ASTM C834-17(2023)
(Specification)Standard Specification for Latex Sealants
Standard Specification for Latex Sealants
ABSTRACT
This specification covers latex sealants used for sealing joints in building construction. The following are the type and grade of sealant under this specification: Type OP, Type C, Grade -18°C, Grade 0°C, and Grade NF. The sealant shall be composed of latex formulated with appropriate fillers, pigments, and chemical additives. The physical properties of the sealant shall conform to the specified requirements according to type and grade. The following tests shall be done: extrudability after aging, artificial weathering, volume shrinkage, low-temperature flexibility, extension-recovery and adhesion, slump, staining, and tack-free time.
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
8.1 This specification covers two types and three grades of latex sealants as described in Section 4 that are formulated for general caulking and sealing operations in building construction. It should be recognized by the user that not all sealants meeting this specification are suitable for all applications and all substrates. It is essential, therefore, that the type and grade be specified for proper description of a sealant. Test methods relate to special standard substrates of glass, wood and aluminum. If tests are required using substrates in addition to or other than standard, they should be so specified for testing.
8.2 Refer to Guide C1193 for information on the proper use of sealants meeting this specification.
SCOPE
1.1 This specification covers one component latex sealants used for sealing joints in building construction.
1.2 A sealant meeting the requirements of this specification shall be classified by the manufacturer to be one of the types and grades defined in Section 4.
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The inch-pound in parenthesis are provided for information purposes only.
1.4 The following precautionary caveat pertains only to the test method portion, Section 10, of this Specification: 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.
Note 1: Currently, there is no ISO standard similar to this specification.
1.5 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-Oct-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-Mar-2018
- Effective Date
- 01-Nov-2017
- Effective Date
- 01-Jan-2017
- Effective Date
- 15-Nov-2016
- Effective Date
- 01-Sep-2016
- Effective Date
- 01-Jun-2015
- Effective Date
- 01-Dec-2014
- Effective Date
- 01-May-2014
- Effective Date
- 01-Feb-2014
- Effective Date
- 01-Nov-2013
- Effective Date
- 15-Jan-2013
- Effective Date
- 01-Dec-2012
Overview
ASTM C834-17(2023) - Standard Specification for Latex Sealants establishes requirements for one-component latex sealants used for sealing joints in building construction. Developed by ASTM International, this specification is essential for manufacturers, contractors, architects, and professionals in the construction industry who require reliable, tested sealant products for a variety of building applications. The standard focuses on sealants composed of latex combined with fillers, pigments, and additives to achieve proper performance characteristics under different environmental conditions.
Key Topics
- Sealant Classification: The standard defines two sealant types and three grades to cover diverse application needs:
- Type OP: Opaque, containing color or extender pigments, with a maximum of 30% volume shrinkage.
- Type C: Clear or translucent, with up to 50% volume shrinkage.
- Grade –18°C: Flexible at low temperatures down to –18°C (0°F).
- Grade 0°C: Flexible at low temperatures down to 0°C (32°F).
- Grade NF: Does not meet low temperature flexibility requirements of Grade 0°C.
- Physical Properties and Performance: The sealant must conform to specific requirements, including extrudability, artificial weathering resistance, volume shrinkage, low temperature flexibility, adhesion, slump, staining, and tack-free time.
- Testing Methods: Referenced ASTM test methods ensure consistent and reliable evaluation of critical properties, making the sealants suitable for demanding construction uses. Testing uses standard substrates such as glass, wood, and aluminum for performance validation.
- Material Composition: Sealants must consist of latex formulations with appropriate fillers, pigments, and chemical additives to ensure a homogenous, defect-free mix suitable for immediate application.
- Shelf Life and Storage: Manufacturer-defined shelf life and storage conditions help ensure product quality and performance up to the point of use.
Applications
ASTM C834-17(2023) is widely applicable in the construction industry for:
- General Caulking and Sealing: Used to seal joints and gaps in building components such as windows, doors, and siding.
- Residential, Commercial, and Industrial Buildings: Enables consistent air and watertight seals in diverse structures.
- New Construction and Renovation: Suitable for both new builds and repair or retrofit applications where flexibility, adhesion, and durability are critical.
- Adhesion to Various Substrates: Tested for performance on glass, wood, and aluminum, latex sealants specified by this standard are compatible with a broad range of building materials.
- Projects Requiring Environmental Resistance: The standard assures that sealants remain effective after exposure to artificial weathering, ensuring durability in real-world conditions.
