The ABAA’s job site Quality Assurance Program (QAP) aims to drastically reduce costly facade repairs by ensuring proper air barrier material selection.

ABAA evaluated materials have been pre-tested and determined to meet the industry’s most stringent codes and performance standards.

Discover, in our short video, how ABAA Evaluated Materials meet the demands of today’s complex building requirements.

Today’s air barrier code is basic, mandating that materials block air according to ASTM 2178 tests, which solely measure air permeance (leakage) without considering other physical and architectural properties.

Air barriers must withstand a myriad of physical and architectural properties such as building movement, wind, UV exposure, climate differentials, and water resistance.

Climate differentials, wind, and weather

Building movement, expansion, and contraction

Permanent—for open joint cladding—and temporary UV exposure

Water resistance

ABAA ensures that all evaluated materials meet air barrier requirements through:

• Rigorous testing in accredited labs
• Compliance with industry performance standards
• Validation by an independent third party

Adhesion Testing

Air Resistance Testing

Fire Testing

Performance Criteria

Thermal Characteristics

Strength

Water Vapor Transmittance

Water Resistance Testing

E96 Water Vapor Transmittance Procedure A Dry Cup (desiccant method)

E96 Water Vapor Transmittance Procedure B Web Cup (water method)