ASTM E2321-03(2019)
(Practice)Standard Practice for Use of Test Methods for Determining the Water Vapor Transmission (WVT) of Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems (EIFS)
Standard Practice for Use of Test Methods <astmref rid="a00002"/> for Determining the Water Vapor Transmission (WVT) of Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems (EIFS)
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 The purpose of this test is to obtain steady state values of water vapor transfer through the EIFS sample. This characteristic of EIFS is commonly requested by regulatory and design organizations, and is used in thermal and moisture studies of building walls. The degree to which an EIFS allows water vapor to pass through it can affect the performance of an EIFS wall assembly.
5.2 A permeance value obtained under one set of test conditions does not indicate the value under a different set of conditions. For this reason, the test conditions selected are those that most closely approach the conditions of use for EIFS components and assemblies.
5.3 This standard should not be used alone as the sole means for evaluating the water vapor transmission characteristics of a given EIFS wall assembly. Other methods are available, and should be considered and used as appropriate.
5.4 To be meaningful in evaluating the thermal and moisture condition of a given EIFS wall assembly, the specimens used in this standard should represent closely the materials that actually exist, or will exist, on a given building.
SCOPE
1.1 This practice describes how to use Test Methods E96/E96M to determine the water vapor transmission (WVT) characteristics of an EIFS sample.
1.2 An Exterior Insulation and Finish System (EIFS) is a multilayer exterior building wall material that consists of a number of layers. For the purpose of this standard, these layers, whether they be individual EIFS component materials in single layers, or groups of EIFS component materials, are called the “EIFS sample.”
1.3 The Water Method, Procedures B and D described in X1.1.2 and X1.1.5 of Appendix X1 of Test Methods E96/E96M shall be used in this practice.
1.4 This practice is limited to specimens not over 11/4 in. (32 mm) in thickness, except as provided in Section 9 of this practice.
1.5 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as the standard. Metric inch-pound conversion factors for water vapor transmission, permeance, and permeability are stated in Table 1 of Test Methods E96/E96M. All conversions of mm Hg to Pa are made at a temperature of 0 °C.
1.6 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.
1.7 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-Mar-2019
- Technical Committee
- E06 - Performance of Buildings
- Drafting Committee
- E06.58 - Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems (EIFS)
Relations
- Effective Date
- 01-Apr-2019
- Effective Date
- 01-Mar-2024
- Effective Date
- 15-Nov-2023
- Effective Date
- 15-Jan-2017
- Effective Date
- 01-May-2015
- Effective Date
- 01-Mar-2015
- Effective Date
- 01-Nov-2014
- Effective Date
- 15-Oct-2014
- Effective Date
- 01-Nov-2013
- Effective Date
- 15-Dec-2012
- Effective Date
- 01-Nov-2011
- Effective Date
- 01-Oct-2010
- Effective Date
- 15-Apr-2009
- Effective Date
- 15-Apr-2009
- Effective Date
- 01-Jun-2006
Overview
ASTM E2321-03(2019), titled Standard Practice for Use of Test Methods for Determining the Water Vapor Transmission (WVT) of Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems (EIFS), provides a standardized approach for evaluating the water vapor transmission properties of EIFS. Developed by ASTM International, this practice guides professionals in using ASTM E96/E96M methods, ensuring accurate, comparable results for WVT measurements in construction materials. The ability of EIFS to transmit water vapor is a critical factor in building wall thermal and moisture analyses, directly impacting wall assembly performance and building durability.
Key Topics
- Water Vapor Transmission (WVT): The primary focus of this standard is on measuring steady-state water vapor transfer through EIFS samples, an essential characteristic for moisture and thermal performance studies.
- Test Procedures: It references the Water Method, Procedures B and D, from ASTM E96/E96M, specifying test configurations relevant to either indoor or outdoor higher humidity conditions.
- Applicability: The practice covers samples up to 1¼ in. (32 mm) thick, with special guidelines for specimens that include insulation or reinforcing components.
- Reporting Requirements: Ensures traceability and transparency by detailing specimen identification, component configuration, thickness measurement, and summary data as outlined in the referenced test method.
Applications
This ASTM standard is used widely by:
- Regulatory Agencies: To ensure EIFS meet specific moisture-related performance requirements in building codes and regulations.
- Design Professionals: Architects and engineers use WVT data during the design process to select suitable EIFS assemblies that balance insulation and vapor permeability, mitigating risks of condensation and moisture damage.
- Building Material Manufacturers: To test and communicate product performance, supporting claims related to water vapor permeability and assisting in product development.
- Building Scientists: For research into hygrothermal behavior of walls, comparing assemblies, or validating simulations.
- Quality Assurance and Compliance: Construction and inspection professionals use this standard to verify that installed EIFS meet project specifications regarding water vapor transmission.
Related Standards
Comprehensive understanding and use of this standard are enhanced by reference to related ASTM standards, including:
- ASTM E96/E96M:Test Methods for Water Vapor Transmission of Materials - the core referenced procedure for WVT testing described in ASTM E2321.
