AAMA 503-14: Evaluating the Performance of Newly Installed Storefronts, Curtain Walls, and Sloped Glazing Systems

During AAMA 503-14 field testing, the performance and installation of storefronts, curtain walls, and sloped glazing systems are evaluated during the construction phase of a building and must be completed no later than six months after issuance of the occupancy. The testing is used to determine the performance of storefronts, curtain walls, and sloped glazing systems in resisting water penetration under controllable and reproducible test conditions that simulate wind-driven rain events. The AAMA 503-14 testing is also used to evaluate air leakage of “punched opening” curtain walls, storefronts, and sloped glazing systems.

CONDUCTING AAMA 503-14 EVALUATION TESTING

If air leakage and water leakage evaluation testing is going to occur, then the air leakage must be tested before the water penetration resistance test takes place. If the tester believes there is residual water located inside of the testing area, then a two-minute negative pressure test followed by a two-minute positive pressure test needs to be conducted to purge the specimen of any residual water.

The purpose of the air leakage test is to measure the exterior air leaking through the joints, fixed glazing, hardware, etc within the area enclosed by the testing frame. During AAMA 503-14 testing, air leakage is determined by applying a blank (typically, thin plastic sheeting) over the testing area. The air passing through the testing area without the blank is calculated and subtracted from the amount of air leakage with the blank. Doing this removes extraneous air leakage for the results of the evaluation. The purpose of the water penetration test is to observe all possible points of water penetration. Defined as any water that is not contained in an area with provisions to drain to the exterior, water penetration is tested on the exterior plane.