ISO/PRF 17738-4

ISO/FDISPRF 17738-4:2025(en)
ISO/TC 163/SC 03/WG 09 3
Secretariat: SCC
Date: 2025-09-2711-25
Thermal insulation products — Exterior insulation and finish
systems (EIFS) — —
Part 4:
Site Verification
PROOF
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ii
Contents
Foreword . iv
Introduction . v
1 Scope . 1
2 Normative references . 1
3 Terms and definitions . 2
4 Scope of site verification . 3
5 Levels of site verifications . 3
6 Project documentation . 3
6.1 General . 3
6.2 Project specification . 4
6.3 Material . 4
6.4 Installation . 4
7 Pre-Construction Meeting . 4
8 Coordination with trades . 4
9 Site verification process . 4
9.1 General . 4
9.2 EIFS, materials storage and handling . 4
9.3 Substrate . 5
9.4 Mixing . 5
9.5 Air and water resistive barrier . 5
9.6 Transition membrane . 5
9.7 Thermal insulation boards . 5
9.8 Rasping and surface preparation . 6
9.9 Base coat and glass fibre reinforcing mesh . 6
9.10 Terminations and aesthetic reveals . 6
9.11 Aesthetic reveals . 6
9.12 Pre-wrapped terminations . 6
9.13 Finish material . 6
10 Test and inspection methods . 6
11 Nonconformance . 7
Annex A (normative) Standard test method for determining the thickness of an installed air and
water-resistive barrier material . 8
Annex B (normative) Standard test method for pull-off strength of adhered air and water-
resistive barriers using an adhesion tester . 12
Annex C (normative) Standard test method for determining the contact adhesive contact with
thermal insulation boards . 16
Annex D (normative) Standard test method for determining drainage between the air and
water-resistive barrier and the thermal insulation boards . 17
Annex E (normative) EIFS site verification check sheet and report . 18

iii
Foreword
ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) is a worldwide federation of national standards
bodies (ISO member bodies). The work of preparing International Standards is normally carried out through
ISO technical committees. Each member body interested in a subject for which a technical committee has been
established has the right to be represented on that committee. International organizations, governmental and
non-governmental, in liaison with ISO, also take part in the work. ISO collaborates closely with the
International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) on all matters of electrotechnical standardization.
The procedures used to develop this document and those intended for its further maintenance are described
in the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 1. In particular, the different approval criteria needed for the different types of
ISO document should be noted. This document was drafted in accordance with the editorial rules of the
ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2 (see www.iso.org/directives).
ISO draws attention to the possibility that the implementation of this document may involve the use of (a)
patent(s). ISO takes no position concerning the evidence, validity or applicability of any claimed patent rights
in respect thereof. As of the date of publication of this document, ISO had not received notice of (a) patent(s)
which may be required to implement this document. However, implementers are cautioned that this may not
represent the latest information, which may be obtained from the patent database available at
www.iso.org/patents. ISO shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
Any trade name used in this document is information given for the convenience of users and does not
constitute an endorsement.
For an explanation of the voluntary nature of standards, the meaning of ISO specific terms and expressions
related to conformity assessment, as well as information about ISO's adherence to the World Trade
Organization (WTO) principles in the Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT), see www.iso.org/iso/foreword.html.
This document was prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC 163, Thermal performance and energy use in the
built environment, Subcommittee SC 3, Thermal insulation products, components and systems.
A list of all parts in the ISO 17738 series can be found on the ISO website.
Any feedback or questions on this document should be directed to the user’s national standards body. A
complete listing of these bodies can be found at www.iso.org/members.html.
iv
Introduction
EIFS are wall cladding assemblies designed to provide integrated air, thermal, vapour, and moisture control
functions in addition to providing a range of aesthetic finishes.
As integrated assemblies, EIFS are installed as tested by the system manufacturer, detailed by the building
design professional, and installed according to manufacturer and standard requirements,. Also, if specified,
they can be subject to a standardized process for conducting verification of these project phases.
