1. Effective Building Enclosure Field Testing
Riccardo DeSantis
Building & Construction Manager, Canada
January 25, 2017

2. Overview
Riccardo DeSantis is the Canadian Building & Construction Manager for Intertek. He’s been with Intertek over 10 years working on large scale curtain walls and facades, structural evaluations, and code consulting with various organizations. Riccardo, is a Red Seal Carpenter, has worked in the construction industry for 20 years using his background in Architectural and Building Engineering, and Geomatics Engineering. He is a current member of BC Building Envelope Council, Fenestration BC, and Building Officials of BC.
We will focus on field performance testing of building envelope systems. The discussion will be based on traditional methods used, timing of field testing, quality control testing as part of a comprehensive envelope quality control program, and dynamic water testing as a tool for evaluating especially evaluating complex façade systems.

3. Key Points
Gain a basic understanding of field testing of fenestration and building envelope systems 1
Discover when field testing should be conducted 2
Recognize industry test specifications and methods used during field tests 3
Understand how to specify performance criteria for field tests 4

4. Field Testing vs. Laboratory Testing
1. Lab Testing
Performed on prototype specimen to certify or validate product performance ratings
2. ASTM/AAMA Quality Assurance Field Testing
Performed on “newly” installed products to verify installed performance of the product and the installation
3. “511” Forensic Testing
Performed on wall assemblies with known water control problems as a means to accurately identify suspect wall construction components and details

5. Why Field Test?

6. Reasons to Perform Field Tests
1. Quality Control
New construction
Building façade renovations and improvements
Replacement
Remedial and maintenance verification
2. Investigative
Water leakage analysis
Seasoned buildings
3. Litigation

7. Basic Understanding of Field Tests
Who performs field tests?
Architects
Building Consultants
Building Owners/Representative
Engineering Firms
Testing Laboratories
Manufacturers
Installers
General Contractors
Glazing Contractors
Attorneys (US)

8. 1. Air infiltration or exfiltration testing
Common Field Tests
1. Air infiltration or exfiltration testing
2. Water penetration testing
3. Structural performance testing
4. Specialty field tests:
Acoustical
Thermal evaluations
Glass evaluations (bow/warp, frost point)
Masonry anchors (shear and tension tests)
Masonry wall absorption
Tracer smoke
Vacuum dome
Roof testing
Dynamic water testing
Blower door and thermal imaging

9. 1. MASTERSPEC® or equivalent
Typical Methods Used
1. MASTERSPEC® or equivalent
2. Architects Internal field test/building enclosure performance specification template
3. Building envelope consultant
4. Intertek or Testing labortory
5 AAMA short form

10. Timing of Field QC Tests
When should field tests be conducted?
As early in the installation as possible
On-site mock-up/1st installation
Detect any possible problems prior to completing the project
Prior to installation of interior finishes (insulation, drywall, trim, etc.)
Visual access to the test area (within wall cavities and perimeter joints)
Throughout the entire installation of the project
Different intervals of installation
5%, 50% and 90% installation (typical)
Number of tests is dependent upon size of project

11. Industry Specifications (Canada)
AAMA/WDMA/CSA 101/I.S.2/A or A440-11, North American Fenestration Standard/Specification for windows, doors, and skylights
CSA A440S1-09, Canadian Supplement to AAMA/WDMA/CSA 101/I.S.2/A440, NAFS
ASTM E1105, Standard 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
ASTM E783, Standard Test Method for Field Measurement of Air Leakage Through Installed Exterior Windows and Doors
AAMA , Methods of Test for Exterior Walls

12. Industry Specifications (US)
AAMA , Voluntary Specification for Field Testing of Newly Installed Fenestration Products
AAMA , Voluntary Specification for Field Testing of Newly Installed Storefronts, Curtain Walls and Sloped Glazing Systems
AAMA , Quality Assurance and Diagnostic Water Leakage Field Check of Installed Storefronts, Curtain Walls and Sloped Glazing Systems
AAMA , Voluntary Guideline for Forensic Water Penetration Testing of Fenestration Products
AAMA , Methods of Test for Exterior Walls
501.1, Standard Test Method for Exterior Windows, Curtain Walls, and Doors for Water Penetration Using Dynamic Pressure
501.3, Reference 502 and 503

