SOUTHEAST REGION BUILDING COMMISSIONING · PDF fileASTM C-1193. ASTM C-1521. Most manufacturers, including Dow Corning, require a 2:1 sealant joint profile for proper performance

DECEMBER 7, 2017 1255 COLLIER ROAD, ATLANTA, GA 30318

11:30 AM BOARD MEETING/OFFICERS ELECTION12:00 PM LUNCH12:30 PM PRESENTATION/WEBINAR

2017 Annual Meeting

SOUTHEAST CHAPTER

SOUTHEAST REGION BUILDING COMMISSIONING ASSOCIATION


Field Performance Testing for Building Enclosures

Presented to South East Region Building Commissioning Association

Presented by Edward Lehman of Nova Consulting Group


Presenter

Edward L. (Ed) Lehman, AIA• Southern Polytechnic State University

• Bachelor of Architecture• Bachelor of Science: Construction

Management• Building Enclosure Process Provider (BECxP)• Commissioning Authority + Building

Enclosure (CXA+BE)• Certified EIFS Inspector (CEI)• Registered Roof Observer (RRO)• Registered Exterior Wall Observer (REWO)


At the end of the this course, participants will have:

1. Basic understanding of Field Performance Testing of exterior building cladding for air leakage and water penetration.

2. Knowledge of requirements and criteria for field performance testing of exterior building cladding for air leakage and water penetration.

3. Knowledge of common materials and systems requirements for field performance testing of exterior building cladding for air leakage and water penetration.

4. Knowledge of typical specification location for field performance testing of exterior building cladding for air leakage and water penetration.

Field Performance TestingLEARNING OBJECTIVES


This presentation is organized as follows:

1. FUNDAMENTALS OF FIELD PERFORMANCE TESTING

2. DYNAMIC WATER PENETRATION TESTING

3. STATIC WATER PENETRATION TESTING

4. SPRAY NOZZLE WATER TESTING

5. SEALANT PULL TESTING

6. ELECTRONIC LEAK DETECTION

7. AIR BARRIER LEAKAGE TESTING

8. INFRARED / THERMOGRAPHIC INSPECTION

9. EIFS ADHESION / PULL TESTING

10. CASE STUDY IN FIELD PERFORMANCE TESTING

Field Performance TestingCONTENTS


Field Performance TestingFUNDAMENTALS

Field Performance Testing is functional testing of building components in advance of the final completion of the project to ensure the workmanship is in compliance with project specifications and the actual materials perform as intended by the design professional(s).

Laboratory field testing for a future mixed-use tower in downtown Brooklyn. Source: UL CLEB Building Science

What to Consider when Field Testing:

• Does THIS testing make sense for THIS project? Applicability

• Whose burden is it to provide (PAY) for the testing services or any potential re-testing? Cost Benefit

• Is the proper testing procedure or protocol being specified by the Architect? Expectations

• Is there a defined quantity of testing?


Field Performance TestingFUNDAMENTALS

Building enclosure designs are more complex than ever before. The continuing innovation of products fosters design creativity and expands the limits of building enclosure applications.

This innovation brings a heightened demand for field testing and performance verification.

What Components should be Field Tested:

• Concrete Slabs on Grade

• Horizontal Waterproofing

• Low-Slope Roof Assemblies

• Stick-Framed Glass Systems

• SEALANT JOINTS !!!!!


Field Performance TestingDYNAMIC WATER PENETRATION TESTING

Standard Test Method for Water Penetration of Windows, Curtain Walls and Doors Using Dynamic Pressure – testing includes the use of a wind generator with a 84-inch propeller

AAMA 501.1


Field Performance TestingDYNAMIC WATER PENETRATION TESTING

Examples of testing being conducted in laboratory environment or at the jobsite

Minimum fan speed is required for testing

AAMA 501.1


Field Performance TestingSTATIC WATER PENETRATION TESTING

ASTM E-1105

Before Interior Finishes are installed at window rough openings

1/3 Reduction in Pressure for the Field Testing

Standard Test Method for Field Determination of Water Penetration of Installed Exterior Windows, Skylights, Doors, and Curtain Wall by Uniform or Cyclic Static Air Pressure.



