Set up NFRC's Component Modeling Approach (CMA) to determine curtain wall U-factor and SHGC via simulation instead of whole-unit testing

Steps

1. Confirm on nfrc.org the current governing procedures — CMA determines U-factor under NFRC 100 and solar heat gain coefficient under NFRC 200, using NFRC-approved simulation software rather than testing a physical whole-assembly specimen.
2. Confirm the current list of NFRC-approved CMA simulation software and approved component databases (frame, glass, spacer) on nfrc.org, since approvals and version numbers change periodically.
3. Assemble the three required component inputs — the specific frame profile's simulated performance, the specific glass makeup's optical/thermal properties, and the specific spacer system's certified performance — each of which must independently carry current NFRC-recognized data.
4. Confirm the curtain wall geometry is modeled per NFRC's current curtain wall-specific simulation guidance (e.g., treatment of intermediate verticals/horizontals as jamb/head/sill members) rather than using a standard window model.
5. Route the CMA simulation output through an NFRC-licensed simulator for certification/labeling if project documents require an NFRC label, since self-run simulation without going through a licensed simulator/certification path is generally not code-acceptable on its own.