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

AAMA 204-98
Guidelines For
AAMA Accreditation Of
Independent Laboratories
Performing On-Site Testing
Of Fenestration Products

M A N U F A C T U R E R S A S S O C I A T I O N
Copyright by the American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA). This document was purchased by Diana Gonzalez of Buckles & Associates, Inc on Thu Oct 28 2010. It may not
be reproduced, republished or distributed in any format without the express written consent of AAMA.
 TABLE OF CONTENTS
1.0 Scope ...............................................................................1

2.0 Referenced Documents ........................................................1

3.0 Definitions ........................................................................1

4.0 General Guidelines..............................................................1

5.0 Testing And Reporting Guidelines .........................................2

Annex ....................................................................................2

AAMA. The Source of Performance Standards, Product Certification and

Educational Programs for the Fenestration Industry.

This voluntary specification was developed by representative members of AAMA

as advisory information and published as a public service. AAMA disclaims all
liability for the use, application or adaptation of materials published herein.

© 2004
American Architectural Manufacturers Association
1827 Walden Office Square, Suite 550, Schaumburg, IL 60173
PHONE 847/303-5664 FAX 847/303-5774
EMAIL webmaster@aamanet.org WEBSITE www.aamanet.org

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Publish Date: 1998 Reissue Date: 10/2004

Copyright by the American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA). This document was purchased by Diana Gonzalez of Buckles & Associates, Inc on Thu Oct 28 2010. It may not
be reproduced, republished or distributed in any format without the express written consent of AAMA.

1.0 SCOPE
1.1 This guideline outlines the criteria used to accredit
independent laboratories to perform on-site (field) tests on
windows, doors, skylights and glazed wall sections for air
infiltration and water resistance. These criteria are in
addition to those required by the referenced documents.
1.2 This guideline outlines minimum requirements that
will help ensure the proper evaluation of fenestration
products in accordance with the referenced documents.
1.3 This guideline does not address the safety issues
associated with performance of on-site testing.
2.0 REFERENCED DOCUMENTS
a. Be knowledgeable in the areas of building construction
and window, door and glazed wall section installation
techniques,
b. Be familiar with various window types and designs,
their operation and application,
c. Understand how placement and attachment of test
chambers can affect test results,
d. Be competent to isolate leakage through system
components such as window, trim/panning, perimeter
and other extraneous leakage,
e. Understand how ambient conditions (temperature, wind,
barometric pressure, and moisture) affect measurement
accuracy and how they affect the specimen being
tested,

2.1 Standards and Test Methods f. Possess a working knowledge of the principles of
pressure measurement, fluid mechanics and
AAMA 502-90, Voluntary Specification for Field Testing instrumentation practices,
of Windows and Sliding Glass Doors
g. Assure that on-site and laboratory calibrations are
AAMA 503-92, Voluntary Specification for Field Testing conducted in accordance with Annex A2.
of Metal Storefronts, Curtain Walls and Sloped Glazing
Systems 4.3 The laboratory shall develop and administer a
comprehensive training program that is mandatory for
ASTM E 783-93, Standard Test Method for Field each person conducting on-site tests.
Measurement of Air Leakage Through Installed Exterior
Windows and Doors 4.3.1 As a minimum, the program shall provide:

ASTM E 1105-96, Standard Test Method for Field a. Training in all areas listed in paragraph 4.1
Determination of Water Penetration of Installed Exterior
Windows, Curtain Walls, and Doors by Uniform or Cyclic b. Knowledge of relevant documents
Static Air Pressure Difference
c. An apprentice program including a minimum
requirement for number of hours of testing experience
3.0 DEFINITIONS or number of tests performed

3.1 For definitions of terms relating to building d. Training in on-site test safety practices
construction refer to ASTM E 631 Terminology
4.3.2 Training records shall be maintained by the person
3.2 For definitions of specific terms used in this document in direct charge for each person authorized by the
refer to AAMA 502-92, AAMA 503-92, ASTM E 783 laboratory to conduct on-site tests.
and ASTM E 1105
4.4 The person in direct charge is responsible for:

