AAMA 501.2-83 FIELD TESTING FOR WATER LEAKAGE This test method simulates wind-driven rain in small segmented areas using a standard garden hose in which a calibrated nozzle is attached with a pressure gauge. The spray is directed at a specific joint, crack, or defect to reveal potential moisture intrusion. 1. SCOPE AND PURPOSE This field check is intended to determine the resistance to water penetration of only those joints in the wall which are designed to main permanently dosed and watertight. If operable joints such as those around doors and operable parts of windows occur within the wall area involved, appropriate modifications both to procedure and performance requirements should be made in respect of such joints. 2. PREPARATION OF WALL All wall framing and/or wall units shall be installed on the lower two typical floors of the building, and at least (22.9m) of this two-storey height shall be done in strict accord with approved shop drawings and job specifications. The architect will then designate an area of completed wall, two bays in width and two storeys in height, to be checked. The area should include all typical horizontal and vertical expansion joints or other conditions where leakage may occur. The indoor side of the wall in this area shall be unfinished and left open and unobstructed, permitting the full length of all joints to be examined from the indoor side. 3. PROCEDURE 3.1 Working from the exterior, the wall test section shall be selectively wetted progressing from the lowest horizontal Joint above, then the next horizontal Joint above, etc. The water shall be applied using a Type B.25, 6.030 brass nozzle with SFPT as manufactured by Monarch Manufacturing Works, lnc. 2501 East Ontario Street Philadelphia, PA19134. The nozzle shall be used with 3/4" garden hose and shall be provided with a control valve and a pressure gauge between the valve and the nozzle. The water flow to the nozzle shall be adjusted to produce 30 to 35 psi water pressure at the nozzle inlet. 3.2 With the water directed at the Joint and perpendicular to the face of the wall, the nozzle shall be moved slowly back and forth above the Joint, at a distance of 1ft (0.305m) from it, for a period of five (5) minutes for 5ft (1.52m) of Joint while an observer on the indoor side of the wall, using a flashlight if necessary, checks for any leakage and notes where it occurs.
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3.3 If no leakage occurs during the five minute test, the next five feet of joint shall be wetted for five minutes, and testing continued until the entire test area is covered. 3.4 If water leakage occurs and the source of the leakage cannot be identified, the following sequence shall be followed: a. After allowing the wall to dry and working downwards from the top of the area to be checked all Joints of every kind within this area shall be completely and tightly covered, on the outdoor side, with a waterproof adhesive masking tape. b. Starting at the bottom of the prepared area. The masking tape shall be removed from the lowest horizontal joint for a distance of not more than 5ft (1.52m) from one end of the joint, including the joint intersection or corner at the end, and this exposed length shall be subjected to the nozzle spray as described in 32. c. If no leakage occurs during the 5-minute test period, this length of joint shall be considered satisfactory and shall remain uncovered. If leakage has occurred at any point, the joint shall be re-taped at such points to prevent further leakage during the subsequent checking of joints adjacent to or above it. d. This process shall then be repeated on all joints and joint intersections within the designated area, using increments of exposed Joint length not exceeding 5 ft (1.52m) and always working upward on the wall. NOTE
In some cases, due to unforeseen delays or other causes, more than one working day may be required to completely check the designated area, necessitating that some or all of the masking tape be left in place overnight. The tape should not remain on finished metal surfaces any longer than necessary, especially where subjected to strong sunlight, as this may make its removal difficult and may also cause staining. It is recommended that in no case should the tape be left in place more than 48 hours. 4. REMEDIAL WORK AND RECHECKING 4.1 Wherever leakage has occurred, Joints shall be made watertight in a manner acceptable to the architect. Remedial work involving the use of curing type compounds shall be allowed to set for one week before it is rechecked for leakage.
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4.2 After all necessary work has been completed, and the required curing time, if any, has elapsed, all repair joints shall again be checked, following the same procedure as before (section 3). Should leakage still be found, further remedial measures shall be taken and checking shall be repeated until all joints in the designated area are found to be satisfactory. NOTE
For these specifications water leakage is defined as any uncontrolled water that appears on any normally exposed interior surfaces, that is not contained or drained back to the exterior, or that can cause damage to adjacent materials or finishes. Water contained within drained flashings, gutters, and sills is not considered water leakage. The collection of up to one half ounce of water (14.8cc) in a 15 minute test period on top of an interior stop or stool integral with the wall system shall not be considered water leakage.
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