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Designation: D 1079 – 00a

Standard Terminology Relating to

Roofing, Waterproofing, and Bituminous Materials1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D 1079; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (e) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.

1. Referenced Documents alligator’s hide; the cracks may not extend through the
1.1 ASTM Standards: surfacing bitumen.
C 33 Specification for Concrete Aggregates2 anionic emulsion—an emulsion in which the emulsifying
D 312 Specification for Asphalt Used in Roofing3 system establishes a predominance of negative charges on
D 450 Specification for Coal-Tar Pitch Used in Roofing, the discontinuous phase.
Dampproofing, and Waterproofing3 application rate—the quantity (mass, volume or thickness) of
C 591 Specification for Unfaced Preformed Rigid Cellular material applied per unit area.
Polyisocyanurate Thermal Insulation4 artificial weathering, v—exposure to conditions, which may
C 1289 Specification for Faced Rigid Cellular Polyisocya- be cyclic, involving temperature, relative humidity, radiant
nurate Thermal Insulation Board4 energy, and/or any other conditions or pollutants found in the
D 698 Test Method for Laboratory Compaction Character- atmosphere in various geographical areas, which may accel-
istics of Soil Using Standard Effort (12,400 ft-lbf/ft 3(600 erate changes in properties of materials over those of natural
kN-m/m3))5 weather conditions.
D 727 Test Method for Kerosine Number of Roofing and asbestos—a group of natural fibrous impure silicate materials.
Flooring Felt by the Vacuum Method6 asphalt—a dark brown to black cementitious material in which
D 1557 Test Method for Laboratory Compaction Character- the predominating constituents are bitumens which occur in
istics of Soil Using Modified Effort (56,000 ft-lbf/ft3(2,700 nature or are obtained in petroleum processing.
kN-m/m3))5 asphalt, air blown—an asphalt produced by blowing air
D 2822 Specification for Asphalt Roof Cement3 through molten asphalt at an elevated temperature to raise its
D 4022 Specification for Coal Tar Roof Cement, Asbestos softening point and modify other properties.
Containing3 asphaltene—a high molecular weight hydrocarbon fraction
D 4586 Specification for Asphalt Roof Cement, Asbestos- precipitated from asphalt by a designated paraffinic naphtha
Free3 solvent at a specified temperature and solvent-asphalt ratio.
DISCUSSION—The asphaltene fraction should be identified by the
2. Terminology temperature and solvent-asphalt ratio used.
2.1 Definitions:
asphalt felt—an asphalt-saturated felt.
accelerated weathering, v—the exposure of a specimen to a asphalt, steam blown—an asphalt produced by blowing steam
specified test environment for a specified time with the intent through molten asphalt to modify its properties.
of producing, in a shorter time period, effects similar to asphaltite—a natural asphalt found below ground level.
actual weathering. asphalt mastic—a mixture of asphaltic material and graded
aggregate—(1) crushed stone, crushed slag, or water-worn mineral aggregate that can be poured when heated, but
gravel used for surfacing a built-up roof; requires mechanical manipulation to apply.
(2) any granular mineral material. asphalt rock (rock asphalt)—a naturally occurring rock
alligatoring—the cracking of the surfacing bitumen on a formation, usually limestone or sandstone, containing
built-up roof, producing a pattern of cracks similar to an throughout its mass a minor amount of asphalt.
asphalt roof cement, n—a trowelable mixture of asphalt,
1
solvents, mineral stabilizers, fillers or fibers, or both. See
This terminology is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D08 on
Roofing, Waterproofing, and Bituminous Materials and is the direct responsibility of
Specifications D 2822 and D 4586.
Subcommittee D08.01 on Nomenclature, Definitions, and Editorial. asphalt roof cement, n—see flashing cement.
Current edition approved Aug. 10, 2000. Published October 2000. Originally backnailing—the practice of blind-nailing roofing felts to a
published as D 1079 – 50 T. Last previous edition D 1079 – 00. substrate in addition to hot-mopping to prevent slippage.
2
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 04.02.
3
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 04.04. bald roof—See smooth-surfaced roof.
4
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 04.06. base ply—the bottom or first ply in a built-up roofing
5
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 15.09.
6
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 04.08.

