the ability to resist being worn away by contact with another moving, abrasive surface, such as foot traffic, mechanical equipment, wind-blown particles, etc.
Tag: materials
Accelerated weathering
The exposure of a specimen to a specified test environment for a specified time with the intent of producing in a shorter time period, effects similar to actual weathering.
Acrylic Coating
A liquid coating system based on an acrylic resin. Generally, a latex-based coating system that cures by air drying.
Acrylic Resin
Polymers of acrylic or methacrylic monomers. Often used as a latex base for coating systems.
Adhesion
A steady or firm attachment.
Aged R-value
Thermal resistance value established by utilizing artificial conditioning procedures for a prescribed time period.
Aggregate
(1) crushed stone, crushed slag or water-worn gravel used for surfacing a built-up roof system; (2) any granular material.
Air-Blown Asphalt
Asphalt produced by blowing air through molten asphalt to raise its softening point and modify other properties.
APP
see Atactic polypropylene
Architectural Panel
A metal roof panel, typically a double standing seam or batten seam; usually requires solid decking underneath and relies on slope to shed water.
Architectural Shingle
An asphalt shingle that provides a dimensional appearance.
Asbestos
A group of natural, fibrous, impure silicate materials.
Asphalt
A dark brown or black substance found in a natural state or, more commonly, left as a residue after evaporating or otherwise processing crude oil or petroleum. Asphalt may be further refined to conform to various roofing grade specifications:
-
Dead-level asphalt
a roofing asphalt conforming to the requirements of ASTM Specification D 312, Type I. -
Flat asphalt
a roofing asphalt conforming to the requirements of ASTM Specification D 312, Type II. -
Steep asphalt
a roofing asphalt conforming to the requirements of ASTM Specification D 312, Type III. -
Special steep asphalt
a roofing asphalt conforming to the requirements of ASTM Specification D 312, Type IV.
Asphalt Emulsion
A mixture of asphalt particles and emulsifying agent, such as bentonite clay and water.
Asphalt Felt
An asphalt-saturated and/or asphalt-coated felt (see Felt).
Atactic Polypropylene
A group of high molecular weight polymers formed by the polymerization of propylene.
Barrier Board
Noncombustible board stock material of low thermal conductivity placed between two elements of a roof assembly.
Base Flashing
Plies or strips of roof membrane material used to close-off and/or seal a roof at the horizontal-to-vertical intersections, such as at a roof-to-wall juncture. Membrane base flashing covers the edge of the field membrane. (see Flashing.)
Base Ply
The bottom or first ply in a built-up roof membrane when additional plies are to be subsequently installed.
Base Sheet
An impregnated, saturated, or coated felt placed as the first ply in some low-slope roof systems.
Bentonite
A porous clay formed by the decomposition of volcanic ash that swells 5 to 6 times its original volume in the presence of water.
Bitumen
(1) a class of amorphous, black or dark colored, (solid, semi-solid or viscous) cementitious substances, natural or manufactured, composed principally of high molecular weight hydrocarbons, soluble in carbon disulfide, and found in asphalts, tars, pitches and asphaltenes; (2) a generic term used to denote any material composed principally of bitumen, typically asphalt or coal tar
Bituminous Emulsion
A suspension of minute particles of bituminous material in water.
Blowing Agent
An expanding agent used to produce a gas by chemical or thermal action, or both, in manufacture of hollow or cellular materials.
Butyl
Rubber-like material produced by polymerizing isobutylene.
Butyl Coating
An elastomeric coating system derived from polymerized isobutylene. Butyl coatings are characterized by low water vapor permeability.
Butyl Rubber
A synthetic elastomer based on isobutylene and a minor amount of isoprene. It can be vulcanized and features low permeability to gases and water vapor
Butyl Tape
A sealant tape sometimes used between metal roof panel seams and/or end laps; also used to seal other types of sheet metal joints, and in various sealant applications.
Cap Sheet
A sheet, often granule-surfaced, used as the top ply of some built-up or modified bitumen roof membranes and/or flashings
Caulk
A composition of vehicle and pigment used at ambient temperatures for filling/sealing joints or junctures, that remains elastic for an extended period of time after application.
