ASTM E547-00(2016)

Standard Test Method for Water Penetration of Exterior Windows, Skylights, Doors, and Curtain Walls by Cyclic Static Air Pressure Difference

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 This test method is a standard procedure for determining the resistance to water penetration under cyclic static air pressure differences. The air-pressure differences acting across a building envelope vary greatly. These factors should be fully considered prior to specifying the test pressure difference to be used.
Note 1: In applying the results of tests by this test method, note that the performance of a wall or its components, or both, may be a function of proper installation and adjustment. In service, the performance will also depend on the rigidity of supporting construction and on the resistance of components to deterioration by various causes, vibration, thermal expansion and contraction, etc. It is difficult to simulate the identical complex wetting conditions that can be encountered in service, with large wind-blown water drops, increasing water drop impact pressures with increasing wind velocity, and lateral or upward moving air and water. Some designs are more sensitive than others to this upward moving water.
Note 2: This test method does not identify unobservable liquid water which may penetrate into the test specimen.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers the determination of the resistance of exterior windows, curtain walls, skylights, and doors to water penetration when water is applied to the outdoor face and exposed edges simultaneously with a cyclic static air pressure at the outdoor face higher than the pressure at the indoor face.  
1.2 This test method is applicable to any curtain-wall area or to windows, skylights, or doors alone.  
1.3 This test method addresses water penetration through a manufactured assembly. Water that penetrates the assembly, but does not result in a failure as defined herein, may have adverse effects on the performance of contained materials such as sealants and insulating or laminated glass. This test method does not address these issues.  
1.4 The proper use of this test method requires a knowledge of the principles of pressure measurement.  
1.5 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to inch-pound 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 and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. For specific hazard statements, see 7.1.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 31-Jul-2016
• ICS: 91.060.10 - Walls. Partitions. Facades
• 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 E547-00(2009) - Standard Test Method for Water Penetration of Exterior Windows, Skylights, Doors, and Curtain Walls by Cyclic Static Air Pressure Difference
• Effective Date: 01-Aug-2016
• 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
• Referred By: ASTM E241-20 - Standard Guide for Limiting Water-Induced Damage to Buildings
• Effective Date: 01-Aug-2016
• Referred By: ASTM E2128-20 - Standard Guide for Evaluating Water Leakage of Building Walls
• Effective Date: 01-Aug-2016
• Referred By: ASTM C1401-23 - Standard Guide for Structural Sealant Glazing
• Effective Date: 01-Aug-2016
• Referred By: ASTM E2099-23 - Standard Practice for Specification and Evaluation of Pre-Construction Laboratory Mockups of Exterior Wall Systems
• Effective Date: 01-Aug-2016
• Referred By: ASTM E2264-23 - Standard Practice for Determining the Effects of Temperature Cycling on Fenestration Products
• Effective Date: 01-Aug-2016
• Referred By: ASTM E2112-23 - Standard Practice for Installation of Exterior Windows, Doors and Skylights
• Effective Date: 01-Aug-2016
• Referred By: ASTM D7338-14(2023) - Standard Guide for Assessment Of Fungal Growth in Buildings
• Effective Date: 01-Aug-2016
• Referred By: ASTM E2266-22 - Standard Guide for Design and Construction of Low-Rise Frame Building Wall Systems to Resist Water Intrusion
• Effective Date: 01-Aug-2016
• Referred By: ASTM E1105-15(2023) - Standard Test Method for Field Determination of Water Penetration of Installed Exterior Windows, Skylights, Doors, and Curtain Walls, by Uniform or Cyclic Static Air Pressure Difference
• Effective Date: 01-Aug-2016

Overview

ASTM E547-00(2016) is the internationally recognized standard test method for evaluating the water penetration resistance of exterior windows, skylights, doors, and curtain walls using a cyclic static air pressure difference. Developed by ASTM International, this method is widely applied to building envelope components to assess their capacity to withstand water infiltration under conditions simulating wind-driven rain and air pressures experienced in actual service. Proper use of this water penetration test helps ensure the long-term performance of fenestration systems and contributes to better building durability and occupant comfort.

