ASTM E1643-11(2017)
(Practice)Standard Practice for Selection, Design, Installation, and Inspection of Water Vapor Retarders Used in Contact with Earth or Granular Fill Under Concrete Slabs
Standard Practice for Selection, Design, Installation, and Inspection of Water Vapor Retarders Used in Contact with Earth or Granular Fill Under Concrete Slabs
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
3.1 Vapor retarders provide a method of limiting water vapor transmission and capillary transport of water upward through concrete slabs on grade, which can adversely affect floor finishes and interior humidity levels.
3.2 Adverse impacts include adhesion loss, warping, peeling, and unacceptable appearance of resilient flooring; deterioration of adhesives, ripping or separation of seams, and air bubbles or efflorescence beneath seamed, continuous flooring; damage to flat electrical cable systems, buckling of carpet and carpet tiles, offensive odors, growth of fungi, and undesired increases to interior humidity levels.
SCOPE
1.1 This practice covers procedures for selecting, designing, installing, and inspecting flexible, prefabricated sheet membranes in contact with earth or granular fill used as vapor retarders under concrete slabs.
1.2 Conditions subject to frost and either heave or hydrostatic pressure, or both, are beyond the scope of this practice. Vapor retarders are not intended to provide a waterproofing function.
1.3 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard.
1.4 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: E1643 − 11 (Reapproved 2017)
Standard Practice for
Selection, Design, Installation, and Inspection of Water
Vapor Retarders Used in Contact with Earth or Granular Fill
Under Concrete Slabs
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E1643; 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 2.2 Other Standard:
ACI 302.2R–06 Guide for Concrete Slabs that Receive
1.1 This practice covers procedures for selecting, designing,
Moisture-Sensitive Flooring Materials
installing, and inspecting flexible, prefabricated sheet mem-
branes in contact with earth or granular fill used as vapor 3. Significance and Use
retarders under concrete slabs.
3.1 Vapor retarders provide a method of limiting water
vapor transmission and capillary transport of water upward
1.2 Conditions subject to frost and either heave or hydro-
through concrete slabs on grade, which can adversely affect
static pressure, or both, are beyond the scope of this practice.
floor finishes and interior humidity levels.
Vapor retarders are not intended to provide a waterproofing
function. 3.2 Adverse impacts include adhesion loss, warping,
peeling, and unacceptable appearance of resilient flooring;
1.3 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded
deterioration of adhesives, ripping or separation of seams, and
as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical
air bubbles or efflorescence beneath seamed, continuous floor-
conversions to SI units that are provided for information only
ing; damage to flat electrical cable systems, buckling of carpet
and are not considered standard.
and carpet tiles, offensive odors, growth of fungi, and unde-
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the sired increases to interior humidity levels.
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
4. Manufacturer’s Recommendations
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
4.1 Where inconsistencies occur between this practice and
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
the manufacturer’s instructions, conform to the manufacturer’s
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
instructions for installation of vapor retarder.
2. Referenced Documents
5. Material, Design, and Construction
2.1 ASTM Standards:
5.1 See ACI 302.2R–06 for material, design, and construc-
E1745 Specification for Plastic Water Vapor Retarders Used
tion recommendations.
in Contact with Soil or Granular Fill under Concrete Slabs
5.2 See Specifications E1745 and E1993/E1993M for vapor
E1993/E1993M Specification for Bituminous Water Vapor
retarder specifications.
Retarders Used in Contact with Soil or Granular Fill
5.3 Vapor Retarder Material Selection—The following cri-
Under Concrete Slabs
teria should be considered when selecting a vapor retarder
F710 Practice for Preparing Concrete Floors to Receive
material.
Resilient Flooring
5.3.1 Local building code and regulatory requirements.
5.3.1.1 Comply with local building code and regulatory
requirements as a minimum consideration.
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E06 on Perfor-
5.3.2 The water-vapor permeance of the vapor retarder
mance of Buildings and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee E06.21 on
material.
Serviceability.
5.3.2.1 The water vapor permeance of the vapor retarder
Current edition approved March 1, 2017. Published March 2017. Originally
approved in 1994. Last previous edition approved in 2011 as E1643-11. DOI:
material shall be at such a rate so that adverse impacts to floor
10.1520/E1643-11R17.
finishes and coatings do not occur
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on Available from American Concrete Institute (ACI), 38800 Country Club Dr.,
the ASTM website. Farmington Hills, MI 48331-3439, http://www.concrete.org.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
E1643 − 11 (2017)
5.3.2.2 Refer to X1.6 for discussion on water vapor trans- 7. Protection
mission rate of vapor retarder.
