Water penetration resistance of residential window and wall systems subjected to steady and unsteady wind loading

This paper presents results from two interrelated studies that investigated the performance of residential window and wall systems subjected to (1) simplified load scenarios and (2) realistic, time-varying load conditions. The first project investigated the diagnostic ability of standard water penetration test methods for the evaluation of residential systems. Static and rapidly pulsed pressure test protocols were compared using 2.4 m × 2.4 m wall sections with integrated windows. The second project quantified water ingress rates of operable, sliding seal windows under time-varying wind loads derived from wind tunnel measurements. The findings of this research indicated that the application of a static air pressure differential across the specimen is a practical, effective technique to evaluate watertightness of residential windows, however enhancements to the testing approach are warranted if systems level performance is to be evaluated.