ASTM E154/E154M-08a(2013)e1
(Test Method)Standard Test Methods for Water Vapor Retarders Used in Contact with Earth Under Concrete Slabs, on Walls, or as Ground Cover
Standard Test Methods for Water Vapor Retarders Used in Contact with Earth Under Concrete Slabs, on Walls, or as Ground Cover
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 In service, vapor retarders may be exposed to a variety of conditions, so no one test will provide evaluations related to performance for all exposures (refer to Guide E241 and Practice C755). Neither will all test methods listed be necessary in all evaluations for specific exposures (see 16.2).
4.2 Limitations—Prior to use and in service, vapor retarders may be exposed to a variety of conditions so no one test will provide evaluations related to performance for all exposures (refer to Guide E241 and Practice C755). Neither will all tests be necessary in all evaluations for specific exposures. Consequently, the tests and required test results shall be agreed upon by the purchaser and the supplier (see 16.2).
SCOPE
1.1 These test methods2 cover the determination of the properties of flexible membranes to be used as vapor retarders in contact with earth under concrete slabs, against walls, or as ground cover in crawl spaces. The test methods are applicable primarily to plastic films and other flexible sheets. The materials are not intended to be subjected to sustained hydrostatic pressure. The procedures simulate conditions to which vapor retarders may be subjected prior to and during installation, and in service.
1.2 The test methods included are:
Section
Water-Vapor Transmission of Material as Received
7
Water-Vapor Transmission after Wetting and Drying and after Long-
Time Soaking
8
Tensile Strength
9
Resistance to Puncture
10
Resistance to Plastic Flow and Elevated Temperature
11
Effect of Low Temperatures on Flexibility
12
Resistance to Deterioration from Organisms and Substances in Con-
tacting Soil
13
Resistance to Deterioration from Petroleum Vehicles for Soil Poisons
14
Resistance to Deterioration from Exposure to Ultraviolet Light
15
Resistance to Flame Spread
16
Report
17
1.3 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in each system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each system shall be used independently of the other. Combining values from the two systems may result in non-conformance with the 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.
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Standards Content (Sample)
NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or withdrawn.
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´1
Designation: E154/E154M − 08a (Reapproved 2013)
Standard Test Methods for
Water Vapor Retarders Used in Contact with Earth Under
Concrete Slabs, on Walls, or as Ground Cover
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E154/E154M; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year
of original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision.Anumber in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval.
A superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense.
ε NOTE—Units information was editorially corrected in May 2013.
1. Scope responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
2 priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
1.1 These test methods cover the determination of the
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
properties of flexible membranes to be used as vapor retarders
in contact with earth under concrete slabs, against walls, or as
2. Referenced Documents
ground cover in crawl spaces. The test methods are applicable
2.1 ASTM Standards:
primarily to plastic films and other flexible sheets. The mate-
C168Terminology Relating to Thermal Insulation
rials are not intended to be subjected to sustained hydrostatic
C755Practice for Selection of Water Vapor Retarders for
pressure. The procedures simulate conditions to which vapor
Thermal Insulation
retarders may be subjected prior to and during installation, and
D828Test Method for Tensile Properties of Paper and
in service.
PaperboardUsingConstant-Rate-of-ElongationApparatus
1.2 The test methods included are:
(Withdrawn 2009)
Section
D882Test Method for Tensile Properties of Thin Plastic
Water-Vapor Transmission of Material as Received 7
Sheeting
Water-Vapor Transmission after Wetting and Drying and after Long-
Time Soaking 8
D1709Test Methods for Impact Resistance of Plastic Film
Tensile Strength 9
by the Free-Falling Dart Method
Resistance to Puncture 10
Resistance to Plastic Flow and Elevated Temperature 11 D1985Practice for Preparing Concrete Blocks for Testing
Effect of Low Temperatures on Flexibility 12
Sealants, for Joints and Cracks
Resistance to Deterioration from Organisms and Substances in Con-
D2565Practice for Xenon-Arc Exposure of Plastics In-
tacting Soil 13
tended for Outdoor Applications
Resistance to Deterioration from Petroleum Vehicles for Soil Poisons 14
Resistance to Deterioration from Exposure to Ultraviolet Light 15
D4397 Specification for Polyethylene Sheeting for
Resistance to Flame Spread 16
Construction, Industrial, and Agricultural Applications
Report 17
E84Test Method for Surface Burning Characteristics of
1.3 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units
Building Materials
are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in
E96/E96MTest Methods for Water Vapor Transmission of
each system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each
Materials
system shall be used independently of the other. Combining
E241Guide for Limiting Water-Induced Damage to Build-
values from the two systems may result in non-conformance
ings
with the standard.
