ASTM E2357-05
(Test Method)Standard Test Method for Determining Air Leakage of Air Barrier Assemblies
Standard Test Method for Determining Air Leakage of Air Barrier Assemblies
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
This method is intended to simulate the performance of various air barrier materials/accessories when combined into an assembly. Based upon the results of the measurements, this procedure then assigns an air leakage rating for the air barrier assembly.
This method does not purport to establish all criteria necessary for consideration in the selection of an air barrier assembly. The results are intended to be used for comparison purposes and may not represent the field installed performance of the air barrier assembly when installed as part of an air barrier system in a building. However, the results of these tests may be useful in determining the appropriate use of a specified air barrier system assembly.
This method does not purport to establish all criteria necessary for air barrier systems of all construction types. Test Method E 2178 provides an air permeance test method for testing of some air barrier materials. Specification E 1677 provides a specification for air barrier systems for low-rise framed building walls.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers the determination of the air leakage rate of air barrier assemblies that are used in building enclosures. This procedure measures the air leakage of a representative air barrier assembly before and after exposure to specific conditioning cycles and then assigns a rating dependent upon the results. Although this is a laboratory procedure, the method may also be applied to site mockups.
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this 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 and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
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Designation: E2357 – 05
Standard Test Method for
Determining Air Leakage of Air Barrier Assemblies
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E2357; 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 3.1.1 For definitions of terms used in this test method, also
refer to Terminology E631.
1.1 This test method covers the determination of the air
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
leakage rate of air barrier assemblies that are used in building
3.2.1 air barrier—a designated “plane” of reduced air flow
enclosures. This procedure measures the air leakage of a
between different environments.
representative air barrier assembly before and after exposure to
3.2.2 air barrier material—a primary element that provides
specific conditioning cycles and then assigns a rating depen-
a continuous barrier to the movement of air.
dent upon the results. Although this is a laboratory procedure,
3.2.3 air barrier accessory—a transitional component of
the method may also be applied to site mockups.
the air barrier that provides continuity.
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as
3.2.4 air barrier assembly—the air barrier materials and
standard. No other units of measurement are included in this
accessories that provide a continuous designated plane to the
standard.
movement of air through portions of building enclosure assem-
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the
blies.
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
3.2.5 air barrier system—a combination of air barrier as-
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
semblies installed to provide a continuous barrier to the
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
movement of air through building enclosures.
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
3.2.6 air leakage rate—the quantitative measure of air
2. Referenced Documents passage through a set surface area of an assembly within a
given time period under a pressure differential between the two
2.1 ASTM Standards:
sides of the assembly.
E283 Test Method for Determining Rate of Air Leakage
3.2.7 building enclosure—a system of building components
Through Exterior Windows, Curtain Walls, and Doors
and materials designed and installed in such a manner as to
Under Specified Pressure DifferencesAcross the Specimen
provide a barrier between different environments, including
E330 Test Method for Structural Performance of Exterior
dissimilar interior environments.
Windows, Doors, Skylights and Curtain Walls by Uniform
3.2.8 continuity—an uninterrupted succession of an air
Static Air Pressure Difference
barrier materials, accessories and assemblies.
E631 Terminology of Building Constructions
3.2.9 durability—the ability of a building component to
E783 Test Method for Field Measurement of Air Leakage
perform its required functions over a period of time within the
Through Installed Exterior Windows and Doors
environment to which it is exposed.
E1677 Specification for an Air Barrier (AB) Material or
3.2.10 negative pressure—air pressure on one side of a
System for Low-Rise Framed Building Walls
building enclosure lower than on the other side.
E2178 Test Method for Air Permeance of Building Materi-
3.2.11 positive pressure—air pressure on one side of a
als
building enclosure higher than on the other side.
3. Terminology
4. Summary of Test Method
3.1 Definitions:
4.1 This test method establishes a specimen preparation
protocol with which an air barrier assembly may be evaluated.
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E06 on
Atest specimen is constructed and tested in separate pressures.
Performance of Buildings and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee E06.41
Up to three specimens are constructed, each additionally
on Air Leakage and Ventilation Performance.
representing different field conditions. Specimen 3 is optional
Current edition approved Oct. 1, 2005. Published October 2005. DOI: 10.1520/
E2357-05.
and may be combined with Specimen 2. By applying air
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
pressure differentials across the specimens in stages, the air
contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
barrier and system components may be evaluated as to their
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
the ASTM website. specific air leakage.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.
