ASTM D4637-96

Standard Specification for EPDM Sheet Used In Single-Ply Roof Membrane

SCOPE
1.1 This specification covers non-reinforced, fabric- or scrim-reinforced and fabric-backed vulcanized rubber sheet made from ethylene-propylene-diene terpolymer (EPDM), intended for use in single-ply roof membranes.  
1.2 The test methods and property limits used to characterize these sheets are specific for each classification and are minimum values to make the product fit for its intended purpose.  
1.3 In-place roof system design criteria, such as fire resistance, field seaming strength, material compatibility, and uplift resistance, among others, are factors that must be considered but are beyond the scope of this specification.
1.4 The following precautionary caveat pertains to the test methods portion only, Section 8, of this specification: 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 and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

General Information

• Status: Historical
• Publication Date: 31-Dec-1995
• ICS: 83.060 - Rubber
• ICS: 91.100.50 - Binders. Sealing materials
• Technical Committee: D08 - Roofing and Waterproofing
• Drafting Committee: D08.22 - Waterproofing and Dampproofing Systems

Relations

• Replaced By: ASTM D4637-03 - Standard Specification for EPDM Sheet Used In Single-Ply Roof Membrane
• Effective Date: 10-Jul-2003

Standards Content (Sample)

NOTICE: This standard has either been superceded and replaced by a new version or discontinued.
Contact ASTM International (www.astm.org) for the latest information.
Designation: D 4637 – 96
Standard Specification for
EPDM Sheet Used In Single-Ply Roof Membrane
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D 4637; 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 (e) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope Ozone Cracking in a Chamber
D 1204 Test Method for Linear Dimensional Changes of
1.1 This specification covers non-reinforced, fabric- or
Nonrigid Thermoplastic Sheeting or Film at Elevated
scrim-reinforced and fabric-backed vulcanized rubber sheet
Temperature
made from ethylene-propylene-diene terpolymer (EPDM), in-
D 2137 Test Methods for Rubber Property—Brittleness
tended for use in single-ply roof membranes.
Point of Flexible Polymers and Coated Fabrics
1.2 The test methods and property limits used to character-
G 26 Practice for Operating Light-Exposure Apparatus
ize these sheets are specific for each classification and are
(Xenon-Arc Type) With and Without Water for Exposure
minimum values to make the product fit for its intended
of Nonmetallic Materials
purpose.
1.3 In-place roof system design criteria, such as fire resis-
3. Classification
tance, field seaming strength, material compatibility, and uplift
3.1 Types describe the sheet construction:
resistance, among others, are factors that must be considered
3.1.1 Type I—Non-reinforced.
but are beyond the scope of this specification.
3.1.2 Type II—Scrim (or fabric) internally reinforced.
1.4 The following precautionary caveat pertains to the test
3.1.3 Type III—Fabric backed.
methods portion only, Section 8, of this specification: This
standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns,
4. Materials and Manufacture
if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user
4.1 The sheet shall be formulated from the EPDM polymers
of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health
and other compounding ingredients. The principal polymer
practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limita-
used in the sheet shall be greater than 95 % EPDM.
tions prior to use.
4.2 The sheet shall be capable of being bonded to itself for
2. Referenced Documents making watertight field splices and repairs, and the manufac-
turer or fabricator shall recommend suitable bonding methods
2.1 ASTM Standards:
and materials.
D 412 Test Methods for Rubber Properties in Tension
D 413 Test Methods for Rubber Property-Adhesion to Flex-
5. Physical Properties
ible Substrate
5.1 The sheet shall conform to the physical requirements
D 471 Test Method for Rubber Property—Effect of Liq-
2 prescribed in Table 1.
uids
5.2 Other requirements shall be agreed upon between the
D 518 Test Method for Rubber Deterioration-Surface
2 purchaser and the supplier.
Cracking
D 573 Test Method for Rubber-Deterioration in an Air
6. Dimensions and Permissible Variations
Oven
6.1 The width and length of the sheet shall be agreed upon
D 624 Test Method for Rubber Property—Tear Resistance
between the purchaser and the supplier.
D 751 Test Methods for Coated Fabrics
6.1.1 The width and length tolerance shall be+3%,−0%.
D 816 Methods of Testing Rubber Cements
6.2 Sheet thicknesses greater than the minimum shall be
D 1149 Test Method for Rubber Deterioration—Surface
agreed upon between the purchaser and the supplier.
6.2.1 The thickness tolerance shall be + 15 %, − 10 % of the