• Spray Rack should be Calibrated Every 6 to 12 Months. Certificate should be attached to testing report

• Water Pressure is Critical: Fill 5 Gallon Bucket within 30 Seconds at Test Location

• Accessing both sides of test specimen is responsibility of Contractor to provide.

• Example: Use Boom Lift or Scaffolding for upper levels

ASTM E-1105



ASTM E 1105 includes interval field-testing by either Method A (uniform pressure for 15 minutes) or Method B (cyclic pressure 5 minutes on with 1 minutes breaks for 3 cycles).

ASTM E-1105



A calibrated spray apparatus (rain-rack) delivers water to the test specimen at a rate of 5.0 U.S. gal/ft²-h. Most specifications call for a minimum testing pressure of 6.24 psf.

Using Boom Lift to Access Upper Level

Test Locations

Stand off to Maintain Proper Distance

Between Test Rack and Specimen

ASTM E-1105



Establishing a pass/fail criteria is essential for this particular testing. Standard (3.2.3) defines it as “penetration of water beyond a plane parallel to the glazing of the test specimen” or water leaving window frame.

ASTM E-1105

Common Sources of Water Infiltration

• Window Perimeter Joints

• Material Interface Leaks

• Unsealed Sill Pans

Most owner’s reps and architects want any water on the interior side to constitute a fail.


Field Performance TestingSPRAY NOZZLE WATER TESTING

AAMA 501.2

Should be conducted before interior finishes are installed

Test areas measured in linear feet

Quality Assurance and Diagnostic Water Leakage Field Check of Installed Storefronts, Curtain Walls, and Sloped Glazing Systems



AAMA 501.2

Minimum required water pressure: 25 PSI



Test method specifically states that it is not intended to be used on operable components such as residential windows. This standard is commonly modified with a reduced water pressure to test other systems. Use 10 to 12 psi for metal wall panels and expansion joints.

AAMA 501.2


Field Performance TestingAIR LEAKAGE TESTING

Standard Test Method for Field Measurement of Air Leakage Through Installed Exterior Windows and Doors

ASTM E-783

Should be Coordinated with ASTM E-1105 Water Testing

Tests air leakage through windows using the difference between air infiltration of the perimeter joint versus the air infiltration of the window unit



This testing is more conducive to checking air leakage at specific window openings

ASTM E-783

The testing is performed by sealing a chamber to the interior or exterior face of the test area, providing a negative vacuum of air, and measuring the air flow lost or gained across the testing chamber.

This testing is helpful to identify air infiltrations so they can be controlled or eliminated.



Even though they are very similar in nature ASTM E-783 is the proper test method for field testing.

ASTM E-283 is intended for laboratory use only.

ASTM E-783


Field Performance TestingSEALANT PULL TESTING

Standard Practice for Evaluating Adhesion of Installed Weatherproofing Sealant Joints

ASTM C-1193ASTM C-1521




Cut and Measure Test (Hand Pull Tab)

Destructive Testing

3Xs Elongation is typically required by most sealant manufacturers. Pull joint till it fails.

1-inch tab of sealant should stretch out 3-inches or 300% of design strength in this case



Testing is used to determine adhesive and cohesive properties of the sealant material.

This testing can be a cost saving measure as well as a performance verification.


Most manufacturers, including Dow Corning, require a 2:1 sealant joint profile for proper performance


Field Performance TestingFLOOD TESTING

Standard Guide for Flood Testing Horizontal Waterproofing Installations

ASTM D-5957



ASTM D-5957

The water level is measured at regular time intervals.Permissible live loads to the structure must be considered when using this test methodAny leaks must be located at the top side typically by visual inspection.

Flood testing is the simplest and most basic of testing methods available.



