ASTM C1021-08(2023)
(Practice)Standard Practice for Laboratories Engaged in Testing of Building Sealants
Standard Practice for Laboratories Engaged in Testing of Building Sealants
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 Importance of Prequalification—For required accuracy of test results and reliability of certification, it is essential that testing laboratories be prequalified. This practice establishes those qualifications.
4.2 Contractual Relationships:
4.2.1 Although testing laboratories may be qualified in accordance with this practice, it is important for the contracting authority to consider the relationship of the testing laboratory with other interested parties before engaging the laboratory to perform the testing. The other interested parties in the project usually consist of the manufacturer of the material to be tested, the contractor (bidder), the owner of the project (user and contracting authority), and the architect who serves as the owner's agent in preparing the contract documents.
4.2.2 Many sealant manufacturers have their own qualified testing facilities that are used to conduct research and maintain quality control of their products. Generally, the companies that have such facilities are willing to certify as to the performance standards with which their products comply. The contracting authority should determine if there are conflicting interests in such a relationship. The contracting authority may prefer that the product testing to ascertain conformance with specific performance standards and the reporting of such testing be performed by a qualified but independent testing laboratory. The contract documents should make this requirement known so that bidders can bid accordingly.
4.2.3 The testing of each caulking and sealant for each and every project can be costly. On a small building project, the cost of testing, if required, may be more than the cost of the sealant materials. On a large project, on the other hand, the cost of testing a sealant with accompanying certification by a qualified independent testing laboratory may be small in comparison to the sealant materials and commensurate with the assurances desired by the contracting auth...
SCOPE
1.1 This practice describes the qualifications, including minimum requirements for personnel and equipment, duties, responsibilities, and services of independent commercial materials testing laboratories engaged in the testing of caulking and sealants used in building construction.
1.2 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.
1.3 The subcommittee with jurisdiction of this standard is not aware of any similar or equivalent ISO standard.
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
- 30-Apr-2023
- Technical Committee
- C24 - Building Seals and Sealants
- Drafting Committee
- C24.10 - Specifications, Guides and Practices
Relations
- Effective Date
- 01-Jan-2024
- Refers
ASTM C639-15(2020) - Standard Test Method for Rheological (Flow) Properties of Elastomeric Sealants - Effective Date
- 01-May-2020
- Effective Date
- 01-May-2020
- Effective Date
- 01-May-2020
- Effective Date
- 01-Jan-2020
- Effective Date
- 01-Oct-2019
- Effective Date
- 01-Oct-2019
- Effective Date
- 01-May-2019
- Effective Date
- 01-May-2019
- Refers
ASTM D2377-14(2019) - Standard Test Method for Tack-Free Time of Caulking Compounds and Sealants - Effective Date
- 01-May-2019
- Effective Date
- 01-Mar-2019
- Effective Date
- 01-Jan-2019
- Effective Date
- 01-Jun-2018
- Effective Date
- 01-Mar-2018
- Effective Date
- 01-Jan-2018
Overview
ASTM C1021-08(2023): Standard Practice for Laboratories Engaged in Testing of Building Sealants provides comprehensive guidelines for qualifying independent commercial testing laboratories that evaluate building sealants used in construction. Developed by ASTM International, this standard describes essential requirements for laboratory personnel, equipment, operational duties, and services to assure the reliability, accuracy, and integrity of testing results and certifications related to caulking and sealant materials.
The practice emphasizes the critical role of laboratory prequalification and independence, highlighting the need for clear contractual distinctions and robust testing practices to achieve trustworthy and standardized results in the evaluation of construction sealants.
Key Topics
- Laboratory Qualification: Defines minimum personnel credentials and equipment requirements for laboratories engaged in sealant testing.
- Independence and Conflict of Interest: Advises contracting authorities to consider the relationship between testing laboratories and interested parties (including manufacturers and contractors) to avoid conflicts of interest.
- Responsibilities and Duties: Outlines tasks such as proper sample collection, storage, traceability, test execution following ASTM standards, and clear reporting of results.
- Management and Supervision: Requires competent managerial oversight by qualified personnel with relevant education or experience.
