Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Read About Curtain Wall on Wikipedia
Hose test?
What the Wiki-is-that?
Curtain wall water infiltration testing information on Wikipedia included reference to a "hose test". As professionals in the water infiltration testing field, Recon Independent Assessments edited the page to better represent what constitutes a field quality control test.
Our edit (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Curtain_wall#Infiltration)more closely describes the AAMA 501.2 test proceedure seen below.
“AAMA 501.2 -Quality Assurance and Diagnostic Water Leakage Field Check of Installed Storefronts,Curtain Walls, and Sloped Glazing Systems"
Take a look at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Curtain_wall to read more about curtain walls.
Recon Independent Assessments is standing by to provide you with the best in field testing services available. Contact us today to see how we can join your team.
Email: info@gorecon.ent for a complimentary sample report.
Monday, March 30, 2009
Field In Place Window and Curtain Wall Testing ASTM E 1105
The bottom line in business is profitability. When bidding a project that requires field testing specimens for water resistance, get the most from your Independent Testing Agency by contracting with Recon Independent Assessments. Know this; Recon will provide you with the best in field ASTM E 1105 testing available along with unparalleled written reporting.
The goal of every project is to deliver a watertight envelope and be profitable doing so. Recon Independent Assessments allows you to save on testing and assure top quality. Quality performance, verified by a third party, leads to more projects. Call or email us today to get a cost proposal on your current or pending projects.
We're here to help.
Email: info@gorecon.net
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Value
Field Testing site installed fenestration and glazing in accordance with an Architect's specifications is critical to delivering a quality building to owners. Whether ASTM or AAMA field test procedures are specified, Recon Independent Assessments can provide testing on your job site.
Recon Independent Assessments routinely performs field tests of:
Recon Independent Assessments routinely performs field tests of:
- Windows
- Doors
- Storefronts
- Curtain walls
- Sloped glazing systems
- Skylights
When Recon Independent Assessments provides services; architects, building owners, consultants, glazing installers, and contractors will be working directly with a principal.
Contact us today to experience the value of working with principals in the field.
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
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.
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.
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
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
Thursday, March 19, 2009
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.
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
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.
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Why Field Test Installed Windows? They Passed The Lab...
Testing Requirements Ensure Design Goals Are Met
There are many reasons to verify the installed performance of windows, doors and curtainwalls. As the Architect/Specifier, you are responsible for the performance and quality of the exterior façade components. Issues such as workmanship details and warranty concerns all necessitate field testing of your installed fenestration products.
Lab vs. Real World
Most all windows, doors and curtainwalls are tested in a laboratory environment. Industry standards and guidelines such as AAMA/WDMA/CSA 101/I.S.2/A440 and AAMA 501 are typical voluntary specifications to which fenestration manufacturers validate certain performance characteristics. As specifiers of critical performance characteristics, laboratory results and findings are crucial to the initial development and planning of a given structure. As the term would imply, laboratory testing is a controlled environment, which typically provides the " best case scenario " as it relates to the potential performance of a given system.
Manufacturers pay particular attention to detail in the production of laboratory test specimens. The same attention may not always apply to production units, which roll off the production line. An infinite number of variables interact with the production unit, which may have a tremendous impact to the primary performances. Machining tolerances, human interaction and production scheduling/capacities have a direct effect on the quality and performance of a given product.
Field verification/testing can identify certain concerns or deficiencies, which may have originated from the factory that are pertinent to the performance expected by the owner. If field checks are done early in the installation phase, remedial work can often times be performed to correct problems before they have an adverse effect on the building. Typically, it is more cost effective and convenient to remediate before the unit is installed. In the case of large projects, important quality issues can be addressed or handled before the entire shipment reaches the job site.
Verify the Installation
In a manner similar to the actual production of the fenestration, several variables of the installation can have a direct impact on the performance of a product. Manufacturers typically provide a procedure for proper installation of their product. Deviations from this methodology can cause serious problems. The deviations are not always related to the installer's ability to follow approved practices, but rather at times the problem may originate from changing jobsite conditions. In either case, the installation of the actual project-related units is no longer controlled in a manner similar to the laboratory test specimen.
