Window Testing in Eugene, Oregon

QED LAB recently completed free-standing mock-up testing at the new Evergreen Public Schools Transportation Center project in Vancouver, Washington. This important project will provide a new 26,000-square-foot facility designed to support transportation operations for Evergreen Public Schools, including office areas and maintenance space. As part of the quality assurance process, QED LAB performed AAMA 503 water penetration testing on a fixed Oldcastle window specimen to help verify the performance of the installed window assembly before full project installation moved forward.

Mock-up testing is one of the most important steps in modern commercial construction, especially in climates like the Pacific Northwest where buildings are constantly exposed to heavy rainfall, moisture, and seasonal weather changes. Performing this type of testing early allows project teams to identify potential installation issues before they become widespread throughout the building. For projects in Vancouver, Washington, proper building envelope performance is critical for protecting structures against long-term water intrusion and air leakage issues.

For this project, QED LAB conducted AAMA 503 testing in Vancouver, which is a field quality assurance standard used to evaluate installed windows, curtain walls, and storefront systems under controlled testing conditions. This testing helps confirm that the window installation, sealants, flashing systems, and surrounding envelope components are functioning together correctly to resist water penetration under simulated weather conditions.

The free-standing mock-up included a fixed Oldcastle window specimen constructed specifically for testing purposes. By creating a representative section of the wall assembly before widespread installation begins, the project team can evaluate real-world performance and identify any weaknesses in the system. Mock-up testing often reveals issues that may not be visible during standard visual inspections, such as improper flashing transitions, incomplete sealant coverage, or drainage deficiencies around the window assembly.

Projects like the Evergreen Public Schools Transportation Center benefit greatly from this proactive approach. Water intrusion problems discovered after full installation can lead to expensive repairs, project delays, and long-term maintenance concerns. Performing mock-up testing early helps ensure the final building envelope system performs as designed while meeting project specifications and industry standards.

In the Pacific Northwest, building envelope testing in Vancouver has become increasingly important as projects continue to prioritize energy efficiency, durability, and moisture management. Buildings must be able to withstand constant environmental exposure, especially during long rainy seasons common throughout Southwest Washington. Proper water penetration testing helps protect not only the structure itself but also interior finishes, insulation systems, and long-term occupant comfort.

QED LAB provides professional building envelope testing, water penetration testing, air leakage testing, and mock-up testing services throughout Vancouver and the Pacific Northwest. Our team works closely with architects, contractors, consultants, and owners to ensure projects achieve the highest level of performance before completion.

The Evergreen Public Schools Transportation Center is another excellent example of why mock-up testing should never be skipped. By verifying the performance of window systems and envelope transitions before large-scale installation, project teams can move forward with greater confidence and reduce the risk of future failures.

QED LAB is proud to support projects like this throughout Vancouver, Washington and beyond.