ASTM C1481-12(2017)
(Guide)Standard Guide for Use of Joint Sealants with Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems (EIFS)
Standard Guide for Use of Joint Sealants with Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems (EIFS)
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 The intent of this guide is to provide information and guidelines for consideration by the designer or applicator of joint seals in, or adjacent to, EIFS. Refer to Specification E2568 for additional information pertaining to specifying Class PB EIFS. Refer to Guide E2511 for additional information pertaining to detailing of EIFS-Clad Wall Assemblies.
4.2 Proper selection and use of a sealant is fundamental to its ultimate performance, service life, and durability. A sealant joint subjected to movement and other similar performance factors should be designed for the particular application to avoid compromising its performance capability and causing failures. Refer to C1193 for guidance.
4.3 In addition to the design and installation data in this guide, consult the sealant manufacturer about applications for its products and their proper use and installation.
SCOPE
1.1 This guide describes the use of single and multi-component, cold-applied joint sealants, or precured sealant systems for joint sealing applications, or both, in buildings using Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems (EIFS) on one or both sides of the joint. Refer to 10.1 for joint seal geometries.
1.2 The elastomeric sealants described by this guide meet the requirements of Specifications C834, C920, or C1311.
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this 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.
1.5 There are no ISO standards similar or equivalent to this ASTM standard.
General Information
Relations
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: C1481 − 12 (Reapproved 2017)
Standard Guide for
Use of Joint Sealants with Exterior Insulation and Finish
Systems (EIFS)
This standard is issued under the fixed designation C1481; 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 C794 TestMethodforAdhesion-in-PeelofElastomericJoint
Sealants
1.1 This guide describes the use of single and multi-
C834 Specification for Latex Sealants
component, cold-applied joint sealants, or precured sealant
C920 Specification for Elastomeric Joint Sealants
systems for joint sealing applications, or both, in buildings
C1193 Guide for Use of Joint Sealants
using Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems (EIFS) on one or
C1311 Specification for Solvent Release Sealants
both sides of the joint. Refer to 10.1 for joint seal geometries.
C1382 Test Method for DeterminingTensileAdhesion Prop-
1.2 The elastomeric sealants described by this guide meet
erties of Sealants When Used in Exterior Insulation and
the requirements of Specifications C834, C920,or C1311.
Finish Systems (EIFS) Joints
C1397 Practice forApplication of Class PB Exterior Insula-
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as
standard. No other units of measurement are included in this tion and Finish Systems (EIFS) and EIFS with Drainage
C1472 Guide for Calculating Movement and Other Effects
standard.
When Establishing Sealant Joint Width
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the
E2110 Terminology for Exterior Insulation and Finish Sys-
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
tems (EIFS)
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
E2511 Guide for Detailing of EIFS-Clad Barrier and Drain-
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
age Wall Assemblies
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
E2568 Specification for PB Exterior Insulation and Finish
1.5 There are no ISO standards similar or equivalent to this
Systems
ASTM standard.
2.2 ANSI Standard:
1.6 This international standard was developed in accor-
American National Standard for Exterior Insulation and
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
Finish Systems (EIFS)
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
3. Terminology
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
3.1 Definitions:
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
3.1.1 Refer to Terminology C717 for definitions of the
following terms used in this guide: bicellular sealant backing,
2. Referenced Documents
bond breaker, bridge sealant joint, butt sealant joint, chemi-
2.1 ASTM Standards:
cally curing sealant, closed cell sealant backing, compatibility,
C717 Terminology of Building Seals and Sealants
compatible materials, cure, elastomeric, elongation, fillet seal-
C719 Test Method for Adhesion and Cohesion of Elasto-
ant joint, joint, lap sealant joint, latex sealant, modulus,
meric Joint Sealants Under Cyclic Movement (Hockman
non-sag sealant, open cell sealant backing, precured sealant,
Cycle)
primer, seal, sealant, sealant backing, shelf-life, solvent-
release sealant, shrinkage, substrate, tooling, tooling time,
working life (pot life).
ThisguideisunderthejurisdictionofASTMCommitteeC24onBuildingSeals
E2110 for definitions of the
3.1.2 Refer to Terminology
and Sealants and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee C24.10 on
following terms used in this guide: accessories, base coat,
Specifications, Guides and Practices.
Current edition approved Jan. 1, 2017. Published February 2017. Originally
cure, dry, durability, edge wrap, embed, expansion joint,
approved in 2000. Last previous edition approved in 2012 as C1481-12. DOI:
exterior insulation and finish system (EIFS), finish coat,
10.1520/C1481-12R17.
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 National Standards Institute (ANSI), 25 W. 43rd St.,
the ASTM website. 4th Floor, New York, NY 10036.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
C1481 − 12 (2017)
lamina, nonmetallic reinforcing mesh, primers, reinforced base
coat, substrate, texture, thermal insulation board, wrap.
