Standardization News

If you have a roof over your head, chances are very good that you have flashing over your head as well.

Flashing serves as part of the weather resistant barrier systems that keep water from getting into a structure.

A proposed new ASTM guide will satisfy a market need for a standard to define durable flashing and will create a level playing field for flashing manufacturers. The draft standard is WK46735, Guide for Evaluating the Variables that Can Increase the Durability of an Installed Flashing Assembly.

WK46735 will provide measurable and process-based assessment elements to characterize the performance of flashing assemblies. The standard will cover the life cycle of an assembly, from initial physical properties to potential repairability.

"Manufacturers first, and then building owners, will be the primary people interested in WK46735," says ASTM member Michael Schmeida, corporate manager of stewardship, Oatey Co. "They want to know that what they have or are installing will be durable enough to meet their needs for the roof they own or are working on."

WK46735 is being developed by Subcommittee D08.24 on Sustainability, part of ASTM International Committee D08 on Roofing and Waterproofing. D08.24 welcomes all, especially those interested in roofing, waterproofing and envelope integrity, to contribute to its standards developing activities.

CONTACT Technical Information: Michael Schmeida, Oatey Co. • Cleveland, Ohio • Phone: 216-898-3469 | ASTM Staff: Joseph Hugo • Phone: 610-832-9740 | Upcoming Meeting: Dec. 7-10, 2014 • December Committee Week • New Orleans, La.