| 1 | Coating specification | Confirm the coating type, specified performance level, and whether the finish is factory-applied. AAMA 2605 is a performance specification for high-performance organic coatings on architectural aluminum. | Current coating-system data sheet, test documentation, and written confirmation of the specification applicable to the quoted finish. | Projects with demanding weathering or appearance requirements. |
| 2 | Coastal and corrosive exposure | Check how the complete window system addresses salt exposure, drainage, dissimilar-metal contact, hardware, and finish maintenance. A coating specification alone does not establish corrosion performance for every component. | Project-specific corrosion details, material and hardware schedules, care guidance, and applicable test reports. | Marine, humid, or other corrosive environments. |
| 3 | Thermal performance | Compare whole-window U-factor and solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC) for the specified frame, glazing, and configuration. Values depend on the complete assembly, not the coating alone. | NFRC-certified ratings or project-relevant simulation results for the proposed window configuration. | Energy-code compliance and projects with heating or cooling priorities. |
| 4 | Air, water, and structural performance | Match tested air leakage, water penetration resistance, and structural capacity to the project’s code, wind loads, exposure, and window size. | Test reports for the relevant series and configuration, plus project-specific calculations where required. | High-rise, storm-exposed, or demanding building-envelope projects. |
| 5 | Window operation and configuration | Confirm available operating styles, opening sizes, hardware options, screens, safety features, and compatibility with the specified glazing. | Series drawings, approved size charts, hardware schedules, and samples or mock-ups of key details. | Projects with unusual openings, access needs, or detailed architectural requirements. |
| 6 | Color and finish consistency | Review available colors, gloss levels, texture, batch consistency procedures, and whether color matching is available across profiles and accessories. | Physical finish samples, written color tolerances if specified, and confirmation of finish availability for each component. | Large façades, phased construction, and projects with strict design coordination. |
| 7 | Glazing and acoustic options | Verify permitted glass make-up, thickness, safety-glazing requirements, spacer options, and available sound-control configurations for the window series. | Glazing tables, safety-glass documentation where applicable, and configuration-specific acoustic data when required. | Roadside, urban, institutional, or safety-sensitive projects. |
| 8 | Installation and interface support | Assess whether details address anchorage, perimeter sealing, sill drainage, movement, and integration with the wall and flashing system. | Installation instructions, shop drawings, interface details, and access to technical review during design and installation. | Complex retrofits and projects with nonstandard wall assemblies. |
| 9 | Quality control and traceability | Look for documented inspection procedures for fabrication, glazing, finish handling, and final assembly, with traceability appropriate to the order. | Quality-control plan, inspection records, product identification process, and procedures for reporting and resolving defects. | Large-volume orders and projects with formal quality-management requirements. |
| 10 | Warranty, lead time, and service | Compare written coverage, exclusions, maintenance obligations, quoted production schedule, delivery terms, and the process for service or replacement parts. | Warranty documents, project-specific schedule, service contacts, and written confirmation of responsibilities and exclusions. | Projects with tight handover dates or long-term maintenance planning. |