AAMA releases voluntary test and classification method for wall cladding systems

The American Architectural Manufacturers Association,Schaumburg, Ill.,released the AAMA 509-09, a test and classification method based on the results of testing a representative sampling of drained and back ventilated rain screen wall cladding systems, according to an Oct. 23 release.

The document is titled Voluntary Test and Classification Method for Drained and Back Ventilated Rain Screen Wall Cladding Systems and addresses air leakage of the air/water barrier, air flow/cavity ventilation and water management. The primary purpose of this test method is to quantify the volume of rain water contacting an imperfect air/water barrier and the system's ability to allow for ventilation/drying as measured by air flow through the cladding.

The test method was developed by the Drained and Back Ventilated Rain Screen Study Group, chaired by Scott Warner, Architectural Testing Inc., York, Pa."This voluntary test and classification method establishes the requirements for test specimens, apparatus, test procedures, test reports and performance data that may be used in the evaluation of drained and back ventilated rain screen wall cladding systems," Warner said in the release. "The test method is intended to provide test data that will help the user make an informed evaluation of the system performance based on the degree of wetting of the air/water barrier and the available ventilation/drying of the drained and back ventilated rain screen wall cladding systems."

The Voluntary Test and Classification Method for Drained and Back Ventilated Rain Screen Wall Cladding Systems is available to members at a cost of $15 for download, $30 for paper copy and $35 for CD. Non-members may purchase the document at a cost of $37.50 for download, $75 for paper copy and $80 for CD. To order AAMA 509-09, click here.