ASTM E1424-91(2000)
(Test Method)Standard Test Method for Determining the Rate of Air Leakage Through Exterior Windows, Curtain Walls, and Doors Under Specified Pressure and Temperature Differences Across the Specimen
Standard Test Method for Determining the Rate of Air Leakage Through Exterior Windows, Curtain Walls, and Doors Under Specified Pressure and Temperature Differences Across the Specimen
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
The exterior building envelope and its components (for example, windows and doors) separate the interior conditioned spaces from exterior environmental factors such as heat, cold, rain, wind, noise dust, etc. Building materials and components can expand or contract to varying degrees, depending on seasonal and diurnal exterior ambient air temperatures. Fluctuations in the ambient air temperatures can alter the sealing characteristics of windows, curtain walls, and doors by changing weather seal compression ratios. Thermal expansion or contraction of framing materials coupled with thermal blowing due to temperature gradients through the product, and alterations in the effective leakage areas due to weather seal shrinkage and compression set, can also significantly alter the air leakage rates of these products in field service applications. Air leakage tests performed using Test Method E 283 (a laboratory air leakage test performed at ambient temperature conditions) will not account accurately for changes in air leakage rates that may occur from dimensional changes in fenestration systems, materials, and components.
It is recommended that test specifiers consult the manufacturer for recommended test temperature extremes.
This procedure provides a means for evaluating air leakage rates of fenestration systems under various temperature and pressure conditions and air flow directions. It is also applicable for use in evaluating the efficiency of weather sealing products in fenestration systems. All air flow rates are converted to standard conditions to provide a means of comparison between measurements made at different ambient air temperature and pressure conditions.
Air leakage rates are sometimes used for comparison purposes. Such comparisons may not be valid unless the components being tested and compared are of essentially the same size, configuration, and design.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method provides a standard laboratory procedure for determining the air leakage rates of exterior windows, curtain walls, and doors under specified differential air temperature and pressure conditions across the specimen.
1.2 Specified temperature and pressure conditions are representative of those that may be encountered at the exterior thermal envelope of buildings, excluding the effects of heat buildup due to solar radiation.
1.3 This laboratory procedure is applicable to exterior windows, curtain walls, and doors and is intended to measure only such leakage associated with the assembly and not the installation; however, the test method can be adapted for the latter purpose.
1.4 This is a laboratory procedure for testing at differential temperature conditions. Persons interested in a laboratory test at ambient conditions should reference Test Method E283. Persons interested in a field test on installed windows and doors should reference Method E783.
1.5 Persons using this procedure should be knowledgeable in the areas of heat transfer, fluid mechanics, and instrumentation practices, and shall have a general understanding of fenestration products and components.
1.6 Throughout this test method, SI units are listed first in accordance with ASTM Committee E-6 metric policy and shall be considered the primary units. Inch-pound units are provided in parenthesis.
1.7 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety problems, 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 Section 7.
General Information
Relations
Standards Content (Sample)
NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or withdrawn.
Contact ASTM International (www.astm.org) for the latest information
Designation: E 1424 – 91 (Reapproved 2000)
Standard Test Method for
Determining the Rate of Air Leakage Through Exterior
Windows, Curtain Walls, and Doors Under Specified
Pressure and Temperature Differences Across the
Specimen
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E1424; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision.Anumber in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval.A
superscript epsilon (e) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope 2. Referenced Documents
1.1 This test method provides a standard laboratory proce- 2.1 ASTM Standards:
dure for determining the air leakage rates of exterior windows, E283 TestMethodforDeterminingtheRateofAirLeakage
curtain walls, and doors under specified differential air tem- Through Exterior Windows, Curtain Walls, and Doors
perature and pressure conditions across the specimen. Under Specified Pressure Differences Across the Speci-
1.2 Specified temperature and pressure conditions are rep- men
resentative of those that may be encountered at the exterior E631 Terminology of Building Constructions
thermal envelope of buildings, excluding the effects of heat E783 Test Method for Field Measurement of Air Leakage
buildup due to solar radiation. Through Installed Exterior Windows and Doors
1.3 This laboratory procedure is applicable to exterior
3. Terminology
windows, curtain walls, and doors and is intended to measure
only such leakage associated with the assembly and not the 3.1 Definitions—Terms used in this test method are defined
in Terminology E631.
