| Author |
Message |
Brett M. Wilbur CSI, CCS, AIA
Senior Member
Username: brett
Post Number: 145
Registered: 12-2004
| | Posted on Monday, December 04, 2006 - 11:16 am: |    |
Can anyone help me find testing standards, ASTM or otherwise, for field water infiltration testing of storefronts and curtainwalls. What is requried, recommended, or appropriate for the contractor to perform in terms of pressure, duration, height, angle, etc.? |
Lynn Javoroski CSI CCS LEED AP SCIP Affiliate
Senior Member
Username: lynn_javoroski
Post Number: 461
Registered: 07-2002
| | Posted on Monday, December 04, 2006 - 11:27 am: | |
We cite this one: AAMA 503 - Field Check of Water Penetration through Installed Exterior Windows, Curtain Walls, and Doors by Uniform Pressure Difference. |
Jerome J. Lazar, RA, CCS, CSI, SCIP
Senior Member
Username: lazarcitec
Post Number: 280
Registered: 05-2003
| | Posted on Monday, December 04, 2006 - 11:36 am: | |
Or ASTM E 1105 - Test Method for Field Determination of Water Penetration of Installed Exterior Windows, Skylights, Doors, and Curtain Walls, by Uniform or Cyclic Static Air Pressure Difference. |
Wayne Yancey
Senior Member
Username: wyancey
Post Number: 227
Registered: 05-2005
| | Posted on Monday, December 04, 2006 - 12:20 pm: | |
Testing Standards:
A. Lab Testing: ASTM E331 (Static pressure); ASTM E547 (Cyclic pressure)
B. Field Testing: (1) ASTM E1105, (2)AAMA 501.2, and (3) AAMA 502 - Test Methods A and B (Testing for Air Leakage [ASTM E783] and Water Penetration [ASTM E1105].
Reasons for Field Testing: (a). Verify Window Rating (new construction), (b) Determining risks of water penetration (older windows), and (c) Tracing leakage paths.
Industry Definitions of Water Penetration:
ASTM "Penetration of water beyond the vertical plane intersection the innermost projection of the test specimen, not inlcuding interior trim and hardware, under the specified conditions of air pressure difference across the specimen."
"Failure also occurs whenever water penetrates the perimeter of the test specimen. Water contained in drained flashings, gutters, and sills is not considered a failure."
AAMA Old definition similar to ASTM above, but allwoed for soime water penetration to to interior. New definition AAMA 502-02 no longer allows water penetration, but definition of innermost projection questionable. |
Brett M. Wilbur CSI, CCS, AIA
Senior Member
Username: brett
Post Number: 146
Registered: 12-2004
| | Posted on Monday, December 04, 2006 - 12:40 pm: | |
Do these tests, AAMA 503 and ASTM E1105 test the glazing assembly only, or do they test the assembly in the opening? I.e., will they also determine water leakage around the window, through sealant and flashings?
We are having major discussions in our office to require a single source watertightness warranty for window openings. We do this with our roofing and roof deck installations. Ultimately, the GC is responsible overall, but can we require that either the glazing installer, the waterproofing contractor, or the mason (in a masonry opening) be responsible for ensuring the watertightness of the opening.
We do mostly cavity wall construction, face brick on masonry or stud wall back-up. It would make sense to install the windows before the face brick is installed so that jamb flashing can be properly tucked and sealed behind the jamb and under sill pan. But when we see window installers jamming their windows in to a face brick opening, we fear that the flashing is just being bent incorrectly. There is no way that the flashing could be folding in to place behind the jamb. It seems counter-intuitive to fold the flashing out and then jam the window inwards. Unfortunately, sequencing and construction schedules require that the face brick be installed prior to the glazing.
We seem to be relying way too much on sealants at the perimeter of the window to provide our water seal, and I don’t like it. |
Wayne Yancey
Senior Member
Username: wyancey
Post Number: 228
Registered: 05-2005
| | Posted on Monday, December 04, 2006 - 02:14 pm: | |
Brett,
The test includes glazing and framing.
You can test the window assembly as a separate entity or you can include the interface details in the window test.
The window unit assembly test does not necessarily have to be installed in it's final location to perform the base line test for glass and frame performance only.
My region relies on rain screen systems with a drained cavity/air space. Brick veneer is the classic rainscreen wall. Just be sure the drainage cavity (exlusive of insulation) is 2". You will encounter drainage cavities less than this, typically 1" or more, but minimum 2" is best in MHO and the opinion of my former building science associates. Masons have very fat fingers and anything less than 1" is impractical.
Wayne |
Wayne Yancey
Senior Member
Username: wyancey
Post Number: 229
Registered: 05-2005
| | Posted on Monday, December 04, 2006 - 02:53 pm: | |
Brett,
The test includes glazing and framing.
You can test the window assembly as a separate entity or you can include the interface details in the window test.
The window unit assembly test does not necessarily have to be installed in it's final location to perform the base line test for glass and frame performance only.
My region relies on rain screen systems with a drained cavity/air space. Brick veneer is the classic rainscreen wall. Just be sure the drainage cavity (exlusive of insulation) is 2". You will encounter drainage cavities less than this, typically 1" or more, but minimum 2" is best in MHO and the opinion of my former building science associates. Masons have very fat fingers and anything less than 1" is impractical.
Wayne |
|
4specs.com Home Page