The objective
of field testing is to correlate paths of moisture infiltration
with the observed damages. Anyone can observe moisture coming
into a building during harsh weather events but the most reliable
way to test for moisture is to actually recreate the leakage
in a controlled manner so the path of the leak can be traced.
Testing and infrared thermography also allows verification
of the hypothesis for the cause of leakage without destructive
testing. Below are three types of testing we perform.
-
Water Spray Rack (ASTM E1105 Modified)
This test simulates a wind-driven rain condition
on a facility. It can assist in determining the specific
cause and origin of moisture infiltration when it is used
to test independent components of the envelope. Spraying
water over a large area in an uncontrolled fashion will
not reveal specific causes of moisture infiltration.
-
Hose Spray Test (AAMA 501.2)
This test method also 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.
-
Differential Pressure Test (ASTM E1105 Modified)
A pressure chamber is typically constructed on
the interior of the facility at a specific location to test
moisture driven through an assembly or component. The assembly
or component is subjected to a negative force while simultaneously
a spray rack test is directed at the assembly to draw the
moisture into thefacility to simulate a negative pressure
under a wind-driven rain condition.
Using infrared equipment we can document the intrusion point and provide an accurate assessment of the building envelope.
An in-depth evaluation of the building envelope
enables the architect/engineer to develop accurate specifications
for contractor bidding that are also used during construction.
The quality of the initial field evaluation reflects directly
on the quality and performance of repairs, as outlined in the
specification documents. A thorough investigation also promotes
an efficient design specification, thereby reducing the possibility
of increased costs, via change orders, due to unforeseen conditions.
The time and expense to perform an initial, well-focused evaluation will save the building owner/manager money in the long run and result in repairs that extend the service life of the building.
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