ASTM E2178-03

The purpose of this test is to measure the air permeance of flexible sheet or rigid panel-type materials. The results of this test may be useful in determining suitability of that material as a component of an air retarder system.

This method does not address the installed air leakage performance of building materials. The installed performance of air retarder materials and air retarder systems in low-rise framed wall construction is addressed in Specification E 1677.

1.1 This test method is to determine the air permeance of building materials at various pressure differentials with the intent of determining an assigned air permeance rate of the material at the reference pressure difference (P) of 75 Pa.

1.2 The method is intended to assess flexible sheet or rigid panel-type materials using a 1 m 1 m specimen size.

1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurements are included in this standard.

1.4 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.