When test methods in ASTM D 6630, Standard Guide for Low Slope Insulated Roof Membrane Assembly, are applied before installation, potential problems of low-slope roof assemblies can surface. What minimum service-life can be expected from the waterproofing material, underlying substrate, and other parts of the assembly? How do these components work as a system?

New in February, D 6630 offers tests methods that can establish minimum performance requirements for low-slope assemblies on roofs either with or without insulation. “Key material attributes include static and dynamic indentation resistance, cyclical fatigue, heat conditioning, water exposure, tear resistance, and response to artificial weathering tests,” said Rene M. Dupuis, Ph.D., P. E., chairman of the task force that developed D 6630.

Pertinent design and installation information for users was compiled by a 25-member ASTM task force that operated in Subcommittee D08.20 on Roofing Membrane Systems under Committee D08 on Roofing, Waterproofing, and Bituminous Materials. The group included roofing manufacturers, contractors, designers, architects, engineers, consultants, and government agencies. Voting members of the Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association, Single Ply Roofing Institute, National Roofing Contractors Association, Midwest Roofing Contractors Association, and other low-slope roofing stakeholders reviewed the guide as it was being developed.

Dupuis, a principal with Structural Research, Inc., Middleton, Wis., said the greatest benefits of using D 6630 are:

• A uniform methodology is used for single ply, built-up, modified bitumen and spray polyurethane foam roofing systems regarding design concerns and material performance as a finished roof system.
• It incorporates existing ASTM material standards and test methods.
• It allows for new roofing materials to be incorporated with performance tests that are designed to evaluate their durability as a roof membrane to the extent possible. The design of the roofing assembly including thermal insulation is presented in a unified manner along with the material attributes.

For further technical information, contact Rene M. Dupuis, Ph.D., P.E., Structural Research, Inc., Middleton, Wis. (phone: 608/831.5333). Committee D08 meets June 24-27 in Norfolk, Va. For meeting or membership details, contact Staff Manager Pat Picariello, ASTM (phone: 610/832-9720). //

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