Specification for field testing newly installed storefronts, curtain walls, sloped glazing systems updated
By Peter Fabris, Contributing Editor
The Fenestration and Glazing Industry Alliance (FGIA) updated a specification establishing requirements for field testing newly installed storefronts, curtain walls, and sloped glazing systems.
AAMA 503-24, Voluntary Specification for Field Testing of Newly Installed Storefronts, Curtain Walls and Sloped Glazing Systems establishes the requirements for field test specimens, apparatus, sampling, test procedures and test reports to be used in verifying the air infiltration resistance performance and/or water penetration resistance performance of newly installed fenestration products.
The Testing Criteria of Commercial Fenestration Updates Task Group completed a full technical review of the specification for the new edition. A new section about significance and use was added. Sections addressing sampling, site preparation, and responsible parties were expanded. The section on test procedures was also revised, clarifying that air leakage resistance testing under AAMA 503 is optional. Definitions of water penetration were also updated.
“When used as part of a comprehensive building commissioning program, AAMA 503 provides reasonable assurance that the installed fenestration products will perform to the specified or rated air leakage and/or water penetration performance levels with allowances given for field performance,” says Jason Seals, FGIA certification services manager, fenestration.