Project Overview
Veron Building Consultants was engaged by Brosnan Construction to undertake independent AAMA 501 and 502 field testing of newly installed window and door joinery at Westwood Park Apartments, a multi-unit residential development.
The purpose of the testing was to assess the on-site performance of installed fenestration systems and support contractor due diligence prior to issuing a weathertightness warranty.
Our Role
Veron carried out AAMA 501.2 and AAMA 502 window and façade field testing, including site setup, execution of test procedures, and reporting of findings. Testing was undertaken to a sample of eight joinery units across multiple floors and elevations of the development.
Approach
Veron undertook on-site water penetration testing in accordance with established industry standards including AAMA 501.2 and AAMA 502, supported by AS/NZS and ASTM testing methodologies.
Testing was carried out over multiple days under suitable weather conditions, with selected joinery units tested across varying elevations and exposure conditions.
The AAMA 501.2 testing involved controlled water application to the external face of joinery at a defined pressure and duration to assess water ingress through façade elements. The AAMA 502 testing incorporated the creation of negative internal pressure in conjunction with external water application to simulate wind-driven rain conditions and confirm real-world performance of installed window and door systems.
Specialist equipment was utilised, including calibrated spray racks, pressure testing systems, and sealed internal enclosures constructed to replicate required test conditions.
A total of eight joinery units were tested, comprising a mix of sliding windows, sliding doors, and fixed glazing units across multiple levels of the building.
Testing outcomes identified a combination of passing and failing results. Water ingress was observed in several sliding window and door units during AAMA 502 testing, with leakage occurring through interlocker interfaces and sill areas under test pressure. Other units, including various fixed windows and selected sliding doors, performed satisfactorily under testing conditions.
Outcome
Veron provided Brosnan Construction with a clear and independent assessment of joinery performance across the sampled units.
The testing results confirmed that while a number of joinery elements met the required performance criteria, several units did not achieve compliance under AAMA 502 testing due to observed water ingress.
This enabled targeted review by the joinery supplier and contractor to identify failure mechanisms and undertake appropriate remediation works prior to completion and warranty sign-off.
