A M E R I C A N A R C H I T E C T U R A L

AAMA 501-05
(Errata 4/5/05)

Methods of Tests
for Exterior Walls

M A N U F A C T U R E R S A S S O C I A T I O N
 AAMA 501-05
(Errata 4/5/05)

Methods of Tests for Exterior Walls

 TABLE OF CONTENTS
1.0 Foreword...........................................................................1

2.0 Guide Specification.............................................................1

Guide Specification For Laboratory Testing.............................1

Guide Specification For Field Testing.....................................3

3.0 Information About Performance Testing Of Exterior Walls .........4

4.0 Reference Documents..........................................................9

Errata...................................................................................10

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AAMA 501-05
Originally Published: 1983
Preceding Document: AAMA 501-94
Revised & Published: 2/05
Errata: 4/5/05
Reissued: 4/05
1.0 FOREWORD
This “Methods of Test” publication AAMA 501-05 is a
revision of the previous publication 501-94 “Methods of
Test for Exterior Walls”. It is AAMA’s intent to
reference in this publication current laboratory and field
testing methods for exterior wall systems comprised of
curtain walls, storefronts, and sloped glazing.
The AAMA 501-94 publication was the successor
publication of AAMA 501-83. The AAMA 501-83
publication was the successor publication of the 1968
standard known as NAAMM Standards FC-1 and TM-1-
68T originally published by the National Association of
Architectural Metal Manufacturers. All previous versions
of the AAMA 501 publication contained 501.1, 501.2,
and 501.3. AAMA has decided to publish 501.1 and
501.2 as stand alone documents. AAMA 501.3 has been
withdrawn and is replaced by AAMA 503-03.
The test methods, specifications, and field checks
referenced in this publication are used to evaluate the
structural adequacy of wall systems and their ability to
resist water penetration and air leakage. Optional tests are
provided, as needed for thermal cycling, interstory lateral
displacement, dynamic seismic racking, acoustical and
thermal performance. Fenestration products covered by
AAMA/NWWDA 101/I.S.2-97 or AAMA/WDMA
101/I.S.2/NAFS-02 are not included in the scope of this
document unless these products are installed as a
component of the exterior wall test specimen. The
methods for laboratory testing for air leakage, static water
resistance, and structural performance are methods
prescribed by ASTM. The laboratory test for water
penetration under dynamic air pressure, seismic
performance, thermal cycling, acoustical and thermal
performance are methods prescribed by AAMA. Only
those portions of ASTM standards relating to scope and
purpose, requirements for test specimens, and test reports
are reproduced herein. The complete ASTM standards
may be obtained from ASTM (www.astm.org).
Individual copies of complete AAMA documents
referenced in this publication may be obtained from
AAMA (www.aamanet.org).
2.0 GUIDE SPECIFICATION
When contract documents require a mock-up test in
accordance with this publication, they must specifically
indicate those tests which are required and the minimum
performance levels. The mock-up test shall comply with
the procedures and documentation outlined in ASTM E
2099 “Standard Practice for the Specification and
Evaluation of Pre-Construction Laboratory Mock-ups of
Exterior Wall Systems”. The overall size and
configuration of the test specimen must also be stated.
The project specifications shall refer to an elevation view
of the mock-up by either designation of an area on the
AAMA 501-05
architectural drawings which represent the materials,
height and width of the mock-up, or provide a separate
mock-up elevation and plan view of the test specimen.
The test loads for the mock-up based on design wind
pressures shall be noted on the drawings or provided in
the specification.
The following guide specification is provided to assist the
architect/specifier in preparing the specification for mock-
up testing.
NOTE: Commentary text (in italics) following each item
presents supplementary information and data to aid the
specification writer.
GUIDE SPECIFICATION FOR
LABORATORY TESTING
2.1 The tests shall be listed in the order to be performed.
Unless otherwise specified, the following test order shall
be used by the test agency. Tests listed as “optional”
must be specifically included in the project specifications
to be included in the test protocol.
2.2 Preload the test specimen (ASTM E 330) at 50% of
the specified positive design wind pressure.
2.3 The test for air leakage (ASTM E 283) shall be
conducted at an air pressure difference of _______ Pa
