The American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA) recently released an updated document to provide a standard water penetration test method when using dynamic pressure.
AAMA 501.1-17, the Standard Test Method for Water Penetration of Windows, Curtain walls and Doors Using Dynamic Pressure, establishes the equipment and procedures for testing. Included is a section on test equipment updated to clarify what to do for laboratory testing versus on-site testing.
“The AAMA 501.1 dynamic pressure water test has been used as a laboratory test for over 50 years, and is particularly useful when testing pressure equalized fenestration systems when severe windblown rain is a concern,” said Greg McKenna (Kawneer), officer of the AAMA Methods of Test Committee. “In more recent years, this test has been used in the field due to the added benefit that a separate vacuum chamber is not needed. This is an advantage if the building is occupied or if constructing a chamber at the building site is not a practical option.”
Additional edits to this updated standard include the addition of two figures showing images of acceptable water leakage, plus a definition for what unacceptable water penetration means.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Mar 23, 2020
Florida legislature passes bill to reduce retainage on state and local projects
House and Senate vote is nearly unanimous; law would go into effect Oct. 1.
Codes and Standards | Mar 20, 2020
Feds prod use of eminent domain to force people out of flood-prone homes
Local officials that don’t comply could lose federal money to combat climate change.
Codes and Standards | Mar 19, 2020
ASHRAE provides COVID-19 resources for operating, maintaining HVAC systems
Includes recently approved position document on Airborne Infectious Diseases.
Codes and Standards | Mar 19, 2020
CaGBC launches new version of its Zero Carbon Building Standard
Version 2 draws on lessons from more than 20 zero carbon projects.
Codes and Standards | Mar 16, 2020
Concrete industry reduces carbon footprint by 13% over five years
Result mostly due to more efficient use of Portland cement.
Resiliency | Mar 13, 2020
Feds push use of eminent domain to force people out of flood-prone homes
Local officials that don’t comply could lose federal money to combat climate change.
Codes and Standards | Mar 12, 2020
Design guide for sloped glazing and skylights updated for first time in 30 years
Helps with choosing proper glass for non-residential applications.
Codes and Standards | Mar 11, 2020
Two tree species native to the Northeast found suitable for CLT
Eastern white pine and eastern hemlock pass strength testing.
Codes and Standards | Mar 10, 2020
Prescient receives ICC certification for seismic resilience system
Technology suitable for buildings up to 12 stories in earthquake-prone areas.
Codes and Standards | Mar 6, 2020
Design firms creating plans to re-imagine D.C.’s tidal basin
Area including National Mall is facing increased flood risk.