The AAMA 503 test is the “Voluntary Specification for Field Testing of Newly Installed Storefronts, Curtain Walls, and Sloped Glazing Systems” that was drafted and approved by the American Architectural Manufacturers Association (now FGIA). It has become a popular standard for water penetration resistance testing conducted in the United States in regards to the commercial type systems mentioned above. It is primarily used for new construction quality control and assurance purposes.
It’s important to note that the AAMA 503 test standard also utilizes the ASTM E1105 test method which details specific test setup and test equipment requirements for the water penetration portion of the test, and the ASTM E783 test method which details test set up and equipment requirements for the Air Infiltration (air leakage) portion of the test.
The main reason that the AAMA 503 is now so commonly specified in new construction projects is that it helps to act as a quality control measure to provide some assurances to all interested parties (i.e.-owners, architects, installers, waterproofing consultants, and builders) that the fenestration products being installed and supplied on a given project are capable of meeting Air Infiltration allowances for energy purposes, and also that the products can resist "Water Penetration" into the interior of the building.
This type of Air Leakage and Water Intrusion testing is primarily intended to be conducted in the early stages of new construction so that if any failures or potential problems were to be found during the testing process, that that the installer, product manufacturer, and/or builder could implement remedial repairs that could then be retested as a quality check.
Being able to catch any test failures and/or potential waterproofing issues early on during the construction process is very critical due to the fact that it can become very costly to implement any type of a field repair once the building is nearing completion.
Fenestration Testing Laboratory (or FTL for short) was founded in 1988 and is an internationally accredited test laboratory for fenestration products and exterior building envelope systems.
Through the years FTL has assisted clients all over the world by performing thousands of tests for quality control, quality assurance, R&D, and product certification purposes. FTL maintains test lab accreditations from the American Architectural Manufacturers Association (formerly AAMA and now FGIA), the International Accreditation Service (IAS), and is also recognized as an approved ISO/IEC 17025 Third Party Test Facility by: The Window and Door Manufacturers Association's Hallmark Certification Program (WDMA), NAMI's Certification Program, and Keystone's Certification Program.
Yes, we do, and to ensure that you are receiving performance test reports that meet the AAMA 503 test specification's requirements you should ask any testing agency you intend to hire to supply you with their current AAMA (FGIA) test lab accreditation certificate for verification purposes.
Testing shall be performed by an AAMA accredited independent testing agency.
NOTE 5: AAMA accredited laboratories are required to comply with AAMA 204, "Guidelines for AAMA Accreditation of Independent Laboratories Performing On-Site Testing of Fenestration Products". The Requirement of AAMA accreditation assures the specifier that the laboratory has the staff, training, experience and calibrated equipment to properly perform field testing.
If you have any questions pertaining to field testing specifications on your project, or simply need a quote, do not hesitate to call or email anytime and we would be glad to assist you the best we can.
We pride ourselves on helping you through the entire testing process and offer a variety of testing options that should fit your budget. Field testing and forensic water leak investigation services are provided in Los Angeles, San Francisco and San Diego
Phone: 909-477-4343
Fenestration Testing Lab | www.FTLtesting.com
