AAMA 501.

5-07

Test Method for Thermal

Cycling of Exterior Walls

Copyright by the American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA). This document was purchased by Maria Schneider of Construction Consulting on Mon Mar 26 2012. It may not be
reproduced, republished or distributed in any format without the express written consent of AAMA.
 1.0 SCOPE ................................................................................... 1
2.0 SUMMARY OF TEST METHOD ............................................. 1
3.0 SIGNIFICANCE AND USE ..................................................... 1
4.0 REFERENCED STANDARDS ................................................ 2
5.0 APPARATUS ......................................................................... 2
6.0 TEST SPECIMENS ................................................................. 3
7.0 SAFETY PRECAUTIONS ....................................................... 3 
8.0 PROCEDURE ......................................................................... 3 
9.0 PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS ...................................... 4 
10.0 TEST REPORT ......................................................................... 4

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AAMA 501.5-07
ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED: 1998
PRECEDING DOCUMENT: 501.5-98
REVISED: 4/07
PUBLISHED: 4/07

American Architectural Manufacturers Association

1827 Walden Office Square, Suite 550, Schaumburg, IL 60173
PHONE (847) 303-5664 FAX (847) 303-5774
EMAIL webmaster@aamanet.org WEBSITE www.aamanet.org

  Copyright by the American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA). This document was purchased by Maria Schneider of Construction Consulting on Mon Mar 26 2012. It may not be
reproduced, republished or distributed in any format without the express written consent of AAMA.
1.0 SCOPE
1.1 OBJECTIVES AND LIMITATIONS
This test method provides a standard laboratory procedure
for evaluation of thermal cycling effects on large exterior
wall mock-ups, components and cladding. This test method
utilizes convective hot air to achieve the exterior air
temperature setpoint. The convective hot air exposure
method usually provides a more severe test than infrared
radiation methods because it elevates the exterior air
temperature to levels that are not obtainable in real world
conditions. This method is not intended for the evaluation
of individual components such as windows and doors.
Thermal cycling is conducted to evaluate an exterior wall
system's ability to maintain acceptable performance
characteristics after being subjected to a specified number
and range of thermal cycles. The primary performance
evaluations to determine the effects of thermal cycling are
measured by testing air leakage (ASTM E 283) and water
penetration (ASTM E 331) before and after thermal
cycling. Other tests may be used to characterize the system
performance but they must be specified in the contract
documents.
This test method shall not be used for condensation or
dewpoint performance evaluation because of the many
uncontrollable test variables associated with large wall
mock-ups that prevent standardization and reproducibility.
These test variables affect air flow and ambient air
conditions that are necessary to reproduce standard
exterior and interior air films and are difficult to control in
multi-story mock-ups. It is not unusual to experience
ambient air temperatures within a ± 3°C (± 5°F) range
which may result in surface temperatures with a similar
range. Consequently, the thermal cycling tests results will
not have the accuracy or reproducibility of AAMA 1503.
If condensation resistance or dewpoint performance is
required, the AAMA 1503 test method shall be used.
1.2 The primary units of measure in this document are
metric. The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as
the standard. The values given in parentheses are for
reference only.
1.3 EXTERIOR AND INTERIOR TEMPERATURES
The specifier shall determine the extreme design
temperatures for the project, including exterior surface
temperature due to solar radiation.
NOTE 1: If no temperatures are specified, the default
values outlined in Section 8.4 shall be utilized.
1.4 DURATION AND NUMBER OF CYCLES
The specifier shall consult with the testing laboratory
regarding any unusual construction. Metal and glass walls
may reach equilibrium in a relatively short time. Walls
AAMA 501.5-07
Copyright by the American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA). This document was purchased by Maria Schneider of Construction Consulting on Mon Mar 26 2012. It may not be
reproduced, republished or distributed in any format without the express written consent of AAMA.
containing masonry and concrete elements may require
longer periods to reach stabilized heat transfer conditions.
Unless otherwise specified, the minimum number of
complete thermal cycles shall be three.
1.5 TEMPERATURE CONTROLS AND TOLERANCES
The testing laboratory shall have experience in thermal
testing and control as required, to provide a range of
interior and exterior temperatures that can be maintained
within the specified tolerance. A tolerance of ± 3°C (± 5°F)
shall be acceptable.
2.0 SUMMARY OF TEST METHOD
2.1 This test method consists of sealing a test specimen into
the opening of a structural test chamber. The outdoor side
of the specimen shall be enclosed with an insulated
chamber which shall be equipped with a means to lower
and elevate the ambient temperature. The indoor side shall
be equipped with a means to monitor relative humidity and
temperature. The thermal cycling test shall be conducted
after air infiltration and water resistance tests on, and visual
examination of, the mock-up have been successfully
completed. Additional air infiltration and water resistance
tests, and visual examination, shall be conducted after
thermal cycling to determine if any temperature related
degradation has occurred.
2.2 Reusable insulated chambers may be constructed to
enclose smaller mock-ups. Insulated temporary walls may
