Air infiltration water penetration and structural load.
Curtain wall testing procedure.
The air pressure differences acting across a building envelope vary greatly.
In the case of a unitized curtain wall system a vertical module joint should also be included within the test area.
After the cure period take a razor blade and under cut one end of the tab exposing a flap that can be grasped with fingers.
We provide design review and full scale testing to make sure that these systems do this reliably for the life of the building.
Water penetration testing consists of utilizing a portable wind generator and installing a spray rack system at the exterior of the specimen.
For these tests an airtight chamber is constructed on one side of the specimen.
Curtain walls have to keep the weather out and the people in.
The astm e 1105 standard test method for field determination of water penetration of installed exterior windows skylights doors and curtain walls is used for water penetration testing and the astm e 783 standard test method for field measurement of air leakage through installed exterior windows and doors is used for air infiltration.
Pull this flap at approximately 90oangle.
During testing the interior face of the test area is inspected for water leakage.
Astm e1105 procedure a water penetration testing is conducted at the specified air pressure differential while simultaneously spraying water on to the exterior face of the assembly at the required rate of 5 gph ft2.
The basic tests are.
Window washer anchorage load tests supplemental water resistance following sealant removal negative load sealant bonding tests are performed when specified.
The tab sample consists of a single 3 8 9 mm diameter bead of sealant that is tooled to a thickness of 1 4 6 mm.
Premature failure is likely to dramatically reduce building life because replacement or repair is a massive undertaking requiring a vacant building extensive exterior access and replacement of all interior finishes in perimeter rooms.
During the test a member of the testing team will be inside to monitor the wallsand check for any leakage.
The nozzle is held 1 foot away from the glass and slowly moved back and forth for the duration of the 5 minute test.
Typically the height of the test area should be at least one full floor storey high.
Testing representative segments of curtain wall or windows for example comprises three basic tests plus three others.
The curtain wall mock up is subjected to alternating hot and cold cycles maintained for two hours per cycle.
The height of the test area should include at least one expansion or stack joint at least one spandrel section and one vision section.
