ICC-ES AC38

Full Name

ICC-ES AC38 – Acceptance Criteria for Water-resistive Barriers

Scope

ICC-ES AC38 outlines the requirements for materials and assemblies intended to control the passage of water into the building envelope. The scope includes:
  • Material properties: it specifies the minimum requirements for water resistance, durability, and other physical properties of materials used as water-resistive barriers (WRBs).
  • Testing procedures: it details the standardized testing methods for evaluating the water resistance and other performance characteristics of WRBs.
  • Installation requirements: it provides guidelines for the proper installation of WRBs to ensure their effectiveness in preventing water intrusion.
  • Evaluation and certification: it outlines the process for evaluating and certifying WRB products to ensure they meet the acceptance criteria.
ICC-ES AC38 covers a wide range of WRB materials, including sheet membranes, fluid-applied membranes, and other types of barriers. It also addresses various aspects of WRB performance, such as resistance to wind-driven rain, water vapor transmission, and compatibility with other building materials. By adhering to ICC-ES AC38, manufacturers can ensure that their WRB products meet rigorous performance standards, and builders can have confidence in the ability of these products to protect buildings from water damage.

Resources

Keywords

water-resistive barrier; water resistance; durability; testing; installation; evaluation; certification; sheet membrane; fluid-applied membrane; wind-driven rain; water vapor transmission
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