Proven Performance: 4 Essential ASTM Tests that Validate GreenGirt CMH & SMARTci Systems

Every building material decision impacts the structural performance of the building envelope. When untested or inadequately validated materials fail, the consequences extend far beyond repairs: they compromise the structural integrity of the building and accelerate deterioration that shortens a building’s serviceable lifetime. Without rigorous validation through recognized standards, specifiers cannot guarantee the critical building envelope components will maintain their protective function throughout the building’s lifetime.

ASTM International standards eliminate this uncertainty. As the global leader in consensus-based technical standards, ASTM tests provide the definitive framework for evaluating building material performance across critical metrics: structural integrity, fire resistance, moisture management, and more. These standards establish baseline requirements that separate proven systems from untested alternatives, and determine how certain materials will behave and withstand the requirements of building performance needs.

This article examines four essential ASTM tests that validate the performance of GreenGirt CMH™ and SMARTci® systems. Understanding these test results empowers specifiers to make data-driven decisions, ensuring their building envelope selections meet the demands of modern construction while exceeding minimum performance requirements.

ASTM D638: Tensile Properties of Plastics

ASTM D638 tests the tensile properties of plastic materials, as tensile properties are known to vary with specimen preparation and with speed and environment of testing. This test considers a plastic material’s tensile strength, tensile modulus, elongation, and uses Poisson’s Ratio to describe the material’s tendency to deform in directions perpendicular to the applied force. GreenGirt CMH and SMARTci systems have been tested in accordance to the ASTM D638 standard, and has a minimum yield strength of 40 KSI (kilopound per square inch) in all directions, meaning the systems can withstand significant stress without permanent deformation, emphasizing these systems’ ability to maintain structural integrity throughout a building’s lifetime.

ASTM E84: Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials

The ASTM E84 standard is the fire-test-response standard for the comparative surface behavior of building materials. This 10-minute-long test determines the relative burning behavior of the material by observing the flame spread along the specimen. The standard reports the index of the flame spread and smoke developed throughout the test: to obtain an ASTM E84 Class A rating, the highest rating available, materials must report a flame spread index (FSI) ≤ 25, and a smoke developed index (SDI) of < 450. GreenGirt CMH and SMARTci systems comply with the expectations of the Class A rating, as the systems were tested in accordance with ASTM E84 and scored an FSI of ≤ 25, and an SDI of < 200, demonstrating the highest level of fire resistance and positioning these systems as safe options for installing on walls and roofs.

ASTM E283 & ASTM E331 for Air- and Water-Resistive Barriers

ASTM E283, “Rate of Air Leakage Through Exterior Windows, Curtain Walls, and Doors,” is the standard that determines the air leakage rates of exterior windows, skylights, curtain walls, and doors under specified pressure conditions across the specimen. This test focuses strictly on the assembly, not the installation of the product, and is intended for laboratory use only.

ASTM E331, “Water Penetration of Exterior Windows, Skylights, Doors, and Curtain Walls by Uniform Static Air Pressure Difference,” is the standard that determines a material’s resistance to water penetration under uniform static air pressure differences for windows, curtain walls, skylights, and doors. Testing is done with water applied to the outdoor face and exposed edges simultaneously with a uniform static air pressure at the outdoor face higher than the pressure at the indoor face.

Together, these two standards can determine whether a system can be used as an air- and water-resistive barrier, an essential factor when selecting a continuous insulation or building enclosure system to prevent unintended air and moisture movement in wall assemblies. The SMARTci system installed on open studs was tested in accordance to both ASTM E283 and ASTM E331 to determine its qualification as an air- and water-resistive barrier. Results of the ASTM E283 test concluded that the system has a high level of air leakage resistance, meaning that the SMARTci system performs well in terms in energy efficiency and airtightness, and is approved for use as an air barrier assembly when installed with polyiso insulation. Additionally, the ASTM E331 results concluded that the SMARTci system demonstrated a high level of water penetration resistance, preventing water from entering the building envelope, meaning that the SMARTci system is approved for use as a WRB when installed with polyiso insulation.

Conclusion

Structural integrity cannot be assumed or based on manufacturer claims alone: it must be proven through empirical testing against established standards. ASTM’s comprehensive testing protocols provide a reliable method for ensuring materials will maintain their protective and structural functions throughout a building’s lifetime.

GreenGirt CMH and SMARTci systems exceed the expectations of ASTM standards by demonstrating superior performance that translates directly to long-term safety and durability. Results from ASTM D638, ASTM E84, ASTM E283, and ASTM E331 testing reveal the compliance of GreenGirt CMH and SMARTci systems to deliver high-performance through fire resistance, tensile strength, and air- and water-resistance. These systems deliver the peace of mind that comes from knowing a building envelope will perform as designed for the duration of the building’s lifetime.

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Related Resources:

A2P’s Continuous Insulation & Building Enclosure Solutions Tested to ASTM’s Standards

Read “ASTM Standards and Physical Testing: A2P’s Commitment to Excellence”

Read “A Guide to Understanding ASTM E84: Maximizing Fire Safety for Your Architectural Projects”

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