ASTM E 96/E 96M—05 Test Method for Water Vapor Transmission of Materials (PDF Download)

1.1 These test methods cover the determination of water vapor transmission (WVT) of materials through which the passage of water vapor may be of importance, such as paper, plastic films, other sheet materials, fiberboards, gypsum and plaster products, wood products, and plastics. The test methods are limited to specimens not over 11/ 4 in. (32 mm) in thickness except as provided in Section . Two basic methods, the Desiccant Method and the Water Method, are provided for the measurement of permeance, and two variations include service conditions with one side wetted and service conditions with low humidity on one side and high humidity on the other. Agreement should not be expected between results obtained by different methods. The method should be selected that more nearly approaches the conditions of use.1.2 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded separately as the standard. Within the text, the SI units are shown in parentheses. The values stated in each system are not exact equivalents; therefore each system must be used independently of the other. Combining values from two systems will result in non-conformance with the standard. However derived results can be converted from one system to other using appropriate conversion factors (see Table 1).1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety problems, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

This standard is referenced in the 2012 International Building Code® and the International Residential Code®.