Industry Standard Update
What Changed in the 2026 Edition
The newly published ANSI Z97.1-2026 revision replaces the 2020 edition, which was a reaffirmation of the 2015 standard. The major updates focus on expanded scope, streamlined testing protocols, and alignment with modern architectural glass technology.
Key Changes
- Inclusion of Vacuum Insulating Glazing (VIG): The standard explicitly includes VIG and adds a VIG-specific impact-test and rating protocol. The unit is evaluated as a completed assembly.
- Consolidated weathering standards: The 2026 edition consolidates ASTM D1435, ASTM D2565, ASTM D4459, ASTM G155, and ISO 4892-2 into the comprehensive ASTM C1900 umbrella practice.
- Thermal and optical testing: The standard specifies ASTM C1914 for thermal testing and evaluation using bake/boil methods. ASTM E903 is now an alternative method for measuring visible light transmittance alongside ASTM D1003.
- Increased impact-testing flexibility: Class A and Class B drop heights remain functionally identical, but the testing matrix and specimen requirements offer more flexibility for emerging multi-layered and architectural glazing products.
- Labeling and marking updates: Once products are recertified under the new protocols, permanent bug marks must display Z97.1-2026. Certification markings now include appropriate performance ratings for VIG and align with consolidated testing methods such as ASTM C1900 for weathering.
Markings continue to certify compliance with minimum human-impact performance requirements for Class A or Class B.
The ANSI Z97.1-2026 standard is available from the ANSI Webstore.