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

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