- ASTM E631:Terminology of Building Constructions - provides essential definitions for building construction terminology used within this practice.
- ASTM E2110:Terminology for Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems (EIFS) - clarifies specific terms and components relating to EIFS.
Practical Value
By following ASTM E2321-03(2019), industry professionals ensure consistency, reliability, and traceability in water vapor transmission testing of EIFS. This aids in compliance with international building standards, improves building durability, and supports informed decision-making for energy efficiency and moisture mitigation in exterior building assemblies. The standard also aligns with internationally recognized principles, supporting global trade and regulatory acceptance. Proper application of this practice contributes to safer, more resilient, and longer-lasting buildings.
Keywords: water vapor transmission, WVT, EIFS, exterior insulation, finish systems, ASTM E2321, ASTM E96, building envelope, permeance, moisture control, wall assemblies, construction standards.
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Frequently Asked Questions
ASTM E2321-03(2019) is a standard published by ASTM International. Its full title is "Standard Practice for Use of Test Methods <astmref rid="a00002"/> for Determining the Water Vapor Transmission (WVT) of Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems (EIFS)". This standard covers: SIGNIFICANCE AND USE 5.1 The purpose of this test is to obtain steady state values of water vapor transfer through the EIFS sample. This characteristic of EIFS is commonly requested by regulatory and design organizations, and is used in thermal and moisture studies of building walls. The degree to which an EIFS allows water vapor to pass through it can affect the performance of an EIFS wall assembly. 5.2 A permeance value obtained under one set of test conditions does not indicate the value under a different set of conditions. For this reason, the test conditions selected are those that most closely approach the conditions of use for EIFS components and assemblies. 5.3 This standard should not be used alone as the sole means for evaluating the water vapor transmission characteristics of a given EIFS wall assembly. Other methods are available, and should be considered and used as appropriate. 5.4 To be meaningful in evaluating the thermal and moisture condition of a given EIFS wall assembly, the specimens used in this standard should represent closely the materials that actually exist, or will exist, on a given building. SCOPE 1.1 This practice describes how to use Test Methods E96/E96M to determine the water vapor transmission (WVT) characteristics of an EIFS sample. 1.2 An Exterior Insulation and Finish System (EIFS) is a multilayer exterior building wall material that consists of a number of layers. For the purpose of this standard, these layers, whether they be individual EIFS component materials in single layers, or groups of EIFS component materials, are called the “EIFS sample.” 1.3 The Water Method, Procedures B and D described in X1.1.2 and X1.1.5 of Appendix X1 of Test Methods E96/E96M shall be used in this practice. 1.4 This practice is limited to specimens not over 11/4 in. (32 mm) in thickness, except as provided in Section 9 of this practice. 1.5 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as the standard. Metric inch-pound conversion factors for water vapor transmission, permeance, and permeability are stated in Table 1 of Test Methods E96/E96M. All conversions of mm Hg to Pa are made at a temperature of 0 °C. 1.6 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. 1.7 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.
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE 5.1 The purpose of this test is to obtain steady state values of water vapor transfer through the EIFS sample. This characteristic of EIFS is commonly requested by regulatory and design organizations, and is used in thermal and moisture studies of building walls. The degree to which an EIFS allows water vapor to pass through it can affect the performance of an EIFS wall assembly. 5.2 A permeance value obtained under one set of test conditions does not indicate the value under a different set of conditions. For this reason, the test conditions selected are those that most closely approach the conditions of use for EIFS components and assemblies. 5.3 This standard should not be used alone as the sole means for evaluating the water vapor transmission characteristics of a given EIFS wall assembly. Other methods are available, and should be considered and used as appropriate. 5.4 To be meaningful in evaluating the thermal and moisture condition of a given EIFS wall assembly, the specimens used in this standard should represent closely the materials that actually exist, or will exist, on a given building. SCOPE 1.1 This practice describes how to use Test Methods E96/E96M to determine the water vapor transmission (WVT) characteristics of an EIFS sample. 1.2 An Exterior Insulation and Finish System (EIFS) is a multilayer exterior building wall material that consists of a number of layers. For the purpose of this standard, these layers, whether they be individual EIFS component materials in single layers, or groups of EIFS component materials, are called the “EIFS sample.” 1.3 The Water Method, Procedures B and D described in X1.1.2 and X1.1.5 of Appendix X1 of Test Methods E96/E96M shall be used in this practice. 1.4 This practice is limited to specimens not over 11/4 in. (32 mm) in thickness, except as provided in Section 9 of this practice. 1.5 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as the standard. Metric inch-pound conversion factors for water vapor transmission, permeance, and permeability are stated in Table 1 of Test Methods E96/E96M. All conversions of mm Hg to Pa are made at a temperature of 0 °C. 1.6 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. 1.7 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.
ASTM E2321-03(2019) is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 91.120.30 - Waterproofing. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.