E437Specification for Industrial Wire Cloth and Screens
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the
(Square Opening Series) (Discontinued 2000) Replaced
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the 4
by E 2016 (Withdrawn 2000)
E631Terminology of Building Constructions
These test methods are under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E06 on
Performance of Buildings and are the direct responsibility of Subcommittee E06.21
on Serviceability.
Current edition approved April 1, 2013. Published May 2013. Originally
approved in 1959. Last previous edition approved in 2008 as E154–08a. DOI: For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
10.1520/E0154_E0154M-08AR13E01. contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
Some of these test methods were based originally on Report No. 2040, U.S. Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
Forest Products Laboratory, and “Vapor Barrier Materials for Use with Slab-On- the ASTM website.
Ground Construction and as Ground Covers in Crawl Spaces,” Publication The last approved version of this historical standard is referenced on
445-1956, Building Research Advisory Board (currently out-of-print). www.astm.org.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
´1
E154/E154M − 08a (2013)
F1249Test Method for Water Vapor Transmission Rate Consequently,thetestsandrequiredtestresultsshallbeagreed
Through Plastic Film and Sheeting Using a Modulated upon by the purchaser and the supplier (see 16.2).
Infrared Sensor
5. Sampling
3. Terminology
5.1 Obtain samples for preparation of test specimens from
eachofthreeseparaterollsorpackagesofeachtypeofmaterial
3.1 Definitions: For definitions of terms used in these test
being tested. Samples shall be representative of the material
methods, see Terminologies C168 and E631.
being tested and shall be of uniform thickness. If the samples
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
areofnonsymmetricalconstruction,designatethetwofacesby
3.2.1 perm, n—the time rate of water vapor migration
distinguishing marks and report which side was exposed to a
throughamaterialoraconstructionof1grain/h·ft ·in.mercury
specific condition.
(Hg) of vapor pressure difference.
3.2.1.1 Discussion—There are no SI units that can be
6. Test Specimen
combined to give the same mass flow rate as the inch-pound
6.1 The number and size of test specimens of each material
perm without a numerical coefficient. If a specification states
are specified in each test procedure. Great care is required to
that a one perm resistance is required, the same rate of flow
protect the test areas of the specimens against damage or
will be obtained from the following relationships:
contamination.
1 perm = 1 grain/h·ft ·in. Hg Inch-pound units
−12 2
= 57.2·10 kg/s·m ·Pa SI (fundamental units)
7. Water-Vapor Transmission of Material as Received
= 57.2 ng/s·m ·Pa SI (frequently used)
= 0.66 g/24 h·m ·mm Hg SI (deprecated, should not be used)
7.1 Significance and Use—Since the water-vapor flow rate
The perm is a specific rate of vapor flow regardless of the units that were used in through a material in service is significant in order for
measuring the flow rate or in converting them into desired units.
comparisons to be made of performance after specific treat-
3.2.2 water-vapor permeability, n—the time rate of water
ments of the material, the water-vapor flow rate of the material
vapor flow through unit area of unit thickness of a flat material as received is needed as a reference value. The as-received
induced by unit vapor pressure difference between two parallel
material is presumed to be representative of the materialthatis
specified surfaces under specific temperature and humidity to be used on the purchaser’s project.
conditions.
7.2 Apparatus—The apparatus and test facilities are de-
3.2.2.1 Discussion—Since vapor flow rate does not vary
scribed in Test Methods E96/E96M and F1249.
directly with thickness for many materials, comparisons of
7.3 Procedure:
vapor flow rates for retarders of various thicknesses should be
7.3.1 Make water-vapor transmission tests on at least three
made on test results of permeance rather than on permeability.
specimens of each material in accordance with Test Methods
3.2.3 water–vapor permeance, n—the time rate of water
E96/E96M or F1249. If the retarder material is coated or
vapor flow through unit area of the known thickness of a flat
treated on one surface to improve its water-vapor resistance,
material or a construction normal to two specific parallel
make the test with this surface toward the water unless
surfaces induced by unit vapor pressure difference between the
otherwise specified.
two surfaces under specific temperature and humidity condi-
7.3.2 Where wax seals are used with the wet method, it is
tions. While the SI unit is kg/s·m ·Pa, the practical unit is the
good procedure to heat the test dishes uniformly to 45°C
perm (see 3.2.1).
[113°F]orslightlywarmerbeforesealingthetestsampletothe
3.2.4 water-vapor transmission(WVT),n—thesteadywater dish to avoid having the wax become too viscous for good
vapor flow in unit time through unit area of a flat material or a
sealing.
construction normal to specific parallel surfaces induced by
7.4 Precision and Bias—Thestatementsregardingprecision
specific temperatures, pressures, and humidities at each sur-
and bias in Test Methods E96/E96M and F1249 shall also
face. Units in SI are kilogram per second, square metre,
apply to this test method.
(kg/s·m ) [inch-pound, grain per hour, square foot, (grain/
h·ft )].
8. Water-Vapor Transmission after Wetting and Drying
and after Long-Time Soaking
4. Significance and Use
8.1 Significance and Use—Afterwater-vaporretardersleave
4.1 In service, vapor retarders may be exposed to a variety
thefactory,theyareexposedtomanyconditionsofwettingand
of conditions, so no one test will provide evaluations related to dryingandmaybesubjectedtoimmersionorpartialimmersion
performance for all exposures (refer to Guide E241 and
for various periods. To indicate the potential effect of wetting
Practice C755). Neither will all test methods listed be neces- and drying and relatively long-time exposure to soaking, the
sary in all evaluations for specific exposures (see 16.2).
data from these tests will be compared with those of the
material as received.
4.2 Limitations—Prior to use and in service, vapor retarders
may be exposed to a variety of conditions so no one test will 8.2 Apparatus:
provide evaluations related to performance for all exposures 8.2.1 Controlled-Temperature Vessels, of suitable size for
(refer to Guide E241 and Practice C755). Neither will all tests soaking specimens and equipped with a temperature controller
be necessary in all evaluations for specific exposures. actuated by a thermostat. The controller shall be of a type that
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E154/E154M − 08a (2013)
will maintain temperature in the vessels between 22 and 24°C 9.3.1 Cut ten specimens, 25 m [1 in.] wide and 203 mm [8
[72 and 75°F]. If space permits, the test chamber used for the in.]long,ineachprincipaldirection(crosswiseandlengthwise)
water-vapor transmission tests may be used to hold soaking of the sample.
pans in place of the thermostatically controlled vessel.
9.3.2 Immerse in potable water controlled at a temperature
8.2.2 Oven or Drying Chamber, for drying test specimens,
between 22 and 24°C [72 and 75°F] for seven days in such a
thermostatically controlled at a temperature between 60 and
manner that water has free access to all surfaces and edges of
62°C [140 and 144°F].
the specimens.
8.2.3 Water-Vapor TransmissionApparatus,asprescribedin
9.3.3 Remove the specimens from the water one at a time,
Test Methods E96/E96M and F1249.
lightly blot the free water from both surfaces, and immediately
8.2.4 Mandrel—A round metal bar or rod 25 mm [1 in.] in
determine the tensile strength and elongation at maximum
diameter and approximately 460 mm [18 in.] long.
load. If the vapor retarder is an unreinforced plastic sheet, test
according to Test Method D882. If the vapor retarder is
8.3 Procedure:
reinforced or contains fiber, test according to Test Method
8.3.1 Cut three specimens, 305 by 305 mm [12 by 12 in.] of
D828. If necessary to prevent slippage during the test, line the
the material to be tested.
jaws of the clamp with emery cloth or other rough material.
8.3.2 Immerse the specimens in potable water kept at a
Average the ten readings, crosswise and lengthwise, respec-
temperature between 22 and 24°C [72 and 75°F] for 16 h
tively.
(overnight). Then dry the specimens in an oven kept between
60 and 62°C [140 and 144°F] for 8 h. Repeat the wetting and
9.4 Precision and Bias—The statements on reproducibility
dryingcycleforatotaloffivecycles(Mondaythrough Friday)
in Test Methods D828 or D882 shall also apply to this test
to be followed by immersing the specimens in water over the
method.
weekend(64h).Repeatthewettinganddryingcyclefivemore
days and immerse the specimens in water for a period of 16 ⁄2
10. Resistance to Puncture
days (weekend plus two weeks). Dry the specimens between
10.1 Significance and Use:
60 and 62°C [140 and 144°F] and then condition to a constant
10.1.1 One of the major stresses to which sheet materials
weight in the chamber where water-vapor transmission tests
used as vapor retarders are subjected is puncture. These data
are made.
may be used to evaluate the resistance to one type of puncture
8.3.3 Cut the specimens into halves parallel to the machine
force on different materials to be considered for a specific
direction(thelongdirectionastakenfromtherollorpackage).
construction.
Bend one of the halves of each specimen with one surface up
andtheotherspecimenwiththeoppositesurfaceupatanangle 10.1.2 The falling dart test in the paragraph on Impact
Resistance of Specification D4397 may be used to evaluate
of 90° over a 25-mm [1-in.] diameter mandrel in a period of 2
s or less at a temperature between 22 and 24°C [72 and 75°F]. puncture resistance of the material. (See Test Methods D1709
also.)
Record evidence of cracking or delamination.
8.3.4 Cutspecimensforthewater-vaportransmissiontestso
10.2 Apparatus:
that the full bent portion is installed in the center of the pan
10.2.1 A Square Mounting Frame, of wood, metal, or rigid
withthesurfacethatwasconcaveatthetimeofbendingfacing
plastic 254 by 254 mm [10 by 10 in.] outside with a 152- by
the water. Determine water-vapor transmission in accordance
152-mm [6- by 6-in.] central opening, consisting of two parts
with Section 7.
thatareheldtogetherwitheightthumbscrewsoneachside.The
8.4 Precision and Bias—Thestatementsregardingprecision
thicknessofwoodorplasticshallbe32mm[1 ⁄4in.];ofmetal,
and bias in Test Methods E96/E96M and F1249 shall also
10 mm [ ⁄8 in.]. The contact areas of each part shall be faced
apply to this test method.
with well-adhered Grade No. 80 sandpaper to prevent slippage
of the sheet under test (see Fig. 1).
9. Tensile Strength
10.2.2 Steel Cylinder, solid, 25-mm [1-in.] diameter, with
the contact face smooth and at 90° with the axis, and with the
9.1 Significance and Use—The thin sheet materials that are
edge of the end surface slightly rounded.
used as vapor retarders are subjected to several kinds of
handling stresses. Since it is desirable that the material have a 10.2.3 Conventional Straightedges and Rules or Dials, to
tensile strength that will minimize tearing
...
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.
´1
Designation: E154 − 08a E154/E154M − 08a (Reapproved 2013)
Standard Test Methods for
Water Vapor Retarders Used in Contact with Earth Under
Concrete Slabs, on Walls, or as Ground Cover
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E154;E154/E154M; 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.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the Department of Defense.
ε NOTE—Units information was editorially corrected in May 2013.
