Façade testing

Properties

• sound insulation
• air permeability
• water tightness against driving rain
• resistance to windload
• burglary
• thermal insulation
• fall protection
• special tests

Extract from the tests offered by PfB

Fencing off external influences: The key role of façades

The PfB has optimised façade test stands measuring 6 x 8 m available for testing your façade. The air permeability, watertightness against driving rain and resistance to wind load are verified in a combined test.

Our testing institute offers a comprehensive range of tests for curtain wallings in accordance with EN 13830. These tests include specific tests for air permeability, resistance to wind load and watertightness against driving rain.

It also makes sense to test façades for sound insulation and burglary and to have thermal calculations carried out.

Air Water Wind: focus on static resistance

Air permeability: Our tests measure the amount of air that flows through the façade under certain pressurised conditions. The requirements are usually specified in a specification.

The wind load on a façade depends on various factors such as building height, position and shape. The deformation is verified in accordance with DIN EN 12179. The wind load is caused by static positive or negative air pressure. The wind load specifications are usually determined by a wind report prepared by a structural engineer.

water tightness against driving rain: The test determines the wind pressure up to which a façade resists penetrating water. The basic test is carried out with static wind pressure and can optionally be supplemented with dynamic driving rain. These tests simulate the effects of heavy rain in windy conditions.

American standards: Our institute also carries out tests according to American ASTM, AAMA standards and CWCT test sequences. This allows you to ensure that your products meet the specific requirements of the American or British market.

Sound insulation: effective solutions for quiet spaces

Another key area of PfB testing is sound insulation by testing the building acoustics of façades. In accordance with the DIN 4109 and DIN 52210 standards, we assess façades in different sound insulation classes.

• Airborne sound insulation
  R_w (C; C_tr) (dB) weighted sound reduction index
• Longitudinal sound insulation
  D_n,f,w (C; C_tr) (dB) weighted standardised flanking sound level difference

The sound reduction measurements are determined by measurements in the test stand, whereby the test samples are installed with ideally highly sound-insulating joints in accordance with standardised specifications. The test results are given as single figure data with additional assessment using the spectrum adjustment values C (e.g. residential activities) and Ctr (e.g. traffic noise).

Further tests on façades:

Fall protection: From a fall height of 1.0 m, proof of fall protection is required for window elements and fixed glazing with a parapet that is not sufficiently high. Fall protection is regulated nationally. Fall-protection elements made of glass are regulated in DIN 18008-4.

Impact resistance: Testing is carried out in accordance with CWCT Hard and Softbody Impact or DIN EN 14019. The test simulates the impact of hard or elastically deformable objects on a façade. The assessment is based on strength and / or visual aspects.

Burglary: Not only doors and windows, but also façades are targets for burglars. When testing burglar-resistant properties, the entire building element, including the installation in the building structure, must be considered. This is a destructive test in which representative test specimens are subjected to the loads of the resistance class to be achieved.

Burglary: Not only doors and windows, but also façades are targets for burglars. When testing burglar-resistant properties, the entire building element, including the installation in the building structure, must be considered. This is a destructive test in which representative test samples are subjected to the loads of the resistance class to be achieved.

Thermal insulation:

This is an important indicator of the energy efficiency and comfort of a building. The heat transfer coefficient (U-value) is a specific characteristic value for the heat transfer through a building component. The U-value indicates the amount of heat that passes through 1 m² of a building component at a temperature difference of 1 K. It is essentially determined by the thermal conductivity and thickness of the materials used.

Special tests: We also offer special tests that are tailored to your specific needs and requirements for your façades. Whether you want to test specific materials or simulate the effects of certain mechanical environmental conditions, we can plan test sequences to suit your requirements.

The test certificate is issued on the basis of the technical documentation and, if required, production monitoring is also carried out by the PfB certification centre. Please feel free to contact us at any time if you have any further questions about the testing of facades. We will be happy to assist you.