Quality assurance water penetration testing is quickly becoming standard on most new construction projects. BES testing professionals use only the highest quality testing equipment available to complete testing in accordance with written industry standards and testing protocols from either the American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA) or American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM). Understanding the differences of each testing standard can be a daunting task. Our knowledgeable staff is ready to guide you through your next project to meet your product testing needs.

Below are the some of the types of tests and additional details to the various performance specifications:

ASTM E 331 ▼

Standard Test Method for Water Penetration of Exterior Windows, Skylights, Doors, and Curtain Walls by Uniform Static Air Pressure Difference
ASTM E 547 ▼

Standard Test Method for Water Penetration of Exterior Windows, Skylights, Doors, and Curtain Walls by Cyclic Static Air Pressure Difference
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 C 1601 ▼

Standard Test Method for Field Determination of Water Penetration of Masonry Wall Surfaces
ASTM C 1715 ▼

Standard Test Method for Evaluation of Water Leakage Performance of Masonry Wall Drainage Systems
ASTM E 2128 ▼

Standard Guide for Evaluating Water Leakage of Building Walls
AAMA 501.2 ▼

Quality Assurance and Diagnostic Water Leakage Field Check of Installed Storefronts, Curtain Walls, and Sloped Glazing Systems
AAMA 502 ▼

Voluntary Specification for Field Testing of Newly Installed Fenestration Products
AAMA 503 ▼

Voluntary Specification for Field Testing of Newly Installed Storefronts, Curtain Walls, and Sloped Glazing Systems
AAMA 511 ▼

Voluntary Guideline for Forensic Water Penetration Testing of Fenestration Products

Additionally, BES performs modified versions in general accordance with the above tests, utilizing our high-resolution infrared camera equipment to identify water intrusions non-destructively. The modified versions can be used to identify potential failures without expensive destructive testing, as most of the standardized testing requires disassembly of the building components. We generally use the modified testing procedures in all non-litigation projects.

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Independent third-party test agency, we remain unbiased and neutral throughout the testing process. We are brought in to provide test results that detail whether or not the products and systems installed on a project were installed according to accepted trade practices, and also to determine whether or not the products and systems are able to pass both air and water intrusion tests as outlined in AAMA test standards and ASTM test methods.

Building Enclosure Specialists, LLC (BES) provides air infiltration and water penetration resistance testing, for both on-site building facade mock-ups and facade systems in their final, installed state on a building. We also perform diagnostic water leak investigations using industry standard field-testing protocols as well as field-testing procedures to evaluate the performance of installed windows, doors, storefronts, curtain walls, sloped glazing systems, skylights, ribbon windows, and exterior building facades for new construction quality assurance and diagnostic services to determine the cause of water intrusions where we specialize in water damage & origin investigations.

ASTM E 779 “Standard Test Method for Determining Air Leakage Rate by Fan Pressurization”
ASTM E 783 “Adapted to Conduct Field Air Infiltration Test Through Installed/Applied Air/Water Membranes”
ASTM E 1186 “Standard Test Method for Air Leakage Site Detection in Building Envelopes and Air Barrier Systems”

Specifics

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a. Infrared scanning with pressurization/depressurization (4.2.1)

b. Smoke pencil with pressurization/depressurization (4.2.2-4.2.6)

c. Pressurization/depressurization with use of anemometer

d. Generated sound with sound detection

e. Tracer gas measurement of decay rate

f. Chamber pressurization/depressurization in conjunction with smoke tracers

g. Chamber depressurization using detection liquids (4.2.7)

The outer wall surface of a masonry wall will experience water penetration when subjected to wind-driven rain. The resistance to water penetration is dependent on materials, workmanship, design, and maintenance. The ASTM C 1601 – Standard Test Method for Field Determination of Water Penetration of Masonry Wall Surfaces covers the field determination of water penetration of masonry wall surface(s) under specific water flow rate and air pressure conditions.

BES utilizes professional testing equipment that is calibrated to each specific testing standard for accurate results. Our field consultants are properly trained and have extensive knowledge in testing fenestrations on new construction projects as well as locating the origin of water intrusion and identifying the failure, if there is one so we can provide accurate recommendations to achieve successful outcomes.

Storefront and curtain wall systems are similar in appearance but differ in the way water drainage mechanisms are used. Details related to their design and installations vary among manufacturers. Common problems with these systems include water leakage, air infiltration, and failed insulated glass units.

Field-testing is generally performed to satisfy project specifications. This gives the building owner confidence in the installer’s work and has proven to help improve overall project quality control by providing accountability for the general contractor and subcontractors involved in the installation process to ensure quality work.

If you are looking for a reputable second or third-party testing company to perform accurate professional testing, provide concise reports, and help you through the entire process, contact BES today. We provide testing services throughout the United States from our headquarters located in Baton Rouge, LA.

