ASTM D5726-98(2020)

Standard Specification for Thermoplastic Fabrics Used in Hot-Applied Roofing and Waterproofing

ABSTRACT
This specification covers thermoplastic fabrics such as polyester, polyester/polyamide bicomponent, or composites with fiber glass or polyester scrims that can be used during the construction of hot-applied roofing and waterproofing. The thermoplastic fabrics are classified according to general constructions and compositions: Type I which is polyester spunbonded with resin, unneedled, Type II which is polyester spunbonded with resin, needled, Type III which is polyester mat plus fiber glass scrim and resin, and Type IV which is polyester core/polyamide sheath bicomponent spunbonded. The fabric shall be a uniform, thin, porous mat of the primary thermoplastic polymer, with or without the addition of reinforcing stranded glass or thermoplastic yarns. Chemically bonding with a water-resistant resin or thermally bonding with other thermoplastic polymers shall be permitted. Different tests shall be conducted in order to determine the following physical properties of thermoplastic fabrics: unit mass, thickness, breaking load, elongation, trapezoid tearing strength, puncture strength, appearance rating, and heat distortion stability.
SCOPE
1.1 This specification covers thermoplastic fabrics such as polyester, polyester/polyamide bicomponent, or composites with fiberglass or polyester scrims that can be used during the construction of hot-applied roofing and waterproofing.  
1.2 This specification is intended as a material specification. Issues regarding the suitability of specific roof constructions or application techniques are beyond the scope of this specification.  
1.3 The specified tests and property values used to characterize the respective fabrics are intended to establish minimum properties. In-place system design criteria or performance attributes are factors beyond the scope of this material specification.  
1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The values given in parentheses are for information only.  
1.5 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.  
1.6 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: 30-Sep-2020
• ICS: 83.080.20 - Thermoplastic materials
• ICS: 91.100.50 - Binders. Sealing materials
• Technical Committee: D08 - Roofing and Waterproofing
• Drafting Committee: D08.04 - Felts, Fabrics and Bituminous Sheet Materials

Relations

• Refers: ASTM D1079-20 - Standard Terminology Relating to Roofing and Waterproofing
• Effective Date: 01-May-2020
• Refers: ASTM D1776/D1776M-20 - Standard Practice for Conditioning and Testing Textiles
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2020
• Refers: ASTM D5035-11(2019) - Standard Test Method for Breaking Force and Elongation of Textile Fabrics (Strip Method)
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2019
• Refers: ASTM D1777-96(2019) - Standard Test Method for Thickness of Textile Materials
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2019
• Refers: ASTM D1079-18 - Standard Terminology Relating to Roofing and Waterproofing
• Effective Date: 15-Dec-2018
• Refers: ASTM D1079-18e1 - Standard Terminology Relating to Roofing and Waterproofing
• Effective Date: 15-Dec-2018
• Refers: ASTM D123-17 - Standard Terminology Relating to Textiles
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2017
• Refers: ASTM D1079-16 - Standard Terminology Relating to Roofing and Waterproofing
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2016
• Refers: ASTM D1776/D1776M-16 - Standard Practice for Conditioning and Testing Textiles
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2016
• Refers: ASTM D123-15b - Standard Terminology Relating to Textiles
• Effective Date: 15-Sep-2015
• Refers: ASTM D123-15a - Standard Terminology Relating to Textiles
• Effective Date: 01-Sep-2015
• Refers: ASTM D1777-96(2015) - Standard Test Method for Thickness of Textile Materials
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2015
• Refers: ASTM D123-15 - Standard Terminology Relating to Textiles
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2015
• Refers: ASTM D1776/D1776M-15 - Standard Practice for Conditioning and Testing Textiles
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2015
• Refers: ASTM D123-13ae1 - Standard Terminology Relating to Textiles
• Effective Date: 15-Jun-2013

Overview

ASTM D5726-98(2020): Standard Specification for Thermoplastic Fabrics Used in Hot-Applied Roofing and Waterproofing provides requirements for thermoplastic fabrics, including polyester, bicomponent polyester/polyamide, fiberglass composites, and polyester scrims. These fabrics are designed for use as reinforcing layers during the installation of hot-applied roofing and waterproofing systems. The standard classifies fabrics by material composition and construction, ensuring consistency and reliability for applications requiring heat resistance and mechanical strength.

This specification serves as a material standard, focusing on establishing minimum fabric properties such as mass, thickness, tensile strength, elongation, tear resistance, puncture resistance, dimensional stability, and visual appearance. The standard does not address specific installation techniques or roof system designs.

