ASTM C919-22

Standard Practice for Use of Sealants in Acoustical Applications

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 Walls, ceilings, and floors in building construction with improperly sealed joints, voids, or penetrations will not achieve the desired sound transmission loss. Proper sealing of joints, voids, and penetrations will increase sound transmission loss by reducing airborne sound flanking paths.
SCOPE
1.1 This practice provides information for the use of sealants to reduce sound transmission characteristics of interior walls, ceilings, and floors by proper application of sealants to joints, voids, and penetrations normally found in building construction, which are commonly referred to as airborne sound flanking paths.  
1.2 The committee with jurisdiction over this standard is not aware of any comparable standards published by other organizations.  
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses after SI units are provided for information only and are not considered standard.  
1.4 This standard does not purport to address fire stopping or safing requirements for joints, voids, and penetrations through fire-rated wall, ceiling, and floor assemblies. Additional requirements may be necessary for fire-rated assemblies to meet the applicable building code provisions.  
1.5 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.  
1.6 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-Dec-2021
• ICS: 91.100.50 - Binders. Sealing materials
• ICS: 91.120.20 - Acoustics in building. Sound insulation
• Technical Committee: C24 - Building Seals and Sealants
• Drafting Committee: C24.10 - Specifications, Guides and Practices

Relations

• Refers: ASTM E90-23 - Standard Test Method for Laboratory Measurement of Airborne Sound Transmission Loss of Building Partitions and Elements
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2023
• Refers: ASTM C1642-20 - Standard Practice for Determining Air Leakage Rates of Aerosol Foam Sealants and Other Construction Joint Fill and Insulation Materials
• Effective Date: 01-Aug-2020
• Refers: ASTM C1520-20 - Standard Guide for Paintability of Latex Sealants
• Effective Date: 01-May-2020
• Refers: ASTM C1852-20 - Standard Guide for Product Selection/Delivery Systems for Aerosol Foam Sealants and Adhesives
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2020
• Refers: ASTM E336-19a - Standard Test Method for Measurement of Airborne Sound Attenuation between Rooms in Buildings
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2019
• Refers: ASTM C717-19 - Standard Terminology of Building Seals and Sealants
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2019
• Refers: ASTM E336-19 - Standard Test Method for Measurement of Airborne Sound Attenuation between Rooms in Buildings
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2019
• Refers: ASTM C717-18 - Standard Terminology of Building Seals and Sealants
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2018
• Refers: ASTM C920-18 - Standard Specification for Elastomeric Joint Sealants
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2018
• Refers: ASTM E336-17a - Standard Test Method for Measurement of Airborne Sound Attenuation between Rooms in Buildings
• Effective Date: 15-Nov-2017
• Refers: ASTM C717-17a - Standard Terminology of Building Seals and Sealants
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2017
• Refers: ASTM E336-17 - Standard Test Method for Measurement of Airborne Sound Attenuation between Rooms in Buildings
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2017
• Refers: ASTM C1852-17 - Standard Guide for Product Selection/Delivery Systems for Aerosol Foam Sealants and Adhesives
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2017
• Refers: ASTM C717-17 - Standard Terminology of Building Seals and Sealants
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2017
• Refers: ASTM E90-09(2016) - Standard Test Method for Laboratory Measurement of Airborne Sound Transmission Loss of Building Partitions and Elements
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2016

Overview

ASTM C919-22: Standard Practice for Use of Sealants in Acoustical Applications establishes recommended practices for applying sealants to reduce sound transmission in building assemblies. Targeting interior walls, ceilings, and floors, the standard addresses the critical importance of properly sealing joints, voids, and penetrations-often referred to as airborne sound flanking paths-to improve the sound transmission loss (STL) performance of various building constructions. This practice supports architects, contractors, and building professionals in enhancing acoustical performance while maintaining compliance with industry codes and regulations.

Key Topics

• Significance of Acoustical Sealing: Buildings with unsealed or poorly sealed joints and openings are prone to increased sound transmission. ASTM C919-22 highlights that effective sealing can significantly reduce unwanted noise transfer between rooms or units by addressing airborne sound flanking paths.

• Sound Transmission Class (STC) Requirements: The standard references the use of STC units to quantify the sound-insulating performance of building partitions. It aligns with industry codes such as the International Building Code (IBC) and federal standards, setting expectations for sound attenuation in residential and commercial spaces.

• Types of Sealants:

  • Precured Sealants: Includes gaskets and tapes, suitable where joint dimensions are consistent.
  • Non-Sag (Liquid-Applied) Sealants: Flexible and adaptable for irregular gaps; includes:
    • Non-drying/non-hardening types for concealed areas.
    • Skinning sealants, such as latex-based and aerosol foam, offering paintability and ease of application for visible joints.
    • Elastomeric sealants, for joints subject to movement, referenced in ASTM C920.
  • Joint Compounds: Used primarily for static joints between gypsum panels.

