Environmental, Small-scale/Durability Testing

	Durability Testing Fast Facts
	Over 30 years experience in durability testing with the most expert technicians in the industry. Dedicated, state-of-the-art facility houses over 10,000 square feet of testing space. Ratings mark issued by Architectural Testing, the recognized, independent authority for fenestration and building materials.

Value

Durability testing—specifically, lifecycle, fatigue, and exposure testing of various fenestration components and building materials—is essential for product certification programs, research and development, and troubleshooting. Architectural Testing excels in obtaining accurate, repeatable data needed to assign pass/fail or classifications ratings for submittals, reviewer action, and consultant findings.

Architectural Testing uses recognized test-method and specification programs, including:

ASTM D4803: Predicting heat buildup in PVC building products.
ASTM E773/774: Using a 15-week preconditioned high-humidity test chamber at 140 F and 100 percent relative humidity (RH).
ASTM G53/G154: Using fluorescent UV apparatus for testing paint and related coatings and materials, with and without water.
ASTM G26/G155: Using xenon-arc light apparatus for exposure of non-metallic materials, with and without water
ASTM G23/G153: Using enclosed carbon arc light apparatus for exposure of non-metallic materials for fading issues without water.
ASTM E1424: Determining the rate of air leakage through exterior windows, curtain walls, and doors under specified pressure and temperature differences across the specimen.
ASTM E6.51.O2: Determining component performance of windows, curtain walls, doors, and skylights involving pulsed water resistance test.

Innovations

In response to our customers needs, Architectural Testing is continually investing in technology and talent. The Architectural Testing durability testing team involves materials scientists and technicians using state-of-the-art equipment, which includes:

Thermal conditioning chambers (from -200° F to +400° F, and +2,000° F for ceramics).
Exclusive xenon-arc-lamp testing to gauge the affect of the full daylight spectrum.
Calorimeters, including the industry’s largest solar calorimeter (7’ x 7’) that allows larger sampling for more precise results.
Salt-fog and high-humidity chambers.
Fume hoods for volatile chemical resistance.
25-ton load capacity universal test machine.
125-ton load capacity concrete compression test machine.
Finite analysis equipment.
Mass spectrometers.
Gas chromatographs.
Carbon arc fade-o-meter.
Abrasion and drop-dart testers.
Heat flow plates and more.

We also employ large-scale, computer-controlled environmental exposure chambers (8’ x 12’ x 14’ and 10' x 10’ x 16’) heat flow plates for bigger specimens. Advanced data acquisition equipment records all data to provide comprehensive reports at the required level of detail.

Insights and Possibilities

Many variables affect the performance and service life of fenestration products and building materials. That’s why Architectural Testing offers a comprehensive range of laboratory, environmental, and field test programs. With Architectural Testing, you get the convenience of testing additional factors—solar transmittance, thermal, air/water/structural, impact, and other performance parameters—administered by one firm with facilities located on both coasts and in the Midwest.

Because Architectural Testing is directly involved in developing test standards, we provide accurate, unbiased information to give you a clear understanding of performance-test outcomes and causes of failure. We also offer educational seminars on the general design principles that affect test results.

Typical Testing Methods

Locks, hinges, fasteners, light fixtures, roller wheels, sashes, balances, cranks, and more. Tested substrates include wood, masonry, plastics, composites, and metals.
Compositional analysis to verify material quality and contaminates. Tested compounds include adhesives, coatings, elastomers, finished, rubber, textiles, and sealants.