installation; however, the test method can be adapted for the
latter purpose. 3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
3.2.1 air leakage rate (q or q )—theairleakageperunitof
1.4 This is a laboratory procedure for testing at differential
A L
temperature conditions. Persons interested in a laboratory test specimen area (A) or per unit length of operable crack
3 2 3 2 3
perimeter (L), expressed as m /s-m (ft /min-ft)orm /s-m
at ambient conditions should reference Test Method E283.
(ft /min-ft).
Persons interested in a field test on installed windows and
doors should reference Method E783. 3.2.2 extraneous air leakage (Q )—the volume of air flow-
e
ing per unit of time through the test chamber and test
1.5 Persons using this procedure should be knowledgeable
in the areas of heat transfer, fluid mechanics, and instrumen- apparatus, exclusive of the air flowing through the test speci-
men, under a test pressure difference and test temperature
tation practices, and shall have a general understanding of
fenestration products and components. difference, converted to standard conditions, expressed in m /s
(ft /min).
1.6 Throughout this test method, SI units are listed first in
accordancewithASTMCommitteeE-6metricpolicyandshall 3.2.2.1 Discussion—Extraneous leakage is the sum of all
leakage other than that intended to be measured by the test.
beconsideredtheprimaryunits.Inch-poundunitsareprovided
in parenthesis. 3.2.3 specimen air leakage (Q )—the volume of air flowing
s
per unit of time through the specimen under a test pressure
1.7 This standard does not purport to address all of the
safety problems, if any, associated with its use. It is the difference and test temperature difference, converted to stan-
3 3
dard conditions, expressed in m /s (ft /min).
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica- 3.2.4 specimen area (A)—theareadeterminedbytheoverall
dimensions of the frame that fits into the rough opening,
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use. For specific hazard
2 2
statements, see Section 7. expressed as m (ft ).
3.2.5 test mask assembly—a wall construction that sur-
rounds and supports the test specimen.
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E-6 on
Performance of Buildings and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee E06.51
on Component Performance of Windows, Curtain Walls, and Doors.
Current edition approved Sept. 3, 1991. Published November 1991. Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 04.11.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.
E 1424 – 91 (2000)
3.2.6 test pressure differences—the specified differential 5.4 Air leakage rates are sometimes used for comparison
static air pressure across the specimen, expressed in PA(lbf/ft purposes. Such comparisons may not be valid unless the
2). components being tested and compared are of essentially the
3.2.7 test temperature difference—the specified difference same size, configuration, and design.
in temperature across the test specimen, expressed as a set of
6. Apparatus
room-side and weather-side temperatures, in °C (°F).
3.2.8 total air flow (Q)—the volume of air flowing per unit 6.1 The description of the apparatus in this section is
t
of time through the test chamber and test apparatus, inclusive
general. Any suitable arrangement of equipment capable of
of the air flowing through the test specimen, under a test maintaining the required test tolerances is permitted.
pressure difference and test temperature difference, converted
6.1.1 Test Chamber—A well sealed box, wall or other
3 3
to standard conditions, expressed in m /s (ft /min). apparatus into or against which the specimen is mounted and
3.2.9 unit length of operable crack perimeter (L)—the sum secured for testing.An air supply shall be provided to allow a
of all perimeters of operable ventilators, sash, or doors con- positive or negative pressure differential to be applied across
tained in the test specimen, based on the overall dimensions of the specimen without significant extraneous losses. The cham-
such parts, expressed as m (ft).Where two such operable parts ber should also be constructed of materials that have good
meet,thetwoadjacentlengthsofperimetershallbecountedas resistance to heat flow. The chamber shall be capable of
only one length. withstanding the differential test pressures and temperatures
that may be encountered in this procedure. At least one static
air pressure tap shall be provided on each side of the specimen
4. Summary of Test Method
to measure the test pressure differences. The pressure tap shall
4.1 The procedure consists of sealing a specimen into or
belocatedinanareaofthechamberinwhichpressurereadings
against a chamber capable of maintaining a specified air
will not be affected by any supply air or air conditioning fans.
