ASTM E2188-19 PDF

Full title and description

ASTM E2188-19 — Standard Test Method for Insulating Glass Unit Performance. This test method provides procedures to evaluate the performance and durability of preassembled permanently sealed insulating glass units (IGUs) and IGUs with intentionally open capillary tubes, focusing on seal system integrity and unit construction under laboratory exposure conditions.

Abstract

ASTM E2188‑19 specifies laboratory procedures to assess the performance of insulating glass units with respect to their sealed construction and sealing system. The method is intended to reproduce stresses that affect seal durability and gas retention in double‑ and triple‑glazed units and to provide a consistent basis for comparative evaluation. It is not intended for continuous exposure to high relative humidity or long‑term immersion conditions, nor is it applicable to IGUs with certain spandrel coatings.

General information

• Status: Active
• Publication date: April 1, 2019 (Edition: E2188‑19)
• Publisher: ASTM International
• ICS / categories: 81.040.01 (Glass in general)
• Edition / version: E2188‑19 (2019)
• Number of pages: 5

Scope

This test method covers procedures for testing the performance of preassembled permanently sealed insulating glass units and insulating glass units with capillary (breather) tubes intentionally left open. It applies only to IGUs constructed with glass and is applicable to both double‑glazed and triple‑glazed units where the outer lites are glass (the inner lite of triple units may be glass or a suspended film). The standard notes that specific unit dimensions used in the method are essential to the test and that variations in glass type, thickness, or cavity size can affect results. It excludes IGUs containing certain spandrel glass coatings that cannot be tested by the method.

Key topics and requirements

• Test procedures to evaluate the sealing system and construction of sealed IGUs (seal durability and joint performance).
• Applicability to both double‑glazed and triple‑glazed IGUs (with specified restrictions for triple units).
• Specified test specimen dimensions and construction details as essential test parameters.
• Limitations: not intended for continuous high relative humidity exposure or prolonged immersion; not applicable to some spandrel coatings.
• References and harmonization with related terminology and test methods (for example, terminology standards for glass and sealants and tests for frost/dew point, fogging, and gas concentration).
• Use of the method for comparative assessments and suitability evaluation for certain applications (e.g., potential use in structurally glazed systems, with cautions about UV and long‑term sealant performance).

Typical use and users

Common users include insulating glass manufacturers, independent testing laboratories, façade and curtain‑wall contractors, architects and specifiers, product certification bodies, and building envelope consultants. The method is used to compare seal and unit constructions, support product development and quality control, and help evaluate whether specific IGU constructions meet performance expectations for typical architectural applications.

Related standards

ASTM E2188‑19 is part of a family of IGU and glazing standards and references or is referenced by several ASTM documents. Relevant related standards include ASTM E2190 (Specification for Insulating Glass Unit Performance and Evaluation), ASTM E2189 (Test Method for Testing Resistance to Fogging in Insulating Glass Units), ASTM E546 (Test Method for Frost/Dew Point of Sealed Insulating Glass Units), ASTM E2269 (Argon concentration measurement methods), and terminology/specification standards such as ASTM C162, C717, C1036 and E631. The standard is developed under ASTM Committee E06, Subcommittee E06.22.

Keywords

insulating glass unit, IGU, IGU performance, seal durability, double‑glazed, triple‑glazed, capillary tube, fogging, frost/dew point, argon concentration, glazing, sealing system, ASTM E2188

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ASTM E2188‑19 is a standard test method that defines laboratory procedures to evaluate the performance of insulating glass units, with emphasis on the sealing system and unit construction.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers procedures for testing preassembled permanently sealed IGUs and IGUs with intentionally open capillary tubes, applicable to glass double‑ and triple‑glazed units. It identifies essential specimen dimensions, lists limitations (for example, not for continuous high humidity or certain spandrel coatings), and establishes the method's intended uses.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: IGU and façade manufacturers, third‑party test laboratories, architects and façade consultants, specifiers, and certification bodies use the standard for product development, quality control, comparative testing, and specification verification.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The 2019 edition (E2188‑19) is the current published edition (approved/published April 2019) and remains active. There has been follow‑on technical activity (a revision work item was initiated in April 2025 to adjust certain definitions), so users should confirm whether a newer revision has been published before relying on the document for final contractual or regulatory purposes.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes. E2188‑19 is part of a set of ASTM standards addressing insulating glass performance, evaluation and related tests and terminology (for example ASTM E2190, E2189, E546, E2269, and terminology standards such as C162 and C717).

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Key keywords include insulating glass unit (IGU), IGU performance, seal durability, double‑glazed, triple‑glazed, capillary tube, fogging, frost/dew point, argon concentration, glazing, sealing system.