Hedge Your Bets
As with any product or service specified, manufacturers and contractors are called upon to provide a statement of quality and performance warranty . Most specifications have a warranty clause. As a specifier, the warranty can provide two things. First, the warranty and performance requirements can provide a minimum level of quality which can prohibit unwanted manufacturers. If a manufacturer can not provide a product which meets the warranty requirements, you may not want their products on your project. Secondly, warranty clauses usually define stipulations which protect the owner against failures or " less than expected " performance. Failures can include excessive water leakage or air infiltration, condensation, excessive deflections, faulty operation and deterioration in excess of normal weathering. What better way to verify some of these concerns than field testing of your window, door and curtainwall installations?
There are many reasons to verify the installed performance of windows, doors and curtainwalls. As the Architect/Specifier, you are responsible for the performance and quality of the exterior façade components. Issues such as workmanship details and warranty concerns all necessitate field testing of your installed fenestration products.
Lab vs. Real World
Most all windows, doors and curtainwalls are tested in a laboratory environment. Industry standards and guidelines such as AAMA/WDMA/CSA 101/I.S.2/A440 and AAMA 501 are typical voluntary specifications to which fenestration manufacturers validate certain performance characteristics. As specifiers of critical performance characteristics, laboratory results and findings are crucial to the initial development and planning of a given structure. As the term would imply, laboratory testing is a controlled environment, which typically provides the " best case scenario " as it relates to the potential performance of a given system.
Manufacturers pay particular attention to detail in the production of laboratory test specimens. The same attention may not always apply to production units, which roll off the production line. An infinite number of variables interact with the production unit, which may have a tremendous impact to the primary performances. Machining tolerances, human interaction and production scheduling/capacities have a direct effect on the quality and performance of a given product.
Field verification/testing can identify certain concerns or deficiencies, which may have originated from the factory that are pertinent to the performance expected by the owner. If field checks are done early in the installation phase, remedial work can often times be performed to correct problems before they have an adverse effect on the building. Typically, it is more cost effective and convenient to remediate before the unit is installed. In the case of large projects, important quality issues can be addressed or handled before the entire shipment reaches the job site.
Verify the Installation
In a manner similar to the actual production of the fenestration, several variables of the installation can have a direct impact on the performance of a product. Manufacturers typically provide a procedure for proper installation of their product. Deviations from this methodology can cause serious problems. The deviations are not always related to the installer's ability to follow approved practices, but rather at times the problem may originate from changing jobsite conditions. In either case, the installation of the actual project-related units is no longer controlled in a manner similar to the laboratory test specimen.
Hedge Your Bets
As with any product or service specified, manufacturers and contractors are called upon to provide a statement of quality and performance warranty . Most specifications have a warranty clause. As a specifier, the warranty can provide two things. First, the warranty and performance requirements can provide a minimum level of quality which can prohibit unwanted manufacturers. If a manufacturer can not provide a product which meets the warranty requirements, you may not want their products on your project. Secondly, warranty clauses usually define stipulations which protect the owner against failures or " less than expected " performance. Failures can include excessive water leakage or air infiltration, condensation, excessive deflections, faulty operation and deterioration in excess of normal weathering. What better way to verify some of these concerns than field testing of your window, door and curtainwall installations?
Monday, March 2, 2009
Field Testing Is Our Expertise, Even Radomes...
When the call came in, our answer was simple: We'll figure it out and get it done.
The challenge: Tackle a 37 year old geodetic dome to determine if the fabric protecting the multi-million dollar instrumentation and antenna array inside was still performing well enough to survive a while longer or would 3/4 of a million dollars need to be found in the budget to recover it?
Recon Independent Assessments met the challenge and the deadline with a written report of findings.
We specialize in finding solutions to testing challenges. Harris Corporation and BRPH got there questions answered without delay and a Program Manager was able to provide answers to his team regarding concerns about a structure that has been around for a while.
Contact Recon Independent Assessments today with your field testing needs. We deliver quality evaluation and testing for less than you might think is possible.
Email: info@gorecon.net
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