ASTM E2268-04(2016)

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Designation: E2268 − 04 (Reapproved 2011) E2268 − 04 (Reapproved 2016)
Standard Test Method for
Water Penetration of Exterior Windows, Skylights, and
Doors by Rapid Pulsed Air Pressure Difference
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E2268; 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
1.1 This test method covers the determination of the resistance of exterior windows, skylights, and doors to water penetration
when water is applied to the outdoor face and exposed edges simultaneously with a rapid pulsed air pressure at the outdoor face
higher than the pressure at the indoor face.
1.2 This test method is applicable to windows, skylights, or doors alone. Those interested in testing curtain walls to rapid pulsed
air pressure differences should use AAMA 501.1-94.
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 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.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
E631 Terminology of Building Constructions
2.2 AAMA Standard:
AAMA 501.1-94 Standard Test Method for Exterior Windows, Curtain Walls and Doors for Water Penetration Using Dynamic
Pressure
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions—For definitions of general terms relating to building construction used in this test method, see Terminology
E631.
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
3.2.1 pulsed, v—subjected to a transition from one level of differential air pressure to another and back within a prescribed time
period.
3.2.2 pulse generator, n—test apparatus capable of producing rapid changes of air pressure between two prescribed levels within
a specified time period (see Fig. 3).Fig. 3).
3.2.3 specimen, n—the entire assembled unit submitted for test as described in Section 8.
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E06 on Performance of Buildings and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee E06.51 on Performance
of Windows, Doors, Skylights and Curtain Walls.
Current edition approved Nov. 1, 2011Aug. 1, 2016. Published December 2011August 2016. Originally approved in 2004. Last previous edition approved in 20042011
as E2268 – 04.E2268 – 04(2011). DOI: 10.1520/E2268-04R11.10.1520/E2268-04R16.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM Standards
volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.
Available from American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA), 1827 Walden Office Square, Suite 550 Schaumburg, IL 60173,60173-4268, http://
www.aamanet.org.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
E2268 − 04 (2016)
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
3.2.4 test pressure difference, n—the specified difference in dynamic air pressure across the closed and locked or fixed specimen
expressed as Pascals (lbf/ft ).
3.2.5 water penetration, n—penetration of water beyond a plane parallel to the glazing intersecting the innermost projection of
the test specimen, not including interior trim and hardware, under the specified conditions of air pressure difference across the
specimen. For products with non-planar glazing surfaces (domes, vaults, pyramids, and so forth) the plane defining water
penetration is the plane defined by the innermost edges of the unit frame.
4. Summary of Test Method
4.1 This test method consists of sealing the test specimen into or against one face of a test chamber and supplying air to or
exhausting air from the chamber at a rapid cyclic rate across the specimen for the time specified, while spraying water onto the
outdoor face of the specimen at the required rate and observing any water penetration.
E2268 − 04 (2016)
FIG. 2 Catch Box for Calibrating Water-Spray
NOTE 1—The operational check is performed between the pre-load and the cycle test. The pre-load pressure shall be increased and decreased at a rate
of 10 Pa/s (0.20 psf/s) 6 2 Pa/s (0.04 psf/s). The rate of pressure application during cycling shall be consistent with maintenance of a 2 s pulse duration.
The median pressure value is the test pressure differential. The upper and lower limit values are equal to 150 % and 50 %, respectively, of the median
test pressure differential across the specimen.
FIG. 3 Pressure Application for Pre-load and Pressure Cycles
5. Significance and Use
5.1 This test method is a standard procedure for determining the resistance to water penetration during rapid cyclic pulses of
dynamic 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.
5.2 The median test pressure used in this test method is defined as the specified test pressure supplied by the user and related
to the maximum positive building design pressure. This test method departs from the format of other ASTM water penetration
resistance test methods based on a maximum test pressure related to a maximum positive building design pressure.
E2268 − 04 (2016)
5.3 As the specified or median test pressure is increased, the maximum test pressure in this procedure is also increased to 1.5
times the specification median test pressure. This higher maximum test pressure may not be representative of actual building
service conditions. For this reason the maximum recommended median test pressure is 480 Pa (10 psf), which corresponds to a
maximum test pressure of 720 Pa (15 psf).
5.4 The pulsed pressure of this test method may act to pump water past dry seals and breather systems of units incorporating
these features, thereby making the test method more severe than a static pressure test method. On the other hand, the low pressure
portions of the pressure cycles of this test method may allow weep systems and drainage dams to dissipate water from units
incorporating these features, thereby making the test method less severe than a static pressure test method.
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, and so forth). It is difficult to accurately simulate the actual 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 does not identify unobservable liquid water which may penetrate into the test specimen.
6. Apparatus
6.1 The description of apparatus in this section is general in nature and any arrangement of equipment capable of performing
the test procedure within the allowable tolerances is permitted.
6.2 Major Components (Fig. 1):
6.2.1 Test Chamber—A test chamber or box with an opening, a removable mounting panel, or one open side in which or against
which the specimen is installed and sealed. At least one dynamic pressure tap shall be provided to measure the oscillating chamber
pressure, and shall be so located that the reading is unaffected by the velocity of the air supply to or from the chamber. The air
supply opening into the chamber shall be arranged so that the air does not impinge directly on the test specimen with any significant
velocity. A means of access into the chamber may be provided to facilitate adjustments and observations after the specimen has
been installed.
6.2.2 Air System—A controllable blower, compressed air supply, exhaust system, or reversible blower designed to provide the
required maximum air pressure difference across the specimen. The system must provide fully reversible airflow at rapidly
oscillating pressures for the required test period.
6.2.3 Pressure Measuring Apparatus—A device to measure the test pressure difference within a tolerance of 62 % or 65 Pa
65 Pa (60.02 in. of water column), whichever is greater.
6.2.4 Water Spray System—The water-spray system shall deliver water uniformly against the exterior surface of the test
2 2
specimen at a minimum rate of 3.4 L/(m ·min) [5.0 U.S. gal/(ft ·h)].
6.2.4.1 The water-spray system shall have nozzles spaced on a uniform grid, located at a uniform distance from the test
specimen, and shall be adjustable to provide the specified quantity of water in such a manner as to wet all of the test specimen
uniformly and to wet those areas vulnerable to water pe
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