be required for very large mock-ups and mock-ups of
special geometry. In either event, the testing laboratory
must provide temperature measurement and controls to
prevent local cold or hot spots on the exterior and interior
of the mock-up.
3.0 SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
3.1 This test method provides a procedure which architects
and specifiers may use for evaluation of possible
detrimental effects resulting from thermal cycling of
exterior walls, particularly as these effects may relate to air
and water infiltration performance.
3.2 Testing organizations using this test method shall have
personnel knowledgeable in heat transfer, fluid mechanics,
instrumentation and other specific requirements for the
range of test methods referenced. Testing personnel shall
have knowledge of the exterior wall systems being tested.
3.3 This test method is limited to temperature cycling
factors which affect the performance of exterior wall
systems. This test method is recommended for products
and/or materials which may be sensitive to the specified
temperatures specified herein.
Page 1
3.4 Currently, no correlation data exists relating this test
method to field performance. However it is intended to
simulate, in a given period of time, the maximum
temperature range the wall may experience.
3.5 In this test method, specimens are subjected to only one
of any number of laboratory temperature cycling
conditions. Therefore the results are valid only for the
conditions specified.
4.0 REFERENCED STANDARDS
4.1 References to the standards listed below shall be to the
edition indicated. Any undated reference to a code or
standard appearing in the requirements of this standard
shall be interpreted as to referring to the latest edition of
that code or standard.
4.2 American Architectural Manufacturers Association
(AAMA)
AAMA 1503, Voluntary Test Method for Thermal
Transmittance and Condensation Resistance of Windows,
Doors and Glazed Wall Sections.
4.3 ASTM International (ASTM)
ASTM E 230, Standard Specification and Temperature-
Electromotive Force (EMF) Tables for Standardized
Thermocouples
ASTM E 283, Standard Test Method for Determining the
Rate of Air Leakage Through Exterior Windows, Curtain
Walls, and Doors Under Specified Pressure Differences
Across the Specimen
ASTM E 331, Standard Test Method for Water
Penetration of Exterior Windows, Skylights, Doors, and
Curtain Walls by Uniform Static Air Pressure Difference
4.4 American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air
Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE)
ASHRAE Handbook of Fundamentals
5.0 APPARATUS
5.1 SUITABLE APPARATUS
The description of the apparatus in this section is general.
Any suitable arrangement capable of maintaining the
required test conditions and tolerances shall be permitted.
5.2 PORTION OF MOCK-UP TO BE TESTED
Thermal cycling tests are often performed on large full-
scale curtain wall mock-ups. The mock-ups are usually
multi-story and require test chambers which simulate the
structure and floor edge conditions of the project. It is
intended to have a thermal cycling chamber of sufficient
AAMA 501.5-07
Copyright by the American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA). This document was purchased by Maria Schneider of Construction Consulting on Mon Mar 26 2012. It may not be
reproduced, republished or distributed in any format without the express written consent of AAMA.
size to enclose the entire performance mock-up. However,
on extremely large mock-ups [nominally larger than 6 m x
10 m (20 ft x 32 ft) the available thermal test chamber may
not fully enclose the entire performance mock-up. In such
instances, the testing facility shall consult with the project
design professional and the wall provider to identify a
representative area of the mock-up to be the portion
subjected to thermal cycling. Any subsequent air or water
performance testing shall be evaluated over the entire
performance mock-up unless otherwise specified.
5.3 TEMPERATURE CONTROL
The test apparatus shall control the average temperature
within ±3°C (±5°F) of the specified setpoints. The weather
side shall be permitted to be cooled and heated in any
manner that is capable of maintaining the required
temperatures during the test. However, precautionary
measures need to be taken to avoid having abnormally high
glass surface temperatures. The test specimen shall be
protected from direct exposure to the heating and cooling
medium.
5.4 INDOOR HUMIDITY
The indoor relative humidity levels are not specified.
NOTE 2: High indoor relative humidity conditions should
be avoided so as not to cause severe condensation, frost or
ice accumulation on the interior surface of the specimen
which could affect the validity of the air and water tests.
5.5 AIR CIRCULATION
Precise calibration of wind velocities shall not be required
for the thermal cycling tests. Air circulation shall be
required to minimize temperature stratification and
fluctuation of temperatures. This shall be permitted to be
accomplished by directing airflow either parallel or
perpendicular to the specimen’s indoor and weather side
surfaces.
5.6 TEMPERATURE MEASURING EQUIPMENT
Exterior air and exterior surface temperatures as well as
interior air temperatures shall be measured by
thermocouples of wire not larger than 24 AWG gage and
which meet, or are calibrated, in accordance with ASTM E
230. The surface thermocouples shall be taped tightly to the
surface with a 32 mm (1 ¼ in) long piece of aluminum foil
tape with a flat, painted finish. The emissivity of the paint
shall be similar to the emissivity of the test surface.
5.6.1 Pressure shall be applied to the tape until it is evident
the thermocouple is in direct contact with the surface. Other
surface temperature measuring methodology, such as non-
contact pyrometers, shall be permitted to be utilized as long
as the accuracy meets or exceeds that of ASTM E 230.
5.6.2 The test laboratory shall measure exterior surface
temperatures at all typical framing members and glazing
infill conditions. A parallel set of interior surface
temperatures shall not be required for this test method but