1. Scope
1.1 These test methods cover the determination of the properties of flexible membranes to be used as vapor retarders in contact
with earth under concrete slabs, against walls, or as ground cover in crawl spaces. The test methods are applicable primarily to
plastic films and other flexible sheets. The materials are not intended to be subjected to sustained hydrostatic pressure. The
procedures simulate conditions to which vapor retarders may be subjected prior to and during installation, and in service.
1.2 The test methods included are:
Section
Water-Vapor Transmission of Material as Received 7
Water-Vapor Transmission after Wetting and Drying and after Long-
Time Soaking 8
Tensile Strength 9
Resistance to Puncture 10
Resistance to Plastic Flow and Elevated Temperature 11
Effect of Low Temperatures on Flexibility 12
Resistance to Deterioration from Organisms and Substances in Con-
tacting Soil 13
Resistance to Deterioration from Petroleum Vehicles for Soil Poisons 14
Resistance to Deterioration from Exposure to Ultraviolet Light 15
Resistance to Flame Spread 16
Report 17
1.3 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units are to be regarded separately as standard. The inch-pound values
given in parentheses are provided for information only and are not considered stated in each system may not be exact equivalents;
therefore, each system shall be used independently of the other. Combining values from the two systems may result in
non-conformance with the 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.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
C168 Terminology Relating to Thermal Insulation
C755 Practice for Selection of Water Vapor Retarders for Thermal Insulation
D828 Test Method for Tensile Properties of Paper and Paperboard Using Constant-Rate-of-Elongation Apparatus (Withdrawn
2009)
These test methods are under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E06 on Performance of Buildings and are the direct responsibility of Subcommittee E06.21 on
Serviceability.
Current edition approved Oct. 1, 2008April 1, 2013. Published November 2008May 2013. Originally approved in 1959. Last previous edition approved in 2008 as
E154 – 08.E154 – 08a. DOI: 10.1520/E0154-08A.10.1520/E0154_E0154M-08AR13E01.
Some of these test methods were based originally on Report No. 2040, U.S. Forest Products Laboratory, and “Vapor Barrier Materials for Use with Slab-On-Ground
Construction and as Ground Covers in Crawl Spaces,” Publication 445-1956, Building Research Advisory Board (currently out-of-print).
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 the ASTM website.
The last approved version of this historical standard is referenced on www.astm.org.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
´1
E154/E154M − 08a (2013)
D882 Test Method for Tensile Properties of Thin Plastic Sheeting
D1709 Test Methods for Impact Resistance of Plastic Film by the Free-Falling Dart Method
D1985 Practice for Preparing Concrete Blocks for Testing Sealants, for Joints and Cracks
D2565 Practice for Xenon-Arc Exposure of Plastics Intended for Outdoor Applications
D4397 Specification for Polyethylene Sheeting for Construction, Industrial, and Agricultural Applications
E84 Test Method for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials
E96/E96M Test Methods for Water Vapor Transmission of Materials
E241 Guide for Limiting Water-Induced Damage to Buildings
E437 Specification for Industrial Wire Cloth and Screens (Square Opening Series) (Discontinued 2000) Replaced by E 2016
(Withdrawn 2000)
E631 Terminology of Building Constructions
F1249 Test Method for Water Vapor Transmission Rate Through Plastic Film and Sheeting Using a Modulated Infrared Sensor
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions: For definitions of terms used in these test methods, see Terminologies C168 and E631.
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
3.2.1 perm, n—the time rate of water vapor migration through a material or a construction of 1 grain/h·ft ·in. mercury (Hg) of
vapor pressure difference.
3.2.1.1 Discussion—
There are no SI units that can be combined to give the same mass flow rate as the inch-pound perm without a numerical coefficient.
If a specification states that a one perm resistance is required, the same rate of flow will be obtained from the following
relationships:
1 perm = 1 grain/h·ft ·in. Hg Inch-pound units
−12 2
= 57.2·10 kg/s·m ·Pa SI (fundamental units)
= 57.2 ng/s·m ·Pa SI (frequently used)
= 0.66 g/24 h·m ·mm Hg SI (deprecated, should not be used)
The perm is a specific rate of vapor flow regardless of the units that were used in measuring the flow rate or in converting them into desired
units.