4.0 GENERAL GUIDELINES a. Performing and documenting quality control audits of

each person conducting on-site tests
4.1 The laboratory shall also be accredited by AAMA for
in-house testing for air/water/structural tests of b. Training of each person conducting on-site tests
fenestration products and systems.
c. Maintenance and calibration of test equipment
4.2 The laboratory shall designate a person in direct
charge of on-site testing. In addition to the requirements d. Accuracy and content of test reports
outlined in ASTM E 783 and ASTM E 1105, the person
e. Basic compliance with referenced standards and test
in direct charge shall:
methods

AAMA 204-98 Page 1

Copyright by the American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA). This document was purchased by Diana Gonzalez of Buckles & Associates, Inc on Thu Oct 28 2010. It may not
be reproduced, republished or distributed in any format without the express written consent of AAMA.

5.0 TESTING AND REPORTING
GUIDELINES
5.1 The laboratory must demonstrate the ability to
perform air infiltration and water penetration tests in
accordance with Annex A.1 and calibration in accordance
with Annex A.2
5.2 Test reports shall follow the guidelines contained
within the referenced documents. In addition, test reports
shall include the following items when applicable.
5.2.1 Reference to project specification(s) used to
determine procedures, test pressure or pass/fail criteria.
5.2.2 A description of any test chamber construction used.
5.2.3 A description of how and where any test chamber
was applied and exactly what materials and attachments
were used.
5.2.4 A description of any trim or wall cladding removed
during the test for observation or chamber attachment.
5.2.5 A description of ambient conditions and any
measures taken to shield the test specimen from
undesirable influences or minimize their effects.
5.2.6 A list of any changes, modifications or adjustments
made to test specimens either prior to (when known) or
during the testing sequence.
5.2.7 Name, title and signature of person in direct charge
or person conducting the test.
5.2.8 A statement documenting the inspection of the wall
construction adjacent to the test specimen.
ANNEX
A.1 SPECIFIC GUIDELINES
A.1.1 Air infiltration test (ASTM E 783)
A.1.1.1 Differential test pressure, allowable rates of
infiltration, precise definition of area to be tested and
method of reporting results shall be determined prior to
testing.
A.1.1.2 Measurement of tare readings require special
consideration on many on-site installations. A review of
installation details to identify sources of tare leakage shall
be conducted prior to test commencement. Precautions
shall be taken to minimize tare readings. See notes 7 and
8 of ASTM E 783.
AAMA 204-98
Copyright by the American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA). This document was purchased by Diana Gonzalez of Buckles & Associates, Inc on Thu Oct 28 2010. It may not
be reproduced, republished or distributed in any format without the express written consent of AAMA.
A.1.1.3 If changes in outdoor wind speed and/or indoor
air pressure are sufficient to cause static air pressure
difference readings to fluctuate more than +/- 10% from
the specified test pressure one of the following methods
shall be used.
Method A: The specimen and/or test chamber shall be
shielded or temporarily enclosed to minimize these
fluctuations.
Method B: Record ten readings of air flow, evenly
distributed over a 30 minute period for each of the total
and tare leakage measurements. Report both the average
of the ten readings and standard deviation in the test
report.
A.1.1.4 Test chambers, when used, shall not be supported
at any point by the test specimen other than the perimeter
frame. Consideration shall be given prior to application to
assure that the desired loading is achieved. This is
particularly critical when test samples are mounted in
cavity wall applications. The test chamber can be applied
to either include or exclude the interface between test
specimen and surrounding construction.
A.1.2 Water penetration test (ASTM E 1105)
A.1.2.1 Differential test pressure, pass/fail criteria, precise
definition of area to be tested and test method shall be
determined prior to testing.
A.1.2.2 Removal of interior trim, wall cladding and
insulation may be necessary to determine if leakage is
present through the frame into the adjacent construction.
A.1.2.3 Test chambers, when used, shall not be supported
at any point by the test specimen other than the perimeter
frame. Consideration shall be given prior to application to
assure that the desired loading is achieved. This is
particularly critical when test samples are mounted in
cavity wall applications. The test chamber can be applied
to either include or exclude the interface between test
specimen and surrounding construction.
A.1.2.4 During the test period, the rack source shall be
regulated to the same pressure used for calibration. The
distance from the spray rack to the test specimen shall be
within + 610mm (+ 2 inches) of the spacing used for
calibration; in addition, the pressure gauge shall be
located at the same position in the spray rack that was
used for calibration. If the water source is not capable of
achieving calibration pressure, appropriate steps shall be
taken to increase the source pressure. If the rack to
specimen spacing or pressure gauge location cannot be
duplicated, recalibration of the rack in accordance with
ASTM E 1105 is required.
Page 2
A.1.2.5 Prior to each test, a visual confirmation that all
nozzles are flowing freely and that straightness and
angularity of the nozzles is normal to the plane of the test
sample shall be made. Any non-functioning nozzles shall
be repaired or replaced. During the test period, a
laboratory representative shall visually confirm that all
test surfaces are uniformly and sufficiently wetted.
A.1.2.6 For test samples larger than the calibrated rack,
multiple spray racks may be used provided that the
calibration for each rack has been performed as described
above and a separate source is used which supplies the
pressure established during calibration as recorded in
paragraph A.2.2.1
A.2 CALIBRATION
A.2.1 Guidelines for calibration of air infiltration
equipment used for on-site testing.
A.2.1.1 A full calibration shall be conducted under
controlled conditions at the laboratory in accordance with
the tolerances in ASTM E 783 for each air flow
measurement system used for on-site testing. Laboratory
calibration shall be performed at least every six months.
The full calibration shall consist of a minimum of three
(3) flow standards (calibration plates) between 7.5 CFM
and at least 20% of the equipment capacity using the box
described in Figure 1.
A.2.1.2.1 If the results for both calibration standards are
within the allowable tolerance for accuracy as defined in
ASTM E 783, testing may proceed.
A.2.1.2.2 If either of the results are not within the
allowable tolerance of accuracy established in ASTM E
783, identify and correct the cause of the discrepancy.
Verify the discrepancy has been corrected by completing a
full calibration in accordance with paragraph A.2.1.1.
A.2.2 Guidelines for calibration of water spray equipment
used for on-site testing.
A.2.2.1 A full calibration shall be conducted under
controlled conditions at the laboratory in accordance with
ASTM E 1105 on the maximum height and width spray
rack for each source size and corresponding pressure.
Laboratory calibration shall be performed at least every
six months. The source pressure shall be recorded during
calibration using a pressure gauge that will remain a part
of the spray rack throughout the six-month calibration
period. The spacing between the nozzles and the front
plane of the catch box shall be recorded as part of the
calibration data.

