All Roads Lead Back to The ASTM E1105

ASTM E1105

Significance and Use

This test method is a standard procedure for determining the resistance to water penetration under uniform or cyclic static air pressure differences of installed exterior windows, skylights, curtain walls, and doors. The air-pressure differences acting across a building envelope vary greatly. These factors should be considered fully prior to specifying the test pressure difference to be used.

Note 1—In applying the results of tests by this test method, note that the performance of a wall or its components, or both, may be a function of proper installation and adjustment. In service, the performance will also depend on the rigidity of supporting construction and on the resistance of components to deterioration by various causes, vibration, thermal expansion and contraction, and so forth. It is difficult to simulate the identical complex wetting conditions that can be encountered in service, with large wind-blown water drops, increasing water drop impact pressures with increasing wind velocity, and lateral or upward moving air and water. Some designs are more sensitive than others to this upward moving water.

Note 2—This test method does not identify unobservable liquid water which may penetrate into the test specimen.

Laboratory tests are designed to give an indication of the performance of an assembly. Field performance may vary from laboratory performance since the supporting structure for the test specimen, methods of mounting, and sealing in the laboratory can only simulate the actual conditions that will exist in the building. Shipping, handling, installation, acts of subsequent trades, aging, and other environmental conditions all may have an adverse effect upon the performance of the installed product. This field test procedure provides a means for determining the performance of a product once installed in the building.

The field test may be made at the time the window, skylight, curtain-wall, or door assemblies are initially installed and before the interior of the building is finished. At this time, it is generally easier to check the interior surfaces of the assemblies for water penetration and to identify the points of penetration. The major advantage of testing when assemblies are initially installed is that errors in fabrication or installation can be readily discovered and corrections made before the entire wall with its component assemblies is completed at which time the expense of corrective work may be increased many times.

The field test may also be made after the building is completed and in service to determine whether or not reported leakage problems are due to the failure of the installed assemblies to resist water penetration at the specified static air pressure difference. Generally it is possible to conduct tests on window, skylight, and door assemblies without too much difficulty, and to identify sources of leakage. A curtain-wall assembly, on the other hand, may not be accessible from the inside without the removal of interior finished walls and ceilings. Even with removal of interior walls and ceilings, it may not be possible to observe curtain-wall surfaces behind spandrel beams. The feasibility of conducting a meaningful static air pressure difference water penetration test on an in-service building must be carefully evaluated before being specified.
Weather conditions can affect the static air pressure difference measurements. If wind gusting causes pressure fluctuation to exceed ±10 % from the specified test pressure, the test should not be conducted.

Generally it is more convenient to use an interior mounted pressure chamber from which air is exhausted to obtain a lower pressure on the interior surface of the specimen. A calibrated rack of nozzles is then used to spray water at the proper rate on the exterior surface. Under circumstances where it is desirable to use an exterior-mounted pressure chamber, the spray rack must be located in the pressure chamber and air supplied to maintain a higher pressure on the exterior surface. Exterior chambers are difficult to attach readily and seal to exterior surfaces.

Even though the equipment requirements are similar, this procedure is not intended to measure air infiltration because of the difficulty of isolating the component air leakage from the extraneous leakage through weep holes, mullion joints, trim, or other surrounding materials.

Strategic Partnerships Will Yield Better Results - Include ASTM E-1105 Testing in Your Bid Proposal

Recon Independent Assessments is looking for glass installers that have the strategic vision to include a provision for Independent Testing of their Installed Windows, Storefronts, & Curtainwalls in proposals for new projects.





Contact us today via email: info@GoRecon.net to discuss how we can help you add value to your proposal by including ASTM E-1105 Field Testing to verify the quality of your work.





A potential team member that understands the importance of Field Quality Control brings more to a project by providing a better result. By including Field Quality Control & Verification Testing in a proposal you will send a clear message; We only deliver success!!!





Recon Independent Assessments is also available to assist window installers with developing a sound Quality Control platform to ensure project success using very simple checks and balances that are very affordable to implement. Let our job-site experinces benefit your bottom line.




Another Quality Installation Verified by Third Party Independent ASTM Field Testing

ASTM e-1105 Field Window / Curtainwall Testing A Success in Baltimore

Calibrated spray rack positioned in place via high reach lift.

Water being applied at prescribed rate via calibrated nozzles.

Recon Independent Assessments returned to the Sinai Hospital Tower Expansion Project for another round of field testing. Three elevations on two floors had specimens tested using the ASTM e-1105. All assemblies and openings passed the tests successfully with no water intrusion being observed.

Testing was conducted over two days and as always, our experience with the staff on site was top notch.

Water Above, Water Below, This is Wrong is All We Know.

Recon Independent Assessments provided a solution where others simply scratched their head and threw their hands up.

The problem; a liner inside a fuel containment structure was not performing as it was designed. A successful completion of the project test phase had to happen in order for Reedy Creek Improvement District to sign off. Recon provided testing on site at EPCOT Center on Walt Disney World property to help determine where the breach was that had everyone stumped. One major point of intrusion was located as well as a few small ones. With the information Recon was able to uncover, repairs were able to be made.

Once again, Recon Independent Assessments applied it's know how and determination to succeed in order to provide a client with solutions where others could not.

Quality Control: Window Testing Presentation & Discussion

Recon Independent Assessments travelled to Jacksonville, Florida to provide a short seminar regarding window testing to staff at Haskell. The differences between AAMA and ASTM specifications, the equipment required to test accurately, as well as a demonstration on a portable mock-up was provided for the group of approximately 30 construction professionals in attendence.

Recon loves the opportunity to participate with clients in a training environment. Contact us today to schedule a training date with us.