(psf). The maximum allowable rate of air leakage must
not exceed _________ L/s•m2 (cfm/ft2) for fixed wall area
or ________ L/s•m2 (cfm/ft2) for operable fenestration
products contained within the test specimen.
The Specification must establish air pressure difference
and allowable rate of air leakage. AAMA recommends a
minimum air pressure difference for walls of 75 Pa (1.57
psf) and a maximum allowable rate of air leakage of 0.3
L/s•m2 (0.06 cfm/ft2), which is adequate for many
buildings. A maximum pressure difference of 300 Pa
(6.24 psf) and a maximum allowable rate of air leakage of
0.3 L/s•m2 (0.06 cfm/ft2) is recommended for buildings in
which greater control of air quality and/or humidity is
required.
2.4 The test for static water penetration (ASTM E 331)
shall be conducted at an air pressure difference of
__________Pa (psf). There shall be no water leakage
defined as defined by AAMA 501.1, paragraph 5.5.
The Specification must establish a minimum air pressure
difference at which no water leakage will occur. AAMA
recommends an air pressure difference equal to 20% of
the positive design wind pressure with a minimum of 300
Pa (6.24 psf) and a maximum of 720 Pa (15 psf).
Page 1
2.5 (Optional) The test for water penetration under
dynamic air pressure (AAMA 501.1) shall be conducted
with a wind velocity equivalent to a static air pressure of
___________ Pa (psf). There shall be no water leakage
as defined in AAMA 501.1 at this dynamic wind velocity.
The dynamic water penetration test subjects the test
mock-up to the effects of pulsating wind gusts and wind-
driven rain. This test can be particularly useful in
checking the performance of pressure-equalized wall
systems. The Project Specification must establish the
minimum air pressure difference at which no water
leakage will occur. AAMA recommends an air pressure
difference equal to 20% of the positive design wind
pressure with a minimum of 300 Pa (6.24 psf) and a
maximum of 720 Pa (15 psf).
2.6 (Optional) Interstory displacement test shall be
performed per AAMA 501.4 at 100% of the specified
design displacement. Repeat the air leakage (ASTM E
283) and static water resistance (ASTM E 331) after the
interstory lateral displacement test.
The horizontal design displacement shall be determined
by the specifier according to the predicted movements of
the subject building. For multi-story mock-ups, the
displacements may vary due to different story heights.
Unless otherwise specified, the horizontal design
displacement shall be 0.010 x the greater of the adjacent
story heights. The displacement shall be measured at the
movable floor element, not at the test specimen. Vertical
interstory displacement is not addressed by AAMA 501.4
however this test to simulate live load displacement is
often required by project specifications in addition to the
horizontal displacement.
2.7 (Optional) Thermal Cycling of the exterior wall
mock-up shall be performed per AAMA 501.5.
The Thermal Cycling test temperatures shall be selected
to meet the expected job conditions, but if these are not
known, the standard test conditions shall be utilized. The
default number of thermal cycles is three complete cycles.
If more than 3 cycles are required, the specification must
indicate the number of complete cycles.
2.8 Should the optional tests in 2.7 be selected repeat the
test for air leakage (ASTM E283) and static water
resistance (ASTM E 331).
2.9 The test for structural performance (ASTM E 330)
shall be conducted at the specified positive and negative
design wind pressures.
Deflection shall not exceed 1/175 of the clear span at a
uniform load equal to the specified design wind pressure.
AAMA 501-05
AAMA recommends that the positive and negative design
wind pressures be determined in accordance with
SEI/ASCE 7-02 or by boundary layer wind tunnel testing.
Deflection of exterior wall framing members is tested at
design wind pressures. AAMA recommends that
maximum deflections normal to the plane of the wall shall
be limited to L/175 for spans up to 4115 mm (162 in) For
spans greater than 4115 mm (162 in) but less than 12.2 m
(40 ft) deflections at design loads shall be limited to L/240
+ 1/4 in. (For more information on deflection of framing
systems refer to AAMA TIR-A11-04.)
2.10 Repeat the test for static water resistance (ASTM
E331)
2.11 Test for Structural Performance (ASTM E 330) at
150% of positive and negative design pressures.
For curtain walls, storefronts and sloped glazing AAMA
requires that structural test pressures shall be 1.5 times
the design wind pressures to provide a factor of safety. At
this load no glass breakage or permanent damage to
panels, fasteners, or anchors, shall occur, and permanent
deformation to wall framing members shall not exceed
