ASTM E1643-18a

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, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.  
1.5 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: 14-Feb-2018
• ICS: 91.120.30 - Waterproofing
• Technical Committee: E06 - Performance of Buildings
• Drafting Committee: E06.21 - Serviceability

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM E1643-18 - Standard Practice for Selection, Design, Installation, and Inspection of Water Vapor Retarders Used in Contact with Earth or Granular Fill Under Concrete Slabs
• Effective Date: 15-Feb-2018
• Refers: ASTM E1993/E1993M-98(2020) - Standard Specification for Bituminous Water Vapor Retarders Used in Contact with Soil or Granular Fill Under Concrete Slabs
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2020
• Refers: ASTM F710-19 - Standard Practice for Preparing Concrete Floors to Receive Resilient Flooring
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2019
• Refers: ASTM F710-17 - Standard Practice for Preparing Concrete Floors to Receive Resilient Flooring
• Effective Date: 01-Sep-2017
• Refers: ASTM E1993/E1993M-98(2013)e1 - Standard Specification for Bituminous Water Vapor Retarders Used in Contact with Soil or Granular Fill Under Concrete Slabs
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2013
• Refers: ASTM E1745-11 - Standard Specification for Plastic Water Vapor Retarders Used in Contact with Soil or Granular Fill under Concrete Slabs
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2011
• Refers: ASTM F710-11 - Standard Practice for Preparing Concrete Floors to Receive Resilient Flooring
• Effective Date: 15-May-2011
• Refers: ASTM E1745-09 - Standard Specification for Water Vapor Retarders Used in Contact with Soil or Granular Fill under Concrete Slabs
• Effective Date: 15-Feb-2009
• Refers: ASTM F710-08 - Standard Practice for Preparing Concrete Floors to Receive Resilient Flooring
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2008
• Refers: ASTM F710-05 - Standard Practice for Preparing Concrete Floors to Receive Resilient Flooring
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2005
• Refers: ASTM E1745-97(2004) - Standard Specification for Water Vapor Retarders Used in Contact with Soil or Granular Fill under Concrete Slabs
• Effective Date: 01-May-2004
• Refers: ASTM F710-03 - Standard Practice for Preparing Concrete Floors to Receive Resilient Flooring
• Effective Date: 10-Sep-2003
• Refers: ASTM F710-98 - Standard Practice for Preparing Concrete Floors to Receive Resilient Flooring
• Effective Date: 10-Nov-1998
• Refers: ASTM E1745-97 - Standard Specification for Water Vapor Retarders Used in Contact with Soil or Granular Fill under Concrete Slabs
• Effective Date: 10-Mar-1997
• Referred By: ASTM E1745-17(2023) - Standard Specification for Plastic Water Vapor Retarders Used in Contact with Soil or Granular Fill under Concrete Slabs
• Effective Date: 15-Feb-2018

Overview

ASTM E1643-18a is the internationally recognized standard practice for the selection, design, installation, and inspection of water vapor retarders used in contact with earth or granular fill underneath concrete slabs. Developed by ASTM International, this standard provides comprehensive guidelines for using flexible, prefabricated sheet membranes to limit moisture movement from underlying soil into concrete flooring systems. Its primary purpose is to help prevent damage to floor finishes and interior environments resulting from water vapor migration.

Proper implementation of vapor retarders is critical for controlling water vapor transmission and capillary action that can negatively impact concrete slabs on grade. Without effective moisture control, issues such as flooring failure, adhesive deterioration, fungal growth, interior humidity variations, and damage to electrical systems may arise.

Key Topics

• Selection of Vapor Retarder Materials
  • Choice of materials based on water vapor permeance, mechanical strength, resistance to soil chemicals, and compatibility with project site conditions.
  • Conformance to local building codes and standards is required.
• Design and Placement
  • Guidelines for designing vapor retarder systems to maximize performance.
  • Recommendations for installing vapor retarders so that the longest dimension follows the direction of concrete placement.
  • Ensuring all joints and penetrations are sealed to maintain a monolithic barrier.
• Installation Procedures
  • Preparation of base materials, proper overlap and sealing of membrane joints, and sealing around all slab penetrations.
  • Instructions for extending and terminating vapor retarder membranes over footings and at building perimeters.
• Inspection and Repair
  • Requirements for inspecting the vapor retarder before concrete placement.
  • Procedures for identifying, marking, and repairing damaged or improperly installed membranes.
• Protection of Membrane
  • Measures to protect the vapor retarder from damage during slab construction, installation of reinforcement and utilities.
  • Avoiding practices that may puncture or compromise the barrier.

