ASTM E2134/E2134M-14(2018)

Standard Test Method for Evaluating the Tensile-Adhesion Performance of an Exterior Insulation and Finish System (EIFS)

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 Maintenance of adequate tensile adhesion of EIFS components to each other, and to the substrate are essential for long term performance of the system.  
5.2 The tensile-adhesion properties obtained by this test method are not purported to be representative of wind load or other structural and moisture related properties of the EIFS wall assembly. Tensile-adhesion properties using this test method are used as one of the factors in evaluating substrates and to compare adhesives.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method evaluates the tensile-adhesion performance of an exterior insulation and finish System (EIFS) or its individual components by two different procedures: Procedure A, Dry Conditioning and Testing of Specimens; and Procedure B, Wet Conditioning and Testing of Specimens.  
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 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: 91.100.99 - Other construction materials
• Technical Committee: E06 - Performance of Buildings
• Drafting Committee: E06.58 - Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems (EIFS)

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM E2134/E2134M-14 - Standard Test Method for Evaluating the Tensile-Adhesion Performance of an Exterior Insulation and Finish System (EIFS)
• 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 E4-14 - Standard Practices for Force Verification of Testing Machines
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2014
• Refers: ASTM E2110-11 - Standard Terminology for Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems (EIFS)
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2011
• Refers: ASTM E4-10 - Standard Practices for Force Verification of Testing Machines
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2010
• Refers: ASTM E4-09a - Standard Practices for Force Verification of Testing Machines
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2009
• Refers: ASTM E2110-09e1 - Standard Terminology for Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems (EIFS)
• Effective Date: 15-Apr-2009
• Refers: ASTM E2110-09 - Standard Terminology for Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems (EIFS)
• Effective Date: 15-Apr-2009
• Refers: ASTM E4-09 - Standard Practices for Force Verification of Testing Machines
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2009
• Refers: ASTM E4-08 - Standard Practices for Force Verification of Testing Machines
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2008
• Refers: ASTM E4-07 - Standard Practices for Force Verification of Testing Machines
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2007
• 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

Overview

ASTM E2134/E2134M-14(2018), published by ASTM International, establishes a standardized test method for evaluating the tensile-adhesion performance of Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems (EIFS) and their individual components. Tensile-adhesion strength is a key factor for determining the long-term performance and durability of EIFS. This method provides procedures for testing under both dry and wet conditions, offering reliable data for comparing adhesives and evaluating substrate compatibility. The scope of this test is limited to tensile-adhesion properties and does not represent structural or moisture-related characteristics.

Key Topics

• EIFS Tensile-Adhesion Testing
  This standard outlines two main procedures:

  • Procedure A: Dry Conditioning and Testing of Specimens
  • Procedure B: Wet Conditioning and Testing of Specimens

• Sample Preparation and Conditioning

  • Preparation of specimens involves assembling all EIFS layers or selected interfaces.
  • Samples are conditioned for a minimum period to ensure consistency before testing.
  • Both SI and inch-pound units are recognized, but must be used independently.

• Test Execution

  • A tensile test machine applies load at a controlled rate until failure.
  • The maximum load and corresponding failure mode are recorded for each specimen.

• Reporting and Evaluation

  • Results include measured tensile-adhesion strength, description of sample composition, failure types, and details about conditioning.
  • Reports must clearly state whether the dry or wet test was used and adhere to standard documentation practices.

• Significance and Limitations

  • Maintains a focus on adhesiveness within the system and to the substrate for long-term EIFS performance.
  • Does not address wind load, structural, or moisture resistance aspects.

Applications

• Construction and Building Envelope Evaluation

  • Used by manufacturers and builders to compare adhesives and select suitable substrates.
  • Facilitates quality control in EIFS system production, ensuring the bonded layers meet minimum adhesion requirements.
  • Assists in product development and research by enabling comparative testing under standardized procedures.

