Standard Specification for Wax-Modified Asphalt Used in Roofing

ABSTRACT
This specification establishes the manufacturing process and physical requirements for wax-modified asphaltic products intended for built-up roof construction, construction of bituminous vapor retarder systems, adhering fleece-backed single-ply roof membranes, and adhering insulation boards used in various types of roof systems. The base asphalt shall be prepared from lightly oxidized petroleum asphalt, and the wax-modified asphalt shall incorporate one or more high melt-point synthetic waxes. Furthermore, the products shall be homogeneous and free of water.
SCOPE
1.1 This specification covers wax-modified asphaltic products intended for use in built-up roof construction, construction of bituminous vapor retarder systems, adhering fleece-backed single-ply roof membranes, and adhering insulation boards used in various types of roof systems. The specification is intended for general classification purposes only, and does not imply restrictions on roofing system design, such as the slope at which this asphalt may be used.  
1.2 These products have lower application temperatures compared to products specified by Specification D312/D312M.  
1.3 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in each system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each system shall be used independently of the other. Combining values from the two systems may result in nonconformance with the standard.  
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.  
1.5 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

General Information

Status
Published
Publication Date
31-May-2023

Relations

Effective Date
01-Dec-2023
Effective Date
01-May-2020
Effective Date
01-May-2020
Effective Date
15-Dec-2019
Effective Date
15-Dec-2018
Effective Date
15-Dec-2018
Effective Date
01-Jun-2016
Effective Date
01-May-2016
Effective Date
01-Feb-2016
Effective Date
01-Jun-2015
Effective Date
01-Feb-2015
Effective Date
01-Jul-2014
Effective Date
01-Jun-2014
Effective Date
15-Jun-2013
Effective Date
01-Mar-2013

Overview

ASTM D8051/D8051M-16(2023) is the standard specification for wax-modified asphalt used in roofing applications. Established by ASTM International, this standard outlines the manufacturing and physical requirements for wax-modified asphaltic products used in built-up roofing systems, vapor retarders, the adhesion of fleece-backed single-ply membranes, and insulation boards across various roofing system designs. The specification is designed for general classification and ensures that materials are consistent, robust, and suitable for demanding roofing environments.

Wax-modified asphalts per this standard are made from lightly oxidized petroleum asphalt incorporating one or more high melt-point synthetic waxes, ensuring homogeneity and water-free composition. The products are defined by lower application temperatures compared to conventional roofing asphalts, providing improved workability and energy efficiency.

Key Topics

  • Scope of Use: Wax-modified asphalt is specified for built-up roof construction, bituminous vapor retarders, adhesives for fleece-backed single-ply membranes, and insulation boards.
  • Material Quality: Asphalt must be homogeneous, free of water, and incorporate high melt-point synthetic waxes.
  • Physical Requirements: The standard includes specifications for softening point, penetration at various temperatures, flash point, ductility, solubility, and equiviscous temperature (EVT).
  • Manufacturing Process: The base asphalt is lightly oxidized before modification with synthetic wax.
  • Testing Methods: Procedures for sampling and verifying material properties are provided, referencing key ASTM test methods for softening point, flash point, penetration, ductility, viscosity, and solubility.
  • Packaging and Labeling: Outlines packaging standards and essential package markings, including maximum kettle temperature and specific lot information.

Applications

Wax-modified asphalt meeting ASTM D8051/D8051M-16(2023) is widely used in commercial and industrial roofing applications, offering enhanced performance benefits:

  • Built-Up Roofing Systems: Provides reliable waterproofing and reinforcement in traditional built-up membrane roofs.
  • Bituminous Vapor Retarder Systems: Used as a vapor barrier to prevent moisture transfer in the building envelope.
  • Adhesive for Fleece-Backed Roof Membranes: Ensures secure attachment of membranes, promoting system longevity.
  • Insulation Board Attachment: Serves as an adhesive for securing insulation boards within roof assemblies.
  • Energy Efficiency: Lower application temperatures compared to conventional roofing asphalts reduce energy consumption and improve jobsite safety.
  • Versatile Roofing Design: The standard does not restrict use by roof slope, increasing flexibility for architects and roofing contractors.