Page 2
may be useful in the evaluation of the wall. The ambient air
thermocouples shall be shielded from radiation and be
positioned at least 75 mm (3 in) away from the wall
specimen, at locations as determined by the test laboratory
to be representative for the chamber being used.
5.6.3 It is recommended that at least three thermocouples
be used to measure the chamber air temperature; with one
located at the low, mid and high regions of the chamber.
5.6.4 The average of the weather side ambient air
thermocouples shall be used for controlling and measuring
the specified test conditions.
6.0 TEST SPECIMENS
6.1 Exterior wall test specimens shall be of sufficient size
to determine the performance of all typical parts, including
corners if applicable, of the system. For curtain walls or
walls constructed with prefabricated units, the specimen
width shall not be less than two typical units, plus the
connections and supporting elements at both sides, and of
sufficient size to provide full loading on at least one typical
vertical framing member, including end joints. The height
shall be not less than two full building story heights or the
height of two full panels, whichever is greater, and shall
include at least one joint accommodating vertical
expansion, and all connections at the top and bottom of the
units. When the project assembly is less than two stories,
the full height shall be tested.
6.2 All parts of the wall test specimen shall be full size,
using the same materials, details and methods of
construction and anchorage as used on the actual building.
6.3 Conditions of structural support shall simulate, as
accurately as practical, the structural conditions of the
actual building. Due to practical considerations,
embedments in concrete for anchorage support shall be
permitted to be simulated by steel supports.
7.0 SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
7.1 This test method does not purport to address all of the
safety problems associated with its use. It is the
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish
appropriate safety and health practices.
7.2 Extreme elevated and depressed temperatures will be
encountered in this test method. Access to variable
temperature chambers shall be restricted during the
exposure cycles.
AAMA 501.5-07
Copyright by the American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA). This document was purchased by Maria Schneider of Construction Consulting on Mon Mar 26 2012. It may not be
reproduced, republished or distributed in any format without the express written consent of AAMA.
8.0 PROCEDURE
8.1 Inspect the test specimen for suitability for thermal
cycling. If moving elements are present in the test
specimen, operate each sash or movable element through
its complete cycle five times to ensure a representative
specimen is submitted for testing. Securely close and lock
each operable element prior to testing.
8.2 Prior to thermal cycling the test specimen, the un-
cycled specimen shall be evaluated by conducting ASTM E
283 (air leakage) and ASTM E 331 (water penetration)
tests. The air leakage and water penetration tests shall be
conducted at pressures specified for the project. After the
air and water tests, conduct a visual examination of
exposed surfaces to qualitatively determine their initial
conditions.
8.3 Upon completion of the air and water tests, the weather-
side of the specimen shall be covered with an insulated
chamber which is capable of temperature variation over a
wide range, to simulate outdoor conditions as described in
Section 8.4.
8.4 The thermal cycling test temperatures shall be selected
to meet expected job conditions but if these are not known,
the standard test conditions shall default to:
1. High temperature (exterior ambient air) = 82°C (180°F)
2. Low temperature (ambient air) = -18°C (0°F)
3. Indoor compartment = 24°C (75°F)
NOTE 3: In lieu of the default ambient exterior air
temperature, the specifier may require an exterior ambient
air temperature to cause a maximum exterior metal surface
temperature of 82oC (180oF) or a minimum of 49oC
(120oF) depending on project finish, exposure and
geographic location. For testing purposes ambient air
temperature is the control parameter, however the exterior
metal surface temperatures are measured and recorded.
The purpose of higher than real world ambient air
temperatures is to drive the metal surface temperature to
the maximum predicted level. If the exterior ambient design
temperatures are not known, the ASHRAE “Handbook of
Fundamentals” is a good source for this information.
8.5 The temperature controlling equipment shall be
activated to provide a variable weather-side temperature
cycle. Air circulation shall be used to prevent still air
stratification. Adjust the indoor temperature to 24°C ±3°C
(75°F ±5°F). Conduct the following sequence of thermal
cycling after preconditioning the wall at 24°C (75°F) for
one hour:
Phase I: During the first hour, increase the weather
side conditions to the specified high
temperature conditions. Maintain these
conditions for a minimum of two hours.
Page 3
Phase II: Adjust weather side temperature to 24°C
(75°F) in a minimum of one hour.
Phase III: Lower weather side conditions to specified
low temperature conditions over the next
hour. Maintain these conditions for a
minimum of two hours.
Phase IV: Adjust weather side temperature to 24°C
(75°F) in a minimum of one hour.
(See Figure 1 for graph of standard test conditions)
Repeat this cycle a minimum of three times.
(1.57 psf) with a maximum allowable rate of air leakage of
1m3/h•m2 (0.06 cfm/ft2) for walls as being adequate for
many buildings. A pressure difference of 300 Pa (6.24 psf)
with an allowable rate of air leakage of 1m3/h•m2
(0.06 cfm/ft2)) is recommended for buildings in which
greater control of air leakage and/or humidity is required.
NOTE 6: The specifier shall establish the maximum air
pressure difference at which no water leakage is allowed.
AAMA recommends an air pressure difference equal to
20% of the positive design wind pressure with a minimum
of 300 Pa (6.24 psf) and a maximum of 580 Pa (12.0 psf).