7.1 Take precautions to protect vapor retarder from damage
5.3.2.3 The perm rating determined under these criteria
during installation of reinforcing steel, utilities and concrete.
shall supersede that in references 5.2 should this value be less
than required under references in 5.2.
7.2 Use reinforcing bar supports with base sections that
5.3.3 The types and amounts of deleterious compounds in
minimize the potential for puncture of the vapor retarder.
the soil on the building site.
7.3 Avoid use of stakes driven through the vapor retarder.
5.3.3.1 Review building site soil analyses for deleterious
materials and compounds and select a vapor retarder material 7.4 Refer toACI 302.2R–06 for discussion of aggregate for
that will withstand exposure to such deleterious materials or protection of vapor retarder, including the risks of installing
compounds.
aggregate fill above a vapor retarder that can act as a reservoir
5.3.4 The tensile strength and puncture resistance of the for water.
vapor retarder material.
5.3.4.1 Select a vapor retarder material capable of with-
8. Inspection and Repair
standing potential construction site damage.
8.1 Inspect and mark all areas of damage and insufficient
5.3.5 The type of base material on which the vapor retarder
installation of the vapor retarder sufficiently in advance of
is to be installed.
concrete placement such that deficiencies may be corrected
5.3.5.1 Select vapor retarder material capable of withstand-
before concrete is placed.
ing tear or puncture damage due to the type, gradation, and
texture of the base material to be installed below the material.
8.2 Repair vapor retarder damaged during placement of
Prepare base material to minimize risk of puncture, for
reinforcing or concrete with vapor barrier material or as
example, by rolling or compacting.
instructed by manufacturer.
5.3.6 The expected exposure of the vapor retarder to ultra-
8.3 Lap beyond damaged areas a minimum of 6 in. (50 mm)
violet rays.
and seal as prescribed for sheet joints.
5.3.6.1 Assess expected exposure of the vapor retarder
material to ultra violet rays and select a material capable of
8.4 Avoid the use of non-permanent stakes driven through
withstanding such exposure and maintain its capability to
vapor retarder.
perform its intended function.
8.5 If non-permanent stakes are driven through vapor
6. Placement
retarder, repair as recommended by vapor retarder manufac-
turer.
6.1 Level and compact base material.
8.6 Seal permanent penetrations as recommended by vapor
6.2 Install vapor retarder material with the longest dimen-
sion parallel with the direction of concrete pour. retarder manufacturer.
6.3 Face laps away from the expected direction of the
9. Slab Moisture Content
concrete pour whenever possible.
9.1 Moisture Conditions of Slab—Following placement of
6.4 Extend vapor retarder over footings and seal to founda-
the concrete and acclimatization of the building, comply with
tion wall, grade beam, or slab at an elevation consistent with
Practice F710 and floor covering manufacturer’s recommenda-
the top of the slab or terminate at impediments such as water
tions for any specified tests for moisture emissions from or
stops or dowels. Seal around penetrations such as utilities and
moisture content of the slab on grade. Review written report(s)
columns in order to create a monolithic membrane between the
on test results prior to the installation of the floor covering or
surface of the slab and moisture sources below the sla
...
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: E1643 − 11 E1643 − 11 (Reapproved 2017)
Standard Practice for
Selection, Design, Installation, and Inspection of Water
Vapor Retarders Used in Contact with Earth or Granular Fill
Under Concrete Slabs
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E1643; 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 practice covers procedures for selecting, designing, installing, and inspecting flexible, prefabricated sheet membranes
in contact with earth or granular fill used as vapor retarders under concrete slabs.
1.2 Conditions subject to frost and either heave or hydrostatic pressure, or both, are beyond the scope of this practice. Vapor
retarders are not intended to provide a waterproofing function.
1.3 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical
conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard.
1.4 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.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
E1745 Specification for Plastic Water Vapor Retarders Used in Contact with Soil or Granular Fill under Concrete Slabs
E1993E1993/E1993M Specification for Bituminous Water Vapor Retarders Used in Contact with Soil or Granular Fill Under
Concrete Slabs
F710 Practice for Preparing Concrete Floors to Receive Resilient Flooring
2.2 Other Standard:
ACI 302.2R–06 Guide for Concrete Slabs that Receive Moisture-Sensitive Flooring Materials
3. Significance and Use
3.1 Vapor retarders provide a method of limiting water vapor transmission and capillary transport of water upward through
concrete slabs on grade, which can adversely affect floor finishes and interior humidity levels.
3.2 Adverse impacts include adhesion loss, warping, peeling, and unacceptable appearance of resilient flooring; deterioration
of adhesives, ripping or separation of seams, and air bubbles or efflorescence beneath seamed, continuous flooring; damage to flat
electrical cable systems, buckling of carpet and carpet tiles, offensive odors, growth of fungi, and undesired increases to interior
humidity levels.
