1.1 These specifications establish the requirements for test specimens, apparatus, sampling, test procedures and test reports to be
used in evaluating the performance of newly installed storefronts, curtain walls and sloped glazing systems and their installation
during construction, prior to issuance of the building occupancy permit, but no later than six months after issuance of the
occupancy permit. ("Test Area" hereafter referred to as "specimen".)
1.1.1 Specifically excluded from this specification are windows, glass doors and skylights as defined in AAMA AG-07 (if
required, these systems shall be tested per AAMA 502). Also excluded from this specification are commercial entrance
systems. Verifying the structural loading resistance performance of storefronts, curtain walls and sloped glazing systems is
beyond the scope of this specification.
If field testing is required more than six months after the building occupancy permit has been issued, AAMA 511 shall be
used. Additionally, in the event that water penetration testing using the test methods outlined in this specification produces
water infiltration that cannot be solely attributed to the glazing system, forensic testing shall be initiated by using AAMA 511
and ASTM E 2128. The determination of the source(s) of water penetration from a wall or roof component other than the
glazing system requires forensic investigation and testing outside the scope of this specification.
1.2 The purpose of this specification is to provide a method which can be used to evaluate the installed performance of
storefronts, curtain walls and sloped glazing systems for resistance to water penetration under controllable and reproducible test
conditions intended to simulate wind driven rain events. This specification may also be used to evaluate the installed air leakage
of"punched opening" curtain walls, storefronts and sloped glazing. Field air leakage testing is not recommended for a portion of
continuous systems due to the complexity of compartmentalizing air chambers and cavities within these systems.
1.3 The primary units of measure in this document are metric. The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard.
The values given in parentheses are for reference only.
AAMA 503-2008 history
2014AAMA 503-2014 Voluntary Specification for Field Testing of Newly Installed Storefronts, Curtain Walls and Sloped Glazing Systems
2008AAMA 503-2008 Voluntary Specification for Field Testing of Newly installed Storefronts, Curtain Walls and Sloped Glazing Systems