Installed Metal Panels Field Quality Control Testing

The UNF project continues to work its way towards conclusion.  Metal panels on the building facade were evaluated using the AAMA 501.2 to check for water penetration.

Exterior Metal Panels in place ready for an AAMA 501.2 Field Quality Control Check

Recon Independent Assessments
 Provides Field Quality Control Testing
 Nationwide

University of North Florida
Student Wellness Center
Jacksonville, FL

Contact Recon: 866-584-6868

ASTM E 1105 vs. AAMA 503

A lot of field testing is specified using the AAMA 503, which calls for the use of the ASTM E 1105 procedure to execute the field quality control field testing.

If you're confused, you are not alone.

The ASTM E 1105 is the procedure in this case, and the AAMA standard guides the criteria for what constitutes a passing or failing result.

AAMA allows for a prescribed amount of water to be evident inside the plane of the glazing so long as it is "controlled".

After years of testing, Recon Independent Assessments is puzzled by the fact that any water evidenced inside the building envelope would be considered a successful installation.

Over time, conventional wisdom dictates that water intrusion never cures its self, rather it typically gets worse.

Why start a building's occupancy at a deficit?

In the case of an ASTM E 1105 being specified as the stand alone standard and procedure to evaluate the water penetration resistance of a newly installed fenestration system, the standard is clear:  No water shall be evidenced inside the inner plane of the glazing.  Period.

If you are an architect, owner, or building manager, which standard would you prefer, a little water or none at all?

Be careful when specifying the standard you'll have to live with.

Recon Independent Assessments provides Qualified Third Party Field Testing Agency services regardless of the standard, we simply refer to the specs and proceed accordingly.

Contact us today to receive a proposal for your project.  Turnaround on proposals typically is less than 48 hours.

866-584-6868

Standard of Care: Including Water Penetration Testing of Installed Fenestration Products

Your Project Team is gearing up for a new building that is coming out of the ground very soon. The "i"s are being dotted and the team is looking to "value engineer" the project. One of the components that is set for getting cut is the "field testing" for windows and curtain wall.

Big mistake.

The low cost of field testing windows using the ASTM E 1105 proceedure, whether to the AAMA 502 or AAMA 503 test standards, or keeping it clear and simple by keeping the ASTM standard; far outweighs the potential cost of call backs for leaks after building turn over.

The cost to your reputation could be the biggest risk you take when water intrusion issues become a focal point on one of your completed projects.

Someone may bring up that all of the fenestration passed testing at the factory. Why test it again. While true, the product was tested for performance by the manufacturer, the production of the product typically gets one per ten thousand or production run...

The actual installation of the product gets tested in field testing, as well as the product. The field testing takes place where the "weather meets the wall".

If your project doesn't engage a qualified third party testing agency like Recon, dont be suprised when that decision is put into question.

Provide a reasonable standard of care when building your next building. You'll test the soil, the concrete, and the mechanical systems; dont forget to ensure mother nature stays outside.

Click here for a proposal for testing from Recon on your next project. Your reputation is worth it!

Moisture Mapping and Monitoring

Recon Independent Assessments provides consulting and inspection services related to moisture management.

A recent project required multiple visits to provide documentation of moisture content within several different types of materials within the building.

The monitoring and consultation on the project facilitated a better understanding of the project's progress for the owner.

Reon Independent Assessments enjoys providing positive solutions, contact us today if you have moisture management concerns.

info@reconwindowtesting.com to request a sample report or proposal for services

Words of Wisdom From Your Grandfather

It was once said; "In the kitchen, a little bit of gravy covers up a lot of mistakes."

In the window testing environment we work in, the same can be said for "wet sealing".

There have been occassions where Recon Independent Assessments has been on a project where the installers have repeatedly attempted corrective action on installed storefronts and curtainwalls without nailing down a fix that prevented more testing failures.

Despite the obvious (water should not penetrate the envelope) need for investigating the cause of the failures, a decision was made to "wet seal" the system in order to "keep the project on schedule".

Unfortunately, Grandfather's wisdom doesn't apply well in this application.

The gravy has only complicated the situation and created a few unintended complications for the owner.

• One: Wet sealing creates a longterm maintenence cost for the building and it's owner.

• Two: The system that recieved the "quick fix gravy" was not designed, tested and certified as a "wet sealed" system. As a result the manufacturer may not honor the warranty.

Before you sit down at the table for some bisquits and gravy, consider the cost and implications of covering up mistakes.

Recon Independent Assessments consults with Building Owners and Owners Representatives to make certain that a project is completed correctly.

So You Want A Watertight Envelope?

Recon recently reviewed specifications on a large local goverment building project that includes installation of Aluminum Windows, Aluminum Storefronts and Aluminum Curtainwall. The only language in them that attempts to confirm the design goal of building a watertight building is the lonely section quoted below. It was found deep inside the Division 8 Specifications:

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1.08 FIELD TESTS

A. Field Testing: Owner may employ an independent testing agency to perform tests on in-place
curtain wall systems and components. Cooperate with testing agency at all times during field
tests.

1. Leakage: Tests will generally include a prolonged water spray test similar to AAMA 502.
Any uncontrolled leakage within the curtain wall system or between the curtain wall
system and adjacent construction will be considered a failure.

2. Failures: Contractor shall pay for all remedial work and all retesting required because of
failures.

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Despite a coastal location, with a history of tropical storm winds and rainfall, the building's most vulnerable portion of the envelope is largely being left to chance by not requiring independent field testing of all types of the installed fenestration in the building.

The cost of testing is minimal when compared to the resolution of problems that typically follow moisture intrusion events in buildings.

Recon Independent Assessments provides specification reviews for Architects, Owners and Contractors to help them deliver the best building possible. Contact us today to see how our review can help your project meet it's design goal without breaking the bank.