It is important to specify the correct sealant type and grade based on project requirements and substrate compatibility. Not all sealants that meet ASTM C834 will be suitable for every application or substrate, so careful selection and testing are advised.
Related Standards
For enhanced performance and proper application of latex sealants in construction, the following related ASTM standards should be consulted:
- ASTM C717: Terminology of Building Seals and Sealants
- ASTM C732: Test Method for Aging Effects of Artificial Weathering on Latex Sealants
- ASTM C734: Test Method for Low-Temperature Flexibility of Latex Sealants
- ASTM C736: Test Method for Extension-Recovery and Adhesion of Latex Sealants
- ASTM C1183: Test Method for Extrusion Rate of Elastomeric Sealants
- ASTM C1193: Guide for Use of Joint Sealants (provides practical guidance on sealant selection and application)
- ASTM C1241: Test Method for Volume Shrinkage of Latex Sealants During Cure
- ASTM D2202: Test Method for Slump of Sealants
- ASTM D2203: Test Method for Staining from Sealants
- ASTM D2377: Test Method for Tack-Free Time of Caulking Compounds and Sealants
For optimal results, always reference ASTM C1193 for best practices regarding sealant use and consider project-specific requirements when selecting sealants in compliance with ASTM C834-17(2023).
Keywords: latex sealant, ASTM C834, building construction, joint sealing, caulking, sealant standard, construction materials, flexible sealant, artificial weathering, volume shrinkage, low temperature flexibility, ASTM standards.
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Frequently Asked Questions
ASTM C834-17(2023) is a technical specification published by ASTM International. Its full title is "Standard Specification for Latex Sealants". This standard covers: ABSTRACT This specification covers latex sealants used for sealing joints in building construction. The following are the type and grade of sealant under this specification: Type OP, Type C, Grade -18°C, Grade 0°C, and Grade NF. The sealant shall be composed of latex formulated with appropriate fillers, pigments, and chemical additives. The physical properties of the sealant shall conform to the specified requirements according to type and grade. The following tests shall be done: extrudability after aging, artificial weathering, volume shrinkage, low-temperature flexibility, extension-recovery and adhesion, slump, staining, and tack-free time. SIGNIFICANCE AND USE 8.1 This specification covers two types and three grades of latex sealants as described in Section 4 that are formulated for general caulking and sealing operations in building construction. It should be recognized by the user that not all sealants meeting this specification are suitable for all applications and all substrates. It is essential, therefore, that the type and grade be specified for proper description of a sealant. Test methods relate to special standard substrates of glass, wood and aluminum. If tests are required using substrates in addition to or other than standard, they should be so specified for testing. 8.2 Refer to Guide C1193 for information on the proper use of sealants meeting this specification. SCOPE 1.1 This specification covers one component latex sealants used for sealing joints in building construction. 1.2 A sealant meeting the requirements of this specification shall be classified by the manufacturer to be one of the types and grades defined in Section 4. 1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The inch-pound in parenthesis are provided for information purposes only. 1.4 The following precautionary caveat pertains only to the test method portion, Section 10, of this Specification: 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. Note 1: Currently, there is no ISO standard similar to this specification. 1.5 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.
ABSTRACT This specification covers latex sealants used for sealing joints in building construction. The following are the type and grade of sealant under this specification: Type OP, Type C, Grade -18°C, Grade 0°C, and Grade NF. The sealant shall be composed of latex formulated with appropriate fillers, pigments, and chemical additives. The physical properties of the sealant shall conform to the specified requirements according to type and grade. The following tests shall be done: extrudability after aging, artificial weathering, volume shrinkage, low-temperature flexibility, extension-recovery and adhesion, slump, staining, and tack-free time. SIGNIFICANCE AND USE 8.1 This specification covers two types and three grades of latex sealants as described in Section 4 that are formulated for general caulking and sealing operations in building construction. It should be recognized by the user that not all sealants meeting this specification are suitable for all applications and all substrates. It is essential, therefore, that the type and grade be specified for proper description of a sealant. Test methods relate to special standard substrates of glass, wood and aluminum. If tests are required using substrates in addition to or other than standard, they should be so specified for testing. 8.2 Refer to Guide C1193 for information on the proper use of sealants meeting this specification. SCOPE 1.1 This specification covers one component latex sealants used for sealing joints in building construction. 1.2 A sealant meeting the requirements of this specification shall be classified by the manufacturer to be one of the types and grades defined in Section 4. 1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The inch-pound in parenthesis are provided for information purposes only. 1.4 The following precautionary caveat pertains only to the test method portion, Section 10, of this Specification: 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. Note 1: Currently, there is no ISO standard similar to this specification. 1.5 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 C834-17(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 C834-17(2023) has the following relationships with other standards: It is inter standard links to ASTM C734-15(2019), ASTM D2377-14(2019), ASTM C717-19, ASTM C717-18, ASTM C717-17a, ASTM C717-17, ASTM C717-16a, ASTM C717-16, ASTM C734-15, ASTM D2202-00(2014), ASTM C717-14a, ASTM C717-14, ASTM C717-13, ASTM C1193-13, ASTM C717-12b. Understanding these relationships helps ensure you are using the most current and applicable version of the standard.
