Standard Specification for Nonvulcanized (Uncured) Rubber Sheet Used as Roof Flashing

ABSTRACT
This specification covers nonvulcanized (uncured) rubber sheet made of ethylene-propylene-diene terpolymer (EPDM) or polychloroprene (CR) intended for use as watertight roof flashing exposed to the weather. In-place roof system design criteria such as fire resistance, field seaming strength, material compatibility, and uplift resistance, among others, are beyond the scope of this specification. The flashing material shall be formulated from the appropriate polymer type and other compounding ingredients, and shall be capable of being bonded to itself, to the roofing membrane, and to substrate for making watertight field splices and repairs. Property requirements for flashing before vulcanization include thickness, Green strength modulus, ultimate elongation, shelf stability, vulcanizability, tensile strength and set, dimensional stability, and weatherability. Consequently, the property requirements for flashing after vulcanization includes tensile strength and set, elongation, tear resistance, brittle point, ozone resistance, air oven heat aging, water absorption and weight change, linear dimension change, and weatherability.
SCOPE
1.1 This specification covers nonvulcanized (uncured) rubber sheet made of EPDM (ethylene-propylene-diene terpolymer) or CR (polychloroprene) intended for use as watertight roof flashing exposed to the weather.  
1.2 The tests and property limits used to characterize these flashing materials are specific for each classification and are minimum values to make the product fit for its intended purpose.  
1.3 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.  
1.4 In-place roof system design criteria, such as fire resistance, field seaming strength, material compatibility, and uplift resistance, among others, are beyond the scope of this specification.  
1.5 The following precautionary caveat pertains to the test methods portion only, 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 limitations prior to use.  
1.6 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
31-Dec-2022

Relations

Effective Date
01-May-2020
Effective Date
01-Apr-2020
Effective Date
15-Dec-2018
Effective Date
15-Dec-2018
Effective Date
01-Feb-2016
Effective Date
01-Mar-2014
Effective Date
01-Mar-2013
Effective Date
01-Mar-2013
Effective Date
01-Dec-2012
Effective Date
01-Sep-2010
Effective Date
01-Apr-2010
Effective Date
01-Jul-2009
Effective Date
01-Jul-2009
Effective Date
01-Nov-2008
Effective Date
01-Feb-2008

Overview

ASTM D4811/D4811M-16(2023) is the standard specification developed by ASTM International for nonvulcanized (uncured) rubber sheet used as roof flashing. This standard covers flexible rubber sheeting made from ethylene-propylene-diene terpolymer (EPDM) or polychloroprene (CR), designed specifically for use as watertight flashing in roofing systems exposed to weather elements. The document provides criteria for material properties and testing, ensuring the uncured rubber flashing performs adequately before and after vulcanization. Scope of the standard does not include in-place roof system performance aspects such as fire resistance, field seaming strength, material compatibility, or wind uplift resistance.

Key Topics

  • Material Types: Specifies EPDM (Type I) and CR (Type II) as principal polymers, individually accounting for over 95% of the total polymer content.
  • Classification: Materials are classified as either Class V (vulcanizing) or Class NV (nonvulcanizing) based on their ability to cure after installation.
  • Physical Properties: Establishes minimum requirements for properties such as thickness, tensile strength, elongation, tear resistance, ozone resistance, heat aging, water absorption, dimensional stability, and weather resistance, both before and after vulcanization.
  • Manufacturing: Emphasizes formulation from the correct polymer and compounding agents to assure adequate bonding to roofing membranes and substrates for watertight field splices and repairs.
  • Dimensional Tolerance: Provides tolerances for sheet width, length, and thickness to ensure compliance.
  • Workmanship: The flashing should be free of pinholes, foreign matter, and defects that could affect serviceability.
  • Testing: Outlines standard test methods to verify performance, including ASTM D412 for tension properties, D471 for liquid effects, D624 for tear strength, D1149 for ozone cracking, and others.

Applications

This standard is essential for professionals in the roofing and waterproofing industry, particularly for the fabrication or installation of roof flashing in low-slope or flat roofing systems. The uncured rubber flashing covered under ASTM D4811/D4811M is primarily used to:

  • Create watertight field splices at roof junctions, penetrations, or terminations
  • Carry out roof repairs where flexibility and strong weather resistance are required
  • Form a seal between various roofing components or substrates, accommodating movement and thermal expansion
  • Address complex detailing needs such as corners, edges, or irregular surfaces in roofing membranes

The specification ensures reliable performance during installation and through exposure to environmental conditions, while the uncured material allows for effective field handling and bonding.

