ASTM E1105: Standard Test Method for Field Determination of Water Penetration of Installed Exterior Windows, Skylights, Doors, and Curtain Walls, by Uniform or Cyclic Static Air Pressure Difference

Cx Associates performs ASTM E1105 field testing. We've performed building enclosure commissioning and E1105 field testing on commercial, industrial, institutional, multifamily, and residential projects across Vermont and the Northeast. Our team includes experts with deep familiarity in building code and enclosure standards.

ASTM E1105 At a Glance

What it tests

Water penetration resistance of installed fenestration and curtain wall systems under static or cyclic air pressure

Applicable to

Windows, skylights, doors, curtain walls, storefronts — installed in the field

New vs Existing

Both new construction and existing buildings

Test type

Pass/fail performance — identifies presence of water penetration under controlled conditions

Referenced by

AAMA 502, AAMA 503, AAMA 501.1, project specifications, building enclosure commissioning plans

What is ASTM E1105?

ASTM E1105 is a field test method that evaluates whether installed exterior windows, skylights, doors, storefronts or curtain walls allow water to penetrate into the building under controlled wind-driven rain conditions. The test applies water to the exterior face of the fenestration assembly at a specified rate while simultaneously creating a static or cyclic air pressure differential across the assembly — simulating the conditions that drive water through gaps and imperfect seals.

The standard was developed specifically for field use on installed products, as opposed to ASTM E331, which is the laboratory test for water penetration. E1105 can be used with either static pressure (a constant pressure differential held for a specified duration) or cyclic pressure (pressure that varies between high and low values to simulate gusting wind), depending on the system and the applicable project specification.

The test result is pass/fail: water that appears on the interior face of the assembly beyond the plane of the system, or that enters the wall cavity, constitutes a failure. The test does not necessarily measure how much water penetrates — it determines whether any penetration occurs under the test conditions.

Scope and Application

Installed exterior windows of all types and frame materials

Sliding glass doors, swinging doors, and vestibule assemblies

Skylights and roof windows

Storefront systems

Curtain wall assemblies

Sloped glazing systems

New construction quality verification and pre-occupancy acceptance testing

Required by LEED v5

Existing buildings experiencing water intrusion, damage investigation, or forensic analysis

Note: E1105 is frequently specified in combination with ASTM E783 air leakage testing. AAMA 502 and AAMA 503, the two primary voluntary specifications for field testing of installed fenestration, reference both E1105 and E783 as their core test methods.

Why should I consider this test?

Water penetration through fenestration is one of the most common and costly building envelope failures. Even small gaps at sill corners, poor sealant beads at the perimeter, or improperly drained weep systems can allow water to enter wall cavities, damaging insulation, framing, and finishes — often without any visible indication at the interior until significant damage has occurred.

E1105 field testing provides documented evidence of installed performance before the building is turned over to the owner. When performed during construction, it identifies failures while access is still available and corrections are relatively inexpensive. When performed on existing buildings, it can serve as diagnostic information to inform mechanisms for water infiltration as well as objective data for insurance claims, litigation, or remediation planning.

Related Testing Standards

These standards are commonly specified alongside or in place of ASTM E1105 depending on project scope. Cx Associates performs all of the following: