ASTM D7636/D7636M-11(2019)
(Practice)Standard Practice for Sampling and Analysis of Modified Bitumen Roof Systems
Standard Practice for Sampling and Analysis of Modified Bitumen Roof Systems
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
6.1 This practice is for removing specimens from existing modified bitumen roof membranes for visual assessment and evaluation for abnormalities in the membrane.
6.2 This practice is not intended for roofs under construction.
SCOPE
1.1 This practice is for removing specimens from existing modified bitumen roof membranes for visual assessment and evaluation for abnormalities in the membrane. The roof membrane consists of one or more plies/sheet materials in which at least one ply is a modified bitumen (MB) sheet, and which is installed with one or more of the following methods: hot asphalt, heat welding (open flame torching or heated air), cold adhesive, or self-adhesive. The roof membrane may consist of one or more plies of the following:
1.1.1 SBS (styrene-butadiene-styrene), APP (attactic polypropylene), or other polymer, modified bitumen sheet materials.
1.1.2 An exposed modified bitumen sheet material, that is, a modified cap sheet, covering multiple layers of built-up roofing (BUR) plies.
1.1.3 Any adhesive or bitumen component used to install the roof membrane.
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 non-conformance with the standard.
1.3 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-Jun-2019
- Technical Committee
- D08 - Roofing and Waterproofing
- Drafting Committee
- D08.20 - Roofing Membrane Systems
Relations
- Replaces
ASTM D7636/D7636M-11 - Standard Practice for Sampling and Analysis of Modified Bitumen Roof Systems - Effective Date
- 01-Jul-2019
- Effective Date
- 01-May-2020
- Effective Date
- 15-Dec-2018
- Effective Date
- 15-Dec-2018
- Effective Date
- 01-Feb-2016
- Effective Date
- 01-Mar-2013
- Effective Date
- 01-Mar-2013
- Effective Date
- 01-Sep-2010
- Effective Date
- 01-Jul-2009
- Effective Date
- 01-Feb-2008
- Effective Date
- 01-Jan-2008
- Effective Date
- 01-Jun-2007
- Effective Date
- 15-Jan-2007
- Effective Date
- 01-Aug-2006
- Effective Date
- 15-Sep-2005
Overview
ASTM D7636/D7636M-11(2019): Standard Practice for Sampling and Analysis of Modified Bitumen Roof Systems provides a systematic approach for the removal, inspection, and evaluation of specimens from existing modified bitumen roof membranes. This standard is essential for roofing professionals, building inspectors, consultants, and facility managers involved in the maintenance, assessment, and analysis of roof membrane performance. This practice focuses on identifying abnormalities in the membrane such as voids, inadequate adhesion, blistering, or other defects. It is not intended for use on roofs currently under construction.
The standard applies to modified bitumen (MB) systems containing SBS (styrene-butadiene-styrene), APP (atactic polypropylene), or other polymer-modified bitumen sheet materials, and includes hybrid systems where MB cap sheets are installed over built-up roofing (BUR) plies.
Key Topics
- Specimen Removal: Defines procedures for safely extracting specimens from the roof assembly without compromising the membrane’s integrity.
- Visual Assessment: Outlines photographic documentation and visual inspection as primary tools for detecting abnormalities within the roof membrane.
- Abnormalities Assessment: Common issues identified include:
- Voids in interply or between membrane and substrate
- Inadequate adhesion (interply or to substrate)
- Blisters, wrinkling, shrinkage, and surface wear
- Mole runs and other structural irregularities
- Specimen Handling: Recommends specimen size, protection against damage, moisture, and contamination during transport.
- Reporting Requirements: Specifies information to record and report, including roof structure details, abnormalities, photographic evidence, and specific locations on a roof plan.
Applications
ASTM D7636/D7636M-11(2019) is primarily used for:
- Roof Condition Assessments: Enables objective evaluation of the current condition of modified bitumen roofing by identifying and documenting defects and anomalies.