3.2.2 water-vapor permeability, n—the time rate of water vapor flow through unit area of unit thickness of a flat material
induced by unit vapor pressure difference between two parallel specified surfaces under specific temperature and humidity
conditions.
3.2.2.1 Discussion—
Since vapor flow rate does not vary directly with thickness for many materials, comparisons of vapor flow rates for retarders of
various thicknesses should be made on test results of permeance rather than on permeability.
3.2.3 water–vapor permeance, n—the time rate of water vapor flow through unit area of the known thickness of a flat material
or a construction normal to two specific parallel surfaces induced by unit vapor pressure difference between the two surfaces under
specific temperature and humidity conditions. While the SI unit is kg/s·m ·Pa, the practical unit is the perm (see 3.2.1).
3.2.4 water-vapor transmission (WVT),n—the steady water vapor flow in unit time through unit area of a flat material or a
construction normal to specific parallel surfaces induced by specific temperatures, pressures, and humidities at each surface. Units
2 2
in SI are kilogram per second, square metre, (kg/s·m ) (inch-pound,[inch-pound, grain per hour, square foot, (grain/h·ft )).)].
4. Significance and Use
4.1 In service, vapor retarders may be exposed to a variety of conditions, so no one test will provide evaluations related to
performance for all exposures (refer to Guide E241 and Practice C755). Neither will all test methods listed be necessary in all
evaluations for specific exposures (see 16.2).
4.2 Limitations—Prior to use and in service, vapor retarders may be exposed to a variety of conditions so no one test will
provide evaluations related to performance for all exposures (refer to Guide E241 and Practice C755). Neither will all tests be
necessary in all evaluations for specific exposures. Consequently, the tests and required test results shall be agreed upon by the
purchaser and the supplier (see 16.2).
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E154/E154M − 08a (2013)
5. Sampling
5.1 Obtain samples for preparation of test specimens from each of three separate rolls or packages of each type of material being
tested. Samples shall be representative of the material being tested and shall be of uniform thickness. If the samples are of
nonsymmetrical construction, designate the two faces by distinguishing marks and report which side was exposed to a specific
condition.
6. Test Specimen
6.1 The number and size of test specimens of each material are specified in each test procedure. Great care is required to protect
the test areas of the specimens against damage or contamination.
7. Water-Vapor Transmission of Material as Received
7.1 Significance and Use—Since the water-vapor flow rate through a material in service is significant in order for comparisons
to be made of performance after specific treatments of the material, the water-vapor flow rate of the material as received is needed
as a reference value. The as-received material is presumed to be representative of the material that is to be used on the purchaser’s
project.
7.2 Apparatus—The apparatus and test facilities are described in Test Methods E96/E96M and F1249.
7.3 Procedure:
7.3.1 Make water-vapor transmission tests on at least three specimens of each material in accordance with Test Methods
E96/E96M or F1249. If the retarder material is coated or treated on one surface to improve its water-vapor resistance, make the
test with this surface toward the water unless otherwise specified.
7.3.2 Where wax seals are used with the wet method, it is good procedure to heat the test dishes uniformly to 45°C
(113°F)[113°F] or slightly warmer before sealing the test sample to the dish to avoid having the wax become too viscous for good
sealing.
7.4 Precision and Bias—The statements regarding precision and bias in Test Methods E96/E96M and F1249 shall also apply
to this test method.
8. Water-Vapor Transmission after Wetting and Drying and after Long-Time Soaking
8.1 Significance and Use—After water-vapor retarders leave the factory, they are exposed to many conditions of wetting and
drying and may be subjected to immersion or partial immersion for various periods. To indicate the potential effect of wetting and
drying and relatively long-time exposure to soaking, the data from these tests will be compared with those of the material as
received.
