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American Architectural Manufacturers Association

Prepared byDean Lewis

Manager, Product Certificationdlewis@aamanet.org

FENESTRATION FIELD TESTING:

WHEN, WHY, and HOW

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Founded in 1936; first standard in 1947First window & door Certification in 1962Publish over 60 Standards and SpecificationsPublish over 118 technical documentsProduct Certification program ANSI Accredited since 1972334 Manufacturing Locations58 Extrusion Facilities32 Accredited Laboratories82 manufacturers of verified components43.9 Million AAMA certification labels purchased in 200260% of windows sold carry the AAMA label

AAMA…who are we?

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AAMA Specifications...Windows and Components

ANSI/AAMA/NWWDA 101/I.S.2-97 andANSI/AAMA/WDMA 101/I.S.2/NAFS-02

Air-Water-Structural

300 series – Vinyl & other plastic profiles

701/702 - Weatherstrip and Weatherseals

613/614/615 - Organic Coatings on Plastic Profiles

2603/2604/2605 – Organic Coatings on Aluminum

901-908 – Hinges, Balances, Operators, Rollers

1503/NFRC 100 – Thermal

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AAMA’s Third Party Certification

Manufacturer

Licensed with AAMA

Tests at an AAMA-Accredited LabUniform Load DeflectionUniform Load StructuralAir LeakageWater PenetrationForced EntryLife Cycle

Provides Drawings, Bill of Material

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AAMA’s Third Party Certification

Validator

Reviews Test Reports, Drawings, ComponentsRecommends Product for Certification

Inspects Labs for Accreditation

Inspects PlantsProductionQuality Control

Selects Components & Profiles for Testing

Issues Product Certification Labels

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AAMA’s Third Party Certification

AAMAContracts Validator

Licenses Certifying Manufacturers

Accredits Labs – Full Service & Field Testing

Authorizes Product Certification

PublishesCertified Products DirectoryVerified Components ListCertified Profiles List

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AAMA Certification -Checks & Balances...

ValidatorInspects Accredited Labs, Component LabsInspects Manufacturing PlantsInspects Profile Producers

AAMAAudits Validator

Plant InspectionLab InspectionAdministration

American National Standards Institute (ANSI)Accredits/Audits AAMA Certification ProgramAudits AAMA PublicationsAudits Validator

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AAMACertified Products Directory

• 6,000 Productlistings

• 334 plants

• 32 Laboratories

• Windows • Sliding Glass

Doors • Storm products

AAMA Certified Products Directory and Permanent Label...

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The AAMA Gold Label

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Performance Based

Material Neutral

Required by IBC and IRC

National in Scope

ANSI/AAMA/NWWDA 101/I.S. 2 -97 is...

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101/I.S. 2/NAFS-02

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Performance Rating

Product Designation System

Product TypeHorizontal Slider

Performance ClassLight Commercial

Performance GradeDesign Pressure=25 psf

Maximum Size TestedWidth x Height

HS - LC 25 48x76

Window and Door products included in this standard are designated by afour-part code which includes product type, performance class, performancegrade and maximum size tested. The format for product designation is:

Note: an asterisk (*) added to the performance grade indicates that the size tested for the optional performance grade was smaller than the minimum test size for the original product type and class.

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Mandatory TestingAir InfiltrationWater PenetrationStructural - WindloadForced Entry Resistance

Optional PerformanceU FactorCondensation ResistanceAcoustical

ANSI/AAMA/NWWDA 101/I.S. 2 -97 Provisions...

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Product Type

AP = Awning, Hopper, Projected Window

BW = Basement WindowC = Casement WindowsDA = Dual Action WindowsDA-HGD = Dual Action Hinged Glass

DoorsF = Fixed WindowsGH = Greenhouse WindowsH = Hung Windows (Single, Double,

Triple)HE = Hinged Egress Windows

HGD = Hinged Glass Doors HP = Horizontally Pivoted WindowsHS = Horizontal Sliding WindowsJ = Jalousie WindowsJA = Jal-Awning WindowsSHW =Side Hinged Inswinging WindowsSGD = Sliding Glass DoorsTA = Tropical Awning WindowsTH = Top Hinged WindowsVP = Vertically Pivoted WindowsVS = Vertical Sliding Windows

Window and Door products covered in this standard are as follows:

Each product type and class requires minimum test sizesfor entry into the product class.

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Performance Class

Window and Door products covered by this standardare divided into five performance classes as follows:

R = ResidentialLC = Light CommercialC = CommercialHC = Heavy CommercialAW = Architectural

R = ResidentialLC = Light CommercialC = CommercialHC = Heavy CommercialAW = Architectural

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Performance Grade

R = 15 psf (720 Pa)LC = 25 psf (1200 Pa)C = 30 psf (1440 Pa)HC = 40 psf (1920 Pa)AW = 40 psf (1920 Pa)

Products are designated by the design pressure for which they have beentested in pounds per square foot. The structural test pressure is 1.5 timesthe design pressure. Each product performance class shall have a minimumperformance grade as follows:

In addition, products may be tested to optional performance gradeshigher than the minimum grade in increments of 5 psf (240 Pa).

