scope:

This recommended practice covers steps that should be followed in developing accelerated tests for predicting the service life of building components and materials Results of the tests may be used for comparing the relative disabilities of building components and materials or for predicting their service lives

NOTE 1 - Comparative testing is an alternative to the steps identified in the recommended practice; it involves comparison of the performance of a test component or materials with the performance of a similar control components or materials when exposed to identical conditions.

Predictive service life tests can be divided into two types: short-term accelerated tests that use an "accelerated" aging test and short-term "in-service" tests that combine non-accelerated tests with tests capable of measuring minutes changes in properties. This recommended practice emphasizes the development of improved accelerated aging tests to provide predictive service life tests.

This recommended practice covers a uniform approach to service life prediction, including the identification of needed information, the development of tests, the interpretation of data, and the reporting of results.