Verification personnel verify and document that the EIFS installation comprises materials and products
complyingin conformance with ISO 17738-1, is being installed as per ISO 17738-2, with details that
complyconform with ISO 17738-3, and all are in accordance with manufacturer’s printed installation
instructions.
v
Thermal insulation products — Exterior insulation and finish systems (EIFS)
— —
Part 4:
Site verificationVerification
1 Scope
This document provides the requirements for site verification that an installed system of EIFS, (exterior insulation and finish
system), conforms with the requirements of ISO 17738-1, is installed in conformance with ISO 17738-2 and designed in
conformance with ISO 17738-3.
The document further covers EIFS installed on prefabricated panels being produced offsite and then installed on site.
This document does not purport to address all the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the
user of this document to establish appropriate health and safety practices and their administration. .
2 Normative references
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their content constitutes requirements
of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references, the latest edition of the
referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
ISO 17738-1, Thermal insulation products — Exterior insulation finish systems — Part 1: Materials
ISO 17738-2, Thermal insulation products — Exterior insulation and finish systems (EIFS) — Part 2: Installation
ISO 17738-3, Thermal insulation products — Exterior insulation and finish systems (EIFS) — Part 3: Design requirements
ISO 21105-1, Performance of buildings — Building enclosure thermal performance verification and commissioning — Part 1:
General requirements
ISO 21105-2, Performance of buildings — Building enclosure thermal performance verification and commissioning — Part 2:
Above grade opaque wall
ISO ISO 3611, Geometrical product specifications (GPS) — Dimensional measuring equipment — Design and metrological
characteristics of micrometers for external measurements
ISO ISO 8503-2, Preparation of steel substrates before application of paints and related products — Surface roughness
characteristics of blast-cleaned steel substrates — Part 2: Method for the grading of surface profile of abrasive blast-cleaned steel
— Comparator procedure
ISO 13385-1, Geometrical product specifications (GPS) — Dimensional measuring equipment — Part 1: Design and metrological
characteristics of callipers
ISO 8503-2, Preparation of steel substrates before application of paints and related products — Part 2: Method for the grading
of surface profile of abrasive blast-cleaned steel — Comparator procedure
ISO 16809, Non-destructive testing — Ultrasonic thickness determination
ISO 17738-1, Thermal insulation products — Exterior insulation finish systems — Part 1: Materials
Page 1 of 7
ISO 17738-2, Thermal insulation products — Exterior insulation and finish systems (EIFS) — Part 2: Installation
ISO 17738-3, Thermal insulation products — Exterior insulation and finish systems (EIFS) — Part 3: Design requirements
ISO 21105-1, Performance of buildings — Building enclosure thermal performance verification and commissioning — Part 1:
General requirements
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions apply.
ISO and IEC maintain terminology databases for use in standardization at the following addresses:
— — ISO Online browsing platform: available at https://www.iso.org/obp
— — IEC Electropedia: available at https://www.electropedia.org/
3.1 3.1
installation
work performed on site to install materials and products
3.2 3.2
project
building or structure over which the evaluated system is installed
3.3 3.3
verification
examination to confirm that an activity, a product or a service is in accordance with specified project requirements
3.4 3.4
prefabricated panels
wall assemblies that have been constructed off site with the Exterior Insulation Finish Systemexterior insulation finish system
installed
3.5 3.5
third party
person or entity independent from the manufacturer or the installer
3.6
3.6
exterior insulation finish system verification personnel
EIFS verification personnel
third party person, persons or entity who reviews the evaluated system, installation records, project specifications,
manufacturer’s installation instructions and details to confirm conformance with the documents
3.63.7 3.7
evaluation agency
third party organization to evaluate conformance to the material standard and publishes a report which shows conformance
or nonconformance
4 Scope of site verification
The EIFS verification personnel shall record what is visible on site at the time of the site verification and the results of any site
testing conducted during the site visit. The EIFS verification personnel shall document by recording and photographing any
discrepancies between the project documentation and what is visible on site.
