Method Statement for Curtin Wall Hose Test.
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Method Statement for Curtin Wall Hose Test.

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Method Statement for Curtin Wall Hose Test.

Test Standard.  

For Fixed Panels - Hose testing will be carried out by TBWIC testing engineer, in accordance with AAMA  501.2:2015 quality assurance and diagnostic water leakage field check of installed storefronts, curtain walls, and  sloped glazing systems, and this method statement. This field check method is not appropriate for testing operable components such as operable windows and doors. AAMA 502 is the proper test method for field air  leakage resistance and water penetration resistance testing of newly installed operable windows and doors and  AAMA 511 is the proper test method for forensic water penetration testing of fenestration products. 

Test Preparation. 

1. A ¾” inch plastic water hose is directly connected to water source. 

2. The water nozzle will be connected via pressure gauge to the water supply.  

3. Water pressure will be adjusted to 30 – 35 psi. 

4. Test will be witnessed from inside the building during the test by the appointed consultant or with the client 

along with representative from the TBWIC. 

5. An assistant from TBWIC or an Assistant from contractor will be spraying water on the test location. 

6. Access to the outer face of the curtain wall will be ensured using the building cleaning system. (Based on which part/area of the façade will be selected by the consultant/client) 

7. Access to the building is to be coordinated with the client and building tenants where observations will take place. (When and where can only be coordinated after the selection of area to be tested. Elevation drawings are attached). 

8. Once the area is selected, a written request will be forwarded to the client requesting access to the area where observation will take place. 

  

Test Area. 

Area(s) to be tested will be selected by the Consultant or Contractors in accordance with the standard. The total  area cannot not be more than what can be tested in one day.  

According to AAMA 501.2:2015, “The area shall be selected to provide representative performance data, usually  a minimum of 9.3m2 (100ft2).  The area to be tested shall include, perimeter caulking, typical splices, frame  intersections, and, if applicable, at least two entire vision liters and two entire spandrel liters containing an  intermediate vertical member and an intermediate horizontal member. All operable members within the test  area shall be isolated and exempt from the test procedure.”  

In case of failure, we will follow the prescribed procedure for a reasonable time, but not more than what can be  completed on the same day.  We will supervise the test via two-way radio from the inside or flashlight.

Equipment. 

The 'Monarch' nozzle - Type B-25 # 6.030 as per AAMA 501.2:2015. Calibration certificates can be provided upon  request. 

Visual checking of test area for snags, visible defects etc. 

A cradle or scaffolding on the exterior at the location(s) of the test specimen(s) with an operator, a person to stabilize the cradle, a person to hold and point the nozzle, and an English-speaking person to communicate between the people on the exterior and our engineer. 

Clean water in a minimum ¾'' supply hose with approximately 4 bar pressures. Note that the pressure given for the test is with the water flowing, much higher actual pressure is necessary.  Water pressure drops 1 bar for every 10 m rise in height. 

Drying of test area and application and removal of tape, if necessary, to locate leaks. 

Proper access/scaffolding to the inside of test area shall be ensured to observe any water leakage including spandrel area. 

Test Procedure. 

1. The envelope test section will be checked selectively and wetted from the exterior starting from the lowest horizontal joint, then the intersecting vertical joint, then the next horizontal joint above etc. and will be continued until the entire test area was covered. The water will be applied using a ¾” garden hose with a control valve and a pressure gauge fixed between the control valve and nozzle. The pressure of water will be maintained at 30 to 35 Psi the required test pressure (1 bar = 14.76psi (pounds per second inch). 

2. When the water spray is directed at the joint and perpendicular to the face of the test specimen, the nozzle will be moved at a rate of approximately 1.5m in 30 seconds back and forth along the joint, at a distance of 0.3m from it, for a period of 5 minutes for each 1.5m of joint. During the test, observers on the internal side of the test specimen should check for any leakage, if necessary, a flashlight shall be used, and a note will be made when any leakage occurs. 

3. If no leakage occurs during the 5 minutes test, then test the next 1.5m of joint was sprayed by wetting it for 5 minutes and will be continued the test until the entire test area is covered. 

4. Inspection for water leakage will be continued for a period of 30 minutes after cessation of spraying in the zone of the test specimen. 

5. Wherever leakage has occurred, joints are made watertight to satisfy the requirements of the specification. Joining compounds shall be allowed to be set for one week before the test section is re-tested. 

6. Water will be sprayed at a pressure of 30 - 35 psi (2.07 - 2.41 Bar) in accordance with the test standard. The flow rate will not be monitored. 

7. The nozzle will be held 305 ±25 mm from the wall spraying 1.5 m lengths back and forth along each joint, successively, for five minutes each, working from the bottom up.   

8. Instruction to deal with Joint less than or more than 1.5m is usually explained verbally at site and taken by ratio and proportion. 

9. This test standard is not intended for operable windows & Doors. If, however, the test is requested to perform on Operable Door & windows in that case we will follow procedure mentioned in Standard AAMA 502 (i.e., Chamber test) and contractor requested to inform regarding test well in advance and not during day of test. 

10. Floors/Panels below the tested panel will be randomly inspected for any water leak. 

11. The above test procedure shall be agreed upon by all parties. 




Test Criteria. 

Water leakage is defined 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.  Water contained within drained flashings, gutters, and sills is not considered water leakage. The collection of up  to 15 ml of water in a five-minute test period on top of an interior stop or stool integral with the wall system  shall not be considered water leakage. 

Completion. 

A report will be issued to the effect that the testing in accordance with this method statement either produced  leakage or not. 

Conclusion. 

The test location along with the corresponding test results will be provided in the Final Report after testing.  

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