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D-8 on specified thickness, but in no case shall the thickness be less
Roofing, Waterproofing, and Bituminous Materials and is the direct responsibility of
Subcommittee D08.18 on Nonbituminous Organic Roof Coverings.
Current edition approved Feb. 10, 1996. Published April 1996. Originally Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 08.01.
published as D 4637 – 87. Last previous edition D 4637 – 87. Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 14.02.
2 6
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 09.01. Performance requirements and application specifications are being investigated
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 09.02. by other ASTM D-8 Task Groups and will be covered by separate specifications.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.
NOTICE: This standard has either been superceded and replaced by a new version or discontinued.
Contact ASTM International (www.astm.org) for the latest information.
D 4637
TABLE 1 Physical Requirements for EPDM Sheet
Type I II III
Thickness, min, in. (mm):
Sheet-overall 0.040 (1.016) 0.040 (1.016) .
Coating over scrim or fabric . 0.015 (0.381) 0.030 (0.762)
Breaking strength, min, lbf (N) . 90 (400) 90 (400)
Tensile strength, min, psi (MPa) 1305 (9.0) . .
A A
Elongation, ultimate, min,% 300 250 300
Tensile set, max, % 10 . .
Tear resistance, min, lbf/in. (kN/m) 150 (26.27) . .
Tearing strength, min, lbf (N) . 10 (45) 10 (45)
Brittleness point, max, °F (°C) −49 (−45) −49 (−45) −49 (−45)
Ozone resistance, no cracks pass pass pass
Heat aging:
Breaking strength, min, lbf (N) . 80 (356) 80 (356)
Tensile strength, min, psi (MPa) 1205 (8.3) . .
A A
Elongation, ultimate, min,% 200 200 200
Tear resistance, min, lbf/in. (kN/m) 125 (21.9) . .
Linear dimensional change, max, % 61 61 61
A A
Water absorption, max, mass % + 8, − 2 + 8, − 2 68,−2
Factory seam strength, min, lbf/in. (kN/m) 50 (8.8) or sheet failure
Weather resistance:
Visual inspection pass pass pass
PRFSE, min, % 30 . .
Elongation, ultimate, min, % 200 . .
Fabric adhesion, min, lbf/in. (N/m) . . 3 (525)
A
Specimens to be prepared from coating rubber compound, vulcanized in a similar method to the reinforced products.
than the minimum listed in Table 1. 8.9 Tearing Strength—Test Methods D 751, B-Tongue Tear.
8.10 Brittleness Point—Test Methods D 2137.
7. Workmanship, Finish, and Appearance
8.11 Ozone Resistance—Test Method D 1149. Inspect at
−5
7.1 The sheet, including factory seams if present, shall be
73 magnification on specimens exposed to 100 mPa (1 3 10
watertight and visually free of pinholes, particles of foreign
psi) ozone in air at 104 6 4°F (40 6 2°C). Elongate Type I
matter, undispersed raw material, or other manufacturing
specimens 50 % for 166 h 6 1.66 h exposure. Type II and Type
defects that might affect serviceability. If the number of
III specimens must be wrapped around a 3 in. (76 mm)
irregularities in the form of pockmarks (see Note 1) appear
diameter mandrel for 166 h 6 1.66 h exposure. The required
excessive on a sheet (or portion thereof), then its rejection
specimen width is 1 in. (25 mm).
should be negotiated between involved parties.
8.12 Heat Aging—Test Method D 573. Age black sheet at
7.2 Edges of the sheets shall be straight and flat so that they
2406 4°F (116 6 2°C) for 670 h 6 6.7 h and non-black sheet
may be seamed to one another without fishmouthing.
for 166 h 6 1.66 h. Specimens are then cut from the aged sheet
for testing of tensile strength, elongation, and so forth.
NOTE 1—Pockmarks are oblong depressions, cavities, or craters on the
surface of the sheet that have an approximate surface dimension of ⁄8 by
8.13 Linear Dimensional Change—Test Method D 1204.
⁄16in. (3.2 by 1.6 mm), and have a maximum depth approaching one half
8.14 Water Absorption—Test Method D 471, at 158 6 4°F
of the coating thickness.
(70 6 2°C) for 166 h 6 1.66 h.
8. Test Methods 8.15 Factory Seam Strength—Methods D 816, Method B.
Modify procedure by cutting a 1-in. (25.4-mm) wide by 12-in.
8.1 Dimensions—Test Methods D 751, after permitting the
(304.8-mm) long sample across the lap seam. Place in jaws
sheet to relax at 73.4 6 3.6°F (23 6 2°C) for 1 h 6 15 min.
approximately 2-in. (50.8 mm) from edges of the overlap area
8.2 Thickness, Sheet Overall—From across the full width of
and test at 2 in. (50.8 mm)/min.
the unbuffed sheet, take three samples, 1 by 1 ft (300 by 300
8.16 Fabric Adhesion—Test Method D 413. Perform test on
mm). Measure the thickness of each corner. Ten readings out
strip specimen-Type A, using 180° peel.
of twelve shall be equal to or above the minimum specified. On
fabric backed (Type III) the coating thickness can be measured
8.17 Weather Resistance—Accelerated weathering tests
after cutting or buffing fabric from the rubber. Refer to Test shall be performewd in accordance with Practice G 26. These
Method D 412 for Type I shee
...