Water Penetration and Air Leakage Testing
ASTM E1105 • ASTM E783 • AAMA 502 • AAMA 503
Water intrusion and uncontrolled air leakage are two of the leading causes of reduced building enclosure performance, contributing to structural deterioration, mold growth, corrosion, increased energy costs, occupant discomfort, and costly repairs. Building Enclosure Forensics provides independent field water penetration and air leakage testing to evaluate the performance of installed windows, doors, curtain walls, storefront systems, and exterior wall assemblies.
Using industry-recognized testing standards including ASTM E1105, ASTM E783, AAMA 502, and AAMA 503, we help building owners, architects, contractors, developers, commissioning agents, and attorneys verify building enclosure performance, investigate water and air infiltration issues, and identify installation deficiencies through objective, evidence-based evaluations.
What is ASTM E1105 Testing
ASTM E1105, Standard Test Method for Field Determination of Water Penetration of Installed Exterior Windows, Skylights, Doors, and Curtain Walls by Uniform or Cyclic Static Air Pressure Difference, is the industry-recognized standard for evaluating the water penetration resistance of installed fenestration systems under simulated wind-driven rain conditions.
Unlike laboratory testing performed before products are installed, ASTM E1105 evaluates the performance of the completed installation in the field. This allows the effects of installation practices, flashing, sealants, interface details, and surrounding building enclosure components to be assessed under actual project conditions.
During testing, water is uniformly applied to the exterior surface of the assembly while a calibrated pressure differential is created across the system to simulate wind-driven rain. The interior is then monitored for evidence of uncontrolled water penetration, helping determine whether the installed assembly performs as intended and identifying potential leakage pathways.
ASTM E1105 testing is commonly performed to:
Verify the water penetration resistance of newly installed windows, doors, storefronts, curtain walls, and skylights
Support construction quality assurance and building enclosure commissioning
Evaluate compliance with project specifications and performance requirements
Investigate reported water leaks and moisture intrusion
Identify installation deficiencies and building enclosure defects
Verify the effectiveness of completed repairs
Support warranty claims, insurance investigations, and construction defect litigation
Water intrusion is one of the leading causes of building enclosure deterioration and can result in structural damage, corrosion, mold growth, damaged interior finishes, and costly repairs. ASTM E1105 testing provides building owners, architects, contractors, developers, commissioning agents, and attorneys with objective, measurable data to evaluate the performance of installed fenestration systems and identify the source of water intrusion.
As an independent building enclosure consulting firm, Building Enclosure Forensics performs ASTM E1105 testing in accordance with industry standards and provides unbiased, evidence-based evaluations to help clients verify building enclosure performance, diagnose water intrusion issues, and make informed decisions regarding corrective actions.
What is AAMA 502 and 503 Testing
AAMA 502, Voluntary Specification for Field Testing of Newly Installed Fenestration Products, and AAMA 503, Voluntary Specification for Field Testing of Newly Installed Storefronts, Curtain Walls, and Sloped Glazing Systems, establish industry-recognized procedures for evaluating the field performance of newly installed fenestration systems.
While ASTM E1105 and ASTM E783 define the test methods for evaluating water penetration resistance and air leakage performance, AAMA 502 and AAMA 503 provide quality assurance protocols that specify when, where, and how those tests should be performed during construction. These standards help verify that installed systems meet project requirements before building occupancy.
AAMA 502 applies to newly installed windows, sliding glass doors, and swinging doors, while AAMA 503 applies to storefronts, curtain walls, and sloped glazing systems. Both standards utilize field testing, including ASTM E1105 water penetration testing and ASTM E783 air leakage testing, to verify the performance of the completed installation.
