ASTM C919-22 PDF

Overview

ASTM C919-22: Standard Practice for Use of Sealants in Acoustical Applications establishes recommended practices for applying sealants to reduce sound transmission in building assemblies. Targeting interior walls, ceilings, and floors, the standard addresses the critical importance of properly sealing joints, voids, and penetrations-often referred to as airborne sound flanking paths-to improve the sound transmission loss (STL) performance of various building constructions. This practice supports architects, contractors, and building professionals in enhancing acoustical performance while maintaining compliance with industry codes and regulations.

Key Topics

• Significance of Acoustical Sealing: Buildings with unsealed or poorly sealed joints and openings are prone to increased sound transmission. ASTM C919-22 highlights that effective sealing can significantly reduce unwanted noise transfer between rooms or units by addressing airborne sound flanking paths.

• Sound Transmission Class (STC) Requirements: The standard references the use of STC units to quantify the sound-insulating performance of building partitions. It aligns with industry codes such as the International Building Code (IBC) and federal standards, setting expectations for sound attenuation in residential and commercial spaces.

• Types of Sealants:

  • Precured Sealants: Includes gaskets and tapes, suitable where joint dimensions are consistent.
  • Non-Sag (Liquid-Applied) Sealants: Flexible and adaptable for irregular gaps; includes:
    • Non-drying/non-hardening types for concealed areas.
    • Skinning sealants, such as latex-based and aerosol foam, offering paintability and ease of application for visible joints.
    • Elastomeric sealants, for joints subject to movement, referenced in ASTM C920.
  • Joint Compounds: Used primarily for static joints between gypsum panels.

• Sealant Placement and Application: The document explains that selective and correct positioning of sealants can substantially increase STC values, thus ensuring that acoustic barriers perform as designed.

• Paintability: Discusses best practices for painting over sealants, emphasizing compatibility between sealant and paint, and highlighting the importance of curing time to prevent paint cracking or delamination.

Applications

ASTM C919-22 is widely implemented in:

• Multi-family Residential Construction: Enhancing privacy and comfort by minimizing sound transfer through walls, floors, and ceilings in apartments and condominiums.
• Commercial Buildings: Ensuring sound insulation in offices, hotels, and hospitals to create productive or restful environments.
• Schools and Academic Facilities: Supporting effective learning environments by reducing classroom-to-classroom noise.
• Compliance with Codes: Meeting IBC Section 1206 and HUD Minimum Property Standards for sound control requirements in various building types.

By following ASTM C919-22, builders and designers can achieve optimal acoustical performance and ensure durability, safety, and user satisfaction in their structures.

Related Standards

ASTM C919-22 references and aligns with several related standards and guidelines, including:

• ASTM C634: Terminology Relating to Building and Environmental Acoustics
• ASTM C717: Terminology of Building Seals and Sealants
• ASTM C834: Specification for Latex Sealants
• ASTM C920: Specification for Elastomeric Joint Sealants
• ASTM C1193: Guide for Use of Joint Sealants
• ASTM C1520: Guide for Paintability of Latex Sealants
• ASTM C1620: Specification for Aerosol Polyurethane and Latex Foam Sealants
• ASTM C1642: Practice for Determining Air Leakage Rates of Sealants
• ASTM C1852: Guide for Selection/Delivery of Aerosol Foam Sealants and Adhesives
• ASTM E90 / E336 / E413: Standards for measuring and rating sound transmission in building partitions

These standards provide comprehensive technical guidance for effective use of sealants in acoustically demanding building applications.

Keywords: acoustical sealants, ASTM C919-22, sound transmission, sound insulation, STC, building acoustics, building codes, flanking paths, airway sound, sealant application, joint sealing practices.