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.
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. This accreditation ensures that test results 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.
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 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.
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 that can be compared against ASHRAE standards and contract specifications. For buildings experiencing rising energy costs, 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.
What You're Facing
Active leaks, performance disputes, energy waste, or construction defect allegations — and you need defensible evidence, not opinions.
How We Address It
ACE deploys FGIA/AAMA-accredited testing procedures calibrated to your specific question — water, air, thermal, or waterproofing.
What You Get
Defensible test reports within one week of site visits, clear identification of failure locations, and actionable data that drives effective repairs.
Need Answers About Your Building's Performance?
Describe the issue and we'll recommend the right diagnostic approach — from a single test to a comprehensive investigation.
Describe Your Situation →Or call (866) 389-8883 for same-day consultation
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.
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.
AAMA Fenestration Performance Testing
AAMA fenestration performance testing evaluates the installed performance of windows, curtain walls, storefronts, and skylights against standards established by AAMA. ACE performs AAMA 501, 502, and 503 test procedures that assess water penetration resistance, air infiltration rates, and structural wind load performance.
Fenestration testing is particularly important for commercial buildings and high-rise towers where curtain wall systems are the primary weather barrier. ACE's FGIA/AAMA accreditation means that fenestration test results carry the authority of an independently verified testing agency.
Explore Specific Diagnostic Procedures
Each diagnostic procedure addresses a specific performance question about your building envelope.
ASTM E1105 Water Testing
Water penetration resistance testing for walls, windows, and curtain wall systems.
ASTM E783 Air Testing
Air leakage rate measurement for fenestration and wall assemblies.
Infrared Thermography
Drone and handheld IR imaging for thermal anomaly and moisture detection.
Flood Testing
Controlled water ponding for waterproofing membrane integrity verification.
Electronic Leak Detection
Pinpoint breach location on roofing and waterproofing membranes.
AAMA Fenestration Testing
AAMA 501/502/503 performance testing for windows and curtain walls.
Frequently Asked Questions
ACE performs ASTM E1105 water testing, ASTM E783 air testing, infrared thermography, flood testing, electronic leak detection, and AAMA fenestration testing.
Accreditation means ACE's procedures are independently verified, and results are reproducible, defensible in legal proceedings, and accepted by manufacturers and courts.
Standard reports within one week of site visits. Same-day consultation for urgent issues. Field teams deploy from Concord, CA and Nampa, ID.
During construction for QA, at substantial completion for warranty documentation, during forensic investigations, and during condition assessments of existing buildings.
Yes. Most procedures work on occupied buildings with minimal disruption. We coordinate with building management to protect interior finishes and schedule testing appropriately.