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Minimum Test Sizes

Test Sample Requirements (Casement Windows)

Window Designation Minimum Frame Size

C – R15 1’5” (430 mm) x 4’0” (1220 mm)

C – LC25 2’0” (610 mm) x 4’0” (1220 mm)

C – C30 2’0” (610 mm) x 4’0” (1220 mm)

C – HC40 2’0” (610 mm) x 4’0” (1220 mm)

C – AW40 3’0” (910 mm) x 5’0” (1520 mm)

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Minimum PerformanceRequirements Listed by Class

Window/DoorClasses

DesignPressure

(psf)

StructuralTest Pressure

(psf)

WaterResistance

Test Pressure(psf)

RequiredPercentagefor WaterTesting

Residential 15 22.5 2.86 15%

LightCommercial 25 37.5 3.75 15%

Commercial 30 45.0 4.50 15%

HeavyCommercial 40 60.0 6.00 15%

Architectural 40 60.0 8.00 20%

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Comparison Between the AW and HC Class Requirements

CRITERIA HC PRODUCTS AW PRODUCTSAir Infiltration PressureSliding Seal Products 1.57 psf (75 Pa) 6.24 psf (300 Pa)Air Infiltration PressureCompression Seal Products 6.24 psf (300 Pa) 6.24 psf (300 Pa)Air Infiltration AllowanceSliding Seal Products

0.3 cfm/ft2(5 m3/hr/m2)

0.3 cfm/ft2(5 m3/hr/m2)

Air Infiltration AllowanceCompression Seal Products

0.3 cfm/ft2(5 m3/hr/m2)

0.1 cfm/ft2(2 m3/hr/m2)

Water Test Pressure as aPercent of Design Pressure 15% 20%

ASTM Test Method for Water Penetration E 547 & E331 E331Required Deflection LimitAt Design Pressure

None except HungProducts at L/175

L/175 for all AWProducts

Permanent Set Limit atStructural Test Pressure 0.4% 0f Span 0.2% of SpanLife Cycle Testing perAAMA 910 Optional Required

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Primary (Gateway) Performance Requirements

ft3/min m3/hr(Minimum Test Size) psf Pa psf Pa psf Pa psf Pa /ft2 /m2

Single/Double/Triple Hung WindowsH-R15 (3'8" x 5'0") 15 720 22.5 1080 2.86 140 1.57 75 0.3 5H-LC25 (3'8" x 6'5") 25 1200 37.5 1800 3.75 180 1.57 75 0.3 5H-C30 (4'6" x 7'6") 30 1440 45.0 2160 4.50 220 1.57 75 0.3 5H-HC40 (5'0" x 8'0") 40 1920 60.0 2880 6.00 290 1.57 75 0.3 5H-AW40 (5'0" x 8'0") 40 1920 60.0 2880 8.00 390 6.24 300 0.3 5

Casement WindowsC-R15 (1'5" x 4'0") 15 720 22.5 1080 2.86 140 1.57 75 0.3 5C-LC25 (2'0" x 4'0") 25 1200 37.5 1800 3.75 180 1.57 75 0.3 5C-C30 (2'0" x 4'0") 30 1440 45.0 2160 4.50 220 1.57 75 0.3 5C-HC40 (2'0" x 4'0") 40 1920 60.0 2880 6.00 290 6.24 300 0.3 5C-AW40 (3'0" x 5'0") 40 1920 60.0 2880 8.00 390 6.24 300 0.1 2

GROUP II Compression Seal Window Products

Air InfiltrationTest

PressureMaximum Rate

StructuralTest

Pressure

Water

GROUP I

DesignPressure

Sliding Seal Window Products

ResistanceTest Pressure

Window/DoorDesignation

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Section 4.0Optional Performance Grades

Under “Optional Performance Grades”, manufacturers can test their products to exceed the minimum performance requirements outlined in sections 1.0 and 2.0, for both design load and water test pressure.

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Glass and Glazing Materials

Annealed glass installed in windows shall meet ASTM C 1036.

Safety glazing materials where used, shall conform to ANSI Z97.1 or CPSC 16 CFR 1201. Tempered glass, where used, shall conform to ASTM C 1048 (Kind FT). Safety glazing shall be furnished on glass doors.

Sealed insulating glass, where used, shall conform to ASTM E 774 level C or higher (Level A for AW products).

Glass furnished by the manufacturer shall meet or exceed the values given in ASTM E 1300 for the design pressure rating of the product. Allowable pressures from the graphs are allowed to be increased as noted for the use of heat strengthened, fully tempered or sealed insulating glass and are required to be decreased as noted for the use of laminated glass.

Glazing specifications are included in the standard.

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Conformance Tests

Unless otherwise stipulated in this specification, windows and doors submitted for tests under sections 2 and 4 shall contain glazing intended for use in the product. For products with glass infill, the glass type shall be the minimum strength required for a given load and size based on ASTM E 1300, with the exception that frame or sash deflections, where not specified in the document, are not limited to the glass edge dimension divided by 175.