Key Topics

• Test Method Procedure
  • Seals the test specimen (window, door, skylight, or curtain wall) in a test chamber.
  • Applies water spray to outdoor faces and exposed edges.
  • Cyclic static air pressure difference is generated, higher on the exterior, simulating wind loads.
  • Failure is defined as water penetration beyond a specified plane, not including minor water retained by sills, flashings, or drained gutters.
• Applicability
  • Suitable for any building envelope assembly including full-size windows, doors, curtain walls, and skylights.
  • Addresses complete manufactured assemblies as they would be installed in buildings.
• Variables and Limitations
  • Test results depend on proper installation and adjustment, as well as the rigidity and durability of supporting construction.
  • Does not measure unobservable water penetration that remains within the assembly but does not reach the interior.
  • Does not address long-term deterioration or the effects on contained materials such as sealants and glazing.
• Pressure and Performance
  • Air pressure differences can be varied to represent different exposure categories.
  • The test does not establish baseline performance but verifies conformity to existing criteria.
  • The standard stresses safety and the need for skilled operators knowledgeable in pressure measurement and safe test practices.

Applications

• Product Certification and Quality Control
  • Commonly used by manufacturers of windows, curtain walls, doors, and skylights to validate design and fabrication for water penetration resistance.
  • Integral in third-party certification and building code compliance for fenestration products.
• Project Specification and Submittal
  • Specifiers and architects reference this standard when selecting products for environments prone to wind-driven rain or high air pressure differentials.
  • Ensures that installed assemblies will meet project requirements for weather resistance.
• Research and Product Development
  • Utilized in development labs to compare new materials or design improvements against required benchmarks.
  • Assists in troubleshooting field problems related to water leakage by recreating failure conditions under controlled laboratory settings.
• Building Envelope Commissioning
  • Applied in commissioning processes to verify the installed performance of critical building envelope elements.

Related Standards

• ASTM E331 - Standard Test Method for Water Penetration of Exterior Windows, Skylights, Doors, and Curtain Walls by Uniform Static Air Pressure Difference
• ASTM E1105 - Field test method for determining water penetration of installed windows, curtain walls, and doors by uniform or cyclic static air pressure difference
• ASTM E631 - Terminology of Building Constructions
• AAMA (now FGIA) Standards - Various test methods and specifications for fenestration system performance

Practical Value

ASTM E547-00(2016) is a crucial reference for building professionals concerned with the water resistance of envelope components. By specifying standardized procedures for cyclic static pressure water penetration testing, this method ensures reliable, repeatable assessment and facilitates regulatory compliance. Its adoption supports enhanced building performance, improved product durability, fewer water-related failures, and increased occupant safety and comfort. For curtain wall, door, window, and skylight manufacturers and specifiers, ASTM E547 provides a benchmark for evaluating and selecting high-performance, weather-resistant products.