Cellular Glass Insulation
A rigid closed-cell insulation board made from crushed glass and hydrogen sulfide gas.
Cementitious Waterproofing
Heavy cement-based compounds and various additives that are mixed and packaged for use in a dry form; the packaged mixture is then mixed with water and liquid bonding agents to a workable concrete-like consistency.
Chalk
A powdery residue on the surface of a material.
Chlorinated Polyethylene
A thermoplastic material, used for single-ply roof membranes, composed of high molecular weight polyethylene that has been chlorinated with a process that yields a flexible rubber-like material.
Chlorosulfonated Polyethylene (CSPE or CSM)
Best known by the DuPont trade name Hypalon™, a synthetic, rubber-like thermoset material, based on high molecular weight polyethylene with sulphonyl chloride, usually formulated to produce a self-vulcanizing membrane. Classified by ASTM Standard D 5019.
Coal Tar
A dark brown to black colored, semi-solid hydrocarbon produced by the distillation of coal. Coal tar pitch is further refined to conform to the following roofing grade specifications:
- Coal tar pitch
a coal tar used as the waterproofing agent in dead-level or low-slope built-up roof membranes and membrane waterproofing systems, conforming to ASTM Specification D 450, Type I. - Coal tar waterproofing pitch
a coal tar used as the dampproofing or waterproofing agent in below-grade structures, conforming to ASTM Specification D 450, Type II. - Coal tar bitumen
a proprietary trade name for Type III coal tar used as the dampproofing or waterproofing agent in dead-level or low-slope built-up roof membranes and membrane waterproofing systems, conforming to ASTM D 450, Type III. - Coal tar felt
a felt that has been saturated or impregnated with refined coal tar. - Coal tar roof cement
a trowelable mixture of processed coal tar base, solvents, mineral fillers and/or fibers. Classified by ASTM Standard D 4022, “Coal Tar Roof Cement, Asbestos Container.”
Coated Base Sheet
A coated felt intended to be used as a base ply in a built-up or modified bitumen roof membrane.
Coated Fabric
Fabrics that have been impregnated and/or coated with a plastic like material in the form of a solution, dispersion hot-melt or powder. The term also applies to materials resulting from the application of a preformed film to a fabric by means of calendering.
Coated Felt
(1) an asphalt felt that has been coated on both sides with harder, more viscous asphalt; (2) a glass fiber felt that has been simultaneously impregnated and coated with asphalt on both sides.
Coating
A layer of liquid material applied to a surface for protection or appearance.
Coefficient of Thermal Expansion
The coefficient of change in dimension of a material per unit of dimension per degree change in temperature.
Cohesion
The molecular forces of attraction by which the body of a material is held together.
Color Stability
The ability of a material to retain its original color after exposure to weather.
Compatible Materials
Two or more substances that can be mixed, blended, or attached without separating, reacting, or affecting the materials adversely.
Composite Board Roof Insulation
Rigid board insulation generally comprised of perlite or wood fiberboard factory bonded to polyisocyanurate or polystyrene.
Composition Shingle
A unit of asphalt shingle roofing.
Compounded Thermoplastics
a category of roofing membranes made by blending thermoplastic resins with plasticizers, various modifiers, stabilizers, flame retardants, UV absorbers, fungicides and other proprietary substances alloyed with proprietary organic polymers.
Compressive Strength
The property of a material that relates to its ability to resist compression loads.
Contact Cements
Adhesives used to adhere or bond various roofing components. These adhesives adhere mated components immediately on contact of surfaces to which the adhesive has been applied.
Copolymer
The product of polymerization of two or more substances (as two different isomers) together.
Cover Board
An insulation board used over closed cell plastic foam insulation (e.g., polyisocyanurate) to prevent blistering when used in conjunction with hot bituminous membranes. Suitable cover board insulation are glassfaced siliconized gypsum board, glass-fiber board, perlite board, wood-fiber board or mineral-fiber board. Cover boards are also recommended between polyisocyanurate insulation and single ply membranes to protect the polyisocyanurate.
CPA
Copolymer alloy.