Copyright © ASTM, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.

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 D 1079
membrane when additional plies are to be subsequently cap sheet—a granule-surfaced coated felt used as the top ply
installed. of a built-up roofing membrane.
base sheet—a product intended to be used as a base ply in a cationic emulsion—an emulsion in which the emulsifying
built-up roofing system. system establishes a predominance of positive charges on the
bitumen—(1) a class of amorphous, black or dark-colored, discontinuous phase.
(solid, semi-solid, or viscous) cementitious substances, natu- caulking—a composition of vehicle and pigment, used at
ral or manufactured, composed principally of high molecular ambient temperatures for filling joints, that remains plastic
weight hydrocarbons, soluble in carbon disulfide, and found for an extended time after application.
in asphalts, tars, pitches, and asphaltites; channel mopping—See mopping, (3) strip.
( 2) a generic term used to denote any material composed coal tar—a dark brown to black cementitious material pro-
principally of bitumen. duced by the destructive distillation of coal.
bitumen trap—See pitch pocket. coal tar roof cement, n—a trowelable mixture of processed
bituminized, adj— impregnated with bitumen. Example: bi- coal tar base, solvents, mineral fillers or fibers, or both. See
tuminized fiber pipe. Specification D 4022.
bituminous, adj— containing or treated with bitumen. Ex- coal-tar felt—a felt that has been saturated with refined coal
amples: bituminous concrete, bituminous felts and fabrics, tar.
bituminous pavement. coal-tar pitch—a dark brown to black, solid cementitious
bituminous emulsion—( 1) a suspension of minute globules material obtained as residue in the partial evaporation or
of bituminous material in water or in an aqueous solution; distillation of coal tar.
(2) a suspension of minute globules of water or of an coated sheet (or felt)—( 1) an asphalt felt that has been coated
aqueous solution in a liquid bituminous material (invert on both sides with harder, more viscous asphalt;
emulsion). (2) a glass fiber felt that has been simultaneously impreg-
bituminous grout—a mixture of bituminous material and fine nated and coated with asphalt on both sides.
sand that will flow into place without mechanical manipu- coke-oven tar—See coal tar.
lation when heated. cold-process roofing—a continuous, semiflexible membrane
blast-furnace slag—the nonmetallic product, consisting es- consisting of plies of felts, mats, or fabrics laminated on a
sentially of silicates and alumino-silicates of calcium and roof with alternate layers of roof cement and surfaced with
other bases, that is developed in a molten condition simul- a cold-applied coating.
taneously with iron in a blast furnace. concealed membrane waterproofing, n—also referred to as
blind nailing—the use of nails that are not exposed to the structural slab waterproofing; (1) for below grade: refers
weather in the finished roofing. to a form of waterproofing where the membrane is applied to
blister—(1) a raised portion of a roofing membrane resulting the mud mat and later covered with a topping, usually
from local internal pressure; concrete, to act as a wearing layer or course, and (2) for
(2) the similarly formed protuberances in coated prepared elevated structural concrete deck: applied over the structural
roofing. surface and covered/concealed by other components such as
blocking—(1) wood built into a roofing system above the deck a topping slab, pavers, ballast, pavement, and plantings.
and below the membrane and flashing to (a) stiffen the deck condensation—the conversion of water vapor or other gas to
around an opening, (b) act as a stop for insulation, (c) serve liquid as the temperature drops or atmospheric pressures
as a nailer for attachment of the membrane or flashing. rises. (See also dew point).
(2) wood cross-members installed between rafters or joists conditioning, v— the storage of a specimen under specified
to provide support at cross-joints between deck panels. temperature, humidity, etc., for a specified time prior to
(3) cohesion or adhesion between similar or dissimilar testing.
materials in roll or sheet form that may interfere with the conductance, thermal—the thermal transmission in unit time
satisfactory and efficient use of the material. through unit area of a particular body or assembly having
blueberry—See strawberry. defined surfaces, when unit average temperature difference
bond—the adhesive and cohesive forces holding two roofing is established between the surfaces. C = W/m2·K (C = Btu/
components in intimate contact. h·ft2·°F).
brooming—embedding a ply by using a broom to smooth it conductivity, thermal—the thermal transmission, by conduc-
out and ensure contact with the adhesive under the ply. tion only, in unit time through unit area between two
built-up roofing—a continuous, semiflexible membrane con- isothermal surfaces of an infinite slab of a homogeneous
sisting of plies of saturated felts, coated felts, fabrics or mats material of unit thickness, in a direction perpendicular to the
assembled in place with alternate layers of bitumen, and surface, when unit temperature difference is established
surfaced with mineral aggregate, bituminous materials, or a between the surfaces. k = W/m·K (k = Btu·in./h·ft 2·°F).
granule surfaced sheet (abbreviation, BUR). cone penetration—See penetration.
cant strip—a beveled strip used under flashings to modify the coping—a covering on top of a wall exposed to the weather,
angle at the point where the roofing or waterproofing usually sloped to carry off water.
membrane meets any vertical element. counterflashing—formed metal or elastomeric sheeting se-
cap flashing—See flashing. cured on or into a wall, curb, pipe, roof-top unit, or other