0.2% of their clear spans.
The location of areas requiring different design wind
pressures should be indicated on appropriate elevation
drawings of the building. Local codes establish minimum
design wind pressures. Calculated pressures or pressures
determined from wind tunnel tests must meet at least the
code minimums to be accepted. Code values must be used
where calculated or test values are less.
2.12 (Optional) Lateral Displacement (AAMA 501.4) at
150% of the specified lateral displacement.
THE FOLLOWING OPTIONAL LABORATORY
TESTS REQUIRE AN ADDITIONAL MOCK-UP
SPECIMEN:
2.13 (Optional) Dynamic Test for determining the seismic
drift causing glass fallout shall be performed in
accordance with AAMA 501.6.
AAMA 501.6 focuses primarily on determining the
dynamic glass fallout from wall system panels that are
representative of the overall mock-up being tested. Glass
fallout is considered to have occurred when an individual
glass fragment larger than 650 mm2 (1.0 in2) falls in any
direction from the test panel glazed opening. The seismic
drift causing glass fallout is a referenced requirement in
the 2003 International Building Code (IBC).
2.14 (Optional) The thermal performance of the test
specimen (U-factor, SHGC, VT, and CRF) shall be
determined in accordance with AAMA 507.
Page 2
AAMA 507 provides a uniform standard method for
determining the thermal performance of building-specific
fenestration systems that are installed in commercial
buildings. This information can be useful in determining
overall building performance, occupant comfort, and
HVAC sizing.
2.15 (Optional) The Acoustical rating determined in
accordance with AAMA 1801 shall be a minimum OITC
of _____________. The air leakage rate shall meet the
requirements contained in section 2.3 of this guide. The
exterior wall system shall be an 80” x 80” test specimen,
two lites wide with one intermediate vertical as specified
in AAMA 1801.
AAMA 1801 references ASTM E 90 for determination of
sound transmission loss and ASTM E 283 for the
measurement of air leakage. The STC and OITC ratings
are determined in accordance with ASTM E 413 and
ASTM E 1332 respectively. (For more information on
Sound Transmission on Fenestration Products refer to
AAMA TIR-A1-02
NOTE: Performance of installed exterior wall systems
will generally be somewhat less than laboratory
performance on mock-ups because of manufacturing
tolerances, installation tolerances and the difficulty which
may be encountered in carrying out field tests with the
same precision as laboratory tests.
GUIDE SPECIFICATION
FOR FIELD TESTING
NOTE: Performance of installed exterior wall systems
will generally be somewhat less than laboratory
performance on mock-ups because of manufacturing
tolerances, installation tolerances and the difficulty which
may be encountered in conducting field tests with the
same precision as laboratory tests.
2.16 (Optional) The AAMA 501.2 quality assurance and
diagnostic field check for water leakage shall be
conducted on initially installed exterior wall units in the
area(s) as selected by the specifying authority and
indicated on elevation drawing(s) _____________,
______________ and _________________. There shall
be no water leakage as defined in AAMA 501.2.
If leakage occurs, corrections in wall design and/or
installation procedures shall be made to eliminate the
leakage problem. The test shall be repeated on a different
unit which has been modified or corrected.
The AAMA 501.2 water leakage field check does not
simulate the effects of wind driven rain but does provide a
simple, economical method of finding leaking joints.
When used on initially installed units, it permits
identification and correction of leakage problems before
an entire wall is installed. This field check is not
appropriate for testing of operable windows and doors.
AAMA 501-05
AAMA 502-02 is the proper test method for field air
leakage and water penetration resistance of operable
windows and doors.
2.17 (Optional) * shall be field
tested in accordance with AAMA 502, “Voluntary
Specification for Field Testing of Windows and Sliding
Glass Doors,” using Test Method ** .
* Insert windows and/or sliding glass doors
**Test Method A will be used unless Test Method B is
selected here. See Section 2.0 of AAMA 502-02 for
descriptions of both test methods.
AAMA 502-02 specifies air leakage and water resistance
field testing of 1% of the fenestration products as
specified at various stages of the product installation.
Default performance values for air leakage and water
penetration are also specified. Optional paragraphs may
be added to modify the standard specification; however,
consideration should be given to the cost of additional
testing.
2.18 (Optional) * shall be field tested
