AIR INFILTRATION FIELD TESTING
Sovell Investigative Testing and Consulting (SITC) has conducted air infiltration testing on residential, light commercial, commercial and architectural grade projects throughout the United States and Canada.
For examples of the projects that SITC has conducted in the past see our projects page.
SITC utilizes a variety of ASTM standards and AAMA specifications to conduct air infiltration testing. The standards/specifications listed below are the most commonly utilized by Sovell Investigative Testing and Consulting personnel while conducting field air infiltration testing.
ASTM 783
Sovell Investigative Testing and Consulting personnel utilizes ASTM E783-02 Standard Test Method for Field Measurement of Air Leakage Through Installed Exterior Windows and Doors.
This method is intended for determining the air leakage rates for exterior windows and doors only. It is not intended to measure the leakage through openings between the assemblies and adjacent construction.
One of the critical details when conducting this test is the chamber construction. Knowing where to position the chamber based on the size and configuration of the fenestration product. And also assuring that at no time during the test that the vinyl or any other part of the testing assembly come in contact with or restrict any point were air leakage may occur.
ASTM E783 also specifies that the test kit is calibrated every six months. Sovell Investigative Testing and Consulting personnel always carries its calibration records to every job site.
All of Sovell Investigative Testing and Consulting personnel staff are trained not only in chamber construction but window terminology, field service and calibration procedures.
See our ASTM 783 page for further information.
AAMA 502
Sovell Investigative Testing and Consulting personnel utilizes AAMA 502-21 Voluntary Specification of Field Testing of Newly Installed Fenestration Products.
The AAMA 502 is a combination specification meaning that you can perform both air infiltration and water penetration utilizing this specification.
The AAMA 502 references many standards and specifications the two most important referenced standard/specifications are ASTM E783 and the AAMA/WDMA/CSA 101/I.S.2/A440.
ASTM 783 references the equipment tolerances, testing procedures and calibration requirements.
AAMA/WDMA/CSA 101/I.S.2/A440 references the laboratory testing conducted on the fenestration.
These two standards must be completely understood to properly perform AAMA 502 air infiltration testing.
See our AAMA 502 page for further information.
AAMA 503
When Sovell Investigative Testing and Consulting personnel conducts air infiltration testing on curtain walls, storefronts, ribbon windows or sloped glazing systems we utilize the AAMA 503.
The AAMA 503 is the Voluntary Specification for Field Testing of Newly Installed Storefronts, Curtain Walls and Sloped Glazing Systems.
The AAMA 503 is a combination specification meaning that you can perform both air infiltration and water penetration utilizing this specification.
The air leakage resistance test is considered by the AAMA 503 to be optional. The reason why it is optional becomes difficult to take an extraneous air leakage reading on a portion of continuous curtain wall or sloped glazing system.
In Sovell Investigative Testing and Consulting personnel proposal we ask for photographs, cross section drawing and elevation drawing to help determine whether or not air infiltration testing can be conducted.
This is just one of the many services that Sovell Investigative Testing and Consulting personnel offers its clients.
See our AAMA 503 page for further information.