Curtain Wall Testing

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Smith Emery curtain wall testing facility, located at our Los Angeles headquarters and laboratory, is the most sophisticated in the western United States. We are accredited by the American Aluminum Manufacturers Association (AAMA) to perform all of the most commonly specified test procedures on mockups and in the field. Smith Emery also maintains membership of AAMA. Since its inception in 1984 our curtain wall testing department has performed mockup testing for over 300 projects throughout the United States and the Pacific Rim. We have recently increased our testing capacity by adding space for four additional mockups. This will increase our ability to accommodate your schedule for mockup testing. Our experienced staff of engineers and technicians can provide you with the expertise required to complete your testing requirements in the most efficient and professional manner possible. Smith Emery can also perform field testing on windows installed at your project, anywhere in the world. Verification of testing performed at another facility can be provided as well.

Smith Emery features computerized measurement equipment which accurately provides immediate deflection readings. Most of our competitors use dial indicators to measure deflections during structural load tests. Manual reading of dial indicators can be quite time-consuming. Our computerized measurement system greatly reduces the duration of structural load testing by providing quick, accurate deflection readings.  Structural load testing can be completed in a fraction of the time. This can be an even bigger time-saver if incremental load/deflection readings are desired.  Most curtain wall tests are completed in 1/2 to 1 days.

Because Smith Emery is a full-service testing laboratory, we can also provide you with in-house testing of most individual components and materials for your mockup.

Smith Emery’s location in downtown Los Angeles affords us several advantages for you to consider when choosing a laboratory to perform your curtain wall mockup testing. Our facility is within a thirty minute drive of Los Angeles International Airport and the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach. Our proximity to these major transportation and shipping hubs can save you time and money and Southern California’s mild, dry climate minimizes the occurrence of delays which can be caused by inclement weather.

AAMA ACCREDITATIONS

• ASTM E283 Determining the Rate of Air Leakage Through Exterior Windows, Curtain Walls, and Doors Under Specified Pressure Difference Across the Specimen.

• ASTM E783 Field Measurement of Air Leakage Through Exterior Windows and Doors.

• ASTM E330 Structural Performance of Exterior Windows, Curtain Walls and Doors by Uniform Static Air Pressure Difference.

• ASTM E331 Water Penetration of Exterior Windows, Curtain Walls, and Doors by Uniform Static Air Pressure Difference.

• ASTM E547 Water Penetration of Exterior Windows, Curtain Walls, and Doors by Cyclic Static Air Pressure Difference.

• ASTM E1105 Field Determination of Water Penetration of Installed Exterior Windows, Curtain Walls, and Doors by Uniform or Cyclic Static Air Pressure Difference.

• AAMA 502-90 Voluntary Specification for Field Testing Windows and Sliding Glass Doors.

• AAMA 501-94 Methods of Test for Exterior Walls.