ASTM E1825-21

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it may not be technically possible to adequately depict all changes accurately, ASTM recommends that users consult prior editions as appropriate. In all cases only the current version
of the standard as published by ASTM is to be considered the official document.
Designation: E1825 − 17 E1825 − 21
Standard Guide for
Evaluation of Exterior Building Wall Exterior Enclosure
Materials, Products, and Systems
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E1825; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope
1.1 This guide covers guidance to design professionals in the evaluation of materials, products, or systems with which they are
not familiar and to help determine that the selected materials, products, or systems are suitable for use on or as a part of an exterior
building wall.a building’s exterior enclosure.
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 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization
established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued
by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
E631 Terminology of Building Constructions
2.2 ASTM Adjunct:
Adjunct to Appendix X1 of E1825, Standard Guide for Evaluation of Exterior Building Wall Exterior Enclosure Materials,
Products, and Systems
3. Terminology
3.1 There are no terms in this standard that require definition other than as provided by Terminology E631.
3.1 Definitions—For definitions of general terms related to building construction used in this guide, refer to Terminology E631.
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
3.2.1 building enclosure, n—the portion of a building that provides a continuous environmental separation between interior space
and the exterior environment, both above and below grade.
This guide is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E06 on Performance of Buildings and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee E06.55 on Performance of
Building Enclosures.
Current edition approved Sept. 1, 2017May 1, 2021. Published October 2017June 2021. Originally approved in 1996. Last previous edition approved in 20122017 as
E1825 – 06E1825 – 17.(2012). DOI: 10.1520/E1825-1710.1520/E1825-21
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’sstandard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.
Available from ASTM International Headquarters. Order Adjunct No. ADJE182517-E-PDF. Original adjunct produced in 2017.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
E1825 − 21
4. Significance and Use
4.1 This guide may be used by design professionals and others in the building construction industry to provide factual support for
professional judgment of materials, products, or systems during the design development of new and remedial exterior building wall
exterior enclosure construction.
4.2 This guide is intended to provide guidance to the user of this standard in the evaluation and qualification of materials, products,
or systems with which they do not have substantial, long-term experience or that are intended to be employed in a new or different
manner. The standard may be used to investigate and assess the probable performance of such materials, products, or systems in
relation to the proposed use on or as part of an exterior building wall.a building exterior enclosure.
4.3 The procedures outlined in Section 5 will help guide the user in making informed selections based on the materials, products,
or systems performance history on constructed projects and provide information on limitations of use, the
manufacturer’smanufacturer’s performance history, and current status. The use of this guide will reduce, but not eliminate, the risk
of in-service performance problems with materials, products, or systems.
4.4 The procedures listed in this standardguide are intended for use in selecting materials, products, or systems that are critical
to the safety, function, or serviceability of a building, or where they constitute substantial components of the work. The
recommendations in this guide are not applicable to all materials, products, or systems that can be incorporated in buildings. The
user must exercise appropriate judgment and care regarding the need when applying the various procedures included in this guide,
including the use of the form included in Appendix X1, with regard to particular materials, products, or systems, and specific
buildings. Materials, products, or systems that will be used for a noncritical or incidental use usually do not require an exhaustive
evaluation. Materials, products, or systems with which the user has first-hand experience do not generally require an exhaustive
evaluation since many of the evaluation tasks listed herein should have been performed previously.
4.5 Appendix X1 is provided for the user of this guide as a tool in organizing their thoughts and approach to application of the
guide. It may also provide useful documentation to the user for both the building under current consideration and as a future
reference for other buildings. Other forms of documentation may be developed by contract agreements or requirements of
authorities having jurisdiction.
NOTE 1—Often components of exterior building wall a building’s exterior enclosure construction are tested in the laboratory to help assure adequate
performance. Laboratory evaluation of materials, products, or systems is not described in this guide.
5. Investigation
5.1 Technical information from sellers, manufacturers, or distributors.
5.1.1 Obtain a list of projects where the materials, products, or systems for each project were used, including:
5.1.1.1 Representative information for an identical or similar installation, which is reflective to a reasonable extent, of the intended
application.
5.1.1.2 Dates of installation;
5.1.1.3 Name of project, address, owner, contact persons, type of use, phone number;
5.1.1.4 Name of contractor, subcontractor, contact persons, address, phone number; and
5.1.1.5 Name of engineer or architect, contact persons, address, phone number.
5.1.2 Obtain pertinent research reports, test data, and certifications for the materials, products, or systems from inception to help
evaluate current characteristics, changes, and their uses over time.
5.1.3 Obtain physical samples of the materials, products, or systems being evaluated for use. In some cases, it may be advisable
to evaluate samples that have been exposed to similar in-service weather conditions.
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5.1.4 Ask the manufacturers for a listing of specific changes in the materials, products, or systems over time including
improvements, changes in physical and chemical components, geometry, production methods, and quality control.
5.1.5 Obtain specifications, tech sheets, safety recommendations, installation standards,instructions, compatibility tests, approval
of public authorities and authorities, and certification or validation reports by industry associations, and compliance with ASTM
and industry standards.
5.1.6 Obtain the manufacturer’s written response as to suitability of the products for their intended uses after supplying the
manufacturer(s) with anticipated use conditions for the materials, products, or systems including the project description,
specifications, and drawings.
5.1.7 Documentation of the materials, products, or systems evaluation is encouraged by this guide. However, documentation and
the use of the form of Appendix X1 is a decision left to the judgment and needs of the user.
5.1.8 Evaluate the production capacity and quality control measures of the manufacturer. If necessary, visit production, curing,
storage, and shipping facilities.
5.1.9 Obtain specific technical background and test results for factual confirmation and quantification where the manufacturer’s
literature contains general characterizations such as breathable, ultraviolet (UV) resistant, waterproof, corrosion-resistant,
fire-resistant, and similar claims.
5.2 Past performance.
5.2.1 Contact owners, designers, contractors, and maintenance organizations with first-hand experience regarding the materials,
products, or systems to assess performance history. Note the effect of different uses and climates on performance and durability.
5.2.2 Visit completed installations to observe the materials, products, or systems in place, being careful to assure they are used
in a manner similar to the contemplated use. Visit new and old installations to evaluate the effects of aging and in-service exposure.
Where possible, visi
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