AAMA 501.5 10.0 TEST REPORT

AVERAGE EXTERIOR AIR TEMPERATURE °C (°F)

Thermal Cycling Standard Test Conditions

82°C (180°F) The test report shall include:
- - - - - - -o- - - - - -o - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
10.1 The name and address of the testing laboratory,
location of test site, date when test was completed and date
of issuance of the report.
24°C (75°F)
- - - o - - - - - -- - - - - - - o- - - - - - - - - -- - - -o - - - 10.1.1 Identification of the specimen(s) — manufacturer,
source of supply, dimensions, model number(s), type,
materials of construction, color/finish of framing and any
other pertinent information such as mock-up shop
-18°C (0°F) drawings..
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -o- - - - - - o- - - - - - -
- 10.1.2 Description of locking, operating mechanisms (if
any).
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
10.1.3 Glass thickness, glass type and method of glazing.
HOURS
ONE CYCLE 10.1.4 Type, materials and location of all sealing systems
and devices.
FIGURE 1
10.1.5 Tabulation of all specific conditions utilized where
8.6 Following the thermal cycling, the test specimen shall test method conditions are variable.
be visually inspected for any obvious changes. After
allowing a minimum of six hours of stabilization at ambient 10.1.6 Tabulation of all characterization tests specified for
temperatures, repeat the air leakage (ASTM E 283) and evaluation.
water penetration (ASTM E 331) tests.
10.1.7 Complete description of test measurements and
NOTE 4: The weather-side compartment may need to be visual characterization of system and components both
moved away from the specimen while the air leakage and prior to exposure to temperature cycles and after
water infiltration tests are being conducted. completion of specified cycles.

9.0 PERFORMANCE 10.1.8 Observations by testing personnel during testing that

may aid the specifier in evaluation of the effects of
REQUIREMENTS temperature cycling.

After completion of the thermal cycling test there shall be 10.1.9 Elevation of test specimen identifying thermocouple
no permanent damage due to expansion and contraction. location(s).
The test specimen should be able to comply with the
project specified requirements for air leakage and water
resistance after the thermal cycling test.

NOTE 5: It is the responsibility of the specifier to establish

air pressure difference and allowable rate of air leakage.
AAMA recommends an air pressure difference of 75 Pa

AAMA 501.5-07 Page 4

Copyright by the American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA). This document was purchased by Maria Schneider of Construction Consulting on Mon Mar 26 2012. It may not be
reproduced, republished or distributed in any format without the express written consent of AAMA.
 Changes from AAMA 501.5-98 to AAMA 501.5-07
- Various editorial changes were made
- Added Reference to AAMA 1503 in Section 1.0, “Scope” and added that “shall not be used for condensation or dewpoint
performance evaluation.”
- Updated “Referenced Documents” section
- Section 5.6, added, “The emissivity of the paint shall be similar to the emissivity of the test surface.”
- Added “air temperature” to NOTE 3
- Made sure that all standard conversions also had metric conversions

Copyright by the American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA). This document was purchased by Maria Schneider of Construction Consulting on Mon Mar 26 2012. It may not be
reproduced, republished or distributed in any format without the express written consent of AAMA.
 American Architectural Manufacturers Association
1827 Walden Office Square, Suite 550
Schaumburg, IL 60173
PHONE (847)303-5664 FAX (847)303-5774
EMAIL webmaster@aamanet.org
WEBSITE www.aamanet.org

Copyright by the American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA). This document was purchased by Maria Schneider of Construction Consulting on Mon Mar 26 2012. It may not be
reproduced, republished or distributed in any format without the express written consent of AAMA.