ASTM D4637/D4637M-15(2021)

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

SCOPE
1.1 This specification covers flexible sheet made from ethylene-propylene-diene terpolymer (EPDM) intended for use in single-ply roofing membranes exposed to the weather. The tests and property limits used to characterize the sheet are values to ensure minimum quality for the intended use. The sheet may be non-reinforced, fabric- or scrim-reinforced, or fabric-backed vulcanized rubber sheet.  
1.2 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.  
1.3 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: Historical
• Publication Date: 30-Nov-2021
• ICS: 83.060 - Rubber
• ICS: 91.100.50 - Binders. Sealing materials
• Technical Committee: D08 - Roofing and Waterproofing
• Drafting Committee: D08.18 - Nonbituminous Organic Roof Coverings

Standards Content (Sample)

NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or withdrawn.
Contact ASTM International (www.astm.org) for the latest information
Designation:D4637/D4637M −15 (Reapproved 2021)
Standard Specification for
EPDM Sheet Used in Single-Ply Roof Membrane
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D4637/D4637M; 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.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense.
1. Scope D412TestMethodsforVulcanizedRubberandThermoplas-
tic Elastomers—Tension
1.1 This specification covers flexible sheet made from
D413TestMethodsforRubberProperty—AdhesiontoFlex-
ethylene-propylene-dieneterpolymer(EPDM)intendedforuse
ible Substrate
in single-ply roofing membranes exposed to the weather. The
D471Test Method for Rubber Property—Effect of Liquids
tests and property limits used to characterize the sheet are
D518 Test Method for Rubber Deterioration—Surface
values to ensure minimum quality for the intended use. The
Cracking (Withdrawn 2007)
sheet may be non-reinforced, fabric- or scrim-reinforced, or
D573Test Method for Rubber—Deterioration in an Air
fabric-backed vulcanized rubber sheet.
Oven
1.2 In-place roof system design criteria, such as fire
D624Test Method for Tear Strength of Conventional Vul-
resistance, field seaming strength, material compatibility, and
canized Rubber and Thermoplastic Elastomers
uplift resistance, among others, are factors that must be
D751Test Methods for Coated Fabrics
considered but are beyond the scope of this specification.
D816Test Methods for Rubber Cements
D1149TestMethodsforRubberDeterioration—Crackingin
1.3 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units
are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in an Ozone Controlled Environment
D1204Test Method for Linear Dimensional Changes of
each system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each
system shall be used independently of the other. Combining Nonrigid Thermoplastic Sheeting or Film at Elevated
Temperature
values from the two systems may result in nonconformance
with the standard. D2137TestMethodsforRubberProperty—BrittlenessPoint
of Flexible Polymers and Coated Fabrics
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the
D5602/D5602MTest Method for Static Puncture Resistance
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
of Roofing Membrane Specimens
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
D5635/D5635MTest Method for Dynamic Puncture Resis-
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
tance of Roofing Membrane Specimens
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
D6382/D6382MPractice for Dynamic MechanicalAnalysis
1.5 This international standard was developed in accor-
and Thermogravimetry of Roofing and Waterproofing
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
Membrane Material
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
D7635/D7635MTestMethodforMeasurementofThickness
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
of Coatings Over Fabric Reinforcement
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
G151PracticeforExposingNonmetallicMaterialsinAccel-
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
erated Test Devices that Use Laboratory Light Sources
G155PracticeforOperatingXenonArcLampApparatusfor
2. Referenced Documents
Exposure of Materials
2.1 ASTM Standards:
3. Classification
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D08 on
3.1 Types describe the sheet construction:
RoofingandWaterproofingandisthedirectresponsibilityofSubcommitteeD08.18
3.1.1 Type I—Non-reinforced.
on Nonbituminous Organic Roof Coverings.
3.1.2 Type II—Scrim (or fabric) internally reinforced.
Current edition approved Dec. 1, 2021. Published December 2021. Originally
approved in 1987. Last previous edition approved in 2015 as D4637/D4637M–15.
3.1.3 Type III—Fabric backed.
DOI: 10.1520/D4637_D4637M-15R21.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on The last approved version of this historical standard is referenced on
the ASTM website. www.astm.org.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D4637/D4637M−15 (2021)
4. Materials and Manufacture pinholes, particles of foreign matter, undispersed raw material,
or other manufacturing defects that might affect serviceability.