Related Standards

For comprehensive compliance, several related ASTM standards are referenced within ASTM D4811/D4811M-16(2023), including:

  • ASTM D412 - Test Methods for Vulcanized Rubber and Thermoplastic Elastomers-Tension
  • ASTM D471 - Rubber Property-Effect of Liquids
  • ASTM D624 - Tear Strength of Conventional Vulcanized Rubber and Thermoplastic Elastomers
  • ASTM D1149 - Rubber Deterioration-Cracking in an Ozone Controlled Environment
  • ASTM D1204 - Linear Dimensional Changes of Nonrigid Thermoplastic Sheeting or Film at Elevated Temperature
  • ASTM D2137 - Brittleness Point of Flexible Polymers and Coated Fabrics
  • ASTM G151/G154/G155 - Practice for Environmental Exposure Testing Using Laboratory Light Sources

Adhering to ASTM D4811/D4811M ensures reliable performance and compatibility with recognized test procedures, supporting quality assurance and regulatory compliance in roofing applications.

Keywords: nonvulcanized rubber roof flashing, uncured EPDM flashing, polychloroprene roof sheet, ASTM D4811, roofing waterproofing standards, flexible flashing material, field splices, watertight roof membrane.

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Frequently Asked Questions

ASTM D4811/D4811M-16(2023) is a technical specification published by ASTM International. Its full title is "Standard Specification for Nonvulcanized (Uncured) Rubber Sheet Used as Roof Flashing". This standard covers: ABSTRACT This specification covers nonvulcanized (uncured) rubber sheet made of ethylene-propylene-diene terpolymer (EPDM) or polychloroprene (CR) intended for use as watertight roof flashing exposed to the weather. In-place roof system design criteria such as fire resistance, field seaming strength, material compatibility, and uplift resistance, among others, are beyond the scope of this specification. The flashing material shall be formulated from the appropriate polymer type and other compounding ingredients, and shall be capable of being bonded to itself, to the roofing membrane, and to substrate for making watertight field splices and repairs. Property requirements for flashing before vulcanization include thickness, Green strength modulus, ultimate elongation, shelf stability, vulcanizability, tensile strength and set, dimensional stability, and weatherability. Consequently, the property requirements for flashing after vulcanization includes tensile strength and set, elongation, tear resistance, brittle point, ozone resistance, air oven heat aging, water absorption and weight change, linear dimension change, and weatherability. SCOPE 1.1 This specification covers nonvulcanized (uncured) rubber sheet made of EPDM (ethylene-propylene-diene terpolymer) or CR (polychloroprene) intended for use as watertight roof flashing exposed to the weather. 1.2 The tests and property limits used to characterize these flashing materials are specific for each classification and are minimum values to make the product fit for its intended purpose. 1.3 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. 1.4 In-place roof system design criteria, such as fire resistance, field seaming strength, material compatibility, and uplift resistance, among others, are beyond the scope of this specification. 1.5 The following precautionary caveat pertains to the test methods portion only, 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 limitations prior to use. 1.6 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 nonvulcanized (uncured) rubber sheet made of ethylene-propylene-diene terpolymer (EPDM) or polychloroprene (CR) intended for use as watertight roof flashing exposed to the weather. In-place roof system design criteria such as fire resistance, field seaming strength, material compatibility, and uplift resistance, among others, are beyond the scope of this specification. The flashing material shall be formulated from the appropriate polymer type and other compounding ingredients, and shall be capable of being bonded to itself, to the roofing membrane, and to substrate for making watertight field splices and repairs. Property requirements for flashing before vulcanization include thickness, Green strength modulus, ultimate elongation, shelf stability, vulcanizability, tensile strength and set, dimensional stability, and weatherability. Consequently, the property requirements for flashing after vulcanization includes tensile strength and set, elongation, tear resistance, brittle point, ozone resistance, air oven heat aging, water absorption and weight change, linear dimension change, and weatherability. SCOPE 1.1 This specification covers nonvulcanized (uncured) rubber sheet made of EPDM (ethylene-propylene-diene terpolymer) or CR (polychloroprene) intended for use as watertight roof flashing exposed to the weather. 1.2 The tests and property limits used to characterize these flashing materials are specific for each classification and are minimum values to make the product fit for its intended purpose. 1.3 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. 1.4 In-place roof system design criteria, such as fire resistance, field seaming strength, material compatibility, and uplift resistance, among others, are beyond the scope of this specification. 1.5 The following precautionary caveat pertains to the test methods portion only, 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 limitations prior to use. 1.6 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 D4811/D4811M-16(2023) is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 83.060 - Rubber; 91.100.50 - Binders. Sealing materials. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.

