ASTM D43/D43M-00(2024)
(Specification)Standard Specification for Coal Tar Primer Used in Roofing, Dampproofing, and Waterproofing
Standard Specification for Coal Tar Primer Used in Roofing, Dampproofing, and Waterproofing
ABSTRACT
This specification covers coal tar primer suitable for use with coal tar pitch in roofing, dampproofing, and waterproofing below or above ground level, for application to concrete, masonry, and coal tar surfaces. Different tests shall be conducted in order to determine the following physical properties of coal tar primer: water content, consistency, specific gravity, matter insoluble in benzene, distillation, and coke residue content.
SCOPE
1.1 This specification covers coal tar primer suitable for use with coal tar pitch in roofing, dampproofing, and waterproofing below or above ground level, for application to concrete, masonry, and coal tar surfaces.
1.2 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.
1.3 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.
1.4 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-Apr-2024
- Technical Committee
- D08 - Roofing and Waterproofing
Relations
- Effective Date
- 01-May-2024
- Effective Date
- 01-May-2024
- Effective Date
- 01-May-2024
Overview
ASTM D43/D43M-00(2024) is the globally recognized standard specification for coal tar primer used in roofing, dampproofing, and waterproofing applications. Developed by ASTM International, this standard outlines the essential quality and performance requirements for coal tar primer applied to concrete, masonry, and coal tar surfaces, both above and below ground. The specification ensures that products meet strict criteria for physical properties, testing methods, and packaging, supporting the integrity and longevity of building protection systems.
Key Topics
Scope and Applicability
- Covers requirements for coal tar primer suitable for use with coal tar pitch in various weatherproofing applications.
- Applicable for surfaces including concrete, masonry, and coal tar.
Physical Property Requirements
- Water content: Not more than 1%
- Consistency: Must remain fluid and crystal-free at 5°C (41°F)
- Specific gravity: Not less than 1.06 at 38/15.5°C (100/60°F)
- Matter insoluble in benzene: Not more than 0.5%
- Distillation: Controlled fractions at specified temperatures
- Coke residue: Not more than 2%
Test Methods
- Sampling in compliance with ASTM D140/D140M.
- Determination of physical properties via referenced ASTM standards.
- Use of standard tables for volume and specific gravity correction.
Packaging and Marking
- Packaging must conform to applicable regulations.
- Each package should be clearly marked with ASTM designation, manufacturer information, and net contents.
Inspection and Rejection
- Inspection procedures to be agreed on between supplier and purchaser.
- Non-conforming material may be rejected and resubmitted after correction.
Applications
Coal tar primer covered by ASTM D43/D43M is a foundational material in the following construction and maintenance applications:
- Roofing Systems
- Serves as a primer for coal tar pitch in built-up roofing assemblies to enhance adhesion and durability.
- Dampproofing
- Applied to concrete and masonry foundations for protection against moisture ingress above or below ground.
- Waterproofing
- Integral to waterproofing systems for tunnels, basements, and other critical infrastructure, providing a reliable barrier to water penetration.
- Repair and Maintenance
- Used in the restoration of existing coal tar-based installations to maintain performance and longevity.
Adherence to this standard ensures that coal tar primers are fit for purpose, minimize risks of system failure, and comply with regulatory requirements, making it central to projects where long-term waterproofing and dampproofing are priorities.
Related Standards
Professionals referencing ASTM D43/D43M may also find the following standards relevant:
- ASTM D140/D140M - Practice for Sampling Asphalt Materials
- ASTM D168 - Test Method for Coke Residue of Creosote (Withdrawn)
- ASTM D246 - Test Method for Distillation of Creosote and Creosote-Coal Tar Solutions (Withdrawn)
- ASTM D347 - Tables for Volume and Specific Gravity Correction (Withdrawn)
- ASTM D367 - Test Method for Xylene-Insoluble Matter in Creosote (Withdrawn)
- ASTM D368 - Test Method for Specific Gravity of Creosote and Oil-Type Preservatives (Withdrawn)
- ASTM D370 - Practice for Dehydration of Oil-Type Preservatives
Aligning with these related ASTM standards helps ensure comprehensive quality control across roofing, dampproofing, and waterproofing projects, and supports compliance with international best practices.
