Windows and doors testing is performed to determine if they meet Canadian, American and Japanese standards.  Canadian and American manufacturers have to meet different standards but soon there will be a "North American" standard that will include both of them.  The main parameters that are used to simulate outdoor exposure are mainly:

1. Ease of operation
2. Air and water tighness
3. Wind load resistance test (Deflection and Blowout)
4. Sash strength
5. Resistance to forced entry

At the moment, the main standards are:

Canada         CAN/CSA  A440-00   (Windows), CGSB 82.1-M89     (Doors)

U.S.             AAMA/NWWDA-101/I.S.2-97 (American Architectural Manufacturers Association)

Japan:           JIS (Japanese Industrial Standards)