ASTM E2273-18

Standard Test Method for Determining the Drainage Efficiency of Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems (EIFS) Clad Wall Assemblies

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 This test method is a standard procedure for determining the drainage efficiency of an EIFS clad wall assembly.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method determines the drainage efficiency of EIFS clad wall assemblies when subjected to a water spray rate in accordance with Test Method E331.  
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to inch-pound units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard.  
1.3 This standard may involve hazardous materials, operations and equipment. 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: 91.060.10 - Walls. Partitions. Facades
• Technical Committee: E06 - Performance of Buildings
• Drafting Committee: E06.58 - Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems (EIFS)

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM E2273-03(2011) - Standard Test Method for Determining the Drainage Efficiency of Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems (EIFS) Clad Wall Assemblies
• 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 E2110-11 - Standard Terminology for Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems (EIFS)
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2011
• Refers: ASTM E2110-09 - Standard Terminology for Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems (EIFS)
• Effective Date: 15-Apr-2009
• Refers: ASTM E2110-09e1 - Standard Terminology for Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems (EIFS)
• Effective Date: 15-Apr-2009
• Refers: ASTM E331-00(2009) - Standard Test Method for Water Penetration of Exterior Windows, Skylights, Doors, and Curtain Walls by Uniform Static Air Pressure Difference
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2009
• Refers: ASTM E2110-03 - Standard Terminology for Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems (EIFS)
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2003
• Refers: ASTM E331-00 - Standard Test Method for Water Penetration of Exterior Windows, Skylights, Doors, and Curtain Walls by Uniform Static Air Pressure Difference
• Effective Date: 10-Oct-2000
• Refers: ASTM E2110-00 - Standard Terminology for Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems (EIFS)
• Effective Date: 10-Oct-2000
• Referred By: ASTM E2925-19a - Standard Specification for Manufactured Polymeric Drainage and Ventilation Materials Used to Provide a Rainscreen Function
• Effective Date: 01-Sep-2018
• Referred By: ASTM E3054/E3054M-23 - Standard Guide for Characterization and Use of Hygrothermal Models for Moisture Control Design in Building Envelopes
• Effective Date: 01-Sep-2018

Overview

ASTM E2273-18: Standard Test Method for Determining the Drainage Efficiency of Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems (EIFS) Clad Wall Assemblies establishes a recognized procedure for measuring the drainage efficiency of EIFS clad wall assemblies. Developed by ASTM International, this test method is designed for use by manufacturers, specifiers, architects, and quality control professionals in the construction industry.

This standard outlines a repeatable methodology for quantifying the ability of EIFS wall assemblies to drain water when subjected to controlled water spray, helping to assess key aspects of building envelope performance, such as moisture management and prevention of water intrusion.

Key Topics

• Purpose and Scope

  • Focuses on measuring the percentage of water drained from EIFS assemblies when sprayed according to ASTM E331.
  • Applicable for product evaluation, quality assurance, and comparative assessment of EIFS drainage systems.
  • Requires the use of SI units as standard.

• Test Method Overview

  • A spray box is sealed to the test sample, directing water into a deliberate slot fault created in the assembly.
  • Water drained from the wall assembly is collected and measured at set intervals to determine drainage efficiency.

• Hazard and Safety Considerations

  • The method may involve hazardous equipment and materials; users must observe proper safety, health, and environmental protocols as applicable by regulations.

• Terminology

  • Key terms such as “drainage efficiency,” “test specimen,” and “water drainage” are defined based on standard EIFS terminology.

• Reporting Requirements

  • Detailed documentation of the test setup, results, specimen details, observed water leakage, and photographs is required for compliance and reproducibility.

Applications

ASTM E2273-18 is an essential tool for:

• Product Development and Comparison

  • Enables EIFS manufacturers and system designers to objectively evaluate and compare the water management performance of different wall assemblies or design modifications.

• Quality Control

  • Provides a consistent, replicable procedure for laboratory and field testing to ensure assemblies meet specific drainage performance standards.

• Regulatory and Specification Compliance

  • Assists architects, engineers, and specifiers in verifying that EIFS installations conform to building codes, project specifications, and warranty requirements.

• Forensic Analysis

  • Useful in investigating issues related to moisture intrusion, assisting consultants and investigators in determining drainage failures in EIFS systems.

Related Standards

• ASTM E331 - Test Method for Water Penetration of Exterior Windows, Skylights, Doors, and Curtain Walls by Uniform Static Air Pressure Difference: Referenced for specifying the water spray rate used in E2273 testing.
• ASTM E2110 - Terminology for Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems (EIFS): Provides standardized vocabulary used in E2273.

Other building envelope and water drainage performance standards may also be relevant when assessing complete wall system performance.

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Adhering to ASTM E2273-18 ensures reliable and standardized assessment of EIFS clad wall assembly drainage efficiency, supporting the development of moisture-resistant and durable building envelopes. This standard underpins best practices in exterior wall design, product selection, and quality assurance in modern construction. For the most current requirements and procedural details, always refer to the official ASTM publication.