- Maintenance Planning: Provides data that help prioritize roof repairs or replacements, supporting proactive building management.
- Failure Investigation: Assists in diagnosing roofing failures by revealing internal construction, adhesive performance, and moisture infiltration.
- Quality Assurance in Renovations: Used as a validation tool post-repair or post-restoration to ensure installed materials meet performance expectations.
- Building Insurance and Compliance: Supports claims management and regulatory compliance with standardized, repeatable inspection processes.
This standard is vital to anyone tasked with managing, maintaining, or inspecting existing modified bitumen roof systems, especially those incorporating SBS, APP, or hybrid MB/BUR constructions.
Related Standards
For a comprehensive roofing assessment and maintenance program, consider these related standards:
- ASTM D1079: Terminology Relating to Roofing and Waterproofing
- ASTM D6162, D6163, D6164: Specifications for SBS and APP Modified Bituminous Sheets
- ASTM D3617: Sampling and Analysis for Bituminous Materials
- ASTM E907: Procedure for Sampling and Testing Roof Membranes
These complementary ASTM standards help ensure that sampling, terminology, and material specifications across different roofing systems remain consistent and in line with industry best practices.
Keywords: ASTM D7636, modified bitumen, roof membrane, sampling, analysis, SBS, APP, built-up roofing, roof inspection, roofing standards, bituminous roofing, membrane abnormalities, roofing maintenance, roofing quality assurance, roof defect analysis.
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Frequently Asked Questions
ASTM D7636/D7636M-11(2019) is a standard published by ASTM International. Its full title is "Standard Practice for Sampling and Analysis of Modified Bitumen Roof Systems". This standard covers: SIGNIFICANCE AND USE 6.1 This practice is for removing specimens from existing modified bitumen roof membranes for visual assessment and evaluation for abnormalities in the membrane. 6.2 This practice is not intended for roofs under construction. SCOPE 1.1 This practice is for removing specimens from existing modified bitumen roof membranes for visual assessment and evaluation for abnormalities in the membrane. The roof membrane consists of one or more plies/sheet materials in which at least one ply is a modified bitumen (MB) sheet, and which is installed with one or more of the following methods: hot asphalt, heat welding (open flame torching or heated air), cold adhesive, or self-adhesive. The roof membrane may consist of one or more plies of the following: 1.1.1 SBS (styrene-butadiene-styrene), APP (attactic polypropylene), or other polymer, modified bitumen sheet materials. 1.1.2 An exposed modified bitumen sheet material, that is, a modified cap sheet, covering multiple layers of built-up roofing (BUR) plies. 1.1.3 Any adhesive or bitumen component used to install the roof membrane. 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 non-conformance with the standard. 1.3 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.
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE 6.1 This practice is for removing specimens from existing modified bitumen roof membranes for visual assessment and evaluation for abnormalities in the membrane. 6.2 This practice is not intended for roofs under construction. SCOPE 1.1 This practice is for removing specimens from existing modified bitumen roof membranes for visual assessment and evaluation for abnormalities in the membrane. The roof membrane consists of one or more plies/sheet materials in which at least one ply is a modified bitumen (MB) sheet, and which is installed with one or more of the following methods: hot asphalt, heat welding (open flame torching or heated air), cold adhesive, or self-adhesive. The roof membrane may consist of one or more plies of the following: 1.1.1 SBS (styrene-butadiene-styrene), APP (attactic polypropylene), or other polymer, modified bitumen sheet materials. 1.1.2 An exposed modified bitumen sheet material, that is, a modified cap sheet, covering multiple layers of built-up roofing (BUR) plies. 1.1.3 Any adhesive or bitumen component used to install the roof membrane. 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 non-conformance with the standard. 1.3 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 D7636/D7636M-11(2019) 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 D7636/D7636M-11(2019) has the following relationships with other standards: It is inter standard links to ASTM D7636/D7636M-11, ASTM D1079-20, ASTM D1079-18e1, ASTM D1079-18, ASTM D1079-16, ASTM D1079-13, ASTM D1079-13e1, ASTM D1079-10, ASTM D1079-09, ASTM D1079-08a, ASTM D1079-08, ASTM D1079-07a, ASTM D1079-07, ASTM D1079-06, ASTM D1079-05a. Understanding these relationships helps ensure you are using the most current and applicable version of the standard.