- Equipment and Method Validation: Mandates regular (at least every three years) inspection of laboratory procedures and equipment by a qualified evaluator, ensuring ongoing competency.
- Contractual Clarity: Encourages explicit specification of testing and certification requirements, and, where desired, independence of testing laboratories within project documentation.
- Cost-Benefit Considerations: Addresses the varying impact of sealant testing costs based on project size and highlights the value of independent certification for quality assurance.
Applications
The ASTM C1021-08(2023) standard is vital for stakeholders involved in specifying or procuring laboratory testing services for building sealants and caulking compounds throughout the construction industry. Its applications include:
- Architects and Engineers: Ensuring that only prequalified and competent laboratories are used to test sealants as required by project specifications.
- Building Owners and Developers: Receiving reliable certification that sealant products meet performance standards, thus supporting quality and warranty assurance.
- Contracting Authorities: Implementing clear, enforceable requirements in bid documents to define acceptable testing laboratories and methods, and to avoid potential conflicts of interest.
- Manufacturers and Suppliers: Providing a benchmark for developing or selecting in-house or third-party testing services that align with industry best practices.
- Quality Control: Supporting project compliance and long-term durability by substantiating the performance characteristics of sealant products through accurate and reproducible lab tests.
Related Standards
ASTM C1021-08(2023) references and complements a wide range of other standards commonly used in the industry, including:
- ASTM C510, C719, C731, C794: Various test methods for evaluating performance attributes of joint and caulking sealants.
- ASTM C834, C920, C1184: Specifications for latex, elastomeric, and structural silicone sealants.
- ASTM C1442, C1519, C1589: Practices and methods for artificial weathering and performance evaluation of sealants.
- ASTM C717: Terminology standard for building seals and sealants.
- ASTM E1323: Guide for evaluating laboratory measurement practices and statistical analysis.
Although there is currently no equivalent ISO standard, ASTM C1021-08(2023) is developed in line with internationally accepted principles, as recognized by the WTO Technical Barriers to Trade Committee.
Practical Value
Implementing ASTM C1021-08(2023) helps ensure that building sealant testing laboratories operate to the highest standards, improving confidence in product certification and supporting consistent, durable results in building envelope design and construction. This standard is essential for protecting project investments, meeting regulatory compliance, and optimizing overall building performance through reliable sealant testing and certification practices.
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Frequently Asked Questions
ASTM C1021-08(2023) is a standard published by ASTM International. Its full title is "Standard Practice for Laboratories Engaged in Testing of Building Sealants". This standard covers: SIGNIFICANCE AND USE 4.1 Importance of Prequalification—For required accuracy of test results and reliability of certification, it is essential that testing laboratories be prequalified. This practice establishes those qualifications. 4.2 Contractual Relationships: 4.2.1 Although testing laboratories may be qualified in accordance with this practice, it is important for the contracting authority to consider the relationship of the testing laboratory with other interested parties before engaging the laboratory to perform the testing. The other interested parties in the project usually consist of the manufacturer of the material to be tested, the contractor (bidder), the owner of the project (user and contracting authority), and the architect who serves as the owner's agent in preparing the contract documents. 4.2.2 Many sealant manufacturers have their own qualified testing facilities that are used to conduct research and maintain quality control of their products. Generally, the companies that have such facilities are willing to certify as to the performance standards with which their products comply. The contracting authority should determine if there are conflicting interests in such a relationship. The contracting authority may prefer that the product testing to ascertain conformance with specific performance standards and the reporting of such testing be performed by a qualified but independent testing laboratory. The contract documents should make this requirement known so that bidders can bid accordingly. 4.2.3 The testing of each caulking and sealant for each and every project can be costly. On a small building project, the cost of testing, if required, may be more than the cost of the sealant materials. On a large project, on the other hand, the cost of testing a sealant with accompanying certification by a qualified independent testing laboratory may be small in comparison to the sealant materials and commensurate with the assurances desired by the contracting auth... SCOPE 1.1 This practice describes the qualifications, including minimum requirements for personnel and equipment, duties, responsibilities, and services of independent commercial materials testing laboratories engaged in the testing of caulking and sealants used in building construction. 1.2 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. 1.3 The subcommittee with jurisdiction of this standard is not aware of any similar or equivalent ISO standard. 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.
