ASTM E3369-24

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: E3369 − 24
Standard Specification for
Determining the Flood Damage Resistance Rating of
Building Materials
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E3369; 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 1.5 The performance of a material specimen under the
specified water immersion and drying conditions shall not be
1.1 This specification covers procedures for determining
construed as fully representative of performance of the material
whether building materials are considered flood-damage-
for an actual flood event because actual flood conditions vary
resistant for construction intended to comply with the require-
in factors such as makeup of water, and depth and duration of
ments of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) (44
immersion, and drying conditions vary by factors such as
CFR Part 60.3(a)(3)). It was developed from and is intended to
ambient temperature and humidity.
supplement specifications in Technical Bulletin 2 (TB 2) (1)
1.6 Performance requirements vary based on the type of
for purposes of evaluating building materials that comply with
building material and the functions the building material is
requirements of the applicable building code that are not
required to perform. The body of the specification gives
already recognized as acceptable in accordance with TB 2 (1).
general requirements applicable to a broad range of building
1.2 This specification is intended to reduce the burden on
materials with annexes provided for material-specific require-
the NFIP by improving the ability to construct flood-resistant
ments.
buildings and structures and thereby decrease the number and
1.7 Performance requirements for evaluation of other haz-
magnitude of flood insurance claims. The goal is to identify
ards associated with flood damage are outside the scope of this
materials that, when tested as part of an assembly representa-
specification. These hazards include, but are not limited to,
tive of end use configuration, would be permitted for construc-
debris impact, flood velocity, wave action, water pressure
tion below the base flood elevation (BFE) and not require
differential, scour, erosion, varied biological contaminants in
repair after a flood event due to adverse effects of water
flood water including fungal matter and sewage, and chemical
immersion and subsequent drying on performance.
contaminants in floodwater, and other factors that would be
1.3 This specification is intended to apply to building
adverse to continued use of the structure for its intended
materials used in new construction, repair of substantially
purpose including long-term occupant health impacts.
damaged buildings, and substantial improvement of existing
1.8 A commentary to this specification is provided in
buildings in special flood hazard areas (SFHAs) for construc-
Appendix X1.
tion used in non-habitable spaces below the BFE as permitted
by the NFIP (44 CFR Part 60.3(a)(3)) and TB 2 (1) including, 1.9 Units—The values stated in inch-pound units are to be
regarded as the standard. The values given in parentheses are
but not limited to, building materials used in foundations,
walls, floors, ceilings, stairways, exterior cladding, and other mathematical conversions to International System of Units (SI)
units that are provided for information only and are not
similarly incorporated architectural and structural items.
Evaluation of products for use in habitable spaces is outside of considered standard.
the scope of this specification.
1.10 The text of this standard references notes and footnotes
that provide explanatory material. These notes and footnotes
1.4 This specification includes requirements for the purpose
(excluding those in tables and figures) shall not be considered
of evaluating effects of flooding on specimen physical
as requirements of the standard.
properties, drying, and the ability to be cleaned.
1.11 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 appro-
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E06 on
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
Performance of Buildings and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee E06.25
on Whole Buildings and Facilities.
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
Current edition approved Feb. 1, 2024. Published March 2024. DOI: 10.1520/
1.12 This international standard was developed in accor-
E3369-24
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
The boldface numbers in parentheses refer to a list of references at the end of
this standard. ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
E3369 − 24
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom- 3.2.2 base flood elevation (BFE), n—the height of the base
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical flood in relation to a specified datum, usually the North
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee. American Vertical Datum of 1988, or the National Geodetic
Vertical Datum of 1929.
2. Referenced Documents
3.2.3 flood-damage-resistant, adj—capable of withstanding
direct and prolonged contact with water without requiring
2.1 ASTM Standards:
repair.
D2898 Practice for Accelerated Weathering of Fire-
Retardant-Treated Wood for Fire Testing
3.2.4 prolonged contact, n—a period of time not less than
D3274 Test Method for Evaluating Degree of Surface Dis-
72 h.
figurement of Paint Films by Fungal or Algal Growth, or
Soil and Dirt Accumulation 4. Significance and Use
D7338 Guide for Assessment Of Fungal Growth in Build-
4.1 The procedures described in this specification are in-
ings
tended to be used to classify building materials as “acceptable”
E631 Terminology of Building Constructions
or “unacceptable” for flood damage resistance in accordance
E3075 Test Method for Water Immersion and Drying for
with the requirements of the National Flood Insurance Program
Evaluation of Flood Damage Resistance
(NFIP) (44 CFR Part 60.3(a)(3)) and TB 2 (1).