Applications

ASTM E1643-18a is widely used in residential, commercial, and industrial construction projects where concrete slabs are in direct contact with soil or granular fill. Typical applications include:

• Slab-on-grade Foundations: Essential for buildings requiring moisture control under floor finishes or sensitive equipment.
• Warehouses and Distribution Centers: Helps maintain interior humidity and protects goods and finishes from moisture-related damage.
• Retail, Office, and Educational Facilities: Ensures lasting performance of flooring systems, prevents odors, fungal growth, and interior air quality issues.
• Industrial Facilities: Protects electrical systems, floor coatings, and adhesive-based flooring.
• Multi-unit Housing: Preserves appearance and structural strength of floor finishes.

Effectively installed vapor retarders help maintain a consistent and safe indoor environment by reducing risks of buckling, warping, adhesive failure, and microbial growth due to uncontrolled moisture ingress.

Related Standards

ASTM E1643-18a references several important standards and guides to supplement its requirements:

• ASTM E1745 - Specification for Plastic Water Vapor Retarders Used in Contact with Soil or Granular Fill Under Concrete Slabs.
• ASTM E1993/E1993M - Specification for Bituminous Water Vapor Retarders Used in Contact with Soil or Granular Fill Under Concrete Slabs.
• ASTM F710 - Practice for Preparing Concrete Floors to Receive Resilient Flooring.
• ACI 302.2R–06 - Guide for Concrete Slabs that Receive Moisture-Sensitive Flooring Materials.

For further details on material properties, installation techniques, and selection of appropriate vapor retarder systems, consult these referenced documents alongside ASTM E1643-18a to ensure comprehensive moisture protection in your projects.

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Keywords: ASTM E1643-18a, vapor retarder, concrete slab, water vapor transmission, capillary action, slab-on-grade, moisture protection, building codes, installation, inspection, material selection, flooring systems.

