ASTM International Committee C24 on Building Seals and Sealants is currently working to fill a need for a weatherproofing sealant field test standard. The result, proposed standard WK7800, Guide for a Non-Destructive, Continuous, Field Test of Installed Weatherproofing Sealant, features a field test that has been used by sealant professionals for years, but has not, up to this point, been standardized. The proposed new standard is under the jurisdiction of Subcommittee C24.10 on Specifications, Guides, and Practices.

According to Jerome Klosowski, president and chief researcher, Klosowski Scientific Inc., the test outlined in WK7800 is faster than the older method of probing and poking the joint in search of irregularities. "With this test, we roll over the entire joint," says Klosowski. "It is fast, but it is also efficient in that it looks at all of the joint and not just discrete places along the joint."

The field test described in the proposed standard involves putting a strip of masking tape alongside the joint, then rolling a wheel along the joint with some pressure on the wheel. Points at which the wheel moves further, or lesser, into the joint are marked. This field test provides a better road map of sealant problems on a tested surface than any other technique currently in use.

Klosowski is quick to emphasize the importance of WK7800. "Buildings that last longer, with fewer problems, are good for the owners and good sealant tests are fundamental to ensuring this longevity," explains Klosowski, who notes that sealant failures are often the second most important cause of water ingress and building deterioration, after the roof. In some cases, sealant failure is actually more serious than roofing issues. "This field test to determine the extent of problems, if any, is not a trivial matter," says Klosowski. "In fact, it is fundamental and badly needed."

In order to find out more about WK7800, visit the ASTM International Web site (mailto:www.astm.org) and enter "WK7800" in the site search box on the home page.

For further technical information, contact Jerome Klosowski, president and chief researcher, Klosowski Scientific Inc., Bay City, Mich. (phone: 989/684-3671; j.m.klosowski@chartermi.net). Committee C24 meets Jan. 8-11, 2006, in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. For membership or meeting details, contact Scott Orthey, ASTM International (phone: 610/832-9730; sorthey@astm.org).

Release #7174