Products tested with a specific glass type shall qualify products of a smaller size manufactured with a different glass type provided the glass conforms to ASTM E 1300, as referenced above.

Products tested with plastic materials shall not qualify glass glazing materials, nor products tested with glass qualify plastic glazing materials.

Products tested with sealed insulating glass shall not qualify single glazed products.

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Field Testing

Quality AssurancePhotos courtesy Architectural Testing, Inc.

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Project Specifications

Not all projects have a field quality control section listed in the specifications. In these cases the laboratory performance requirements are usually referenced and used to develop an on-site test program.

If the quantity, size and other details of the field test specimens are not listed in the project specification, standards/specifications such as AAMA are normally utilized.

Typically the field quality control section of the project specification will either reference an AAMA field test standard or list specific performance requirements in addition to the ASTM test methods that are required.

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Field Test Methods: ASTM

ASTM E 783, Field Measurement of Air Leakage Through Installed Exterior Windows and Doors

ASTM E 1105, Field Determination of Water Penetration of Installed Exterior Windows, Curtain Walls and Doors by Uniform or Cyclic Static Air Pressure Difference

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Standards/Specifications: AAMA

AAMA 502-02, Voluntary Specification for Field Testing of Windows and Sliding Glass Doors

AAMA 503-03, Voluntary Specification for Field Testing of Storefronts, Curtain Walls, and Sloped Glazing Systems

AAMA 501.2-03, Quality Assurance and Diagnostic Water Leakage Field check of Installed Storefronts, Curtain Walls, and Sloped Glazing Systems

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Standards/Specifications: AAMAShort Form Field Testing Specifications are provided

for both 502 and 503

AAMA Field Testing Specifications are intended for testing of installed new fenestration

Test chambers may be installed on the outside (positive pressure) or inside (negative pressure) of the building

Field Testing to be conducted by an AAMA-accredited lab; AAMA 204-98, Guidelines for AAMA Accreditation of Independent Laboratories Performing On-Site Testing of Fenestration Products

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AAMA 502-02

Test Methods A and B differ in the location of the chamber perimeter lines and therefore, whether or not the perimeter seals, subframe/receptor system, and frame corners are tested under pressure.

Test Method A is the default. Non-structural interior trim may have to be removed to check for leaks

Optional Sill Dam Test checks for corner leaks

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AAMA 502-02 Method A Test Setup

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AAMA 502-02 Sill Dam Test

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AAMA 502-02 Method B

Test Method B tests the product and its installation in the rough opening. Chamber is applied to the wall construction.

If interior wall materials have been installed, they must be removed at the test area to provide visual access to check for leaks

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AAMA 502-02 Method B Test Setup

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AAMA 502-02 Performance Criteria

Allows 1.5 times the 101/I.S.2 specified maximum air leakage rate. A ‘blank’ may be used to identify and subtract extraneous air; e.g., through sides of the frame

Water penetration resistance is tested at 2/3 of the 101/I.S.2 specified pressure. Cyclic pressure is used for R, LC, & C products; Uniform pressure for AW; both for HC.

Alternate air leakage & water penetration resistance requirements may be specified

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Interior Test Chamber

AAMA 502-02 Method A

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Interior Test Chamber

AAMA 502-02 Method B

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AAMA 503-03

Contract should specify testing area, and whether perimeter seals are to be included. Otherwise, the specimen should include perimeter seals, typical splices, frame intersections, and, if applicable, at least two entire vision lites and two entire spandrel lites containing an intermediate vertical and an intermediate horizontal.

Field air leakage tests are only recommended for discrete “punched opening” curtain walls, storefronts, and sloped glazing elevations. Not recommended for a portion of a continuous system due to problems with compartmentalization and identification of extraneous air leakage.

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AAMA 503-03

Windows and sliding glass doors included within the specimen are tested per AAMA 502

Water penetration is tested per E 1105, applying uniform (not cyclic) pressure

Timing is critical; sheetrock, trim, insulation, etc. that would affect chamber attachment or visual inspection must be removed if installed

If air leakage is to be tested, it must be performed before water penetration testing

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AAMA 503-03 Test Setup

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AAMA 503-03 Performance CriteriaAir leakage test performed at a minimum of 1.57 psf

and not to exceed 6.24 psf. Allows 1.5 times the project specification rate or 0.09 cfm/ft2

whichever is greater

Water penetration test shall be conducted at two-thirds of the specified project water test pressure, but not less than 6.24 psf

Alternate air leakage & water penetration resistance requirements may be specified

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Exterior Test Chamber

AAMA 503-03

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Interior Test Chamber

AAMA 503-03

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AAMA 501.2-03

Handheld spray nozzle (specified)

No air pressure differential

Field check; NOT a performance test

Does not evaluate the system in a ‘real world’ fashion

Used for QA during construction, or as a follow-up to 503 testing to identify specific location of leakage

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AAMA 501.2-03 Test Setup

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Thank you for your time and interest

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