ASTM E2140-01(2023)

Standard Test Method for Water Penetration of Metal Roof Panel Systems by Static Water Pressure Head

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 This test method is a standard procedure for determining water leakage through metal roof panel system sideseams, endlaps, and roof plane penetrations when the roof system is subjected to a specified static water pressure head.
Note 2: In applying the results of tests by this method, note that the performance of a roof or its components or both, is in part a function of proper installation and adjustment. In service, the performance will also depend on the integrity of the supporting construction, roof slope, and on the resistance of components to deterioration by various causes: corrosive atmosphere, aging, ice, vibration, thermal cycling, etc. It is difficult to simulate the identical complex wetting, aging, and other variable conditions that can be encountered in service, including wind-blown ponded water; the effects of temperature and age on sealant performance; differential pressure across the joints due to wind, snow, and ice accumulation; densification and migration; and abrasions within the joint components which may occur during thermal cycling and other weather events. Some joint conditions are more sensitive than others to these factors.  
5.2 This test method will evaluate the resistance of roof panels, sideseams, endlaps, and roof plane penetrations to water submersion. It will not evaluate panel resistance to wind driven rain.
Note 3: See Test Method E1646 for a test which evaluates resistance to wind driven rain.  
5.3 This test method is not a structural adequacy test.  
5.4 This test method is applicable to single skin metal panels, the exterior skin of factory assembled composite panels, and the exterior skin of field assembled composite systems as long as means can be provided to distinguish leakage through the exterior panel sideseams/endlaps and perimeter leakage.
SCOPE
1.1 This laboratory test method covers the determination of the resistance to water penetration of exterior metal roof panel system sideseams, endlaps, and roof plane penetrations when a specified static water pressure head is applied to the outside face of the roof panel.
Note 1: This test method is intended to evaluate water-barrier (not water-shedding) roof system joints and details. These systems are also referred to as hydrostatic roof systems.  
1.2 This test method is limited to specimens in which the sideseams and attachments are clearly visible and in which the source of leakage is readily observable.  
1.3 This test method excludes performance at roof perimeter conditions.  
1.4 This test method is suitable for evaluating leakage at roof plane penetrations such as fasteners, curbs, pipes, and expansion joints under a static water pressure head.  
1.5 The proper use of this test method requires a knowledge of the principles of water pressure.  
1.6 The text of this standard includes notes and footnotes excluding tables and figures, which provide explanatory material. These notes and footnotes shall not be considered as requirements of the standard.  
1.7 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.  
1.8 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. For specific precautionary statements, see Section 7.  
1.9 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: 30-Jun-2023
• ICS: 91.060.20 - Roofs
• Technical Committee: E06 - Performance of Buildings
• Drafting Committee: E06.57 - Performance of Metal Roof Systems

Relations

• Refers: ASTM E1646-95(2018) - Standard Test Method for Water Penetration of Exterior Metal Roof Panel Systems by Uniform Static Air Pressure Difference
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2018
• Refers: ASTM E631-15 - Standard Terminology of Building Constructions
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2015
• Refers: ASTM E631-14 - Standard Terminology of Building Constructions
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2014
• Refers: ASTM E1646-95(2011) - Standard Test Method for Water Penetration of Exterior Metal Roof Panel Systems by Uniform Static Air Pressure Difference
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2011
• Refers: ASTM E631-06 - Standard Terminology of Building Constructions
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2006
• Refers: ASTM E1646-95(2003) - Standard Test Method for Water Penetration of Exterior Metal Roof Panel Systems by Uniform Static Air Pressure Difference
• Effective Date: 10-Apr-2003
• Refers: ASTM E631-93a(1998)e1 - Standard Terminology of Building Constructions
• Effective Date: 28-Jul-2000
• Refers: ASTM E1646-95 - Standard Test Method for Water Penetration of Exterior Metal Roof Panel Systems by Uniform Static Air Pressure Difference
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-1995

Overview

ASTM E2140-01(2023), titled Standard Test Method for Water Penetration of Metal Roof Panel Systems by Static Water Pressure Head, establishes a laboratory procedure for evaluating the resistance of exterior metal roof panel systems-including sideseams, endlaps, and roof plane penetrations-to water intrusion under a specified static water pressure. Developed by ASTM International, this test method is applicable to single skin metal panels, the exterior skin of both factory- and field-assembled composite panels, and emphasizes the importance of proper installation and construction integrity for optimal waterproof performance.

