New ASTM Guide Helps Predict Performance, Lifespan of Building Sealants

Words: Anonymous Anonymous, James Nielsen, Christopher White
A new guide aims to help predict how building sealant systems will perform over time using accelerated testing methods.
A new guide from ASTM aims to help predict how building sealant systems will perform over time using accelerated testing methods.

April 5, 2017 — A new guide will soon be published that can help predict how building sealant systems will perform over time using accelerated testing methods. The standard, C1850, Guide for Improved Laboratory Accelerated Tests to Predict the Weathering and for Developing Methods to Predict the Design Life of Building Sealant Systems, was developed by ASTM International’s committee on building seals and sealants.

The guide outlines a systematic way to develop tests that show the long-term impact of weathering and other factors.  

Christopher White, a research chemist at the U.S. National Institute for Standards and Technology, and an ASTM International member, says, “It is impossible to know how a product will perform in five to ten years, but you have to select a product now. This new standard is a guide to accelerated test methods that will help determine the performance of products in the future.”

White says that the proposed standard could be useful for anyone in charge of choosing or buying sealants. The new standard could potentially serve as a model for the development of accelerated testing standards for other materials. 

For more news in this sector, visit www.astm.org/sn-construction.


ASTM Committee C24 on Building Seals and Sealants Next Meeting: June 11-13, 2017, Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Media Inquiries: Dan Bergels, tel +1.610.832.9602; dbergels@astm.org

Technical Contact: Christopher White, National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, Md., tel +1.301.975.6016; christopher.white@nist.gov

ASTM Staff Contact: Julia Moynihan, tel +1.610.832.9681; jmoynihan@astm.org

Vibing Masonry #5-- The Evolution of Concrete Masonry Units: From Ancient Foundations to Modern Innovations
April 2025

Early Development: The Genesis of Concrete Blocks (early Rome to 1900s) The history of concrete masonry units (CMUs) or concrete blocks begins with humanity’s earliest binding materials, notably the Romans’ remarkable concrete. Around AD 125, structures l

MASONRY STRONG Podcast, Episode 18 Recap: Jeff Tew, Westlake Royal Stone Solutions
April 2025

On this episode of the MASONRY STRONG Podcast, Jeff Tew joins the show, along with MCAA President Jeff Buczkiewicz, to talk about where his passion for this industry started and what it's been like working on the Supplier side of the industry. An Excitin

Westlake Royal Building Products™ Introduces New Board & Batten Profile for Royal® and Exterior Portfolio® Vinyl Siding Lines
April 2025

Westlake Royal Building Products™ (“Westlake Royal”), a Westlake company (NYSE: WLK), has introduced a next-generation Board & Batten profile for its Royal® and Exterior Portfolio® vinyl siding lines. Maintaining the timeless charm of Board & Batten whil

New Mid-America® Gable Vents From Westlake Royal Building Products™ Combine Architectural Style With Easy Installation
April 2025

Westlake Royal Building Products™ (“Westlake Royal”), a Westlake company (NYSE:WLK), is introducing four new gable vents to its Mid-America® line of exterior siding accessories. The new gable vents offer several advantages over alternative gable vents, in