A new edition of the North American Fenestration Standard was published in 2026.
The standard is formally identified as AAMA/WDMA/CSA 101/I.S.2/A440, commonly shortened to NAFS.
For Florida homeowners, the most important point is not that every permit suddenly changed.
It is that product-performance documentation continues to become more explicit—and buyers should understand what those ratings do and do not prove.
What is NAFS?
NAFS is a performance standard for exterior fenestration products such as:
- Windows
- Doors
- Skylights
- Other covered fenestration products
It establishes a framework for rating characteristics that can include structural performance, air leakage and water penetration.
The standard is developed jointly through industry organizations including FGIA, WDMA and CSA Group.
What changed in NAFS-26?
FGIA announced publication of the 2026 edition on June 1, 2026.
FGIA says NAFS-26 supersedes the 2022 edition and that the major change is a clarification involving the secondary designator.
The secondary designator is now mandatory.
That matters because the secondary designator provides more detail behind the overall product rating rather than leaving buyers or specifiers with only a simplified primary classification.
What information can the secondary designator communicate?
FGIA explains that the secondary designator communicates the values underlying the primary performance designation.
Those can include details associated with:
- Design pressure
- Water-penetration resistance
- Other performance information defined by the standard
This helps distinguish ratings that homeowners often incorrectly treat as interchangeable.
Is NAFS-26 the same as Florida Product Approval?
No.
NAFS performance ratings and Florida hurricane-product approval serve different purposes.
A Florida impact-window project may need to verify:
- Florida Product Approval or Miami-Dade NOA
- Impact classification
- HVHZ eligibility where applicable
- Maximum approved size
- Design pressure
- Anchorage
- Glass
- Substrate
- Installation limitations
NAFS ratings can provide useful product-performance information, but they do not replace the Florida approval required for the project.
See our Florida Product Approval guide for that separate process.
Does the new 2026 standard automatically control every Florida permit today?
Do not make that assumption.
Building codes adopt referenced standards through specific code editions and processes.
Florida is currently transitioning toward the 9th Edition Florida Building Code, scheduled to take effect later in 2026 under the Commission’s current timeline.
The fact that a new industry standard has been published does not mean every existing permit immediately switches to that edition.
The permitting authority and adopted code determine what applies to the project.
What is a performance grade?
NAFS uses performance classifications and grades to describe tested fenestration performance.
But homeowners should avoid turning one number into an all-purpose quality score.
A product comparison should still look at:
- Exact opening size
- Positive pressure
- Negative pressure
- Water performance
- Air leakage
- Impact approval
- Glass
- Frame
- Operating style
- Installation
Our water resistance vs design pressure guide explains why those values should not be collapsed into one claim.
Why this matters in Florida
Florida window proposals frequently use phrases such as:
- “DP 60”
- “PG 50”
- “Hurricane rated”
- “Large missile”
- “HVHZ approved”
- “Miami-Dade approved”
Those terms do not all mean the same thing.
NAFS-26 is a useful reminder that product-performance labels contain multiple layers of information.
Before signing a contract, ask the contractor to connect each term to the actual approval and test documentation for the proposed product.
What should you ask for on a window proposal?
Ask for:
- Manufacturer
- Product series
- Florida Product Approval or NOA
- Opening size
- Impact classification
- Required and approved design pressure
- NAFS performance information where applicable
- Water and air performance data
- Glass configuration
- Installation method
A proposal becomes much easier to evaluate when those details are documented.
Frequently asked questions
When was NAFS-26 published?
FGIA announced publication on June 1, 2026.
What is the biggest NAFS-26 change?
FGIA says there were no major revisions except for clarification of the secondary designator, which is now mandatory.
Does NAFS-26 replace Florida Product Approval?
No. Florida product approval, impact classification and permit requirements remain separate project questions.
Does every Florida project already use NAFS-26?
Not automatically. The applicable adopted building code and permitting requirements control the project.
Authoritative sources
- FGIA — 2026 North American Fenestration Standard Published
- Florida Building Commission — Current Code Resources
- Florida Building Commission — Product Approval Search
- ANSI Webstore — North American Fenestration Standard scope
The bottom line
NAFS-26 gives buyers and specifiers clearer performance information, but it should be read alongside—not instead of—Florida product approval, impact testing, design pressure and installation documentation.
AA Glass & Windows can help you compare those documents for the exact windows or doors proposed for your project. Request a free estimate to review your options.