Cream Time
Time in seconds (at a given temperature) when the A and B components of polyurethane foam will begin to expand after being mixed. Recognizable as a change in color of the materials.
Crystalline Waterproofing
A compound of cement, quartz or silica sand, and other active chemicals that are mixed and packaged for use in a dry powder form; the packaged mixture is then mixed with water and applied to a concrete surface where it penetrates into the pores of concrete.
CSPE
Chlorosulfonated polyethylene
Cure Time
The time required for a material to reach its desirable long-term physical characteristics.
Cured Concrete
Concrete that has attained its intended design performance properties.
Cutback
Solvent-thinned bitumen used in cold-process roofing adhesives, roof cements and roof coatings.
Dimensional Stability
The degree to which a material maintains its original dimensions when subjected to changes in temperature and humidity.
Dry Film Thickness
The thickness, expressed in mils, of an applied and cured coating or mastic. For comparison, see Wet film thickness.
Drying Time
The time required for the loss of volatile components so that the material will no longer be adversely affected by weather conditions such as dew, rain, or freezing.
ECH
Polyepichlorohydrin, commonly referred to as epichlorohydrin. (see Epichlorohydrin.)
EIP
Ethylene interpolymer
Elasticity
The property of a body that causes it to tend to return to its original shape after deformation (as stretching, compression or torsion).
Elastomer
A macromolecular material that returns rapidly to its approximate initial dimensions and shape after substantial deformation by a weak stress and subsequent release of that stress.
Elastomeric Coating
A coating that is capable of being stretched at least twice its original length (100 percent elongation) and recovering to its original dimensions.
Emulsion
A mixture of bitumen and water, with uniform dispersion of the bitumen or water globules, usually stabilized by an emulsifying agent or system.
EPDM
Ethylene propylene diene monomer (see also Ethylene propylene diene terpolymer.)
Epichlorohydrin (ECH)
A synthetic rubber including two epichlorohydrin based elastomers. It is similar to and compatible with EPDM.
Epoxy
A class of synthetic, thermosetting resins that produce tough, hard, chemical-resistant coatings and adhesives.
Ethylene Interpolymers (EIP)
A group of thermoplastic compounds generally based on PVC polymers from which certain single-ply roofing membranes can be formulated.
Ethylene Propylene Diene Terpolymer
Designated nomenclature of ASTM for a terpolymer of ethylene, propylene and diene. EPDM material is a thermosetting synthetic elastomer.
Exotherm
Heat generated by a chemical reaction.
Extrusion
A process in which heated or unheated material is forced through a shaping orifice (a die) in one continuously formed shape, as in film, sheet, rod or tubing.
Fabric
A woven cloth or material of organic or inorganic filaments, threads, or yarns used for reinforcement in certain membranes and flashings.
Felt
A flexible sheet manufactured by the interlocking of fibers with a binder or through a combination of mechanical work, moisture and heat. Felts are manufactured principally from wood pulp and vegetable fibers (organic felts), asbestos fibers (asbestos felts), glass fibers (glass fiber felts or ply sheets), or polyester fibers.
Film
Sheeting having a nominal thickness not greater than 10 mils (0.25 mm).
Fine Mineral Surfacing
Water-insoluble, inorganic material, more than 50 percent of which passes through a No. 35 sieve. Used on the surface of various roofing materials and membranes to prevent sticking.
Fire Retardant Treated (FRT) Plywood
Plywood which has been impregnated, under pressure, with mineral salts; in the event of fire, the burning wood and salts emit noncombustible gases and water vapor instead of the usual flammable vapors.
Flashing Cement
A trowelable mixture of solvent-based bitumen and mineral stabilizers that may include asbestos or other inorganic or organic fibers. Generally, flashing cement is characterized as vertical-grade, which indicates it is intended for use on vertical surfaces. (see Asphalt Roof Cement and Plastic Cement.)
Fleece
Mats or felts composed of fibers, sometimes used as a membrane backer.
Fluid Applied Elastomer
A liquid elastomeric material that cures after application to form a continuous waterproofing membrane.
Geocomposite
A prefabricated water drainage material used to relieve hydrostatic pressure against waterproofing and promote drainage.
