ASTM D6757/D6757M-18(2023)

Standard Specification for Underlayment Felt Containing Inorganic Fibers Used in Steep-Slope Roofing

ABSTRACT
This specification covers inorganic fiber-reinforced organic felt, and inorganic fiber-based asphaltic and nonasphaltic felt underlayments for use as underlayment with steep-slope roofing products. The intent of this specification is to provide criteria for producing and evaluating underlayments with a significantly reduced tendency to wrinkle before or after the installation of steep roofing products. Materials shall be sampled and tested suitably to examine their conformance with performance requirements such as tear strength, pliability, behavior on heating, liquid water transmission, dimensional stability at low to high humidity conditions, and elongation.
SCOPE
1.1 This specification covers (1) inorganic fiber-reinforced organic felt underlayment, and (2) inorganic fiber-based felt for use as underlayment with steep-slope roofing products. The intent of this specification is to provide criteria for producing and evaluating underlayments with a significantly reduced tendency to wrinkle before or after the installation of steep roofing products.  
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 The following safety hazards caveat pertains only to the test method portion, 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, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory requirements 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-Jun-2023
• ICS: 91.060.20 - Roofs
• Technical Committee: D08 - Roofing and Waterproofing
• Drafting Committee: D08.02 - Steep Roofing Products and Assemblies

Relations

• Refers: ASTM D1079-20 - Standard Terminology Relating to Roofing and Waterproofing
• Effective Date: 01-May-2020
• Refers: ASTM D228/D228M-19 - Standard Test Methods for Sampling, Testing, and Analysis of Asphalt Roll Roofing, Cap Sheets, and Shingles Used in Roofing and Waterproofing
• Effective Date: 01-May-2019
• Refers: ASTM D1079-18e1 - Standard Terminology Relating to Roofing and Waterproofing
• Effective Date: 15-Dec-2018
• Refers: ASTM D1079-18 - Standard Terminology Relating to Roofing and Waterproofing
• Effective Date: 15-Dec-2018
• Refers: ASTM D228/D228M-18 - Standard Test Methods for Sampling, Testing, and Analysis of Asphalt Roll Roofing, Cap Sheets, and Shingles Used in Roofing and Waterproofing
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2018
• Refers: ASTM D228/D228M-16 - Standard Test Methods for Sampling, Testing, and Analysis of Asphalt Roll Roofing, Cap Sheets, and Shingles Used in Roofing and Waterproofing
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2016
• Refers: ASTM D1079-16 - Standard Terminology Relating to Roofing and Waterproofing
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2016
• Refers: ASTM D4869/D4869M-16 - Standard Specification for Asphalt-Saturated Organic Felt Underlayment Used in Steep Slope Roofing
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2016
• Refers: ASTM D228/D228M-15 - Standard Test Methods for Sampling, Testing, and Analysis of Asphalt Roll Roofing, Cap Sheets, and Shingles Used in Roofing and Waterproofing
• Effective Date: 01-May-2015
• Refers: ASTM D4869/D4869M-15 - Standard Specification for Asphalt-Saturated Organic Felt Underlayment Used in Steep Slope Roofing
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2015
• Refers: ASTM D228/D228M-09(2014) - Standard Test Methods for Sampling, Testing, and Analysis of Asphalt Roll Roofing, Cap Sheets, and Shingles Used in Roofing and Waterproofing
• Effective Date: 01-May-2014
• Refers: ASTM D1079-13e1 - Standard Terminology Relating to Roofing and Waterproofing
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2013
• Refers: ASTM D1079-13 - Standard Terminology Relating to Roofing and Waterproofing
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2013
• Refers: ASTM D4869/D4869M-05(2011)e1 - Standard Specification for Asphalt-Saturated Organic Felt Underlayment Used in Steep Slope Roofing
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2011
• Refers: ASTM D1079-10 - Standard Terminology Relating to Roofing and Waterproofing
• Effective Date: 01-Sep-2010

Overview

ASTM D6757/D6757M-18(2023) is the internationally recognized standard specification for underlayment felt containing inorganic fibers, designed specifically for use in steep-slope roofing systems. Developed by ASTM International, this standard addresses both inorganic fiber-reinforced organic felts and inorganic fiber-based felts, including asphaltic and nonasphaltic types. The specification outlines benchmarks for manufacturing, evaluating, and ensuring product quality in roofing underlayments aimed at minimizing wrinkling and optimizing performance before and after roofing installation.

Key Topics

• Scope and Coverage

  • Applies to inorganic fiber-reinforced organic felt underlayments as well as inorganic fiber-based asphaltic and nonasphaltic felts.
  • Intended for use under steep-slope roofing products where dimensional stability and minimal tendency to wrinkle are essential.

• Performance Requirements

  • Tear strength and pliability to ensure resistance to mechanical stress.
  • Behavior on heating, requiring stable performance at varying temperatures.
  • Dimensional stability under changes from low to high humidity, maintaining consistent size and shape.
  • Resistance to liquid water transmission, providing additional weather protection.
  • Freedom from visible defects such as cracks, holes, bulges, and tears.

• Sampling and Testing Methods

  • Specifies standard test methods (e.g., ASTM D146, ASTM D228/D228M, ASTM D4869/D4869M, ASTM F1087) for quality assurance.
  • Emphasizes independent evaluation in either SI or inch-pound units without intermixing, to ensure compliance.

• Safety and Compliance

  • Provides guidance on user responsibility for safety, health, and environmental practices during testing and application.

