Part 2: Keeping Water Out: The Critical Role of Penetration and Adhesion Testing
If air leaks waste energy, water leaks destroy buildings.
Water intrusion leads to mold, material breakdown, occupant complaints, and staggering repair bills. And yet many construction teams skip the extra steps that would catch vulnerabilities before they escalate.
At GRLA, we know that early water penetration and adhesion testing are essential for envelope success.
In this post, we’ll dive into:
Water penetration testing for windows and curtain walls (ASTM E1105 / AAMA 501.2)
Sealant and barrier adhesion testing (ASTM C1521 / D4541/D7234)
Because in the fight against water damage, a little testing goes a very long way.
ASTM E1105 / AAMA 501.2 — Stop Water Before It Starts: Water Penetration Testing for Windows and Curtain Walls
Air leaks are costly — but water leaks are devastating. Mold growth, material degradation, and structural issues can all result from unnoticed water intrusion.
At GRLA, we prioritize ASTM E1105 and AAMA 501.2 water penetration testing for windows, storefronts, and curtain walls. These targeted tests simulate wind-driven rain and pressure events to reveal vulnerabilities that could otherwise lead to expensive remediation.
Why it Matters:
Prevents moisture-related damage before it starts.
Validates the integrity of high-risk envelope areas.
Protects investments in building finishes, insulation, and structure.
Water intrusion is one of the most expensive failures a building can face — and it’s avoidable. Proactive testing protects both the project and the people who rely on it.
ASTM C1521 and ASTM D4541 — Small Details, Big Consequences: Sealant and Barrier Adhesion Testing
In building envelopes, the smallest components often carry the greatest risk. Sealants and barriers, if improperly applied or poorly bonded, can compromise the entire system.
GRLA emphasizes early quality assurance through two critical adhesion tests:
Sealant Adhesion Testing (ASTM C1521): Ensures sealants bond properly to critical substrates.
Barrier Adhesion Testing (ASTM D4541 / D7234): Verifies the strength of air, water, and vapor barrier attachment.
Why it Matters:
Prevents future air and water leaks.
Protects insulation, finishes, and structural components.
Saves significant costs by catching adhesion failures before occupancy.
Testing these details may seem minor — until you consider the cost of repairing an air or water barrier failure inside a finished building. At GRLA, we believe small checks now create big savings later.
Water intrusion isn’t always immediate — it can take months or years before problems become visible. But by then, the damage is expensive, disruptive, and sometimes catastrophic. By performing strategic water and adhesion testing, you don’t just protect the building — you protect your reputation, your bottom line, and your occupants' trust.
The best leak is the one you never have to fix.
GRLA can help you make sure of it.
Water damage is one of the most expensive building failures — and one of the easiest to prevent.
Reach out to GRLA’s Building Envelope Sciences team to put proactive water and adhesion testing into your project plan.