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D227 – Standard Test Method Technical Guide
🏗️ Materials and Manufacture
ASTM D227/D227M defines the specific requirements for coal-tar saturated organic felt intended for use in built-up roofing (BUR) and waterproofing systems. The manufacturing process requires that a single thickness of dry felt be saturated with refined coal-tar from which some of the more volatile constituents have been removed.
The felt base must be produced principally from organic fibers or mixtures thereof. To ensure a quality base for saturation, the surface of the dry felt must be uniform and relatively smooth. Upon splitting or tearing on the bias, the felt must appear reasonably free of lumps and particles of foreign substances. This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense and replaces the former Federal specification HH-R-595, Type 15C.
📊 Physical Requirements and Performance Specifications
The specification outlines rigorous physical requirements that the finished material must meet to withstand field installation and service conditions. The material is explicitly designed for system compatibility, intended to be used with coal-tar pitches conforming to ASTM D450/D450M.
⚠️ Surface Contamination Warning: The surface of the saturated felt must not be coated or covered with talc or any other substance that tends to interfere with adhesion between the felt and the plying cement. This is critical for creating a monolithic built-up membrane.
| ⚡ Requirement | 📏 Test Condition / Method | 🎯 Specification |
|---|---|---|
| Saturation Completeness | Cut 50 mm [2 in.] strips randomly across the sheet; split open full length | No unsaturated spots visible at any point |
| Unrolling Behavior | Standard field temperature range | No cracking or stickiness causing tearing/damage between 10 and 60 °C [50 and 140 °F] |
| Surface Finish | Visual and adhesion inspection | Free of talc or interfering substances; uniform and smooth |
| External Defects | Full visual inspection of the sheet | No holes, ragged edges, breaks, cracks, tears, protuberances, or indentations |
| Felt Base Purity | Split or tear on the bias | Reasonably free of lumps and foreign particles |
📜 Sampling, Test Methods, and Compliance
Conformance to ASTM D227/D227M is verified through standardized sampling and testing methodologies. All sampling and property determination must be conducted strictly in accordance with Test Methods D146/D146M. The relevant definitions and terminology for the specification are outlined in Terminology D1079.
Inspection of the material shall be carried out in accordance with the requirements of this specification. A critical administrative note for manufacturers and specifiers: the values stated in SI units or inch-pound units are to be regarded separately as standard. Combining values from the two systems may result in nonconformance with the standard.
💡 Testing Tip: When evaluating the felt for saturation uniformity, ensure that the 50 mm [2 in.] wide strips are cut at random across the entire sheet width to obtain a fully representative assessment of the material.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
🔍 What is the intended application for felts manufactured under ASTM D227/D227M?
These felts are specifically designed for use with coal-tar pitches conforming to ASTM D450/D450M in the construction of built-up roofs and waterproofing systems.
💡 How is the saturation quality of the felt formally verified?
Complete saturation is verified by cutting 50 mm [2 in.] wide strips at random across the entire sheet and splitting them open to their full length. The felt must show no unsaturated spots at any point.
⚡ What temperature conditions must the felt survive during unrolling?
The finished product shall not crack nor be so sticky as to cause tearing or other damage when unrolled at temperatures between 10 and 60 °C [50 and 140 °F].
📌 Which ASTM standards are referenced for testing terminology and method?
Sampling and testing must follow Test Methods D146/D146M. The relevant terminology is defined in Terminology D1079. The compatible coal-tar pitch must meet Specification D450/D450M.