Water intrusion is one of the leading causes of building envelope failures in commercial construction. Even a small leak around a window or glazing system can allow moisture to enter wall assemblies, leading to damaged insulation, microbial growth, corrosion, deteriorating finishes, and costly repairs.
To help verify that installed window systems perform as intended, many commercial projects require ASTM E1105 field water penetration testing. This nationally recognized ASTM standard evaluates the water resistance of installed windows, curtain walls, storefront systems, and other exterior glazing assemblies under simulated wind-driven rain conditions.
Whether you’re constructing a new commercial building, completing a quality assurance program, or investigating a suspected leak, ASTM E1105 testing in Washington provides valuable information about the performance of the building envelope.
What Is ASTM E1105?
ASTM E1105, formally titled Standard Test Method for Field Determination of Water Penetration of Installed Exterior Windows, Skylights, Doors, and Curtain Walls by Uniform or Cyclic Static Air Pressure Difference, is a field test used to evaluate the water penetration resistance of installed building envelope systems.
Unlike laboratory testing, ASTM E1105 is performed after products have been installed on the building. This allows project teams to verify not only the performance of the manufactured product but also the quality of the installation, flashing, sealants, and surrounding construction.
Testing is commonly performed on:
- Commercial windows
- Curtain wall systems
- Storefront systems
- Exterior doors
- Window-to-wall transitions
- Skylights
- Building envelope mock-ups
The objective is simple: determine whether water penetrates beyond the designated plane of the building envelope when subjected to specified test conditions.
Why ASTM E1105 Compliance Matters
Commercial buildings are expected to withstand years of exposure to rain, wind, and changing weather conditions. If water bypasses the building envelope, the resulting damage may remain hidden for months before becoming visible.
ASTM E1105 testing helps identify installation deficiencies before they develop into expensive building failures.
Professional testing helps:
- Protect the building envelope from water intrusion
- Verify installation quality
- Reduce costly warranty claims
- Support project quality assurance
- Improve long-term building durability
- Help satisfy project specifications and performance requirements
Finding and correcting deficiencies during construction is almost always less expensive than repairing concealed moisture damage after occupancy.
How ASTM E1105 Testing Works
ASTM E1105 simulates wind-driven rain under controlled field conditions.
During testing, technicians apply a calibrated water spray to the exterior of the window or glazing system while simultaneously creating a specified air pressure difference across the assembly.
This combination of water and pressure closely replicates the weather conditions commercial buildings experience during storms.
Throughout the test, inspectors carefully monitor the interior side of the assembly for any water penetration beyond the designated test plane.
If leakage occurs, the project team can identify the source and perform corrective work before retesting.
Why Washington Buildings Benefit from ASTM E1105 Testing
Washington’s climate presents unique challenges for commercial buildings.
Frequent rainfall, seasonal storms, and wind-driven moisture continuously test the performance of windows, curtain walls, and other exterior building components. Even properly manufactured products can leak if flashing details, sealants, or installation methods are incomplete.
Professional ASTM E1105 testing in Washington helps verify that installed glazing systems can withstand these environmental conditions before the building is occupied.
Testing provides confidence that the building envelope is performing as intended.
Key Benefits of ASTM E1105 Compliance
Prevents Costly Water Damage
One of the greatest benefits of ASTM E1105 testing is identifying water intrusion before hidden damage occurs.
Unchecked leaks can damage insulation, drywall, framing, flooring, and interior finishes while creating conditions that promote microbial growth and corrosion.
Early detection allows deficiencies to be corrected before they become expensive repairs.
Improves Building Durability
Water is one of the most destructive forces affecting commercial buildings.
By verifying that installed windows resist water penetration, ASTM E1105 testing helps improve the long-term durability of the entire building enclosure.
Properly performing glazing systems protect both structural components and architectural finishes throughout the building’s service life.
Supports Energy Efficiency
Many water intrusion problems are also associated with air leakage.
Correcting installation deficiencies often improves the airtightness of the building envelope, helping HVAC systems operate more efficiently while improving occupant comfort and reducing long-term operating costs.
Improves Quality Assurance
Many architects, consultants, and building owners specify ASTM E1105 as part of their quality assurance program.
Testing provides objective performance data that helps confirm installation quality and demonstrates compliance with project requirements before final project completion.
When Is ASTM E1105 Testing Performed?
ASTM E1105 testing is commonly performed during several phases of commercial construction, including:
- Building envelope quality assurance
- New construction
- Curtain wall installation
- Window replacement projects
- Forensic leak investigations
- Warranty evaluations
- Building enclosure commissioning
Testing can also be performed after repairs have been completed to verify that water intrusion issues have been successfully resolved.
ASTM E1105 vs. ASTM E331
ASTM E1105 and ASTM E331 are closely related but serve different purposes.
ASTM E331 is a laboratory test performed on new products before installation to evaluate their water penetration resistance under controlled laboratory conditions.
ASTM E1105 is a field test performed after installation to verify that the completed window or curtain wall system—including flashing, sealants, anchors, and surrounding construction—performs properly in the actual building.
Many commercial projects require both laboratory and field testing to fully evaluate product and installation performance.
Why Work with an Experienced Building Envelope Consultant?
Successful ASTM E1105 testing requires specialized equipment, trained technicians, and extensive knowledge of building envelope systems.
Experienced consultants understand how windows, curtain walls, sealants, flashing, and adjacent wall assemblies interact. They can identify the true source of leakage rather than simply documenting where water becomes visible.
This allows project teams to make targeted repairs instead of relying on trial-and-error solutions.
Partner with QED LAB for ASTM E1105 Testing in Washington
At QED LAB, we provide professional ASTM E1105 field water penetration testing for commercial windows, curtain walls, storefront systems, and other building envelope assemblies throughout Washington and across the United States.
Our experienced team works with architects, contractors, manufacturers, consultants, and building owners to verify installation quality, investigate water intrusion, and support successful project completion.
Whether your project requires quality assurance testing, forensic leak investigations, or building envelope consulting, we deliver accurate testing, detailed reporting, and practical recommendations that help protect your building from costly water damage.
Contact QED LAB today to learn more about our ASTM E1105 testing services and how we can support your next commercial construction project.
FAQ's
Q: What does ASTM E1105 test?
ASTM E1105 evaluates the water penetration resistance of installed windows, curtain walls, storefront systems, doors, and skylights by simulating wind-driven rain under controlled field conditions.
Q: Why is ASTM E1105 important?
The test helps identify installation deficiencies before they lead to hidden water damage, microbial growth, warranty claims, or expensive post-construction repairs.
Q: Is ASTM E1105 a laboratory or field test?
ASTM E1105 is a field test performed after installation. It differs from ASTM E331, which is conducted in a laboratory on manufactured products before installation.