• Product Certification and Compliance

  • Provides a recognized method for confirming tensile-adhesion performance for regulatory or certification bodies.
  • Supports manufacturers in demonstrating compliance with international EIFS performance standards.

• Maintenance and Retrofitting

  • Applied in forensic testing to assess the condition of existing EIFS installations, especially when adhesion failure is suspected.

Related Standards

• ASTM E4: Practices for Force Verification of Testing Machines
• ASTM E631: Terminology of Building Constructions
• ASTM E2110: Terminology for Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems (EIFS)
• EIFS Industry Members Association (EIMA) Guidelines

These referenced documents provide additional terminology, apparatus verification methods, and industry guidelines relevant to conducting tensile-adhesion performance tests for EIFS.

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Optimizing the tensile-adhesion performance of EIFS is critical for system longevity and safety. ASTM E2134/E2134M-14(2018) supplies the foundational methodology recognized across the EIFS industry for consistent, reliable adhesion testing of exterior wall assemblies. Proper implementation of this standard-alongside related ASTM guidelines-helps ensure quality assurance, product development, and safer building practices.

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: E2134/E2134M − 14 (Reapproved 2018)
Standard Test Method for
Evaluating the Tensile-Adhesion Performance of an Exterior
Insulation and Finish System (EIFS)
ThisstandardisissuedunderthefixeddesignationE2134/E2134M;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 2.2 EIFS Industry Members Association (EIMA):
Guideline Specification for Exterior Insulation and Finish
1.1 This test method evaluates the tensile-adhesion perfor-
Systems, Class PB
mance of an exterior insulation and finish System (EIFS) or its
individual components by two different procedures: Procedure
3. Terminology
A, Dry Conditioning and Testing of Specimens; and Procedure
B, Wet Conditioning and Testing of Specimens.
3.1 Definitions:
3.1.1 For general terminology regarding EIFS and building
1.2 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units
are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in in general, see Terminology E2110 (for EIFS terms) and
Terminology E631 (for buildings in general).
each system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each
system shall be used independently of the other. Combining
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
values from the two systems may result in non-conformance
3.2.1 adhesion—the state in which two surfaces are held
with the standard.
together by forces at the interface.
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the
3.2.2 cohesion—the molecular attraction that holds a body
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
together. The internal strength of a material.
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
3.2.3 specimen—the entire assembled unit cut from the
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
sample and submitted for test as described in Section 7.
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.4 This international standard was developed in accor-
3.2.4 tensile-adhesion strength—the ultimate strength in
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
tension normal to the plane of the system.
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
4. Summary of Test Method
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
4.1 Specimensaretestedbyapplyingtensileloadsnormalto
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
the plane of the system in a controlled environment to
determine the tensile adhesion of the system or individual
2. Referenced Documents
components of the system, or both.
2.1 ASTM Standards:
E4 Practices for Force Verification of Testing Machines
5. Significance and Use
E631 Terminology of Building Constructions
E2110 Terminology for Exterior Insulation and Finish Sys- 5.1 Maintenance of adequate tensile adhesion of EIFS
tems (EIFS)
components to each other, and to the substrate are essential for
long term performance of the system.
5.2 The tensile-adhesion properties obtained by this test
method are not purported to be representative of wind load or
other structural and moisture related properties of the EIFS
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E06 on