4. Significance and Use
4.1 The intent of this guide is to provide information and
guidelines for consideration by the designer or applicator of
joint seals in, or adjacent to, EIFS. Refer to Specification
E2568foradditionalinformationpertainingtospecifyingClass
PB EIFS. Refer to Guide E2511 for additional information
pertaining to detailing of EIFS-Clad Wall Assemblies.
4.2 Proper selection and use of a sealant is fundamental to
its ultimate performance, service life, and durability. A sealant
FIG. 2 Sealant Butt Joint Seal (EIFS to Dissimilar Substrates)
joint subjected to movement and other similar performance
factors should be designed for the particular application to
avoid compromising its performance capability and causing
failures. Refer to C1193 for guidance.
4.3 In addition to the design and installation data in this
guide, consult the sealant manufacturer about applications for
its products and their proper use and installation.
5. General
5.1 The major components of a joint seal in, or adjacent to,
EIFS that should be considered when selecting or using
sealants are as follows: EIFS, primer, sealant backing or bond
breaker, adjacent substrates and sealant (see Figs. 1-11).
FIG. 3 Recessed Sealant Butt Joint Seal (EIFS to EIFS)
NOTE 1—This legend applies to Figs. 1-11
Legend
A. Sealant
B. Sealant Backing
C. Bond Breaker
D. Joint Width
E. Finish Coat
F. Reinforcing Mesh Embedded in Base
Coat
G. Wrapped Mesh Embedded in Base
Coat
H. Insulation Board
I. Adjacent Substrate
J. Sealant Bead
K. Manufacturer’s Primer or Paint Coat-
ing (if required)
L. Trim Accessory
M. Precured Sealant
N. Existing Sealant Joint with Optional FIG. 4 Sealant Butt Joint Seal (Accessory to Accessory)
Cut Down the Middle
5.2 EIFS presents a substrate that may be acceptable for
sealant adhesion if the sealant joint is properly designed in
accordancewiththeEIFSandsealantmanufacturerrecommen-
dations. Most EIFS manufacturers recommend adhering seal-
ant directly to the base coat or primed base coat and avoiding
adhesion to the finish coat, which can soften on exposure to
moisture and lose cohesion as the sealant extends and exerts a
stress on the finish coat. Typically, a sealant that has a low
modulus should be used. A low modulus sealant will have a
lowerstressatthesealantandsubstrateinterfacewhenthejoint
FIG. 1 Sealant Butt Joint Seal (EIFS to EIFS) is in extension.
C1481 − 12 (2017)
FIG. 9 Sealant Fillet Joint Seal With Triangular Sealant Backing
FIG. 5 Sealant Butt Joint Seal (Accessory to Dissimilar Substrate)
FIG. 10 Sealant Fillet Joint Seal Using Precured Sealant
FIG. 6 Sealant Bridge Joint Seal Using Liquid—Applied Sealant
and Bond Breaker
FIG. 7 Sealant Bridge Joint Seal Using Precured Sealant
FIG. 11 Sealant Lap Joint Seal
tion of various sealants with EIFS, factors affecting durability of sealants
in contact with the finish coating of EIFS, and thermal movement analysis
for panelized PB EIFS Claddings.
FIG. 8 Sealant Fillet Joint Seal With Bond Breaker
Kenney, R. J., and Piper, R. S., “FactorsAffecting the Durability of Sealants in
Contact with the Finish Coating of EIF Systems,” Science and Technology of
4,5,6
NOTE 1—References provide information pertaining to the evalua-
Building Seals, Sealants, Glazing, and Waterproofing, ASTM STP 1168, C. J. Parise,
Ed., ASTM International, 1992, pp. 117–127.
Williams, M. F., and Williams, B. L., “Thermal Movement Analyses for
Yarosh, K. F., “Evaluation of Various Sealants with EIFS,” Science and Panelized Polymer-Based Exterior Insulation and Finish System (PB EIFS)
Technology of Building Seals, Sealants, Glazing, and Waterproofing - Seventh Claddings,” Science and Technology of Building Seals, Sealants, Glazing, and
Volume, ASTM STP 1334, J. M. Klosowski, Ed., ASTM International, 1998, pp. Waterproofing, ASTM STP 1168, C. J. Parise, Ed., ASTM International, 1992, pp.
169-178. 128-138.
