ASTM D3462, the Standard Specification for Asphalt Shingles Made from Glass Felt and Surfaced with Mineral Granules, provides that compliance is to be measured at the time of manufacture.
Asphalt shingles are complex composite products made by combining materials with significantly different properties. Shingles that are in compliance with ASTM D3462 at the time of manufacture have a proven track record of performance. From the time of production until installation on a roof, shingles are transported, handled, and stored under widely varying conditions of temperature, humidity, and UV exposure, and their physical properties may change during this time period. Since changes may occur after a product leaves the manufacturer, the time period for testing for D3462 compliance is specified within the scope section of the standard. Although D3462 defines a window of time within which testing for compliance with the standard can be conducted, some test methods contained within or referenced by D3462 have additional constraints on timing that must be considered when evaluating shingles for D3462 compliance.
The scope section of the standard provides that D3462 “is designed for the evaluation of products as manufactured.” This precludes testing of shingles after some period of time has elapsed. But what is that period of time? The following additional clarification is given in the standard: “test methods, physical requirements, and minimum masses are to be measured immediately after packaging….” This establishes the intent of the standard with respect to the element of time. Products should be tested as soon as possible after they are manufactured and packaged and with consideration of the additional constraints of the individual test methods contained within or referenced by D3462.
The standard does, however, permit the buyer and seller of the shingles to agree to extend the permissible time frame for D3462 compliance testing. It indicates that evaluation of product may take place “at a reasonable time, as agreed upon between buyer and seller, after manufacture and prior to installation.” Testing for D3462 compliance during the time frame following manufacture, but prior to installation, requires an agreement between the buyer and seller of the shingles.
The time period after installation of the shingles is also addressed in the scope section of the standard. It provides that testing of product for D3462 compliance after application and during the service life of the shingles is beyond the scope of, and therefore not permitted by the standard.
Testing of shingles for D3462 compliance must be conducted with consideration of the issue of time. Although some shingle properties may change as time passes, shingles that comply with all of the requirements of ASTM D3462 at the time of manufacture, as prescribed in the scope of the standard, have a proven track record of meeting customer expectations.
Note: Additional information pertaining to this document can be found in ARMA Technical Bulletin Understanding Why Proper Product Sampling Provides Credible Results.
DISCLAIMER OF LIABILITY: This document was prepared by the Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association and is disseminated for informational purposes only. Nothing contained herein is intended to revoke or change the requirements or specifications of the individual roofing material manufacturers or local, state and federal building officials that have jurisdiction in your area. Any question, or inquiry, as to the requirements or specifications of a manufacturer, should be directed to the roofing manufacturer concerned. THE USER IS RESPONSIBLE FOR ASSURING COMPLIANCE WITH ALL APPLICABLE LAWS AND REGULATIONS.
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