Key Topics

• Material Types and Classification

  • Type I: Polyester spunbonded with resin, unneedled
  • Type II: Polyester spunbonded with resin, needled
  • Type III: Polyester mat with fiberglass scrim and resin
  • Type IV: Polyester core/polyamide sheath bicomponent spunbonded

• Physical Property Requirements

  • Unit mass
  • Thickness
  • Breaking load (tensile strength)
  • Elongation
  • Trapezoid tearing strength
  • Puncture strength
  • Appearance rating
  • Heat distortion stability

• Testing and Evaluation

  • Specific test methods for each physical property are referenced (e.g., ASTM D1117, D1777, D4830/D4830M, D5035, D5733)
  • Visual and dimensional assessments post-exposure to simulated hot-applied environments

• Workmanship and Quality Control

  • Fabrics must be uniform, free of visual defects (such as wrinkles, tears, or holes), and must meet appearance and performance standards as specified

• Packaging and Marking

  • Secure wrap or banding to prevent unraveling
  • Clear labeling with manufacturer information and ASTM designation

Applications

• Hot-Applied Roofing Systems

  • Thermoplastic fabrics per ASTM D5726 are used as reinforcing plies in built-up roofing membranes applied with hot bitumen or similar materials
  • Enhance the mechanical resistance and durability of roofing waterproofing systems

• Waterproofing Installations

  • Widely employed in waterproofing assemblies exposed to elevated temperatures during installation
  • Provide reinforcement and dimensional stability to membranes, preventing shrinkage and distortion

• Commercial and Industrial Construction

  • Used in new construction or renovation projects requiring robust, heat-stable waterproofing or roofing layers
  • Suitable for complex roof geometries or where additional tensile and tear resistance is essential

Related Standards

• ASTM D1079: Terminology Relating to Roofing and Waterproofing
• ASTM D123: Terminology Relating to Textiles
• ASTM D1117: Guide for Evaluating Nonwoven Fabrics
• ASTM D1776/D1776M: Practice for Conditioning and Testing Textiles
• ASTM D1777: Test Method for Thickness of Textile Materials
• ASTM D4830/D4830M: Test Methods for Characterizing Thermoplastic Fabrics Used in Roofing and Waterproofing
• ASTM D5035: Test Method for Breaking Force and Elongation of Textile Fabrics (Strip Method)
• AATCC Test Set No. 128: Wrinkle Recovery Test (for appearance rating)
• ASTM E1: Specification for ASTM Liquid-in-Glass Thermometers

Practical Value

Compliance with ASTM D5726 ensures that thermoplastic fabrics used in roofing and waterproofing offer consistent quality and reliable performance in hot-applied applications. This standard supports architects, specifiers, contractors, and manufacturers in selecting materials that meet rigorous criteria for strength, durability, and heat resistance, ultimately contributing to the longevity and effectiveness of modern building envelopes. Using ASTM-compliant fabrics reduces the risks of membrane failure, improves safety, and delivers peace of mind for stakeholders across the construction industry.

