Façade water testing can also be referred to as a water penetration field test. Guidelines for testing are designed by American Standard for Testing and Materials (ASTM 1105) and The Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA 501 & AAMA 502) which meet all Australian and New Zealand standards. Both have specific protocols for spray tests, depending on certain variables, such as the type of fenestration product – whether it be a storefront, curtain wall, or individual operable and inoperable window assemblies – the purpose of the test, and the environmental conditions to be simulated.

ASTM E1105-15: Field Determination of Water Penetration of Installed Exterior Windows, Skylights, Doors, and Curtain Walls - For more information click here.

AAMA 501.2-15: Quality Assurance and Water Field Check of Installed Storefronts, Curtain Walls and Sloped Glazing Systems - For more information click here.

AAMA 502-12: Field Testing of Newly Installed Fenestration Products - For more information click here.

Water Intrusion on a building façade can result in costly repairs and disruption to the building occupants, if identified prior to completion of a buildings construction these problems can be avoided. Water penetration may occur due to improper installation of the window or its associated sealants, a defect in the window’s construction at the time of manufacture, or by simply just shipping the product to the job site. While some may consider the testing to be an additional project expense, the cost of testing is small compared to the potential costs down the road.

Ideally a water test is best conducted prior to internal fit out as this allows for the easiest identification of areas experiencing water intrusion and if any rectification work is required it can be carried out with minimal disturbance to the rest of the structure and internal fittings. However, this may not always be possible and we can always work with the client to ensure proper testing and any possible rectification works are carried out in the least disruptive manner at any stage of the project even after the project has been completed.

ASTM E1105 and AMMA 501 & AMMA 502 specify the exact equipment required to carry out this test. Click here to view the equipment we use to conduct these tests.