2
 D 1079
surface, to cover and protect the upper edge of a base membrane. The envelope prevents bitumen seepage from the
flashing and its associated fasteners. edge of the membrane.
coverage—the surface area to be continuously covered by a equilibrium moisture content—( 1) the moisture content of a
specific quantity of a particular material. material stabilized at a given temperature and relative
creep—the time-dependent part of a strain resulting from humidity, expressed as percent moisture by weight;
stress. (2) the typical moisture content of a material in any given
cricket, n—a construction to divert water around or away from geographical area.
a chimney, curb, wall, expansion joint, or other penetration. equiviscous temperature (EVT), n—the temperature at which
(See saddle). a bitumen attains the proper viscosity for built-up membrane
crushed stone—the product resulting from the artificial crush- application. EVT may or may not be applicable to polymer
ing of rocks, boulders, or large cobblestones, substantially modified bituminous sheet materials. (See EVT for asphalt
all faces of which have resulted from the crushing operation. and EVT for coal tar pitch).
cutback—solvent-thinned bitumen used in cold-process roof- DISCUSSION—In England, EVT is the temperature corresponding to a
ing adhesives, flashing cements, and roof coatings. standard efflux time from a road tar viscometer.
cutoff—a detail designed to prevent lateral water movement
into the insulation where the membrane terminates at the end equiviscous temperature for asphalt, n—the equiviscous
of a day’s work, or used to isolate sections of the roofing temperature (EVT) for roofing asphalt (Specification D 312,
system. It is usually removed before the continuation of the Type I, II, III, or IV) is as follows: (1) mop application—the
work. temperature at which the asphalt’s apparent viscosity is 125
dampproofing—treatment of a surface or structure to resist the cP. ( 2) mechanical spreader application—the temperature at
passage of water in the absence of hydrostatic pressure. which the asphalt’s apparent viscosity is 75 cP. See equivis-
dead level—absolutely horizontal, or zero slope (see also cous temperature and EVT application range.
slope). equiviscous temperature for coal tar—the equiviscous tem-
dead level asphalt—a roofing asphalt conforming to the perature (EVT) for roofing coal tar (Specification D 450,
requirements of Specification D 312, Type I. Type I or III) is the temperature at which the coal tar’s
dead level roofing—a roofing system applied on a surface with apparent viscosity is 25 cP. See equiviscous temperature
a 0 to 2 % incline. and EVT application range.
deck—the structural surface to which the roofing or water- EVT application range, n—the bitumen application tempera-
proofing system (including insulation) is applied. ture range. The range is from 25°F below the EVT to 25°F
direction change—a change in the orientation of the principal above the EVT (50°F span). The temperature is measured in
dimension or of the support of adjoining units of the roofing the mop cart or mechanical spreader just prior to the
system. application of bitumen to the substrate.
double pour—to apply two layers of aggregate and bitumen to expansion joint—a structural separation between two building
a built-up roof. elements that allows free movement between the elements
dry felt—(1) see felt; without damage to the roofing or waterproofing system.
(2) a felt which has not been saturated with bitumen. exposure—(1) the transverse dimension of a roofing element
edge stripping—application of felt strips cut to narrower not overlapped by an adjacent element in any roofing
widths than the normal felt-roll width to cover a joint system. The exposure of any ply in a membrane may be
between flashing and built-up roofing. computed by dividing the felt width minus 51 mm (2 in.), by
edge venting—the practice of providing regularly spaced the number of shingled plies; thus, the exposure of a
protected openings at a roof perimeter to relieve water vapor 914-mm (36-in.) wide felt in a shingled, four-ply membrane
pressure in the insulation. should be 216 mm (81⁄2 in.);
elastomer—a macromolecular material that returns rapidly to (2) the time during which a portion of a roofing element is
its approximate initial dimensions and shape after substantial exposed to the weather.
deformation by a weak stress and subsequent release of that extra-steep asphalt— See super-steep asphalt.
stress. fabric, n—a woven or nonwoven cloth of organic or inorganic
embedment—(1) the process of pressing a felt, aggregate, filaments, threads, or yarns.
fabric, mat, or panel uniformly and completely into hot factory square—10 m2(108 ft 2).
bitumen or adhesive to ensure intimate contact at all points; fallback—a reduction in bitumen softening point, sometimes
(2) the process of pressing granules into coating in the caused by refluxing or overheating in a relatively closed
manufacture of factory-prepared roofing, such as shingles. container. (See also softening point drift).
emulsion—an intimate mixture of bitumen and water, with felt—a flexible sheet manufactured by the interlocking of
uniform dispersion of the bitumen or water globules, usually fibers with a binder or through a combination of mechanical
stabilized by an emulsifying agent or system. work, moisture, and heat. Felts are manufactured principally
envelope—a continuous membrane edge seal formed at the from vegetable fibers (organic felts), asbestos fibers (asbes-
perimeter and at penetrations by folding the base sheet or ply tos felts) or glass fibers (glass fiber felts); other fibers may be
over the plies above and securing it to the top of the present in each type.

