Q: How Does Title 24 (Specifically Section 116), Mandated By The California Energy Commission, Effect My Business?
A: Well, if you are the builder, project manager, superintendent, or manufacturer, then you need to be aware that Title 24 Section 116 lists the Mandatory Requirements for Fenestration Products and Exterior Doors. The products used must comply with Air Leakage/Infiltration Tests as well as meet minimum U-Factors and SHGC Values to pass inspection and be in compliance with the code. 

Q: What Is Quality Assurance Testing?
A: When we discuss the term Quality Assurance Testing (QAT), especially in regards to water penetration testing in the building industry, it usually means testing the installer's final installation of various fenestration products and systems to satisfy owner demands and/or project specifications. It is a way for the end user (the owner) to have confidence in the installers work and has proven to help improve overall project quality control by holding the general contractor and subcontractors involved in the installation process accountable for the quality of their work.

Q: What Is a Forensic Investigation?
A: A Forensic Investigation, in regards to the investigation of water penetration  in a building's envelope, usually refers to the scientific approach taken by a forensic expert in locating the exact cause and point of entry of a water leak. Drywall or other interior wall materials are typically removed so the forensic expert can document the wall cavity conditions and also note locations where water has entered in the past as well as to see where water is entering during live destructive testing.  In addition, exterior stucco (or other wall materials) are also usually removed on the exterior after testing so the forensic expert can document how the product or adjoining construction in question was assembled and installed.  Deviations from code or industry practice are noted and a report is normally written that gives the forensic expert's opinion as to where the water leak was coming from, and the cause as to why the leak was occuring; trades involved in the leak's cause are also normally noted in the report. This type of complex investigation is usually conducted on behalf of law firms and insurance companies who are involved in a litigation suit.

Q: How Does Washington State's House Bill 1848 Effect Trades Involved With Fenestration Products?
A: The bill, which went into effect in 2006, requires mandatory testing (for water penetration) of window products on all new multi-family construction projects.

Q: Who Does FTL Provide Services For?
A: That's an easy one, we provide testing, investigation, R&D, and consulting services for: architects, builders, consultants, engineering companies, law firms, insurance carriers, and individual residential/commercial building owners.  

Q. Who Is Qualified to Conduct AAMA Test Methods?
A. This is a very important question that glass companies run into a lot.  If the plans you are working with specify that an AAMA test method (i.e.-AAMA 502, AAMA 503, or AAMA 501.2) be performed, then the only way to actually have a valid test conducted would be to hire an AAMA accredited test laboratory per the test standards written language. Visit www.aamanet.org for more information and to find accredited test labs nationwide.

Q. What Are FTL's Qualifications?
A: Fenestration Testing Laboratory is an ISO/IEC 17025 test facility that holds test lab accreditations from AAMA (The American Architectural Manufacturers Association), IAS (The International Accreditation Service), and WDMA (The Window and Door Manufacturers Association).

Q: What Is FTL's Quick Response Team?
A: FTL's Quick Response Team assists residential homeowners throughout the Southern California region locate and document water intrusion leaks.
 
Q. Where Does FTL Provide Services?
A: We provide services nationwide and our line of work takes us across the country. We have clients all the way from Hawaii to New York. In addition, we also provide consulting work for international clients; some recent companies we have worked with have been from Australia, Europe, and Asia. 

Q: Where Can I Apply for a Position With FTL?
A: We are always searching for qualified individuals to expand our nationwide team.  If you are a hardworking and experienced construction consultant, and capable of working independently, then please feel free to fax your resume to our office and tell us a little bit about yourself.