ASTM E2485/E2485M-13(2018)

Standard Test Method for Freeze/Thaw Resistance of Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems (EIFS) and Water Resistive Barrier Coatings

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 Resistance to freezing and thawing is a factor when determining the durability of EIFS, an EIFS with water-resistive barrier coatings, and water-resistive barrier coatings by itself.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers procedures for determining the effect of freezing and thawing of exterior insulation and finish systems (EIFS), an EIFS with water-resistive barrier coatings, and water-resistive barrier coatings by itself.  
1.2 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in each system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each system shall be used independently of the other. Combining values from the two systems may result in non-conformance with the standard.  
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and to determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.  
1.4 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 31-Aug-2018
• ICS: 91.120.30 - Waterproofing
• Technical Committee: E06 - Performance of Buildings
• Drafting Committee: E06.58 - Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems (EIFS)

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM E2485/E2485M-13 - Standard Test Method for Freeze/Thaw Resistance of Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems (EIFS) and Water Resistive Barrier Coatings
• Effective Date: 01-Sep-2018
• Refers: ASTM E2110-17 - Standard Terminology for Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems (EIFS)
• Effective Date: 15-Jan-2017
• Refers: ASTM E631-15 - Standard Terminology of Building Constructions
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2015
• Refers: ASTM E631-14 - Standard Terminology of Building Constructions
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2014
• Refers: ASTM E2110-11 - Standard Terminology for Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems (EIFS)
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2011
• Refers: ASTM E2110-09 - Standard Terminology for Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems (EIFS)
• Effective Date: 15-Apr-2009
• Refers: ASTM E2110-09e1 - Standard Terminology for Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems (EIFS)
• Effective Date: 15-Apr-2009
• Refers: ASTM E631-06 - Standard Terminology of Building Constructions
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2006
• Refers: ASTM E2110-03 - Standard Terminology for Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems (EIFS)
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2003
• Refers: ASTM E2110-00 - Standard Terminology for Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems (EIFS)
• Effective Date: 10-Oct-2000
• Refers: ASTM E631-93a(1998)e1 - Standard Terminology of Building Constructions
• Effective Date: 28-Jul-2000
• Referred By: ASTM E2568-17a - Standard Specification for PB Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems
• Effective Date: 01-Sep-2018
• Referred By: ASTM E2570/E2570M-07(2019) - Standard Test Methods for Evaluating Water-Resistive Barrier (WRB) Coatings Used under Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems (EIFS) or EIFS with Drainage
• Effective Date: 01-Sep-2018

Overview

ASTM E2485/E2485M-13(2018) - Standard Test Method for Freeze/Thaw Resistance of Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems (EIFS) and Water Resistive Barrier Coatings is an essential international standard developed by ASTM International. This test method sets out detailed procedures for evaluating the freeze-thaw resistance of exterior insulation and finish systems (EIFS), EIFS that incorporate water-resistive barrier coatings, and water-resistive barrier coatings used independently. The resistance of these systems and coatings to cycles of freezing and thawing plays a critical role in ensuring the durability and performance of building envelopes subjected to harsh climates.

Key Topics

• Freeze/Thaw Resistance: The standard outlines methods to determine how well EIFS and water-resistive barrier coatings withstand repeated freezing and thawing cycles, which is vital for assessing long-term material durability.
• Test Specimens: Procedures for preparing representative test specimens, including substrate details, coating application, and curing conditions.
• Test Methods: Two test methods (Method A and Method B) are specified, providing options for cycle numbers and conditions, thereby accommodating different product evaluation needs.
• Observation and Evaluation: Post-cycling, test specimens are inspected under magnification for visible surface changes such as cracking, crazing, blistering, peeling, delamination, or erosion, which may affect system performance.
• Reporting: The standard prescribes clear documentation and reporting requirements, including the type and number of freeze-thaw cycles, observed effects, and any deviations from the test procedure.

Applications

ASTM E2485/E2485M-13(2018) has wide-ranging applications in the construction and building materials sectors, particularly for:

• Quality Assurance: Manufacturers, suppliers, and specifiers use this test method to verify the freeze/thaw resistance of EIFS and water-resistive barrier coatings before installation in climate-sensitive areas.
• Product Development: Material scientists and engineers rely on this standard during the development of new or improved insulation and finish systems designed for exterior use.
• Building Envelope Performance: Building professionals utilize results from this method to assess and select products that will maintain structural integrity and energy efficiency when exposed to freeze/thaw stress.
• Regulatory Compliance: Many building codes and regulatory authorities reference ASTM E2485/E2485M for demonstrating the suitability of EIFS and water-resistive barrier coatings in cold regions.

The test method is particularly significant in markets where exterior systems are exposed to substantial temperature fluctuations, providing confidence in the longevity and resilience of building facades.

Related Standards

For comprehensive evaluation and proper application, ASTM E2485/E2485M-13(2018) is often used in conjunction with related standards, including:

• ASTM E2110: Standard Terminology for Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems (EIFS), which provides critical definitions for terms used in EIFS technology and testing.
• ASTM E631: Standard Terminology of Building Constructions, offering definitions for common building construction terms.
• Other EIFS Standards: Related standards on installation, fire performance, and water penetration resistance complement the freeze/thaw evaluation, supporting a holistic approach to building envelope durability.

