as approved by Architectural Testing.

By applying the certification program label, the manufacturer certifies that the product bearing the label meets the requirements of the certification program and the information listed is accurate for that product. Architectural Testing permits continued licensing of the participating manufacturer based upon demonstration by the manufacturer that certification is true as demonstrated by unannounced audits and product testing.

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