© 2009 Door & Access
Systems
Publish Date: Spring 2009
Author: Joe Hetzel
Page 58
TECHNICAL TIPS
10 Myths About the New Garage Door Certification Program
By Joe Hetzel, DASMA Technical Director
On July 1, 2008, DASMA made available to manufacturers a
voluntary, code-compliant garage door certification program
applying to wind-load and windborne-debris-resistance performance
of products. On March 1, 2009, the state of Florida will
require the equivalent of product certification.
A DASMA-sponsored certification program allows our industry,
not an outside agency, to control the content and administration
of the program. DASMA is currently in the extensive process
of having the program accredited through the American National
Standards Institute (ANSI).
Inquiries and discussions on the subject have led us to
identify the following 10 myths about product certification
as applying to garage doors.
Myth #1: Certification is the only means of demonstrating
garage door performance in high winds.
Truth: Four alternatives exist for demonstrating wind performance
of garage doors: a test report, a rational analysis prepared
by a registered design professional, an evaluation report
prepared by an evaluation entity, and certification.
Myth #2: DASMA is promoting certification over the other
methods of demonstrating wind performance.
Truth: DASMA is neutral regarding the methods available
to manufacturers for demonstrating performance. State and
local regulatory agencies determine what is acceptable.
Myth #3: A DASMA certification program is unnecessary.
Truth: Requirements in Florida alone make it necessary for
DASMA to offer the certification option. In Florida, the
equivalent of product certification became a requirement
on March 1, 2009.
Myth #4: Certification is uncommon in exterior building
products.
Truth: Product certification programs are in place for siding,
shingles, skylights, windows, sliding glass doors, and entry
doors.
Myth #5: Nationwide building product certification is uncommon.
Truth: ICC codes require product certification for windows,
skylights, and sliding glass doors.
Myth #6: DASMA garage door certification is limited to DASMA
garage door manufacturer members.
Truth: Certification is open to any manufacturer who meets
the definition of a manufacturer within the certification
program documents. To start the process, manufacturers should
contact Dan Wise of Architectural Testing, program administrator,
at 717-764-7700 or dwise@archtest.com.
Myth #7: The DASMA certification program has no added value
as compared to any other performance alternative.
Truth: The purpose of the DASMA certification program is
to offer a performance alternative that meets the requirements
of a certification program as dictated by building codes.
Having an independent validator—and eventual ANSI accreditation—sets
the certification program apart from the other alternatives.
Myth #8: The certification program is only good for Florida.
Truth: Once ANSI accreditation is obtained, the certification
program will be acceptable anywhere code-compliant certification
is enforced, including Florida.
Myth #9: If manufacturer interest is limited, the program
should not be offered.
Truth: The membership of DASMA approved the program, acknowledging
the need to have a program available in the event that a
state or local jurisdiction begins enforcement of code-compliant
certification.
Myth #10: Certification is a manufacturer issue.
Dealers don’t need to worry about it.
Truth: Certification involves the dealer wherever certification-level
requirements are enforced, because dealers must submit the
documentation to local authorities.
Dealers should remain alert for developments in their market
areas relating to product labeling and changes in product
acceptance requirements. Dealers should immediately communicate
this information to their manufacturer suppliers.
DASMA stands ready to work with manufacturers on any state
or local basis to educate authorities on product performance
documentation options.
To respond to this article, send an e-mail to the editor
(daseditor@dasma.com) or to Joe Hetzel (jhetzel@thomasamc.com)
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