EIFS verification personnel shall be representatives of the building owner, a qualified third-party person or entity, or a
qualified third-party evaluation agency, all independent of the EIFS manufacturer or installer.
5 Levels of site verifications
This document covers three levels of site verifications corresponding to ISO 21105-1 Performance of buildings — Building
enclosure thermal performance verification and commissioning Part 1: General requirements.
Level 1: Basic -, minimum
Level 2: Intermediate - medium
Level 3: Comprehensive - maximum
Level 1: — includes at least one site visit to verify EIFS work at each stage of the application, on a sampling basis:
— — Substratesubstrate surface preparation and air and water resistive barrier application;
— — Adhesiveadhesive and attachment of the thermal insulation boards;
— — Preparationpreparation of the insulation to receive the reinforced base coat;
— — Applicationapplication of the reinforced base coat; and
— — Applicationapplication of finish coat.
Level 2: Intermediate, medium — includes the scope of review from Level 1 on an ongoing basis, sampling each review area
on the order of 2-3 visits/reports per week when EIFS construction is ongoing – omitting time either not worked due to
resources or weather conditions – or both, etc.
Level 3: Comprehensive, maximum — includes ongoing site verification at all times when EIFS installation work is occurring.
6 Project documentation
6.1 General
The site verification documentation may be used as part of a building envelope commissioning process in connection with ISO
21105-1. The level of review determined for each project shall form the basis for the site verification personnel’s schedule for
site visits and reporting. Factors affecting the level of site review include:
a) 1. The owner’s budget for compensating the entity that employs the site verification personnel,;
b) 2. The complexity of the scope of work, and;
c) 3. The associated risk tolerance which the design professional(s), general contractor, and owner are comfortable
with.;
d) 4. The EIFS verification personnel are responsible for reviewing all technical documentation in accordance with
Page 3 of 7
the level of site verification to be conducted.

Note: itNOTE It is common to increase the frequency of site verification when higher incidences of deficiencies are encountered. This is
decided by the owner as part of contract administration.
6.2 Project specification
The project specification and other pertinent documents shall be reviewed by the EIFS verification personnel to confirm
conformance with ISO 17738-3.
6.3 Material
The EIFS verification personnel shall confirm that the material and products are documented as conforming to ISO 17738-1
and that they have come from a single source, or sources approved by the EIFS manufacturer.
6.4 Installation
The EIFS verification personnel shall confirm that the installation, at the time of the site visit and documented in EIFS
installer’s written records, is in conformance with ISO 1733817738-2, the project specifications and the EIFS supplier’s
instructions. Any conflicts in the documentation or in the installation shall be noted on the site verification form and
documented by photographs with indication where on the project the photographs were taken.
7 Pre-Construction Meeting
The EIFS verification personnel shall attend a pre-construction meeting when required in accordance with the ISO 21105-1
level of site verification determined, or when specified in the project documentation to attend.
8 Coordination with trades
The EIFS verification personnel shall determine the trades involved in the installation of the EIFS and any other trade that will
be needed to be communicated with during the site verification process. The EIFS verification personnel shall communicate
the requirements for EIFS installation site verification, and any on-site requirements needed to be able to conduct the site
verification with the construction manager on site.
9 Site verification process
9.1 General
The EIFS verification personnel shall review all contract documents that are specifically for EIFS requirements. The site
verification process shall follow the installation steps outlined in either ISO 17738-2 or the requirements outlined in ISO
21105-2, or both, based on the level of the site verification determined. The results of the site verification shall be recorded in
a report containing information that is stipulated in Annex DAnnex D.
