Spray rack water testing
When we think of water testing a building we often think of a person spraying a wall or window with a water hose. Even though many people today including contractors tend to use a water hose to provide some level of water intrusion testing, it’s still not the appropriate tool to use for this type of test. For most situations where water intrusion testing is necessary there is only one option for a true, water intrusion test, it’s a spray rack. We preform testing in Arizona, California and Nevada so we are extremely familiar with spray rack testing.
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Before we describe what a spray rack water test is, we need to first describe what a spray rack is
A spray rack is a special apparatus that is constructed for the sole purpose to simulate rain events. To take it a step further, the spray rack is used in both quality assurance testing for new windows and doors, and forensic testing for things like windows and doors that are currently installed but leak for unknown reasons. We can even add roofs and walls in this mix, because both of these systems also use a spray rack for water leak testing.
Here’s some more spray rack information;
- All spray racks are calibrated to perform rain simulated events
- Spray racks are constructed of plastic or metal
- These spray racks are built in 8×8 or 8×12 configurations
What is a Spray Rack Water Test?
The use of calibrated spray racks are literally written into various specifications and standards such as the ASTM E1105, the ASTM E547, ASTM 331 and ASTM E2128. The rack is set up to a very specific specification away from the building or specimen being tested and water is spray from the spray rack at a very specific rate and pressure to simulate rain as close as possible.
The procedure like the ASTM E1105 test requires the spray rack to be placed the same distance away from the specimen as it was when it was calibrated. For our spray racks our distance away from the window, wall or door is 20″. While the distance away from the object being tested changes with the different pieces of equipment (spray racks), the test procedure remains the same.
Steps to perform a spray rack water test
- Set up the spray rack just opposite the test specimen
- Connect a water supply line to the spray rack
- Apply the water by turning on the valve of the spray rack
- Allow the water to spray through the spray rack apparatus for a minimum of 15 minutes
- Once the test is complete, inspect the specimen and report on your findings
Where can you get a calibrated spray rack unit?
To use a calibrated spray rack you need not purchase one, you can make them. Of course you may want to possess some previous knowledge in how the perform and what it takes to put one together. For example, the spray nozzles are very special called whirl jets. They spray water in a cone shape as opposed to a straight line. You’ll also want to know how the tests are applied to your specific standard what ever that is.
Buying the spray rack is also an option. They sell for around $3400 to $4000 and are fully assembled and ready to go. These store-bought racks are still, however required to be calibrated every 6 months.
The use for a Spray Rack with following Standards and Guidelines
A Los Angeles spray rack is a multi useful tool with so many different ASTM and AAMA standardized tests. The methods while applying then rack stay the same no matter which test is being administered. The placement of the track, the length of time (unless otherwise agreed upon), and the water pressure.
Who provides these Spray rack Water Testing services?
Only a rain leak specialists and consultant is capable of performing a water test using a calibrated spray rack. Of course there are those who claim to be professionals and use a rack, but may lack the basic understanding of how the rack operates and its capabilities. When you need a water rain leak test look for a company like Building leak detection who has the experience to locate rain leaks in your home.