A.2.1.2 In order to ensure no change in measurement

accuracy as a result of transport, a spot check shall be
made at the beginning of each day of testing as follows:
Attach to the calibration box shown in Figure 1 the air
flow metering system and identical piping scheme to be
used for testing. Determine the measured airflow through
flow standards of 7.5 CFM and a point within 20% of the
equipment capacity (calibration plates) at the specified
pressure for the flow standards.

AAMA 204-98 Page 3

Copyright by the American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA). This document was purchased by Diana Gonzalez of Buckles & Associates, Inc on Thu Oct 28 2010. It may not
be reproduced, republished or distributed in any format without the express written consent of AAMA.
AAMA 204-98 Page 4
Copyright by the American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA). This document was purchased by Diana Gonzalez of Buckles & Associates, Inc on Thu Oct 28 2010. It may not
be reproduced, republished or distributed in any format without the express written consent of AAMA.
 American Architectural Manufacturers Association
1827 Walden Office Square, Suite 550
Schaumburg, IL 60173
PHONE (847) 303-5664 FAX (847) 303-5774
WEBSITE www.aamanet.org
EMAIL webmaster@aamanet.org

Copyright by the American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA). This document was purchased by Diana Gonzalez of Buckles & Associates, Inc on Thu Oct 28 2010. It may not
be reproduced, republished or distributed in any format without the express written consent of AAMA.