Fenestration—a collective term for the doors, windows, and skylights that penetrate a building’s exterior—is a key element of a home’s design as it enables natural lighting, ventilation, and access. ASTM E1105-15(2023): 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 “go to” standard when field testing newly installed fenestration products.
What Is ASTM E1105-15(2023)?
ASTM E1105-15(2023) details the test method for determining the resistance to water penetration under uniform or cyclic static air pressure differences of installed exterior windows, skylights, curtain walls, and doors. The procedure is intended primarily for determining the resistance to water penetration through such assemblies for compliance with specified performance criteria, but it may also be used to determine the resistance to penetration through the joints between the assemblies and the adjacent construction.
This test method addresses water penetration through a manufactured assembly. Water that penetrates the assembly, but does not result in a failure as defined herein, may have adverse effects on the performance of contained materials such as sealants and insulating or laminated glass. This test method does not address these issues.
Summary of the Test Method in ASTM E1105-15(2023)
ASTM E1105-15(2023) provides a summary of the standard procedure:
“the test method consists of sealing a chamber to the interior or exterior face of specimen to be tested, supplying air to a chamber mounted on the exterior or exhausting air from a chamber mounted on the interior, at the rate required to maintain the test pressure difference across the specimen while spraying water onto the outdoor face of the specimen at the required rate and observing any water penetration.”
Calibration in ASTM E1105-15(2023)
The ASTM E1105-15(2023) test method uses a calibrated spray rack to apply water to the specimen. Specifically, the water-spray system shall be calibrated at both upper corners and at the quarter point of the horizontal center line (of the spray system). When the calibration is made, the investigator should record the water pressure on the intake water line to the nozzle grid; when a field test is made, the investigator should adjust the water pressure on the intake line to the pressure recorded when the grid was calibrated.
How Can Fenestration Improve Your Home’s Energy Efficiency?
With proper design and maintenance, fenestration can enhance your home’s energy efficiency. If your house’s windows, doors, curtain walls, and skylights are in good condition, taking steps to improve their efficiency may be the most cost-effective option to increase the comfort of your home and save money on energy costs.
Here are several things you can do to improve the efficiency of your existing home’s fenestration that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends:
- Cover window with clear plastic sheets or storm windows
- Add exterior shading like awnings, exterior blind, or overhands
- Use window shades efficiently
- Add energy efficient window coverings
- Use windows for ventilation
- Seal air leaks
- Caulk and weather-strip
- Add energy efficient coverings
ASTM E1105-15(2023): 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 available on the ANSI Webstore.
