ASTM E2486/E2486M-22

Standard Test Method for Impact Resistance of Class PB and PI Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems (EIFS)

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 This specification determines levels of impact resistance under Classes PB and PI EIFS.  
5.2 This test method does not purport to simulate impact encountered in service.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers a procedure for rapidly deforming by impact an EIFS for evaluating the effect of such deformation.  
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 are not necessarily exact equivalents; therefore, to ensure conformance with the standard, each system shall be used independently of the other, and values from the two systems shall not be combined.  
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: 28-Feb-2022
• ICS: 19.020 - Test conditions and procedures in general
• Technical Committee: E06 - Performance of Buildings
• Drafting Committee: E06.58 - Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems (EIFS)

Relations

• Refers: ASTM D2794-93(2024) - Standard Test Method for Resistance of Organic Coatings to the Effects of Rapid Deformation (Impact)
• Effective Date: 15-Jan-2024
• 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 D2794-93(2010) - Standard Test Method for Resistance of Organic Coatings to the Effects of Rapid Deformation (Impact)
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2010
• 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 D2794-93(2004) - Standard Test Method for Resistance of Organic Coatings to the Effects of Rapid Deformation (Impact)
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2004
• 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
• Refers: ASTM D2794-93(1999)e1 - Standard Test Method for Resistance of Organic Coatings to the Effects of Rapid Deformation (Impact)
• Effective Date: 10-Dec-1999

Overview

ASTM E2486/E2486M-22 is the internationally recognized standard test method for determining the impact resistance of Class PB and PI Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems (EIFS). Published by ASTM International, this document outlines a rigorous laboratory procedure designed to subject EIFS assemblies to rapid deformation, simulating the effects of impact for classification purposes. It provides consistent and repeatable criteria for classifying impact resistance levels in both metric (SI) and inch-pound units, supporting performance evaluation and comparison across the construction and materials industries.

Key Topics

• Impact Resistance Testing: Describes a methodology for applying increasingly severe impacts to EIFS specimens to assess deformation and reinforcement integrity.
• Classification System: Specifies distinct impact resistance classes for Class PB EIFS, including standard, medium, high, and ultra-high levels, defined by measured energy absorption in joules or inch-pounds.
• Test Apparatus and Specimen Preparation: Outlines the required equipment, specimen dimensions, reinforcing mesh configuration, and conditioning environment to ensure accurate and reliable results.
• Reporting Requirements: Details the necessary data and documentation for comprehensive test reports, including photographic evidence and component descriptions.
• Dual-Unit Considerations: States that SI and inch-pound units are both valid, but should not be used interchangeably within a single test.
• Safety and Compliance: Emphasizes that users must establish safety and regulatory practices independently when applying this standard.

Applications

ASTM E2486/E2486M-22 is essential for a variety of stakeholders, including manufacturers, architects, contractors, and testing laboratories, when assessing the durability and suitability of EIFS materials for exterior building envelopes. Common applications include:

• Material Quality Assurance: Ensures that Class PB and PI EIFS products meet required standards for impact resistance before use in construction projects.
• Specification Development: Assists designers and specifiers in selecting appropriate EIFS types and reinforcement based on anticipated environmental and service conditions.
• Building Code Compliance: Supports regulatory compliance where minimum impact resistance for exterior wall systems is mandated by local or international building codes.
• Performance Benchmarking: Enables manufacturers to benchmark new EIFS products or assemblies against established impact resistance classes to gain market differentiation.
• Damage Assessment: Provides an objective method for evaluating the potential performance of exterior wall systems under accidental impact or vandalism scenarios.

Related Standards

Several ASTM standards are referenced or closely related to ASTM E2486/E2486M-22, enhancing its utility within the broader context of building material evaluation:

• ASTM D2794: Test Method for Resistance of Organic Coatings to the Effects of Rapid Deformation (Impact), which supplies foundational equipment specifications.
• ASTM E631: Standard Terminology for Building Constructions, providing relevant definitions for general construction terms.
• ASTM E2110: Terminology for Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems (EIFS), detailing EIFS-specific vocabulary.

Key keywords: ASTM E2486, EIFS impact resistance, exterior insulation and finish systems, Class PB, Class PI, building envelope testing, material durability, performance standards, construction materials testing, impact classification.

By adhering to ASTM E2486/E2486M-22, the construction sector can ensure consistency, reliability, and safety in the evaluation and specification of exterior insulation and finish systems. The standard supports informed decision-making and risk management throughout the lifecycle of buildings utilizing EIFS technology.