4. Manufacturer’s Recommendations
4.1 Where inconsistencies occur between this practice and the manufacturer’s instructions, conform to the
manufacturer’smanufacturer’s instructions for installation of vapor retarder.
5. Material, Design, and Construction
5.1 See ACI 302.2R–06 for material, design, and construction recommendations.
5.2 See Specifications E1745 and E1993E1993/E1993M for vapor retarder specifications.
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E06 on Performance of Buildings and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee E06.21 on Serviceability.
Current edition approved Oct. 1, 2011March 1, 2017. Published October 2011March 2017. Originally approved in 1994. Last previous edition approved in 20102011 as
E1643 – 10.E1643-11. DOI: 10.1520/E1643-11.10.1520/E1643-11R17.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM Standards
volume information, refer to the standard’sstandard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.
Available from American Concrete Institute (ACI), P.O. Box 9094, 38800 Country Club Dr., Farmington Hills, MI 48333-9094,48331-3439, http://www.concrete.org.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
E1643 − 11 (2017)
5.3 Vapor Retarder Material Selection—The following criteria should be considered when selecting a vapor retarder material.
5.3.1 Local building code and regulatory requirements.
5.3.1.1 Comply with local building code and regulatory requirements as a minimum consideration.
5.3.2 The water-vapor permeance of the vapor retarder material.
5.3.2.1 The water vapor permeance of the vapor retarder material shall be at such a rate so that adverse impacts to floor finishes
and coatings do not occur
5.3.2.2 Refer to X1.6 for discussion on water vapor transmission rate of vapor retarder.
5.3.2.3 The perm rating determined under these criteria shall supersede that in references 5.2 should this value be less than
required under references in 5.2.
5.3.3 The types and amounts of deleterious compounds in the soil on the building site.
5.3.3.1 Review building site soil analyses for deleterious materials and compounds and select a vapor retarder material that will
withstand exposure to such deleterious materials or compounds.
5.3.4 The tensile strength and puncture resistance of the vapor retarder material.
5.3.4.1 Select a vapor retarder material capable of withstanding potential construction site damage.
5.3.5 The type of base material on which the vapor retarder is to be installed.
5.3.5.1 Select vapor retarder material capable of withstanding tear or puncture damage due to the type, gradation, and texture
of the base material to be installed below the material. Prepare base material to minimize risk of puncture, for example, by rolling
or compacting.
5.3.6 The expected exposure of the vapor retarder to ultraviolet rays.
5.3.6.1 Assess expected exposure of the vapor retarder material to ultra violet rays and select a material capable of withstanding
such exposure and maintain its capability to perform its intended function.
6. Placement
6.1 Level and compact base material.
6.2 Install vapor retarder material with the longest dimension parallel with the direction of concrete pour.
6.3 Face laps away from the expected direction of the concrete pour whenever possible.
6.4 Extend vapor retarder over footings and seal to foundation wall, grade beam, or slab at an elevation consistent with the top
of the slab or terminate at impediments such as water stops or dowels. Seal around penetrations such as utilities and columns in
order to create a monolithic membrane between the surface of the slab and moisture sources below the slab as well as at the slab
perimeter.
6.5 Lap joints minimum 6 in. (150 mm), or as instructed by the manufacturer, and seal laps in accordance with the
manufacturer’s recommendations.
6.6 Extend vapor retarder over the tops of pile caps and grade beams to a distance acceptable to the structural engineer and
terminate as recommended by the manufacturer.
7. Protection
7.1 Take precautions to protect vapor retarder from damage during installation of reinforcing steel, utilities and concrete.
7.2 Use reinforcing bar supports with base sections that minimize the potential for puncture of the vapor retarder.
7.3 Avoid use of stakes driven through the vapor retarder.
7.4 Refer to ACI 302.2R–06 for discussion of aggregate for protection of vapor retarder, including the risks of installing
aggregate fill above a vapor retarder that can act as a reservoir for water.
8. Inspection and Repair
8.1 Inspect and mark all areas of damage and insufficient installation of the vapor retarder sufficiently in advance of concrete
placement such that deficiencies may be corrected before concrete is placed.
8.2 Repair vapor retarder damaged during placement of reinforcing or concrete with vapor barrier material or as instructed by
manufacturer.
8.3 Lap beyond damaged areas a minimum of 6 in. (50 mm) and seal as prescribed for sheet joints.
8.4 Avoid the use of non-permanent stakes driven through vapor retarder.
8.5 If non-permanent stakes are driven through vapor retarder, repair as recommend
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