AAMA releases updated Standard Test Method for Water Penetration Using Dynamic Pressure

The American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA) recently released an updated document to provide a standard water penetration test method when using dynamic pressure.

AAMA 501.1-17, the Standard Test Method for Water Penetration of Windows, Curtain walls and Doors Using Dynamic Pressure, establishes the equipment and procedures for testing. Included is a section on test equipment updated to clarify what to do for laboratory testing versus on-site testing.

“The AAMA 501.1 dynamic pressure water test has been used as a laboratory test for over 50 years, and is particularly useful when testing pressure equalized fenestration systems when severe windblown rain is a concern,” said Greg McKenna (Kawneer), officer of the AAMA Methods of Test Committee. “In more recent years, this test has been used in the field due to the added benefit that a separate vacuum chamber is not needed. This is an advantage if the building is occupied or if constructing a chamber at the building site is not a practical option.”

Additional edits to this updated standard include the addition of two figures showing images of acceptable water leakage, plus a definition for what unacceptable water penetration means.