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: E1643 − 18a
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 Retarders Used in Contact with Soil or Granular Fill
Under Concrete Slabs
1.1 This practice covers procedures for selecting, designing,
F710 Practice for Preparing Concrete Floors to Receive
installing, and inspecting flexible, prefabricated sheet mem-
Resilient Flooring
branes in contact with earth or granular fill used as vapor
2.2 Other Standard:
retarders under concrete slabs.
ACI 302.2R–06 Guide for Concrete Slabs that Receive
1.2 Conditions subject to frost and either heave or hydro-
Moisture-Sensitive Flooring Materials
static pressure, or both, are beyond the scope of this practice.
Vapor retarders are not intended to provide a waterproofing
3. Significance and Use
function.
3.1 Vapor retarders provide a method of limiting water
1.3 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded
vapor transmission and capillary transport of water upward
as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical through concrete slabs on grade, which can adversely affect
conversions to SI units that are provided for information only
floor finishes and interior humidity levels.
and are not considered standard.
3.2 Adverse impacts include adhesion loss, warping,
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the
peeling, and unacceptable appearance of resilient flooring;
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
deterioration of adhesives, ripping or separation of seams, and
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
air bubbles or efflorescence beneath seamed, continuous floor-
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
ing; damage to flat electrical cable systems, buckling of carpet
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
and carpet tiles, offensive odors, growth of fungi, and unde-
1.5 This international standard was developed in accor-
sired increases to interior humidity levels.
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
4. Manufacturer’s Recommendations
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
4.1 Where inconsistencies occur between this practice and
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
the manufacturer’s instructions, conform to the manufacturer’s
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
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.
5.3 Vapor Retarder Material Selection—The following cri-
1 teria should be considered when selecting a vapor retarder
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E06 on Perfor-
mance of Buildings and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee E06.21 on
material.
Serviceability.
5.3.1 Local building code and regulatory requirements.
Current edition approved Feb. 15, 2018. Published February 2018. Originally
5.3.1.1 Comply with local building code and regulatory
approved in 1994. Last previous edition approved in 2018 as E1643-18. DOI:
requirements as a minimum consideration.
10.1520/E1643-18A.
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 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 − 18a
5.3.2 The water-vapor permeance of the vapor retarder 6.4 Extend vapor retarder over footings and seal to founda-
material. tion wall, grade beam, or slab at an elevation consistent with
5.3.2.1 The water vapor permeance of the vapor retarder the top of the slab or terminate at impediments such as water
material shall be at such a rate so that adverse impacts to floor stops or dowels. Seal around penetrations such as utilities and
finishes and coatings do not occur columns in order to create a monolithic membrane between the
5.3.2.2 Refer to X1.6 for discussion on water vapor trans- surface of the slab and moisture sources below the slab as well
mission rate of vapor retarder. as at the slab perimeter.
5.3.2.3 The perm rating determined under these criteria
6.5 Lap joints minimum 6 in. (150 mm), or as instructed by
shall supersede that in references 5.2 should this value be less
the manufacturer, and seal laps in accordance with the manu-
than required under references in 5.2.
facturer’s recommendations.
5.3.3 The types and amounts of deleterious compounds in
6.6 Extend vapor retarder over the tops of pile caps and
the soil on the building site.
grade beams to a distance acceptable to the structural engineer
5.3.3.1 Review building site soil analyses for deleterious
and terminate as recommended by the manufacturer.
materials and compounds and select a vapor retarder material
that will withstand exposure to such deleterious materials or
7. Protection
compounds.
5.3.4 The tensile strength and puncture resistance of the
7.1 Take precautions to protect vapor retarder from damage
vapor retarder material.
during installation of reinforcing steel, utilities and concrete.
5.3.4.1 Select a vapor retarder material capable of with-
7.2 Use reinforcing bar supports with base sections that
standing potential construction site damage.
minimize the potential for puncture of the vapor retarder.
5.3.5 The type of base material on which the vapor retarder
is to be installed.
7.3 Avoid use of stakes driven through the vapor retarder.
5.3.5.1 Select vapor retarder material capable of withstand-
7.4 Refer toACI 302.2R–06 for discussion of aggregate for
ing tear or puncture damage due to the type, gradation, and
protection of vapor retarder, including the risks of installing
texture of the base material to be installed below the material.
aggregate fill above a vapor retarder that can act as a reservoir
Prepare base material to minimize risk of puncture, for
for water.
example, by rolling or compacting.
5.3.6 The expected exposure of the vapor retarder to ultra-
8. Inspection and Repair
violet rays.
8.1 Inspect and mark all areas of damage and insufficient
5.3.6.1 Assess expected exposure of the vapor retarder
installation of the vapor retarder sufficiently in advance of
material to ultra violet rays and select a material capable of
concrete placement such that deficiencies may be corrected
withstanding such exposure and maintain its capability to
before concrete is placed.
perform its intended function.
8.2 Repair damaged areas prior to concrete placement with
6. Placement
vapor retarder material lapped and sealed minimum of 6 in.
6.1 Level and compact base material.
(150 mm) beyond damaged area or as instructed by manufac-
turer.
6.2 Install vapor retarder material with the longest dimen-
sion parallel with the direction of concrete pour.
9. Keywords
6.3 Face laps
...

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 − 18 E1643 − 18a
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, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of
regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.5 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:
E1745 Specification for Plastic Water Vapor Retarders Used in Contact with Soil or Granular Fill under Concrete Slabs
E1993/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’s
instructions for installation of vapor retarder.
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 Jan. 1, 2018Feb. 15, 2018. Published February 2018. Originally approved in 1994. Last previous edition approved in 20172018 as E1643-11
(2017). -18. DOI: 10.1520/E1643-18.10.1520/E1643-18A.
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.
Available from American Concrete Institute (ACI), 38800 Country Club Dr., 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 − 18a
5. Material, Design, and Construction
5.1 See ACI 302.2R–06 for material, design, and construction recommendations.
5.2 See Specifications E1745 and E1993/E1993M for vapor retarder specifications.
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 damaged areas prior to concrete placement with vapor retarder material lapped and sealed minimum of 6 in. (150
mm) beyond damaged area or as instructed by manufacturer.
9. Slab Moisture Content
9.1 Moisture Conditions of Slab—Following placement of the concrete and acclimatization of the building, comply with
Practice F710 and floor covering manuf
...