• Sealant Placement and Application: The document explains that selective and correct positioning of sealants can substantially increase STC values, thus ensuring that acoustic barriers perform as designed.

• Paintability: Discusses best practices for painting over sealants, emphasizing compatibility between sealant and paint, and highlighting the importance of curing time to prevent paint cracking or delamination.

Applications

ASTM C919-22 is widely implemented in:

• Multi-family Residential Construction: Enhancing privacy and comfort by minimizing sound transfer through walls, floors, and ceilings in apartments and condominiums.
• Commercial Buildings: Ensuring sound insulation in offices, hotels, and hospitals to create productive or restful environments.
• Schools and Academic Facilities: Supporting effective learning environments by reducing classroom-to-classroom noise.
• Compliance with Codes: Meeting IBC Section 1206 and HUD Minimum Property Standards for sound control requirements in various building types.

By following ASTM C919-22, builders and designers can achieve optimal acoustical performance and ensure durability, safety, and user satisfaction in their structures.

Related Standards

ASTM C919-22 references and aligns with several related standards and guidelines, including:

• ASTM C634: Terminology Relating to Building and Environmental Acoustics
• ASTM C717: Terminology of Building Seals and Sealants
• ASTM C834: Specification for Latex Sealants
• ASTM C920: Specification for Elastomeric Joint Sealants
• ASTM C1193: Guide for Use of Joint Sealants
• ASTM C1520: Guide for Paintability of Latex Sealants
• ASTM C1620: Specification for Aerosol Polyurethane and Latex Foam Sealants
• ASTM C1642: Practice for Determining Air Leakage Rates of Sealants
• ASTM C1852: Guide for Selection/Delivery of Aerosol Foam Sealants and Adhesives
• ASTM E90 / E336 / E413: Standards for measuring and rating sound transmission in building partitions

These standards provide comprehensive technical guidance for effective use of sealants in acoustically demanding building applications.

