Field Testing

Solve your moisture mystery with data backed by science.

Our laboratory supports our field-testing services so we can provide data-driven, forensic field investigations from the ground up.

We don't simply deliver pass / fail results, but diagnostic solutions with detailed findings and photographic evidence to identify the point of entry. Determining the source of the leaks will lead to repairs being based on detailed, scientific results. This will also allow you to minimize water damage and avoid costly repairs and litigation.

We have our own state-of-the-art testing facilities and qualified team to return results promptly and efficiently, letting us specialize and deliver the targeted results you need. Our field testing is conducted with our own trained and certified staff, who follow the highest industry standards. We do not outsource our testing.

Resultant Testing Report Identifies:

  • The specific assembly tested and the testing procedure used
  • Reference to design and effectiveness of installed waterproofing details
  • Reference to the manufacturer's installation instructions
  • Reference to the project plans and details at the tested assembly
  • Proper or improper installation issues of the sliding glass door, window assemblies, curtain wall windows, storefront windows, skylights, etc
  • Point(s) of failure (if any) and extent of water intrusion – isolated or widespread
  • Photographic exhibits that will illustrate the issues found during the testing procedure
  • Recommendations for mitigation of deficiencies identified during testing procedures. MIS has extensive construction experience that allows us to provide the Design/Construction Team with real world approaches to correcting deficiencies identified during testing.

Spray Testing

AAMA 501 Kinetic Energy Spray Test

This test method also simulates a 44 mph wind-driven rain event in small, segmented areas using a standard 3/4 inch diameter hose in which a calibrated nozzle is attached with a calibrated pressure gauge. The spray is directed at a specific joint, crack, or defect to reveal potential water leakage and assist in identifying the point of entry and path of travel of suspect moisture intrusion.

AAMA 501.2 Spray Nozzle Test

Test simulates a wind-driven rain condition on a specific assembly and/or component. It can be useful in determining a specific cause and origin of moisture infiltration when it is used to test individual components of an exterior envelope area or assembly. Specific assemblies and/or interfaces of assemblies are isolated and subjected to controlled amounts of moisture instead of spraying water over a large area in an uncontrolled manner that will not reveal specific components or conditions that are the cause of water infiltration.

Chamber Testing

Chamber or Differential Pressure Testing

A pressure chamber is constructed on the interior or exterior of the envelope of a building at a specific location where a fenestration assembly meets the envelope to test moisture driven through fenestration assembly components and/or fenestration/wall assembly components. The assembly or component is subjected to negative or positive forces while simultaneously a water spray rack is directed at the assembly to draw or push the moisture into the fenestration/wall assembly to simulate a negative or positive pressure under a wind-driven rain condition.

Chamber Testing - Positive Test Chamber

A chamber built of wood frame construction and clear plastic that is attached to the outside wall assembly of a window or door system. This chamber is built as air and water tight as possible. Care is taken to minimize damage to the finished building system.

The same spray grid system that was described for the spray test is installed inside the test chamber instead of attaching it to the frame assembly.

A blower with a speed control and a relief valve system is used to pressurize the chamber with a static air pressure. The air pressure in the chamber is determined by the greater of either the architectural specifications, the design pressure of the test specimen, or the maximum positive design pressure of the building in which the specimen is installed.

Chamber Testing - Negative Test Chamber

A chamber built of wood frame construction and clear vinyl. It is attached to the inside wall assembly of a window or door system. This chamber is built as air tight as possible. It is also designed where it can be removed easily to enable quick access for troubleshooting.

The same spray grid system that was described for the spray test is attached to the frame assembly. It is stood up against the wall system on the outside of a window or door assembly that is being tested.

A vacuum with a speed control is used to create a negative pressure inside the test chamber. The differential negative air pressure in the chamber is determined by the greater of either the architectural specifications, the design pressure of the test specimen, or the maximum positive design pressure of the building.

Chamber Testing Windows, Doors, Storefronts, Curtain Wall
AAMA 502-02

Specification for Field Testing of Windows and Sliding Glass

AAMA 502-08

Specification for Field Testing of Newly Installed Fenestration Products

ASTM E1105

Standard Test Method for Field Determination of Water Penetration

AAMA 503-03

Specification for Field Testing of Storefronts, Curtain Walls and Sloped Glazing Systems

AAMA 503-08

Specification for Field Testing of Newly Installed Storefronts, Curtain Walls and Sloped Glazing Systems

AAMA 511-08

Guideline for Forensic Water Penetration Testing of Fenestration Products

ASTM E783

Standard Test Method for Field Measurement of Air Leakage Through Installed Exterior Windows and Doors

AAMA 502-503

Positive Chambers

AAMA 502-503

Negative Chambers

Sill Dam Testing

AAMA 511-08

Guideline for Forensic Water Penetration Testing of Fenestration Products

Flood Testing

ASTM D 5957

Standard Guide for Flood Testing Horizontal Waterproofing Installations.