ASTM D4811/D4811M-16(2023) has the following relationships with other standards: It is inter standard links to ASTM D1079-20, ASTM D1204-14(2020), ASTM D1079-18e1, ASTM D1079-18, ASTM D1079-16, ASTM D1204-14, ASTM D1079-13e1, ASTM D1079-13, ASTM G154-12, ASTM D1079-10, ASTM G151-10, ASTM G151-09, ASTM D1079-09, ASTM D1204-08, ASTM D1079-08a. Understanding these relationships helps ensure you are using the most current and applicable version of the standard.

ASTM D4811/D4811M-16(2023) 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:D4811/D4811M −16 (Reapproved 2023)
Standard Specification for
Nonvulcanized (Uncured) Rubber Sheet Used as Roof
Flashing
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D4811/D4811M; 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 2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
1.1 This specification covers nonvulcanized (uncured) rub-
D412TestMethodsforVulcanizedRubberandThermoplas-
ber sheet made of EPDM (ethylene-propylene-diene terpoly-
tic Elastomers—Tension
mer) or CR (polychloroprene) intended for use as watertight
D471Test Method for Rubber Property—Effect of Liquids
roof flashing exposed to the weather.
D518 Test Method for Rubber Deterioration—Surface
1.2 The tests and property limits used to characterize these
Cracking (Withdrawn 2007)
flashing materials are specific for each classification and are
D573Test Method for Rubber—Deterioration in an Air
minimum values to make the product fit for its intended
Oven
purpose. D624Test Method for Tear Strength of Conventional Vul-
canized Rubber and Thermoplastic Elastomers
1.3 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units
D1079Terminology Relating to Roofing and Waterproofing
are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in
D1149TestMethodsforRubberDeterioration—Crackingin
each system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each
an Ozone Controlled Environment
system shall be used independently of the other. Combining
D1204Test Method for Linear Dimensional Changes of
values from the two systems may result in nonconformance
Nonrigid Thermoplastic Sheeting or Film at Elevated
with the standard.
Temperature
D1418 Practice for Rubber and Rubber Latices—
1.4 In-place roof system design criteria, such as fire
Nomenclature
resistance, field seaming strength, material compatibility, and
D2137TestMethodsforRubberProperty—BrittlenessPoint
uplift resistance, among others, are beyond the scope of this
of Flexible Polymers and Coated Fabrics
specification.
D3182PracticeforRubber—Materials,Equipment,andPro-
1.5 The following precautionary caveat pertains to the test
cedures for Mixing Standard Compounds and Preparing
methods portion only, Section 8, of this specification: This
Standard Vulcanized Sheets
standarddoesnotpurporttoaddressallofthesafetyconcerns,
G151PracticeforExposingNonmetallicMaterialsinAccel-
ifany,associatedwithitsuse.Itistheresponsibilityoftheuser
erated Test Devices that Use Laboratory Light Sources
of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and
G154Practice for Operating Fluorescent Ultraviolet (UV)
environmental practices and determine the applicability of
Lamp Apparatus for Exposure of Nonmetallic Materials
regulatory limitations prior to use. G155PracticeforOperatingXenonArcLampApparatusfor
Exposure of Materials
1.6 This international standard was developed in accor-
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
3. Classification
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
3.1 The following types are used to identify the principal
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
polymer components of the flashing material (see Note 1):
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
3.1.1 Type I—Ethylene-Propylene-Diene Terpolymer
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
(EPDM).
1 2
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D08 on For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
RoofingandWaterproofingandisthedirectresponsibilityofSubcommitteeD08.18 contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
on Nonbituminous Organic Roof Coverings. Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
Current edition approved Jan. 1, 2023. Published January 2023. Originally the ASTM website.
approved in 1990. Last previous edition approved in 2016 as D4811/D4811M–16. The last approved version of this historical standard is referenced on