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Keywords: acoustical sealants, ASTM C919-22, sound transmission, sound insulation, STC, building acoustics, building codes, flanking paths, airway sound, sealant application, joint sealing 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: C919 − 22
Standard Practice for
Use of Sealants in Acoustical Applications
This standard is issued under the fixed designation C919; 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 C634 Terminology Relating to Building and Environmental
Acoustics
1.1 This practice provides information for the use of seal-
C717 Terminology of Building Seals and Sealants
ants to reduce sound transmission characteristics of interior
C834 Specification for Latex Sealants
walls, ceilings, and floors by proper application of sealants to
C920 Specification for Elastomeric Joint Sealants
joints, voids, and penetrations normally found in building
C1193 Guide for Use of Joint Sealants
construction, which are commonly referred to as airborne
C1520 Guide for Paintability of Latex Sealants
sound flanking paths.
C1620 Specification for Aerosol Polyurethane and Aerosol
1.2 Thecommitteewithjurisdictionoverthisstandardisnot
Latex Foam Sealants
aware of any comparable standards published by other orga-
C1642 Practice for DeterminingAir Leakage Rates ofAero-
nizations.
sol Foam Sealants and Other Construction Joint Fill and
Insulation Materials
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as
standard. The values given in parentheses after SI units are C1852 Guide for Product Selection/Delivery Systems for
Aerosol Foam Sealants and Adhesives
provided for information only and are not considered standard.
E90 Test Method for Laboratory Measurement of Airborne
1.4 This standard does not purport to address fire stopping
Sound Transmission Loss of Building Partitions and
or safing requirements for joints, voids, and penetrations
Elements
through fire-rated wall, ceiling, and floor assemblies. Addi-
E336 Test Method for Measurement of Airborne Sound
tional requirements may be necessary for fire-rated assemblies
Attenuation between Rooms in Buildings
to meet the applicable building code provisions.
E413 Classification for Rating Sound Insulation
1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the
2.2 US Department of Housing and Urban Development
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the 3
Standard:
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
HUD Minimum Property Standards for Housing, Section
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
4910.1
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
2.3 International Building Code:
1.6 This international standard was developed in accor-
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
3. Terminology
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
3.1 Definitions—For definitions of terms used in this rec-
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
ommended practice, see Terminologies C717 and C634.
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
4. Significance and Use
4.1 Walls, ceilings, and floors in building construction with
2. Referenced Documents
improperlysealedjoints,voids,orpenetrationswillnotachieve
2.1 ASTM Standards:
the desired sound transmission loss. Proper sealing of joints,
voids, and penetrations will increase sound transmission loss
by reducing airborne sound flanking paths.
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee C24 on Building
5. Sound Transmission Class Requirements
Seals and Sealants and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee C24.10 on
Specifications, Guides and Practices.
5.1 The construction industry has adopted Sound Transmis-
Current edition approved Jan. 1, 2022. Published February 2022. Originally
sionClass(STC)units,asdefinedinTerminologyC634,torate
approved in 1979. Last previous edition approved in 2019 as C919 – 19. DOI:
10.1520/C0919-22.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM Available from Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on Office.
the ASTM website. Available from International Code Council (ICC).
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
C919 − 22
the sound transmission properties of walls, ceilings, and floors.
TheSTCisdeterminedinaccordancewithClassificationE413.
The test data are obtained in accordance with Test Methods
E90 for laboratory conditions and E336 for field conditions.
5.2 Various building and other governmental adopted codes
and high-performance design guides identify minimum re-
quirements for STC.
5.2.1 The International Building Code (IBC) has minimum
requirements for the STC of common interior walls, partitions,
and floor and ceiling assemblies between adjacent dwelling
units or between dwelling units and adjacent public areas of a
building, such as halls, corridors, stairs, or service areas. This
section also includes requirements for penetrations or openings
in these assemblies, including piping and electrical devices, to
be sealed, lined, insulated, or otherwise treated to maintain the
required ratings.
5.2.2 Additionally, the department of Housing and Urban
Development (HUD) has the following standard for STC
performance of various housing units: HUD Minimum Prop-
erty Standards for Housing, Section 4910.1.
6. Purpose of Sealing Openings
6.1 Fig. 1 illustrates examples of how sound travels through
unsealed joints, voids, and penetrations in walls and how
sealing them will improve sound transmission loss. Options for
sealing joints, voids, and penetrations include the use of liquid
applied sealants, precured sealants, adhesive backed tapes,
films, membranes, joint compound, or aerosol foam sealants.
6.2 The effect of unsealed joints, voids, and penetrations on
the STC rating of partition walls is illustrated in Fig. 2. The
sample wall example, with an STC rating of 40 that has
2 2
openings that total 9 cm (1.4 in. ) will have its STC reduced
to 36.
7. Positioning of Sealants
7.1 Fig. 3 illustrates placement of liquid-applied sealants to
Legend:
improve the STC rating from a value of 29 to a value of 53.
A. Insulation
B. Partition Sheathing
Note that two properly placed sealants are sufficient and
C. Partition Framing
sealing beyond that is unnecessary.
D. Unsealed Gap or Penetration
E. Acoustical Sealant
F. Floor Assembly
8. Application of Sealants
G. Door or Window Frame
H. Precured Acoustical Sealants
8.1 Fig. 4 illustrates typical liquid-applied sealant applica-
tions. Additional sealant application information can be ob-
FIG. 1 Examples of Achieving an Effective Sound Barrier and
tained from Guide C1193 and manufacturer’s literature for
Maintaining the Designed STC Value of Partition Systems
specific products and applications.
9. Types of Sealants
cured sealants in the form of pads have proven to be effective
for sealing electric, telephone, television, and other types of
9.1 Precured Sealants—Precured sealants include a wide
jack and back boxes.
variety of gaskets and tapes, and foamed shapes that have
constant dimensions. These materials are effective sound seals 9.2 Non-Sag Sealants—These liquid-applied sealants can
when the tolerances f
...

