office@fentest.com
About Us
onsite fenestration testing
Our past projects include both new construction and restoration projects. FTS is based in New England but we travel anywhere.
Contact us at office@fentest.com for a free quote.
Fenestration Testing Standards
- AAMA 502-12 "Voluntary Specification for Field Testing of Newly Installed Fenestration Products"
- AAMA 503-08 "Voluntary Specification for Field Testing of Newly Installed Storefronts, Curtain Walls and Sloped Glazing Systems"
- AAMA 501.2-09 "Quality Assurance and Diagnostic Water Leakage Field Check of Installed Storefronts, Curtain Walls and Sloped Glazing Systems"
- AAMA 511-08 "Voluntary Guideline for Forensic Water Penetration Testing of Fenestration Products"
- ASTM E1105-00 "Field Determination of Water Penetration of Installed Exterior Windows, Skylights, Doors and Curtain Walls, by Uniform or Cyclic Static Air Pressure Difference"
- ASTM E783-02 "Field Measurement of Air Leakage Through Installed Exterior Windows and Doors"
- ASTM E1186-03 "Air leakage Site Detection in Building Envelopes and Air Barrier Systems"
Why Choose Us?
- Experience- Having performed air infiltration and water penetration field testing on thousands of fenestration products for hundreds of projects in the last decade we are prepared to handle any scenario.
- Efficiency- We arrive to the jobsite early with all the equipment and materials needed in order to maximize our time onsite
- Knowledge- A thorough understanding of all the testing standards is an often overlooked aspect of fenestration performance testing. When leaks do occur and remediation is required, clients need to have the confidence that the testing was performed correctly with accurate, reliable and reproduceable results.
- Equipment- Professional commercial grade testing equipment specifically designed for fenestration performance testing by SPRAYRACK. Maintained and calibrated regularly.
- Reporting- Professional PDF testing reports with close up color pictures and explanation of any leak areas. All reports submitted within 48 hours.
air and water Field testing
SERVICES PROVIDED
Fenestration testing service provides second and third party field testing of newly installed fenestration products including windows, doors, storefronts, curtain wall and skylights per the requirements of the following testing standards:
AAMA 502, AAMA 503, AAMA 501.2, AAMA 511-08, ASTM E1105, ASTM E783 and ASTM E1186, Witness testing and evaluation
FIELD TESTING
More and more projects are including fenestration field testing (water testing) into their building envelope specifications. Preventing air and water intrusion is a critical factor in maintaining a building's life cycle. Installation issues and manufacturing defects are common problems in todays fast passed, "get it done" construction atmosphere. Although fenestration products are lab tested and may perform well in a mock-up situation these results are not always achieved in the field. Fenestration field testing is an extremely useful and potentially cost saving tool used to identify defects in the installation and/or manufacturing of newly installed products. Window testing can be performed at any time during construction or up to six months after completed installation. If a mock-up is not feasible, the ideal time for fenestration testing is after a small amount of product has been installed but prior to installation of drywall returns or interior finishes. Air and water testing is performed in accordance with the newest version of AAMA (American Architectural Manufacturers Association) and/or ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) testing standards.
WITNESS TESTING AND CONSULTING
Who better to witness your field testing than an experienced outfit like FTS. Included in witness testing:
- Review field testing criteria prior to testing: Test specimen performance requirements, water leakage definitions.
- Inspect and photograph test specimens prior to testing, Note any visual defects in installation and/or specimen manufacturing.
- Inspect testing agency equipment, gauges and calibration data prior to testing.
- Review test chamber construction
- Monitor and record testing procedure
- Generate detailed PDF report with pictures and video.
FORENSIC TESTING
AAMA 511 and ASTM E2128 are forensic investigation guidelines. Sometimes a systematic forensic investigation is required to determine the actual source of a leak. AAMA 511 differs from AAMA 502 and 503 in that the purpose of AAMA 511 is to recreate and identify leaks that are known to occur. AAMA 502 and 503 are guidelines used to evaluate newly installed products or to ensure compliance with project specifications. Steps involved in forensic evaluations include but are not limited to:
- Reviewing project documents
- Evaluating the products water design concept and installation details, i.e. flashing, sealants, etc.
- Interior and exterior inspection
- Review copies of previous test reports
- Testing- isolation of either the fenestration product or perimeter joint as well as sill dam test in order to recreate leak
- Removal and destruction of wall components, if needed, in order to identify exact leak path.
CERTIFICATIONS
- Installation masters Training and Certification Program, Level RLC-1
- Sovell Investigative Testing and Consulting, Advanced Level Training Program