WMA Regulatory Affairs Update – October 2026 | NFRC Fall Meeting 2026
WMA Regulatory Affairs Update
NFRC Fall Meeting 2026 Highlights
The National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) held its Fall Membership Meeting October 13–15 in Alexandria, Virginia. Themed “Level Up,” the meeting featured a more interactive format, emphasizing member collaboration and feedback on certification programs, testing requirements, emerging technologies, and future rating opportunities.
Key Meeting Highlights
NFRC 7018 – Labeling and Mark Usage Requirements
The NFRC Board of Directors approved updates to NFRC 7018 on October 12, which provides additional clarification and options regarding permanent labeling requirements. No changes to existing permanent labels are required, however. NFRC will issue a bulletin outlining the implementation timeline.
NFRC 7000 – Product Certification Program
With the transition to the NFRC 7000 series and pursuit of ISO/IEC 17065 accreditation, NFRC is changing how certification program documents are maintained and updated. Rather than membership balloting, certification documents will undergo public comment processes to allow more timely revisions.
The Ratings Committee approved a revised scope for the Certification Subcommittee and its PCP Review Task Group - to serve as an open forum for stakeholders to discuss the Product Certification Program (PCP) documents and procedures and to recommend changes or propose language to NFRC, consistent with ISO 17065.
The NFRC 7000 series took effect May 30, 2026, replacing the NFRC 700 series. Existing product certifications remain valid throughout their certification cycles, and previously approved waivers and extensions remain in effect.
NFRC also plans to seek accreditation through the Standards Council of Canada (SCC) and further integrate its Product Certification Management System (PCMS) to include commercial certification and FenStar.
Beyond the U-Factor: Emerging Energy Code Requirements
A panel discussion examined evolving residential and commercial energy codes, including increasing attention to thermal bridging and overall building-envelope performance under the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) and ASHRAE Standard 90.1.
Panelists also discussed Building Performance Standards (BPS), which establish energy efficiency or emissions targets for existing buildings, primarily commercial properties. These requirements could influence future demand for higher-performing fenestration products.
Research and Technology Updates
The Optical Properties Subcommittee approved updates to NFRC 300, 301, and 302 incorporating preliminary findings from the 2026 Inter-Laboratory Comparison.
A proposed revision to NFRC 101 addressing hardwood thermal conductivity values was unsuccessful and will return to the task group for further consideration.
New Ratings and Innovation
NFRC gathered member feedback on potential future ratings addressing thermal comfort, resilience, and other emerging performance characteristics. The session included a demonstration of Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory's (LBNL) thermal comfort calculator.
NFRC 715 – Commercial Certification Program
NFRC reviewed its Commercial Energy Performance Certification Program, which replaced the Component Modeling Approach (CMA). The program offers two certification pathways:
Custom Project Path: Uses project-specific computer simulations conducted by an NFRC LEAFF Certified Simulator.
Product Directory Path: Uses previously validated simulations and trendlines, allowing licensed users to generate ratings by entering glazing and spacer information.
These options are intended to improve flexibility and streamline commercial product certification.
Vacuum Insulating Glass (VIG) Durability Testing
Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates (WJE) presented findings from laboratory testing evaluating VIG durability under cyclic pressure loading, sustained thermal conditioning, and combined thermal-mechanical loading.
The reported results were encouraging, with most specimens sustaining high design pressures under extreme temperature conditions. The findings provide valuable insight into
the durability and potential applications of VIG technology.
Conclusion
The NFRC Fall Meeting highlighted significant changes in certification procedures, continued advancements in fenestration technology, and evolving energy performance expectations. WMA will continue monitoring these developments, particularly changes to NFRC certification programs, emerging rating requirements, and energy codes that could
affect millwork manufacturers and their products.
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Contact:
Jessica Ferris
Director of Regulatory Affairs & Standards Development