Pull Testing

ASTM E2359

Field Pull Testing of an In Place Exterior Insulation

ASTM D4541

Standard Test Method For Pull Off Strength Coatings using Portable Adhesion Testers

Water Penetration Tests

ASTM C 1601

Standard Test Method for Water Penetration of Masonry Wall Surfaces

ASTM E 1715

Standard Evaluation of Water leakage of Masonry Wall Drainage Systems

ASTM E 783

Standard Test Method for Measurement of Air Leakage Through Windows and Doors

Roof Uplift Testing

TAS 124-95

Standard for Field Uplift Resistance of Existing Membrane Roof Systems and In Situ Testing for Re-roof and New Construction Applications

ASTM E907

Standard Test Method for Field Testing Uplift Resistance of Adhered Membrane Roofing Systems

FM 1-52

Property Loss Prevention Data Sheet, "Field Uplift Tests".

Roofing System Leak Detection

ASTM D 7877

Standard Guide for Electronic Methods for Detecting and Locating Leaks in Waterproof Membranes

MIS provides Electronic Leak Detection (ELD) on waterproofing membranes for testing of capillary defects and/or breaches in the membrane. ELD is the process of identifying the source of potential water leakage on roofing technologies that incorporate dielectric membrane overlays.

Low-Voltage Electronic Leak Detection (ELD):
  • Testing of entire roof on an area-by-area basis
  • Wetting of the entire membrane test area with water prior to the start of each test and maintaining wet condition for the duration of testing. Aids in verifying integrity of the membrane at drains and penetrations by localized testing.
High-Voltage Leak Detection Testing
  • Tests perimeter of entire roof and any other areas not able to be tested using low-voltage method

Certified IR Imaging of Buildings and Roof Assemblies

ASTM C 1153

Standard Practice for Location of Wet Insulation in Roofing Systems Using Infrared Imaging

Thermal Imaging technology utilizes an infrared camera to produce a "heat diagram" or a visible picture using infrared wavelengths. This imaging technique is a quick, powerful and non-invasive method for detecting and assisting in the diagnosis of areas exhibiting energy loss, suspect moisture behind wall assemblies, and possible moisture in construction materials.

Air Infiltration Testing

ASTM E 779

Standard Test Method For Determining Air Leakage Rate by Fan Pressurization

ASTM E1186

Standard Test Method for Air Leakage Site Detection in Building Envelopes and Air Barrier Systems.

Concrete Flooring

ASTM F 1869

Standard Test Method for Measuring Moisture Vapor Emission Rate

ASTM F 2170

Standard Test Method for Determining Relative Humidity in Concrete Floor Slabs

ASTM F 710

Standard Practice for Preparing Concrete Floors to Receive Resilient Flooring

Environmental

Certified indoor analysis for visual microbial growth. Multiple MIS employees are certified to conduct mold investigations and IAQ assessments.

ASTM D 7338

Standard Guide for Assessment of Fungal Growth in Buildings

Thermal Imaging

Thermography utilizes an infrared camera to produce a "heat diagram" or a visible picture using infrared wavelengths. This imaging technique is a quick, powerful and non-invasive method for detecting and diagnosing energy loss, moisture behind wall systems, and moisture in construction materials.

Infrared inspections can provide immediate documentation of as-built and post-restoration conditions, plumbing and building envelope water leakage, post-flood and fire water damage material assessment, and energy loss through lack of insulation or air infiltration.

Water within building materials will evaporate resulting in cooling of the material surface. A wet spot, when observed with the infrared camera, is visible as a distinct cool spot. This distinction between wet and dry materials helps identify the water intrusion source with minimal impact to the building itself.

This equipment is used to obtain relative, not exact readings. The use of other test equipment, such as core samples and hand held moisture meters, also assist in checking moisture content.

Roofing

MIS's roofing consultants and certified roofing inspectors have extensive knowledge and experience in both newly installed roofing systems and re-roofing systems.

MIS's knowledge and understanding of the total building envelope concept assists the architect, owner, developer and contractor in the selection of the correct roofing system for the project.

MIS's testing and inspection team has the ability to conduct wind uplift tests, infrared thermal imaging, intrusive and non-intrusive moisture analysis and inspections.

MIS's experience in roofing covers the entire spectrum of Modified Bituthene, TPO, EPDM, ballast, liquid applied membrane, tile, slate, asphalt shingle, green and garden roofs.

Air Quality Testing

Investigation and determination of indoor air quality problems can be complex as they can result from inadequate ventilation, contamination from inside a building, contamination from outside a building, and microbial contamination as well as other sources. Our team of licensed mold assessors investigates potential sources of airborne microorganisms in your business, workplace or home.

Allowing a professional inspection team like MIS to:
  • Air intakes
  • Air filtration systems
  • Ceiling plenums
  • Air handling units
  • Crawl spaces and surfaces
  • Areas of possible water intrusion
  • Wall systems
  • Window systems
  • Roof systems

Testing can also be provided to determine the source and type of airborne contamination such as microbial, particulate or volatile organic compound contamination that can degrade the air quality in your building. Tests include some or all of the following: air-flow, pressure differentials, surface wipes, bulk sampling, tape lift and air sampling. Upon completion of our investigation and analysis of our testing by a third party certified test laboratory, a fully written report is submitted with our findings, laboratory results and proposed remediation protocol.