In high-performance building design, precision matters — and so does proven performance. Whether your project is a commercial high-rise, an institutional facility, or a luxury residence, the quality of your fenestration systems directly impacts comfort, efficiency, and long-term value. Because of this, NFRC certification has become an essential benchmark for architects, consultants, and builders alike.
What is NFRC Testing?
The National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) is a third-party, nonprofit organization that provides independent thermal performance ratings for windows, doors, curtain walls, window walls, and other glazed façade systems. These ratings show how effectively a product resists heat loss, blocks unwanted heat gain, and transmits natural light.
As a result, NFRC ratings help projects meet energy codes, achieve sustainability goals, and deliver the indoor comfort that occupants expect.
Every NFRC label includes standardized metrics such as:
- U-Factor – Measures insulation performance and resistance to heat flow.
- Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) – Indicates how much solar radiation passes through.
- Visible Transmittance (VT) – Shows how much daylight enters the space.
Why NFRC Certification Matters for Aluminum Curtain Wall & Window Systems
Aluminum is prized for its strength, design flexibility, and longevity. However, without the right thermal design — and without independent verification — it can become a weak link in the building envelope. NFRC-certified aluminum systems address this challenge by providing:
- Verified Performance – Reliable, third-party-tested data for energy modeling and compliance.
- Consistent Quality – All tested systems meet the same national performance standards.
- Design Confidence – Allows architects and specifiers to compare systems apples-to-apples.
- Code Compliance – Many energy codes, including IECC, require NFRC-rated products.
In addition, NFRC testing gives project teams confidence that the specified system will perform exactly as intended once installed.
Building Better with NFRC-Certified Aluminum Systems
By selecting NFRC-rated curtain wall, window wall, or window systems, you’re choosing products with proven energy performance. This decision supports code compliance, enhances sustainability credentials, and maintains design integrity — all while protecting long-term building value.
Our NFRC-tested products are listed in the NFRC Certified Products Directory and are available in a range of profile depths, thermal break options, and finish selections to suit any design vision. Explore our aluminum façade systems to see how we combine architectural freedom with verified performance.
