ABSTRACT
We developed a harmonization of a currently used load-strain test, to enable researchers to test the load-strain properties of most of the currently used roofing membranes before and after exposure to the weather or accelerated tests. Rubbers, built-up roofing, plastic, and modified bitumen membranes are now tested by procedures developed within the rubber, chemical, and asphalt roofing industries, that differ in sample size, testing speed, temperature, and sample configuration. This new method uses one test temperature, speed, sample size, and sample configuration for all roofing membranes.
In addition, we investigated the use of the carbonyl index (the ratio between the intensity of the carbonyl band and the intensity of the carbon-hydrogen band in infrared analyses) in tracing aging in roofing materials.
This work questions the validity of heat aging (4 months at 80°C) as a predictor of roofing durability.
