Astm E 547

When the construction of a new building is finished the owner is given the impression that it will last many years and be relatively worry free. To help insure that this is exactly what happens many laws and regulations have been put in place. Every aspect of the construction process is covered by at least one manufacturing standard even the windows and doors which are regulated by ASTM E 547 that covers water penetration. Water leaks can cause excessive damage to a building before it is even noticed. Often water damage occurs over long periods of time through tiny leaks around windows that may not quite close tight enough to seal or the frame might not quite meet at the right angles in the corners. This slow build up of water damage can cause sheetrock to crumble or rot. It can cause the floor to warp and buckle or cause a buildup of fungus and mildew. Having a company come in and test the windows and doors for ASTM E 547 compliance can eliminate these risks.

 

The ASTM was established in the late 19th century to oversee the production of railroad rails, there had been far too many accidents caused by poorly made steel in the many foundries making steel for the tracks. Today the ASTM sets the standards by which all construction and construction assemblies made in America are tested. E 547 is just one of hundreds of standards crafted over years of testing and research to ensure that every manufacturer and contractor operates at the same standard of quality. ASTM E 547 is the standard test method for water penetration of exterior windows, doors, skylights and curtain walls by cyclic static air pressure difference. While this is a very long title the test itself is a little bit less ostentatious. The door or window to be tested is fitted into a mock up wall and secured into place. Water is then applied to the outer face of the door while air pressure is simultaneously applied in a cyclic manner.

 

Much like the wind blowing around a building ebbs and flows the air applied cycles up and down compared to a lower static air pressure on the inside of the door or window. If there are any signs of water penetration through the door or window then it does not meet with the standards as set out by ASTM E 547 and must be redesigned so that it does not leak. This test is ideal during the research and development phase when a manufacturer is trying to design a new window to match the needs of the architect designing the building. To perform these types of test a dedicated testing facility is needed. QED Lab has one of the highest rated research and development testing laboratories in the Pacific Northwest. They are rated amongst the best testing facilities and staff in the country when it comes to any form of fenestration product. Their well trained and knowledgeable staff have years of combined experience in all phases of both ASTM and AMA fenestration testing and guarantee their results.

When the construction of a new building is finished the owner is given the impression that it will last many years and be relatively worry free. To help insure that this is exactly what happens many laws and regulations have been put in place. Every aspect of the construction process is covered by at least one manufacturing standard even the windows and doors which are regulated by ASTM E 547 that covers water penetration. Water leaks can cause excessive damage to a building before it is even noticed. Often water damage occurs over long periods of time through tiny leaks around windows that may not quite close tight enough to seal or the frame might not quite meet at the right angles in the corners. This slow build up of water damage can cause sheetrock to crumble or rot. It can cause the floor to warp and buckle or cause a buildup of fungus and mildew. Having a company come in and test the windows and doors for ASTM E 547 compliance can eliminate these risks.

 

The ASTM was established in the late 19th century to oversee the production of railroad rails, there had been far too many accidents caused by poorly made steel in the many foundries making steel for the tracks. Today the ASTM sets the standards by which all construction and construction assemblies made in America are tested. E 547 is just one of hundreds of standards crafted over years of testing and research to ensure that every manufacturer and contractor operates at the same standard of quality. ASTM E 547 is the standard test method for water penetration of exterior windows, doors, skylights and curtain walls by cyclic static air pressure difference. While this is a very long title the test itself is a little bit less ostentatious. The door or window to be tested is fitted into a mock up wall and secured into place. Water is then applied to the outer face of the door while air pressure is simultaneously applied in a cyclic manner.

 

Much like the wind blowing around a building ebbs and flows the air applied cycles up and down compared to a lower static air pressure on the inside of the door or window. If there are any signs of water penetration through the door or window then it does not meet with the standards as set out by ASTM E 547 and must be redesigned so that it does not leak. This test is ideal during the research and development phase when a manufacturer is trying to design a new window to match the needs of the architect designing the building. To perform these types of test a dedicated testing facility is needed. QED Lab has one of the highest rated research and development testing laboratories in the Pacific Northwest. They are rated amongst the best testing facilities and staff in the country when it comes to any form of fenestration product. Their well trained and knowledgeable staff have years of combined experience in all phases of both ASTM and AMA fenestration testing and guarantee their results.