9.2 EIFS
9.2 EIFS, materials storage and handling
The EIFS verification personnel shall confirm whether all EIFS materials and products are as per contract documents and from
a single-source supplier, or other suppliers approved by a single source.
9.2.1 Materials storage and handling
The EIFS verification personnel shall document how the EIFS’s materials and products are being handled and stored.
9.3 Substrate
9.3.1 Acceptable substrates
The EIFS verification personnel shall confirm that the substrate is approved for the EIFS in conformance with ISO 17738-1.
9.3.2 Substrate condition
The EIFS verification personnel shall document the condition of the substrate that is visible and prepared for the installation
of the air and water-resistive barrier in conformance with manufacturer’s installation instructions and ISO 17738-2.
9.4 Mixing
The EIFS verification personnel shall document what equipment is being used to mix the materials and where possible,
document material mixing is in conformance with manufacturer’s written instructions and ISO 17738-2.
9.5 Air and water resistive barrier
9.5.1 General
The EIFS verification personnel document shall document the air and water resistive barrier material being installed on the
substrate.
9.5.2 Substrate compatibility
The EIFS verification personnel shall confirm that the air and water resistive barrier has been tested with the substrate.
9.5.3 Thickness and adhesion
The EIFS verification personnel shall test for the thickness of the installed material in accordance with Annex AAnnex A and
conduct a pull test to determine the pull adhesion value of the installed and cured material in accordance with
Annex BAnnex B.
9.6 Transition membrane
The EIFS verification personnel shall document the materials used as transition membranes and record the results of a visual
inspection of the installed material. The EIFS verification personnel shall conduct a pull test on the transition membrane to
determine the pull adhesion value in accordance with Annex BAnnex B,, at sampled locations where the transition membrane:
— Formsforms continuity of the air and water resistive barrier,; and
— Atat transitions of EIFS to adjacent building enclosure assemblies, such as fenestration, roof systems, etc.
9.7 Thermal insulation boards
9.7.1 Material
The EIFS verification personnel shall document the thermal insulation board material being installed and confirm it is in
conformance with the system tested per ISO 17738-1.
9.7.2 Adhesive contact
The EIFS verification personnel shall visually inspect samples of insulation, to confirm the boards are in full contact with the
adhesive by conducting the test outlined in Annex CAnnex C.
Page 5 of 7
9.7.3 Drainage
The EIFS verification personnel shall confirm drainage between the air and water-resistive barrier and the thermal insulation
boards in accordance with Annex DAnnex D.
9.8 Rasping and surface preparation
The EIFS verification personnel shall document insulation surface rasping and preparation of installed thermal insulation
boards, visible at the time of the site verification, are in conformance with manufacturer’s installation instructions and ISO
17738.-2.
9.9 Base coat and glass fibre reinforcing mesh
The EIFS verification personnel shall document a visual inspection of the base coat and embedded glass-fibre reinforcing mesh
that are visible during the time of the site verification. Conformance with ISO 17738-2 shall be reported. Thickness
measurements shall be conducted in accordance with Annex AAnnex A.
In accordance with ISO 17738-2, at least two layers of base coat shall be required, unless otherwise specified by the EIFS
manufacturer.,. This construction requires a continuous layer of wet base coat is applied over the reinforced base coat to
ensure overall thickness is achieved and for a smooth consistent surface to receive the finish coat.
9.10 Terminations and aesthetic reveals
The EIFS verification personnel shall document that the EIFS terminations meet the design professional’s details, are
compliantconformant with ISO 17738-3 and installed as per manufacturer’s installation instructions and ISO 17738-2.
9.11 Aesthetic reveals
The EIFS verification personnel shall document that the EIFS aesthetic reveals that are being installed and visible during the
site verification are compliant with manufacturer’s installation instructions and ISO 17738-2.
9.12 Pre-wrapped terminations
The EIFS verification personnel shall document the location of pre-wrapped terminations, and that the pre-wrapped
terminations are consistent with manufacturer’s installation instructions and compliantconformant with ISO 17738-2.