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: C919 − 19 C919 − 22
Standard Practice for
Use of Sealants in Acoustical Applications
This standard is issued under the fixed designation C919; 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 provides information for the use of sealants to reduce sound transmission characteristics of interior walls,
ceilings, and floors by proper application of sealants to joints, voids, and penetrations normally found in building construction,
which are commonly referred to as “flanking paths.”airborne sound flanking paths.
1.2 The committee with jurisdiction over this standard is not aware of any comparable standards published by other organizations.
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses after SI units are provided for
information only and are not considered standard.
1.4 This standard does not purport to address fire stopping or safing requirements for joints, voids, and penetrations through
fire-rated wall, ceiling, and floor assemblies. Additional requirements may be necessary for fire-rated assemblies to meet the
applicable building code provisions.
1.5 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.
1.6 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:
C634 Terminology Relating to Building and Environmental Acoustics
C717 Terminology of Building Seals and Sealants
C834 Specification for Latex Sealants
C920 Specification for Elastomeric Joint Sealants
C1193 Guide for Use of Joint Sealants
C1520 Guide for Paintability of Latex Sealants
C1620 Specification for Aerosol Polyurethane and Aerosol Latex Foam Sealants
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee C24 on Building Seals and Sealants and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee C24.10 on Specifications,
Guides and Practices.
Current edition approved May 1, 2019Jan. 1, 2022. Published June 2019February 2022. Originally approved in 1979. Last previous edition approved in 20182019 as
C919 – 18.C919 – 19. DOI: 10.1520/C0919-19.10.1520/C0919-22.
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.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
C919 − 22
C1642 Practice for Determining Air Leakage Rates of Aerosol Foam Sealants and Other Construction Joint Fill and Insulation
Materials
C1852 Guide for Product Selection/Delivery Systems for Aerosol Foam Sealants and Adhesives
E90 Test Method for Laboratory Measurement of Airborne Sound Transmission Loss of Building Partitions and Elements
E336 Test Method for Measurement of Airborne Sound Attenuation between Rooms in Buildings
E413 Classification for Rating Sound Insulation
2.2 HUD US Department of Housing and Urban Development Standard:
HUD Minimum Property Standards for Housing, Section 4910.1
2.3 IBC Standard:International Building Code:
International Building Code (IBC), Section 1206
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions—For definitions of terms used in this recommended practice, see Terminologies C717 and C634.
4. Significance and Use
4.1 Walls, ceilings, and floors in building construction, especially those that are of lightweight construction, and that are designed
to reduce or limit sound transmission, can have undesirable sound transmission characteristics if care is not taken to seal
construction with improperly sealed joints, voids, or penetrations will not achieve the desired sound transmission loss. Proper
sealing of joints, voids, and penetrations that typically occur. Unsealed joints, voids, and penetrations will substantially increase
the sound transmission characteristics of these types of construction. By sealing them the transmission of sound can be
substantially diminished by eliminating “flanking paths.”will increase sound transmission loss by reducing airborne sound flanking
paths.
5. Sound Transmission Class Requirements
5.1 The construction industry has adopted Sound Transmission Class (STC) units, as defined in Terminology C634, to rate the
sound transmission properties of walls, ceilings, and floors. The STC is determined in accordance with Classification E413. The
test data are obtained in accordance with Test Methods E90 for laboratory conditions and E336. for field conditions.
5.2 Various building and other governmental adopted codes include requirements for sound transmission.and high-performance
design guides identify minimum requirements for STC.
5.2.1 For example, the The International Building Code (IBC), Section 1206.2, has (IBC) has minimum requirements for the
amount of sound that is allowed to be transmitted through STC of common interior walls, partitions, and floor and ceiling
assemblies between adjacent dwelling units or between dwelling units and adjacent public areas of a building, such as halls,
corridors, stairs, or service areas. This Sectionsection also includes requirements for penetrations or openings in these assemblies,
including piping and electrical devices, to be sealed, lined, insulated, or otherwise treated to maintain the required ratings.
5.2.2 Additionally, the department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has the following standard for STC limitations
forperformance of various housing units: HUD Minimum Property Standards for Housing, Section 4910.1.
6. Why Seal Openings? Purpose of Sealing Openings
6.1 The sound transmission of a wall, ceiling, or floor, no matter how well built, can be substantially defeated by the presence of
unsealed joints, voids, and penetrations. Fig. 1 illustrates examples of how sound travels through unsealed joints, voids, and
penetrations in walls and how sealing them with liquid-applied sealants or precured sealants will minimize sound transmission.
Other alternativeswill improve sound transmission loss. Options for sealing joints, voids, and penetrations include the use of liquid
applied sealants, precured sealants, adhesive backed tapes, films, membranes, joint compound, or aerosol foam sealants.
6.2 The effect of unsealed joints, voids, and penetrations on the STC rating of partition walls is illustrated in Fig. 2. For the The
Available from Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office.
Available from International Code Council (ICC).
C919 − 22
Legend:
A. Sound Insulation
A. Insulation
B. Partition Sheathing
C. Metal-Stud Partition
C. Partition Framing
D. Unsealed Gap or Penetration
E. Acoustical Sealant
F. Floor Assembly
G. Door or Window Frame
H. Precured Acoustical Sealants
FIG. 1 Examples of Achieving an Effective Sound Barrier and Maintaining the Designed STC Value of Partition Systems
2 2
sample wall example, with an STC rating of 40 that has openings that total 9 cm (1.4 in. ) will have its STC reduced to 36, a
10 % difference. However, that small difference results in a change to the apparent loudness of sound transmission to that which
is twice as loud.36.
7. Positioning of Sealants
7.1 Fig. 3 illustrates placement of liquid-applied sealants to improve the STC rating from a value of 29 to a value of 53. Note that
two properly placed sealants are sufficient and sealing beyond that is unnecessary.
...