Geotextile
A tightly woven fabric used to restrict the flow of fine soil particles and other contaminants while allowing water to pass freely through; used to protect drainage systems from clogging.
Glass Fiber Insulation
Blanket or rigid board insulation, composed of glass fibers bound together with a binder, faced or unfaced, used to insulate roofs and walls.
Granule
(also referred to as mineral or ceramic granule) opaque, natural or synthetically colored aggregate commonly used to surface cap sheets, shingles, and other granule-surfaced roof coverings.
Gravel
Coarse granular aggregate resulting from the natural erosion of rock.
Grout
A mixture of cement, sand, and water used to fill cracks and cavities in masonry.
Gypsum Board Panels
Cementitious board stock with noncombustible core primarily comprised of gypsum that is commonly used as a barrier board thermal barrier or cover board in a roof assembly.
Hot or Hot Stuff
A roofing worker’s term for hot bitumen.
Hypalon
a registered trademark of E.I. du Pont de Nemours & Co., for ”chlorosulfonated polyethylene” (CSPE)
Insulation
Any of a variety of materials designed to reduce the flow of heat, either from or into a building. (see also Thermal insulation.)
Interlayment
A felt, metal, or membrane sheet material used between courses of steep-slope roofing to improve the weather- and water-shedding characteristics of the primary roof covering during times of wind-driven precipitation. Typically used with wood shakes.
Isocyanate
A highly reactive organic chemical containing one or more isocyanate (-N=C=0) groups. A basic component in SPF based systems and some polyurethane coating systems.
Latex
A stable dispersion of polymeric substance in an essentially aqueous medium.
Mechanical Damage
In SPF-based roofing, physical damage to a completed SPF-based roof system not caused by normal wear and tear.
Metal Roof Panel
An interlocking metal sheet having a minimum installed weather exposure of 3 square feet (279000 mm2 or 0.28 m2) per sheet.
Metal Roof Shingle
An interlocking metal sheet having an installed weather exposure less than 3 square feet (279000 mm2 or 0.28 m2) per sheet.
Mineral Fiber
Insulation composed principally of fibers manufactured from rock, slag or glass, with or without binders.
Mineral Granules
see Granules.
Mineral Stabilizer
A fine, water-insoluble inorganic material, used in a mixture with solid or semi-solid bituminous materials.
Mineral Surfaced Roofing
Roofing materials whose surface or top layer consists of a granule-surfaced sheet.
Mineral Surfaced Sheet
A roofing sheet that is coated on one or both sides with asphalt and surfaced with mineral granules.
Modified Bitumen
(1) a bitumen modified by including one or more polymers (e.g., atactic polypropylene, styrene butadiene styrene, etc.); (2) composite sheets consisting of a polymer modified bitumen often reinforced with various types of mats or films and sometimes surfaced with films, foils or mineral granules.
Monomer
A low-molecular-weight substance consisting of molecules capable of reacting with like or unlike molecules to form a polymer.
NBP
Acrylonitrile butadiene polymer blend. One proprietary NBP membrane is commonly referred to as nitrile butadiene copolymer.
Neoprene
A synthetic rubber (polychloroprene) used in liquid and sheet-applied elastomeric roof membranes or flashings.
Nitrile Allow
An elastomeric material of synthetic nonvulcanizing polymers.
Nitrile Rubber
A membrane whose predominant resinous ingredient is a synthetic rubber made by the polymerization of acrylonitrile with butadiene.
No-Cutout Shingles
Shingles consisting of a single solid strip with no cutouts.
Nonwoven Fabric
A textile structure produced by bonding or interlocking of fibers, or both, accomplished by mechanical, chemical, thermal, or solvent means and combinations thereof.
Nylon
Generic name for a family of polyamide polymers, used as a scrim in some fabric-reinforced sheeting.
Off-Ratio Foam
SPF that has excess isocyanate or resin. Off-ratio will not exhibit the full physical properties of normal SPF.
Organic Felt
An asphalt roofing base material manufactured from cellulose fibers.
Organic Shingle
An asphalt shingle reinforced with material manufactured from cellulose fibers.