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: E2273 − 18
Standard Test Method for
Determining the Drainage Efficiency of Exterior Insulation
and Finish Systems (EIFS) Clad Wall Assemblies
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E2273; 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 3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
3.2.1 drainage effıciency—a percentage value based on the
1.1 This test method determines the drainage efficiency of
amountofwaterthatpassedthroughthetestspecimenandwas
EIFScladwallassemblieswhensubjectedtoawatersprayrate
collected divided by the amount of water sprayed into the slot
in accordance with Test Method E331.
fault.
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the
3.2.2 test specimen—theentireassembledunitsubmittedfor
standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical
testing as described in Section 7.
conversions to inch-pound units that are provided for informa-
3.2.3 test specimen slot fault—an opening in the test speci-
tion only and are not considered standard.
men where the insulation board, and other components have
1.3 This standard may involve hazardous materials, opera-
been removed exposing the weather-resistive barrier to which
tions and equipment. This standard does not purport to address
water spray is directed.
all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is
3.2.4 water drainage—the ability of the test specimen to
the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish
drain water.
appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and
determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to
4. Summary of Test Method
use.
4.1 This test method consists of sealing a spray box to the
1.4 This international standard was developed in accor-
testspecimenandthenconcentratingawatersprayintotheslot
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
fault of the test specimen.
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
5. Significance and Use
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
5.1 Thistestmethodisastandardprocedurefordetermining
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
the drainage efficiency of an EIFS clad wall assembly.
2. Referenced Documents
2 6. Apparatus
2.1 ASTM Standards:
E331 Test Method for Water Penetration of Exterior
6.1 Spray Box, a transparent plastic, or equivalent, box
1 1 1
Windows, Skylights, Doors, and Curtain Walls by Uni- measuring 622 by241 by184mm (24 ⁄2 by9 ⁄2 by7 ⁄4 in.)
form Static Air Pressure Difference
containing a water spray system that is sealed to the test
E2110Terminology for Exterior Insulation and Finish Sys- specimen.
tems (EIFS)
6.2 Water Spray System, two spray nozzles installed in the
spray box, oriented to apply all the water into the slot fault and
3. Terminology
located 13mm ( ⁄2 in.) from the open side of the spray box and
3.1 Definitions used in this standard shall be in accordance
150mm(6in.)totherightandleftofverticalcenteroftheslot
with Terminology E2110.
fault.Apressureregulator,flowmeter,andaninlinewaterfilter
to the spray nozzles control the flow rate of water sprayed into
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E06 on
the slot fault. The water spray system shall deliver water at a
Performance of Buildings and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee E06.58
rate of 106g (0.234lb) per minute +10%−0%.
on Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems (EIFS).
Current edition approved Sept. 1, 2018. Published September 2018. Originally
6.3 Drained Water Container(s), a container, or containers,
approved in 2003. Last previous edition approved in 2011 as E2273–03 (2011).
tared to the nearest 1.0g (0.002lb) of sufficient size to retain
DOI: 10.1520/E2273–18.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or the water drained from the test specimen.
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
6.4 Balance, with a capacity of 20kg (45lb) and accuracy
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
the ASTM website. of 1.0g (0.002lb).
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
E2273 − 18
6.5 A means of collection such as a trough, to direct the nents at a distance of 304mm (12in.) from the top of the slot
drained water to the drained water container. The collection faulttothetopofthetestspecimensothattheweatherresistive
metho
...

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: E2273 − 03 (Reapproved 2011) E2273 − 18
Standard Test Method for
Determining the Drainage Efficiency of Exterior Insulation
and Finish Systems (EIFS) Clad Wall Assemblies
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E2273; 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 test method determines the drainage efficiency of EIFS clad wall assemblies when subjected to a water spray rate in
accordance with Test Method E331.
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical
conversions to inch-pound units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard.
1.3 This standard may involve hazardous materials, operations and equipment. 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 safety, health, and healthenvironmental 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.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
E331 Test Method for Water Penetration of Exterior Windows, Skylights, Doors, and Curtain Walls by Uniform Static Air
Pressure Difference
E2110 Terminology for Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems (EIFS)
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions used in this standard shall be in accordance with Terminology E2110.
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
3.2.1 drainage effıciency—a percentage value based on the amount of water that passed through the test specimen and was
collected divided by the amount of water sprayed into the slot fault.
3.2.2 test specimen—the entire assembled unit submitted for testing as described in Section 7.
3.2.3 test specimen slot fault—an opening in the test specimen where the insulation board, and other components have been
removed exposing the weather-resistive barrier to which water spray is directed.
3.2.4 water drainage—the ability of the test specimen to drain water.
4. Summary of Test Method
4.1 This test method consists of sealing a spray box to the test specimen and then concentrating a water spray into the slot fault
of the test specimen.
5. Significance and Use
5.1 This test method is a standard procedure for determining the drainage efficiency of an EIFS clad wall assembly.
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E06 on Performance of Buildings and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee E06.58 on Exterior
Insulation and Finish Systems (EIFS).
Current edition approved April 1, 2011Sept. 1, 2018. Published May 2011September 2018. Originally approved in 2003. Last previous edition approved in 20032011 as
E2273 – 03.E2273–03 (2011). DOI: 10.1520/E2273-03R11.10.1520/E2273–18.
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
E2273 − 18
6. Apparatus
1 1 1
6.1 Spray Box, a transparent plastic, or equivalent, box measuring 622 by 241 by 184 mm (24 ⁄2 by 9 ⁄2 by 7 ⁄4 in.) containing
a water spray system that is sealed to the test specimen.
6.2 Water Spray System, two spray nozzles installed in the spray box, oriented to apply all the water into the slot fault and
located 13 mm ( ⁄2 in.) from the open side of the spray box and 150 mm (6 in.) to the right and left of vertical center of the slot
fault. A pressure regulator, flow meter, and an inline water filter to the spray nozzles control the flow rate of water sprayed into
the slot fault. The water spray system shall deliver water at a rate of 106 g (0.234 lb) per minute +10 % − 0 %.
6.3 Drained Water Container(s), a container, or containers, tared to the nearest 1.0 g (0.002 lb) of sufficient size to retain the
water drained from the test specimen.
6.4 Balance, with a capacity of 20 kg (45 lb) and accuracy of 1.0 g (0.002 lb).
6.5 A means of collection such as a trough, to direct the drained water to the drained water container. The collection method
may also be the tared container.
7. Calibration of Flow
...