Page 472 - Construction Waterproofing Handbook

12.12 CHAPTER TWELVE

FIGURE 12.10 Tare bag in place for testing. (Courtesy of
Architectural Testing, Inc.)

Static pressure water testing
Static pressure water testing uses the same apparatus and methods used with air testing,
while at the same time applying water to the envelope face at a uniform and constant
rate. Test standards typically used are according to ASTM-E331. Water is applied using
spray nozzles equally spaced so as to provide uniform water application to all envelope
components (Fig. 12.11).
By creating positive air pressure on the envelope (withdrawing air from inside the test
chamber), water is sucked through an envelope at any point of failure. Areas of leakage are
then marked for review and cause determination after testing has been completed.
Certain areas, such as weeps built into masonry walls or curtain wall framing, are
subject to some water infiltration. As weeps are an integral part of an envelope design,
allowable percentages of water infiltration through these areas must be determined.
Test results can then be measured to determine the acceptability of infiltration through
these areas.