The standard is widely used by roofing manufacturers, installers, building designers, and quality control professionals to verify the watertightness of hydrostatic (water-barrier) metal roof systems under controlled conditions.

Key Topics

• Water Penetration Resistance: This method objectively measures the potential for water leakage through the critical joints and penetrations in metal roof panel systems when exposed to static water pressure, simulating ponded or accumulated water scenarios.
• Applicable Roof Types: The test is designed for hydrostatic metal roof systems-those intended as water barriers rather than simple water-shedding assemblies.
• Test Specimen Criteria: Only systems with visible sideseams and attachment points, where leakage sources are easily observed, are eligible for this method.
• Penetrations and Joints: The evaluation encompasses roof penetrations (such as fasteners, curbs, pipes, and expansion joints), sideseams, and endlaps, which are common areas of water ingress.
• Installation Factors: Test outcomes depend significantly on proper installation, structural support, and the condition of seals and construction details, as well as resistance to environmental stressors like aging, vibration, and thermal cycling.
• Test Limitations: The standard evaluates water resistance under static pressure, not under conditions mimicking wind-driven rain or at the roof perimeter. For wind-driven rain resistance, ASTM E1646 is recommended.

Applications

• Quality Assurance: This static water pressure test is instrumental in confirming that metal roof systems meet specified water penetration criteria before installation in new constructions or retrofit projects.
• Product Development: Manufacturers can use the method for R&D purposes, refining designs to enhance water penetration resistance of their metal panel systems.
• Specification Compliance: Architects and designers rely on ASTM E2140 results to ensure that specified roof assemblies achieve appropriate waterproofing performance, especially for structures in regions prone to standing or ponded water.
• Field Problem Diagnostics: The standard provides a controlled framework for investigating water intrusion issues, helping to differentiate between leakage through roof joints and perimeter conditions.
• Third-Party Certification: Testing to ASTM E2140 is often a requirement for certification or warranty validation by material suppliers and independent certifiers.

Related Standards

• ASTM E1646: Standard Test Method for Water Penetration of Exterior Metal Roof Panel Systems by Uniform Static Air Pressure Difference (focuses on wind-driven rain).
• ASTM E631: Terminology of Building Constructions (provides definitions and terminology referenced by ASTM E2140).
• Building Envelope Standards: Related standards for evaluating structural, weather, and vapor resistance of roofing assemblies.
• ISO & International Standards: ASTM E2140 aligns with WTO Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee principles, supporting its acceptance in global markets.

Keywords: ASTM E2140, water penetration, metal roof panels, hydrostatic roof systems, static water pressure, roof leakage, sideseam, endlap, roof penetrations, roofing standards, quality assurance, product testing.

