Mockup Evaluation
Mockups, or full size representations of proposed construction, are built in order to verify the technical, functional and architectural details of the facade, test products for performance, and ensure proper installation sequence of materials.
Evaluating and testing a fully functional mockup, complete with window assemblies and transition details, is ideal for pre-construction problem identification. Our experience has taught us that mockup installation of materials alone is not enough. Testing and proof of concept is required to have reliance that the materials integrate together to create a seamless product.
Some of the typical performance tests performed on mockup assemblies include:
- ASTM E 783 - Field Measurement of Air Leakage Through Installed Exterior Windows and Doors
- ASTM E 1105 - Field Determination of Water Penetration of Installed Exterior Windows, Skylights, Doors, and Curtain Wall by Uniform or Cyclic Static Air Pressure
- AAMA 501.2 - Quality Assurance and Diagnostic Water Leakage Field Check of Installed Storefronts, Curtain Walls, and Sloped Glazing Systems
- AAMA 502 - Field Testing of Newly Installed Fenestration Products
- AAMA 503 - Field Testing of Newly Installed Storefronts, Curtain Walls, and Sloped Glazing Systems
- AAMA 511 - Forensic Water Penetration Testing of Fenestration Products (utilized if AAMA 502 or 503 fail)
Rework and call backs to fix systemic issues can be more costly and time consuming than constructing and testing a mockup. Producing mockups at the beginning of a project clarifies subcontractor installation requirements and identifies potential design and constructibility issues early, enabling the team to address and resolve issues before any significant impact on budgets or schedule occurs.