AAMA 502-02

AAMA 502-02

Field Testing of Windows & Sliding Glass Doors

Scope and Purpose

1.1

These specifications establish the requirements for field test specimens, apparatus, sampling, test procedures and test reports to be used in verifying the air infiltration resistance performance and water penetration resistance performance of installed new windows and sliding glass doors (hereafter referred to as "fenestration products"). Verifying the structural loading resistance performance of fenestration products is beyond the scope of this specification. This specification is applicable for testing during the construction process and prior to final acceptance by the owner. If this procedure is adapted for field testing of fenestration products after completion and final acceptance by the owner, it shall be necessary to inspect the fenestration product prior to testing. Repair and/or replacement of damaged or deteriorated components may be necessary, and shall be done by the responsible contractor(s). Refer to section 3.4.1.

1.2

The purpose of these specifications is to provide a guide, which can be used to evaluate the installed performance of fenestration products for air leakage resistance and water penetration resistance under controllable and reproducible conditions.

1.3

The primary units of measure in this document are metric. The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The values given in parentheses are for reference only.

Test Methods

2.1	The field procedure and test apparatus shall meet the requirements of ASTM E 783 and ASTM E 1105. NOTE: Two test methods are described below including the limitations of each. The methods differ in the location of the chamber perimeter line and, therefore, whether or not the perimeter seals, subframe/receptor system, and frame corners are subjected to the specified pressure differential. If not specified otherwise, Test Method A shall be the default. Test Method B is permitted to be specified by so noting in the Short Form Field Testing Specification.
2.2	Test Method A (Figure 1)Test Method A is a test of the fenestration product within the confines of the perimeter of the main frame. Test specimens shall consist of the fenestration product as installed on the exterior of a building. If exterior screens are specified, they shall be in place during testing. Excluded in Test Method A are any joints, cracks or openings between the fenestration product and the adjacent wall construction. The test chamber shall be attached to the inside face of the main frame to create a pressure differential across the fenestration product within the confines of the main frame. (See Figure 1) Only the operable elements (sash, vents, panels) and fixed glazing components shall be tested under the specified pressure for air leakage resistance and water penetration resistance. NOTE: Non-structural interior trim and related items shall be removed as necessary to permit visual checks for water penetration through or around the fenestration product, exterior panning, subframe and/or receptor system. Specifically excluded from (or not measured by) Test Method A is "wall cavity" air that may be drawn from adjacent construction through "holes" in the fenestration product frame system or around interior trim and mullion covers. The design professional should review the shop drawings and the test specimens to see that the fenestration product manufacturer and installation contractor have taken adequate steps to seal balance clip holes, mounting fasteners, interior trim, mullion covers, self stacking window jambs and any other detail that may permit wall cavity air leakage past the interior plane of the glazing and/or framing.
	The chamber attachment specified for Test Method A will not test the frame corner seals and perimeter members under pressure. Such elements, especially the bottom corners and sills, if improperly sealed may cause uncontrolled water penetration. This limitation of Test Method A should be clearly understood by the specifying authority, architect or owner's representative at the time the specifications are prepared. Since it is not practical to test these elements by this method, the following optional test (see Figure 2A, 2B and 2C) is permitted to be added to Paragraph 4 of the Short Form Field Testing Specification.
	Optional Sill Dam Test Fenestration product sills and subframe/receptor systems shall have a static water head height equal to the specified test pressure. (See Figure 2A for calculation of static water head). This shall permit plugging weep holes or building an exterior dam to hold water to the required depth. No water penetration as defined in Section 4.11 shall occur. SPECIFIER NOTE: This optional water test requires the removal of interior finishes around the bottom of the fenestration product frame. The cost associated with the removal and replacement of the interior finishes must be understood and assigned prior to specifying this optional water test.
2.3	Test Method B (Figure 3)Test Method B is a test of the fenestration product inclusive of the joint between the fenestration product and the rough opening. The test area shall consist of the fenestration product as installed on the exterior of a building inclusive of all joints, cracks or openings between the fenestration product and adjacent wall construction. The test chamber shall be applied to the wall construction in such a manner as to create a pressure differential across the entire fenestration product (including subframe/receptor and/or panning) and the perimeter seals. If exterior screens are specified they shall be in place during testing. NOTE: This test method insures that the entire fenestration product (including the frame, corners, panning, subframe/receptor system, etc.) and the adjacent substrate including the perimeter seals are all tested under the prescribed pressure differential. Testing shall be performed as soon as possible after the fenestration product(s) are installed and prior to the installation of drywall or wall materials. If interior wall materials have been installed they shall be removed at the test area to allow visual access to these areas to check for water penetration, or other means of visual access shall be provided. The test chamber shall be applied to the wall system in such a manner as to apply a pressure differential to all joinery conditions and minimize extraneous air leakage. (See Section 4.5 for a detailed description of extraneous air leakage.) In the case of a stud wall system, the test chamber perimeter line, if installed on the building interior, would normally be taped to studs on both sides of the fenestration product and at the head and sill frame. Caulking would be required at the joinery between the stud framing and sheathing board or exterior wall to limit extraneous air leakage. On a precast wall system, a chamber installed on the interior can be sealed directly to the back of the precast. Tests on a segment of continuous horizontal strip fenestration products shall include adequate measures to properly seal horizontal head receptors and sill starters so that extraneous air leakage is minimized.