Related Standards

ASTM D8051/D8051M-16(2023) references several related ASTM standards to ensure comprehensive quality and testing:

  • ASTM D312/D312M - Specification for Asphalt Used in Roofing
  • ASTM D36/D36M - Test Method for Softening Point of Bitumen (Ring-and-Ball Apparatus)
  • ASTM D92 - Test Method for Flash and Fire Points by Cleveland Open Cup Tester
  • ASTM D5/D5M - Test Method for Penetration of Bituminous Materials
  • ASTM D113 - Test Method for Ductility of Asphalt Materials
  • ASTM D2042 - Test Method for Solubility of Asphalt Materials in Trichloroethylene or Toluene
  • ASTM D3461 - Test Method for Softening Point of Asphalt and Pitch (Mettler Cup-and-Ball Method)
  • ASTM D4402/D4402M - Test Method for Viscosity Determination of Asphalt at Elevated Temperatures Using a Rotational Viscometer
  • ASTM D7553 - Test Method for Solubility of Asphalt Materials in N-Propyl Bromide
  • ASTM D140/D140M - Practice for Sampling Asphalt Materials
  • ASTM D1079 - Terminology Relating to Roofing and Waterproofing

Conclusion

ASTM D8051/D8051M-16(2023) provides critical standards for the quality and applicability of wax-modified asphalt in roofing, ensuring reliable performance, enhanced installation flexibility, and safety across a range of modern roofing systems. Compliance facilitates durable, energy-efficient roofing solutions and supports best practices in both material selection and application. For product testing, selection, and installation, referencing ASTM D8051/D8051M is essential for architects, contractors, and manufacturers involved in roofing system design and construction.

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Frequently Asked Questions

ASTM D8051/D8051M-16(2023) is a technical specification published by ASTM International. Its full title is "Standard Specification for Wax-Modified Asphalt Used in Roofing". This standard covers: ABSTRACT This specification establishes the manufacturing process and physical requirements for wax-modified asphaltic products intended for built-up roof construction, construction of bituminous vapor retarder systems, adhering fleece-backed single-ply roof membranes, and adhering insulation boards used in various types of roof systems. The base asphalt shall be prepared from lightly oxidized petroleum asphalt, and the wax-modified asphalt shall incorporate one or more high melt-point synthetic waxes. Furthermore, the products shall be homogeneous and free of water. SCOPE 1.1 This specification covers wax-modified asphaltic products intended for use in built-up roof construction, construction of bituminous vapor retarder systems, adhering fleece-backed single-ply roof membranes, and adhering insulation boards used in various types of roof systems. The specification is intended for general classification purposes only, and does not imply restrictions on roofing system design, such as the slope at which this asphalt may be used. 1.2 These products have lower application temperatures compared to products specified by Specification D312/D312M. 1.3 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in each system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each system shall be used independently of the other. Combining values from the two systems may result in nonconformance with the standard. 1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. 1.5 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

ABSTRACT This specification establishes the manufacturing process and physical requirements for wax-modified asphaltic products intended for built-up roof construction, construction of bituminous vapor retarder systems, adhering fleece-backed single-ply roof membranes, and adhering insulation boards used in various types of roof systems. The base asphalt shall be prepared from lightly oxidized petroleum asphalt, and the wax-modified asphalt shall incorporate one or more high melt-point synthetic waxes. Furthermore, the products shall be homogeneous and free of water. SCOPE 1.1 This specification covers wax-modified asphaltic products intended for use in built-up roof construction, construction of bituminous vapor retarder systems, adhering fleece-backed single-ply roof membranes, and adhering insulation boards used in various types of roof systems. The specification is intended for general classification purposes only, and does not imply restrictions on roofing system design, such as the slope at which this asphalt may be used. 1.2 These products have lower application temperatures compared to products specified by Specification D312/D312M. 1.3 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in each system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each system shall be used independently of the other. Combining values from the two systems may result in nonconformance with the standard. 1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. 1.5 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

ASTM D8051/D8051M-16(2023) is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 91.100.50 - Binders. Sealing materials. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.