ASTM C834-17(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: C834 − 17 (Reapproved 2023)
Standard Specification for
Latex Sealants
This standard is issued under the fixed designation C834; 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.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense.
1. Scope Sealants After Artificial Weathering
C736 Test Method for Extension-Recovery and Adhesion of
1.1 This specification covers one component latex sealants
Latex Sealants
used for sealing joints in building construction.
C1183 Test Method for Extrusion Rate of Elastomeric Seal-
1.2 A sealant meeting the requirements of this specification
ants
shall be classified by the manufacturer to be one of the types
C1193 Guide for Use of Joint Sealants
and grades defined in Section 4.
C1241 Test Method for Volume Shrinkage of Latex Sealants
During Cure
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the
standard. The inch-pound in parenthesis are provided for D2202 Test Method for Slump of Sealants
D2203 Test Method for Staining from Sealants
information purposes only.
D2377 Test Method for Tack-Free Time of Caulking Com-
1.4 The following precautionary caveat pertains only to the
pounds and Sealants
test method portion, Section 10, of this Specification: This
standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns,
3. Terminology
if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user
3.1 Definitions—Definitions of the following terms apply to
of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and
this specification and are found in Terminology C717: adhesive
environmental practices and determine the applicability of
failure (adhesion loss), cure, joint, latex sealant, sealant,
regulatory limitations prior to use.
shrinkage (volume), standard conditions, and substrate.
NOTE 1—Currently, there is no ISO standard similar to this specifica-
tion.
4. Classification of Sealants
1.5 This international standard was developed in accor-
4.1 A sealant qualifying under this specification shall be
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
classified by type and grade as follows:
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
4.1.1 Type OP—An opaque sealant containing color pig-
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
ments or extender pigments, or both, that has no more than
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
30 % volume shrinkage (see 10.1.3).
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
4.1.2 Type C—A clear or translucent sealant that has no
more than 50 % volume shrinkage (see 10.1.3).
2. Referenced Documents
4.1.3 Grade –18 °C—A sealant that meets the requirements
2.1 ASTM Standards:
for low temperature flexibility (see 7.1) when tested at –18 °C
C717 Terminology of Building Seals and Sealants
(0 °F).
C732 Test Method for Aging Effects of Artificial Weathering
4.1.4 Grade 0 °C—A sealant that meets the requirements for
on Latex Sealants
low temperature flexibility (see 7.1) when tested at 0 °C (32
C734 Test Method for Low-Temperature Flexibility of Latex
°F).
4.1.5 Grade NF—A sealant that does not meet the require-
ments for low temperature flexibility of Grade 0°C (see 4.1.4).
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee C24 on
Building Seals and Sealants and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee C24.10
5. Materials and Manufacture
on Specifications, Guides and Practices.
Current edition approved May 1, 2023. Published May 2023. Originally
5.1 The sealant shall be composed of latex formulated with
approved in 1976. Last previous edition approved in 2017 as C834 – 17. DOI:
appropriate fillers, pigments, and chemical additives to result in
10.1520/C0834-17R23.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or conformance to this specification.
contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
5.2 All material and workmanship shall be in accordance
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
the ASTM website. with good commercial practice. The producer is permitted a
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
C834 − 17 (2023)
wide latitude in choice of raw materials for making these be specified for proper description of a sealant. Test methods
products. Consequently, there is no implication that the com- relate to special standard substrates of glass, wood and alumi-
pounds are equivalent in all physical properties. num. If tests are required using substrates in addition to or
other than standard, they should be so specified for testing.
5.3 The manufacturing process shall be such as will ensure
a homogeneous mix, free of defects that would affect
8.2 Refer to Guide C1193 for information on the proper use
serviceability, and provide a consistency suitable for immedi- of sealants meeting this specification.
ate application.
9. Sampling
6. General Requirements
9.1 The sealant to be tested for conformance to this speci-
6.1 The shelf life of this sealant sh
...
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