2.2 ASCE Standard:
4.2 This specification is intended to evaluate a material
ASCE 24 Flood Resistant Design and Construction
specimen’s response to water immersion and ability to be
2.3 ANSI Standards: cleaned following the specified exposure and drying conditions
ANSI/IICRC S500 Standard for Professional Water Damage
in Section 6 and the material specimen’s continued suitability
Restoration for its required function in accordance with applicable building
ANSI/IICRC S520 Standard for Professional Mold Reme- code requirements without repair.
diation
5. Test Specimens
2.4 Federal Standard:
5.1 Test specimens shall be representative of installed build-
44 CFR Part 60.3(a)(3) Flood plain management criteria for
ing materials for which a flood damage resistance rating is
flood-prone areas
sought.
2.5 U.S. Product Standards:
5.2 Components of walls, floors, and ceilings shall be tested
US DOC PS 1 Structural Plywood
as installed in a representative assembly, which shall include
US DOC PS 20 American Softwood Lumber Standard
joints, fasteners, adhesives, and other materials as appropriate
2.6 Other Standards:
to the intended function of the assembly. Wall assemblies shall
AWPA U1 Use Category System: User Specification for
be tested vertically, and floor and ceiling assemblies shall be
Treated Wood
tested horizontally.
5.3 Structural members, such as beams, columns, and piles,
3. Terminology
that may be placed below the floor shall be permitted to be
3.1 Definitions are in accordance with Terminology E631,
tested in isolation.
unless otherwise specified.
5.4 Specimen Size:
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to this Standard (Consis-
5.4.1 Wall assembly test specimens shall be of suitable size
tent with NFIP):
to enable evaluation of the assemblage of full-size building
3.2.1 base flood, n—the flood that has a one percent chance
material components that make up the wall assembly.
of being equaled or exceeded in any given year (commonly
5.4.2 Floor assembly test specimens and ceiling assembly
called the “100-year” flood).
test specimens shall be of suitable size to enable evaluation of
the assemblage of full-size building material components that
make up the floor assembly or ceiling assembly.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
5.4.3 For building materials tested in isolation, specimen
contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
dimensions shall be representative of the end-use product
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
dimensions.
the ASTM website.
Available from American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), 1801 Alexander
5.5 Number of Specimens—Three identical specimens shall
Bell Dr., Reston, VA 20191, http://www.asce.org.
5 be tested unless otherwise specified in the applicable material-
Available from American National Standards Institute (ANSI), 25 W. 43rd St.,
4th Floor, New York, NY 10036, http://www.ansi.org.
specific annex. For Method A, a minimum of three control
Available from U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO), 441 G St., NW,
specimens constructed of recognized flood-damage-resistant
Washington, DC 20548, http://www.gao.gov.
7 materials shall also be tested.
Available from National Institute of Standards and Technology, 100 Bureau
Drive, Gaithersburg, MD 20899.
Available from US Department of Commerce, 1401 Constitution Ave NW, 6. Water Immersion, Drying and Cleaning Requirements
Washington, DC 20230.
6.1 Specimens shall be tested in accordance with Test
Available from American Wood Protection Association, Inc., 100 Chase Park S
#116, Birmingham, AL 35244. Method E3075.
E3369 − 24
NOTE 1—Test Method E3075 establishes procedures to facilitate
7.2.3.1 For Method A, the change in dimension shall not be
laboratory evaluation of test specimen response to water immersion,
more than prescribed in the applicable annex.
subsequent drying, and cleaning.
7.2.3.2 For Method B, the change in dimension shall not be
outside of the tolerances specified in applicable product stan-
7. Evaluation
dards and manufacturer specifications for new materials.
7.1 The evaluation for acceptable performance following
7.2.4 The building material being evaluated shall be suitable
water immersion, subsequent drying and cleaning in accor-
for its required function in accordance with applicable building
dance with Test Method E3075 shall be in accordance with
code requirements.
either Method A – evaluation by equivalency to an acceptable
NOTE 4—The intent of this requirement is to ensure that the test
control; or Method B – evaluation by use of applicable product
exposure and drying do not alter the building material in such a way that
standards and manufacturer specifications for new materials.
