In 2025, building standards in Canada continue to evolve toward better performance and accountability. One certification stands out in the window and door industry. That standard is NAFS, which stands for North American Fenestration Standard.
At Norden Seal, NAFS represents more than a rule. It is proof that every window and door we manufacture meets the highest expectations for strength, safety, and energy efficiency. It confirms that the product has been tested under the same conditions your home or building faces every day. From coastal humidity to prairie winds, NAFS certification ensures durability and peace of mind.
What is NAFS (North American Fenestration Standard)?
The North American Fenestration Standard, known as NAFS, is a technical performance system that measures how windows and doors perform when exposed to air, water, and pressure. It was created by the American Architectural Manufacturers Association, the Canadian Standards Association, and the Window and Door Manufacturers Association.
NAFS sets strict procedures for testing air leakage, water resistance, structural strength, and forced entry resistance. These tests verify that a product performs safely and efficiently in real-world conditions. For Canadian homeowners and builders, NAFS certification serves as a guarantee that the product is reliable, safe, and engineered for the environment.
How NAFS Integrates with Canadian Building Codes
NAFS certification forms part of the National Building Code of Canada. Each province and territory includes it as a legal requirement for window and door performance.
Every product installed in a Canadian home or commercial property must meet NAFS standards to pass inspection. When you select Norden Seal products, you select compliance that is already verified. Each unit has been tested, labeled, and approved for the Canadian climate. That means your project moves forward smoothly with confidence in both quality and code compliance.
Key Performance Ratings under NAFS
NAFS testing produces several measurable ratings that describe how a window or door performs. These include:
- Air Leakage Rating (A): Measures how much air passes through the product when closed.
- Water Penetration Resistance (B): Shows how much wind-driven rain the product can resist.
- Design Pressure (DP): Indicates the wind load the product can handle safely.
- Structural Performance (C): Demonstrates the overall strength and rigidity of the frame.
- Operating Force: Measures how easily the product opens and closes.
These ratings help builders, inspectors, and homeowners compare products objectively based on verified data.
NAFS Product Classification Explained
Every NAFS-certified window or door receives a Performance Class and a Performance Grade. These designations indicate where and how the product should be used.
Performance Classes include:
- R (Residential): Designed for single-family homes.
- LC (Light Commercial): Suited for small apartment buildings and low-rise developments.
- CW (Commercial Window): Used in mid-sized commercial structures.
- AW (Architectural Window): Built for tall buildings and extreme conditions.
A rating such as CW PG70 shows that the window or door meets commercial-level standards and has been tested to resist a design pressure of seventy pounds per square foot. These classifications simplify product selection for specific applications.
Canadian Supplement to NAFS: CSA A440S1
Canada’s climate presents unique challenges that differ from most regions in North America. That is why the Canadian Standards Association developed CSA A440S1, often called the Canadian Supplement to NAFS.
This supplement strengthens testing requirements for:
- Air and water tightness
- Wind load performance
- Thermal efficiency
- Labeling accuracy
The Canadian Supplement ensures that products certified under NAFS perform reliably in cold climates, heavy snow, and strong wind conditions. At Norden Seal, every certified product meets both NAFS and CSA A440S1 standards to guarantee consistent performance across Canada.
NAFS 08 vs NAFS 11 – What is the Difference?
The 2008 edition and the 2011 edition of NAFS are often compared because both remain common in product labeling. The 2011 edition improved testing accuracy and expanded coverage for new window and door systems.
| Feature | NAFS 08 | NAFS 11 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2011 |
| Product Coverage | Standard windows and doors | Includes folding and lift-slide systems |
| Testing Method | Original harmonized tests | Updated for precision and consistency |
| Labeling Units | Imperial only | Metric and imperial combined |
| Canadian Adaptation | Partial alignment | Full integration with CSA A440S1 |
The 2011 version enhances clarity for builders and inspectors and ensures accurate measurement for both residential and commercial applications. Manufacturers like Norden Seal rely on NAFS 11 to deliver greater transparency and simpler cross-border certification.
How to Read a NAFS Label on Windows and Doors
Every NAFS-certified window and door displays a label that summarizes its performance.
Example: NAFS 11 CW PG70 2400 x 1800
Here is what it means:
- NAFS 11 shows the edition of the standard used.
- CW identifies the performance class.
- PG70 indicates the performance grade or pressure rating.
- 2400 x 1800 specifies the tested size in millimeters.
This label gives inspectors, homeowners, and contractors a simple way to confirm compliance and verify the product’s capability.
Why NAFS Ratings Matter for Homeowners and Contractors
For homeowners, NAFS certification means long-term comfort, safety, and efficiency. It confirms that the product is engineered to resist air leakage, prevent water infiltration, and maintain structural integrity under pressure.
For contractors and builders, NAFS certification simplifies the permitting process. Products that carry verified test results pass inspection more easily, reduce warranty claims, and enhance project reputation. Norden Seal integrates these performance standards into every design, giving clients measurable confidence and consistent results.
NAFS vs Energy Star Canada: Understanding the Difference
NAFS and Energy Star Canada often appear together but serve different purposes.
NAFS measures the structural and environmental performance of a window or door. Energy Star measures thermal efficiency and insulation performance.
A NAFS-certified window proves it can withstand pressure and weather. An Energy Star-rated window shows that it saves energy and maintains comfort. Together, they form a complete assurance of quality. Every Norden Seal product carries both certifications to deliver strength and efficiency in one solution.
NAFS Updates and Changes for 2025
The 2025 updates to the North American Fenestration Standard introduce refinements that reflect today’s construction priorities. The updates include:
- Enhanced testing for oversized glass panels and multi-panel doors
- More detailed documentation for structural and thermal interaction
- Digital certification tools with QR-coded verification
Norden Seal has already implemented these updates in its 2025 product line. Each window and door has been designed to meet future requirements and deliver reliable performance well ahead of regulatory deadlines.
How to Choose NAFS Certified Windows and Doors
Choosing the right product starts with understanding what the certification means. Here is a quick checklist to help:
- Look for the NAFS label on the product.
- Match the Performance Grade to your local wind and weather conditions.
- Confirm that it meets the CSA A440S1 supplement.
- Ask the supplier for the official test report or certification number.
- Choose a manufacturer such as Norden Seal that provides documentation, installation support, and warranty coverage.
When you combine certification with professional installation, you get performance that lasts for decades.
Ensuring Compliance and Performance in 2025
The North American Fenestration Standard represents a commitment to safety, performance, and quality assurance in every Canadian building. It gives structure to design, accountability to manufacturing, and peace of mind to homeowners.
In 2025, choosing NAFS-certified products is not simply about meeting code. It is about choosing reliability that protects your property and increases long-term value. Norden Seal continues to lead the way by manufacturing products that exceed both NAFS and Canadian supplement standards. Every window and door we deliver stands as proof that technical compliance and visual design can exist together in harmony.
FAQs
1. What does NAFS mean for windows and doors?
It stands for the North American Fenestration Standard, which defines how products are tested for air, water, and structural performance.
2. Why did NAFS 11 replace NAFS 08?
The 2011 edition improved testing accuracy, expanded product types, and aligned fully with the Canadian supplement for colder climates.
3. Is NAFS required in all Canadian provinces?
Yes, it is included in the National Building Code of Canada and referenced by all provinces and territories.
4. Can a window have both NAFS and Energy Star certification?
Yes. NAFS measures strength and structural performance, while Energy Star measures energy efficiency. Both are important for long-term value.
5. Why choose NAFS-certified windows from Norden Seal?
Because every Norden Seal product is tested, labeled, and verified to perform safely and efficiently under Canadian conditions.
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