E2357 – 05
5. Significance and Use 8. Sample Preparation
5.1 This method is intended to simulate the performance of 8.1 Air Leakage and Structural Performance Tests:
various air barrier materials/accessories when combined into
8.1.1 As the air barrier assembly is site-assembled, the
an assembly. Based upon the results of the measurements, this specimens tested shall be representative of the site assembly.
procedure then assigns an air leakage rating for the air barrier
Therefore the test specimens shall be fabricated as prescribed
assembly. by the proponent in providing for the specimen construction
5.2 This method does not purport to establish all criteria
required herein.
necessary for consideration in the selection of an air barrier 8.2 Air Leakage and Structural Performance Test Speci-
assembly. The results are intended to be used for comparison
mens:
purposes and may not represent the field installed performance 8.2.1 This test method specifies a minimum of (2) speci-
of the air barrier assembly when installed as part of an air
mens for testing. Annex A2 describes the requirements of the
barrier system in a building. However, the results of these tests testspecimens.Tomeettheserequirements,onespecimenshall
may be useful in determining the appropriate use of a specified
be an opaque wall (Fig. A1.1) and one specimen shall have
air barrier system assembly. penetrations, terminations and connections as outlined in
5.3 This method does not purport to establish all criteria
AnnexA2, Fig.A1.2. The test specimens are to be conditioned
necessary for air barrier systems of all construction types. Test
prior to being submitted to the structural performance qualifi-
Method E2178 provides an air permeance test method for
cation test program and subsequently, to the air leakage rate
testing of some air barrier materials. Specification E1677
procedure. Photographs are to be taken of original test speci-
provides a specification for air barrier systems for low-rise
mens including joining details.
framed building walls.
8.3 Conditioning for Tests:
8.3.1 Unless otherwise stated, the specimens shall be tested
6. Sampling “as received.” No modifications to the proponents’ assembly
instructions are permitted.
6.1 For each air barrier assembly, up to three specimens
8.3.2 If the evaluation of the aged performance of the air
shall be tested as described in Annex A1. The proponent may
barrier assemblies is desired by the proponent, the specimens
elect not to prepare and test specimen three or combine the
may be conditioned prior too testing by exposure, ultraviolet
details of Specimen 3 with Specimen 2.
radiation or thermal cycling, or both.
7. Test Apparatus
9. Test Procedure
7.1 The description of the apparatus in this section is
9.1 Air Leakage:
general in nature. Any suitable arrangement of equipment
9.1.1 The air leakage rate shall be measured at each of the
capableofmaintainingtherequiredtesttolerancesispermitted.
air pressure differences across the test specimen in accordance
7.2 Test Chamber—A well-sealed box, wall, or other appa-
with Test Method E283.
ratus into or against which the specimen is mounted and
9.1.2 Air Leakage Test Conditions—The air leakage rate of
secured for testing. An air supply shall be provided to allow a
the specimens, for both positive and negative cases, shall be
positive or negative pressure differential to be applied across
determined with a minimum of seven (7) measurements
the specimen without significant extraneous losses. The cham-
conducted across the sample in accordance with Test Method
ber shall be capable of withstanding the differential test
E283. The seven (7) measurements shall be as follows: 25 Pa,
pressures that may be encountered in this procedure. At least
50 Pa, 75 Pa, 100 Pa, 150 Pa, 250 Pa, and 300 Pa.
one static air pressure tap shall be provided on each side of the
9.1.3 Results—The air leakage results for each test series
specimentomeasurethetestpressuredifferences.Thepressure
shall be curve fit using a least squares procedure to establish
tapshallbelocatedinanareaofthechamberinwhichpressure
the relationship between pressure difference and leakage. See
readings will not be affected by any supply air. The air supply
11.2.1.4 for the data fitting requirements.
opening to the chamber shall be located in an area in which it
does not directly impinge upon the test specimen. 9.2 Wind Pressure Conditioning:
9.2.1 After the initial leakage testing, the specimen shall be
7.2.1 Supply Air System—A controllable blower, exhaust
fan, or reversible blower designed to provide the required air exposed to the pressure loading in Table 1. The loading
schedule for application of positive and negative pressure shall
flowatthespecifiedtestpressuredifference.Thesystemshould
provide essentially constant air flow and cyclic loads at the be as outlined by the graph presented in Annex A3 at the
maximum values contained in Table 1 for sustained loads,
specified test pressure difference for a time period sufficient to
obtain readings of air flow. cyclic loads and gust loads.
