Modified bitumen products have been in use since the mid-1970s, and represent a substantial percentage of the commercial asphalt roofs installed throughout North America. A new ASTM International standard addresses the use of cold process adhesives in modified bitumen roofing systems. ASTM D7379, Test Methods for Strength of Modified Bitumen Sheet Material Laps Using Cold Process Adhesive, was developed by Subcommittee D08.04 on Felts and Fabrics, part of ASTM International Committee D08 on Roofing and Waterproofing.

According to Carter Slusher, Modified Bitumen/Polyiso Systems Engineer, Firestone Building Products Co., and longtime member of Committee D08, D7379 can be used to find the bond strength of a modified bitumen/cold adhesive system as a function of cure time. "The most likely users of D7379 are manufacturers of modified bitumen membranes, manufacturers of asphaltic cold process adhesives and independent test labs that wish to determine the bond strength characteristics of various combinations of asphaltic membrane and asphalt-based adhesive," says Slusher.

Slusher notes that, with the approval of D7379, Committee D08 has turned its attention to the development of a proposed new product standard, which is under the jurisdiction of Task Group D08.20.37 on Cold Process Adhesive Modified Bitumen Roof Systems. The task group is seeking participation from anyone who is familiar with modified bitumen products and asphalt-based cold process adhesives, especially those who have the equipment and resources to participate in a round robin study.
              
For technical Information, contact Carter Slusher, Firestone Building Products, Indianapolis, Ind. (phone: 317-575-7117; slushercarter@firestonebp.com). Committee D08 meets Dec. 7-10 in Miami Beach, Fla. For meeting or membership information, contact Joseph Hugo (phone: 610-832-9740; jhugo@astm.org).

Release #8059/Sept08