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: E2140 − 01 (Reapproved 2023)
Standard Test Method for
Water Penetration of Metal Roof Panel Systems by Static
Water Pressure Head
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E2140; 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 1.9 This international standard was developed in accor-
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
1.1 This laboratory test method covers the determination of
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
the resistance to water penetration of exterior metal roof panel
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
system sideseams, endlaps, and roof plane penetrations when a
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
specified static water pressure head is applied to the outside
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
face of the roof panel.
2. Referenced Documents
NOTE 1—This test method is intended to evaluate water-barrier (not
water-shedding) roof system joints and details. These systems are also 2
2.1 ASTM Standards:
referred to as hydrostatic roof systems.
E631 Terminology of Building Constructions
1.2 This test method is limited to specimens in which the
E1646 Test Method for Water Penetration of Exterior Metal
sideseams and attachments are clearly visible and in which the
Roof Panel Systems by Uniform Static Air Pressure
source of leakage is readily observable.
Difference
1.3 This test method excludes performance at roof perimeter
3. Terminology
conditions.
3.1 Definitions—For definitions of general terms relating to
1.4 This test method is suitable for evaluating leakage at
building construction used in this method, see Terminology
roof plane penetrations such as fasteners, curbs, pipes, and
E631.
expansion joints under a static water pressure head.
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
1.5 The proper use of this test method requires a knowledge
3.2.1 composite roof systems—roof systems consisting of an
of the principles of water pressure.
exterior metal skin and other components. Factory assembled
1.6 The text of this standard includes notes and footnotes
composite panels consist of an exterior metal skin, insulation,
excluding tables and figures, which provide explanatory mate-
and interior metal skin. Field assembled composite systems
rial. These notes and footnotes shall not be considered as
consist of exterior metal skins, underlayment, and a structural
requirements of the standard.
roof deck.
1.7 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded 3.2.2 panel endlap—the connection between two in-line
as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical
metal panels across the width of the panels.
conversions to SI units that are provided for information only
3.2.3 panel sideseam—the connection between two adjacent
and are not considered standard.
metal panels along the length of the panels.
1.8 This standard does not purport to address all of the
3.2.4 specimen—the entire assembled unit submitted for test
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
as described in Section 8.
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
3.2.5 water leakage—penetration of water through the plane
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
of the innermost face of the test specimen during the test
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
period.
For specific precautionary statements, see Section 7.
3.2.6 water pressure head—the distance from the surface of
the water to the lowest point or cell of the metal panel
specimen, measured at the locations shown in Fig. 1.
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E06 on
Performance of Buildingsand is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee E06.57 on
Performance of Metal Roof Systems. For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
Current edition approved July 1, 2023. Published August 2023. Originally contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
approved in 2001. Last previous edition approved in 2017 as E2140 – 01 (2017). Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
DOI: 10.1520/E2140-01R23. the ASTM website.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
E2140 − 01 (2023)
FIG. 1 Plan of Typical Three-Span Test Specimen Mounted in Chamber
4. Summary of Test Method 5.3 This test method is not a structural adequacy test.
4.1 The test consists of sealing and fixing a test specimen to 5.4 This test method is applicable to single skin metal
a horizontal support frame, locating vertical water dams around panels, the exterior skin of factory assembled composite
the perimeter of the test specimen, applying a specified static panels, and the exterior skin of field assembled composite
water head to the outside face of the test specimen and systems as long as means can be provided to distinguish
observing for water leakage on the underside of the test leakage through the exterior panel sideseams/endlaps and
specimen. perimeter leakage.
5. Significance and Use
6. Apparatus
5.1 This test method is a standard procedure for determining
6.1 This description of apparatus is general in nature and
water leakage through metal roof panel system sideseams,
any arrangement of equipment capable of performing the test
endlaps, and roof plane penetrations when the roof system is
procedure within the allowable tolerances is permitted.
subjected to a specified static water pressure head.
NOTE 4—One such alternate test apparatus arrangement consists of
NOTE 2—In applying the results of tests by this method, note that the perimeter seals erected on top of the test specimen.
performance of a roof or its components or both, is in part a function of
6.2 Test Chamber—(See Figs. 1 and 2). A well-sealed
proper installation and adjustment. In service, the performance will also
chamber or box with either an opening, a removable mounting
depend on the integrity of the supporting construction, roof slope, and on
panel or one open face in which or against which the specimen
the resistance of components to deterioration by various causes: corrosive
atmosphere, aging, ice, vibration, thermal cycling, etc. It is difficult to
is installed and sealed. The test chamber shall be maintained in
simulate the identical complex wetting, aging, and other variable condi-
a horizontal position.
tions that can be encountered in service, including wind-blown ponded
6.2.1 The test chamber shall be provided with a horizontal
water; the effects of temperature and age on sealant performance;
perimeter support ledge to which test specimens may be
differential pressure across the joints due to wind, snow, and ice
accumulation; densification and migration; and abrasions within the joint attached and sealed.
components which may occur during thermal cycling and other weather
6.2.2 The test specimen shall be anchored to the test
events. Some joint conditions are more sensitive than others to these
chamber perimeter to adequately resist imposed test loads
factors.
without leakage or failure.
5.2 This test method will evaluate the resistance of roof
6.2.3 The test chamber shall be provided with a vertical
panels, sideseams, endlaps, and roof plane penetrations to
water dam around the perimeter of the chamber. Water dam
water submersion. It will not evaluate panel resistance to wind
shall be well sealed and of sufficient height to maintain the
d
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