in accordance with AAMA 503 The area(s) to be tested is
(are) as follows:
**
* Insert storefront, curtain wall and/or sloped glazing
system.
** Insert an exact description of the area(s) to be tested.
Failure to do so can dramatically affect the cost of the
field testing. The best method is to include an elevation of
the proposed test area(s) in the project drawings and
reference above.
AAMA 503 specifies water penetration field testing for the
above area immediately after installation begins. Default
performance values for water resistance are specified in
Sections 4.5 through 4.8 of AAMA 503. Any of the
following paragraphs may be added to modify the
standard specification; however, consideration should be
given to the cost of additional testing.
1. Air leakage tests shall be conducted at a uniform static
test pressure of ______ Pa (psf). The maximum allowable
rate of air leakage shall not exceed ______ L/s•m2
(cfm/ft2).
2. Water penetration tests shall be conducted at a static
test pressure of ______ Pa (psf).
3. The following shall also be field tested:
A. (Insert additional appropriate field tests and
procedures.)
Page 3
3.0 INFORMATION ABOUT
PERFORMANCE TESTING OF
EXTERIOR WALLS
3.1 General
Performance testing of exterior wall mock-ups in the
laboratory prior to finalization of production design and
field erection can help increase the probability of trouble
free performance of the wall on the completed building.
Testing may reveal design, fabrication, and installation
weaknesses at a time when corrections can be relatively
easily and inexpensively made. When the first units of
the wall are installed, follow-up field testing will usually
uncover any faults which may have occurred in assembly
or installation and will make it possible to eliminate these
faults before proceeding. Once in place, changes needed
to repair a wall can be very difficult and expensive at
which point it can be very difficult to effect a satisfactory
fix.
Field performance testing of completed wall installations
may also be required when water leakage or excessive air
leakage occurs in the building. One purpose of such
testing is to carefully measure the performance of the wall
and its components --- windows, doors, panels, etc. --- to
determine whether or not the specified performance levels
have been met. This determination is essential for the
proper assignment of responsibility for the problem.
Another purpose of the testing is to determine the cause of
the problem, even if specified performance levels have
been met, so that remedial action may be taken. Water
leakage, for example, may occur during a heavy rainstorm
because the wind velocity in such a storm exceeds the
specified velocity or wind pressure for which the water
penetration resistance of the wall was designed. Leaks
may occur because of roof problems which result in water
running down the inside surface of the wall. Leaks may
occur in the joint between the metal wall and the masonry
opening into which it is mounted. These latter two items
represent problems which often occur but can in no way
be attributed to malfunctioning of the wall itself. Proper
field testing isolates and identifies these types of
problems.
Performance tests of exterior walls may involve
significant expense, so it is essential that the architect,
before specifying them, understands the reasons for such
tests and how they are performed. The architect should
also recognize that job-specific testing is by no means a
universal requirement.
Many of the standard commercial wall systems have been
subjected to testing during the course of their
development and have proven to perform in the field. It
may be unnecessary to specify further testing of standard
walls that have current test reports. When previously
unproven designs are proposed, thorough testing is
usually necessary to prove the wall's performance
AAMA 501-05
capabilities. The need for testing and the nature of testing
depends, therefore, upon the circumstances involved.
3.2 Reasons for Testing
Preconstruction mock-up testing is performed to address
three primary performance attributes of exterior wall
systems. They are: 1) the structural adequacy of the wall
assembly under wind loading, 2) its effectiveness in
controlling water penetration, and 3) its ability to resist air
leakage. Other performance characteristics such as
thermal cycling, acoustical performance, seismic
performance, and thermal performance are optional and
may be required depending on the specific project
conditions. The reasons for testing are obvious; failure in
this respect may cause serious property damage or
endanger human life. Air leakage is not a life safety
concern, though excessive leakage may cause physical