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE 4.1 Importance of Prequalification—For required accuracy of test results and reliability of certification, it is essential that testing laboratories be prequalified. This practice establishes those qualifications. 4.2 Contractual Relationships: 4.2.1 Although testing laboratories may be qualified in accordance with this practice, it is important for the contracting authority to consider the relationship of the testing laboratory with other interested parties before engaging the laboratory to perform the testing. The other interested parties in the project usually consist of the manufacturer of the material to be tested, the contractor (bidder), the owner of the project (user and contracting authority), and the architect who serves as the owner's agent in preparing the contract documents. 4.2.2 Many sealant manufacturers have their own qualified testing facilities that are used to conduct research and maintain quality control of their products. Generally, the companies that have such facilities are willing to certify as to the performance standards with which their products comply. The contracting authority should determine if there are conflicting interests in such a relationship. The contracting authority may prefer that the product testing to ascertain conformance with specific performance standards and the reporting of such testing be performed by a qualified but independent testing laboratory. The contract documents should make this requirement known so that bidders can bid accordingly. 4.2.3 The testing of each caulking and sealant for each and every project can be costly. On a small building project, the cost of testing, if required, may be more than the cost of the sealant materials. On a large project, on the other hand, the cost of testing a sealant with accompanying certification by a qualified independent testing laboratory may be small in comparison to the sealant materials and commensurate with the assurances desired by the contracting auth... SCOPE 1.1 This practice describes the qualifications, including minimum requirements for personnel and equipment, duties, responsibilities, and services of independent commercial materials testing laboratories engaged in the testing of caulking and sealants used in building construction. 1.2 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. 1.3 The subcommittee with jurisdiction of this standard is not aware of any similar or equivalent ISO standard. 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.
ASTM C1021-08(2023) is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 91.100.50 - Binders. Sealing materials. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.
ASTM C1021-08(2023) has the following relationships with other standards: It is inter standard links to ASTM C961-15(2024), ASTM C639-15(2020), ASTM C1294-20, ASTM D2453-15(2020)e1, ASTM C1247-20, ASTM D2452-15(2019), ASTM C734-15(2019), ASTM C1135-19, ASTM C681-14(2019), ASTM D2377-14(2019), ASTM C717-19, ASTM C603-14(2019), ASTM C1184-18, ASTM C717-18, ASTM C920-18. Understanding these relationships helps ensure you are using the most current and applicable version of the standard.
ASTM C1021-08(2023) 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: C1021 − 08 (Reapproved 2023)
Standard Practice for
Laboratories Engaged in Testing of Building Sealants
This standard is issued under the fixed designation C1021; 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 C711 Test Method for Low-Temperature Flexibility and
Tenacity of One-Part, Elastomeric, Solvent-Release Type
1.1 This practice describes the qualifications, including
Sealants
minimum requirements for personnel and equipment, duties,
C712 Test Method for Bubbling of One-Part, Elastomeric,
responsibilities, and services of independent commercial ma-
Solvent-Release Type Sealants
terials testing laboratories engaged in the testing of caulking
C717 Terminology of Building Seals and Sealants
and sealants used in building construction.
C719 Test Method for Adhesion and Cohesion of Elasto-
1.2 This standard does not purport to address all of the
meric Joint Sealants Under Cyclic Movement (Hockman
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
Cycle)
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
C731 Test Method for Extrudability, After Package Aging,
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
of Latex Sealants
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
C732 Test Method for Aging Effects of Artificial Weathering
1.3 The subcommittee with jurisdiction of this standard is
on Latex Sealants
not aware of any similar or equivalent ISO standard.