9.2.2 Observations to be Reported—After each loading
7.2.2 Pressure Measuring Apparatus—Adevice to measure
the differential test pressures to 62 % of setpoint or 62.5 Pa, stage (sustained, cyclic or gust loading), the air barrier assem-
bly shall be inspected by the testing agency for signs of
whichever is greater.
7.2.3 Air Flow Metering System—A device to measure the fracture,delamination,looseningoffasteners,andsoforth.The
air barrier assembly shall not demonstrate any change in
air flow into the test chamber or through the test specimen.
7.3 This test method is intended for laboratory use. Persons structure, which would affect the integrity of the assembly.
Photographs are to be taken of any failures.
interested in performing field air leakage tests on air barrier
assemblies should reference Test Method E783. 9.3 Post Conditioning Air Permeance:
E2357 – 05
TABLE 1 Sustained Loads, Cyclic Loads and Gust Loads
NOTE—ThewindloadsspecifiedinTable1arenotintendedtorepresentconditionsforaspecificbuilding;rathertheyareintendedtoprovideauniform
basis for comparison purposes. The wind loads are based on the assumption that the air barrier will take the full wind load and that the air barrier would
see two severe storms in the first 15 years in service, The Q10 design values of 400/600 Pa for sustained wind conditions originates from values in the
NationalBuildingCodeofCanadaforwindowdesign.Designvaluesforwindowglassareawereusedbecausewindowsarepartofbothexteriorenvelope
and the air barrier, and must take the full wind load on the building. The user may consult the map in Fig. 1 (Basic Wind Speeds in Miles per Hour),
Specification E1677, and Test Method E330 for guidance on wind speeds for the area where a specific building is or will be located.
For geographical areas Specimens as per Appendix X1 P ,P’ P ,P’ P ,P’
1 1 2 2 3 3
A B
where pressure design for wood frame, metal sustained for 1 h 2000 cycles gust wind
value is or masonry (Pa) (Pa) (Pa)
Q < 0.20 kPa Specimen 1, 2, 3 400 530 800
Q > 0.20 kPa Specimen 1, 2, 3 600 800 1200
A
Specimens shall be conditioned for a minimum of 24 h at laboratory conditions prior to loading.
B
The 2000 cycles can be applied in either four stages of 500 cycles per stage or two stages of 1000 cycles per state, with pressure direction reversal occurring between
stages.
See Annex A3 for reference to P ,P’ ,P ,P’ ,P and P’ .
1 1 2 2 3 3
9.3.1 The air leakage test of 9.1 shall be repeated after the reported, for both positive and negative cases, shall be the air
conditioning listed in 9.2. The post conditioning permeance leakage rate of the specimen after it has been subjected to the
values shall be used to establish the system rate. (See Section structuralloadingscheduleinaccordancewith9.2.(Regression
10.) line must go through point of origin or assembly behavior
9.4 Deflection Measurements: during test must be explained.)
9.4.1 Maximum deflections of the air barrier material and
the test specimen shall be recorded at the wind pressures as
11. Report
outlined in Table 2 for both positive and negative pressures.
11.1 Report the following information:
The measurements shall be taken after the post conditioning
11.1.1 General—Testing agency, date and time of test, and
leakage tests of 9.3.
date of report.
11.1.2 Sample Description—Proponent, product manufac-
10. Calculation
turer, product type, related materials, and other pertinent
10.1 Establishing Air Leakage Rate:
information; description of the test frame, equipment used,
10.1.1 The determination of the air leakage rate for the
penetrations made, conditioning, manufacturer’s installation
assembly shall be based on the results of tests of the wall
guidelines, material qualities; specimen area.
assemblies as shown in Annex A1. The referenced air leakage
11.1.3 Drawings of Specimen—Detailed drawings of the
rate for each wall assembly shall be the higher data point value
specimen showing dimensioned ‘window’ dimensions and
leakage rate at 75 Pa for the exfiltration and infiltration cases.
arrangement, framing location, panel arrangement, installation
10.1.1.1 The reference base air leakage rate at 75 Pa
and spacing of anchorage, flashing details, and any other
determined for Specimen 1, the Opaque Wall, shall be the
pertinent construction details. Any modifications made on the
system air leakage rating assigned to the assembly provided
specimen to obtain the reported test values shall be noted.
thattheairleakageat75PaobtainedforSpecimen2isnomore
Photographs of detail conditions may be submitted in lieu of
than 10 % greater than the reference base air leakage for
drawings of details.
Specimen 1. The air leakage rate of the specimen to be
11.1.4 Location of Air Seal—Detailed drawing showing the
air seal between the test specimen and the test chamber or
TABLE 2 Wind Pressure Loading
mounting
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