Architectural Testing: TIPS Bulletin - Field Water Testing ...

1 Click here if you are unable to read this email. QuicklinkslLots of Questions - How AboutAnswerslLet's Start with theSpecificationslTest Methods StandardlUsing the Correct Test MethodlConclusionlAbout the AuthorlCompilation of Test Methodsfor Field UseNovember 2010 Field Water Testing - LessonsLearnedPhoto 1: Jobsite Meeting toDiscuss Test ProtocolIt isn't all that unusual forpeople to find themselvesstanding at the jobsitescratching their headwondering "How did I getmyself in this position?"(See Photo 1) Perhapsyou have been there? Youknow, when you findyourself "discussing" thedetails of the Field testingprotocol that is about totake place. Questions like"What Field test methodwas specified?" or "Whenwas the productinstalled?

2 " or "What Field performance was specified?" These arejust a few of the questions that often come up with regard to fieldtesting. Other LinkslATI LocationsLOTS OF QUESTIONS - HOW ABOUT ANSWERSLet's face it, the construction industry probably won't see Field Water Testing go away anytime soon. With thatin mind, it would be constructive if all team members at least had a mutual understanding of the project's fieldtesting requirements:lWhat is the appropriate Field test method to specifiy/use?lWhat is the appropriate performance criteria to specify/use?lHow many specimens are to be tested?lWhat is the pass fail criteria?lWhat happens after failed test?lWhen is it acceptable to vary from industry standards, or what if there are no guidelines?LET'S START WITH THE SPECIFICATIONSS ometimes project specifications do not reference the most recent version of the standard and/or testmethod.

3 When this happens it is important to be informed and educate other involved parties on which testmethods are relevant and an example, it is common to find AAMA 502-02 Method-A in the project specification more than two yearsafter the document was revised and republished as AAMA 502-08. The AAMA 502-08 specification omittedthe optional test method and defaults directly to what was formally the Method-B test arrangement. Thequestion is, "When you see a specification that refers to AAMA 502-02, do you ignore it or do you notifyothers that there is a more current version?"TEST METHOD VS. PERFORMANCE STANDARDA point that is critical to a complete understanding of Field performance is related to the questions of testmethods vs.

4 Performance test methods relative to Field Testing of fenestration products include ASTM E 783 and ASTM E 1105(see Photo 2). However, these ASTM test methods do not include performance criteria. Referring to an ASTM Field test method is acceptable for stating how to conduct the test, but more information is needed regardingthe performance requirements. This is why AAMA has developed the voluntary specifications AAMA 502 andAAMA 503 to provide this guidance and clearly stipulate performance you agree or disagree with the industry default performance requirements is not the primary , understanding the project's performance criteria is paramount. Either the architect can specify thetest method and then stipulate the Field performance requirements for a given project, or a guide specificationwith embedded performance criteria must be specified to have a true means to evaluate pass or fail for anyspecific THE CORRECT TEST METHODWe are often asked, "Which test method is appropriate for thisapplication?

5 " Again, we always recommend that you first refer towhat was specified, but there are some guidelines that we cansuggest. Refer to Table 1 at the end of this Bulletin for example that comes to mind is the use of the AAMA hosenozzle test which is entitled, "Quality Assurance and DiagnosticWater Leakage Field Check of Installed Storefronts, Curtain Walls,and Sloped Glazing Systems." This test method specifically statesthat it is not intended to be used on operable components suchas windows. Now the argument could be made that the hose nozzletest method is never to be used on a window, right? And you wouldhave some "expert" support for this position because the standardsays so, yes? But what if it is a fixed window or what if you maskedoff the operable component of the window in order to check just thePhoto 2: ASTM E 1105 TestConducted in Accordance w/AAMA 502-08 VoluntarySpecificationglazing (see Photos 3)?

6 We don't recommend inappropriateadaptations of industry standards, but there are times whenadaptations may be appropriate. Let's look deeper into the question to see this example uses a special nozzle that directs a cone of Water sprayat a pressure of 30 to 35 psi normal to the plane of the specimen at adistance of 12 inches. This 30-35 psi Water pressure application caneasily force the Water past the weatherstripping of an operablewindow or door - which the weatherstripping was never intended toresist. Hence, it is inappropriate to use it at operable weatherstrippinginterfaces. However, if you used this test method for diagnosticpurposes to check the Water integrity of a fixed piece of glass or asidelight of a door, would that be an inappropriate application of thistest method?

7 What about a clad panel system, a masonry wall, or a securitycamera penetration through the roof? These conditions and manyothers are often included in the scope of a Field Water test performedvia the AAMA for diagnostic and quality assurance Field Testing adaptation of a Water test is the use of This document is entitled, "Standard Test Method for WaterPenetration of Windows, Curtain Walls and Doors Using DynamicPressure." This is the test method almost everyone recognizes asthe "airplane engine test." Static pressure chambers, such as thechamber described in ASTM E 1105 are sometimes difficult toconstruct on rain screen or cavity walls such that the desiredpressure differential is obtained.

8 AAMA is often the mosteffective way to evaluate pressure equalized and back ventilatedtypes of wall systems (see Photo 4).Photo 3: AAMA Test onFixed Transom WindowPhoto 4: Portable Dynamic WindGenerator for Field Dynamic WaterTestingCONCLUSIONIt is absolutely critical that the construction industry does its best to stay current with relevant Field testingstandards and test methods. Standards should be reviewed and followed, with the understanding that practicaladaptations or modifications are appropriate in some purpose of this ATI - Informational Bulletin is to provide an overview of Field Testing and some of thecomplexities of this service provided by Architectural Testing . We are available to assist you and your clientswith all of your Field Testing needs.

9 For inquiries regarding Field Testing please contact Patricia Gordon at ourcorporate headquarters in York, PA or any of our Regional Laboratory THE AUTHORP atricia Gordon,Director - FieldServices forArchitectural has been employed by Architectural Testing since 1998. Herresponsibilities include the management of the Field Testing department,technical report writing, and project OF TEST METHODS FOR Field USEThe POWER in Performance FORCE in Certification Headquarters York PA : PA, MN, TX, CA, WI, WA, MA and FL. Regional Offices: GA, NC, WI, IN, MO, CA and here to unsubscribe to our emails. | Click here to forward this email to a friend.