ASTM E1748-95(2017)

Standard Test Method for Evaluating the Engagement Between Windows and Insect Screens as an Integral System

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 This test method is a design tool to evaluate the engagement between the window and insect screen under static loading. The ability of insect screens to remain engaged depends on the magnitude, duration, repetition of loads, and the method of engagement. The platen size and shape were chosen to prevent screen cloth damage during static loading. The 60-s duration was arbitrarily chosen to standardize this test method.  
5.2 This test method is not intended for evaluating retention of woven screen mesh to a screen frame.
Note 1: The procedure described in SMA/SMT 31 is one method that has been developed for such evaluation.  
5.3 This test method is not intended for evaluating retention of security or protection screens used as a deterrent against vandalism or forced entry.
Note 2: The procedure described in ANSI/SMA 6001 is one method that has been developed for such evaluation.  
5.4 This test method is not intended for evaluating the retention of insect screens being used as a restraint of occupants within the building as a means of preventing accidental falls.  
5.5 This test method is not intended for evaluating retention of insect screens for their ability to withstand impacts from windborne debris as might develop during hurricanes or other windstorm events.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers the evaluation of the static load resistance of an insect screen in its functional position in a window under load conditions prescribed by appropriate specifying authorities.  
1.2 This test method is applicable to insect screens larger than 12 in. (300 mm) in least dimension that can be accessed from both the interior and exterior direction when the insect screen is in the functional position.  
1.3 This test method evaluates both the interior and exterior static load resistance of the insect screen attachment to the window frame.  
1.4 This test method describes the apparatus and the procedure to be used for applying static loads to specimens.  
1.5 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard.  
1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.  
1.7 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 31-Aug-2017
• ICS: 91.060.50 - Doors and windows
• Technical Committee: E06 - Performance of Buildings
• Drafting Committee: E06.51 - Performance of Windows, Doors, Skylights and Curtain Walls

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM E1748-95(2009) - Standard Test Method for Evaluating the Engagement Between Windows and Insect Screens as an Integral System
• Effective Date: 01-Sep-2017
• Refers: ASTM E631-15 - Standard Terminology of Building Constructions
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2015
• Refers: ASTM E631-14 - Standard Terminology of Building Constructions
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2014
• Refers: ASTM E631-06 - Standard Terminology of Building Constructions
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2006
• Refers: ASTM E631-93a(1998)e1 - Standard Terminology of Building Constructions
• Effective Date: 28-Jul-2000

Overview

ASTM E1748-95(2017) - Standard Test Method for Evaluating the Engagement Between Windows and Insect Screens as an Integral System establishes a reliable procedure for assessing how effectively insect screens remain engaged with windows under static loading conditions. Developed by ASTM, this international standard is essential for manufacturers, specifiers, and quality control professionals focused on ensuring the robust performance and safe installation of insect screens as part of window systems.

This test method specifically evaluates large insect screens (greater than 12 inches or 300 mm in the least dimension) that can be engaged from both the interior and exterior once the window is in its functional position. It focuses on the mechanical engagement between screen and window, rather than mesh retention or high-security applications.

Key Topics

• Purpose of the Test
  The standard provides a method for determining the static load resistance of an insect screen engaged in its window frame, gauging its ability to remain attached under prescribed loading conditions from either direction. This information serves as a crucial design and assessment tool for new and existing window and screen products.

• Scope and Limitations

  • Applicable only to static loading scenarios; the test does not address dynamic impacts or mesh retention.
  • Not suitable for evaluating:
    • The retention of woven mesh to the screen frame (see SMA/SMT 31 for these procedures)
    • Security or protection screens designed for vandalism or forced entry resistance (see ANSI/SMA 6001)
    • Screens intended to prevent accidental occupant falls
    • Windborne debris resistance, such as during hurricanes

• Test Procedure Summarized

  • The window and screen assembly is installed in a test frame.
  • The screen is operated as per manufacturer’s instructions and subjected to a specified static load, applied to both the interior and exterior sides for 60 seconds.
  • Observations are made for any disengagement or permanent deformation.
  • All deviations, test loads, and results are documented for compliance and evaluation purposes.

• Reporting Requirements

  • Identification and description of the specimen and test conditions
  • Detailed diagrams and installation notes
  • Exact loads applied, and the outcome, including any disengagement or damage

Applications

• Design Verification
  Window and insect screen manufacturers utilize this standard to verify and refine engagement mechanisms, ensuring that products can withstand typical static loads as required by building codes or regional specifications.

• Quality Control and Product Development
  Routine use of ASTM E1748-95(2017) in factory and independent laboratory settings helps maintain consistent product quality and supports innovation in attachment technologies.

• Specification by Authorities and Architects
  Building professionals and regulators can reference this standard to specify minimum performance criteria for window and insect screen systems in residential and commercial buildings.

• Comparative Performance Assessment
  Stakeholders can use the standardized technique to compare different screen/window engagement systems, providing objective performance data for procurement decisions.