Keywords: coal tar primer, ASTM D43, roofing, waterproofing, dampproofing, concrete protection, masonry protection, construction standards, material specification
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Frequently Asked Questions
ASTM D43/D43M-00(2024) is a technical specification published by ASTM International. Its full title is "Standard Specification for Coal Tar Primer Used in Roofing, Dampproofing, and Waterproofing". This standard covers: ABSTRACT This specification covers coal tar primer suitable for use with coal tar pitch in roofing, dampproofing, and waterproofing below or above ground level, for application to concrete, masonry, and coal tar surfaces. Different tests shall be conducted in order to determine the following physical properties of coal tar primer: water content, consistency, specific gravity, matter insoluble in benzene, distillation, and coke residue content. SCOPE 1.1 This specification covers coal tar primer suitable for use with coal tar pitch in roofing, dampproofing, and waterproofing below or above ground level, for application to concrete, masonry, and coal tar surfaces. 1.2 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. 1.3 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. 1.4 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 covers coal tar primer suitable for use with coal tar pitch in roofing, dampproofing, and waterproofing below or above ground level, for application to concrete, masonry, and coal tar surfaces. Different tests shall be conducted in order to determine the following physical properties of coal tar primer: water content, consistency, specific gravity, matter insoluble in benzene, distillation, and coke residue content. SCOPE 1.1 This specification covers coal tar primer suitable for use with coal tar pitch in roofing, dampproofing, and waterproofing below or above ground level, for application to concrete, masonry, and coal tar surfaces. 1.2 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. 1.3 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. 1.4 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 D43/D43M-00(2024) 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 D43/D43M-00(2024) has the following relationships with other standards: It is inter standard links to ASTM D43/D43M-00(2018), ASTM D6622/D6622M-20, ASTM C981-20. Understanding these relationships helps ensure you are using the most current and applicable version of the standard.
ASTM D43/D43M-00(2024) 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: D43/D43M − 00 (Reapproved 2024) American Association State
Highway and Transportation Officials Standard
AASHTO No.: M121
Standard Specification for
Coal Tar Primer Used in Roofing, Dampproofing, and
Waterproofing
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D43/D43M; 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 D246 Test Method for Distillation of Creosote and Creosote-
Coal Tar Solutions (Withdrawn 2006)
1.1 This specification covers coal tar primer suitable for use
D347 Tables for Volume and Specific Gravity Correction for
with coal tar pitch in roofing, dampproofing, and waterproofing
Creosote, Creosote-Coal Tar Solution, and Coal Tar
below or above ground level, for application to concrete,
(Withdrawn 2006)
masonry, and coal tar surfaces.
D367 Test Method for Xylene-Insoluble Matter in Creosote
1.2 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units 3
(Withdrawn 2006)
are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in
D368 Test Method for Specific Gravity of Creosote and
each system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each 3
Oil-Type Preservatives (Withdrawn 2006)
system shall be used independently of the other. Combining
D370 Practice for Dehydration of Oil-Type Preservatives
values from the two systems may result in nonconformance
with the standard. 3. Physical Requirements
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the
3.1 Coal tar primer shall be a distillate of coal-gas tar or
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
coke-oven tar and shall conform to the following requirements:
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter- Water not more than 1 %
A
Consistency at 5 °C [41 °F] entirely fluid and crystal free
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
Specific gravity, 38/15.5 °C [100 ⁄60 °F] not less than 1.06
1.4 This international standard was developed in accor-
Matter insoluble in benzene not more than 0.5 %
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard- Distillation, based on water-free oil:
Up to 210 °C [410 °F] not more than 1 %
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Up to 235 °C [455 °F] not more than 10 %
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
Up to 355 °C [670 °F] not less than 65 %
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
Coke residue not more than 2 %
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
A
The coal tar primer shall be rated as crystal free if no crystals are formed when
100 mL of the sample is maintained at a temperature of 5 °C [41 °F] for 3 h, in a
2. Referenced Documents
125 mL Erlenmeyer flask, with occasional stirring.
2.1 ASTM Standards:
4. Sampling
D140/D140M Practice for Sampling Asphalt Materials
D168 Test Method for Coke Residue of Creosote (With-
4.1 Sample the coal tar primer in accordance with Practice
drawn 2006)
D140/D140M.
5. Test Methods
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D0
...




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