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S tandards and certifications exist for a very important reason: to give people confidence in what they’re buying. When you order a UDSA Prime steak in a restaurant, you can be sure you’re getting the best-quality filet; if you shop for a diamond ring for a special someone, you know selecting a “Flawless”-grade rock is certain to impress.

WDMA defines the standards of excellence in the residential and commercial window, door and skylight industry, and advances these standards among its industry members – the product manufacturers. Founded in 1927, the organization has gone through many changes over the decades while consistently remaining a reliable resource for the industry.

Learning who’s behind the quality rating on the products you use is important – and for architects, builders and remodelers, understanding the association behind fenestration certification provides assurance that they are delivering the highest-performance windows, doors and skylights to their customers.

Who is WDMA? 8 Quick Facts

    1. WDMA represents manufacturers across North America, in four key areas of membership: Manufacturers of Windows, Exterior Doors and Skylights; Architectural Door Manufacturers. In addition, Suppliers to the Industry; and Professionals, including Specifiers, Builders, Contractors and Architects, are also eligible to join.

 

    1. WDMA is one of the three standard writers of the North American Fenestration Standards (NAFS) and the sole author of the ANSI-approved Architectural Wood Door Standards. The NAFS performance requirements and test methods are referenced in residential and commercial building codes and form the basis for high-performing, relevant product ratings. WDMA’s Architectural Wood Door Standards are used primarily for specifying interior commercial doors. With the help of some of the most knowledgeable experts in the space, WDMA drives the development, creation and implementation of key standards for the window, door and skylight industry.

 

    1. WDMA sponsors the ANSI-accredited WDMA Hallmark Certification Program. The WDMA Hallmark Certification Program provides code officials, builders, architects and consumers with an industry-wide recognized certification process and listing of products that have demonstrated compliance with referenced performance standards. The WDMA Hallmark Certification Program provides certification to air, water, structural and impact performance standards.

 

    1. Industry research is critical to the WDMA in order to keep industry professionals apprised of new trends and sea changes. Reputable third parties collect and analyze the research to ensure high-quality data. The most recent research report is the WDMA 2018 U.S. Industry Market Study, providing data and insights needed to understand the industry’s performance, key trends, and future direction.

 

    1. WDMA’s Learning Center offers multiple webinars and on-demand courses that architects, specifiers, builders and remodelers can take to understand new standards or gain educational credits.

 

    1. WDMA is actively involved in representing the industry in the development of national model building and energy codes and standards including those developed by the International Code Council (ICC), American Society of Heating Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning Engineers, National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), and ASTM.

 

    1. WDMA is actively involved in representing the industry in Washington, D.C., as well as at the state level. Each year, the WDMA issues its National Policy Agenda to present the industry’s priorities to members of Congress, federal agencies, state policymakers and code bodies with the goal of promoting, protecting and advancing the production of high-quality and high-performance windows, doors and skylights.

 

    1. WDMA publishes the WDMA Green Building, Energy Efficiency & Sustainability Report and the WDMA Innovation and Technology Update, both free subscriptions, and produces the monthly podcast, “Open & Close,” which mixes content and analysis of the issues impacting the industry with engaging interviews of industry leaders, experts and analysts who provide perspectives on the industry today. The podcast examines the big issues driving the window, door and skylight industry in an environment of constantly changing business conditions, political developments and consumer preferences.

 

By: Michael O’Brien

President and CEO of the Window & Door Manufacturers Association.

Webinar: Understanding Window, Door & Skylight Certification

Understand the benefits of window, door and skylight certification and how certified products can enhance your projects.

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View our list of window, door, and skylight manufacturers. 

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Webinar: Understanding Window, Door & Skylight Certification

The Understanding Window, Door & Skylight Certification webinar is designed to help architects and remodelers understand the benefits of window, door and skylight certification and how certified products can enhance their projects.

Register Now

Find Manufacturers

Find window, door, and skylight manufacturers. 

Find Manufacturers