impairs its ability to perform its required function(s) in accordance with
applicable building code requirements. In addition to the results of testing
NOTE 2—Method A is an equivalency approach where the performance
required by this specification, evidence may include supporting informa-
of alternative building materials is compared against performance of a
tion from the material manufacturer that wet use has been accounted for
suitable control following exposure under the standard test. This method
in the establishment of structural design properties and that any chemical
is appropriate where there is a suitable control that is already acceptable
treatments required for code-prescribed performance (such as
in accordance with NFIP (44 CFR Part 60.3(a)(3)) and TB 2 (1)
preservatives, fire-retardants, or corrosion inhibitors) remain effective
requirements for flood-damage-resistant materials. Method B confor-
after water exposure.
mance to requirements for new material is intended to enable a rating of
“acceptable” for building materials that conform to performance metrics
7.2.5 The building material being evaluated shall allow
for new materials following exposure under the standard test.
water to freely drain by gravity and not cause visible water to
7.1.1 Method A – Equivalency Approach—Fabrication of
be trapped within the assembly. Material test specimens with
suitable material specimens and control specimens and criteria
concealed spaces shall be disassembled following drying to
for acceptance shall be as prescribed in the applicable annex
reveal surfaces of the concealed spaces. Within the concealed
for specific building materials. Control specimens and material
spaces, visible water shall not be present and visible fungal
test specimens shall also comply with the criteria for accep-
growth shall not be more than associated with a numerical
tance in 7.2 and 7.3, as applicable, to be deemed “acceptable.”
rating of 4 in accordance with Test Method D3274 along the
A rating of “unacceptable” shall apply when a rating of
surface in the concealed space.
“acceptable” is not achieved or where restoration of the control
NOTE 5—The intent of this requirement is to ensure that building
test specimen or material test specimen to be suitable for its
materials provide a path for water to drain freely by gravity to facilitate the
intended function requires repair.
drying process. Presence of visible water in the concealed space and
7.1.1.1 Annex A1 for wood materials prescribes require-
excessive fungal growth after conclusion of drying (that is, a numerical
ments for material specimens, control specimens, and the
rating from Test Method D3274 associated with more than 10 % coverage)
indicate inadequate draining, inadequate drying performance, or both. The
criteria for acceptance.
numerical rating from Test Method D3274 is intended for use in visual
7.1.2 Method B – Conformance to Requirements for New
evaluation of the concealed space and should not be regarded as
Materials Approach—The criteria for acceptance shall be
acceptable fungal growth based on consideration of occupant health
determined from applicable product standards and manufac-
impacts (1.7). Given the makeup of the flood water sample used in testing,
turer specifications for new materials. Specimens shall also the presence of fungal growth should not be construed as representative of
fungal growth for an actual flood event (1.5).
comply with the criteria for acceptance in 7.2 and 7.3, as
applicable, to be deemed “acceptable.” A rating of “unaccept-
7.2.6 The building material being evaluated shall be capable
able” shall apply when a rating of “acceptable” is not achieved
of drying in accordance with 7.2.6.1 and 7.2.6.2. Where
or where restoration of the material test specimen to be suitable
specimens have not reached equilibrium weight in accordance
for its intended function requires repair.
with Test Method E3075 within 42 days of drying, specimen
drying shall be assessed at 42 days.
7.2 Evaluation Criteria for Building Materials:
7.2.6.1 For Method A, the evaluation of drying of the
7.2.1 The building material being evaluated shall remain
building material within 42 days shall be prescribed in the
suitable for its intended purpose after the test exposure and
applicable annex.
subsequent drying without repair and shall not cause damage to
7.2.6.2 For Method B, the building material being evaluated
adjacent materials of the assembly of which the building
material is a part. shall be capable of drying to a weight within 3 % of its initial
weight within 42 days of drying. The criteria shall apply to the
7.2.2 The building material being evaluated shall not
assembly and individual materials used in construction of the
dissolve, deteriorate, delaminate, or exhibit other visible char-
assembly.
acteristics associated with loss of structural integrity.
7.2.3 The building material being evaluated shall not exhibit 7.2.7 Visible surfaces of materials shall be able to be
cleaned without damage to the building material that would
permanent dimensional changes that would render it unsuitable
for its intended function or damage connected hardware or require repair. Observed or suspected mold growth and discol-
oration on visible surfaces shall be reported after Test Method
other components of the assembly.