ASTM D-5957

Testing Stand-Alone Mockup off Site for Quality Assurance purposes


Field Performance TestingELECTRONIC LEAK DETECTION

Standard Guide for Electronic Methods for Detecting and Locating Leaks in Waterproof Membranes

ASTM D-7877

Advantages:• Early leak detection

prior to placement of overburden

• Identifies water entry point versus exit location

• Test efficiencies with less time and cost to complete

• Increased accuracy

• Ability to re-test repairs immediately



Most definitive testing for locating leaks in horizontal waterproofing and most single ply roofing systems

ASTM D-7877

Electronic Leak Detection (ELD) provides the ability for project teams to employ exacting quality assurance testing methods and offers owners the confidence of a leak-free waterproofing/ roofing application(s).

ELD can be used in locating existing leaks on conventional and protected membrane roof assemblies.



ASTM D-7877

This testing is heavily dependent on the skill of the testing technician. The current ASTM does not offer much information on the testing procedure. Just the equipment.


Field Performance TestingAIR BARRIER LEAKAGE TESTING

ASTM E-779ASTM E-1827

Standard Practice for Thermography Inspection of Insulation Installations in Envelope Cavities of Frame Buildings.







Best performed before the cladding install is complete

Working HVAC system is required



The air barrier is an important component of a building envelope system that can improve HVAC system performance, increase occupant comfort, improve smoke and fire control, and perhaps most importantly, reduce energy consumption.



Field Performance TestingINFRARED / THEROMOGRAPHIC INSPECTON

Standard Practice for Location of Wet Insulation in Roofing Systems Using Infrared Imaging.

ASTM C-1153


Field Performance TestingINFRARED / THEROMOGRAPHIC INSPECTON

Infrared imaging allows for the evaluation of the exterior cladding systems by mapping areas of moisture entrapment and delimitation due to environmental stress.

Flir certified thermographers should be employed when seeking this type of inspection to gain the most accurate and reliable information. Level 1 is sufficient.

ASTM C-1153


Field Performance TestingEIFS ADHESION / PULL TESTING

Standard Test Method for Field Pull Testing of an In-Place Exterior Insulation and Finish System Clad Wall Assembly

ASTM E-2359



EIFS Cladding Wind Resistance by verifying proper adhesion of the underlying materials

ASTM E-2359



This is a destructive test and is typically reserved for diagnostic purposes or for new construction projects where the sampling of new work can be easily replaced.

ASTM E-2359


Field Performance TestingCASE STUDY

Devon Energy World Headquarters in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

3 4

1

1

1

11

2Applicable Test Standards1.ASTM E-1105 Static Water Penetration Testing

2.ASTM C-1521 Sealant Pull Test

3.ASTM D-5957 Flood Test

4.ASTM D-7877 Electronic Leak Detection


Field Performance TestingCASE STUDY

The field testing on this project was complex and required extensive coordination by the entire team.

Test Standard: ASTM E-1105Description: Water Penetration of Installed Exterior Windows, Skylights, Doors and Curtain Walls by Uniform or Cyclic Air Pressure DifferencePurpose: Specimen Water Penetration

Test Standard: ASTM C-1521Description: Guide for Use of Joint Sealants: Field Applied Sealant Joint Hand Pull TabPurpose: Sealant Adhesion and Joint Profile Verification

Test Standard: Electronic Leak DetectionDescription: Low-Voltage Electronic Leak Detection for Roofing and Waterproofing MembranesPurpose: Water Tightness Verification of Vegetative Roof Areas

Test Standard: ASTM D-5857Description: Guide for Flood Testing Horizontal Waterproofing InstallationsPurpose: Water Tightness Verification of Extensive Thermoplastic Membrane in IRM Assembly


2017 Annual Meeting

SOUTHEAST CHAPTER

SOUTHEAST REGION BUILDING COMMISSIONING ASSOCIATION

QUESTIONS?Presenter: Edward Lehman, AIA

Senior Building Enclosure ConsultantNova Consulting Group, Inc.

(678) [email protected]

Documents

SOUTHEAST REGION BUILDING COMMISSIONING · PDF fileASTM C-1193. ASTM C-1521. Most manufacturers, including Dow Corning, require a 2:1 sealant joint profile for proper performance