Structural Testing

Our in house structural test chamber is fully configurable to allow test samples as large as 13’ 0” x 8’ 0”. Our box style chamber allows access to both sides of the test sample without the need to remove the sample from the box. This avoids the time and expense of removal and re-installation typical of wall type facilities. This feature is particularly valuable when doing R & D testing. Our static pressure facility is designed for air, water and structural testing to approximately 100 PSF. The air and water systems are adjustable to allow special testing options. In addition we maintain a skylight structural table with adjustable pitch from 0 to 45 degrees and have tested products to over 300 PSF. In addition to our in house structural test facility we maintain the capacity to perform field testing to ASTM and AAMA specifications.

The AAMA/WDMA/CSA 101/I.S.-2/A440 Standard/Specification is a result of the joint efforts of the three organizations to produce a single set of specifications.

The AAMA/WDMA/CSA 101/I.S.2/A440-05 standard/specification defines five classes of windows and glass doors. The classes are: Residential (R), Light Commercial (LC), Commercial (C), Heavy Commercial (HC), and Architectural (AW).

The AAMA/WDMA/CSA 101/I.S.2/A440-08 standard/specification defines four classes of windows and glass doors. The classes are: Residential (R), Light Commercial (LC), Commercial (CW) and Architectural (AW).

Each class has minimum requirements for size and design pressures that must be met. In addition, the specifications contain a section for optional performance grades, which may be desirable for a specifier where severe weather conditions or wind loadings are encountered.

FAQs

Structural Performance Testing consists of a series of tests, which are conducted in a specific sequence. The test sequence is:

  • Operating Force (sliding products),
  • Air Leakage Resistance Test (Infiltration and Exfiltration)
  • Water Resistance Testing
  • Uniform Load Deflection at Design Pressure Tests
  • Uniform Load Structural Tests (1.5 times the design pressure)
  • Forced Entry Resistance
  • Deglazing Test

Additional tests may also be required, depending on operator type and class designation. Please feel free to give us a call or email us at info@qtitest.com with any questions you may have.


It is important to know how well your sample will perform. Building height and predicted weather conditions are all important factors when determining your product’s suitability for specific installations. So, by having your windows tested, it will give you a pretty good idea of how well your particular design will perform. In some cases you will have an architect give you job specific requirements. Quality Testing Inc. is able to test your window to any job specific requirements you may have.

It is important that the test sample you submit meets the size requirements according to AAMA/NWWDA 101/I.S. 2-97, AAMA/WDMA/CSA 101/I.S.2/A440-05 and AAMA/WDMA/CSA 101/I.S.2/A440-08. This is critical to the class requirements of your product. On many occasions a test sample is submitted half an inch too small because the order is sent down to the manufacturing floor and they automatically reduce the size for installation purposes. The sizes listed are net minimum sizes.

Quality Testing Inc. prides itself on providing you with honest and accurate test results. Once all testing has been completed, the sample will be cut up and corner samples and construction samples will be verified against a Bill of Materials, Cross Sectional Drawings and Die Drawings of each individual component. These drawings will be included with a full detailed report including a complete description of the tested sample, all test results and the drawing packet. A copy of the report is then sent to your inspection agency, which will review the report and issue you with a Notice of Product Certification for your window.

The following is a partial list of the test methods used during performance testing.

  • ASTM E283
    “Test Method for Determining the Rate of Air Leakage Through Exterior Windows, Curtain Walls and Doors Under Specified Pressure Differences Across the Specimen.”
  • ASTM E331
    “Test Method for Water Penetration of Exterior Windows, Curtain Walls and Doors by Uniform Static Air Pressure Difference.”
  • ASTM E547
    “Test Method for Water Penetration of Exterior Windows, Curtain Walls and Doors by Cyclic Static Air Pressure Difference.”
  • ASTM E330
    “Test Method for Structural Performance of Exterior Windows, Curtain Walls and Doors by Uniform Static Air Pressure Difference.”
  • CAWM 301-90
    “Forced Entry Resistance Tests for Windows.”
  • CAWM 300-96
    “Forced Entry Resistance Tests for Sliding Glass Doors.”
  • ASTM F588
    “Test Methods for Resistance of Window Assemblies to Forced Entry Excluding Glazing.”
  • ASTM F842
    “Test Methods for Measurement of Forced Entry Resistance of Horizontal Sliding Door
    Assemblies.”
  • ASTM E987
    “Standard Test Methods for Deglazing Force of Fenestration Products.”