ASTM E2357-24

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Designation: E2357 − 23a E2357 − 24
Standard Test Method for
Determining Air Leakage Rate of Air Barrier Assemblies
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E2357; 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 test method covers the determination of the air leakage rate of air barrier assemblies that are used in building enclosures.
This procedure measures the air leakage of a representative air barrier assembly before and after exposure to specific conditioning
cycles and then assigns a rating dependent upon the results. Although this is a laboratory procedure, the method may also be
applied to site mockups.
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.
1.3 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.
1.4 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.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
E283 Test Method for Determining Rate of Air Leakage Through Exterior Windows, Skylights, Curtain Walls, and Doors Under
Specified Pressure Differences Across the Specimen
E330/E330M Test Method for Structural Performance of Exterior Windows, Doors, Skylights and Curtain Walls by Uniform
Static Air Pressure Difference
E631 Terminology of Building Constructions
E783 Test Method for Field Measurement of Air Leakage Through Installed Exterior Windows and Doors
E1424 Test Method for Determining the Rate of Air Leakage Through Exterior Windows, Skylights, Curtain Walls, and Doors
Under Specified Pressure and Temperature Differences Across the Specimen
E1677 Specification for Air Barrier (AB) Material or Assemblies for Low-Rise Framed Building Walls
E2178 Test Method for Determining Air Leakage Rate and Calculation of Air Permeance of Building Materials
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions:
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E06 on Performance of Buildings and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee E06.41 on Air Leakage
and Ventilation Performance.
Current edition approved Aug. 1, 2023Jan. 1, 2024. Published September 2023February 2024. Originally approved in 2005. Last previous edition approved in 2023 as
E2357 – 23.E2357 – 23a. DOI: 10.1520/E2357-23A.10.1520/E2357-24.
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.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
E2357 − 24
3.1.1 For definitions of general terms related to building construction used in this test method, refer to Terminology E631.
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
3.2.1 air barrier—a designated “plane” of reduced air flow between different environments.
3.2.2 air barrier accessory—a transitional component of the air barrier that provides continuity.
3.2.3 air barrier assembly—the air barrier materials and accessories that provide a continuous designated plane to the movement
of air through portions of building enclosure assemblies.
3.2.4 air barrier material—a primary element that provides a continuous barrier to the movement of air.
3.2.5 air barrier system—a combination of air barrier assemblies installed to provide a continuous barrier to the movement of air
through building enclosures.
3.2.6 air leakage rate—the quantitative measure of air passage through a set surface area of an assembly within a given time
period under a pressure differential between the two sides of the assembly.
3.2.7 building enclosure—a system of building components and materials designed and installed in such a manner as to provide
a barrier between different environments, including dissimilar interior environments.
3.2.8 continuity—an uninterrupted succession of air barrier materials, accessories, and assemblies.
3.2.9 durability—the ability of a building component to perform its required functions over a period of time within the
environment to which it is exposed.
3.2.10 negative pressure—air pressure on one side of a building enclosure lower than on the other side.
3.2.11 positive pressure—air pressure on one side of a building enclosure higher than on the other side.
4. Summary of Test Method
4.1 This test method establishes a specimen preparation protocol with which an air barrier assembly may be evaluated. A test
specimen is constructed and tested in separate pressures. Up to three specimens are constructed, each additionally representing
different field conditions. Specimen 3 is optional and may be combined with Specimen 2. By applying air pressure differentials
across the specimens in stages, the air barrier and system components may be evaluated as to their specific air leakage.
5. Significance and Use
5.1 This method is intended to simulate the performance of various air barrier materials/accessories when combined into an
assembly. Based upon the results of the measurements, this procedure then assigns an air leakage rating for the air barrier assembly.
5.2 This method does not purport to establish all criteria necessary for consideration in the selection of an air barrier assembly.
The results are intended to be used for comparison purposes and may not represent the field installed performance of the air barrier
assembly when installed as part of an air barrier system in a building. However, the results of these tests may be useful in
determining the appropriate use of a specified air barrier system assembly.
5.3 This method does not purport to establish all criteria necessary for air barrier systems of all construction types. Test Method
E2178 provides an air permeance test method for testing of some air barrier materials. Specification E1677 provides a specification
for air barrier systems for low-rise framed building walls.
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6. Sampling
6.1 For each air barrier assembly, up to three specimens shall be tested as described in Annex A1. The proponent may elect not
to prepare and test specimen three or combine the details of Specimen 3 with Specimen 2.
7. Test Apparatus
7.1 The description of the apparatus in this section is general in nature. Any suitable arrangement of equipment capable of
maintaining the required test tolerances is permitted.