4.1 ThesheetshallbeformulatedfromEPDMpolymersand
If the number of irregularities in the form of pockmarks (see
other compounding ingredients. EPDM shall be the principal
Note 1) appears excessive on the sheet (or portion thereof),
polymerusedinthesheetandshallbegreaterthan95%ofthe
then its rejection shall be negotiated between involved parties.
total polymer content.
7.2 Edges of the sheets shall be straight and flat so that they
4.2 Tomakeseamsandrepairs,thesheetshallbecapableof
may be seamed to one another without fishmouthing.
being bonded watertight to itself and the supplier or fabricator
NOTE 1—Pockmarks are oblong depressions, cavities, or craters on the
shall recommend suitable methods.
surface of the sheet that have an approximate surface dimension of 3.2 by
1 1
1.6 mm [ ⁄8 by ⁄16 in.], and have a maximum depth approaching one half
5. Physical Properties and Tolerances
of the sheet thickness.
5.1 The sheet shall conform to the physical requirements
prescribed in Table 1.
8. Test Methods
5.2 The tolerance for time conditions (aging, weathering,
8.1 Dimensions—Test Methods D751, after permitting the
and so forth) is 615 min or 61% of the period, whichever is
sheet to relax at 23 6 2°C [73.4 6 4°F] for 1 h 6 15 min.
greater, unless otherwise specified.
8.2 Thickness, Sheet Overall—From across the full width of
5.3 Tolerances for temperature shall be 62°C[64°F].
the unbuffed sheet, take three samples, 300 by 300 mm [1 by
1 ft]. Measure the thickness of each corner. On fabric backed
6. Dimensions
(Type III) the coating thickness can be measured after cutting
6.1 The width and length of the sheet shall be agreed upon
or buffing fabric from the rubber. Refer to Test Methods D412
between the purchaser and the supplier.
for Type I sheet and Test Methods D751 for Type II and Type
6.1.1 The width and length tolerance shall be +3%, −0%.
III sheet.
6.2 The thickness tolerance shall be +15%, −10% of the
8.3 Thickness of Coating Over Scrim (Reinforcing
thickness agreed upon between the purchaser and supplier, but
Fabric)—Follow preparation procedures as specified in Test
in no case shall the thickness be less than the minimum listed
MethodD7635/D7635M.Thethicknessmeasurementsshallbe
in Table 1.
conductedasdescribedinthetestmethodonthecoatingonthe
side intended to be exposed to the weather.
7. Workmanship, Finish, and Appearance
8.4 Breaking Strength—Test Methods D751, Grab Method.
7.1 The sheet, including the full width of factory seams if
present, shall be fully adhered, watertight, and visibly free of 8.5 Tensile Strength—Test Methods D412, Die C.
TABLE 1 Physical Requirements for EPDM Sheet
Type I II III
Thickness, min, mm [in.]:
Sheet overall 1.016 [0.040] 1.016 [0.040] .
Coating over scrim or fabric . 0.38 [0.015] 0.76 [0.030]
Breaking strength, min, N [lbf] . 400 [90] 400 [90]
Tensile strength, min, MPa [psi] 9.0 [1305] . .
Dynamic puncture resistance, Type I at 5 J, Type II at at 10 J pass pass
Static puncture resistance, Type I at 20 kg [44.1 lbf], Type II at pass pass
25 kg [55.1 lbf]
A A
Elongation, ultimate, min,% 300 250 300
Elongation @ fabric break, ultimate, min, % 15
Machine direction 15
Cross direction
Tensile set, max, % 10 . .
Tear resistance, min, kN/m [lbf/in.] 26.27 [150] . .
Tearing strength, min, N [lbf] . 45 [10] 45 [10]
Brittleness point, max, °C [°F] −45 [−49] −45 [−49] −45 [−49]
Ozone resistance, no cracks pass pass pass
Heat aging:
Breaking strength, min, N [lbf] . 356 [80] 356 [80]
Tensile strength, min, MPa [psi] 8.3 [1205] . .
A A
Elongation, ultimate, min,% 200 200 200
Tear resistance, min, kN/m [lbf/in.] 21.9 [125] . .