ASTM D7636/D7636M-11(2019) 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: D7636/D7636M −11 (Reapproved 2019)
Standard Practice for
Sampling and Analysis of Modified Bitumen Roof Systems
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D7636/D7636M; 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 3. Terminology
1.1 This practice is for removing specimens from existing 3.1 Definitions—For definitions of terms used in this
modified bitumen roof membranes for visual assessment and practice, refer to Terminology D1079.
evaluation for abnormalities in the membrane. The roof mem-
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
brane consists of one or more plies/sheet materials in which at
3.2.1 hybrid membrane system, n—MB/BUR roof mem-
least one ply is a modified bitumen (MB) sheet, and which is
brane consisting of a modified bitumen cap sheet with one or
installed with one or more of the following methods: hot
more layers of underlying BUR.
asphalt, heat welding (open flame torching or heated air), cold
3.2.2 ply or sheet material, n—a single layer of the modified
adhesive, or self-adhesive. The roof membrane may consist of
bitumen roof membrane.
one or more plies of the following:
1.1.1 SBS (styrene-butadiene-styrene), APP (attactic
4. Sampling
polypropylene), or other polymer, modified bitumen sheet
materials. 4.1 Unless otherwise specified, for each abnormal roof area
1.1.2 An exposed modified bitumen sheet material, that is, a
take at least one specimen from the area that exhibits an
modified cap sheet, covering multiple layers of built-up roofing abnormality plus one “control” specimen. The control speci-
(BUR) plies.
men should have no obvious abnormalities and should be taken
1.1.3 Any adhesive or bitumen component used to install in close proximity to the sampled problem area.
the roof membrane.
4.2 Additional specimens in which abnormalities are exhib-
1.2 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units ited in the membrane may be taken to determine the extent of
are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in
the affected area.
each system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each
system shall be used independently of the other. Combining
5. Test Specimen
values from the two systems may result in non-conformance
5.1 As a minimum, the roof membrane specimens should be
with the standard.
taken down to the top surface of the membrane substrate.
1.3 This international standard was developed in accor-
Sampling down to the level of the roof deck may be necessary
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
to better determine the cause and extent of any abnormality.
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
5.2 The recommended minimum specimen size is 305 by
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
305 mm [12 by 12 in.] or 100 by 1120 mm [4 by 44 in.],
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
depending on the nature of the potential membrane problem. If
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
the membrane is a hybrid BUR/MB, the 100 by 1120 mm [4 by
44 in.] specimen size, cutting across the width of the cap sheet,
2. Referenced Documents
is recommended.
2.1 ASTM Standards:
5.2.1 The specimen size and shape may be adjusted, once
D1079 Terminology Relating to Roofing and Waterproofing
initialsamplinghasoccurred,toadequatelyassessthenatureof
any problem.
ThispracticeisunderthejurisdictionofASTMCommitteeD08onRoofingand
Waterproofing and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D08.20 on Roofing
6. Significance and Use
Membrane Systems.
Current edition approved July 1, 2019. Published July 2019. Originally approved
6.1 This practice is for removing specimens from existing
in 2011. Last previous edition approved in 2011 as D7636/D7636M – 11. DOI:
modified bitumen roof membranes for visual assessment and
10.1520/D7636_D7636M-11R19.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or evaluation for abnormalities in the membrane.
contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
6.2 This practice is not intended for roofs under construc-
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
the ASTM website. tion.
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