Those choosing or buying building sealant systems will be able to use this standard as a guide when evaluating such systems’ long-term performance in the face of weathering and other issues. It provides an outline for development of realistic accelerated testing methods.

“It is impossible to know how a product will perform in five to 10 years, but you have to select a product now,” says Christopher White, an ASTM member and research chemist at the U.S. National Institute for Standards and Technology (NIST). “This new standard is a guide to accelerated test methods that will help determine the performance of products in the future.”

The standard was developed by ASTM’s committee on building seals and sealants, C24.

A new committee—one focused on creating standards for non-hydraulic cement—was also announced at the end of March.

Non-hydraulic cements are an increasingly popular alternative to traditional Portland cement, with a growing role to play in construction. The group, a subcommittee of the organization’s committee on cement (C01), will be composed of cement producers, contractors, and those with an interest in non-hydraulic cements.

Joining ASTM International’s June Committee Week in Toronto, Ontario, the subcommittee will hold its first meeting June 15.