9.13 Finish material
The EIFS verification personnel shall document the EIFS finish material in installed as per manufacturer’s installation
instructions and compliantconformant with ISO 17738-2.
Application of colour-matched primer is considered best practice for finish coat application, however, it is recommended only
when part of the contractually defined scope of work for an EIFS project.
10 Test and inspection methods
The EIFS verification personnel shall visually inspect and record all the EIFS installation in progress and record the
observations in a site verification form per Annex EAnnex E of this document.
The EIFS verification personnel shall conduct a pull adhesion test of the air and water-resistive barrier in accordance with
Annex BAnnex B every 100 m or as required by the contract documents.
The EIFS verification personnel shall conduct visual inspection of the contact between the adhesive ribbons and the thermal
insulation board in accordance with Annex CAnnex C every 100 m or as required by the contract documents.
The EIFS verification personnel shall conduct a site drainage test in accordance with Annex DAnnex D every 100 m or as
required by the contract documents.
Site testing conducted by the installer is recommended but not part of this document. The site verification personnel will check
records in addition to conducting the testing expected by the level of verification.
11 Nonconformance
The EIFS verification personnel report shall indicate any items which do not meet the requirements of ISO 17738-1, ISO
17738-3, ISO 17738-3, the contract documents, and the EIFS manufacturer’s installation instructions.
The EIFS verification personnel shall record what was visible the time of the site verification and the results of any testing.
The EIFS verification personnel shall not make any comments outside these requirements, unless it is within their scope of
work and this work is not within the scope of this document.
Page 7 of 7
Annex A
(normative)
Standard test method for determining the thickness of an installed air and water-resistive
barrier material
A.1 Scope
This Annexannex provides the means to determine the onsite installed thickness of fluid applied air and water-resistive
barrier materials.
A.2 Summary of test method
The fluid applied air and water-resistive barrier is required to be installed at a thickness required by the supplier of the
material. As the material has been installed on a substrate, steps are required to be taken to determine the installed thickness
of the material.
A.3 Apparatus
The thickness of the installed material shall be determined using one of the methods listed in this document. All equipment
specified in this Annexannex shall be calibrated and verifiable to traceable standards.
A micrometer or set of callipers can be used to measure the air and water resistive barrier thickness, however, this method
requires the coating to be removed after application, hence are destructive methods for which the coating will need to be
repaired. A micrometer or callipers can be used on site, or in a laboratory.
A more precise method of measuring the air and water resistive barrier thickness is using an optical comparator, however,
this is typically a laboratory device that would not be used on construction sites. It can be used to measure specimens collected
from the site, but is likely measuring at greater accuracy than is typically required for permitted tolerances of the air and
water resistive barrier application.
A non-destructive method of measuring the air and water resistive barrier thickness is with an ultrasonic gauge, however, it
is likely necessary to calibrate the measurement of the coating thickness with control specimens in order to ensure the
measurement is representative of the applied thickness to coatings tested in place.
A.3.1 A.3.1 Micrometer –— a device that compliesconforms with ISO 3611.
A.3.2 A.3.2 Callipers –— a device that compliesconforms with ISO 13385-1.
A.3.3 A.3.3 Optical comparator –— a device that conforms with ISO 8503-2.
A.3.3.1 A.3.4 Ultrasonic Gauge –— a device that conforms with ISO 16809.
A.4 Procedure
A.4.1 A.4.1 Micrometer –— on a sampling basis:.
A.4.1.1 A.4.1.1 This is a destructive method for checking the thickness of the air and water resistive barrier.
A.4.1.2 A.4.1.2 Remove a small piece of the air and water resistive barrier from the substrate using an
appropriate cutting device, being careful to slice the coating away from the substrate without reducing its thickness, nor
cutting into the substrate.
A.4.1.3 A.4.1.3 The specimen should be at least 20 x 20 mm.