temperature differential across the specimen. When the speci-
The air supply to the chamber shall be located in an area in
men has been conditioned for a specified period of time, air is
which it does not directly impinge upon the test specimen. A
supplied to, or exhausted from, the chamber at a rate required
schematic is given in Fig. 1.
to maintain the specified test pressure difference across the
6.1.2 Supply Air System—A controllable dry air supply or
specimen. The resultant air flow through the specimen is then
exhaust system designed to provide conditioned air flow
measured.
through the test specimen at constant pressure and temperature
conditionsforsufficienttimetoobtainrequiredpressureandair
5. Significance and Use
flow readings. The system shall be designed to eliminate
5.1 The exterior building envelope and its components (for
pressure fluctuations during the air flow measurements. This
example,windowsanddoors)separatetheinteriorconditioned
may be accomplished through the use of a heat exchanger
spaces from exterior environmental factors such as heat, cold,
system connected to the air supply port inside of the weather-
rain, wind, noise dust, etc. Building materials and components
ing portion of the test apparatus (see Fig. 1).
can expand or contract to varying degrees, depending on
seasonal and diurnal exterior ambient air temperatures. Fluc-
tuations in the ambient air temperatures can alter the sealing
characteristics of windows, curtain walls, and doors by chang-
ing weather seal compression ratios. Thermal expansion or
contractionofframingmaterialscoupledwiththermalblowing
due to temperature gradients through the product, and alter-
ations in the effective leakage areas due to weather seal
shrinkage and compression set, can also significantly alter the
air leakage rates of these products in field service applications.
Air leakage tests performed using Test Method E283 (a
laboratory air leakage test performed at ambient temperature
conditions) will not account accurately for changes in air
leakage rates that may occur from dimensional changes in
fenestration systems, materials, and components.
5.2 It is recommended that test specifiers consult the manu-
facturer for recommended test temperature extremes.
5.3 This procedure provides a means for evaluating air
leakageratesoffenestrationsystemsundervarioustemperature
and pressure conditions and air flow directions. It is also
applicable for use in evaluating the efficiency of weather
sealing products in fenestration systems. All air flow rates are
converted to standard conditions to provide a means of
comparison between measurements made at different ambient
air temperature and pressure conditions. FIG. 1 Environmental Chamber, Schematic
E 1424 – 91 (2000)
6.1.3 Air Temperature Conditioning System—A system to
maintain weather-side and room-side air test temperatures to
within 6 1°C (2°F) of setpoint. The system shall consist of
heating and refrigeration equipment designed to maintain the
required test temperatures for extended periods of time. A
means of dehumidification shall be available to control the
room-side relative humidity levels to the limits recommended
in Table 1.
6.1.4 Pressure Measuring Apparatus—Adevice to measure
the differential test pressures to 6 2% of setpoint or 6 2.5 Pa
(6 0.01 in. of water column), whichever is greater.
6.1.5 Air Flow Metering System—A device to measure the
airflowintothetestchamberorthroughthetestspecimen.The
air flow measurement error shall not exceed 6 5% when the
−4 3 3
air flow equals or exceeds 9.44 310 m /s (2 ft /min) or 6
−4 3
10% when the air flow is less than 9.44 310 m /s (2
ft /min).
FIG. 2 Test Specimen Mask Detail
NOTE 1—At lower flows, a greater percentage of errors will be
acceptable. Special flow metering techniques are necessary if higher
precision is required. The accuracy of the specimen air leakage flow
elevated or depressed test temperature conditions are in effect.
measurement is affected by the accuracy of the flowmeter and the amount
Propercareandprecautionsshouldbetakentopreventinjuries.
of extraneous air leakage (see Annex A1).