DOI: 10.1520/D4811_D4811M-16R23. www.astm.org.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D4811/D4811M−16 (2023)
TABLE 2 Property Requirements for Flashing After Vulcanization
3.1.2 Type II—Chloroprene Polymer (CR).
Type I, Type II,
NOTE 1—For definitions of polymer types, see Practice D1418. For
Class V Class V
definitions of terms related to roofing, see Terminology D1079.
Vulcanization, at 160 °C [320 °F], min 20 ± 2 20 ± 2
Tensile Strength, min, MPa [psi] 9.0 [1305] 8.3 [1205]
3.2 The following classes describe the ability to vulcanize
Elongation, min, % 300 250
on the roof:
Tear Resistance, min, kN/m [lb/in.] 22 [125] 22 [125]
3.2.1 Class V—Vulcanizing.
Brittle Point, max, °C [°F] −45 [−49] pass −35 [−31] pass
3.2.2 Class NV—Nonvulcanizing. Tensile Set, max, % 10 10
Ozone Resistance, (7×) no cracks no cracks
NOTE 2—Class V compounds continue to vulcanize (that is, cure) after Heat Aging, Air Oven
Tensile Strength, min, MPa [psi] 8.3 [1205] 8.3 [1205]
emplacement on the roof. Class NV indicates non-vulcanizable com-
Elongation, min, % 200 200
pounds.
Tear Resistance (Die C), kN/m [lbf/in.], 22 [125] 22 [125]
min
4. Materials and Manufacture
Water Absorption, weight change, range, % +8, −2 +8, −2
Linear Dimension Change, max, % ±2 ±2
4.1 The flashing material shall be formulated from the
Weatherability, no cracks or crazing pass pass
appropriate polymer type and other compounding ingredients.
The principal polymer in the flashing material shall be one of
those listed in 3.1 and greater than 95% of the total polymer.
4.2 The flashing material shall be capable of being bonded
6.2 Sheet thicknesses greater than minimum shall be agreed
to itself, to the roofing membrane, and to substrate for making
upon between the purchaser and the supplier as part of the
watertight field splices and repairs. The manufacturer or
purchase contract.
fabricator shall recommend suitable bonding methods and
6.2.1 The thickness tolerance shall be+15% and−10% of
materials.
the specified thickness, but in no case shall the thickness be
less than the minimum listed in Table 1.
5. Physical Property Requirements
7. Workmanship, Finish, and Appearance
5.1 Class V flashing material shall conform to the physical
property requirements prescribed in Tables 1 and 2. Class NV
7.1 The flashing material shall be visually free of pinholes,
flashing material shall conform to the physical property re-
particles of foreign matter, undispersed raw materials, or other
quirements prescribed in Table 1.
manufacturing defects that might affect serviceability.
5.2 Other requirements shall be agreed upon between the
7.2 If the number of irregularities appear excessive on a
purchaser and the supplier as part of the purchase contract.
sheet (or portion thereof), then its rejection should be negoti-
ated between involved parties.
6. Dimensions and Permissible Variations
7.3 Edges of the sheet shall be capable of being seamed to
6.1 The width and length shall be agreed upon between the
one another and to other roofing components without fish-
purchaser and the supplier as part of the purchase contract.
mouthing.
6.1.1 The width and length tolerance shall be +3 %
and−0%.
8. Test Methods
8.1 Thickness—Test Methods D412.
TABLE 1 Property Requirements for Flashing Before
8.2 Green Strength:
Vulcanization
8.2.1 Test a fresh sample manufactured within one week.
Type I, Type I, Type II,
8.2.2 ConditionTypeImaterialat23 62°C[73 64°F]for
Class V Class NV Class V
a minimum of 1 h and a maximum of 8 h before proceeding
Thickness, min, mm [in.] 1.4 [0.055] 1.4 [0.055] 1.4 [0.055]
with the testing.
Green Strength Modulus
172–1725 172–1725 172–517
100 % at 23 °C [73 °F] kPa
8.2.3 Decrystallize Type II material by placing in a circu-
[25–250] [25–250] [25–75]
[psi]
lating air oven at 70 6 2°C [158 6 4°F] for 15 min. After
Elongation (Ultimate), min, % 400 400 400
removalfromtheoven,conditionat23 62°C[73 64°F]for
Modulus 100 % at 50 °C 83 [12] 83 [12] 83 [12]
[122 °F] kPa [psi]
a minimum of 1 h and a maximum of 8 h before proceeding
Elongation (Ultimate), min, % 200 200 200
with the testing.
Shelf Stability:
8.2.4 Afterconditioning,dieouta13mm[0.5in.]dumbbell
Modulus 100 %
at 23 °C [73 °F], max, kPa 1725 [250] n/a 1725 [250]
(DieA)anddeterminethemodulusat100%extensionandthe
[psi]
ultimate elongation at 23 6 2°C [73 6 4°F] in accordance
Elongation, min, % 400 n/a 400
with T
...

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