AAMA 503-24 Voluntary Specification for Field Testing of Newly Installed Storefronts, Curtain Walls and Sloped Glazing Systems
The AAMA 503 field testing specification establishes the requirements to be utilized while verifying the air infiltration resistance performance and water penetration resistance performance of newly installed storefronts, curtain walls and sloped glazing systems and their installation.
This specification is to be utilized only during construction, prior to the issuance of the buildings occupancy permit and no later than six months after the installation of the fenestrations.
This limits the use of this specification to quality assurance testing only.
Specifically excluded from this specification are windows, glass doors and skylights. These products have to be tested using the AAMA 502. The AAMA 502-21 Voluntary Specification for Field Testing of Newly Installed Fenestration Products was specifically designed for testing these types of fenestration products.
If the field testing of fenestration products is required after the building occupancy permit has been issued or more than six months after the installation of the fenestration products alternative specifications/standards should be used.
There are various ASTM standards and AAMA specifications that can be utilized in this event. Either ASTM E1105, ASTM E783 or the AAMA 511.
The choice of the specific ASTM standard of AAMA specification will be dependent on many factors:
- Type of product.
- If air infiltration and water penetration are required. Or if water penetration is only required. Or if air infiltration is only required.
- Full pressure application vs 1/3 reduction for water penetration.
- 1.5 times the allowable air infiltration vs laboratory results.
All of these items are discussed with our client if the situation comes up. SITC commits to full communication with our clients.
Unlike the ASTM 783, standard the AAMA 503 specification includes an allowable for air infiltration testing.
The allowable rates for air leakage for the test specimen shall be 1.5 times the project specification rate or 0.09 cfm/ft2.
And unlike the ASTM 1105, standard the AAMA 503 specification allows water penetration testing to be conducted at a static test pressure equal to 2/3 of the specified project water penetration test pressure.
To have a total understanding of the 503 specification personnel conducting the testing must have an understanding of not only ASTM standards that make up the AAMA 503-24 specification. They also must have a working understanding of the most current laboratory standards.
All of Sovell Investigative Testing and Consulting personnel have extensive laboratory and field experience. This allows Sovell Investigative Testing and Consulting to not only provide our clients with results but also with answers. Our personnel utilize their laboratory experience in the field to trouble shoot products and installations that have deficiencies.