Related Standards

• ASTM E631
  Terminology of Building Constructions - foundational definitions for terms used throughout ASTM E1748.

• SMA/SMT 31
  Provides test procedures for attachment of screening to frames, offering complementary guidance for mesh/frame retention.

• ANSI/SMA 6001
  Details specifications for metal protection screens where forced entry resistance is a requirement.

By adhering to ASTM E1748-95(2017), stakeholders ensure standardized evaluation, safety, and consistency in the performance of window and insect screen engagement systems, supporting long-term durability and user satisfaction in building construction.

Standards Content (Sample)

This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation: E1748 − 95 (Reapproved 2017)
Standard Test Method for
Evaluating the Engagement Between Windows and Insect
Screens as an Integral System
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E1748; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope 2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
1.1 This test method covers the evaluation of the static load
E631 Terminology of Building Constructions
resistance of an insect screen in its functional position in a
2.2 ANSI Standard:
window under load conditions prescribed by appropriate speci-
ANSI/SMA 6001 Specifications for Metal Protection
fying authorities.
Screens
1.2 This test method is applicable to insect screens larger 4
2.3 SMA Standard:
than 12 in. (300 mm) in least dimension that can be accessed
SMA/SMT 31 Testing Procedures and Equipment Bulletin
from both the interior and exterior direction when the insect
for Attachment of Screening to Frame
screen is in the functional position.
3. Terminology
1.3 This test method evaluates both the interior and exterior
3.1 Definitions—Definitions are in accordance with Termi-
static load resistance of the insect screen attachment to the
nology E631, unless otherwise indicated.
window frame.
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
1.4 This test method describes the apparatus and the proce-
3.2.1 engagement—the physical state of clearances or inter-
dure to be used for applying static loads to specimens.
ferences of an insect screen attached to or contained within a
window unit.
1.5 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded
3.2.2 insect screen—a frame holding a woven netting of
as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical
sufficient strand diameter and spacing to allow ventilation
conversions to SI units that are provided for information only
while providing some degree of protection against insects.
and are not considered standard.
1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the
4. Summary of Test Method
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
4.1 This test method consists of installing a window unit
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
with its insect screen(s) in the functional position into a test
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
frame and then applying a specified static load to the insect
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
screen for a duration of 60 s in both the interior and exterior
1.7 This international standard was developed in accor-
directions.
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the 5. Significance and Use
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
5.1 This test method is a design tool to evaluate the
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
engagement between the window and insect screen under static
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E06 on Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
Performance of Buildings and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee E06.51 the ASTM website.
on Performance of Windows, Doors, Skylights and Curtain Walls. Available from American National Standards Institute (ANSI), 25 W. 43rd St.,
Current edition approved Sept. 1, 2017. Published September 2017. Originally 4th Floor, New York, NY 10036, http://www.ansi.org.
approved in 1995. Last previous edition approved in 2009 as E1748 – 95 (2009). Available from Screen ManufacturersAssociation (SMA), 10526 SouthAve. J,
DOI: 10.1520/E1748-95R17. Chicago Illinois 60617, http://www.smainfo.org.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
E1748 − 95 (2017)
loading. The ability of insect screens to remain engaged 7.2 Test specimens shall be of the greatest dimension in
depends on the magnitude, duration, repetition of loads, and both directions for which conformance is desired, unless
the method of engagement. The platen size and shape were otherwise prescribed by the specifying authority.
chosen to prevent screen cloth damage during static loading.
NOTE 3—Test specimen performance is likely to be a function of size
The 60-s duration was arbitrarily chosen to standardize this test
and geometry.
method.
5.2 This test method is not intended for evaluating retention 8. Information Required
of woven screen mesh to a screen frame.
8.1 In specifying this test method, the specifying authority
NOTE 1—The procedure described in SMA/SMT 31 is one method that
shall supply the following information:
has been developed for such evaluation.
8.1.1 The interior and exterior static load, and
5.3 This test method is not intended for evaluating retention
8.1.2 Thenumberandlocationofdeflectionordisplacement
of security or protection screens used as a deterrent against
measurements required during and after removal of load, if
vandalism or forced entry.
any.
NOTE 2—The procedure described in ANSI/SMA 6001 is one method
that has been developed for such evaluation. 9. Procedure
5.4 This test method is not intended for evaluating the
9.1 Preparation—Remove any sealing or packing material
retention of insect screens being used as a restraint of occu-
that is not normally part of the assembly as installed. Fit the
pants within the building as a means of preventing accidental
test specimen into the test frame in accordance with the
falls.
manufacturer’s installation instructions. Position all operating
glazedsashorpanelsinanopenpositionsuchthattheywillnot
5.5 This test method is not intended for evaluating retention
interferewithdeflectionsofthescreenandframeunderloading
of insect screens for their ability to withstand impacts from
or remove them from the test specimen. Place all insect screens
windborne debris as might develop during hurricanes or other
in their fun
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