7.2 Test Chamber—A well-sealed box, wall, or other apparatus into or against which the specimen is mounted and secured for
testing. An air supply shall be provided to allow a positive or negative pressure differential to be applied across the specimen
without significant extraneous losses. The chamber shall be capable of withstanding the differential test pressures that may be
encountered in this procedure. At least one static air pressure tap shall be provided on each side of the specimen to measure the
test pressure differences. The pressure tap shall be located in an area of the chamber in which pressure readings will not be affected
by any supply air. The air supply opening to the chamber shall be located in an area in which it does not directly impinge upon
the test specimen.
7.2.1 Supply Air System—A controllable blower, exhaust fan, or reversible blower designed to provide the required air flow at the
specified test pressure difference. The system should provide essentially constant air flow and cyclic loads at the specified test
pressure difference for a time period sufficient to obtain readings of air flow.
7.2.2 Pressure Measuring Apparatus—A device to measure the differential test pressures to 62 % of setpoint or 62.5 Pa,
whichever is greater.
7.2.3 Air Flow Metering System—A device to measure the air flow into the test chamber or through the test specimen.
7.3 This test method is intended for laboratory use. Persons interested in performing field air leakage tests on air barrier assemblies
should reference Test Method E783.
8. Sample Preparation
8.1 Air Leakage and Structural Performance Tests:
8.1.1 As the air barrier assembly is site-assembled, the specimens tested shall be representative of the site assembly. Therefore the
test specimens shall be fabricated as prescribed by the proponent in providing for the specimen construction required herein.
8.2 Air Leakage and Structural Performance Test Specimens:
8.2.1 This test method specifies a minimum of (2) specimens for testing. Annex A2 describes the requirements of the test
specimens. To meet these requirements, one specimen shall be an opaque wall (Fig. A1.1) and one specimen shall have
penetrations, terminations and connections as outlined in Annex A2, Fig. A1.2. The test specimens are to be conditioned prior to
being submitted to the structural performance qualification test program and subsequently, to the air leakage rate procedure.
Photographs are to be taken of original test specimens including joining details.
8.3 Conditioning for Tests:
8.3.1 Unless otherwise stated, the specimens shall be tested “as received.” No modifications to the proponents’ assembly
instructions are permitted.
8.3.2 If the evaluation of the aged performance of the air barrier assemblies is desired by the proponent, the specimens may be
conditioned prior to testing by exposure, ultraviolet radiation or thermal cycling, or both.
9. Test Procedure
9.1 Air Leakage:
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9.1.1 The air leakage rate shall be measured at each of the air pressure differences across the test specimen in accordance with
Test Method E283.
9.1.2 Air Leakage Test Conditions—The air leakage rate of the specimens, for both positive and negative cases, shall be
determined with a minimum of seven (7) measurements conducted across the sample in accordance with Test Method E283. The
seven (7) measurements shall be as follows: 25 Pa, 50 Pa, 75 Pa, 100 Pa, 150 Pa, 250 Pa, and 300 Pa.
9.1.3 Results—The air leakage results for each test series shall be curve fit using a least squares procedure to establish the
relationship between pressure difference and leakage. See 11.4 for the data fitting requirements.
9.2 Wind Pressure Conditioning:
9.2.1 After the initial leakage testing, the specimen shall be exposed to the pressure loading in Table 1. The loading schedule for
application of positive and negative pressure shall be as outlined by the graph presented in Annex A3 at the maximum values
contained in Table 1 for sustained loads, cyclic loads, and gust loads.
9.2.2 Observations to be Reported—After each loading stage (sustained, cyclic, or gust loading), the air barrier assembly shall be
inspected by the testing agency for signs of fracture, delamination, loosening of fasteners, and so forth. The air barrier assembly
shall not demonstrate any change in structure, which would affect the integrity of the assembly. Photographs are to be taken of any
failures.
9.3 Post Conditioning Air Permeance:
9.3.1 The air leakage test of 9.1 shall be repeated after the conditioning listed in 9.2. The post conditioning permeance values shall
be used to establish the system rate. (See Section 10.)
9.4 Deflection Measurements:
9.4.1 Maximum deflections of the air barrier material and the test specimen shall be recorded at the wind pressures as outlined
in Table 2 for both positive and negative pressures. The measurements shall be taken after the post conditioning leakage tests of
9.3.
10. Calculation
10.1 Establishing Air Leakage Rate:
10.1.1 The determination of the air leakage rate for the assembly shall be based on the results of tests of the wall assemblies as
shown in Annex A1. The referenced air leakage rate for each wall assembly shall be the higher data point value leakage rate at
75 Pa for the exfiltration and infiltration cases.
TABLE 1 Sustained Loads, Cyclic Loads and Gust Loads
NOTE 1—The wind loads specified in Table 1 are not intended to represent conditions for a specific building; rather they are intended to provide a
uniform basis for comparison purposes. The wind loads are based on the assumption that the air barrier will take the full wind load and that the air barrier
would see two severe storms in the first 15 years in service, The Q10 design values of 400/600 Pa for sustained wind conditions originates from values
in the National Building Code of Canada for window design. Design values for window glass area were used because windows are part of both exterior
envelope and the air barrier, and must take the full wind load on the building. The user may consult Specificationthe E1677 and Test Methodapplicable
building code and corresponding ASCE/SEI E330/E330M7 volume for guidance on wind speeds for the area where a specific building is or will be
located.