ASTM D8051/D8051M-16(2023) has the following relationships with other standards: It is inter standard links to ASTM D140/D140M-16(2023), ASTM D1079-20, ASTM D36/D36M-14(2020), ASTM D5/D5M-19a, ASTM D1079-18e1, ASTM D1079-18, ASTM D140/D140M-16, ASTM D312/D312M-16, ASTM D1079-16, ASTM D140/D140M-15, ASTM D312/D312M-15, ASTM D36/D36M-14, ASTM D140/D140M-14, ASTM D4402/D4402M-13, ASTM D1079-13. Understanding these relationships helps ensure you are using the most current and applicable version of the standard.

ASTM D8051/D8051M-16(2023) is available in PDF format for immediate download after purchase. The document can be added to your cart and obtained through the secure checkout process. Digital delivery ensures instant access to the complete standard document.

Standards Content (Sample)


This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation: D8051/D8051M − 16 (Reapproved 2023)
Standard Specification for
Wax-Modified Asphalt Used in Roofing
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D8051/D8051M; the number immediately following the designation indicates the
year of original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last
reapproval. A superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope D36/D36M Test Method for Softening Point of Bitumen
(Ring-and-Ball Apparatus)
1.1 This specification covers wax-modified asphaltic prod-
D92 Test Method for Flash and Fire Points by Cleveland
ucts intended for use in built-up roof construction, construction
Open Cup Tester
of bituminous vapor retarder systems, adhering fleece-backed
D113 Test Method for Ductility of Asphalt Materials
single-ply roof membranes, and adhering insulation boards
D140/D140M Practice for Sampling Asphalt Materials
used in various types of roof systems. The specification is
D312/D312M Specification for Asphalt Used in Roofing
intended for general classification purposes only, and does not
D1079 Terminology Relating to Roofing and Waterproofing
imply restrictions on roofing system design, such as the slope
D2042 Test Method for Solubility of Asphalt Materials in
at which this asphalt may be used.
Trichloroethylene or Toluene
1.2 These products have lower application temperatures
D3461 Test Method for Softening Point of Asphalt and Pitch
compared to products specified by Specification D312/D312M.
(Mettler Cup-and-Ball Method)
1.3 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units D4402/D4402M Test Method for Viscosity Determination of
Asphalt at Elevated Temperatures Using a Rotational
are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in
each system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each Viscometer
D7553 Test Method for Solubility of Asphalt Materials in
system shall be used independently of the other. Combining
values from the two systems may result in nonconformance N-Propyl Bromide
with the standard.
3. Terminology
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the
3.1 For definitions of terms used in this specification, refer
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
to Terminology D1079.
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
3.2 Definitions:
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. 3.2.1 high-melt-point synthetic wax, n—synthetic wax with
1.5 This international standard was developed in accor- a melt point greater than 90 °C, for example polyethylene wax,
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard- oxidized polyethylene wax, Fischer-Tropsch wax, and ethylene
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the bis stearamide wax.
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
3.2.2 lightly oxidized asphalt, n—having a softening point
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
and penetration range as defined in Table 1.
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
3.2.3 wax-modified asphalt (WM), n—a product made by
modifying a lightly oxidized asphalt with a high-melt-point
2. Referenced Documents
synthetic wax.
2.1 ASTM Standards:
D5/D5M Test Method for Penetration of Bituminous Mate- 4. Materials and Manufacture
rials
4.1 The base asphalt shall be prepared from lightly oxidized
petroleum asphalt.
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D08 on
4.2 The wax-modified asphalt shall incorporate one or more
Roofing and Waterproofing and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D08.03
on Surfacing and Bituminous Materials for Membrane Waterproofing and Built-up high-melt-point synthetic waxes in order to meet the require-
Roofing.
ments of this specification.
Current edition approved June 1, 2023. Published June 2023. Originally
approved in 2016. Last previous edition approved in 2016 as D8051/D8051M – 16.
5. Physical Properties
DOI: 10.1520/D8051_D8051M-16R23.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or 5.1 The products shall be homogeneous and free of water.
contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
5.2 The products of each type shall conform to
...

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