Perlite
An aggregate used in lightweight insulating concrete and preformed perlitic insulation boards, formed by heating and expanding siliceous volcanic glass.
Plastic Cement
a roofing industry generic term used to describe asphalt roof cement that is a trowelable mixture of solvent-based bitumen, mineral stabilizers, and other fibers and/or fillers. Generally, intended for use on relatively low slopes, not vertical surfaces. (also see Asphalt roof cement and Flashing cement.)
Polyester
A polymer in which the repeated structural unit in the chain is of the ester type.
Polyisobutylene (PIB)
A product formed by the polymerization of isobutylene. May be compounded for use as a roof membrane material.
Polymer
A macromolecular material formed by the chemical combination of monomers having either the same or different chemical composition.
Polymeric Methylene Diphenyl Diisocyanate (PMDI)
Aomponent A in SPF. An organic chemical compound having two reactive isocyanate groups. It is mixed with the B component to form polyurethane.
Polystyrene
A polymer prepared by the polymerization of styrene as the sole monomer.
Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)
A synthetic thermoplastic polymer prepared from vinylchloride. PVC can be compounded into flexible and rigid forms through the use of plasticizers, stabilizers, fillers and other modifiers. Rigid forms are used in pipes; flexible forms are used in the manufacture of sheeting and roof membrane materials.
Puncture Resistance
The ability of a material to withstand the action of a penetrating or puncturing object.
Reinforced Membrane
A roofing or waterproofing membrane that has been strengthened by the addition or incorporation of one or more reinforcing materials, including woven or nonwoven glass fibers, polyester mats or scrims, nylon, or polyethylene sheeting.
Release Tape (Release Strip)
A plastic film or paper strip that is applied to the back of self-sealing shingles and other materials. The strip prevents the material from sticking together in the roll or bundle. With asphalt shingles, the strip need not be removed for application of the shingles.
Resin
Component B in SPF. This component contains a catalyst, blowing agent, fire retardants, surfactants and polyol. It is mixed with the A component to form polyurethane.
Roll Materials
A general term applied to rolls of roofing felt, ply sheet, etc., which are typically furnished in rolls.
Roll Roofing
Coated felts, either smooth or mineral-surfaced.
Roof Covering
The exterior roof cover or skin of the roof assembly, consisting of membrane, panels, sheets, shingles, tiles, etc.
Rosin Sheathing Paper
A nonasphaltic paper used as a sheathing paper or slip sheet in some roof systems.
Rubber
A material that is capable of recovering from large deformations quickly and forcibly.
Saturated Felt
A felt that has been immersed in hot bitumen; the felt adsorbs as much bitumen as it can retain under the processing conditions, but remains porous and contains voids.
Scrim
A woven, nonwoven or knitted fabric composed of continuous strands of material used for reinforcing or strengthening membranes.
Sealant
(1) a material that has the adhesive and cohesive properties to form a seal; (2) a mixture of polymers, fillers, and pigments used to fill and seal joints where moderate movements is expected; unlike caulking, it cures to a resilient solid.
Sealant Backing
A compressible material placed in a joint before applying a sealant.
Self-Adhering Membrane
A membrane that can adhere to a substrate and to itself at overlaps without the use of an additional adhesive. The undersurface of a self-adhering membrane is protected by a release paper or film, which prevents the membrane from bonding to itself during shipping and handling.
Self-Sealing Shingle
An asphalt shingle containing a factory-applied strip or spots of heat sensitive adhesive intended to adhere the overlying shingle once installed on the roof and warmed by the sun.
Shingle
(1) a small unit of prepared roofing designed for installation with similar units in overlapping rows or courses on inclines normally exceeding 3:12 slope (14°); (2) to cover with shingles; (3) to apply any sheet material in succeeding overlapping rows like shingles.
Single-Ply Membranes
Roofing membranes that are field applied using just one layer of membrane material (either homogeneous or composite) rather than multiple layers.
Slag
A hard aggregate that is left as a residue from blast furnaces, which may be used as a surfacing material on certain (typically bituminous) roof membrane systems.
Slate
A hard, brittle metamorphic rock consisting mainly of clay minerals, used extensively as dimensional stone for steep roofing and in granular form as surfacing on some other roofing materials.