discomfort. The most serious concern is the energy to
heat or cool excessive infiltrated air.
In exterior wall design, provision must also be made for
the fact that the wall surfaces, unlike masonry, are wholly
non-absorptive, and any water entering at the joints must
be “controlled,” collected, and drained harmlessly back to
the outside. Weep systems must be designed in a manner
which, while properly performing their drainage function,
will not permit excessive air leakage.
The essential purpose of the water penetration and air
leakage tests, therefore, is to locate and remedy, in
advance of actual installation, any points of vulnerability
or weakness.
Laboratory tests are aimed at evaluating the wall's
performance, and tests are generally conducted for either
exploratory or certification purposes.
Exploratory tests are made during the development of the
wall design and may be conducted by the wall
manufacturer at their own facilities and staff or by an
independent testing laboratory. Such tests may be
extremely severe, even to destruction, in order to discover
design weaknesses and suggest design improvements.
Certification tests are those tests which are conducted for
the purpose of verifying that a wall conforms to project-
specific requirements to prove the acceptability of a
design to the architect and/or owner. It is this type of
testing that may be specified by the architect. These tests
are conducted or witnessed and then certified by an
independent AAMA accredited testing agency. The
testing facilities of either the agency or those of the
manufacturer may be used, but in either case, the results
must be reported and certified by the test agency.
Field tests are conducted to evaluate performance early in
the installation process. They are also conducted on
completed walls to ascertain the causes of leakage
problems so that responsibility for the problems can be
assigned and remedial action taken.
Page 4
3.3 Performance Characteristics
Almost any performance characteristic can be determined
by means of an accurate full-scale specimen and the
appropriate testing facilities. The scope of this
publication is limited to:
Resistance to Air Leakage
Resistance to Water Penetration
Structural Performance under Uniform Loading
Thermal Cycling Performance
Seismic Performance
Thermal Performance (U-factor, SHGC, VT, and CRF)
Acoustical Performance (STC, OITC)
It is logical that these tests be conducted in the order of
severity of the test pressures being employed. Also, air
leakage should be tested before the wall is wetted,
because water trapped within the wall components tends
to reduce air leakage. If there is concern about the effect
of structural testing on water leakage characteristics, the
water penetration test may be repeated after the structural
test, to determine the effect of the latter.
Other characteristics such as condensation resistance,
overall thermal transmission, sound transmission, and
resistance to seismic movement are optional tests.
AAMA has established standard test methods for
condensation resistance and thermal transmission which
are referenced in AAMA 507 and AAMA 1503. AAMA
1801 provides a specification to determine the acoustical
rating of a glazed assembly. Testing and information on
seismic movement is found in AAMA 501.4 and 501.6.
3.4 The Test Specimen for Laboratory Testing
It is essential that the wall test specimen be a faithful
reproduction of the intended wall design and that it be
constructed just as it is to be installed on the building,
including the same conditions of attachment, support, and
continuity of all structural components. ASTM E 2099
establishes the procedures and documentation required for
pre-construction laboratory mock-ups. This ASTM
practice identifies the responsibilities for design and
construction of the mock-up, as well as execution of the
tests and reporting. If possible, the parties who will be
responsible for erection, glazing, and sealing should be
present when the specimen is assembled. This allows
them to see that critical design details are properly
reproduced and to become acquainted with construction
requirements. The size of the specimen is an important
consideration also. It must be sized in order to include
major elements, perimeter components (base, sides, head,
coping, etc.) and expansion joints, as shown in Figure 1.
The strength of the glass used in a test specimen should
be the same as that to be used on the project or the
weakest to be used with a standard wall system. The test
specimen perimeter components must neither drain water
out of adjacent test specimen elements nor affect these
adjacent elements in a manner that would interfere with
the evaluation of the performance of all elements of the
test specimen assembly.

