Understanding the WDMA Hallmark Label

The WDMA Hallmark Certification Program is a third-party, independent certification program that demonstrates code compliance and allows manufacturers and suppliers of windows, doors and skylights to ensure compliance with industry performance standards. Third-party certification is a process whereby a neutral, independent party evaluates, attests or affirms the validity of some claimed characteristic as presented between two other parties (in this case, a buyer and a seller).

The WDMA Hallmark Certification Program exists to build consumer confidence through rigorous testing and inspections, ensuring compliance with referenced air, water, structural and impact performance standards, as well as the standards-specified materials and components requirements.

The industry standards are the primary linkage between standards, building codes and certification for performance attributes. WDMA standards and test methods are referenced in building codes; are required by architectural and builder specifications; and form the basis for high-performing, relevant product ratings. This allows certified products to demonstrate performance to the applicable code requirements in a straight forward and streamlined manner. More information on standards can be found in the blog “How the North American Fenestration Standard Leads to Quality Products.”

The product certification programs for fenestration products are based on a documented design that is third-party tested and certified. A product’s certification system includes standardized procedures for testing, evaluation and ongoing third-party plant inspection follow-up inclusive of quality systems, which creates assurance that products continue to be manufactured as they were tested. This is an improvement over systems using evaluation reports, and adds another layer of ongoing third-party plant surveillance.

Additionally, the WDMA Hallmark Certification Program is accredited by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) to the ISO IEC 17065 Conformity Assessment for Body Certifying Products. As an accrediting organization for certified programs, ANSI is the official U.S. representative to the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and is a signatory to the International Accreditation Forum and is part of the multilateral arrangements between countries on certification of body and laboratory approval requirements.

ANSI assesses the WDMA Hallmark Certification Program annually, looking at key areas during the assessment process like the program procedures, quality assurance requirements and plant audit requirements.

WDMA Hallmark Certification represents the highest level of quality and is considered a mark of excellence in the industry. Look for the label on WDMA Certified Products. The label includes the licensee identification, product description, standards and ratings.