COUNTERPRODUCTIVE: tending to hinder the attainment of a desired goal
The goal of field testing newly installed fenestration is to deliver a watertight building envelope to the owner. The field testing standards and procedures most often seen in Division 8 Specifications includes the fenestration as well as the surrounding construction to determine if the perimeter where the two join is executed in a manner that makes it water resistant.
Manufacturers of the fenestration have designed, built and laboratory tested their products to ensure their products keep water out. Quality control measures at their facility are in place to deliver a consistent product that remains watertight.
Recon Independent Assessments has seen a shift by some manufacturers to push for field testing that does not include the perimeter. By excluding the surrounding structure and sealant they hope to achieve "successful" testing results each and every time.
Recon believes the underlying motive behind the shift is to protect their brand and reputation. A flawed logic of believing that field testing "failures" that include the surrounding structure and sealant somehow reflect poorly on their product seems to be driving their opinion of which test method to use.
Recon Independent Assessments will test to whatever standard is selected and report the results as required.
Unfortunately, when the "fenestration only" testing is completed, the underlying goal of field testing the newly installed fenestration to help ensure the building envelope is watertight may not have been achieved.
As an Owner's Representative, Superintendent, Project Manager, or Engineer be aware of the correct test methods and procedures that serve the Ultimate Goal: A watertight building envelope.
Review your Division 8 Specifications and understand the Field Quality Control section to ensure the Field Testing you see performed is not counterproductive.
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| If You're Not Sure Call Recon To Help Understand Your Field Testing Specifications |