AAMA 502 and AAMA 503 testing is commonly performed to:
Verify the quality of newly installed fenestration systems
Support construction quality assurance programs
Assist with building enclosure commissioning
Confirm compliance with project specifications and performance requirements
Identify installation deficiencies before project completion
Reduce the risk of future water intrusion and air leakage issues
Establish baseline performance prior to owner acceptance
Field testing performed in accordance with AAMA 502 and AAMA 503 allows deficiencies to be identified and corrected early, before they result in occupant complaints, moisture damage, increased energy costs, or costly warranty claims. Verifying the performance of installed windows, doors, storefronts, and curtain wall systems during construction helps improve long-term building enclosure performance and reduces the likelihood of premature failures.
As an independent building enclosure consulting firm, Building Enclosure Forensics performs field testing in accordance with AAMA 502, AAMA 503, ASTM E1105, and ASTM E783, providing objective, evidence-based evaluations to help owners, architects, contractors, developers, and commissioning agents verify that installed fenestration systems perform as intended.
What is ASTM E783?
ASTM E783, Standard Test Method for Field Measurement of Air Leakage Through Installed Exterior Windows and Doors, is the industry-recognized standard for evaluating the air leakage performance of installed windows, doors, storefront systems, and curtain walls under controlled pressure conditions.
Unlike laboratory testing performed before products are installed, ASTM E783 measures the performance of the installed system in the field. This allows the effects of installation practices, sealants, flashing, transitions, and surrounding construction to be evaluated as part of the completed building enclosure.
During testing, a calibrated test chamber is secured to the interior or exterior of the fenestration system, and a specified pressure differential is applied to simulate wind-induced pressures. Specialized instrumentation measures the amount of air leakage through the assembly, providing objective, quantifiable data regarding its air infiltration performance.
ASTM E783 testing is commonly performed to:
Verify the air leakage performance of newly installed windows, doors, storefronts, and curtain walls
Support quality assurance during construction
Assist with building enclosure commissioning
Evaluate compliance with project specifications
Investigate occupant complaints related to drafts or air infiltration
Identify installation deficiencies and leakage pathways
Verify the effectiveness of completed repairs
Support warranty claims and forensic investigations
Air leakage through building enclosure systems can contribute to increased energy consumption, occupant discomfort, condensation, moisture-related damage, and reduced HVAC performance. ASTM E783 testing provides building owners, architects, contractors, developers, and commissioning agents with objective, measurable data to evaluate the performance of installed fenestration systems and make informed decisions regarding corrective actions.
As an independent building enclosure consulting firm, Building Enclosure Forensics performs ASTM E783 testing in accordance with industry standards and provides unbiased, evidence-based evaluations to help clients verify building enclosure performance and identify the root cause of air leakage issues.
Why Water Penetration and Air Leakage Testing Matters
Uncontrolled water intrusion and air leakage are among the leading causes of building enclosure performance issues. Even small deficiencies in windows, doors, storefronts, curtain walls, and their interface with adjacent construction can allow water and air to bypass the building enclosure, resulting in damage that often remains hidden behind finished surfaces.
These deficiencies may contribute to:
Structural deterioration and wood rot
Corrosion of metal components and fasteners
Mold and microbial growth
Damage to insulation and interior finishes
Increased heating and cooling costs
Occupant discomfort caused by drafts and temperature fluctuations
Condensation and moisture-related issues
Reduced HVAC efficiency and poor indoor air quality
Premature deterioration of building enclosure materials
Costly repairs, warranty claims, and construction defect litigation
Field testing performed in accordance with ASTM E1105, ASTM E783, AAMA 502, and AAMA 503 provides objective, measurable data to evaluate the performance of installed fenestration systems under real-world conditions. Whether verifying new construction, investigating reported deficiencies, or confirming the effectiveness of completed repairs, these industry-recognized test methods help building owners, architects, contractors, developers, commissioning agents, and attorneys make informed decisions based on documented performance rather than assumptions.
By identifying deficiencies early, project teams can focus corrective actions on the root cause of the problem, improve long-term building enclosure performance, reduce lifecycle costs, and minimize the risk of future water intrusion and uncontrolled air leakage.