ASTM E2321-03(2019) has the following relationships with other standards: It is inter standard links to ASTM E2321-03(2011), ASTM E96/E96M-24, ASTM E96/E96M-23, ASTM E2110-17, ASTM E96/E96M-15, ASTM E631-15, ASTM E631-14, ASTM E96/E96M-14, ASTM E96/E96M-13, ASTM E96/E96M-12, ASTM E2110-11, ASTM E96/E96M-10, ASTM E2110-09e1, ASTM E2110-09, ASTM E631-06. Understanding these relationships helps ensure you are using the most current and applicable version of the standard.
ASTM E2321-03(2019) is available in PDF format for immediate download after purchase. The document can be added to your cart and obtained through the secure checkout process. Digital delivery ensures instant access to the complete standard document.
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: E2321 − 03 (Reapproved 2019)
Standard Practice for
Use of Test Methods E96/E96M for Determining the Water
Vapor Transmission (WVT) of Exterior Insulation and Finish
Systems (EIFS)
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E2321; 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 2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
1.1 This practice describes how to use Test Methods E96/
E96M to determine the water vapor transmission (WVT) E96/E96M Test Methods for Water Vapor Transmission of
Materials
characteristics of an EIFS sample.
E631 Terminology of Building Constructions
1.2 An Exterior Insulation and Finish System (EIFS) is a
E2110 Terminology for Exterior Insulation and Finish Sys-
multilayer exterior building wall material that consists of a
tems (EIFS)
numberoflayers.Forthepurposeofthisstandard,theselayers,
whether they be individual EIFS component materials in single
3. Terminology
layers, or groups of EIFS component materials, are called the
3.1 For definitions of general terms relating to:
“EIFS sample.”
3.1.1 Water vapor transmission of materials, see Test Meth-
1.3 The Water Method, Procedures B and D described in
ods E96/E96M.
X1.1.2andX1.1.5ofAppendixX1ofTestMethodsE96/E96M
3.1.2 Building construction, see Terminology E631.
shall be used in this practice.
3.1.3 EIFS, see Terminology E2110.
1.4 This practice is limited to specimens not over 1 ⁄4 in. (32
4. Summary of Practice
mm) in thickness, except as provided in Section 9 of this
4.1 This standard describes how to determine the water
practice.
vaportransmission(WVT)oftheEIFSsample,usingtheWater
1.5 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded
Method, Procedures B and D, of Test Methods E96/E96M.In
asthestandard.Metricinch-poundconversionfactorsforwater
the Water Method, the dish or tray contains distilled water, and
vapor transmission, permeance, and permeability are stated in
the water vapor passes through the test specimen from the
Table1ofTestMethodsE96/E96M.AllconversionsofmmHg
inside of the dish to the chamber is which the specimen is
to Pa are made at a temperature of 0 °C.
contained. Eventually the rate of vapor flow stabilizes, and by
1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the weighting the change in weight over time, the water vapor
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the transmission of the EIFS sample can be calculated.
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro- 4.1.1 For both Procedures, three specimens shall be used.
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter- 4.1.1.1 Procedure B shall be used for specimens that in
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. actual use on a building would have the higher humidity on the
indoor side of the wall.
1.7 This international standard was developed in accor-
4.1.1.2 Procedure D shall be used, for specimens that in
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
actual use on a building would have the higher humidity on the
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom- outdoor side of the wall.
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
5. Significance and Use
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
5.1 The purpose of this test is to obtain steady state values
of water vapor transfer through the EIFS sample. This charac-
teristic of EIFS is commonly requested by regulatory and
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E06 on Perfor-
mance of Buildings and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee E06.58 on
Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems (EIFS). For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
Current edition approved April 1, 2019. Published April 2019. Originally contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
approved in 2003. Last previous edition approved in 2011 as E2321–03 (2011). Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
DOI: 10.1520/E2321–03R19. the ASTM website.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
E2321 − 03 (2019)
stabilization of water vapor flow will be longer than the specimen with
design organizations, and is used in thermal and moisture
EIFS coatings alone.
studies of building walls. The degree to which an EIFS allows
water vapor to pass through it can affect the performance of an
9.1.2.1 To determine the water vapor transmission, three
EIFS wall assembly.
specimens each of Procedure B and Procedure D shall be used.
9.1.3 All specimens shall have their thickness measured in
5.2 A permeance value obtained under one set of test
accordance with 14.1.1 of Test Methods E96/E96M.
conditions does not indicate the value under a different set of
conditions. For this reason, the test conditions selected are
10. Attachment of Specimen to Test Dish
those that most closely approach the conditions of use for EIFS
components and assemblies.
10.1 Test specimens for EIFS components or assemblies
shall be attached to the test dish by sealing as specified in Test
5.3 Thisstandardshouldnotbeusedaloneasthesolemeans
for evaluating the water vapor transmission characteristics of a Methods E96/E96M, Section 10. (Warning—The sealant
around the edge of the specimen in the pan o
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