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© American Architectural
Manufacturers Association 2010
` Comparison of the AAMA/WDMA/CSA
101/I.S.2/A440 -08 lab test (referred to as
NAFS-08) to the AAMA 502 quality
assurance field test and the AAMA 511
forensic evaluation

` Determination of appropriate water test

pressures, test durations and water
applications via NAFS-08, AAMA 502-08,
503-08 and 511-08

` How to specify project-specific quality

assurance field testing

` The proper use of AAMA 511 for forensic

evaluations
 ` “NAFS-08” Lab Testing –
` Performed on prototype specimen to validate
product performance ratings

` “502” Quality Assurance Field Testing –

` Performed on “newly” installed products to verify
installed performance of the product and the
installation
Introduction

` “511” Forensic Testing –

` Performed on wall assemblies with known water
control problems as a means to accurately
identify suspect wall construction components
and details
NAFS Overview
 ` Utilizes ASTM E 547 and/or E 331 for
test methodology
` Test is performed under controlled
environmental conditions
` Test sample is installed strictly per the
NAFS Overview

manufacturer’s
instructions in a precise
test buck opening
 Conversion as per NAFS-08
` 15% for R, LC, CW

` 20% for AW

` Water Resistance Test Pressure is capped at 12.00 psf for

the U.S. and 15.00 psf for Canada
NAFS Overview

Gateway Requirements
Performance Minimum Minimum Minimum
Class Design Structural test Water
Pressure, Pa pressure, Pa Resistance
(psf) (psf) Test Pressure,
Pa (psf)
R 15.0 22.5 2.90
LC 25.0 37.5 3.75
CW 30.0 45.0 4.50
AW 40.0 60.0 8.00
 6.00 PSF (~50 mph)

Equivalent hydrostatic 
water head

1.16”
NAFS Overview
 7.50 PSF (~55 mph)

Equivalent hydrostatic 
water head

1.44”
NAFS Overview
 AAMA 502-08
AAMA 502
 ` AAMA 502-90
` Original publication by AAMA

` AAMA 502-02
` Added reference to AAMA accredited laboratory and
first introduced the 1/3 WTP reduction for water
resistance testing of installed products
AAMA 502

` AAMA 502-08
` Defined “newly” installed as prior to issuance of the
occupancy permit not to exceed 6 months after
installation of the fenestration product.
 ` ASTM E 783
◦ Field Measurement of Air Leakage through
Installed Exterior Windows and Doors

` ASTM E 1105
◦ Field Determination of Water Penetration of
AAMA 502

Installed Exterior Windows, Curtain Walls and

Doors by Uniform or Cyclic Static Air Pressure
Difference
 ` Requires testing agency to report and make adjustments
for ambient conditions. In some cases, temporary
enclosures are required to reduce adverse effects of wind
and temperature at the project site.
AAMA 502
 ` The default air leakage for quality assurance
field testing is 1.5 times the applicable
laboratory standard for the product type and
performance class
AAMA 502
 TO OUTSIDE BAROMETRIC
PRESSURE

PRESSURE
MEASURING
ALTERNATE DEVICE
TEST
CHAMBER

TEST
CHAMBER

EXHAUST

VALVE
AAMA 502

AIR SYSTEM

INNERMOST PLANE
FOR WATER PENETRATION
(REFERENCE PARAGRAPH 4.3.4)
W
PRESSURE GAUGE
VALVE

CALIBRATED WATER
SPRAY RACK

THE CHAMBER SHALL NOT BE PERMITTED

TO MAKE ANY CONTACT WITH THE
FENESTRATION PRODUCT
 ` Requires testing agency to report and
make adjustments for ambient
conditions
` Test is performed on the entire
fenestration product opening
AAMA 502
 ` The test pressure shall not be less than
91 Pa (1.9 psf)

` Tests shall be conducted at a static test

pressure equal to 2/3 of the tested and
rated laboratory performance per
AAMA/WDMA/CSA 101/I.S. 2/A440
AAMA 502
 1. Newly installed fenestration product(s) shall be field
tested in accordance with AAMA 502, "Voluntary
Specification for Field Testing of Newly Installed
Fenestration Products."
2. Test three (unless otherwise specified) of the fenestration
product specimens after the products have been
completely installed for air leakage resistance and water
penetration resistance as specified.
3. Air leakage resistance tests shall be conducted at a
uniform static test pressure of ___ Pa (___ psf). The
AAMA 502

maximum allowable rate of air leakage shall not exceed

L/s•m2 (___ cfm/ft2)
4. Water penetration resistance tests shall be conducted at a
static test pressure of ___Pa (____ psf). No water
penetration shall occur as defined in Section 4.3.4 of
AAMA 502
 ` 1/3 reduction to the laboratory rating of
the WTP is the default

` Sill Dam test is removed from 502 and

moved to the 511 document
AAMA 502
 ` Method “A”
◦ Product only testing has been eliminated from
the 502-08 and moved to AAMA 511.

