Wisconsin Solar Design: Skylights

Wisconsin Solar Design recommends considering field testing an option to be used on projects with larger or complex skylights and for occasions when normal exposure to weather and product guarantee do not provide adequate assurance of serviceability.

We recommend that the testing agency be employed by the Owner to maintain objectivity. Delegating the testing responsibility to the 08 63 00 skylight contractor introduces a potential conflict of interest.

FIELD TESTING FOR WATER LEAKAGE

Hose Spray Test (AAMA 501.2) - This test method also simulates wind-driven rain in small segmented areas using a standard garden hose in which a calibrated nozzle is attached with a pressure gauge. The spray is directed at a specific joint, crack, or defect to reveal potential moisture intrusion.

The complete AAMA document may be obtained online at www.aamanet.org. A partial summary edited for skylights of the Field Check of Metal Curtain Walls For Water Leakage (AAMA 501.2-03 or CWCT Standard Section 7 Test methods for Curtain Walls) follows. Wisconsin Solar Design disclaims all responsiblity for the use and accuracy of the following specifications.

APPLICATION

This field application is used to test water penetration of joints in a glazed structure which are permanently closed and watertight. AAMA 502.2 is designed for operable joints such as those around doors and operable parts of windows.

PREPARATION OF SKYLIGHT

The test area is a representative sample of the typical construction. The designated (5) ft square test area(s) includes typical horizontal and vertical joints or other conditions where leakage may occur. The test is conducted as soon as possible after the glazed structure is installed while allowing time for wet applied sealants to cure.

EQUIPMENT

The water is applied using a Type B.25, 6.030 brass nozzle with SFPT. similar to that manufactured by Monarch Manufacturing Works, Inc., Newton Tool and Mfg. Company, 500 Pedricktown Road, Swedesboro, NJ 08085. The nozzle is used with 3/4" garden hose and is attached to a control valve and a pressure gauge between the valve and the nozzle. The water flow to the nozzle is adjusted to produce 30 to 35 psi water pressure at the nozzle inlet. Pressures lower than 30 psi are acceptable when greater pressures are impractical.

PERFORMING THE TEST

With the water directed at the joint and perpendicular to the face of the structure, the nozzle is moved slowly back and forth above the Joint, at a distance of 1ft from it, for a period of five (5) minutes over a designated (5) ft area. A ruler may be attached to the spray nozzle used to assist is maintaining the 1 ft spray distance. An observer on the indoor side of the wall checks for any leakage and notes where it occurs.

If no leakage occurs during the five minute test, the next five foot area is tested for five minutes, and testing continues until all test areas are covered.

If water leakage occurs and the source cannot be identified, the following sequence is followed:

a. Allow the suspect area to dry and cover with a waterproof adhesive masking tape.

b. Starting at the bottom of the prepared area, remove the masking tape from the lowest horizontal joint and subject this exposed length to the nozzle spray as described above.

c. If no leakage occurs during the repeat 5-minute test period, this length of joint is considered satisfactory and is left uncovered. If leakage has occurred at any point, the joint is re-taped to prevent further leakage during checking of the remaining test area.

d. This process shall then be repeated on all joints and joint intersections within the designated areas, using increments not exceeding 5 ft (1.52m) and always working from the bottom up.

RETESTING

When leakage occurs, the skylight is made watertight and subsequently tested. Remedial work involving the use of curing type compounds shall be allowed to set for one week before it is rechecked for leakage. If leakage continues, apply further remedial measures and repeat testing until all joints in the designated area are found to be satisfactory.

CONCLUSIONS

A report is prepared noting time and date, location, manufacturer, model, dimensions, materials, climatic conditions, condition of the skylight. The sampling procedure is noted. The results of the tests and retests are recorded. Finally, note compliance with test procedures and the acceptability of the results noting any deviations.

AAMA 501.2 CRITERIA FOR PASS/FAIL

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 one half ounce of water (14.8cc) in a 15 minute test period on top of an interior stop or stool integral with the skylight system is not considered water leakage.