AAMA Testing
Blue Quality Services is a full service American Architectural Manufacturing Association (AAMA) Accredited Laboratory. AAMA Accreditation is required to perform the most commonly specified field tests for architectural products. Performance testing on windows, walls, doors, and roofing systems is quickly becoming a standard practice in the construction industry. Our knowledgeable staff and expertly trained technical team will help determine a testing scope, even if construction specifications are unclear.
A properly executed field test provides relatively inexpensive assurance that the exterior window, wall, or door being tested will perform as intended. Testing products during construction helps to determine early weaknesses in either the wall or window installation, helping to avoid systemic problems and callbacks during or after construction. We typically recommend a sampling strategy that involves testing a mockup prior to installation and a predetermined percentage of windows and doors throughout the construction phase.
AAMA 501.2 - Quality Assurance and Diagnostic Water Leakage Field Check of Installed Storefronts, Curtain Walls, and Sloped Glazing Systems.
The AAMA 501.2 water test procedure is intended to evaluate the joints, sealant details, and gaskets in the glazing that are designed to remain permanently closed and water tight. This test is not intended for doors, windows, or other operable components. Commonly tested components are storefronts, curtain walls, and sloped glazing systems. A complete sampling strategy would include testing a mock-up assembly and then testing a percentage of additional locations throughout the construction phase.
The AAMA 501.2 test is performed to ensure non-operable assemblies are installed correctly, sealants are not degrading or shrinking over time, and to locate active leaks on balconies or pool decks found during construction. If leaks are found, we generally recommend remediation efforts which can include additional sealing, replacement of gaskets, re-glazing or replacement of units, re-flashing, or instruct the client to contact the manufacturer who will assist in further remediation efforts.
AAMA 502 - Field Testing of Newly Installed Fenestration Products.
This test is used to verify the installation of operable windows and doors and minimize potential air and water leakage during the construction phase, when repairs can be made easily. It also provides the owner confidence that all assemblies are being consistently installed according to manufacturers specifications. AAMA 502 specifically excludes the testing of curtain walls, sloped glazing, and storefront systems and can only occur during the construction phase, or up to six months after installation, prior to issuing the building occupancy permit. Once six months has past, an accredited firm will perform AAMA 511, a diagnostic test for architectural products.
AAMA 502 is a pressurized chamber field test that includes a calibrated spray rack on the exterior and a custom fitted temporary air chamber surrounding the unit on the interior of the building. An air vacuum is attached to the chamber to draw air and water through the unit to simulate varying pressures typical buildings experience.
This test can be more time intensive due to custom chambers built for each window type. Because of this, we typically recommend that windows and door be tested on mock-up assemblies, at the beginning of installation, and at 70% completion. This testing strategy ensures that installation techniques applied during the mock-up phase are being consistently administered throughout the duration of the project.
AAMA 503 - Field Testing of Newly Installed Storefronts, Curtain Walls, and Sloped Glazing Systems.
The purpose of the AAMA 503 test is to provide a method to evaluate the installed performance of non-operable building components such as storefronts, curtain walls, and sloped glazing systems. The test is intended to simulate wind driven rain events and is more appropriate for commercial buildings, as opposed to AAMA 502, which is geared towards residential multifamily complexes.
This air and water infiltration test is intended to be performed early during construction, no later than six months after installation, in order to identify failures or potential problems with the system installation. The AAMA 503 test is similar to AAMA 502 in that air and water leakage is tested using a custom built chamber on the interior and a spray rack is attached to the exterior supplying consistent water pressure. AAMA 503 specifies that this test should be administered as soon as possible after installation, and prior to the installation of drywall and interior finishes. If interior finishes have been installed, they will need to be removed before testing.
AAMA 511 - Guideline for Forensic Water Penetration Testing of Fenestration Products.
This test is used to investigate the source of reported water leakage in existing windows, walls, and doors. AAMA 511 is a diagnostic field test and is chosen when the specimen in question was installed over six months ago. Prior to testing, a thorough visual investigation is performed by our on-site team on the interior and exterior of the building. This investigation will consider workmanship, product deficiency issues, historical building data, maintenance logs, and recent weather events, with the intent of developing a hypothesis regarding the possible water leakage source.
Because AAMA 511 is forensic test designed to recreate existing leaks, not induce new leaks, an accredited testing firm must be experienced with forensic leak investigations and have the information and the equipment necessary to reasonably recreate the circumstances in which the original leak occurred. Our technicians have been trained in new construction testing techniques, as well as forensic investigations, uniquely qualifying them to perform this field test.