Updated E3026-23 Standard Guide

ASTM E3026-23 is the Standard Guide for Readily Observable Moisture Affected Materials and Conditions Conducive to Elevated Moisture in Commercial Buildings: Limited Moisture Assessment (LMA) Process. The full standard is available from ASTM International here.

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About the E3026 Guide
The revised E3026 Limited Moisture Assessment (LMA) guide is a practical, checklist driven standard that helps users and providers identify moisture issues and conditions that can lead to problems such as structural and mechanical failures, damaged finishes, pest infestations, and fungal growth, to name a few.  The guide, complete with ready-to-use interview and field observation questionnaires, is divided into logical groupings (including site, exteriors, interiors, roof, and mechanical systems) which enable users to conduct a thorough review or apply only the portions that are relevant to their situation.   

Key Changes in E3026-23:

1. Standard Name: Changed from “Visual Moisture Assessment Process” to “Limited Moisture Assessment Process”. The rationale for the change was that physical observations for moisture conditions can include tactile, olfactory, and audible evidence as well. Also, the baseline assessment is inherently limited as it does not include instrumental measurements, testing, or fungal sampling, and thus the term “Limited” in the title serves to reinforce both concepts.
2. Standard Abbreviation: “Visual Moisture Assessment (VMA)” was changed to “Limited Moisture Assessment (LMA)” throughout.
3. New definitions were added for ABS piping, polybutylene piping, and galvanized piping, along with discussion sections for those terms to describe their relevance to the LMA process. 
4. Existing definitions were revised and simplified based on recommendations from the ASTM Subcommittee E50.02 Terminology Task Group, and parts of speech were added to all definitions, consistent with ASTM’s revised Form and Style Guide. Definitions not used in the body of the Guide were removed.
   1. Appendix X1 was deleted to streamline the Guide. Relevant elements from X1 were consolidated into Section 7 (The Provider) and Section 8 (Document and Record Review). Appendix X1 had originally been intended to discuss optional expanded scope elements, but no such guidance was included. Instead, X1 included further guidance on the qualifications of the provider (redundant with Sect. 7); and further guidance on conducting document and record review (redundant with Sect. 8). Some of the supplemental X1 guidance for record reviews pertained to public agency records which, since not addressed in the body of the Guide or in associated questionnaires, was deleted as irrelevant.  
   2. Interview and Field Checklist Questionnaires were revised with a note advising users and providers that their use is often supplemented with additional services, as follows:“Additional services beyond the scope of this assessment may include moisture metering, sampling of suspect fungal growth, invasive testing, thermographic imaging, environmental site assessments, property condition assessments or other services not included within the scope of the E3026 Guide. Users should consult with technical service providers or subject matter experts if additional assessment is desired or appears warranted.”
   3. Editorial revisions and corrections were completed throughout.

About the E3026 Guide
The revised E3026 Limited Moisture Assessment (LMA) guide is a practical, checklist driven standard that helps users and providers identify moisture issues and conditions that can lead to problems such as structural and mechanical failures, damaged finishes, pest infestations, and fungal growth, to name a few.  The guide, complete with ready-to-use interview and field observation questionnaires, is divided into logical groupings (including site, exteriors, interiors, roof, and mechanical systems) which enable users to conduct a thorough review or apply only the portions that are relevant to their situation.   

Intended Users 
The ASTM E3026 Guide is intended for a broad range of users, including owners, property managers, and buyers, in addition to financial professionals.  Owners and property managers may use LMAs to conduct routine preventive maintenance inspections or investigate the cause and extent of reported moisture problems.  Prospective buyers may opt for LMAs to enhance their due diligence assessments, in much the same way that they might order expanded studies for roofing, mechanical, or structural systems.  Mortgage professionals, lenders and parties negotiating leases may adopt the LMA guide as a baseline protocol for determining causes and costs associated with moisture issues that could affect the underwriting of their transactions.

Providers who conduct LMAs will most commonly be independent third parties but may also represent the user.  The guide is very practical, in that it can be purchased and used immediately by appropriately qualified individuals (typically those with education, training and experience related to building construction, mechanical systems, and the investigation of moisture concerns).

Proactive use of the Guide and its questionnaires may help stakeholders conduct routine preventive inspections, quantify, and resolve reported problems, enhance their due diligence and underwriting, and potentially reduce or prevent moisture-related risks and expenditures.

For more information and/or to purchase the Guide, visit the ASTM Standards site here.

TECHNICAL CONTACT: Click to email Jim Bartlett;  (800) 733-0660 ext. 7297609