Thermal Simulation/Testing

Thermal Testing Fast Facts

Began thermal testing for fenestration over 25 years ago. Today, we perform more simulations and thermal tests daily than all other laboratories combined. Facilities to conduct thermal evaluation by physical testing or computer simulation. Laboratories and simulators are geographically placed across the country in York, Pennsylvania, St. Paul, Minnesota, Fresno, California, and Seattle, Washington. Most advanced thermal chamber can test walls and products up to Rxx, as well as test-controlled air infiltration.

Value

Determining the energy performance of windows, doors, curtain walls, and other fenestration products is critical to consumers, manufacturers, trade associations, builders, and architects who rely on a standard reference point for product comparison. Architectural Testing is the industry authority in applying test methods approved by recognized certifying organizations to provide precise, accurate data—the foundation of a fair and impartial energy rating.

Tests are performed on a wide range of fenestration products and building materials:

• Casement windows
• French patio doors
• Aluminum curtain walls
• Insulating glazing units
• Wall systems
• Insulated panels
• Unique materials (such as straw bale wall systems)
• And more

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Innovations

To meet customer scheduling needs that may require quick turnaround times, Architectural Testing has made a substantial investment in facilities and capacity. Thermal testing can be performed in our California, Minnesota, or Pennsylvania offices. Our facilities incorporate three chambers, each capable of running two separate tests simultaneously—accommodating a total of six products a day.

Architectural Testing understands that the quality of equipment determines the quality of the test, so we are meticulous about our box design and instrumentation. A typical test setup will involve 20 to 30 thermocouples, but we can also employ up to 100 thermocouples if needed for custom setups. The thermal laboratory can accommodate large specimen sizes up to 10’ x 10.’ 

Finally, we can perform computer-based thermal modeling. Thanks to our experience with products in the real world, we know how to create models that are more predictive of actual performance.

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Insights and Possibilities

As an independent testing laboratory, Architectural Testing provides impartial, precise data on thermal performance that are compiled in consistent forms, including technical reports for performance evaluation of materials or components as well as long-term data collection and statistical analysis. And thanks to our comprehensive capabilities, you get the added convenience of managing multiple tests within one firm. Because of our expertise, we can also provide authoritative advice on general principles that affect results. We offer seminars at our headquarters or at customer sites to help improve products, troubleshoot problems, and create better solutions.

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Learn more about how the Architectural Testing Difference can help you or Contact Us today.