A.4.1.4 A.4.1.4 Check the specimen to confirm it is a representative thickness of the coating from the area it is
removed from, then measure its thickness with a micrometer that is calibrated and used according to the requirements of
A.3.1A.3.1,, above.
A.4.1.5A.1.1.1 A.4.1.5 Record the measured thickness to the closest 0,1 mm, rounding down. Communicate with the
appropriate party so they may arrange for repair of the air and water resistive barrier.
11.1.1 A.4.2 Callipers– on a sampling basis:
A.4.1.6A.1.1.1 A.4.2.1 This is a destructive method for checking the thickness of the air and water resistive barrier.
A.4.1.7A.1.1.1 A.4.2.2 Remove a small piece of the air and water resistive barrier from the substrate using an
appropriate cutting device, being careful to slice the coating away from the substrate without reducing its thickness, nor
cutting into the substrate.
A.4.1.8A.1.1.1 A.4.2.3 The specimen should be at least 20 x 20 mm.
11.1.1.1 A.4.2.4 Check the specimen to confirm it is a representative thickness of the coating from the area it is
removed from, then measure its thickness with a set of callipers that are calibrated and used according to
the requirements of A.3.2, above.
Page 9 of 7
A.4.1.9A.4.1.5 A.4.2.5 Record the measured thickness to the closest 0,1 mm, rounding down. Communicate with the
appropriate party so they may arrange for repair of the air and water resistive barrier.
A.4.2 A.4.3 Optical comparator –Callipers — on a sampling basis:
A.4.2.1 A.4.3.1 This is a destructive method for checking the thickness of the air and water resistive barrier.
A.4.2.2 Remove a small piece of the air and water resistive barrier from the substrate using an appropriate cutting device,
being careful to slice the coating away from the substrate without reducing its thickness, nor cutting into the substrate.
A.4.2.3 The specimen should be at least 20 x 20 mm.
A.4.2.4 Check the specimen to confirm it is a representative thickness of the coating from the area it is removed from, then
measure its thickness with a set of callipers that are calibrated and used according to the requirements of A.3.2, above.
A.4.2.5 Record the measured thickness to the closest 0,1 mm, rounding down. Communicate with the appropriate party so
they may arrange for repair of the air and water resistive barrier.
A.4.3 Optical comparator— on a sampling basis:
A.4.3.1 This is a destructive method for checking the thickness of the air and water resistive barrier.
A.4.2.2A.4.3.2 A.4.3.2 Remove a small piece of the air and water resistive barrier from the substrate using an
appropriate cutting device, being careful to slice the coating away from the substrate without reducing its thickness, nor
cutting into the substrate.
A.4.2.3A.4.3.3 A.4.3.3 The specimen should be of a size that an optical comparator device can properly measure.
A.4.2.4A.4.3.4 A.4.3.4 Check the specimen to confirm it is a representative thickness of the coating from the area it is
removed from, then measure its thickness according to the requirements of A.3.3A.3.3,, above.
A.4.2.5A.4.3.5 A.4.3.5 Record the measured thickness to the closest 0,1 mm, rounding down. Communicate with the
appropriate party so they may arrange for repair of the air and water resistive barrier.
A.4.3A.4.4 A.4.4 Ultrasonic Gauge–gauge — on a sampling basis:
A.4.3.1A.4.4.1 A.4.4.1 This is a non-destructive method for checking the thickness of the air and water resistive
barrier.
A.4.3.2A.4.4.2 A.4.4.2 Areas tested should be marked or tagged for future reference, in the event of disputed results.
A.4.3.3A.4.4.3 A.4.4.3 Check the specimen to confirm it is a representative thickness of the coating from the area it is
removed from, then measure its thickness with a set of callipers that are calibrated and used according to the requirements
of A.3.4A.3.4,, above.
A.4.3.4A.4.4.4 A.4.4.4 Record the measured thickness to the closest 0,1 mm, rounding down.