By following ASTM E2485/E2485M, stakeholders in the construction industry can ensure their exterior insulation and finish systems and water-resistive barrier coatings meet the highest standards for freeze/thaw durability, contributing to the longevity, safety, and energy efficiency of buildings worldwide.

Keywords: ASTM E2485, freeze/thaw resistance, exterior insulation, finish systems, EIFS, water resistive barrier, durability, building envelope, coating testing, construction standards

Standards Content (Sample)

This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation: E2485/E2485M − 13 (Reapproved 2018)
Standard Test Method for
Freeze/Thaw Resistance of Exterior Insulation and Finish
Systems (EIFS) and Water Resistive Barrier Coatings
ThisstandardisissuedunderthefixeddesignationE2485/E2485M;thenumberimmediatelyfollowingthedesignationindicatestheyear
of original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision.Anumber in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval.
A superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope 3. Terminology
3.1 For general terminology regarding EIFS and building in
1.1 This test method covers procedures for determining the
general, see Terminology E2110 (for EIFS terms) and Termi-
effect of freezing and thawing of exterior insulation and finish
nology E631 (for buildings in general).
systems (EIFS), an EIFS with water-resistive barrier coatings,
and water-resistive barrier coatings by itself.
4. Summary of Test Method
1.2 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units
4.1 Specimens are subjected to cycles of freezing and
are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in
thawing. Surface changes, viewed at 5× magnification, are
each system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each
examined for signs of deleterious effects, such as cracking,
system shall be used independently of the other. Combining crazing,checking,blistering,peeling,delamination,orerosion.
values from the two systems may result in non-conformance
5. Significance and Use
with the standard.
5.1 Resistance to freezing and thawing is a factor when
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the
determining the durability of EIFS, an EIFS with water-
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
resistive barrier coatings, and water-resistive barrier coatings
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
by itself.
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and to
determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to
6. Apparatus
use.
6.1 Compressor, Freezing Chamber, and Circulator—Of
1.4 This international standard was developed in accor-
such design and capacity that the temperature of the air in the
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
freezing chamber shall not exceed −9°C [16°F] 1 h after
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
introducing the maximum charge of units. The initial tempera-
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
ture will not exceed 32°C [90°F].
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
6.2 TraysandContainers—Willbeshallow,metal,andhave
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
1 1
an inside depth of 38.1 6 12.7 mm [1 ⁄2 6 ⁄2 in.] and be of
suitable strength and size so that the tray with a charge of
2. Referenced Documents
frozen units can be removed from the freezing chamber by one
person.
2.1 ASTM Standards:
E631Terminology of Building Constructions 6.3 Thawing Tank—Should permit complete submersion of
E2110Terminology for Exterior Insulation and Finish Sys- the specimens in their trays.Adequate means shall be provided
tems (EIFS) sothatthewaterinthetankmaybekeptatatemperatureof24
6 5.5°C [75 6 10°F].
6.4 Drying Room—Maintained at a temperature of 24 6
8°C [75 6 15°F], with a relative humidity between 30 and
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E06 on
Performance of Buildings and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee E06.58
70%. The drying room should be free from drafts.
on Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems (EIFS).
Current edition approved Sept. 1, 2018. Published September 2018. Originally
7. Test Specimens
approved in 2006. Last previous edition approved in 2013 as E2485/E2485M–13.
DOI: 10.1520/E2485_E2485M-13R18.
7.1 Water-Resistive Barrier Coatings
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
7.1.1 Prepare a minimum of five test specimens measuring
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
2 2
a minimum of 150 mm [6 in. ] for each substrate that will be
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
the ASTM website. evaluated.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
E2485/E2485M − 13 (2018)
7.1.2 For sheathing substrates, two sheathing sections shall 9.1.5 Remove the trays from the freezing chamber after 20
be assembled with a 3.2-mm [ ⁄8-in.] joint. The joint shall be 6 1 h and submerge the test specimens in the water-thawing
treated as it would in its end-use configuration. tank as shown in 9.1.2 and 9.1.3 for 4 6 ⁄2 h.
7.1.3 Apply the water-resistive barrier coating over the
9.1.6 Freeze the test specimens using the procedure de-
substrate surface in accordance with the manufacturer’s in- scribed in 9.1.4 for one cycle each day of the normal work
structions. The specimen shall be representative of those used
week. Following the 4 6 ⁄2 h-thawing after the last freeze-
inactualconstruction.Allowthewater-resistivebarriercoating thaw cycle, remove the test specimens from the trays and store
to dry a minimum of 24 h.
them for 44 6 1 h in the drying room. Do not stack or pile
7.1.4 The back and sides of the test specimens shall be units. Provide a space of at least 25.4 mm [1 in.] between all
sealed with an impervious material that need not be the test specimens. Following this period of air drying, inspect the
coating. specimens, submerge them in the thawing tank for 4 6 ⁄2 h,
and again subject them to a normal week of freezing and
7.2 EIFS Testing
thawing cycles in accordance with 9.1.2 and 9.1.5.
7.2.1 Prepare a minimum of five test specimens measuring
2 2
aminimumof150mm [6in. ]andconsistingofthefollowing NOTE 2—If a laboratory has personnel available for testing 7 days a
week, the requirement for storing the test specimens for 44 61hinthe
materials:
drying room following the 4 6 ⁄2 h-thawing after the last freezing cycle
7.2.1.
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