Accredited Testing That Turns Guesswork Into Evidence

If you're dealing with a building envelope performance issue — water intrusion, air leakage, thermal deficiency, or a construction defect dispute — the quality of the outcome depends entirely on the quality of the diagnosis. Building envelope testing transforms speculation into evidence. It replaces assumptions about where water is entering with measured data documenting the exact breach location. It replaces opinions about air leakage severity with quantified infiltration rates that can be compared against ASHRAE standards.

ACE Building Envelope Design is an FGIA/AAMA-accredited testing agency — meaning our testing procedures, equipment calibration, and personnel qualifications have been independently audited and verified by the Fenestration and Glazing Industry Alliance. This accreditation ensures that test results produced by ACE are reproducible, defensible in legal proceedings, and accepted by manufacturers, owners, construction attorneys, and courts. Standard testing reports are delivered within one week of site visits.

The six diagnostic procedures below represent ACE's core testing capabilities. Each addresses a specific performance question — is the wall leaking water, how much air is infiltrating, where are the thermal deficiencies, is the waterproofing intact, and does the fenestration system meet its design specifications? Select a test method below to learn about its procedure, applications, and what the results mean for your building.

ASTM E1105 Water Penetration Testing

ASTM E1105 water penetration testing is the standard diagnostic procedure for determining whether installed fenestration and wall assemblies resist water penetration under specified pressure conditions. ACE performs this test according to ASTM International protocols, applying calibrated water spray to the test area while maintaining a specified air pressure differential across the assembly. This simulates wind-driven rain conditions and reveals whether the as-installed system meets its performance specifications.

ASTM E1105 testing is essential for new construction quality assurance, warranty verification, and forensic investigation of active leaks. When water intrusion is reported, this test can confirm or eliminate specific wall sections, window units, or curtain wall zones as the source — directing repair efforts to the actual breach location rather than speculative areas.

ASTM E783 Air Leakage and Infrared Diagnostics

ASTM E783 air leakage testing quantifies the rate of air infiltration through fenestration and wall assemblies under specified pressure conditions. This test produces measurable data — cubic feet per minute per square foot of test area — that can be compared against ASHRAE standards and contract specifications. For buildings experiencing rising energy costs or comfort complaints, ASTM E783 testing provides the evidence needed to determine whether the envelope is meeting performance requirements.

Infrared thermography complements air leakage testing by providing visual documentation of thermal anomalies across the building envelope. ACE deploys both handheld and drone-mounted infrared cameras to survey entire building facades rapidly, identifying areas where heat loss, moisture intrusion, or air leakage patterns are concentrated. This non-invasive screening method is particularly effective for condition assessments and prioritizing areas for further investigation.

Flood Testing and Electronic Leak Detection

Flood testing evaluates waterproofing membrane integrity on horizontal surfaces — podium decks, plaza systems, green roofs, and below-grade slabs — by maintaining a controlled depth of water over the membrane for a specified duration. This test reveals breaches that may not be apparent during visual inspection, particularly at membrane laps, penetration seals, and drain locations. For podium deck and green roof projects, flood testing before overburden installation is a critical quality assurance step that prevents extraordinarily expensive post-construction repairs.

Electronic leak detection (ELD) uses electrical impedance testing to locate breaches in waterproofing and roofing membranes with pinpoint accuracy. Unlike flood testing, ELD can be performed on membranes that have already been covered with overburden — making it invaluable for investigating leaks in occupied buildings where the waterproofing is buried under concrete, pavers, or soil. The U.S. Department of Energy recognizes membrane integrity as fundamental to building moisture management and long-term envelope performance.

AAMA Fenestration Performance Testing

AAMA fenestration performance testing evaluates the installed performance of windows, curtain walls, storefronts, and skylights against the standards established by the Fenestration and Glazing Industry Alliance (AAMA). ACE performs AAMA 501, 502, and 503 test procedures that assess water penetration resistance, air infiltration rates, and structural wind load performance of installed fenestration systems.

Fenestration testing is particularly important for commercial buildings and high-rise towers where curtain wall systems are the primary weather barrier. When fenestration failures occur — leaking windows, air infiltration at frame joints, condensation on interior glazing — AAMA testing determines whether the installed system meets its design specifications or whether the installation deviates from manufacturer requirements. This distinction is critical for warranty claims, construction defect disputes, and determining responsibility between the manufacturer and the installer.

ACE's FGIA/AAMA accreditation means that fenestration test results carry the authority of an independently verified testing agency — accepted by manufacturers, owners, and legal professionals for warranty enforcement and litigation support.

Explore Specific Diagnostic Procedures

Each diagnostic page details the test procedure, applications, standards, and what results mean for your building.

Frequently Asked Questions