Air Leakage

Glass Block Technology has tested glass blocks & the Rods & Mortar installation method to CWCT standards (Centre for Window Cladding Technology). 

The panel test sequence was in accordance with CWCT test methods for building envelopes - Dec 2005, sections 5, 6, 7, 9, 11, 12 & 15 & BS 8200: 1985, to determine the weather tightness of the sample with respect to air leakage, water penetration, wind and impact resistance. 

The test sample successfully passed all of the above CWCT test requirements and all tests are either equal to or in excess of the requirements for current BS EN Standards for Curtain Walling

Infiltration

Three (3) preparatory pulses of 660 Pa (110% of peak test pressure) positive pressure were applied to the test sample. An airtight seal comprising of plastic sheeting and adhesive tape was then attached to the face of the test sample.

Leakage through the test chamber and joints between the chamber and test sample was determined by measuring the air flow at the following positive pressures; 50, 100, 150, 200, 250, 300, 450 and 600 Pa each step being held for at least 10 seconds.

Test results for the sample were determined by repeating the above sequence with the sample unsealed. The difference between the readings being the air leakage through the sample. A check for concentrated air leakage was conducted following the above sequence.

Exfiltration

Three (3) preparatory pulses of 500 Pa negative pressure were applied to the test sample. An airtight seal comprising of plastic sheeting and adhesive tape was then attached to the face of the test sample.

Leakage through the test chamber and joints between the chamber and test sample was determined by measuring the air flow at the following positive pressures; 50 and 100, each step being held for at least 10 seconds.

Test results for the sample were determined by repeating the above sequence with the sample unsealed. The difference between the readings being the air leakage through the sample.

	Peak Test Pressure	Result	Date of test	Classification
Test 1 – Air Leakage (Infiltration)	600 Pa	Pass	07/03/11	A4
Test 2 – Air Leakage (Exfiltration)	100 Pa		07/03/11	-
Test 5 – Repeat Air Leakage (Infiltration)	600 Pa	Pass	07/03/11	A4
Test 6 – Repeat Air Leakage (Exfiltration)	100 Pa		07/03/11	-

Note1 : There is no classification or performance requirement for exfiltration testing in CWCT Standard for Systemised Building Envelopes – Section 5.

The panel was tested using Rods & Mortar accessories:

Sample Size:  5610mm wide x 2610mm high – made up of 190mm x 190mm Glass blocks (28 blocks wide by 13 blocks high)

Jointing Material:  10mm mortar joints using Colmef Vetromix mortar.

Reinforcement:  2 x 5mm stainless steel reinforcement rods per horizontal joint & 1 x 5mm stainless steel reinforcement rods per vertical joint.

Perimeter Seals: 10mm Expansion joint around perimeter. Caulked over with Glass Block Technology’s Rods & Mortar silicon sealant.