ASTM D1970 Standard Specification for Self-Adhering Polymer Modified Bituminous Sheet Materials Used as Steep Roofing Underlayment for Ice Dam Protection

    What is ASTM D1970? 

    ASTM D1970/D1970M is a standard specification for self-adhering polymer-modified bituminous sheet materials used as steep-roofing underlayment for ice-dam protection. The specification applies to sheets installed at roof eaves, valleys, or both to help prevent water leakage from ice-dam-related water backup. The adhesive is pressure-sensitive and is exposed when the protective release sheet is removed; it remains on the top surface for roof installation. ASTM D1970 includes tests for several physical and performance properties such as thickness, maximum load, elongation, adhesion to plywood, thermal stability, low-temperature flexibility, tear resistance, moisture vapor permeance, nail-sealability, side-lap seam waterproof integrity, and slip resistance. Laboratories use these requirements to determine the performance properties of self-adhering underlayment materials in roofing applications.

    Read more

    Get Certified ASTM D1970 Testing for Reliable Roofing Underlayment Performance 

    Self-adhering polymer-modified bituminous underlayment must maintain adhesion, flexibility, strength, and waterproofing performance during roofing installation and service. ASTM D1970/D1970M provides specifications for testing these properties. Laboratories can assess an underlayment’s ability to remain physically intact under test, bond to plywood, exhibit low-temperature flexibility, resist tearing, reduce moisture vapor transmission, and prevent water penetration. These results help manufacturers control product quality and help engineers evaluate materials for steep-roof applications where ice dams can create water backup. ASTM D1970/D1970M (standard specification for self-adhering polymer-modified bituminous sheet materials used as steep roofing underlayment for ice dam protection) is a standard specification for self-adhering polymer-modified bituminous sheet materials used as steep-roofing underlayment for ice-dam protection.

    What is the scope of ASTM D1970? 

    ASTM D1970/D1970M specifies polymer-modified bituminous sheet materials for use as an underlayment for roof eaves and valleys to minimize leakage due to water backup behind the roof ice, where applicable. A self-adhering layer is covered with a removable sheet, and the top exposed surface facilitates roofing installation. 

    Read more

    The standard:

    • Covers self-adhering polymer-modified bituminous roofing underlayments and applies to materials used at roof eaves and valleys.
    • Evaluates thermal stability, thickness, mechanical performance, adhesion to plywood, low-temperature flexibility, and tear resistance.
    • Measures moisture vapor permeance, sealing around nail penetrations, and waterproof integrity of side-lap seams.

    What are the uses of ASTM D1970 testing? 

    ASTM D1970 testing assesses self-adhering roofing underlayment for steep roof use. The results can support product qualification, quality control, material development, and evaluation of resistance to water intrusion and mechanical damage.

    • Evaluates roofing underlayment thickness, maximum load and elongation, and adhesion to plywood.
    • Assesses thermal stability, low-temperature flexibility, and tear resistance.
    • Evaluates moisture vapor permeance and sealing around nail penetrations.
    • Assesses the waterproof integrity of side lap seams and supports roofing material quality control and product development.

    Which Materials Can Be Tested Under ASTM D1970? 

    ASTM D1970 covers polymer-modified bituminous sheet materials having an adhesive self-adhesive layer for use as an underlayment for steep roofs. These materials can serve beneath shingle, tile, or metal roofing at roof eaves and valleys where ice-dam water backup can occur.

    Why is ASTM D1970 Important? 

    ASTM D1970 matters because roofing underlayment must provide physical integrity and water protection in demanding installation and service conditions. Ice dams can cause water to back up beneath roofing materials, so the underlayment needs adequate adhesion, flexibility, tear resistance, and sealing performance.


    ASTM D1970 Equipment and Sample Preparation Guide 

    ASTM D1970 specifies that laboratories must make representative underlayment specimens and condition them before measuring the following physical and performance properties. The selected equipment depends on the property being tested.

    Read more

    Sample and Specimen DetailsAnalysts prepare representative self-adhering, polymer-modified bituminous sheet samples for use as steep roofing underlayment.
    Specimen PreparationTechnicians cut specimens from the sheet, condition them as required, expose the adhesive layer when applicable, and prepare them for the selected physical or performance test.
    Specimen DimensionsLaboratories use specimen dimensions specified by the applicable test procedure for thickness, maximum load and elongation, adhesion, flexibility, tear resistance, moisture vapor permeance, and water-seal tests.
    Instrumentation Thickness-measuring equipment, tensile testing machines, adhesion-testing equipment, low-temperature flexibility apparatus, tear-testing equipment, moisture vapor permeance equipment, water-head test apparatus, conditioning equipment, and appropriate measuring devices.

