ASTM C1601 Standard Test Method for Field Determination of Water Penetration of Masonry Wall Surfaces

The ASTM C1601 standard test method is a specific test for penetration of masonry wall. This test is meant for the determination of water penetration in one area of a masonry wall. This standard test method is not meant to check the watertight integrity of the entire masonry system.

Effects of Water Intrusion on Masonry Wall Surfaces

The surface area of masonry walls are exposed to wind driven rain which can cause it to deteriorate and develop areas that can allow water penetration. Walls that are built to a standard with proper materials, installation and maintenance can withstand this wind driven rain condition.

Effects of Excessive Water Penetration

Excessive water penetration of masonry walls can cause it to deteriorate, staining, efflorescence, less thermal conductivity, lessens durability, corrosion of metal interior supports and allows for leakage. In this test the wall surface is tested within the requirements to determine water penetration.

Masonry Walls Designed with Drainage

Some walls are built to take on a lot of wind driven rain because the have specially designed drainage systems that use flashing and drainage. The wall surface being tested should be identified properly so that the conclusion of the test will be applicable.

The Testing Method for ASTM C1601

This specific test method uses a specific water flow rate and air pressure conditions for the field determination of water penetration of masonry wall surfaces. This test method can be used on any wall that meets the requirements of this standard so that in can be tested using specific equipment. The ASTM C1601 only tests surface penetration unlike the E514/E514M standard test method which tests for water penetration. Building Leak Detection uses specialized equipment to properly test the surface of the masonry wall surface. The use of the ASTM standard tests can be compared no matter who does the testing.