A.5 Report
Produce a test report which includes, as a minimum, shall include the following information:
a) — the address and location of the testing of the installed EIFS system;
b) — the date of the test, and location on the site where each measurement was taken (for project reference),);
c) — a full description of the sample;
d) — reference to this standarddocument (i.e. ISO 17738-4:2026) or any other relevant standardsInternational
Standards used for the testing;
e) — the test method used;
f) — any deviations from the test procedure;
g) — any unusual features that were observed;
h) — name of the entity conducting the test (if other than the site verification personnel), testing location, and the
name of the person conducting the test,;
i) — identification of material tested including manufacturer name, material name, material type, and manufacturer
production code and tested thickness,;
j) — the results of testing including a reference to the standardInternational Standard or Clauseclause which
explains how the results were either measured roto calculate, or both.;
k) — the temperature and relative humidity of the environmental during the test period,;
l) — a description of the apparatus used, including apparatus manufacturer and model number,;
m) — the thickness measured for each specimen and indicate if there is any material thickness deviations or damage
from removal of the coating that may affect the measurement.
Reporting shall include a statement that the test method has not been modified, or If modifications to the test procedure are
required, reporting shall describe specific modifications and justification for each modification.
Page 11 of 7
Annex B
(normative)
Standard test method for pull-off strength of adhered air and water-resistive barriers
using an adhesion tester
B.1 Scope
This Annexannex describes the test method for evaluating the pull-off (adhesion) strength (may also be considered tensile
bond strength) of adhered air and water resistive barriers on rigid substrates. The test determines the greatest perpendicular
force (in tension) that the surface area of the material can bear. Failure will occur along the weakest plane within the system
comprised of the disc, adhesive, air and water resistive barrier material, and substrate.
In the case of wood or gypsum based sheathing substrates, if the substrate is damaged during the adhesion-testing of the air
and water resistive barrier, then it shall be locally repaired prior to proceeding with the installation work.
This test method determines tensile stress in contrast to other adhesion test methods (such as shear and peel tests) which
measures other stress components and results are not comparable between test methods.
This test method uses a class of apparatus known as pull-off adhesion testers. They can apply a concentric load and counter
load to a single surface so that material can be tested even though only one side is accessible. The maximum measured load is
limited by the strength of the bond between the disc and the specimen surface, the cohesive strength of the adhesive, the
cohesive strength of the air/water barrier composite, the adhesion between the air/water barrier composite and the adhesive
(two-bond) and the adhesive bond between adhesive and substrate.
This test is destructive and when the test is conducted in the field, the area affected will need to be repaired.
The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standardbasis.
This document does not purport to address all the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the
user of this standarddocument to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of
regulatory limitations prior to use.
B.2 Referenced documents
There are no referenced documents.
B.3B.2 3. Summary of test method
The pull-off test is performed by securing a disc to the surface of the air/water barrier material with an adhesive. After the
adhesive is cured, a testing apparatus is attached to the disc and aligned to apply tension to the test surface. The force applied
to the disc is then gradually increased and monitored until failure. Upon failure, the exposed surface represents the plane of
limiting strength within the system. The nature of the failure is qualified in accordance with the adhesive and cohesive failures,
and the actual interfaces and layers involved. The pull-off strength is determined based on a set size of disc.
The test can be conducted in a laboratory or in the field. When conducted in the field, a portable adhesion tester shall be used.
B.4B.3 Significance and Use
The pull-off strength of a material is an important performance property that has been used in air and water resistive barrier
specifications. This test method serves as a means for uniformly preparing and testing materials and evaluating and reporting
the results. This test method is applicable to an apparatus for determining the pull-off strength of a material.
The results from this test method are only valid for the specific substrate and air/water barrier combination. It is to be
expected that results obtained on different substrates with the same air/water barrier material will yield different results.