    Testing Procedures and Requirements for ASTM D1970

    ASTM D1970/D1970M determines the properties of the underlayment by the following physical and performance tests. Technicians condition the specimen, conduct the appropriate measurements, and compare the results with the specification requirements. The standard identifies tests for thickness, maximum load and elongation at break, adhesion to plywood, thermal stability, flexibility at −29 °C [−20 °F], tear resistance, moisture vapor permeance, nail-sealability, and side-lap seam waterproof integrity. Other reference ASTM documents include D228, D903, D1079, D1204, D4073, D5147, D7349, and E96. Testing procedures and requirements for ASTM D1970 are given as follows:

    Read more

    Conditioning and ThicknessTechnicians condition specimens based on applicable ASTM D1970 requirements before testing. Then, they measure the underlayment sheet thickness using the specified measurement procedure.
    Maximum Load and ElongationAnalysts apply tensile loading and determine maximum load and elongation at break.
    Adhesion to Plywood and Thermal StabilityTechnicians evaluate the self-adhering sheet’s ability to adhere to the specified plywood substrate, expose specimens to the specified thermal conditions, and evaluate their stability.
    Low-Temperature Flexibility and Tear ResistanceTechnicians evaluate flexibility at the specified low temperature and determine the sheet’s tear resistance.
    Moisture Vapor and Moisture Vapor PerformanceAnalysts measure the material’s ability to transmit moisture vapor and evaluate sealing around nails and the waterproof integrity of side-lap seams using the applicable head-of-water procedures.
    Result ReportingLaboratories document the measured values, test conditions, specimen information, and applicable observations.

    ASTM D1970 Testing Process and Data Collection

    Technicians first obtain representative underlayment samples, identify the physical and performance properties to evaluate, and condition and prepare specimens based on the applicable test procedure. They then test thickness, max load, elongation, adhesion, thermal stability, flexibility, tear strength, moisture vapor permeance, and water-sealing performance. Laboratories document the measured values with a specimen description and testing conditions. The data helps manufacturers compare their products to ASTM D1970 requirements and check for consistency across production batches.

    ASTM D1970 Universal Testing Machine (UTM)

    Common challenges and troubleshooting

    Accurate ASTM D1970 testing requires consistent specimen preparation, conditioning, measurement, and test execution. Common challenges include inconsistent specimen thickness, incorrect specimen conditioning, damage to the adhesive layer during preparation, improper adhesion-test preparation, incorrect low-temperature conditioning, inaccurate tensile or tear measurements, and improper water-head test setup. Technicians must follow the correct test procedure, check equipment, ensure controlled test conditions, and use the same measurement system.

    ASTM D1970 Analysis Results and Interpretation 

    • Technicians report ASTM D1970/D1970M results based on the required physical or performance requirement and the applicable test procedure. 
    • The specification covers thickness, maximum load, elongation, adhesion to plywood, thermal stability, flexibility, tear resistance, moisture vapor permeance, nail-sealability, and side-lap seam waterproof integrity.
    • Laboratories report results for maximum load in N, elongation in %, and force measurement in N.
    • Laboratories document the relevant tear resistance, water-sealing capabilities, thermal stability, slip resistance, specimen condition, and test observations and results.

    Link to ASTM D1970

    Read more

    FAQ

    Where can I get the astm d1970 tested?
    You can share your astm d1970 testing requirements with MaTestLab. MaTestLab has a vast network of material testing laboratories, spread across the USA and Canada. We support your all material testing needs ranging from specific astm d1970 test to various testing techniques.
    Please contact us for a detailed quote for your astm d1970 testing needs. Cost incurred to carry out different astm d1970 testing methodology depends on the type of raw material; number of samples, coupons, or specimens; test conditions, turn around time etc. Costs of some ASTM testing methods start from $100 and the final value depends upon the factors listed above. Please contact us for the best and latest prices.
    The required number of samples or specimens should comply with the procedure given in the astm d1970 standard. However, the MaTestLab operations team can assist you for your special requirements once you share your testing details with us.
    MaTestLab has a vast testing laboratory network, hence we bring you the best testing facilities in a cost-effective way. We offer considerable discounts (15-20%) to our returning customers based on test volume and frequency.
    The turnaround time for astm d1970 test methodology depends upon the test procedure mentioned in the standard test document. However, we at MaTestLab understand your research requirements and hence try to get your test completed within the least possible time.
    Laraib Hashmi
    About Author
    Laraib Hashmi
    Laraib Hashmi is an aspiring research enthusiast and science content professional with a strong interdisciplinary skill set, holding a postgraduate degree in Applied Microbiology from KIIT Bhubaneshwar, Odisha.
    Testimonials
    Real results
    Engineers trust us with what matters most
    Start Your Testing
    Project Today
    Define your requirements and get access to
    specialized laboratories ready to deliver results
    Start Testing
    Contact us
    Partners with us
    Clients
    Vendors
    Process for testing
    • STEP 01

      You share your testing requirements

    • STEP 02

      You share your sample(s)

    • STEP 03

      We deliver your test reports

    Get your testing done

    Let us known your testing requirements and we will be right back with a solution.

      Let us root for each other. Collaborate to grow, expand, and accelerate our businesses.

      Partner with us

        Contact Us

        Discover more from MaTestLab

        Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.

        Continue reading