The standard Methods of Tests for Exterior Walls is the original testing method used for curtain wall, storefronts and slopped glazing dating back to 1968. Since it has been formatted as the primary test procedure for exterior wall systems designed function like curtain wall or barrier wall systems. The standard is based on the fundamentals for testing systems that are not reliant on an air/water membrane for performance. A typical test procedure would encompass the following:
Air Infiltration – ASTM E283
Static Water Infiltration – ASTM E331
Dynamic Water Infiltration – AAMA 501.1
Structural Performance – ASTM E330
Seismic and Interstory Drift – AAMA 501.4
The test method for Pressure Equalized Rainscreen Wall Cladding Systems is a recent specification designed to test the equalization and weather performance specific for systems offering pressure equalization. The test measures the rate at which the air cavity behind the panels equalizes when the exterior is subjected to pressure cycling. The standard further includes procedures for testing the water infiltration through the cladding. All testing is conducted with a simulated air/water barrier using clear Plexiglas configured with 1/8” holes purposely designed to represent defects in the air/water barrier. Testing includes the following procedures:
Air Infiltration – ASTM E283
(used to measure the defects in the simulated air/water barrier.)
Performance by Cyclic Air Pressure – ASTM E1223
(modified per AAMA 508)
Static Water Infiltration – ASTM E331
Dynamic Water Infiltration – AAMA 501.1
Structural Performance – ASTM E330
(configured to load the panel cladding and not the simulated air/water barrier.)
A test procedure designed to measure and classify Drained and Back Ventilated Rainscreen systems. The test is setup to measure the amount of air and water entering through the cladding into the interior cavity of the system. Similar to the AAMA 508 standard, the test is conducted with a simulated air/water barrier using clear Plexiglas but with allowances for air to pass through during the air infiltration test using a large gate valve. Testing separates the air and water procedures to obtain a measurements for each. The amount of ventilation (air infiltration) is calculated and plotted on the chart’s vertical axis “V”. Similar amount of water collected on the air/water barrier is calculated and plotted on the chart’s horizontal axis “W”. The two values form a V/W Classification for the system. Testing includes the following procedures:
Air Infiltration – ASTM E283
Static Water Infiltration – ASTM E331
Dynamic Water Infiltration – AAMA 501.1
Structural Performance – ASTM E330
(Configured to load the panel cladding and not the simulated air/water barrier.)
Elward Systems takes system performance very seriously. In 2001 we began construction of our own testing facility which includes two test chambers designed for AAMA 501, AAMA 508 and AAMA 509 testing along with a build-up of a Pratt & Whitney 2800-99W airplane engine used for AMAA 501.1 testing. All the equipment is calibrated and ASTM and AAMA certified. Testing panel systems is neither cheap nor is it easy. Development of quality panel systems requires dedication to testing beyond the minimum requirements.
It’s all in the details. We design and test to the highest certified standards, pushing the envelope. All documented testing is controlled and witnessed using a third party testing representative. We have completed testing with multiple testing officials from various testing labs within the United States. All testing is executed to AAMA and ASTM standards.
Originally the first generation panels systems were all designed to meet the industry standard 6.24 psf for water and air. We started pushing the envelope and with the development of our High Performance DRY system we raised the bar for performance. Now all of our panel systems are designed and tested to meet 15 psf water, both with dynamic and static testing. Our testing has helped us develop some of the best and highest rated systems available.
One should test systems not to only obtain a passing grade, but to find areas to improve and to raise the bar of performance. With over 50 years of continuous improvements of wall systems and designs, we are proud to offer the finest of panel systems available. We specialize in the design and fabrication of panel systems designed to control the harshest of air and water infiltration requirements. Development of such systems requires strenuous design, testing, and retesting.