Warranty & certifications

Certifications

For P.H Tech, certification matters and we make sure our window series go through the most stringent and intricate testing. Our product line has met or exceeded tests under the North American Fenestration Standard which focus on window, door and skylight specifications. To top it off, P.H Tech has also scored above both AAMA and CSA expectations.

What is tested?

Throughout Canada laboratory test results can be issued according to the CAN/CSA A-440-00 and the CAN/CGSB-82.1-M90. These tests reflect the nomenclature A, B, C and F to designate respectively air resistance, water resistance, wind resistance and forced-entry.

AAMA/WDMA/CSA 101/I.S.2/A440-08 is the voluntary performance specification for aluminum, vinyl and wood-framed windows and glass doors. It provides standards for air leakage, water penetration, structural strength and forced-entry resistance. Rigid vinyl extrusions must be tested and certified under ‘’AAMA 303’’.

Products that have earned the right to display the AAMA certification label have had a sample unit pass independent laboratory tests and only products that bear this prestigious label are certified by the manufacturer. Plus, production lines for windows and doors in the AAMA Certification Program are subject to two unannounced annual audits.

Forced entry

This test reproduces the conditions of a forced entry and  re-enacts how it could be attempted.

• Testers begin by trying to force open the window using simple tools, such as knife blades, screwdrivers or wires.
• They then attach cables to strategic points on the window and apply increasing loads.
• If the window continues to resist, they once again use the tools to execute a third attempt.

       Ratings

• F1 (windows) : have a locking system, but has not been tested for forced entry
• F2 (windows) : successfully passed forced entry test
• F1 (doors) : passed forced entry test at minimal level
• F2 (doors) : passed forced entry test at a superior level

Water penetration resistance

• Measured by projecting the equivalent of 5 US gallons of water per hour  per square foot of window surface, the equivalent of  8 inches (200 mm) of rain in one hour.
• Air pressure is increased to simulate winds ranging from 30 to 77 mph (50 to 125 km/h). Ratings indicate the pressure reached without interior water leakage.
• The water penetration resistance is 15% of the positive design pressure (DP) associated with the performance grade for classes R, LC and CW.

Air leakage resistance

• Outside infiltration : Airtightness is measured by applying 75 Pa of pressure — the equivalent of a steady 25-mph/34-km/h wind.
• Inside infiltration : measured in cubic feet per minute per foot of window joint.
• Maximum air leakage volume is 0.3 cfm/ft² for performance classes R, LC and CW (A2 level in Canada). In Canada, A3 level is authorized with 0.1 cfm/ft2 and fixed level with 0.4 cfm/ft².

Uniform load structural test pressure

• Measures the load of uniform pressure window and door structures can withstand without suffering breakage (structural shattering) or permanent damage (structural deformation).
• It is 150% of the design pressure (DP) for windows and doors.
• In Canada, design pressure is to be interpreted as referring to specific wind load. The required loads are affected by geographic wind speed, building exposure and height, location of product on the building and snow load.

For more information on AAMA testing

P.H. Tech, the first company to succeed in the stringent Dade testing (video)

Test results

Tests performed by an independent laboratory.
Refer to the test report for detailed manufacturing specifications recommended by P.H. Tech.

Warranty

Warranty scope

Subject to the terms, conditions and limitations set forth herein, P.H. warrants to the manufacturer that from the date of delivery and for a limited period of twenty (20) years in residential applications only or for a limited period of ten (10) years for all other applications whatsoever, such PVC extrusions when used to manufacture or assemble products in accordance with the recommendations and specifications of P.H. will not be subject to major colour change, and will not rot, corrode, pit, peel or blister under conditions of ordinary wear because of manufacturing defects.

Warranty limitations

This warranty is extended only to the manufacturer, is non-transferable, and covers only lengths of PVC extrusions, produced and supplied by P.H.  All other components or material whatsoever relating to the manufacture, assembly, installation or quality of the products, including without limitation, hardware, screens and glass are specifically excluded from this warranty.