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: E2486/E2486M − 22
Standard Test Method for
Impact Resistance of Class PB and PI Exterior Insulation
and Finish Systems (EIFS)
ThisstandardisissuedunderthefixeddesignationE2486/E2486M;thenumberimmediatelyfollowingthedesignationindicatestheyear
of original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number 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 a procedure for rapidly deform-
general, see Terminology E2110 (for EIFS terms) and Termi-
ing by impact an EIFS for evaluating the effect of such
nology E631 (for buildings in general).
deformation.
4. Summary of Test Method
1.2 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units
are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in
4.1 Specimens shall be subjected to rapid deformation by a
each system are not necessarily exact equivalents; therefore, to
falling standard weight. By gradually increasing the distance
ensure conformance with the standard, each system shall be
the weight drops, the point at which failure occurs can be
used independently of the other, and values from the two
determined.
systems shall not be combined.
4.2 The impact resistance classification shall be determined
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the by the number of joules [inch-lb] achieved when at least six out
of ten tests do not display broken reinforcing mesh that is
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro- visible to the naked eye under normal lighting conditions.
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and to
5. Significance and Use
determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to
5.1 This specification determines levels of impact resistance
use.
under Classes PB and PI EIFS.
1.4 This international standard was developed in accor-
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard- 5.2 This test method does not purport to simulate impact
encountered in service.
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
6. Apparatus
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
6.1 The apparatus shall be as specified in the Apparatus
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Section of Test Method D2794 with the following exceptions:
6.1.1 The cylindrical weight shall be 1.82 kg [4.0 lb],
2. Referenced Documents
6.1.2 The EIFS specimen shall fit below the tube,
2.1 ASTM Standards:
6.1.3 The diameter of the hemispherical head shall be
D2794 Test Method for Resistance of Organic Coatings to 1
13 mm [ ⁄2 in.], and it shall be made to fit inside the guide tube
the Effects of Rapid Deformation (Impact)
instead of resting on the test panel, and
E631 Terminology of Building Constructions
6.1.4 Disregard all information concerning the panel
E2110 Terminology for Exterior Insulation and Finish Sys-
support, magnifier, and pin-hole detector.
tems (EIFS)
7. Test Specimens
7.1 The EIFS base coat, reinforcing mesh, and finish coat
shall be applied to 600 mm by 1200 mm [2 ft by 4 ft] sections
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E06 on
of 25 mm [1 in.] thick insulation board, unless otherwise
Performance of Buildings and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee E06.58
on Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems (EIFS).
specified. Specimens shall be representative of those used in
Current edition approved March 1, 2022. Published March 2022. Originally
actual construction.
approved in 2006. Last previous edition approved in 2018 as E2486/E2486M–13
(2018). DOI: 10.1520/E2486_E2486M-22.
7.2 The reinforcing mesh(es) or reinforced coating shall be
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
continuous and have no laps or joints. The reinforcing
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
mesh(es) shall not be lapped onto the side or back of the
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
the ASTM website. specimen.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohock
...

This document is not an ASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of an ASTM standard an indication of what changes have been made to the previous version. Because
it may not be technically possible to adequately depict all changes accurately, ASTM recommends that users consult prior editions as appropriate. In all cases only the current version
of the standard as published by ASTM is to be considered the official document.
Designation: E2486/E2486M − 13 (Reapproved 2018) E2486/E2486M − 22
Standard Test Method for
Impact Resistance of Class PB and PI Exterior Insulation
and Finish Systems (EIFS)
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E2486/E2486M; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year
of original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval.
A superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope
1.1 This test method covers a procedure for rapidly deforming by impact an EIFS for evaluating the effect of such deformation.
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 are not necessarily exact equivalents; therefore, to ensure conformance with the standard, each system shall be used
independently of the other, and values from the two systems shall not be combined.
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.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
D2794 Test Method for Resistance of Organic Coatings to the Effects of Rapid Deformation (Impact)
E631 Terminology of Building Constructions
E2110 Terminology for Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems (EIFS)
3. Terminology
3.1 For general terminology regarding EIFS and building in general, see Terminology E2110 (for EIFS terms) and Terminology
E631 (for buildings in general).
4. Summary of Test Method
4.1 Specimens shall be subjected to rapid deformation by a falling standard weight. By gradually increasing the distance the
weight drops, the point at which failure occurs can be determined.
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E06 on Performance of Buildings and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee E06.58 on Exterior
Insulation and Finish Systems (EIFS).
Current edition approved Sept. 1, 2018March 1, 2022. Published September 2018March 2022. Originally approved in 2006. Last previous edition approved in 20132018
as E2486/E2486M–13. –13 (2018). DOI: 10.1520/E2486_E2486M-13R18.10.1520/E2486_E2486M-22.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM Standards
volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
E2486/E2486M − 22
4.2 The impact resistance classification shall be determined by the number of joules [inch-lb] achieved when at least six out of
ten tests do not display broken reinforcing mesh that is visible to the naked eye under normal lighting conditions.
5. Significance and Use
5.1 This specification determines levels of impact resistance under Classes PB and PI EIFS.
5.2 This test method does not purport to simulate impact encountered in service.
6. Apparatus
6.1 The apparatus shall be as specified in the Apparatus Section of Test Method D2794 with the following exceptions:
6.1.1 The cylindrical weight shall be 1.82 kg [4.0 lb],
6.1.2 The EIFS specimen shall fit below the tube,
6.1.3 The diameter of the hemispherical head shall be 13 mm [1.2[ ⁄2 in.]in.], and it shall be made to fit inside the guide tube
instead of resting on the test panel, and
6.1.4 Disregard all information concerning the panel support, magnifier, and pin-hole detector.
7. Test Specimens
7.1 The EIFS base coat, reinforcing mesh, and finish coat shall be applied to 600600 mm by 1200 mm [2[2 ft by 4 ft] sections
of 25-mm [1-in]25 mm [1 in.] thick insulation board, unless otherwise specified. Specimens shall be representative of those used
in actual construction.
7.2 The reinforcing mesh(es) or reinforced coating shall be continuous and have no
...