What is Combined Air and Water AAMA Testing?
Combined Air and Water AAMA testing is the best way to ensure an openable joint meets industry standards for air leakage and water penetration performance. It also helps protect occupants by preventing air infiltration or water penetration into a building envelope, allowing for safe and comfortable living conditions.
AAMA Testing is used to assess the air infiltration and water penetration performance of openable windows and doors. This type of test can identify potential areas where building envelope integrity is compromised by wind-driven rain, air leakage, or both. The results from these tests are used to determine the overall effectiveness of an openable joint’s weather-stripping system, including whether or not it meets AAMA standards.
AAMA Testing can also be used to verify warranty requirements for window and door manufacturers. Overall, it ensures a high level of performance when it comes to air and water protection. With its help, builders can rest assured that their windows and doors will perform to established industry standards.
Combined Air and Water Testing on Openable Joints (AAMA 503-14)
BET can carry out Combined Air and Water Cabinet Testing on-site and off-site in compliance with AAMA 503-14 (Previously 503-08) “Voluntary Specification for Field Testing of Storefronts, Curtain Walls and Sloped Glazing Systems”.
AAMA testing to 503-14 is carried out on closed joints such as curtain walling, structural glazing, and storefronts. The test is carried out in two stages.
Stage 1: Establishes the Air Leakage Infiltration or Exfiltration in compliance with ASTM E783-02.
Stage 2: Tests the sample for Water Penetration in compliance with ASTM E1105-00-Test under uniform static air and water penetration.
For this final stage of the AAMA testing procedure, the specimen is sprayed with water from a uniform grid of calibrated nozzles while under specified negative pressure on the internal face.
Combined Air and Water Testing on Openable Joints (AAMA 502-12)
BET can carry out Combined Air and Water Cabinet Testing on-site and off-site in compliance with AAMA 502-12, “Voluntary specification for the field testing of newly installed Fenestration Products”. AAMA Testing to 502-12 is carried out on openable joints (fenestration products) such as openable windows and vents.
The AAMA 502-12 is specifically for fenestration products as it takes into account drainage in openable products.
The test is carried out in two stages.
Stage 1: Establishes the Air Leakage Infiltration or Exfiltration in compliance with ASTM E783-02.
Stage 2: The sample is tested for Water Penetration in compliance with ASTM E1105-00 -Test under uniform static air and water penetration.
During the final stage, the specimen is sprayed with water from a uniform grid of calibrated nozzles while under specified negative pressure (on the internal face). This is carried out using the Cyclic Method.
Contact BET for a quotation on AAMA testing for your next project.