Applications

ASTM D6757/D6757M-18(2023) is widely referenced in the roofing and construction industries for:

• Residential and Commercial Steep-Slope Roofs

  • Serves as a benchmark specification for manufacturers, designers, and installers seeking underlayment materials that ensure stability and reliable protection beneath shingles, tiles, and other roofing products.

• Quality Control and Procurement

  • Critical for procurement professionals and contractors to specify compliant products in project documents.
  • Ensures consistent product performance across suppliers and builds trust during material selection and installation.

• Building Regulations and Warranty Requirements

  • Often referenced in building codes, roofing assembly specifications, and warranty documentation, where verified dimensional stability and weather resistance are required.

Related Standards

For comprehensive quality assurance in roofing systems, the following ASTM standards are frequently cited alongside ASTM D6757/D6757M-18(2023):

• ASTM D146/D146M - Test Methods for Sampling and Testing Bitumen-Saturated Felts and Woven Fabrics for Roofing and Waterproofing
• ASTM D228/D228M - Test Methods for Sampling, Testing, and Analysis of Asphalt Roll Roofing, Cap Sheets, and Shingles Used in Roofing and Waterproofing
• ASTM D4869/D4869M - Specification for Asphalt-Saturated Organic Felt Underlayment Used in Steep Slope Roofing
• ASTM D1079 - Terminology Relating to Roofing and Waterproofing
• ASTM F1087 - Test Method for Linear Dimensional Stability of a Gasket Material to Moisture

Practical Value

Adhering to ASTM D6757/D6757M-18(2023) delivers the following benefits across the construction and roofing sectors:

• Optimized Performance: Ensures underlayment materials resist wrinkling, tearing, and dimensional changes, protecting the roofing system’s longevity.
• Consistency and Reliability: Provides standardized criteria for evaluating and accepting products, reducing installation risks.
• International Acceptance: Aligns with global trade and construction best practices, supporting regulatory compliance and export/import requirements.
• Enhanced Building Durability: Contributes to the effectiveness of weather protection under finished roofing, especially in variable climates and challenging installations.

For manufacturers, contractors, and specifiers seeking reliable, durable steep-slope roofing underlayments, ASTM D6757/D6757M-18(2023) is the standard of reference for quality assurance and optimal roof performance.

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: D6757/D6757M − 18 (Reapproved 2023)
Standard Specification for
Underlayment Felt Containing Inorganic Fibers Used in
Steep-Slope Roofing
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D6757/D6757M; 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 D228/D228M Test Methods for Sampling, Testing, and
Analysis of Asphalt Roll Roofing, Cap Sheets, and
1.1 This specification covers (1) inorganic fiber-reinforced
Shingles Used in Roofing and Waterproofing
organic felt underlayment, and (2) inorganic fiber-based felt for
D1079 Terminology Relating to Roofing and Waterproofing
use as underlayment with steep-slope roofing products. The
D4869/D4869M Specification for Asphalt-Saturated Or-
intent of this specification is to provide criteria for producing
ganic Felt Underlayment Used in Steep Slope Roofing
and evaluating underlayments with a significantly reduced
F1087 Test Method for Linear Dimensional Stability of a
tendency to wrinkle before or after the installation of steep
Gasket Material to Moisture
roofing products.
1.2 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units
3. Terminology
are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in
3.1 Definitions—For definitions of terms used in this
each system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each
specification, refer to Terminology D1079.
system shall be used independently of the other. Combining
values from the two systems may result in nonconformance
4. Classification
with the standard.
4.1 Organic felts that are reinforced with inorganic fibers are
1.3 The following safety hazards caveat pertains only to the
covered by this specification.
test method portion, Section 8, of this specification: This
4.2 Inorganic fiber-based asphaltic and nonasphaltic felts
standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns,
are covered by this specification.
if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user
of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and
5. Materials and Manufacture
environmental practices and determine the applicability of
5.1 In the process of manufacture, a single thickness of
regulatory requirements prior to use.
inorganic mat or organic felt that is reinforced with inorganic
1.4 This international standard was developed in accor-
fibers shall be uniformly saturated or coated.
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
6. Physical Requirements
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
6.1 The material shall conform to the physical requirements
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
prescribed in Table 1.
6.2 The finished product shall not crack nor be so sticky as
2. Referenced Documents
to cause tearing or other damage upon being unrolled at
2.1 ASTM Standards:
temperatures between –1 and 60 °C [30 and 140 °F]. The
D146/D146M Test Methods for Sampling and Testing
finished product shall pass the water shower exposure test in
Bitumen-Saturated Felts and Woven Fabrics for Roofing
accordance with 8.1.4, indicating resistance to liquid water
and Waterproofing
transmission.
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D08 on
7. Dimensions, Masses, Workmanship, Finish, and
Roofing and Waterproofing and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D08.02
Appearance
on Steep Roofing Products and Assemblies.
Current edition approved July 1, 2023. Published July 2023. Originally approved
7.1 Dimensions and masses to be agreed upon between
in 2002. Last previous edition approved in 2018 as D6757/D6757M – 18. DOI:
buyer and seller.
10.1520/D6757_D6757M-18R23.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
7.2 The finished material shall be free of visible external
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
defects, such as holes, ragged or untrue edges, breaks, cracks,
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
the ASTM website. tears, bulges, and indentations.
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D6757/D6757M − 18 (2023)
TABLE 1 Physical Requirements
8.2.3.1 Low humidity to high humidity:
Tear strength, min at 23 ± 2 °C, 4.0, [0.88] (in any
L
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