A Guide to Field Performance Testing for Fenestration Products

Fenestration systems are crucial elements of the built environment, as they constitute a large percentage of the exterior cladding of most construction projects. These systems must be both air and watertight — drafts and leaks can lead to serious infrastructure issues down the road. That’s why it’s essential to properly evaluate the fenestration products’ performance as installed.

While the quality of fenestration systems has advanced dramatically over the years, many buildings still experience issues. Typically, these problems are often the result of poor fabrication or installation, or lack of adequate quality control.

In most projects of any significance, the performance of exterior fenestration systems is evaluated in an accredited testing laboratory prior to construction. It is equally important, however, that the field performance of the installed products be evaluated as a quality control measure. Site conditions, variations in the manufacturing process and the quality and experience of the field installation team are all factors that can impact the performance of the installed products or systems.

With these factors in mind, the experts at UL Solutions provide comprehensive laboratory and in-field testing that gives insight into the performance of fenestration systems.