Resistance to air leakage and water penetration can be

measured only by testing. It is the purpose of the latter
test to determine whether the wall permits water leakage
when subjected simultaneously to high winds and heavy
rainfall. The specified tests simulate these conditions and
require that any water appearing on the room-side surface
of the wall during the course of the test be reported.

The test for structural performance is designed to evaluate

the ability of the wall to withstand wind loads. The
strength and stiffness of primary framing members may
be determined by engineering analysis and calculation,
and deflections of glass and panels may be predicted by
use of data available from the manufacturers of these
materials. However, the structural performance test is the
most reliable way to determine the action of the
composite assembly under loading. Since this action may
be influenced by the unpredictable performance of seals
and gaskets or by the complex and indeterminate
interaction of component parts, physical testing is often
the only reliable means of verification. It must be
remembered, too, that the investigation of structural
performance concerns not only inward or positive
pressures, but also the effect of outward or negative
pressures on the wall and its anchorage. In fact, in
normally occurring wind conditions, the negative
pressures will actually exceed the positive pressures.

AAMA 501-05 Page 5

 FIGURE 1: TYPICAL TEST SPECIMEN MOUNTED IN TEST CHAMBER

AAMA 501-05 Page 6

NOTE 1: Width of specimen if no corners are included in
the mock-up. For stick system curtain walls, most
conditions can be included in mock-ups that are two
stories high and three mullions wide. For unit/panel
systems a minimum of three complete modules are
required.
NOTE 2: Include vertical expansion joint and jamb
conditions in the mock-up if such items are part of the
system or project. Place one expansion joint in the lower
third.
NOTE 3: Conditions of structural support shall simulate,
as accurately as possible, the structural conditions of the
actual building. Separate tests of anchorage systems
using the actual anchor substrates shall be conducted
when specified.
It is usually not necessary to reproduce the actual building
frame which is to support the wall. In rare instances, full-
size steel and concrete beams and columns have been
constructed as part of the test structure, but in normal
testing practice, this expense is avoided by simulating the
building frame by use of heavy wood or steel members.
In all cases though, all details of the actual intended
anchorage of the wall --- the steel angles, clips, brackets,
bolts, and so forth --- should be used in the test wall as
planned for the ultimate installation.
It is essential, when specifying any of the performance
tests, that the architect provide drawings showing the size
and configuration of the specimen to be tested so that the
costs of testing may be estimated with reasonable
accuracy. Since building designs and exterior wall
construction vary widely, there is no one size or
configuration that will satisfy all mock-up requirements.
However, it is important to consider both representative
and critical details for testing. For stick system curtain
walls, most conditions can be included in mock-ups that
are two stories high and three mullions wide. For
unit/panel systems a minimum of three complete modules
are required. If there is uncertainty as to what size and
type of specimen best represents the design, or if it is not
practical to replicate the exact job conditions on the test
specimen, the architect should contact the manufacturer,
curtain wall consultant, or testing agency for advice on
optional configurations prior to finalizing the
specifications. The mock-up design, construction, and
testing should be approached by all as a valuable learning
experience. Building construction is rarely perfect, and
the main objectives should be to find appropriate
solutions to any weak points that are discovered.
3.5 Laboratory Testing Methods
It is standard practice to conduct three basic laboratory
tests whenever a wall is tested for performance. These
three tests are:
AAMA 501-05
3.5.1 Air Leakage – ASTM E 283
3.5.2 Water Penetration – ASTM E 331
3.5.3 Structural Adequacy – ASTM E 330
In all three of these tests, the test specimen is sealed into
one side of a large air chamber or box and is subjected to
a static air pressure difference which is produced either by
blowing air into, or exhausting air from, the chamber.
This is commonly referred to as the static test method.
The static method offers accurate control of a given set of
test conditions.
The following tests are often required though they are
considered optional.
3.5.4 Water Penetration – AAMA 501.1
In this “dynamic pressure test,” a turbulent flow of air is
directed against the wall. Water is introduced into the air
stream at a specified rate. Because of the turbulence,
sources of water penetration may be found which would
not show up in the uniform static air pressure test. The
dynamic method is considered to more closely represent
the impact caused by unpredictable and suddenly shifting
wind gusts and wind-blown water.
The wall should always be subjected to the first three
tests. For any major curtain wall installation, the dynamic
water test should be given consideration. There are also
several other optional tests that may be required for
specific projects. They are as follows:
3.5.5 Thermal Cycling – AAMA 501.5
3.5.6 Interstory Lateral Displacement – AAMA 501.4
3.5.7 Seismic Performance – AAMA 501.6
3.5.8 Thermal Performance – AAMA 507
3.5.9 Acoustical Performance – AAMA 1801
3.6 Field Air and Water Testing
When field testing of installed fenestration systems has
been specified, it is important that the units which make
up the test specimen, or specimens, include typical joint
conditions which occur throughout the wall system; joints
between fixed glass, fixed panels, and the framing
members; perimeter conditions; horizontal and vertical
expansion joints; the corner joints and butt joints where
framing members are connected; etc.
There are three field tests which may be used for checking
the installed performance of exterior walls.
AAMA 501.2
Page 7
This is a water spray test made with a 19 mm (3/4 in)
diameter hose and a special nozzle. This test is
recommended for checking the wall early in the
installation process. It permits detection of leakage due to
faulty fabrication or installation so that corrections can be
made efficiently and inexpensively before the entire wall
is in place.
The following field tests should be used where it is
important to check the performance of installed wall units
under conditions which simulate the effect of wind
pressure:
AAMA 502,
AAMA 503
3.7 Test Results
The test specifications provided in this Standard establish
