AAMA 501.2 Content And Requirements Flashcards
Can AAMA 501.2 be used to evaluate operable windows?
What should be done with operable components within a test area?
No. The procedure is intended to evaluate joints, gaskets and sealant details which are designed to remain permanently closed and water-tight.
Operable components shall be isolated and exempt from the site procedure (mask off joints around operable panels).
Per AAMA 501.2, what part of a building should test units be located for:
A. Curtain Walls
B. Storefront or sloped glazing
A. Lower two typical floors of the building
B. Lowest typical floor.
Per AAMA 501.2,
A. What is the minimum, typical test area:
B. What should the test area include?
A. Minimum test area is usually* 100 s.f.
B. Perimeter caulking, typical splices, frame intersections and, as applicable
2 vision lites and spandrel lites,m containing
An intermediate vertical member and an Intermediate horizontal member
Per AAMA 501.2, what is the acceptable pressure range required at the nozzle inlet?
30 to 35 psi
205 - 250 pascals (kPa)
Per AAMA 501.2, the test area should be divided and evaluated in sections of what length?
5 feet (1.5 m).
Per AAMA 501.2, What distance is maintained between the spray nozzle and the test subject?
12”. (+/- 1”) 305 mm (+/- 25mm)
Per AAMA 501.2, how long should water-spray be applied to each section of the test area?
1 minute per linear foot in the section. A typical 5 foot test area is sprayed for 5 minutes.
Per AAMA 501.2, what is considered water leakage?
Is 10 ml of water on an interior horizontal stop or stool considered a leak?
A. Any uncontrolled water that appears on any normally exposed interior surfaces, that is not drained back to the exterior* or that can cause damage to adjacent materials or finishes.
B. No. Up to 15 ml. (1/2 oz) of water on an interior stool or stop is not considered a leak. This does not apply if the component is not part of the Fenestration (i.e., trim).
*. Water visible in a sill pan, but which can drain to the exterior is not a leak.
Per AAMA 501.2, if a leak occurs but the source is not identified, what should be done next.
The test area should be dried and tested, then joints in the subject shall be taped off and tested again in sequence. Any areas that leak should be re-masked and protected for the remainder of the test.
Per AAMA 501.2, does the report include a record of leak locations or only a record that leaks occurred?
The report shall include all test (and retest)results as well as a record of all points of water leakage.
What determines if AAMA 501.2 or AAMA 503 is the appropriate test for a storefront or curtain wall unit?
AAMA 503 should be used for field testing of air infiltration and water-resistance performance requirements. AAMA 501.2 is used for quality assurance and diagnostic field water penetration checks and does not verify performance.
Per AAMA 501.2 what amount of water may accumulate on interior stops or stools integral with the system without being considered a leak?
Up to 15 ml (1/2 oz) of water may accumulate on interior, integral components in a 5 minute test period without being considered a leak.
Per AAMA 501.2, each test area SHALL include the following:
A. Two spandrel lites, sills and operable panels, intermediate horizontal and vertical members.
B. Perimeter caulking, typical splices and frame intersections.
C. Perimeter caulking, typical splices, two vision and two spandrel lites and frame intersections.
D. Where applicable, two each of spandrel and vision lites containing intermediate vertical and horizontal members.
B and D
“The area to be tested shall include perimeter caulking, typical splices, frame intersections, and, if applicable, at least two entire vision lites and two entire spandrel lites containing an intermediate vertical member and an intermediate horizontal member.”
AAMA 501.2-15-4.0
Can an AAMA 501.2 test be conducted at nozzle water pressure below the minimum specified by the standard?
If so, what conditions apply.
Yes, if:
One. The reason for not achieving the pressure is acceptable to the specifier.
Two. The pressure is not lower than 25 psi (170K PA.)
Three. The reason and the actual pressure are noted in the test report as an exception to the method.
A curtain wall system containing 80 s.f. floor to ceiling vision lites, a pivot door entrance and opaque spandrel lites at the floor lines is tested per AAMA 501.2 The test is conducted with the nozzle pressure at 25 PSI and the nozzle held 13” from the test specimen.
The test includes the full perimeter of one vision lite, frame intersections and the perimeter caulking below.
Is this a compliant test?
If not, why not.
No.
The test area is not sufficient. The test should include two vision lights and two spandrel lights as well as the intermediate horizontal and vertical members with a minimum of 100 ft.² in the test area.
A curtain wall system containing 80 s.f. full floor vision lites, a pivot door entrance and opaque spandrel lites at the floor lines is tested per AAMA 501.2 The test is conducted with the nozzle pressure at 20 PSI and the nozzle held 13” from the test specimen.
The test includes two bays with a vision lite and spandrel in each, as well as frame intersections, intermediate vertical and horizontal members and perimeter caulking below.
Is this a compliant test?
If not, why not.
No,
The nozzle pressure is too low. While 25 PSI can be acceptable under specific circumstances, 20 psi is not considered adequate pressure
A curtain wall system containing 110 s.f. floor to floor vision lites, a pivot door entrance and operable awning units is tested per AAMA 501.2 The test is conducted with the nozzle pressure at 25 PSI and the nozzle held 12” from the test specimen.
The test includes the full perimeter of the vision lite, frame intersections and perimeter caulking below.
Is this a compliant test?
If not, why not.
Maybe.
25 psi nozzle pressure is allowed if an adequate reason is provided and is acceptable to the specifier, if the pressure is noted in the testing report as an deviation and if the pressure does not drop below 25 psi.
As there are no spandrel lites present, the test of the single 110 ft.² vision panel meets both the area and component inclusion requirements of the standard.
