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 | Dec 10, 2019
Utilities rolling out more grid-interactive efficient building programs
Focus is on energy savings and demand flexibility.
Codes and Standards | Dec 9, 2019
Canada’s Zero Carbon Building Standard reports first 10 certifications
Projects include new and existing offices, schools, and warehouses.
Codes and Standards | Dec 6, 2019
New research examines flood mitigation policies in the U.S.
Thirteen states or cities have adopted effective measures; some restricting development in vulnerable areas.
Codes and Standards | Dec 5, 2019
USGBC unveils vision for LEED Positive
Roadmap will lay foundation for a future LEED that is regenerative.
Codes and Standards | Dec 5, 2019
Report shows reducing embodied carbon can save money and help mitigate climate change
Embodied carbon now accounts for 11% of global greenhouse gas emissions.
Codes and Standards | Dec 5, 2019
Dubai, London and New York are 2019’s ‘Construction Mega Cities’
From 2007 to 2025, GlobalData expects the cities’ combined gross domestic product (GDP) to increase by more than US$8 trillion to US$20.4 trillion.
Codes and Standards | Dec 2, 2019
New GBCI certification recognizes expertise in sustainability
Provides third-party verification of competency to ‘making the world more economically, socially, and environmentally sustainable.’
Codes and Standards | Dec 2, 2019
New tool allows users to learn how to reduce embodied carbon
Calculator delivers first digitized EPDs.
Codes and Standards | Dec 2, 2019
Trade group challenges St. Petersburg, Fla., ordinance on construction contract mandates
Legality of requirement to hire apprentices, disadvantaged workers at issue.
Building Owners | Dec 2, 2019
What building owners and AEC teams need to know about New York’s Climate Mobilization Act
On April 18, 2019, the New York City Council passed the Climate Mobilization Act, a suite of laws aimed to meet the city’s commitment to achieving carbon neutrality by 2050.