Why Test?
Materials used in building construction are expected to last for many years without failure. Warranty issues can be a significant source of concern for companies in this industry.
Will your building products last outdoors? For how long? Does your new raw material supplier have the same quality as your previous one? Has something changed in your process that may affect your product's outdoor durability? Don’t guess when you can test.
Q-Lab testers are used to evaluate corrosion resistance of a variety of building products, including:
- Roofing
- Siding
- Windows and doors
- Gutters and downspouts
- Composite decking
- Sealants and caulks
- Paints, stains, and varnishes
- Fencing
Nearly all materials used in building construction are exposed to outdoor conditions. Coatings and profiles for windows, doors, and siding, as well as weather seals, trims, and sealants, are regularly tested in the Q-FOG cyclic corrosion testers. Materials can be evaluated for corrosion resistance using simple salt spray techniques, or more advanced modern cyclic corrosion testing.
Our Exposure Testing Services for Architectural and Window
Florida Natural Outdoor
While accelerated corrosion chambers are a key weapon in the fight against outdoor corrosive forces, nothing beats the real thing: outdoor testing in Q-Lab's Florida outdoor testing facility. In fact, outdoor testing is so important that the American Architectural Manufacturer's Association (AAMA) requires it in their certification program. Q-Lab is AAMA-accredited to perform all required outdoor exposures. We're also certified by the Cool Roof Rating Council (CRRC) to perform its 3-year outdoor qualification test.
Accelerated Laboratory Corrosion
Accelerated laboratory corrosion testing is an efficient and effective way to evaluate the durability of building materials. Laboratory testing is designed to accelerate your corrosion testing process to provide you with accurate and reliable answers for how your roofing, siding, windows, and doors will perform in service.
Q-Lab's cyclic corrosion testers simulate the atmospheric conditions that degrade architectural materials, including:
- General Corrosion
- Galvanic Corrosion
- Crevice Corrosion
- Filiform Corrosion
- Pitting Corrosion
A variety of international test standards are used to evaluate building products’ corrosion resistance. Visit Q-Lab’s Standards Search page to browse standards and find the right test for your product.
Additional Testing for Architectural and Window
Weathering Testing
Corrosion isn't the only concern for architectural and window product manufacturers. Weathering due to sunlight, heat, and moisture can lead to many different types of degradation to building products. Weathering testing helps answer critical questions about durability of roofing, siding, windows, doors, and more.