Why Use ABAA Evaluated Air Barrier Materials
ABAA Evaluated Building Enclosure Materials Help Prevent Costly Failures
The ABAA’s job site Quality Assurance Program (QAP) aims to drastically reduce costly building enclosure repairs by ensuring proper air barrier material selection.
ABAA evaluated materials have been pre-tested and determined to meet the industry’s most stringent codes and performance standards.
Video: Why ABAA Evaluated Materials Matter for Today’s Buildings
Current Codes Require One Test
Today’s air barrier code is basic, mandating that materials block air according to ASTM 2178 tests, which solely measure air permeance (leakage) without considering other physical and architectural properties.
ABAA Evaluated Materials: The Mark of a Reliable, High-Performance Air Barrier
Air barriers must withstand a myriad of physical and architectural properties such as building movement, wind, UV exposure, climate differentials, and water resistance.
Climate differentials, wind, and weather
Building movement, expansion, and contraction
Air pressures from stack effect and mechanical systems
Water resistance
Explore ABAA Required Tests
ABAA ensures that all evaluated materials meet air barrier requirements through:
- Rigorous testing in accredited labs
- Compliance with industry performance standards
- Validation by an independent third party
ABAA Testing Examples
Adhesion Testing
Air Leakage of Materials
Fire Testing
Air Leakage of Assemblies
Thermal Characteristics
Strength
Water Vapor Transmittance
Water Resistance Testing
Water Vapor Transmission ASTM E96 Desiccant
Water Vapor Transmission ASTM E96 Water
