BUILDING ENVELOPE TESTING SOFTWARE
BUILDING ENVELOPE TESTING CODE

Figure 1: Three phases of testing Figure 2: Water penetration laboratory test per ASTM E547 However, the test methods to evaluate laboratory, mock-up, and field performance of these fenestration products for both the United States and Canada are typically established by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) and the American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA). These standards establish specifications for how products must perform and/or be rated.

BUILDING ENVELOPE TESTING CODE

For Canada, the National Building Code of Canada parts 5 and 9 require that windows, doors and skylights be tested, not labeled, to the requirements in AAMA/WDMA/CSA101/1.S.2/A440 and CSA A440Sl (Canadian Supplement). There is one exception for doors to only be structurally tested, if applicable. In the United States, the International Building Code (IBC) Chapter 17 and the International Residential Code (IRC) Chapter 6 require that window and door assemblies be tested and labeled as conforming to AAMA/WDMA/CSA 101/I.S.2/A440. Within the United States and Canada, model code requirements reference industry product standards to establish performance requirements and test methods for fenestration products used within the building envelope. When products are properly specified and considered, the three phases of testing, as shown in Figure 1, can deliver greater confidence in achieving long-term performance within the building envelope. Fortunately, there are ways to help achieve proper performance of these products throughout the building design and in-service life-cycle.įenestration products can be tested before being purchased and installed, during the installation phase and even in the field once a building has been occupied and is in use. Additional considerations are performance against debris impacts, thermal issues, security, acoustics and more. There are many aspects of fenestration performance to consider, such as resistance to water penetration, air leakage and wind load resistance. Improvements in model codes and product standards as well as a greater focus on design principles have significantly improved the performance of fenestration systems and their interaction within the building envelope. While aesthetics play an important role in the design for an architect or building owner, product and assembly testing in combination with proper installation are the critical factors to ensure adequate building performance. Many factors should be considered when incorporating fenestration products such as windows, doors and skylights into a building envelope design.

Materials Data Collection and ManagementĪuthored by: Dave Stammen, Principal Engineer – Building Envelope.Renewables Assets & Operations Analytics.Microgrids, Distributed Energy Resources & Hybrid Projects.Security and Compliance for Connected Devices.

BUILDING ENVELOPE TESTING SOFTWARE

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