Linear dimensional change, max, % ±1 ±1 ±1
A A
Water abso
...

This document is not an ASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of an ASTM standard an indication of what changes have been made to the previous version. Because
it may not be technically possible to adequately depict all changes accurately, ASTM recommends that users consult prior editions as appropriate. In all cases only the current version
of the standard as published by ASTM is to be considered the official document.
Designation: D4637/D4637M − 15 D4637/D4637M − 15 (Reapproved 2021)
Standard Specification for
EPDM Sheet Used Inin Single-Ply Roof Membrane
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D4637/D4637M; 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.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense.
1. Scope
1.1 This specification covers flexible sheet made from ethylene-propylene-diene terpolymer (EPDM) intended for use in single-ply
roofing membranes exposed to the weather. The tests and property limits used to characterize the sheet are values to ensure
minimum quality for the intended use. The sheet may be non-reinforced, fabric- or scrim-reinforced, or fabric-backed vulcanized
rubber sheet.
1.2 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.
1.3 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 non-conformancenonconformance with the standard.
1.4 This standard may involve hazardous materials, operations, and equipment. 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 safety, health, and healthenvironmental 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.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
D412 Test Methods for Vulcanized Rubber and Thermoplastic Elastomers—Tension
D413 Test Methods for Rubber Property—Adhesion to Flexible Substrate
D471 Test Method for Rubber Property—Effect of Liquids
D518 Test Method for Rubber Deterioration—Surface Cracking (Withdrawn 2007)
D573 Test Method for Rubber—Deterioration in an Air Oven
D624 Test Method for Tear Strength of Conventional Vulcanized Rubber and Thermoplastic Elastomers
D751 Test Methods for Coated Fabrics
D816 Test Methods for Rubber Cements
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D08 on Roofing and Waterproofing and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D08.18 on
Nonbituminous Organic Roof Coverings.
Current edition approved Nov. 1, 2015Dec. 1, 2021. Published December 2015December 2021. Originally approved in 1987. Last previous edition approved in 20142015
ɛ1
as D4637/D4637M – 14D4637/D4637M – 15. . DOI: 10.1520/D4637_D4637M-15.10.1520/D4637_D4637M-15R21.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM Standards
volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.
The last approved version of this historical standard is referenced on www.astm.org.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D4637/D4637M − 15 (2021)
D1149 Test Methods for Rubber Deterioration—Cracking in an Ozone Controlled Environment
D1204 Test Method for Linear Dimensional Changes of Nonrigid Thermoplastic Sheeting or Film at Elevated Temperature
D2137 Test Methods for Rubber Property—Brittleness Point of Flexible Polymers and Coated Fabrics
D5602/D5602M Test Method for Static Puncture Resistance of Roofing Membrane Specimens
D5635/D5635M Test Method for Dynamic Puncture Resistance of Roofing Membrane Specimens
D6382/D6382M Practice for Dynamic Mechanical Analysis and Thermogravimetry of Roofing and Waterproofing Membrane
Material
D7635/D7635M Test Method for Measurement of Thickness of Coatings Over Fabric Reinforcement
G151 Practice for Exposing Nonmetallic Materials in Accelerated Test Devices that Use Laboratory Light Sources
G155 Practice for Operating Xenon Arc Lamp Apparatus for Exposure of Materials
3. Classification
3.1 Types describe the sheet construction:
3.1.1 Type I—Non-reinforced.
3.1.2 Type II—Scrim (or fabric) internally reinforced.
3.1.3 Type III—Fabric backed.
4. Materials and Manufacture
4.1 The sheet shall be formulated from EPDM polymers and other compounding ingredients. EPDM shall be the principal polymer
used in the sheet and shall be greater than 95 % of the total polymer content.
4.2 To make seams and repairs, the sheet shall be capable of being bonded watertight to itself and the supplier or fabricator shall
recommend suitable methods.
5. Physical Properties and Tolerances
5.1 The sheet shall conform to the physical requirements prescribed in Table 1.
5.2 The tolerance for time conditions (aging, weathering, and so forth) is 615 min or 61 % of the period;period, whichever is
greater, unless otherwise specified.