E3075 moisture exposure and drying and prior to cleaning of
NOTE 3—The intent of this requirement is to account for impairments to
the specimen. After cleaning of the specimen in accordance
intended function due to visible characteristics such as permanent
with Test Method E3075, or by use of other cleaning
swelling, delamination, warping, sag, twist, or other deformation that
would warrant repair. techniques, the specimen shall be swabbed as required by Test
E3369 − 24
Method E3075 and the swab sample shall be analyzed for the growth and discoloration on the surface of concealed interior
presence of sewage surrogates and mold surrogates. Where spaces upon disassembly as applicable (7.2.5), presence of
additional cleaning is required to remove sewage surrogates trapped water after removal from water immersion or wet
and mold surrogates, such cleaning shall be described in the surfaces after drying period, and any other pertinent observa-
report and shall not cause damage to the specimen that would tions including photographs;
require repair. Cleaning of the material specimen or re-painting 8.1.6 Results for each test specimen including initial equi-
of painted surfaces of the specimen following drying is not
librium weight, measurement of weight or moisture content as
considered to constitute repair. applicable during drying, permanent dimensional change after
drying as applicable, and the ability to be cleaned;
7.3 Additional Evaluation Criterion for Operable Assem-
8.1.7 Results for each test specimen shall include a state-
blies:
ment of whether, upon completion of testing, the specimens
7.3.1 A rating of “acceptable” shall apply where criteria of
were rated “acceptable” or “unacceptable” in accordance with
7.2 are evaluated and found “acceptable” and the operable
specified criteria;
assembly is capable of meeting its function in accordance with
8.1.8 A description and photographs of the methods used to
applicable building code requirements. Lubrication of operable
clean specimens;
assemblies is not considered to constitute repair.
8.1.9 The name(s) and titles of individual(s) conducting the
8. Report
test and the author of the report; and
8.1.10 Any additional data or information considered to be
8.1 The following information shall be provided in a report:
useful for a better understanding of the test results,
8.1.1 Date(s) of test and report;
conclusions, or recommendations (append to the report).
8.1.2 Names and addresses of the organization that re-
quested the tests and the testing organization that conducted the
9. Precision and Bias
tests;
8.1.3 A description of the test specimens, including all parts
9.1 There has not been a study to determine repeatability
and components, manufacturer of products, applicable material
and reproducibility of this specification.
standards, applicable material specifications, method of
9.2 Bias—There are no accepted reference materials suit-
construction, drawings or photographs showing pertinent con-
able for determining the bias for this specification. Therefore,
struction details, and the number of specimens tested;
no statement on bias is being made.
8.1.4 A description of the test procedure, including a de-
scription of testing apparatus;
10. Keywords
8.1.5 Detailed test results including a description of the
performance of each test specimen after completion of each 10.1 Federal Emergency Management Agency; FEMA;
flood damage resistance; National Flood Insurance Program;
portion of testing, including details of specimen damage on
visible surfaces, details of specimen damage including fungal NFIP; water immersion
ANNEX
(Mandatory Information)
A1. FLOOD-DAMAGE-RESISTANT WOOD MATERIALS
INTRODUCTION
This annex provides requirements for the evaluation of wood materials for use below the BFE in
accordance with the NFIP. For applications where repeated or regular wetting or ground contact is
expected, products with appropriate preservative treatments shall be provided in accordance with
building code requirements.
A1.1 Recognized Flood-Damage-Resistant Materials A1.3 Requirements for Evaluation using Method A
Equivalence
A1.1.1 Flood-damage-resistant wood materials acceptable
for use below BFE, and which are suitable for construction of
A1.3.1 To be classified as “acceptable” for use below the
control specimens, are specified in Table A1.1.
BFE, a wood material not listed in Table A1.1 shall meet the
requirements for fabrication of material and control test speci-
A1.2 Wood materials not listed in Table A1.1 shall be
men in A1.4 and requirements in A1.5 to demonstrate equiva-
considered “unacceptable” unless they are evaluated and meet
lence to one of the listed materials used in a similar application.
the criteria described in A1.3.
E3369 − 24
TABLE A1.1 Flood-damage-resistant Wood Materials
Structural floor and wall sheathing
Marine grade plywood in accordance with PS 1
Exterior grade plywood in accordance with PS 1
Preservative-treated plywood in accordance with AWPA U1
Structural floor and wall framing
Untreated sawn lumber in accordance with PS 20
Preservative-treated sawn lumber in accordance with AWPA U1
Preservative-treated structural composite lumber meeting requirements of
U1 Use Category 4A or higher
Structural columns and beams
Untreated sawn lumber in accordance with PS 20
Preservative-treated sawn lumber in accordance with AWPA U1
Preservative-treated structural composite lumber meeting requirements of
U1 Use Category 4A or higher
Wood materials identified as acceptable in accordance with TB 2 (1)
Wood materials that are pressure-treated with preservatives in accordance with
U1 Use Category 4A or higher
Listed wood materials from Table A1.1 shall be used in minimum 15/32 performance category installed in vertical
fabrication of suitable control specimens to establish a perfor- orientation and attachment of the sheathing to wall framing
mance baseline under the required test exposure. In addition, shall be with galvanized or stainless steel 8d common nails
evidence shall be submitted by the wood material manufacturer spaced at 6 in. (152 mm) on center around the perimeter of
that structural design properties have been established for the each sheathing panel and 12 in. (305 mm) on center in the field
wood material for wet-use conditions and that any chemical of each sheathing panel, and nominal stud spacing shall be
treatments used to meet a code-required function, such as wood 24 in. (610 mm) on center.
