ASTM E154-99(2005) - 1.12.2005
 
Significance and Use

In service, vapor retarders may be exposed to a variety of conditions, so no one test will provide evaluations related to performance for all exposures (refer to Guide E 241 and C 755). Neither will all test methods listed be necessary in all evaluations for specific exposures (see 16.2).

LimitationsPrior to use and in service, vapor retarders may be exposed to a variety of conditions so no one test will provide evaluations related to performance for all exposures (refer to Guide E 241 and C 755). Neither will all tests be necessary in all evaluations for specific exposures. Consequently, the tests and required test results shall be agreed upon by the purchaser and the supplier (see 16.2).

 
1. Scope

1.1 These test methods cover the determination of the properties of flexible membranes to be used as vapor retarders in contact with earth under concrete slabs, against walls, or as ground cover in crawl spaces. The test methods are applicable primarily to plastic films, and other flexible sheets. The materials are not intended to be subjected to sustained hydrostatic pressure. The procedures simulate conditions to which vapor retarders may be subjected prior to and during installation, and in service.

1.2 The test methods included are:

SectionWater-Vapor Transmission of Material as ReceivedWater-Vapor Transmission after Wetting and Drying and after Long-Time SoakingTensile Strength Resistance to Puncture Resistance to Plastic Flow and Elevated Temperature Effect of Low Temperatures on Flexibility Resistance to Deterioration from Organisms and Substances in Con-tacting Soil Resistance to Deterioration from Petroleum Vehicles for Soil PoisonsResistance to Deterioration from Exposure to Ultraviolet Light Resistance to Flame Spread Report

1.3 The values stated in acceptable metric units shall be considered standard. The values in parentheses are for information only.

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 and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

 
2. Referenced Documents

C755-20

Standard Practice for Selection of Water Vapor Retarders for Thermal Insulation

D1985-13(2019)

Standard Practice for Preparing Concrete Blocks for Testing Sealants, for Joints and Cracks

F1249-20

Standard Test Method for Water Vapor Transmission Rate Through Plastic Film and Sheeting Using a Modulated Infrared Sensor

E631-15

Standard Terminology of Building Constructions

E437-92(1997)

Specification for Industrial Wire Cloth and Screens (Square Opening Series) (Withdrawn 2000)

E241-20

Standard Guide for Limiting Water-Induced Damage to Buildings

E96/E96M-23

Standard Test Methods for Gravimetric Determination of Water Vapor Transmission Rate of Materials

E84-23d

Standard Test Method for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials (Includes all amendments and changes 1/29/2024).

D4397-16(2023)

Standard Specification for Polyethylene Sheeting for Construction, Industrial, and Agricultural Applications

D2565-23

Standard Practice for Xenon-Arc Exposure of Plastics Intended for Outdoor Applications

D1709-22

Standard Test Methods for Impact Resistance of Plastic Film by the Free-Falling Dart Method

D882-18

Standard Test Method for Tensile Properties of Thin Plastic Sheeting

D828-22

Standard Test Method for Tensile Properties of Paper and Paperboard Using Constant-Rate-of-Elongation Apparatus

C168-22

Standard Terminology Relating to Thermal Insulation