Specimens as in
For geographical areas P , P’
P , P’ P , P’
1 1 2 2 3 3
accordance with Appendix X1
A B
where pressure design sustained for 1 h 2000 cycles gust wind
for wood frame, metal
(Pa) (Pa)
value is (Pa)
or masonry
Q < 0.20 kPa Specimen 1, 2, 3 400 530 800
Q > 0.20 kPa Specimen 1, 2, 3 600 800 1200
A
Specimens shall be conditioned for a minimum of 24 h at laboratory conditions prior to loading.
B
The 2000 cycles can be applied in either four stages of 500 cycles per stage or two stages of 1000 cycles per state, with pressure direction reversal occurring between
stages.
See Annex A3 for reference to P , P’ , P , P’ , P and P’ .
1 1 2 2 3 3
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TABLE 2 Wind Pressure Loading
NOTE 1—The wind pressure loads specified in Table 2 are not intended
to represent conditions for a specific building; rather they are intended to
provide a uniform comparison basis. The wind pressure loads are based on
the assumption that the air barrier will take the full wind load and include
a safety factor. Although in theory and in some applications (such as a
pressure equalized rain-screen wall) a single air barrier layer may be
exposed to the full pressure load, in many common applications the air
barrier layer is subjected to a much smaller load (as low as 30 % of the
total load) because of partial wind load being absorbed by other wall
layers.
For geographical areas Record maximum deflection(s)
where wind design after completion of wind pressure
A
value is loading at following load
Q < 0.40 kPa D at 960 Pa
10 0.40
Q > 0.40 kPa D at 1440 Pa
10 0.60
A
The wind pressure loading shall be maintained for a minimum of 10 s and the
maximum deflection, at any point on the specimen, from the supporting member of
the air barrier assembly shall be determined for both positive and negative
pressures.
10.1.1.1 The reference base air leakage rate at 75 Pa determined for Specimen 1, the Opaque Wall, shall be the system air leakage
rating assigned to the assembly provided that the air leakage at 75 Pa obtained for Specimen 2 is no more than 10 % greater than
the reference base air leakage for Specimen 1. The air leakage rate of the specimen to be reported, for both positive and negative
cases, shall be the air leakage rate of the specimen after it has been subjected to the structural loading schedule in accordance with
9.2. If the regression line does not go through point of origin, explain the assembly behavior during the test.
11. Report
11.1 Report the following information:
11.1.1 General—Testing agency, date and time of test, and date of report.
11.1.2 Sample Description—Proponent, product manufactu-
rer, product type, related materials, and other pertinent information; description of the test frame, equipment used, penetrations
made, conditioning, manufacturer’s installation guidelines, material qualities; specimen area.
11.1.3 Drawings of Specimen—Detailed drawings of the specimen showing dimensioned “window” dimensions and arrangement,
framing location, panel arrangement, installation and spacing of anchorage, flashing details, and any other pertinent construction
details. Any modifications made on the specimen to obtain the reported test values shall be noted. Photographs of detail conditions
may be submitted in lieu of drawings of details.
11.1.4 Location of Air Seal—Detailed drawing showing the air seal between the test specimen and the test chamber or mounting
frame. The drawing shall clearly indicate the location of the air seal relative to the specimen frame.
11.1.5 Test Parameters—List or describe the specified test pressure difference(s), whether the tests were conducted for infiltration
or exfiltration, and whether a positive or negative test pressure was used.
11.1.6 Pressure Differences and Leakage—A statement or tabulation of the pressure differentials exerted across the specimen
during the test and the corresponding specimen air leakage (Q and Q ) and the two air leakage rates (q and q ) for both the
s(f) s(s) 1 A
face and sides of the specimen.
11.1.7 Compliance Statement—A statement that the tests were conducted in accordance with this test method, or a complete
description of any deviation from this test method. When the tests are conducted to check for conformity of the specimen to a
particular performance specification, the specification shall be identified.
11.2 If several identical specimens are tested, the results for each specimen shall be reported, each specimen being properly
identified, particularly with respect to distinguishing features or differing adjustment. A separate drawing for each specimen shall
not be required if all differences between the specimens are noted on the drawings provided.
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11.3 Structural Performance Test:
11.3.1 For sustained, cyclic, and gust loads, the test pressure and duration shall be reported. If the specimen fails, the pressure
difference at which stru
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