Pre-Construction Building Mockup Testing & Performance Solutions

Pre-Construction Lab Mock-Up and Field Testing

Pre-construction lab mockup (PMU) and field testing is the process of building and testing a full-scale model of a building's exterior wall or façade in a controlled environment before construction begins. This testing allows early detection of design, fabrication, and installation issues, allowing teams to make necessary adjustments before final construction. This proactive approach saves time, reduces costs, and ensures regulatory compliance, helping avoid costly delays or changes during construction.

By conducting pre-construction lab mock-up testing of various types of façade systems, including the building envelope, curtain wall, storefront, and window wall, it is possible to confirm their durability, verify performance, and identify potential issues, such as water infiltration or structural weaknesses, that could compromise the building's integrity. This proactive approach allows these issues to be addressed well in advance, avoiding costly delays or pressures of stopping construction.

Building Mockup Tests & Performance Solutions – PMU

Intertek has pre-construction lab mock-up testing facilities across the U.S., Canada, and China. With the world's largest network of mockup test facilities, including indoor and outdoor test chambers and industry-leading test equipment, Intertek can handle projects of any size or complexity. Our pre-construction lab PMU testing labs provide a controlled environment to test and validate all aspects of a building's exterior before breaking ground, allowing clients to make necessary modifications early in the project.

We also develop and customize test conditions to measure additional performance attributes. Intertek's services are trusted by leading architects, façade consultants, glazing contractors, manufacturers, fabricators, and construction firms worldwide, providing clients with essential insights to validate façade performance.

Why do Mockup Testing?

• Performance Verification: Simulates real-world conditions, such as wind, water, seismic activity, and temperature extremes, to ensure that the building's façade, including curtain wall, storefront, window wall, and other building envelope systems, meets all performance requirements.
• Cost and Time Savings: Identifies potential issues early in the design and planning stages, reducing the risk of costly rework, unexpected modifications, and project delays. By proactively addressing these challenges, mock-up testing helps streamline construction and improves project efficiency, keeping timelines and budgets on track.
• Enhanced Safety and Compliance: Meeting or exceeding pertinent standards for safety and performance in your project. Compliance with industry standards also helps avoid regulatory complications, fines, and potential liability, giving project teams confidence in meeting jurisdictional requirements.
• Long-Term Durability: Confirms that materials, construction methods, and assembly techniques are resilient and suitable for long-term performance. This testing supports the building's ability to withstand environmental stressors over time, increasing its lifespan and reducing the need for future repairs and maintenance.

Our Testing Standards

Intertek's pre-construction mockup lab testing and performance solution services adhere to rigorous industry standards, providing reliable assurance of quality and compliance. Key standards include:

ASTM Standards 

• ASTM E283
• ASTM E330
• ASTM E331

AAMA Standards (now FGIA) 

• AAMA 501
• AAMA 501.1
• AAMA 501.4
• AAMA 501.5
• AAMA 501.7

Expertise and Trusted Partnerships with Intertek

Intertek has earned the trust of industry leaders worldwide. In designing and specifying PMU tests for diverse conditions, our team provides critical insights to help clients validate designs, optimize performance, and ensure compliance with project requirements.

Our pre-construction mockup testing labs offer a comprehensive solution to verify that a building's exterior wall system will meet performance standards and specific project needs. Intertek's experienced team and advanced facilities enable us to cater to various project demands, delivering tailored testing solutions for every client.

With a global presence and industry-leading expertise, Intertek is uniquely positioned to provide quality assurance across all project stages. Our collaboration with the world's leading building and glazing professionals enhances our knowledge and allows us to achieve exceptional results that meet and exceed client expectations.

Webinar Recording: Keys to a Successful Mock-Up

View our complimentary on-demand webinar, "Keys to a Successful Mock-up" to help manage risk through effective lab pre-construction mockup and quality control field testing.

Learn More

Where have we been?

Validate the performance and integrity of your exterior façades and feel assured that with over 1,300 Lab PMU's tested Since 1974 we have the industry track record and expertise you want.

Where we are Located