IG Certification: The Time to Start the Process is Now!
Answers for participants in the NFRC’s Certification Program

Beginning July 1, 2010, NFRC will require all participating manufacturers to have all Insulating Glass (IG) certified as a prerequisite to having products rated/renewed in the NFRC Certification Program and subsequently rated by ENERGY STAR®. While the deadline may seem far away, the NFRC Board of Directors and staff are urging manufacturers to act quickly.

“There are a limited number of both IG Certification Agencies and Independent Labs in North America,” said Jim Krahn, with Marvin Windows and NFRC’s Board Ombudsman. “The process takes time and should be a priority to any who want to keep their product’s ENERGY STAR rating.”

NFRC Insider took a few moments to discuss the upcoming change with Krahn to explore the background of this program, the expected time-line for moving through certification, and what kind of assistance manufacturers can look for from the NFRC staff.

On July 1, 2010, NFRC will require all certification program participants to certify their insulating glass units (IGU) – using a third-party IG certification program listed in the NFRC IGC Directory – to receive or renew an NFRC rating. What were the primary reasons behind this change?

There are several reasons:

  • Several changes in the environment and the cost of energy have greatly increased the importance and volume of higher performing IGU products.
  • As DOE and utilities plan for future energy consumption they factor in these better performance ratings.
  • It is critical that these ratings are consistent and dependable for some pre-established known period of time.
  • With the increased use of several gases in making performance claims it is critical that not only are the IGUs durable but also that the claimed gas content is verified.

How should a manufacturer get started to meet this requirement?

It is critical that all participants understand the rules of individual product qualification as defined by the IG Certification entity and how the IG Certification relates to the NFRC Certification of the same glass options.

  • Attributes that are important in establishing these individual product qualifications could include: glass, glass coatings, spacer and corner systems, desiccant, sealant systems, gas filling and retention methods, and number of glass layers.
  • Typically, test specimens are fabricated under the watchful eye or observation of the IG Certification entity’s program inspector.
  • The manufacturers need to contact their IG Certification Entity as well as a testing lab that is recognized by that entity. As previously stated, the IG Certification entity will generally monitor the fabrication of the IG units used for testing. So scheduling the inspection and also the test chamber time with the laboratory is a vital part of the process.

How long will it take to get an IGU through testing and certification and what should manufacturers expect during the process?

It is almost impossible to predict the exact time to complete the process, but be prepared for the following functions [which could exceed five months]:

  • Scheduling the plant inspection and test sample fabrication
  • Waiting period for system curing or reaching due point equilibrium
  • Shipping from factory to testing facility
  • Queue waiting period depending on laboratory schedule
  • Initial gas percentage test
  • Minimum of 105 days durability testing
  • Secondary after durability testing gas percentage test
  • Report generation

Another important consideration when discussing timing is the testing considerations:

  • The amount of models being submitted for testing and the number of products that are in the queue waiting for testing at the laboratory of choice.
  • Typically there is a waiting period before the units can be tested. This waiting period can vary depending on several design considerations including desiccant and sealant systems. There are several test methods:

    • Unit Performance Test:
      • Test six randomly selected specimens for 14 days in the high-humidity phase, followed by 63 days in the weather-cycle phase, followed by 28 days in the high-humidity phase in accordance with Test Method E 2188
      • Breakage of only two specimens is permitted throughout the test

What resources are available from the NFRC about this new requirement?

NFRC staff has been working diligently with the Certification Policy Committee (PCP) to prepare a tool box to assist our participants through this transition. Participants can expect bulletins with reminders/tips and the following items are currently available on the NFRC’s Web site:

NFRC Insider thanks Jim Krahn for this detailed listing of tips and urges participating manufacturers not to delay in taking action toward this new requirement. In addition to the tools above, questions may be directed to NFRC’s Senior Program Manager, Scott Hanlon, via e-mail at shanlon@nfrc.org or call 301-589-1776.

ALSO IN THIS ISSUE

Back to Home Page >>>

Chair's Message >>>

InnerView: Board Members >>>

NFRC Refines Strategic Direction >>>

Momentum Increasing on CMA Pilot Project >>>

IG Certification: The Time to
Start the Process is Now! >>>

NFRC Gets Down to Business
at Summer Meeting >>>

The Stars at Night are Big and Bright … at the Fall Meeting >>>

Member of the Year Nominations Being Accepted Through End of August >>>

Development of Attachment Products Ratings Draws New Members >>>

NFRC Reminds Certified Participants to Check Product Line Listings >>>

Industry Happenings >>>

SPOTLIGHT ON: Air Leakage Subcommittee >>>

NFRC Insider | Vol. 3, Issue 5 - August 2009