C734 Test Method for Low-Temperature Flexibility of Latex
1.4 This international standard was developed in accor-
Sealants After Artificial Weathering
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
C736 Test Method for Extension-Recovery and Adhesion of
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Latex Sealants
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
C792 Test Method for Effects of Heat Aging on Weight Loss,
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
Cracking, and Chalking of Elastomeric Sealants
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
C793 Test Method for Effects of Laboratory Accelerated
2. Referenced Documents
Weathering on Elastomeric Joint Sealants
C794 Test Method for Adhesion-in-Peel of Elastomeric Joint
2.1 ASTM Standards:
Sealants
C510 Test Method for Staining and Color Change of Single-
C834 Specification for Latex Sealants
or Multicomponent Joint Sealants
C910 Test Method for Bond and Cohesion of One-Part
C603 Test Method for Extrusion Rate and Application Life
of Elastomeric Sealants Elastomeric Solvent Release-Type Sealants
C639 Test Method for Rheological (Flow) Properties of C920 Specification for Elastomeric Joint Sealants
Elastomeric Sealants
C961 Test Method for Lap Shear Strength of Sealants
C661 Test Method for Indentation Hardness of Elastomeric- C1087 Test Method for Determining Compatibility of
Type Sealants by Means of a Durometer
Liquid-Applied Sealants with Accessories Used in Struc-
C679 Test Method for Tack-Free Time of Elastomeric Seal-
tural Glazing Systems
ants
C1135 Test Method for Determining Tensile Adhesion Prop-
C681 Test Method for Volatility of Oil- and Resin-Based,
erties of Structural Sealants
Knife-Grade, Channel Glazing Compounds
C1183 Test Method for Extrusion Rate of Elastomeric Seal-
ants
C1184 Specification for Structural Silicone 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
C1216 Test Method for Adhesion and Cohesion of One-Part
Specifications, Guides and Practices.
Elastomeric Solvent Release Sealants
Current edition approved May 1, 2023. Published May 2023. Originally
C1241 Test Method for Volume Shrinkage of Latex Sealants
approved in 1984. Last previous edition approved in 2019 as C1021 – 08 (2019).
DOI: 10.1520/C1021-08R23.
During Cure
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
C1246 Test Method for Effects of Heat Aging on Weight
contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
Loss, Cracking, and Chalking of Elastomeric Sealants
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
the ASTM website. After Cure
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
C1021 − 08 (2023)
C1247 Test Method for Durability of Sealants Exposed to 4. Significance and Use
Continuous Immersion in Liquids
4.1 Importance of Prequalification—For required accuracy
C1248 Test Method for Staining of Porous Substrate by Joint
of test results and reliability of certification, it is essential that
Sealants
testing laboratories be prequalified. This practice establishes
C1257 Test Method for Accelerated Weathering of Solvent-
those qualifications.
Release-Type Sealants
4.2 Contractual Relationships:
C1265 Test Method for Determining the Tensile Properties
4.2.1 Although testing laboratories may be qualified in
of an Insulating Glass Edge Seal for Structural Glazing
accordance with this practice, it is important for the contracting
Applications
authority to consider the relationship of the testing laboratory
C1294 Test Method for Compatibility of Insulating Glass
with other interested parties before engaging the laboratory to
Edge Sealants with Liquid-Applied Glazing Materials
perform the testing. The other interested parties in the project
C1311 Specification for Solvent Release Sealants
usually consist of the manufacturer of the material to be tested,
C1367 Test Method for Dead Load Resistance of a Sealant
the contractor (bidder), the owner of the project (user and
in Elevated Temperatures
contracting authority), and the architect who serves as the
C1382 Test Method for Determining Tensile Adhesion Prop-
owner’s agent in preparing the contract documents.
erties of Sealants When Used in Exterior Insulation and
4.2.2 Many sealant manufacturers have their own qualified
Finish Systems (EIFS) Joints
testing facilities that are used to conduct research and maintain
C1442 Practice for Conducting Tests on Sealants Using
quality control of their products. Generally, the companies that
Artificial Weathering Apparatus
have such facilities are willing to certify as to the performance
C1501 Test Method for Color Stability of Building Con-
standards with which their products comply. The contracting
struction Sealants as Determined by Laboratory Acceler-
authority should determine if there are conflicting interests in
ated Weathering Procedures
such a relationship. The contracting authority may prefer that
C1519 Test Method for Evaluating Durability of Building
the product testing to ascertain conformance with specific
Construction Sealants by Laboratory Accelerated Weath-
performance standards and the reporting of such testing be
ering Procedures
performed by a qualified but independent testing laboratory.
C1589 Practice for Outdoor Weathering of Construction
The contract documents should make
...
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