Testing Our Rooflights In The USA

We pride ourselves on our testing. Some are in-house quality tests, others are state, and some are client required testing requests.

Glazing Vision follow numerous processes to ensure a quality product is delivered every time, regardless of where the product is going. There are times when rigorous testing is required to assess how our rooflights perform in high pressure, upward wind loads and severe downpours of rain, particularly when we are working on USA based projects. Let’s take a look at the different types of tests that our rooflights have recently been subjected to in the USA.

General testing to meet codes in the USA

The official testing requirements for rooflights are very limited. Glazing Vision generally must test against window and door standards as well as commercial glazing standards.

Flushglaze
The standard Flushglaze unit has been thoroughly tested and has achieved the following classification results:
Size: 72” span x 156-3/4” width, Pitch: 5/8” : 12”
Performance Grade 50 (PG 50) Test Standard Declared Value Air permeability ASTM E283 ±600 Pa (±12.53 psf) Watertightness ASTM E331 and E547 600 Pa (12.53 psf) Wind resistance ASTM E330 ±2400 Pa (±50.13 psf) Serviceability +4800 Pa (+100.25 psf), -3600 Pa (-75.19 psf) Safety

Pitchglaze
The product has been thoroughly tested in accordance with AAMA/WDMA/CSA 101/1.S.2/A440-17, and has achieved the following classification results:
Size: 39-3/8” span x 118-1/8” width Pitch: 3-1/4 : 12
Performance Grade 35 (PG 35) Test Standard Declared Value Air permeability ASTM E283 ±750 Pa (±15.66 psf) Watertightness ASTM E331 750 Pa (15.66 psf) Wind resistance ASTM E330 ±2400 Pa (±50.13 psf) Serviceab

Skydoor
The product has been thoroughly tested and has achieved the following classification results:
Size: 51-3/4” span x 135-3/4” width Pitch: 5/8” : 12”
Performance Grade 30 (PG 30) Test Standard Declared Value Air permeability ASTM E283 ±600 Pa (±12.53 psf) Watertightness ASTM E331 and E547 600 Pa (12.53 psf) Wind resistance ASTM E330 +2400 Pa (+50.13 psf), -1600 Pa (-33.42 psf) Serviceability +3600 Pa (+75.19 psf), -2400 Pa (-50.13 psf) Safety

Skybox
The product has been thoroughly tested and has achieved the following classification results:
Size: 137-3/4” span x 94-1/2” width x 59” height Pitch: 0” : 12”
Test Standard Declared Value Air permeability ASTM E283 ±300 Pa (6.27 psf) Watertightness ASTM E331 300 Pa (6.27 psf) AMMA 501.1 600 Pa (12.53 psf) Wind resistance ASTM E330 +2400 Pa (+50.13 psf), -1200 Pa (-25.06 psf) Serviceability +3200 Pa (+66.83 psf), -1250 Pa (-26.11 psf) Safety

An example of test sequencing for the Flushglaze Fixed Rooflight

The test sequence for the fixed rooflight:
1) Air permeability (ASTM E283)
2) Watertightness (ASTM E331)
3) Watertightness (ASTM E547)
4) Wind resistance – serviceability (ASTM E330)
5) Air permeability (ASTM E283)
6) Watertightness (ASTM E331)
7) Watertightness (ASTM E547)
8) Wind resistance – serviceability (ASTM E330)

Client specific testing

Glazing Vision are occasionally requested to perform client specific testing to prove performance under severe conditions. This is because the rooflights are often going to be installed in extreme conditions either in high altitude with severe weather conditions or on top of a high-rise tower.

One installation that required both air permeability and water tightness was in Aspen, Colorado. The tests were to simulate air being sucked into the rooflight; this would also bring in any water if the rooflight isn’t sealing properly. The tests can only simulate the pull of air into a building by setting up a rig with a large propellor engine (see video at the bottom of this page). Once fully sealed, the rooflight must withstand the wind and rain which is being targeted at the opening sections (see image below).

This particular testing involved:
• Uniform load tests to meet AAMA A440
• Air permeability ASTM E283
• Watertightness ASTM E331 and E547
• Wind resistance ASTM E330

Custom client skylight testing

Another commonly conducted client assessment involves impact testing of the rooflight glass. Glazing Vision has conducted extensive tests on various glass specifications to assess the glass’s structural integrity within the frame. Typically, a significant weight, often in the form of sandbags, is dropped onto the glass surface. It is crucial that the weight does not penetrate or breach the glass, as this would result in a test failure. Subsequent tests involve dropping additional weights onto the glass, simulating a scenario where another person attempts to rescue someone who has fallen onto the glass. Once more, it is imperative that the rooflight maintains its structural integrity and prevents weight penetration.

State specific codes

Our latest round of testing with the International Construction Council (ICC) is to achieve Los Angeles Dept of Building Safety (LADBS) acceptance. The test reports will be passed to the ICC for verification that our products meet the Los Angeles Building Code (LABC) and Los Angeles Residential Codes (LARC).

The ICC operates as a non-profit limited liability company, and within the United States, ICC-ES stands as the foremost evaluation service for groundbreaking building materials, components, and systems. Through ICC-ES evaluations (ESRs) and Building Product Listings, we furnish concrete proof that our products and systems align with the rigorous demands of codes and technical standards. This assurance enables us to introduce our product range to the Los Angeles area, affording architects and clients the confidence that our offerings consistently meet the required standards and regulations.

ISO9001

Within Glazing Vision, a dedicated Quality Team is entrusted with the critical task of thoroughly evaluating each material used in our products, including the glass, framework, and paint finish, all to ensure our commitment to our rigorous standards. Our commitment to quality is evident at various junctures throughout the production process, as we systematically inspect components and conduct final quality assessments. For electric rooflights, a strict assessment entails opening and closing them a total of 100 times, guaranteeing flawless operation. We diligently monitor their performance, documenting their operational characteristics, and relay this information to on-site installers, affording them valuable insights into the rooflight’s factory performance.

Glazing Vision are regularly independently audited, and we are proud that our in-house auditing is more stringent than any external auditors.

Looking to learn more about our testing or have a rooflight project you are working on? Get in touch with our Technical Specification Team, we’d be happy to help.

For more information on Testing Our Rooflights In The USA talk to Glazing Vision Ltd