Slip Sheet
Sheet material, such as reinforced kraft paper, rosin-sized paper, polyester scrim or polyethylene sheeting, placed between two components of a roof assembly (such as between membrane and insulation or deck) to ensure that no adhesion occurs between them and to prevent possible damage from chemical incompatibility, wearing or abrasion of the membrane.
Softening Point
The temperature at which bitumen becomes soft enough to flow, as determined by an arbitrary, closely defined method (ASTM Standard test method D 36 or D 3461).
SPF
Spray polyurethane foam
SPF Compound
A term used to describe the raw materials (isocyanate and resin) used to make polyurethane foam.
Square-Tab Shingles
Shingles with tabs that are all the same size and exposure.
Stainless Steel
An alloy of steel that contains chromium and also may contain nickel or copper. Generally, has very good resistance to corrosion.
Styrene Butadiene Styrene Copolymer (SBS)
High molecular weight polymers that have both thermoset and thermoplastic properties, formed by the block copolymerization of styrene and butadiene monomers. These polymers are used as the modifying compound in SBS polymer modified asphalt roofing membranes to impart rubber-like qualities to the asphalt.
Tensile Strength
The strength of a material under tension as distinct from torsion, compression or shear.
Terne
An alloy of lead and tin, used to coat sheets of carbon steel or stainless steel for use as metal roofing sheet.
Terra Cotta
Low-fired clay, either glazed or unglazed.
Thermal Block
A compression-resistant insulation block installed between structural steel roof panels and their supporting members to help maintain insulation R-values and reduce condensation.
Thermoplastic
A material that softens when heated and hardens when cooled. This process can be repeated provided that the material is not heated above the point at which decomposition occurs.
Thermoplastic Olefin Membrane (TPO)
A blend of polypropylene and ethylene-propylene polymers. Colorant, flame retardants, UV absorbers, and other proprietary substances which may be blended with the TPO to achieve the desired physical properties. The membrane may or may not be reinforced.
Thermoset
A class of polymers that, when cured using heat, chemical, or other means, changes into a substantially infusible and insoluble material.
Through-Wall Flashing
A water-resistant membrane or material assembly extending totally through a wall and its cavities, positioned to direct water within the wall to the exterior, usually through weep holes.
Tie-In
In roofing and waterproofing, the transitional seal used to terminate a roofing or waterproofing application at the top or bottom of flashings or by forming a watertight seal with the substrate, membrane, or adjacent roofing or waterproofing system.
Tongue and Groove Planks
One of the oldest types of dimensional structural wood used as roof decking. The sides are cut with convex and concave grooves so adjacent planks may join in alignment with each other to form a uniform roof deck.
Underlayment
An asphalt-saturated felt or other sheet material (may be self-adhering) installed between the roof deck and roof covering, usually used in a steep-slope roof construction. Underlayment is primarily used to separate the roof covering from the roof deck, shed water and provide secondary weather protection for the roof area of the building.
Vapor Retarder
A layer(s) of material or a laminate used to appreciably reduce the flow of water vapor into a roof assembly.
Veneer
(1) a single wythe of masonry for facing purposes that may not be structurally connected; (2) any of the thin layers of wood glued together to form plywood.
Vermiculite
An aggregate used in lightweight insulating concrete, formed by heating and expanding of a micaceous material.
Viscosity
The resistance of a material to flow under stress. For bitumen, measured in centipoise.
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC)
Any compound of carbon, excluding carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, carbonic acid, metallic carbides or carbonates, and ammonium carbonate, which participate in atmospheric photochemical reactions.
Vulcanization
An irreversible process during which a rubber compound, through a change in its chemical structure (for example, cross-linking), becomes less plastic and more resistant to swelling by organic liquids and elastic properties are conferred, improved, or extended over a greater range of temperature.
Wash Coat
A primer, typically provided on the back side of painted metal products to help protect the underlying metal from wear and corrosion.
Water Vapor Transmission
A measure of the rate of transmission of water vapor through a material under controlled laboratory conditions of temperature and humidity. Customary units are grains/h·ft2.