6.1.6 Air Temperature Measuring System— Temperature
8. Test Specimen
sensing devices (TSD) such as thermocouples, RTDS, etc.,
8.1 The specimen is the entire assembled unit submitted for
suspendedinair,surroundedbyshieldstoreduceradiativeheat
testing as described in this section.
transfereffects,asshowninFig.2.Thethermocouplesshallbe
8.2 Thetestspecimenforawallshallbeofsufficientsizeto
located at the intersection of the vertical and horizontal
determine the performance of all typical parts of the wall
centerlines of the test specimen.The airTSD shall be movable
system. For curtain walls or walls constructed with prefabri-
to maintain a distance of 76 68mm(3 6 0.3 in.) measured
cated units, the specimen width shall be not less than two
perpendicular to the outermost plane of the test specimen. The
typical units plus the connections and supporting elements at
ambient air and surface temperature measuring and indicating
both sides, and sufficient to provide full loading on at least one
instrumentation shall have resolution of 1°C or 1°F and
typical vertical joint or framing member, or both. The height
precision of 6 1°C (6 2°F).
shallbenotlessthanthefullbuildingstoryheightortheheight
6.1.7 Humidity Control System—Instrumentation to mea-
of the unit, whichever is greater, and shall include at least one
sureandcontroltheroom-sidehumidity.Thesystemshallhave
full horizontal joint, accommodating vertical expansion, with
resolution to 1% RH and shall have precision to 6 3% of
such joint being at or near the bottom of the specimen, as well
setpoint.
as all connections at the top and bottom of the units.
8.2.1 All parts of the wall test specimen shall be full size,
7. Hazards
using the same materials, details, and methods of construction
7.1 Glass breakage may occur at the test pressure differ-
and anchorage as used on the actual building.
encesappliedinthistest.Adequateprecautionsshouldbetaken
8.2.2 Conditions of structural support shall be simulated as
to protect personnel.
accurately as possible.
7.2 The interior walls of the weather-side compartment as
8.3 The test specimen for a window, door, or other compo-
well as other surfaces within this compartment may be dan-
nent shall consist of the entire assembled unit, including frame
gerous to the exposed skin of testing personnel when extreme
and anchorage as supplied by the manufacturer for installation
in the building. If only one specimen is to be tested, the
selection shall be determined by the specifying authority.
TABLE 1 Recommended Maximum Room-Side Humidity Levels
for Glass Specimens—Natural Convection, Indoor Air at 23.3°C
NOTE 2—The air leakage rate is likely to be a function of size and
A
(74°F)
geometry of the specimen.
Single Glazing, RH, Double Glazing,
Outdoor Temperature, °C (°F)
% RH, %
9. Preparation of Test Specimen
4.4 (40) 39 59
9.1 The location of surface temperature measuring devices
−1.1 (30) 29 50
shall conform to the configurations shown in Figs. 3-6.
−6.7 (20) 21 43
−12.2 (10) 15 36
9.2 A test mask assembly shall be provided for the instal-
−17.8 (0) 10 30
lationofthespecimentothetestapparatus.Atypicaltestmask
−23.3 (−10) 7 26
assembly is shown in Fig. 7. The thickness of the test mask
−28.9 (−20) 5 21
−34.4 (−30) 3 17
assembly shall not be less than the test specimen. Mount the
A
Reference: 1983 ASHRAE EQUIPMENT MANUAL, page 5.2. test specimen to the test mask assembly to simulate, as closely
E 1424 – 91 (2000)
FIG. 3 Thermocouple Location: Horizontal Sliding Window,
FIG. 5 Thermocouple Location: Single or Double Hung, Awning,
Casement, or Sliding Glass Door
Projected, or Vertical Sliding Window
FIG. 6 Thermocouple Location: Entry Door
NOTE 1—Mask width, height, and thickness may vary to chamber size.
FIG. 4 Thermocouple Location: Casement, Vertical and Horizontal
Pivot, Top Hinged, Swinging Door, Fixed or Single Lite Window
11. Test Conditions
11.1 General—Standard test conditions require dry air at:
as possi
...
Questions, Comments and Discussion
Ask us and Technical Secretary will try to provide an answer. You can facilitate discussion about the standard in here.