preservatives or fire retardants, are suitable for use in exposed
A1.4.2 Structural Wall Framing Evaluation:
exterior applications.
A1.4.2.1 Material Specimen for Structural Wall Framing
NOTE A1.1—Preservative pressure treatments suitable for U1 Use
Evaluation—The material specimen for structural wall framing
Category 3B or higher are considered suitable for use in exposed exterior
evaluation shall include the structural wall framing tested as
applications. Fire-retardant treatments identified as “exterior” after testing
part of a wall assembly. Wall assembly size shall be minimum
in accordance with Practice D2898 are considered suitable for use in
8 ft by 8 ft (2.4 m by 2.4 m). Studs and plates shall represent
exposed exterior applications.
the smallest cross-section dimensions to be approved. Nominal
A1.3.2 For structural floor and wall sheathing, measurement
stud spacing shall be 24 in. (610 mm) on center. The attach-
of panel thickness shall be in accordance with PS 1 using the
ment of the studs to plates shall be representative of the
prescribed micrometer and applied anvil pressure.
minimum attachment permitted in application. Sheathing shall
be exterior or marine-grade plywood meeting the requirements
A1.4 Specimen Requirements
of PS 1 with minimum 15/32 performance category and
A1.4.1 Structural Wall Sheathing Evaluation:
attachment of the sheathing to wall framing shall be with
A1.4.1.1 Material Specimen for Structural Wall Sheathing
galvanized or stainless steel 8d common nails spaced at 6 in.
Evaluation—The material specimen for structural wall sheath-
(152 mm) on center around the perimeter of each sheathing
ing evaluation shall include the structural wall sheathing tested
panel and 12 in. (305 mm) on center in the field of each
as part of a wall assembly. Wall assembly size shall be
sheathing panel.
minimum 8 ft by 8 ft (2.4 m by 2.4 m). Studs and plates shall
A1.4.2.2 Control Specimen for Structural Wall Framing
be nominal 2 by 4 sawn lumber meeting the requirements of PS
Evaluation—The control specimen for structural wall framing
20. The stud spacing shall be the maximum stud spacing
evaluation shall be configured the same as the material
permitted for the sheathing in application. Studs shall be
specimen in A1.4.2.1 except that studs and plates shall be
fastened to plates using two galvanized or stainless steel 16d
nominal 2 by 4 sawn lumber meeting the requirements of PS
common nails per connection. Sheathing shall be installed in
20, and studs shall be fastened to plates using two galvanized
vertical orientation on one side of the wall or as otherwise
or stainless steel 16d common nails per connection.
specified by the manufacturer. Sheathing shall have at least one
A1.4.3 Structural Floor Sheathing Evaluation:
representative joint of sheathing panel edges occurring on a
common framing member. The attachment of the sheathing A1.4.3.1 Material Specimen for Structural Floor Sheathing
being evaluated shall use corrosion-resistant fasteners and shall Evaluation—The material specimen for structural floor sheath-
be representative of the minimum attachment permitted in ing evaluation shall include the structural floor sheathing tested
application. as part of a floor assembly. Floor assembly size shall be
A1.4.1.2 Control Specimen for Structural Wall Sheathing minimum 8 ft by 8 ft (2.4 m by 2.4 m). Floor joists and rim
Evaluation—The control specimen for structural wall sheath- board shall be nominal 2 by 10 sawn lumber meeting the
ing evaluation shall be configured the same as the material requirements of PS 20. The joist spacing shall be the maximum
specimen in A1.4.1.1 except that sheathing shall be exterior or spacing permitted for the sheathing in application. Joists shall
marine-grade plywood meeting the requirements of PS 1 with be fastened to rim board using three galvanized or stainless
E3369 − 24
steel 16d common nails p
...