FAQ's

What is AAMA 501.2

AAMA 501.2: Quality Assurance and Water Field Check of Installed Storefronts, Curtain Walls and Sloped Glazing Systems. Colloquially known as; Facade spray testing, site hose testing, site weatherproofing testing and more. AAMA 501.2 is an on-site facade water leakage check test intended for fixed (non-operable) glazing systems. AAMA 501.2 can also be applied to other facade systems as long as the variation is acknowledged by the relevant parties.

Why have I been asked or why should I conduct this test?

There are many reasons to conduct this test:

It is to be conducted as named, an installation check for Installed Storefronts, Curtain Walls, and Sloped Glazing Systems
It is being conducted to test unique facade elements that perhaps weren’t verified by PMU (Prototype) testing
It is being conducted to verify weathertightness of facade elements with complex installation requirements
It is a requirement of my FP1.4 Pathway or Occupancy Certificate Requirements
It is being conducted to verify weathertightness of different cladding system junctions that have not been PMU (Prototype) tested
There have been rectified faults and I want to verify the integrity of the rectification works.

How is AAMA 501.2 testing conducted?

A project architect, engineer, or other specifier will nominate an area or areas to be tested. This area includes a typical representation of the facade type, or a unique element that needs to be verified. The general guideline in AAMA 501.2 is 100sqft (~10m2) of facade be tested, and should include all typical system junctions (Horizontal joints, vertical joints, edges/corners, intersections etc).
The test apparatus must include a Monarch B-25 #6.030 nozzle, a calibrated pressure gauge measuring supply at the nozzle inlet, a water supply capable of supplying 30-35PSI (207-241kPa) to the nozzle inlet while operating.
All joints within the test area will be divided into 1.5m(~5ft) sections and tested for a period of 5 minutes each. Each section shall be tested by directing the nozzle perpendicular to the plane of the facade, holding the nozzle 280-330mm away from the facade and spraying it with the nozzle water pressure between 30-35PSI.
The nominated facade area shall be wetted working from the lowest section of the area to the highest section of the facade area.
During the testing an observer shall be on the indoor side of the area observing for leaks. Testing should be conducted before the installation of interior wall linings. If interior linings have been installed the contractor should factor in additional costs of removing linings for the test and refinishing on completion of the testing.
AAMA 501.2 defines a leak 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.” With the exception of “The collection of up to 15 mLs of water in a 5 minute period on top of an interior stop or stool integral with the system shall not be considered water leakage.”
If any leaks are identified the source of the leak shall be identified, the area shall be left to dry, the leak shall be rectified and the area shall be retested to verify the rectification method.

What will be conducted on test day?

Arrival of the tester and induction of the tester as required.
Test area facade, internal access inspection and water point location check.
Water pressure check of water access points
Setting-up of relevant equipment.
Detailed facade test span identification, inspection access prepared (may involve removal of wall linings) and photos taken.
Testing, inspections and records taken.
If leaks are identified these may be rectified by the client on the same day, or rectified later and retested on another visit.
Photographs and notes of rectification works as required
Pack-up of test equipment
Verification of records and final photos.
Site departure