Curtain Wall Testing

Comprehensive Field Testing of Building Enclosure Systems

Sovell Investigative Testing and Consulting (SITC) provides professional field testing of storefronts, curtain wall systems, punched openings, strip windows, and sloped glazing systems. Our experience includes hospitals, universities, and office buildings nationwide, supporting projects during construction and prior to occupancy.

View representative work on our Projects page.

AAMA 503 Field Testing

SITC performs testing in accordance with AAMA 503-24 – Voluntary Specification for Field Testing of Newly Installed Storefronts, Curtain Walls, and Sloped Glazing Systems.

This specification establishes requirements for:

  • Test specimens and apparatus
  • Sampling and test procedures
  • Test reporting
  • Evaluation of installation performance during construction or prior to issuance of the certificate of occupancy (or within six months of occupancy)

AAMA 503 is a combined specification, allowing both air infiltration and water penetration testing.

Test Methods

Air Infiltration

  • Standard: ASTM E783
  • Maximum allowable leakage rate:
    • 1.5 times the project-specified rate, or
    • 0.09 cfm/ft², whichever is greater

Water Penetration

  • Standard: ASTM E1105
  • Static test pressure:
    • Two-thirds of the project-specified pressure
    • Not less than 4.18 psf

 

➡️ See our AAMA 503 page for further information.

ASTM E1105 – Water Penetration Testing

SITC also conducts testing in accordance with ASTM E1105-15 – Standard Test Method for Field Determination of Water Penetration of Installed Exterior Windows, Skylights, Doors, and Curtain Walls.

This standard evaluates resistance to water penetration when water is applied to the exterior surface simultaneously with a static air pressure differential.

  • Applicable to water penetration only
  • Not intended to measure air infiltration
  • No reduction in test pressure is permitted

Test Procedures

  • Procedure A — Uniform static air pressure difference
  • Procedure B — Cyclic static air pressure difference

SITC determines the appropriate procedure based on laboratory testing results.

➡️ See our ASTM E1105 page for further information.

ASTM E783 – Air Infiltration Testing

SITC performs air leakage testing in accordance with ASTM E783-02 – Standard Test Method for Field Measurement of Air Leakage Through Installed Exterior Windows and Doors.

This method determines air leakage rates by:

  • Sealing a test chamber to the specimen
  • Applying a specified static air pressure differential
  • Measuring airflow across the assembly at equilibrium

Key Notes

  • Applies only to air infiltration
  • No allowable leakage rates are defined in the standard
  • Acceptable rates must be established by laboratory testing
  • Unlike AAMA 503, no 1.5× multiplier is permitted

➡️ See our ASTM E783 page for further information.

AAMA 501.2 – Diagnostic Water Leakage Testing

SITC also utilizes AAMA 501.2-25 – Quality Assurance and Diagnostic Water Leakage Field Check for installed storefronts, curtain walls, and sloped glazing systems.

This procedure is intended for quality assurance and diagnostic evaluation, not for determining rated performance under wind-driven rain conditions.

Purpose of Testing

  • Evaluate joints, gaskets, and sealant details intended to remain permanently closed and watertight
  • Identify sources and paths of water intrusion
  • Support corrective action during construction

Note: AAMA 503 is used when full air infiltration and water penetration performance testing is required.

Test Area Selection

  • Designated by the architect or owner’s representative
  • If not specified, SITC selects a representative area (minimum 100 ft²)
  • Interior finishes are removed as necessary to observe water migration

Testing Procedure

  1. Equipment: Type B-25 #6.30 brass nozzle (Newton Tool)
  2. Water Pressure: 30–35 psi at nozzle inlet
  3. Application:
    • Five-foot test sections
    • Nozzle held perpendicular, 12 inches from surface
    • Five minutes per section
  4. Observation:
    • Interior monitored for water penetration
    • Leak paths traced to point of entry
    • Cause-and-effect analysis performed

SITC Investigative Approach

SITC goes beyond pass/fail testing by:

  • Identifying exact leak paths
  • Diagnosing installation or material deficiencies
  • Providing actionable recommendations for remediation

➡️ See our AAMA 501.2 page for further information.

Need Curtain Wall or Storefront Testing?

When you need air infiltration testing, water penetration testing, or combined performance testing for storefronts, curtain walls, punched openings, strip windows, or sloped glazing systems, Sovell Investigative Testing and Consulting delivers accurate results and practical solutions.

Contact us to discuss your project requirements.