Performance of Buildings and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee E06.58
wall assembly. Tensile-adhesion properties using this test
on Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems (EIFS).
method are used as one of the factors in evaluating substrates
Current edition approved Sept. 1, 2018. Published September 2018. Originally
and to compare adhesives.
approved in 1998 as PS 72 – 98. Last previous edition approved in 2014 as
E2134/E2134M–14. DOI: 10.1520 ⁄E2134_E2134M–14R18.
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 Available from EIFS Industry Members Association (EIMA), 513 West Broad
the ASTM website. Street, Suite 210, Falls Church, VA 22046-3257, http://www.eima.com.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
E2134/E2134M − 14 (2018)
6. Apparatus 7.8 For testing the interface between the base coat, primer
(if used) and finish coat, each sample shall consist of the
6.1 Tensile Test Machine, capable of producing a tensile
reinforced base coat and finish coat.
load on the test specimen at a constant cross-head rate of 1.5
mm/min [0.05 in./min].
NOTE 2—For mechanically attached EIF Systems, tensile-adhesion
performance is only required for the interface between the reinforced base
6.2 Load Measuring Device, calibrated according to Prac-
coat and finish coat.
tices E4, the test machine load measuring device shall be
capable of measuring the load to an accuracy of 61 % of the
8. Sample Curing
maximum load applied to the test specimen.
8.1 Allow samples to cure a minimum of seven days (28
6.3 Loading Fixtures—The loading fixtures shall be self-
days for samples containing hydraulic cement) at a constant 23
aligning and shall not apply eccentric loads. The loading
6 3 °C [73 6 5 °F] and 50 6 5 % relative humidity unless
fixtures shall be a minimum of 12.0-mm [0.5-in.] thick metal
otherwise specified.
blocks to keep the bonded facings essentially flat under the
maximum applied load. The size of the loading blocks shall be
9. Specified Sample Exposure (When Specified)
not less than the bonded area of the test specimen.
9.1 Often it is desired to determine the effects of a specified
6.4 Temperature Control Chamber—A room or chamber
sample exposure condition on tensile-adhesion strength. The
capable of maintaining 23 6 3 °C [75 6 5 °F] and 50 65%
tensile-adhesion test shall be conducted on companion samples
relative humidity.
before and after each exposure period.
6.5 Containers, corrosion resistant containers of sufficient
NOTE 3—Depending on project objectives, it may be desired to
size to hold specimens.
determine retention of tensile-adhesion strength after extended wetting
periods, freeze-thaw cycles, accelerated aging exposure, accelerated
7. Sample Preparation
weatheringcycles,othersimulatedstaticorcyclicenvironmentalexposure
conditions, conditions simulating system breach (that is, cracking), or
7.1 Prepare one sample for each test condition described in
actual field exposure.
Sections 9, 10, and 11. Samples shall be not less than 150 by
9.2 After the specified exposure period, condition samples
200 mm [6 by 8 in.] in size, such that, six test specimens no
prior to testing dry or wet according to Sections 10 or 11,
smaller than 50 by 50 mm [2 by 2 in.] can be cut from each
respectively.
sample after the specified sample conditioning. Samples may
be cut from larger sheets for ease of system fabrication.
10. Procedure A—Dry Conditioning and Testing of
NOTE1—Asrequiredabove,testspecimensizeshallnotbesmallerthan
Specimens
50 by 50 mm [2 by 2 in.]. However, as test specimen size increases, axial
loadingeccentricitiesbecomegreaterandcancompromisetheaccuracyof 10.1 Dry Conditioning—Condition all samples prior to test-
the test results. To limit the effect of eccentricities, maximum test sample
ing in a dry state. Condition samples for seven days at a
size should be limited to about 76 by 76 mm [3 by 3 in.].
constant 23 6 3 °C [73 6 5 °F] and 50 6 5 % relative
7.2 Apply the adhesive in a uniform, continuous layer, such
humidity. Dry conditioning may be omitted for new samples
that the measured tensile load is representative of a fully
that have been cured according to Section 8.
bonded 50 by 50 mm [2 by 2 in.] test specimen. Apply the
10.2 Test Specimen Preparation—Prepare six 50 by 50 mm
specified amount of adhesive. Smooth-out the adhesive using a
[2 by 2 in.] test specimens from each 150 by 200 mm [6 by 8
flat trowel to ensure a uniform, continuous layer.
in.] sample by sawing with a dry saw blade capable of
7.3 Samplescon
...