5.1 Glass fiber reinforcing meshes are used to strengthen EIFS. The reinforcing meshes are embedded into base coats that contain portland cement, which potentially exposes the glass fibers in the reinforcing meshes to weakening by the action of alkali. The breaking force following alkali exposure as determined by this method, is a factor used to comparatively evaluate the alkali resistance of EIFS glass fiber reinforcing meshes in the laboratory.

5.2 This test method does not purport to simulate the conditions that may be encountered in service. The performance of an EIFS is a function of many factors, such as proper installation, rigidity of supporting construction and resistance of the EIFS to deterioration by other causes.

1.1 This test method covers procedures for determining the breaking force of glass fiber mesh following their conditioning in an alkali solution. The method is applicable to glass fiber mesh used in Class PB Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems (EIFS) with base coats that contain portland cement as an ingredient.

1.2 Breaking force is expressed both as force per unit width of mesh and as a percentage of the breaking force of the mesh that has not been exposed to alkali conditioning.

1.3 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in each system are not necessarily exact equivalents; therefore, to ensure conformance with the standard, each system shall be used independently of the other, and values from the two systems shall not be combined.

1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

1.5 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.