Although masonry wall systems are durable and capable of fulfilling their function for many years, defects are inevitable, usually becoming apparent as water intrusions within the building. These defects can arise from deficiencies in design, poor workmanship, inadequate project supervision, complicated cladding transitions, or a combination of these conditions. Some defects may show up soon after completion of the building while others may not develop for many years.

Water penetration through exterior masonry wall systems is a serious problem throughout the country. Identifying the cause and origin of water penetrations in concrete brick, clay brick, and stone cladding systems is often a difficult task. Many water intrusions are improperly diagnosed because the masonry walls are overlooked. BES specializes in water damage & origin investigations.

A good standard to test the effectiveness of masonry drainage systems is ASTM C 1715 (Standard Test Method for Evaluation of Water Leakage Performance of Masonry Wall Drainage Systems). This testing can be used to identify failures in the flashing systems, document cause and origin of water infiltration, determine the effectiveness of thru wall flashing repairs, or provide quality assurance for new construction.

Building Enclosure Specialists, LLC (BES) specializes in forensic water intrusion diagnostic services using our proven processes and professional testing equipment to accurately identify the cause and origin of water intrusions.

Our systematic approach to a project includes providing an initial evaluation, completing a full service history review, identifying physical symptoms, visually inspecting reported intrusions, developing a hypothesis, recreating leaks by simulating normal rainfall, tracing and correlating intrusions, verifying the hypothesis, providing a final analysis and accurately reporting our findings through field documentation.

Far too often investigators rely on assumptions rather than following the most basic investigative testing protocols. BES adheres to the strict standards set forth for our industry in the ASTM E 2128 (Standard Guide for Evaluating Water Leakage of Building Walls) and the AAMA 511 (Voluntary Guideline for Forensic Water Penetration Testing of Fenestration Products).

TAS 124 “Standard for Field Uplift Resistance of Existing Membrane Roof Systems and In Situ Testing for Re-roof and New Construction Applications”
ASTM E 907 “Standard Test Method for Field Testing Uplift Resistance of Adhered Membrane Roofing Systems”
FM 1-52 Property Loss Prevention Data Sheet, “Wind Uplift Tests”
EFVM “High Voltage Testing) / Low Voltage Vector Mapping”
ASTM D 7877 Electronic Methods for Detecting and Locating Leaks in Waterproofing Membranes.
ASTM D 7877 High/Low Voltage Electromagnetic Vector Mapping / Moisture Mapping

Moisture in building materials can destroy structural integrity as well as harbor mold and insect infestations. Long term water infiltration can cause devastating damage if not properly identified and repaired. Infrared thermography is by far the best method for the documentation of a water loss or water intrusion event.

To a building owner or insurance company involved in property damage settlement, clear images of normally invisible damage can be invaluable for planning the restoration efforts and for rationalizing settlements. Using our high-resolution infrared cameras, we can document the water intrusions and provide you with a report that clearly details the extent of damage; this can then be used to properly assess damage claims. During remediation and restoration activities, infrared thermography can evaluate the progress of the drying process per accepted standards.

Infrared Thermography has become an integral part of the due diligence process as it provides a unique approach to exterior façade building inspections, combining extraordinary technology with the knowledge of building science. With such a significant potential investment on the line, due diligence is not where you want to cut corners so contact our team of specialists today to see how we can help you.

We Specialize In Building Envelope Consulting And Testing Services

From the initial design phases to overseeing construction processes and providing specialized industry standard testing services, Building Enclosure Specialists keeps all your project needs in mind.

We Specialize In Building Envelope Consulting And Testing Services

Field Testing Services

ASTM E 331 ▼

ASTM E 547 ▼

ASTM E 783 ▼

ASTM E 1105 ▼

ASTM C 1601 ▼

ASTM C 1715 ▼

ASTM E 2128 ▼

AAMA 501.2 ▼

AAMA 502 ▼

AAMA 503 ▼

AAMA 511 ▼

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BES Field Testing By Industry Standards That Can Apply To This Service

Chamber Testing Windows, Doors, Storefronts & Curtain Walls “Water Resistance & Air Leakage Testing”

Spray Testing

Building Envelope Air Infiltration Testing

Specifics

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BES Field Testing By Industry Standards That Can Apply To This Service

Pull Testing (Air Barriers, Coatings, Sealants, EIFS)

Water Penetration Tests Masonry Wall Surfaces

BES Field Testing By Industry Standards That Can Apply To This Service

Chamber Testing Windows, Doors, Storefronts & Curtain Walls “Water Resistance & Air Leakage Testing”

Spray Testing

BES Field Testing By Industry Standards That Can Apply To This Service

Water Penetration Tests Masonry Wall Surfaces

BES Field Testing By Industry Standards That Can Apply To This Service

Concrete Testing

Flood Testing

Roof Testing

Moisture Analysis of Buildings

Environmental / IAQ

BES Field Testing By Industry Standards That Can Apply To This Service

Certified IR Imaging of Buildings and Roof

We Specialize In Building Envelope Consulting And Testing Services

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