5.3 Tolerances for temperature shall be 62°C [64°F].62 °C [64 °F].
6. Dimensions
6.1 The width and length of the sheet shall be agreed upon between the purchaser and the supplier.
6.1.1 The width and length tolerance shall be +3 %, −0 %.
6.2 The thickness tolerance shall be +15 %, −10 % of the thickness agreed upon between the purchaser and supplier, but in no
case shall the thickness be less than the minimum listed in Table 1.
7. Workmanship, Finish, and Appearance
7.1 The sheet, including the full width of factory seams if present, shall be fully adhered, watertight, and visibly free of pinholes,
particles of foreign matter, undispersed raw material, or other manufacturing defects that might affect serviceability. If the number
of irregularities in the form of pockmarks (see Note 1) appearappears excessive on the sheet (or portion thereof), then its rejection
shall be negotiated between involved parties.
7.2 Edges of the sheets shall be straight and flat so that they may be seamed to one another without fishmouthing.
NOTE 1—Pockmarks are oblong depressions, cavities, or craters on the surface of the sheet that have an approximate surface dimension of 3.2 by 1.6 mm
D4637/D4637M − 15 (2021)
TABLE 1 Physical Requirements for EPDM Sheet
Type I II III
Thickness, min, mm [in.]:
Sheet-overall 1.016 [0.040] 1.016 [0.040] .
Sheet overall 1.016 [0.040] 1.016 [0.040] .
Coating over scrim or fabric . 0.38 [0.015] 0.76 [0.030]
Breaking strength, min, N [lbf] . 400 [90] 400 [90]
Tensile strength, min, MPa [psi] 9.0 [1305] . .
Dynamic Puncture Resistance, Type I at 5 J, Type II at at 10 J pass pass
Dynamic puncture resistance, Type I at 5 J, Type II at at 10 J pass pass
Static Puncture Resistance, Type I at 20 kg [44.1 lbf], Type II at pass pass
25 kg [55.1 lbf]
Static puncture resistance, Type I at 20 kg [44.1 lbf], Type II at pass pass
25 kg [55.1 lbf]
A A
Elongation, ultimate, min,% 300 250 300
Elongation @ fabric break, ultimate, min, % 15
Machine direction 15
Cross direction
Tensile set, max, % 10 . .
Tear resistance, min, kN/m [lbf/in.] 26.27 [150] . .
Tearing strength, min, N [lbf] . 45 [10] 45 [10]
Brittleness point, max, °C [°F] −45 [−49] −45 [−49] −45 [−49]
Ozone resistance, no cracks pass pass pass
Heat aging:
Breaking strength, min, N [lbf] . 356 [80] 356 [80]
Tensile strength, min, MPa [psi] 8.3 [1205] . .
A A
Elongation, ultimate, min,% 200 200 200
Tear resistance, min, kN/m [lbf/in.] 21.9 [125] . .
Linear dimensional change, max, % ±1 ±1 ±1
A A
Water absorption, max, mass % + 8, − 2 + 8, − 2 + 8, − 2
A A
Water absorption, max, mass % +8, −2 +8, −2 +8, −2
Factory seam strength, min, kN/m [lbf/in.] 8.8 [50] or sheet failure
Weather resistance:
Visual inspection no cracks or crazing no cracks or crazing no cracks or crazing
PRFSE, min, % 30 . .
Elongation, ultimate, min, % 200 . .
Fabric adhesion, min, N/m [lbf/in.] . . 525 [3]
A
Specimens to be prepared from coating rubber compound, vulcanized in a similar method to the reinforced products.
1 1
[ ⁄8 by ⁄16 in.], and have a maximum depth approaching one half of the sheet thickness.
8. Test Methods
8.1 Dimensions—Test Methods D751, after permitting the sheet to relax at 23 6 2°C2 °C [73.4 6 4°F]4 °F] for 1 h 6 15 min.
8.2 Thickness, Sheet Overall—From across the full width of the unbuffed sheet, take three samples, 300 by 300 mm [1 by 1 ft].
Measure the thickness of each corner. On fabric backed (Type III) the coating thickness can be measured after cutting or buffing
fabric from the rubber. Refer to Test MethodMethods D412 for Type I sheet and Test MethodMethods D751 for Type II and Type
III sheet.
8.3 Thickness of Coating Over S
...