C1481 − 12 (2017)
5.3 Due to the difficulty that can be encountered in perform- of sealants. A minimum drying time of 24 h is required.
ing remedial work for an EIFS sealant joint, the selected Curing/drying time may be affected by environmental condi-
sealant should have very good environmental weathering tions as well as whether the EIFS base coat is cementitious or
characteristics so that it will last for the maximum useful noncementitious. Consult EIFS manufacturer for recommen-
lifetime of the sealant. Since an EIFS system is water-based, if dations for appropriate curing/drying time.
it becomes saturated with rainwater or snow melt, the adhesion 6.2.4 Some EIFS manufacturers require a primer or paint
of a sealant to an EIFS base coat can be lessened. Information coating over the base coat within the joint. The primer,
onsealanttensileadhesionpropertieswhenusedwithEIFScan provided by the EIFS manufacturer, may be used to promote
be found in Test Method C1382. EIFS can be damaged by sealant adhesion, protect cementitious base coat from efflores-
grinding or cutting during sealant removal, so it is a good cence and/or provide color uniformity.
candidate for use of a bridge type sealant joint or precured 6.2.5 Theapplicationoffinishcoatintothejointisgenerally
sealant, in a remedial application. This may be helpful since it not recommended by EIFS manufacturers. The test method
does not require the removal of all the old or failed sealant but describedinTestMethodC1382allowsevaluationofaspecific
does change the appearance of the joint seal. sealant to a specific EIFS substrate.
6.2.6 Careful consideration should be given to the construc-
tion sequencing of the EIFS finish coat, EIFS primer or paint
6. EIFS
coating, and sealant application as well as the termination of
6.1 Joint Location and Configuration—In an EIFS-clad
the EIFS finish coat relative to the joint.
building, sealant joints typically are required at the following
locations: 6.3 EIFS Joint Preparation:
6.3.1 Joints must be clean, dry, and free of frost or other
6.1.1 At the floor line of multi-level wood frame construc-
tion; surface contaminants.
6.3.2 Generally, joints shall be cleaned with a nonmetallic
6.1.2 At an existing building expansion joint;
6.1.3 Where dissimilar substrates form the joint; stiff bristle brush or oil-free compressed air. Solvents may be
incompatible with the EIFS or underlying thermal insulation
6.1.4 When an EIFS abuts dissimilar building construction;
board.ConsulttheEIFSmanufacturertodetermineifaspecific
6.1.5 Some EIFS manufacturers may require movement
solvent is compatible with their EIFS.
joints in long continuous elevations;
6.3.3 Repair deteriorated or damaged substrates as recom-
6.1.6 The size and location of joints is the responsibility of
mended by the manufacturer to provide a suitable substrate for
the design professional and shall be consistent with the project
the sealant.
conditions and guidelines of the EIFS manufacturer.
6.1.7 Joint Configuration—The EIFS Industry accepted
7. Sealant Primer
minimum joint width for EIFS applications is 19 mm with
sufficient depth to accommodate the sealant backing and
7.1 The general purpose of a sealant primer is to improve
sealant material. Some EIFS manufacturers may permit joint
adhesion of a sealant to the EIFS substrate.
widths that are less than 19 mm. Consider the sealant manu-
7.1.1 In accordance with Test Methods C794 and C1382,
facturer’s published sealant movement capability when deter-
determine whether a sealant primer is required to a specific
mining the appropriate joint width. Refer to Guide C1472 for
EIFS substrate or accessory.
additional information on establishing the sealant joint size.
7.1.2 Sealant primer shall not cause damage to the EIFS
Goodarchitecturalpracticecallsforjointdesignsthatallowfor
lamina and underlying thermal insulation board.
construction tolerances and material variations.
7.1.3 When selecting a sealant for joints between EIFS and
a dissimilar substrate, two different primers may be required.
6.2 EIFS Installation—The EIFS manufacturer’s recom-
This poses a difficult application problem and should be taken
mendedinstallationprocedures should be followed atalltimes.
into consideration when selecting a sealant.
6.2.1 Practice C1397 provides a minimum requirement for
7.1.4 Apply sealant primer in accordance with the sealant
the application of Class PB EIFS.
manufacturer’s recommendations and allow the sealant primer
6.2.2 Exposed edges of thermal insulation board which
to cure or dry as recommended by the manufacturer before
create the sides of the joint must be protected by wrapping the
installing sealant backing and sealant.
edge with base coat and reinforcing mesh, trim accessory, or
other method specified by the EIFS manufacturer.
8. Sealant Backing or Bond Breaker
6.2.2.1 Encapsulation of the exposed edges of the thermal
insulation board with nonmetallic reinforcing mesh in the base 8.1 Proper joint design requires the use of appropriate
coat is referred to as wrapping. There shall be no exposed sealant backing to prevent three-sided adhesion, allow tooling
thermal insulation or mesh at joint locations or elsewhere. of the sealant and control joint profile. Closed cell and
6.2.2.2 EIFS manufacturers may require the use of an bicellular sealant backings are generally accepted by EIFS
accessory to terminate a joint (see Figs. 4 and 5). Where an manufacturers. Open cell sealant backing, such as open cell
EIFS manufacturer’s approved trim accessory is used as a polyurethane, can absorb and retain water, which may cause a
termination and sealant substrate, wrapping may not be re- deleterious effect on the EIFS and are not recommended by
quired. EIFS manufacturers.
6.2.3 The base coat portion of the lamina for the EIFS must 8.1.1 Where sealant backing cannot be installed, a bond
be allowed sufficient time to cure or dry before the application breaker must be applied to prevent three sid
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