B.5B.4 Apparatus
Adhesion Tester, have a central grip for engaging the disc and with a wheel and crank for moving the grip away from the
base in a smooth and continuous manner so that a torsion free, co-axial (opposing pull of the grip and push of the base along
the same axis) force results between them or utilize hydraulics with a manual or electronically controlled pump. The tester
includes a base for uniformly pressing against the material surface around the disc either directly, or by way of an intermediate
base.
Disc, metal or plywood material, 60 mm (2,25 inches) in diameter having a flat surface on one side that can be adhered parallel
to the material and a means of attachment to the tester on the other side. The thickness of a metal disc shall be 6 mm minimum
and a plywood disc shall be 15 mm minimum.
Timer, means to determine revolutions per minute.
Force Indicator, digital gauge for determining the actual force delivered to the disc. The gauge shall have an accuracy of 0,5 %
at full scale. The maximum capacity of the load cell shall be sized for the anticipated maximum load. The force indicator shall
be labelled with the date of calibration to an accuracy of 0,5 % at full scale. The calibration date shall be within the last
12 months and the calibration shall have been conducted at 23 ± 2 °C, 50 ± 5 % RH).
Cleaning Agent, means for cleaning the disc surface or material surface. The cleaning agent should not degrade or negatively
affect the material’s properties. Similarly, surface abrasion may introduce flaws and should generally be avoided or limited to
use for removing loose and weakly adhered surface contaminants.
Adhesive, means for bonding the disc to the material that does not affect the material’s properties.
Note: NOTE Two component epoxies and hot glues have been found to be effective.
Tape, material used for holding the disc in place while the adhesive cures.
Cloth, material used for removing excess adhesive and defining the adhered area.
Utility Knife or Circular Hole Cutter, device used to cut through the material being tested to the substrate around the disc.
Note: NOTE Significant friction maycan be developed between circular hole cutters and air barrier material, resulting in torsion
applied to the bond interface and significant heat. A circular hole cutter with a kerf at the cutting edge maycan be used to minimize this
problem. In other words, there is a small region at the cutting edge that has a smaller inside diameter and larger outside diameter than the
remainder of the barrel. This is an important consideration to see less variability in testing results for some air barrier material which are
thick.
B.6B.5 Test Preparation
Select a surface area which is 1 m x× 1 m. The surface may have any orientation regarding gravitational pull. Three (3) pulls
shall be conducted to determine a representative characterization of the adhesion of the material in the area selected. These
three (3) pulls shall be considered a single test.
The selected test area shall be flat and be rigid enough to support the counter force.
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Select three (3) representative pull areas within the test site which are the size of the test apparatus base.
Where the material is not parallel to the substrate, shave off some of the material to have the surface where the disc will be
installed parallel to the substrate.
Clean the surfaces of the pull areas in a manner that will not affect integrity of the material or leave a residue.
Separate each pull area by a distance greater than the base of the apparatus.
Clean the disc surface to avoid a failure at either the disc/adhesive interface or abrade the disk to promote adhesion, or both.
Prepare the adhesive in accordance with the adhesive manufacturer’s recommendations. Apply the adhesive to the disc and/
or the surface to be tested, or both, using a procedure recommended by the adhesive manufacturer. Apply the adhesive in a
manner so that the adhesive coats 100 % of the surface area.
Apply the disc on the surface of fully cured air and water resistive barrier material, based on the air and water resistive barrier
manufacturer’s recommendations and the environmental conditions experienced. The disc shall be parallel to the rigid
substrate. Apply pressure to the disc when placing it on the material to ensure full contact between material, adhesive, and
disc. Temporarily secure disc in place while adhesive cures to ensure full bonding and prevent movement of disc. Allow time
for the adhesive to fully cure before performing the test, based on the adhesive manufacturer’s recommendations and the
anticipated environmental conditions.
Note: NOTE High tack tapes can work well for temporarily securi
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