New Zealand's Leader in Construction Materials Testing

Using our purpose-built test rig, we test facades – wall, glazing, combinations of both, and curtain wall. In practice it means creating storm conditions inside the test booth to simulate expected wind, rain and structural loads against a wall assembly.

This test procedure is an extension of the NZS4284 testing, but at higher pressures to simulate a taller building in a more exposed environment. It was designed for existing (low-rise usage) cladding systems available in the market to check their suitability for use in mid-rise construction.

This onsite test is similar to ASNZS 4420.4 but tests how much air this window leaks in this building. Answers may relate to age and condition of the window, or maybe the window supplied to the lab for testing was built with infinite care and some additional sealant.

Walls are supposed to stay upright. Testing the bracing capacity of wall systems shows just how capable they are of withstanding wind and seismic loads. Tests can be performed on sheet bracing elements, strap bracing, cross bracing, proprietary bracing systems and fixings across a variety of structural framework.

Window and door elements should resist the expected wind pressures and remain intact, straight, operable, wind-tight and water-tight.

This standard nails down what is acceptable at given wind pressures.

Window and door elements are expected to keep wind out and air in when they are closed. This test determines how much air leakage occurs.

Get what you inspect not expect. How do you know what you are installing is quality assured? Bridge any gaps with a building envelope commission and get assurance.

This type of testing uses calibrated equipment to check the weathertightness of installed windows and doors – checking for leaks in seals, gaskets, installation detailing – so they can be understood and rectified.

• WGANZ 501 Water penetration testing (New glazing with water pressure)
• WGANZ 502 Water penetration testing (New glazing with water and induced air pressure)
• WGANZ 503 Water penetration testing (‘old’ or existing window/glazing systems)

This test uses a fan to push air into a building so we can check where it leaks out again through the fabric of the building, sometimes from deliberate openings – trickle vents, rangehoods, louvres, other times power points, downlights, around pipework in the kitchen – where it definitely can cause damage. ATTMA accredited.

A room integrity test is an important process used to determine if a fire suppression agent, used for total flooding, will stay inside an enclosure at the correct concentration.

• The test measures the enclosure’s ability to maintain the fire suppressant and estimates how long different clean agent fire extinguishing systems will be effective in the protected room.
• Generally, a ten-minute hold time is required to pass the test.

Electronic leak detection can be a useful diagnostic or quality assurance tool to confirm the integrity of membrane roofs.

Using the Digiscan 360 from SMT Research, we can quickly and effectively check membrane roofs for breaches in the membrane surface.