` If the source of the water cannot be

determined, a forensic evaluation using
the procedures outlined in AAMA 511 shall
be performed
AAMA 502
 AAMA 503-08
AAMA 503
 ` AAMA 503 was originally published in 1992
` AAMA 503 is a similar document to AAMA
502 for Storefronts, Curtain Walls & Sloped
Glazing Systems.
` Updated in 2003 & 2008
` AAMA 503-08 – Defined “newly” installed
as prior to issuance of the occupancy
AAMA 503

permit not to exceed 6 months after

issuance of the occupancy permit.
AAMA 503
 ` Storefronts
` Curtain Wall
` Sloped Glazing

AAMA 503
AAMA 503 Curtain Wall Chamber Arrangement
 ` Storefronts
` Curtain Wall
` Sloped Glazing

AAMA 503
 Sloped Glazing Systems Chamber
Arrangement
AAMA 503
 ` Storefronts
` Curtain Wall
` Sloped Glazing

AAMA 503
Forensic Investigation
 ASTM References in AAMA 511
¾ASTM E 2128, Standard Guide for
Evaluating Water Leakage of Building Walls
Forensic Investigation

¾This guide describes methods for determining and

evaluating water leakage of exterior walls. A wall is
considered a system including its exterior and
interior finishes, fenestration, and structural
components.
 ` Involves more than just testing
` The purpose of diagnostic testing is to
Forensic Investigation

recreate water leaks that are known to

occur
` AAMA 511 testing either follows up on
AAMA 502 and 503 testing or is used in
a water intrusion
investigation
 ` “…The ultimate goal of 511 diagnostic
Forensic Investigation

testing is to recreate existing leakage

behavior that occurs under in-service
conditions.”
 ` Four Preliminary Steps prior to testing
Forensic Investigation

◦ Review of project documents

◦ Evaluation of design concept
◦ Determination of service history
◦ Inspection

` Three Steps During and After Testing

◦ Investigative Testing
◦ Analysis
◦ Report
 Step #1: Review Project Documents
Forensic Investigation

• Architectural drawings
• Structural drawings
• Shop drawings
• Installation instructions
• Contracts
• Purchase orders
• Specifications
• Warranties
 Step # 2: Evaluation of Design Concept
Forensic Investigation

• Water management concept

• Critical details
• Test reports
• Flashing
• Sealants
• Weep Holes
 Step # 3: Determination of Service History
Forensic Investigation

• Review maintenance records

• Interview knowledgeable personnel
• Research leak history
 Step #4: Inspection
• Interior observations
Forensic Investigation

• Exterior observations
• Observe workmanship
• Observe product
deficiency
• Develop a
hypothesis for the
source of the
water intrusion
Forensic Investigation
 Determination is based on:
Forensic Investigation

◦ Field Standards
◦ Laboratory Standards
◦ Prior Testing
◦ Weather Data
◦ Experience
 ◦ Simulate the weather events
Forensic Investigation

◦ Obtain wind speed

◦ If calculated wind speed is greater then 2/3 of
the rated WTP for the product it may be that the
product was not the most appropriate for the
project.
◦ At least one pressure
difference test must
be done at the 2/3
pressure
 ` ASCE – 7 accounts for:
Forensic Investigation

◦ Exposure
◦ Height above grade
◦ Basic wind speed
(or weather data)
◦ Location of
specimen
within façade
Forensic Investigation
 • The objective of testing is to identify the leak
Forensic Investigation

paths
 Consistent leaks more than one year
AAMA 511- Example 1
`

` Heaviest leakage twice during September 2005

` Class II
` Building height is 33 ft., window (z) is 27 ft. above
ground
` Window is 4’ high x 4’ wide, wind area (A) of 16 ft2
` AAMA rating C35
AAMA 511 Example #1
AAMA 511- Example 1 Estimating the Test Pressure

` ASCE/SEI 7‐05 analysis is used with the 
following information:
◦ Location of building (Newark, NJ) 
◦ Building usage designation (Class II)
◦ Exposure level (Exposure B) 
◦ Building design (enclosed structure with a flat roof )
◦ Building height (33 ft.)
◦ Window area (16 square ft.)
` From these features, the water resistance test 
pressure is, theoretically, 2.4 psf.
AAMA 511- Example 1

` Local weather data is analyzed by daily 
readings for September of 2005, allowing the 
investigator to observe the weather condition, 
amount of precipitation and maximum wind 
speed for each day
AAMA 511 Example #1
AAMA 511- Example 1

` The maximum 5‐second gust wind speeds are 
recorded for every day in September in which 
measurable rainfall occurred

