ASTM E2178: Standard Test Method for Determining Air Leakage Rate and Calculation of Air Permeance of Building Materials
Standard: ASTM E2178 – Standard Test Method for Determining Air Leakage Rate and Calculation of Air Permeance of Building Materials
Scope: Per ASTM E2178: “This test method is to determine the air leakage rate of building materials at various pressure differentials with the intent of calculating an assigned air permeance rate of the material at the reference pressure difference of 75 Pa. The results may be useful in determining suitability of the material as a component of an air retarder system.”
Applicable Products: Flexible Sheet of Rigid Panel Type Materials (1m x 1m)
Test Procedures: Test specimens are installed on the test chamber with a polyethylene film placed over top and sealed to the frame of the chamber. Extraneous air leakage of the test apparatus/specimens at various pressure differentials of 25 Pa, 50, Pa, 75 Pa, 100 Pa, 150 Pa, and 300 Pa to establish tare readings. The film is removed, and air leakage is measured at the same six pressures. After measurements are taken at 300 Pa, air leakage is remeasured at 100 Pa, 75 Pa, and 50 Pa to determine if the measurement process has affected the air leakage rate of the material. If the difference between the two measured rates is greater than 10%, the cause of the air leakage rate change shall be identified.
End Result: Air leakage rate of the material is determined
Intertek Testing Locations: York, PA