8.2 Apparatus:
8.2.1 Controlled-Temperature Vessels, of suitable size for soaking specimens and equipped with a temperature controller
actuated by a thermostat. The controller shall be of a type that will maintain temperature in the vessels between 22 and 24°C (72[72
and 75°F).75°F]. If space permits, the test chamber used for the water-vapor transmission tests may be used to hold soaking pans
in place of the thermostatically controlled vessel.
8.2.2 Oven or Drying Chamber, for drying test specimens, thermostatically controlled at a temperature between 60 and 62°C
(140[140 and 144°F).144°F].
8.2.3 Water-Vapor Transmission Apparatus, as prescribed in Test Methods E96/E96M and F1249.
8.2.4 Mandrel—A round metal bar or rod 25 mm (1 in.)[1 in.] in diameter and approximately 460 mm (18 in.)[18 in.] long.
8.3 Procedure:
8.3.1 Cut three specimens, 305 by 305 mm (12[12 by 12 in.)in.] of the material to be tested.
8.3.2 Immerse the specimens in potable water kept at a temperature between 22 and 24°C (72[72 and 75°F)75°F] for 16 h
(overnight). Then dry the specimens in an oven kept between 60 and 62°C (140[140 and 144°F)144°F] for 8 h. Repeat the wetting
and drying cycle for a total of five cycles (Monday through Friday) to be followed by immersing the specimens in water over the
weekend (64 h). Repeat the wetting and drying cycle five more days and immerse the specimens in water for a period of 16 ⁄2 days
(weekend plus two weeks). Dry the specimens between 60 and 62°C (140[140 and 144°F)144°F] and then condition to a constant
weight in the chamber where water-vapor transmission tests are made.
8.3.3 Cut the specimens into halves parallel to the machine direction (the long direction as taken from the roll or package). Bend
one of the halves of each specimen with one surface up and the other specimen with the opposite surface up at an angle of 90°
over a 25-mm (1-in.)[1-in.] diameter mandrel in a period of 2 s or less at a temperature between 22 and 24°C (72[72 and
75°F).75°F]. Record evidence of cracking or delamination.
8.3.4 Cut specimens for the water-vapor transmission test so that the full bent portion is installed in the center of the pan with
the surface that was concave at the time of bending facing the water. Determine water-vapor transmission in accordance with
Section 7.
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E154/E154M − 08a (2013)
8.4 Precision and Bias—The statements regarding precision and bias in Test Methods E96/E96M and F1249 shall also apply
to this test method.
9. Tensile Strength
9.1 Significance and Use—The thin sheet materials that are used as vapor retarders are subjected to several kinds of handling
stresses. Since it is desirable that the material have a tensile strength that will minimize tearing or permanent elongation in normal
use, the tensile data may be used to compare different materials that are being considered for use in specific constructions.
9.2 Apparatus:
9.2.1 Controlled-Temperature Vessels—See 8.2.1.
9.2.2 Tensile Testing Machine—Constant Rate of Extension equipment meeting the requirements as described in Test Methods
D828 or D882, as appropriate for the material being tested.
9.3 Procedure:
9.3.1 Cut ten specimens, 25 m (1 in.)[1 in.] wide and 203 mm (8 in.)[8 in.] long, in each principal direction (crosswise and
lengthwise) of the sample.
9.3.2 Immerse in potable water controlled at a temperature between 22 and 24°C (72[72 and 75°F)75°F] for seven days in such
a manner that water has free access to all surfaces and edges of the specimens.
9.3.3 Remove the specimens from the water one at a time, lightly blot the free water from both surfaces, and immediately
determine the tensile strength and elongation at maximum load. If the vapor retarder is an unreinforced plastic sheet, test according
to Test Method D882. If the vapor retarder is reinforced or contains fiber, test according to Test Method D828. If necessary to
prevent slippage during the test, line the jaws of the clamp with emery cloth or other rough material. Average the ten readings,
crosswise and lengthwise, respectively.
9.4 Precision and Bias—The statements on reproducibility in Test Methods D828 or D882 shal
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