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:D5726 −98 (Reapproved 2020)
Standard Specification for
Thermoplastic Fabrics Used in Hot-Applied Roofing and
Waterproofing
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D5726; 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 D1079 Terminology Relating to Roofing and Waterproofing
D1117 Guide for Evaluating Nonwoven Fabrics (Withdrawn
1.1 This specification covers thermoplastic fabrics such as
2009)
polyester, polyester/polyamide bicomponent, or composites
D1776/D1776M Practice for Conditioning and Testing Tex-
with fiberglass or polyester scrims that can be used during the
tiles
construction of hot-applied roofing and waterproofing.
D1777 Test Method for Thickness of Textile Materials
1.2 This specification is intended as a material specification.
D4830/D4830M Test Methods for Characterizing Thermo-
Issues regarding the suitability of specific roof constructions or
plastic Fabrics Used in Roofing and Waterproofing
application techniques are beyond the scope of this specifica-
D5035 Test Method for Breaking Force and Elongation of
tion.
Textile Fabrics (Strip Method)
1.3 The specified tests and property values used to charac- D5733 Test Method for Tearing Strength of Nonwoven
Fabrics by the Trapezoid Procedure (Withdrawn 2008)
terize the respective fabrics are intended to establish minimum
properties. In-place system design criteria or performance E1 Specification for ASTM Liquid-in-Glass Thermometers
attributes are factors beyond the scope of this material speci- 2.2 Other Standard:
fication. AATCC Test Set No. 128 Wrinkle Recovery Test
1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the
3. Terminology
standard. The values given in parentheses are for information
3.1 Definitions—For definitions of terms used in this
only.
specification, refer to Terminologies D1079 and D123.
1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
4. Classification
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
4.1 The thermoplastic fabrics covered by this specification
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
are of the following general constructions and compositions.
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
Each is a separate class or type, differentiated by polymer type,
1.6 This international standard was developed in accor-
a combination of polymers, or the manufacturing process, or
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
some combination thereof:
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
4.1.1 Type I—Polyester spunbonded with resin, unneedled;
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
4.1.2 Type II—Polyester spunbonded with resin, needled;
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
4.1.3 Type III—Polyester mat plus fiberglass scrim and
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
resin; and
4.1.4 Type IV—Polyester core/polyamide sheath bicompo-
2. Referenced Documents
nent spunbonded.
2.1 ASTM Standards:
D123 Terminology Relating to Textiles
5. Materials and Manufacture
5.1 The fabric shall be a uniform, thin, porous mat of the
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D08 on
primary thermoplastic polymer, with or without the addition of
Roofing and Waterproofing and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D08.04
reinforcing stranded glass or thermoplastic yarns. Chemically
on Felts, Fabrics and Bituminous Sheet Materials.
Current edition approved Oct. 1, 2020. Published October 2020. Originally
approved in 1995. Last previous edition approved in 2013 as D5726 – 98 (2013).
DOI: 10.1520/D5726-98R20. The last approved version of this historical standard is referenced on
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or www.astm.org.
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM Available from American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on (AATCC), One Davis Dr., P.O. Box 12215, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709-
the ASTM website. 2215.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D5726−98 (2020)
bonding with a water-resistant resin or thermally bonding with 14.2 Summary of Test Method—Fabric specimens are laid
other thermoplastic polymers shall be permitted. intohotsiliconeoilat260 °C(500 °F),allowedtocooltoroom
temperature, and then removed and measured for percent
6. Physical Properties, Thickness, and Mass
shrinkage and rated visually for distortion.
6.1 Fabrics shall conform to the thickness, mass, and
14.3 Significance and Use—Not all thermoplastic fabrics
physical properties presented in Table 1.
are suitable for hot-applied built-up roofing. This test proce-
dure is designed to simulate hot-applied built-up application
7. Unit Mass
and to identify those thermoplastic fabrics that are suitable and
not susceptible to excessive shrinkage or distortion, or both.
7.1 Determine the unit mass of the fabric using the proce-
dures described in Guide D1117.
14.4 Apparatus and Materials:
14.4.1 Stainless Steel Container, appropriately sized, used
8. Workmanship, Finish, and Appearance
to heat the silicone oil.
8.1 The finished material shall be free of visible defects 14.4.2 Heating Mantle, used in conjunction with the con-
such as ragged or untrue edges, folds, creases, wrinkles, tears, tainer and capable of heating the silicone oil adequately.
and holes. 14.4.3 Thermometer, graduated in 1 °C (2 °F) intervals and
including the range of 260 to 288 °C (500 to 550 °F) on its
9. Sampling
scale, such as ASTM No. 2F-86 (see Specification E1).
14.4.4 Stainless Steel Ladle, with a capacity of 0.09 L
9.1 Sample the material and determine the properties enu-
(3 oz).
merated in this specification in accordance with the test
14.4.5 Aluminum Baking Pans, measuring approximately
procedures referenced and presented herein.
273 mm long by 178 wide by 25 mm deep (10.75 by 7 by
1 in.).
10. Thickness
14.4.6 Silicone Oil, Dow Corning 710 Fluid or an equiva-
10.1 Determine the thickness of the fabric using the proce-
lent.
dures described in Test Method D1777.
14.4.7 Safety Equipment, which includes long-arm rubber
gloves or hot gloves, an apron, and face shield, which are
11. Breaking Load and Elongation
recommended to help prevent possible injury.
11.1 Determine the breaking load and elongation by the cut
14.4.8 Insulation Board, a minimum 25 mm (1 in.)
strip method described in Test Methods D4830/D4830M and
thickness, to be used beneath the metal pans as a method of
D5035. The preferred SI unit for breaking load is kN/m.
reducing excessive heat loss when pouring the hot silicone oil
just prior to introduction of the fabric sample.
12. Trapezoid Tearing Strength
14.4.9 The AATCC Test Set No. 128, Wrinkle Recovery Test,
12.1 Determine the trapezoid tearing strength using the
used to visually evaluate and rate the fabric distortion after
procedures described in Test Method D5733.
testing.
14.5 Preparation of Specimens:
13. Puncture Strength
14.5.1 Eachtestspecimenshallbe254mm(10in.)longand
13.1 Determine the puncture strength using the procedures
152 mm (6 in.) wide, with the length dimension taken parallel
d
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