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: E547 − 00 (Reapproved 2016)
Standard Test Method for
Water Penetration of Exterior Windows, Skylights, Doors,
and Curtain Walls by Cyclic Static Air Pressure Difference
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E547; 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 3. Terminology
1.1 This test method covers the determination of the resis- 3.1 Definitions—For definitions of general terms relating to
tance of exterior windows, curtain walls, skylights, and doors buildingconstructionusedinthistestmethod,seeTerminology
to water penetration when water is applied to the outdoor face E631.
and exposed edges simultaneously with a cyclic static air 3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
pressure at the outdoor face higher than the pressure at the
3.2.1 specimen, n—the entire assembled unit submitted for
indoor face.
test as described in Section 8.
1.2 Thistestmethodisapplicabletoanycurtain-wallareaor
3.2.2 test pressure difference, n—the specified difference in
to windows, skylights, or doors alone.
static air pressure across the closed and locked or fixed
specimen expressed as Pascals (lbf/ft ).
1.3 This test method addresses water penetration through a
manufactured assembly. Water that penetrates the assembly,
3.2.3 water penetration, n—penetration of water beyond a
but does not result in a failure as defined herein, may have
plane parallel to the glazing (the vertical plane) intersecting the
adverse effects on the performance of contained materials such
innermost projection of the test specimen, not including
as sealants and insulating or laminated glass. This test method
interiortrimandhardware,underthespecifiedconditionsofair
does not address these issues.
pressure difference across the specimen. For products with
non-planer glazing surfaces (domes, vaults, pyramids, etc.), the
1.4 The proper use of this test method requires a knowledge
plane defining water penetration is the plane defined by the
of the principles of pressure measurement.
innermost edges of the unit frame.
1.5 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the
standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical
4. Summary of Test Method
conversions to inch-pound units that are provided for informa-
tion only and are not considered standard. 4.1 This test method consists of sealing the test specimen
into or against one face of a test chamber, and supplying air to
1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the
or exhausting air from the chamber at the rate required to
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
maintain the test pressure difference across the specimen for
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
the time cycle specified, while spraying water onto the outdoor
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
face of the specimen at the required rate and observing any
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use. For specific hazard
water penetration.
statements, see 7.1.
2. Referenced Documents 5. Significance and Use
2.1 ASTM Standards:
5.1 Thistestmethodisastandardprocedurefordetermining
E631 Terminology of Building Constructions
the resistance to water penetration under cyclic static air
pressure differences. The air-pressure differences acting across
a building envelope vary greatly. These factors should be fully
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E06 on
considered prior to specifying the test pressure difference to be
Performance of Buildings and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee E06.51
used.
on Performance of Windows, Doors, Skylights and Curtain Walls.
Current edition approved Aug. 1, 2016. Published August 2016. Originally
NOTE 1—In applying the results of tests by this test method, note that
approvedin1975.Lastpreviouseditionapprovedin2009asE547 – 00(2009).DOI:
the performance of a wall or its components, or both, may be a function
10.1520/E0547-00R16.
ofproperinstallationandadjustment.Inservice,theperformancewillalso
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
depend on the rigidity of supporting construction and on the resistance of
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on components to deterioration by various causes, vibration, thermal expan-
the ASTM website. sion and contraction, etc. It is difficult to simulate the identical complex
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
E547 − 00 (2016)
wetting conditions that can be encountered in service, with large wind-
velocity.Ameans of access into the chamber may be provided
blown water drops, increasing water drop impact pressures with increas-
to facilitate adjustments and observations after the specimen
ing wind velocity, and lateral or upward moving air and water. Some
has been installed.
designs are more sensitive than others to this upward moving water.
6.2.2 Air System—A controllable blower, compressed air
NOTE 2—This test method does not identify unobservable liquid water
which may penetrate into the test specimen.
supply, exhaust system, or reversible blower designed to
provide the required maximum air-pressure difference across
6. Apparatus
the specimen. The system must provide essentially constant air
flow at a fixed pressure for the required test period.
6.1 The description of apparatus in this section is general in
nature, and any arrangement of equipment capable of perform- 6.2.3 Pressure-Measuring Apparatus—A device to measure
the test pressure difference within a tolerance of 62% or
ing the test procedure within the allowable tolerances is
permitted. 62.5 Pa (60.01 in. of water column), whichever is greater.
6.2.4 Water-Spray System:
6.2 Major Components (Fig. 1):
6.2.4.1 The water-spray system shall deliver water uni-
6.2.1 Test Chamber or box with an opening, a removable
formly against the exterior surface of the test specimen at a
mounting panel, or one open side in which or against which the
2 2
minimum rate of 3.4 L⁄m · min (5.0 U.S. gal⁄ft · h).
specimenisinstalledandsealed.Atleastonestaticpressuretap
shall be provided to measure the chamber pressure, and shall 6.2.4.2 The water-spray system shall have nozzles spaced
be so located that the reading is unaffected by the velocity of on a uniform grid, located at a uniform distance from the test
the air supply to or from the chamber. The air supply opening specimen, and shall be adjustable to provide the specified
into the chamber shall be arranged so that the air does not quantity of water in such a manner as to wet all of the test
impinge directly on the test specimen with any significant specimen uniformly and to wet those areas vulnerable to water
NOTE 1—For a negative pressure system, the water-spray grid would be located outside the chamber and the air supply would be replaced by an
air-exhaust system.
FIG. 1 General Arrangement of the Water Leakage Apparatus Positive Chamber System
E547 − 00 (2016)
select specimens covering the range of sizes to be used in a building. In
penetration. If additional nozzles are required to provide
general, the largest size of a particular design, type, construction, and
uniformity of water spray at the edge of the test specimen, they
configuration to be used should be tested.
shall be equally spaced around the entire spray grid.
9. Calibration
7. Hazards
9.1 The ability of the test apparatus to meet the require-
7.1 Warning—Glass breakage will not normally occur at
ments of 6.2.4 shall be checked by using a catch box, the open
the small pressure differences applied in this test. Excessive
face of which shall be located at the position of the face of the
pressure differences may occur, however, due to error in
test specimen. The calibration device is illustrated in Fig. 2.
operationorwhentheapparatusisusedforotherpurposessuch
The catch box shall be designed to receive only water
asstructuraltesting;therefore,exerciseadequateprecautionsto
impingingontheplaneofthetestspecimenfaceandtoexclude
protect personnel.
all run-off water from above. The box shall be 610 mm (24 in.)
square, divided into four areas each 305 mm (12 in.) square.
8. Test Specimens
Use a cover approximately 760 mm (30 in.) square to prevent
8.1 Test specimens shall be of sufficient size to determine
water from entering the calibration box before and after the
the performance of all typical parts of the fenestration system.
timed observation interval. The
...