Field Mock-up and Assembly Testing
Air Infiltration – Water Penetration

Qualitative and Quantitative Testing

Air Infiltration and Water Penetration Testing of Fenestrations (windows/doors) and Curtain Walls.

Air infiltration testing and water penetration testing are the most common enclosure-specific tests conducted on a mock-up. A free standing small wall section or in-situ building section usually serves as the project’s mock-up. Think of the mock-up as a prototype of the building that enables you to test elements of the enclosure design before full scale construction begins. These tests are designed to make sure all components of the building enclosure are performing per the design and specifications. TMI® technicians build a test chamber on site that is custom fit and attached to one side of a test specimen.

During air infiltration testing, the chamber is pressurized (or depressurized) and computer software measures the rate and magnitude of air leakage through the specimen. TMI® can accurately measure down to .05cfm from pressures as low as 5 pascals. TMI® can inject fog into the pressure chamber to visualize leakage pathways.

During water penetration testing, the chamber is depressurized as a calibrated spray rack applies water to the opposite side of the test specimen. The test is designed to simulate heavy, wind-driven rain conditions. Our technicians closely observe the test specimen and chamber for signs of water penetration during testing.

TMI® also specializes in field testing curtain wall systems and fenestrations for air leakage and water penetration.

Test Standard and Description

ASTM E 783

Field Measurement of Air Through Installed Exterior Windows and Doors.

ASTM E 1105

Field Determination of Water Penetration of Installed Exterior Windows, Skylights, Doors, Curtain Walls, by Uniform or Cyclic Static Air Pressure Difference.

ASTM E 331

Water Penetration of Exterior Windows, Skylights, Doors, and Curtain Walls by Uniform Static Air Pressure Difference.

ASTM E 1186

Air Leakage Site Detection in Building Envelopes and Air Barrier Systems.

ASTM D 4541

Pull-Off Strength of Coatings Using Portable.