13. ASTM E1105 Test Chamber

14. ASTM E1105 Interior Chamber

15. ASTM E783 Exterior Chamber

16. AAMA 503
1. Field specification used for curtain walls, storefronts and sloped glazing systems
2. Specify air infiltration (ASTM E 783) and water penetration (ASTM E 1105) tests
Not recommended to perform air tests on portions of continuous curtain wall and sloped glazing systems
3. Test chamber attaches to interior or exterior and shall include perimeter frame intersections, perimeter seals, subframes, receptors and flashing details
4. Specify default performance criteria
5. Interior finishes need to be removed (if installed) for visual access

17. AAMA 503 Exterior Chamber
Typical Evaluation of Skylight Air Leakage Test (Onsite)

18. ASTM E1105/AAMA 503 Interior Chamber (Onsite)

19. ASTM E1105/AAMA 503 Interior Chamber

20. ASTM E1105/AAMA 503 Interior Chamber

21. AAMA 501.2
1. Procedure used for curtain walls, storefronts and sloped glazing systems. Not appropriate for testing of operable components.
2. “Intended to evaluate those joints, gaskets and sealant details in the glazing which are designed to remain permanently closed and water tight.”
3. Water spray test utilizing a hand held assembly with no static pressure differential.
4. Test a large area in a relatively short time.
6. May not detect leakage areas that would be observed during a chamber test (AAMA 503).

22. AAMA Test

23. AAMA 501.2 Performance Criteria
Conducted at psi at the nozzle inlet
Definition of water leakage:
No uncontrolled water shall appear on any normally exposed interior surfaces, that is not contained or drained back to the exterior, or that can cause damage to adjacent materials or finishes. Water contained within drained flashings, gutters, and sills is not considered water leakage. The collection of up to one-half ounce of water in a five minute test period on top of an interior stop or stool integral with the wall system shall not be considered water leakage.

24. ASTM Test Methods
ASTM E 783, Standard test Method for Field Measurement of Air Leakage Through Installed Exterior Windows and Doors
ASTM E 1105, Standard 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
ASTM E 330, Standard Test Method for Structural Performance of Exterior Windows, Doors, Skylights and Curtain Walls by Uniform Static Air pressure Difference

25. ASTM E 783
1. Measurement of air leakage through the fenestration product. Does not include leakage through openings between assemblies and adjacent construction.
2. Tests are typically conducted at either 1.57 psf (25 mph) or 6.24 psf (50 mph).
3. Not recommended to be performed on portions of systems that have continuous vertical and/or horizontal frame members.

26. ASTM E 783

27. References two procedures:
ASTM E1105
References two procedures:
Procedure A: Uniform static air pressure
One 15 minute duration
Procedure B: Cyclic static air pressure
Minimum of three 5 minute cycles (not less than 15 minutes with pressure applied), typically 4 cycles
1 minute intervals with no pressure applied
Water spray is continuous

28. 1. Structural performance test
ASTM E 330
1. Structural performance test
2. Typically used to verify anchorage into existing conditions
3. Tests are conducted at design pressure
4. Safety is an issue when conducting structural tests

29. Specification Conflicts We See
Issues with determining performance criteria:
Project Specifications
Comprehensive laboratory testing program but very vague or no field testing program
Reference multiple tests on same test area (Example: ASTM E 1105 and AAMA on curtain wall)
Incorrect test methods and performance requirements referenced
Person(s) writing project specifications are not familiar with field testing
Industry Documents
Need to know product rating and/or design pressure
What industry document to be used (Site Specific)
Will default values meet the project requirements
Other
Specify requirements above the capabilities of the systems

30. Modes of Failure

31. Test with Finishes in Place or Not?

32. Riccardo DeSantis riccardo.desantis@intertek.com 604 649 7981