An important factor affecting the performance of seams of EPDM membranes is their ability to remain bonded over the membrane’ expected service life. Time-to-failure tests provide a means of characterizing the behavior of joints under constant load over time.

Note 1—Table 1 is based on the results of an industry government consortium study on creep-rupture resistance (time-to-failure) of EPDM adhesive joints.^{4 ,5} Referral to Footnotes 5 and 6 provides typical time-to-failure data, developed under the conditions in Table 1, for EPDM joints fabricated in the laboratory with nonreinforced EPDM roof membrane material, butyl-based tapes, and liquid adhesives. It is noted that the peel load specified in this practice is 9.8 N (2.2 lbf). The peel load under which the tests described in Footnotes 4 and 5 were conducted was 9.3 N (2.1 lbf). A load of 9.8 N (2.2 lbf) corresponds to 1 kgf (2.2 lbf), and dead weights of 1-kg (2.2-lbm) mass are available through laboratory equipment supply houses. Similarly, a load of 29.4 N (6.6 lbf) corresponds to a dead weight of 3-kg (6.6-lbm) mass.

Time-to-failure tests complement other mechanical tests such as strength for characterizing joints of EPDM roof membranes, and can be incorporated in specifications for adhesives for joining EPDM roof membrane material.

This practice, which is specific to EPDM joints, complements Test Method D 5405 that provides general requirements for the preparation and creep-rupture testing of joints fabricated from any nonbituminous organic roof membrane material.

Laboratory experience in conducting time-to-failure tests of joints EPDM roof membranes has shown that specimens are less creep-resistant under peel loading than under shear loading. Consequently, the majority of the tests stipulated in this practice are performed under peel loading.

This practice does not develop time-to-failure data on all environmental conditions to which EPDM adhesive seams can be subjected in service.

1.1 This practice covers sample preparation temperatures, test parameters, and specimen exposure conditions that are applicable when Test Method D 5405 is used for conducting time-to-failure (creep-rupture) tests of adhesive joints fabricated from ethylene-propylene-diene terpolymer (EPDM) roof membrane material.

1.2 This practice is applicable to joints fabricated in the laboratory from EPDM roof membrane materials and adhesives received from suppliers, and to joints prepared from EPDM seams sampled from field installations.

1.3 The joints are bonded using preformed tape or liquid-based adhesives, and EPDM roof membrane materials that are non-reinforced, fabric- or scrim-reinforced, and fabric backed. Primers are also used as recommended for the specific adhesive.

1.4 This practice contains notes that are explanatory and are not part of the mandatory requirements of this practice.

1.5 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The inch-pound units given in parentheses are for information only.

1.6 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 and health practices and determine the applicability of the regulatory limitations prior to use.