Page 461 - Construction Waterproofing Handbook

CHAPTER 12

ENVELOPE TESTING

INTRODUCTION

There are several steps, methods, and means to test individual or complete portions of a
composite envelope. These tests begin with the manufacturer’s testing, which ensures that
materials are suitable for specified use, longevity, and weathering. Next an entire com-
posite envelope sampling is tested to ensure that all components, when assembled, will
function cohesively to prevent water infiltration.
No project is built or renovated without some testing having been completed. Too fre-
quently, however, the only testing completed, that of material systems by manufacturers,
is insufficient to prevent problems that continue to occur at the job site.
Rarely is attention given to testing the 1 percent of a building envelope that creates
90 percent of the water intrusion problems. This 1 percent of a building’s area, the termi-
nations and transitions of various independent systems, never is fully incorporated into
proper testing.

WHEN TESTING IS REQUIRED

Testing frequently is used to test new designs, materials, or systems. However, envelope
designs that incorporate standard materials also require testing under certain circum-
stances. For example, masonry walls constructed of typical brick composition but having
intricate detailed slopes, shapes, and changes in plane should be tested. Testing in these
cases will determine whether flashings as detailed will perform adequately in the various
detail changes incorporated into the design.
Testing should also be completed when envelope components contain areas such as
expansion joints in unusual or previously untested areas; for example, a sealant expansion
joint in a sloped area that may pond water.
Specially manufactured products, such as specially colored sealants, brick manufac-
tured in unusual textures, metal extruded in unusual shapes, and joints, are examples of
envelope components that should be tested to prevent problems after complete envelope
installation.
Any time a new design comprising several different materials is developed for a proposed
envelope mock-up, testing is imperative. This is particularly true for high-rise construction.
Cladding materials used in today’s designs and construction are lighter-weight and thinner,
requiring fewer structural materials and supports. This lowers overall building costs but, in turn,

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