Evaluating the Field Performance

of Windows and Curtain Walls

of Large Buildings

Mario Gonçalves, Eng.

President
 Context

Windows and
curtain walls
represent as
much as 50%
to 100% of the
exterior
envelope of
large buildings
…
 … and are determining
elements in the performance of
the vertical building envelope.
Role of the building envelope …
 Common problems
 Water infiltration;

 Excessive air leakage resulting in:

• discomfort to occupants
• condensation on interior surfaces
• icicle formation on exterior surfaces
Some examples
 Performance requirements need
to be established for each project
on a case by case basis …
Performance requirements

 Wind load resistance;

 Resistance to water penetration;

 Air leakage resistance;

 Condensation resistance.
 Industry standards
Laboratory evaluation
 AAMA/NWWDA-101
Voluntary Specifications for Windows and Glass Doors

CAN/CSA-A440 (Canada)
Windows

 AAMA 501
Methods of Test for Metal Curtain Walls

NFRC 102
Steady-State Thermal Transmittance of Fenestration Systems

AAMA 1503
Voluntary Test Method for Thermal Transmittance and
Condensation Resistance of Windows, Doors and Glazed Wall Sections

 CSA/A440.2 (Canada)
Energy Performance of Windows and other Fenestration Products
 Industry standards
Field evaluation

 AAMA 502
Voluntary Specifications for Field Testing of Windows
and Sliding Glass Doors
AAMA 503
Voluntary Specifications for Field Testing of Storefronts,
Curtain Walls and Sloped Glazing Systems
CSA/A440.4 - Appendix D (Canada)
Field Testing of Window and Door Installations
Field performance evaluation
 Test methods

 ASTM E783
Field Measurement of Air Leakage Through Installed Exterior
Windows and Doors

ASTM E1186
Standard Practice for Air Leakage Site Detection in Building
Envelope and Air Barrier Systems (chamber pressurization in
conjunction with white smoke tracers method)

ASTM E1105
Field Determination of Water Penetration of Installed Exterior
Windows, Curtain Walls and Doors by Uniform Static
Air Pressure Differential
 Other diagnostic tools

 AAMA 501.2
Quality Assurance and Diagnostic Water Leakage Field Check
of Installed Storefronts, Curtain Walls, and Sloped Glazing Systems

CAN/CGSB 149-GP-2MP
Manual for Thermographic Analysis of Building Enclosures
Thank you!