only the method to be used in testing; they are not
intended to define the required standards of performance.
However, in some cases, minimum and/or maximum
values are prescribed. It is the responsibility of the
architect to establish performance standards in
specifications for the wall, guided by the
recommendations provided in AAMA's “Metal Curtain
Wall Manual,” and other AAMA technical publications.
It is the function of the tests to establish whether or not
these standards have been met, and the architect must
determine this on the basis of the test results provided.
It should be understood that if the test specimen fails to
meet the specified standards of performance, corrective
measures and further certification testing are normally
required. The architect should make it clear in the
specifications that acceptability of the wall depends on
satisfactory test performance.
There are obvious limitations, as is generally known, on
the extent to which laboratory testing can predict
performance in the field. Because of the unpredictable
human factors affecting installation work, the wide
variation in site conditions, and the effects of time and
aging performance in the field may differ from the mock-
up test results.
Nevertheless, the value of standard performance tests in
the laboratory may be substantial. Although they provide
no positive proof that the wall, when installed, will
function properly, they often reveal design weaknesses or
fabrication faults requiring correction, and the discovery
of such deficiencies in advance of production may save
many times the cost of testing.
Field testing, while more difficult to perform and
somewhat less precise than laboratory testing, does
overcome some of the limitations referred to above and
provides a means of evaluating the installed performance
of walls with acceptable accuracy. There will be certain
wall installations on which it will not be feasible to check
AAMA 501-05
the performance by using the air pressure difference
method of testing because of inability to gain access to all
of the inside surface areas of the wall. On such
installations the best that can be done is to use the water
spray test method AAMA 501.2 to check for water
leakage. Accessible windows in such walls, however, can
be checked only by the air pressure difference methods
for air and water leakage, in accordance with AAMA 502.
3.9 Recommended Practice
In considering the need for performance testing, and in
specifying such tests, there are certain guidelines the
architect should observe. The more important of these
may be summarized as follows:
3.9.1 All standards of performance expected of the wall
should be clearly specified.
3.9.2 All tests essential to establish that the wall meets the
performance requirements should be specified. If the
manufacturer provides satisfactory certification that the
wall has been properly qualified by testing, additional
testing may not be necessary.
3.9.3 The test specimen and a complete set of detailed
drawings of the test specimen must be provided to the
testing agency. The drawings are required prior to
installation and testing so that the testing agency can
prepare the test chamber and refer to same during the
testing program. Such drawings facilitate the location of
points of vulnerability if deficiencies develop and are also
essential for the recording of any alterations found
necessary. A complete set of as-built drawings
incorporating all changes made during the test program
that will be provided in the wall system must be provided
to the testing agency within a reasonable time period after
the testing program is concluded.
3.9.4 Sufficient time must be allowed in the overall
schedule to provide for the proper preparation and
construction of the test specimen to conduct the tests and
to allow for the effective use of test results.
3.9.5 Performance tests should be performed or
supervised by an independent AAMA accredited test
agency.
3.9.6 The test specimen should be carefully selected or
designed in concert with the architect, the wall
manufacturer, the curtain wall consultant, and the testing
agency, so as to represent both typical and critical wall
conditions. Full information concerning the specimen
should be included in the drawings and specifications.
3.9.7 If follow-up field testing is required, the testing
procedures, location on the building, and the number and
size of units to be tested shall be specified, as outlined in
AAMA 501.2, AAMA 502, or AAMA 503, as applicable.
Page 8
4.0 REFERENCE DOCUMENTS
AMERICAN ARCHITECTURAL
MANUFACTURERS ASSOCIATION
AAMA 501.1-05 “Standard Test Method for Exterior
Windows, Curtain Walls and Doors for Water Penetration
Using Dynamic Pressure”
AAMA 501.2-03 “Quality Assurance and Diagnostic
Water Leakage Field Check of Installed Storefronts,
Curtain Walls, and Sloped Glazing Systems”
AAMA 501.4-00 (Revised 7/18/01) “Recommended
Static Test Method for Evaluating Curtain Wall and
Storefront Systems Subjected to Seismic and Wind
Induced Interstory Drifts”
AAMA 501.5-98 “Test Method for Thermal Cycling of
Exterior Walls”
AAMA 501.6-01 “Recommended Dynamic Test Method
for Determining the Seismic Drift Causing Glass Fallout
from a Wall System”
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 507-03 “Standard Practice for Determining the
Thermal Performance Characteristics of Fenestration
Systems Installed in Commercial Buildings”
AAMA 1503-98 “Voluntary Test Method for Thermal
Transmittance and Condensation Resistance of Windows,
Doors and Glazed Wall Sections”
AAMA 501-05
AAMA 1801-97 “Voluntary Specifications for the
Acoustical Rating of Windows, Doors and Glazed Wall
Sections”
AAMA TIR A1-02 “Sound Control for Fenestration
Products”
AAMA TIR A11-04 “Maximum Allowable Deflection of
Framing Systems for Building Cladding Components at
Design Wind Load”
AMERICAN SOCIETY FOR TESTING AND
MATERIALS
ASTM E 90-04 “Laboratory Measurement of Airborne
Sound Transmission Loss of Building Partitions”
ASTM E 283-04 “Test Method for Determining Rate of
Air Leakage Through Exterior Windows, Curtain Walls,
and Doors under Specified Pressure Differences Across
the Specimen”
ASTM E 330-02 “Test Method for Structural
Performance of Exterior Windows, Doors, Skylights, and
Curtain Walls, and Doors by Uniform Static Air Pressure
Difference”
ASTM E 331-00 “Test Method for Water Penetration of
Exterior Windows, Skylights, Doors, and Curtain Walls,
by Uniform Static Air Pressure Difference”
ASTM E 413-04 “Classification for Rating Sound
Insulation”
ASTM E 1332-03 “Standard Classification for
Determination of Outdoor-Indoor Transmission Class”
ASTM E 2099-00 “Standard Practice for the
Specification and Evaluation of Preconstruction
Laboratory Mock-ups of Exterior Wall Systems”
Page 9
 ERRATA
American Architectural Manufacturers Association