Max Wind Speed

Date Rain Fall (in)
(mph) 5-Sec. Gust
4-Sep-05 0.12 16
12-Sep-05 0.33 11
21-Sep-05 0.67 52
AAMA 511- Example 1

` Only two leak events are reported during 
September 2005

` Average wind determined to be 34 mph

Max Wind Speed

Date Rain Fall (in)
(mph) 5-Sec. Gust
4-Sep-05 0.12 16
12-Sep-05 0.33 11
21-Sep-05 0.67 52
 ` Result = 2.1 psf which is the differential pressure used to 
AAMA 511- Example 1

evaluate the window opening in question
` Weather data analysis is used to determine field water 
penetration resistance pressure 
` Table 3 of AAMA/WDMA/CSA 101/I.S. 2/A440‐05 shows 
tested water penetration resistance pressure
` The result of the weather data analysis (2.2 psf ) is the 
differential pressure used to evaluate the window 
opening in question
 ` Leak Reported during storm on September
AAMA 511- Example 2

21, 2005
` Class II, Exposure C
` Building height is 60 ft., window (z) is 55
ft. above ground
` Window is 2’ high x 2’ wide, wind area (A)
of 4 ft2
` AAMA rating C35
AAMA 511- Example 2 Estimating the Test Pressure

` ASCE/SEI 7‐05 analysis is used with the following 
information:
◦ Location of building (Chicago, Il) 
◦ Building usage designation (Class II)
◦ Exposure level (Exposure C) 
◦ Building design (enclosed structure with a flat roof )
◦ Building height (60 ft.)
◦ Window area (4 square ft.)
` From these features, the water resistance test pressure is, 
theoretically, 3.2 psf.
AAMA 511- Example 2

` Referring to tabulated local weather data 
above, the investigator can determine and 
record the maximum 5‐second gust speeds on 
the date of the reported leak

Max Wind Speed

Date Rain Fall (in) (mph) 5-Sec.
Gust
21-Sep-05 0.67 52
AAMA 511- Example 2

` 52 mph can now be used in Eq.‐ 6‐15 from SEI/ASCE 7‐05 
to establish a wind pressure of 7.9 psf
` Since specimen height is above 60 feet above grade, this 
wind pressure is inserted into Eq.‐ 6‐23 to calculate 
maximum test pressure
` Result = 8.4 psf, which is greater than the laboratory 
water penetration resistance test pressure of 5.25 psf as 
prescribed for a C 35 product rating. 
` Since calculated differential air test pressure exceeds the 
rated performance value for the  product, investigator 
shall first perform at least 1 test at 2/3 of the product 
performance rating prior to testing at calculated 
pressure.
 Interior Weep Holes Water shall cover all horizontal surfaces expected to be wet

Test Water Head

measured from
Tape bottom of exterior
applied over wrap
Exterior
Weep

AAMA 511 Example #2

 Need to determine:
◦ How to apply water
Recreating the Leak

◦ How long to run test

◦ Whether or not to include differential
pressure
x How much air pressure
x How to step or phase pressure
Recreating the Leak
Recreating the Leak
 ` How long would you test these substrates?
Recreating the Leak
 ` Which application best fulfills the objective?
Recreating the Leak
Recreating the Leak
Recreating the Leak
 ` How does differential pressure affect the
test specimen?
Recreating the Leak
 ` Start with zero differential pressure then
step up to higher pressures
Recreating the Leak
Recreating the Leak
Recreating the Leak
 ` Start testing at lower elevations and work
higher
Introduce one new element at a time into
Recreating the Leak

`
each new water test
` Use isolation to protect features from water
spray
` Do not turn the water off at the first
moment a leak appears
` Try to trace the leak from the exterior to the
interior and use destructive wall probes as
required to identify this leak path
` Do not end non-leaking tests until you are
confident the specimen is not contributing
to leakage
 ` No or limited leak history
` Leak reported as window leak when leak
Recreating the Leak

is actually from another source

` Not enough water pressure
` Not able to achieve differential pressure
` Owner does not want to remove interior
finishes
` No or limited access to concealed wall
areas
` Inclement weather
` Isolation failures
Identifying the Source
Identifying the Source
Identifying the Source
Identifying the Source
Identifying the Source
 ¾The forensic investigator has the responsibility
Analysis and Reporting

to make every attempt to ascertain the exact

path of water intrusion

¾Conclusions are formed in this step on the

basis of the inspection and testing data
collected in the previous steps.

¾If conclusions cannot be fully supported by

sound scientific principles then additional
investigation is needed
 ¾ All reports shall be self-contained
Analysis and Reporting

documents

¾ Shall include justification for deviations from

the methodology described in the standard

¾ The reports shall not include any

unsubstantiated opinions or conclusions.

¾ If results are not conclusive the forensic

investigator shall present options for
obtaining conclusive results
¾Pleasetake a moment to complete the
evaluation form. Thank You.