DATE: 4/5/05
CODE: 501-05
TITLE: Methods of Test for Exterior Walls

AAMA 501-05, published in January of 2005 was found to have a measurement error in Section 2.3, and two
additional minor editorial errors. These errors have been corrected in AAMA 501-05 (Errata 4/5/05) Reissued 4/05.

• SECTION 2.3, PARAGRAPH 2

INCORRECT MEASUREMENT: 0.5L/s•m2 (0.06 cfm/ft2)
2 2
CORRECTED MEASUREMENT: 0.3 L/s•m (0.06 cfm/ft )

NOTE: This error occurred in two places in paragraph 2.

• 1.0 FOREWORD, PARAGRAPH 3

INCORRECT REFERENCE: ANSI/AAMA/NWDMA 101/I.S.2-97
CORRECTED REFERENCE: AAMA/NWWDA 101/I.S.2-97

REASON FOR CORRECTION:

a) This document is no longer ANSI approved.
b) NWDMA is not the correct acronym for the co-publisher National Wood Window and Door Association.

• 1.0 FOREWORD, PARAGRAPH 3

INCORRECT REFERENCE: 101/I.S.2/NAFS-02
CORRECTED REFERENCE: AAMA/WDMA 101/I.S.2/NAFS-02

REASON FOR CORRECTION:

a) The acronyms for the co-publishers were inadvertently left out of the document title.

AAMA 501-05 Page 10

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