3
 D 1079
felt layer—(1) a machine used for applying bitumen and heat exposure, v— the process of subjecting a specimen to an
built-up roofing felts; elevated temperature at atmospheric pressure for a specified
(2) See ply. period of time with the intent of determining properties by
felt mill ream—the mass in pounds of 480 ft2 of dry, subsequent testing.
unsaturated felt, also termed “point weight.” holiday—an area where a liquid-applied material is missing.
fine mineral surfacing—water-insoluble inorganic material, “hot stuff” or “hot”—a roofer’s term for hot bitumen.
more than 50 % of which passes the 500-µm (No. 35) sieve, hydrokinetic roof system, n—a roof system that depends on
used on the surface of roofing. quick drainage via water shedding to prevent water entry
finger blisters—finger shaped blisters or wrinkles in the plies into or through the system.
of a built-up roofing or waterproofing membrane. hydrostatic roof system, n—a roof system that is capable of
finger wrinkles—See finger blisters. holding water without allowing water to penetrate the
fishmouth—(1) a half-cylindrical or half-conical opening system.
formed by an edge wrinkle or failure to embed a roofing felt; hygroscopic—attracting, absorbing, and retaining atmospheric
(2) in shingles, a half-conical opening formed at a cut moisture.
edge. ice dam—a mass of ice formed at the transition from a warm
flashing—the system used to seal membrane edges at walls, to a cold roof surface. Frequently formed by refreezing
expansion joints, drains, gravel stops, and other places where meltwater at the overhang of a steep roof, an ice dam may
the membrane is interrupted or terminated. Base flashing cause ice and water to back up under shingles or other
covers the edges of the membrane. Cap or counterflashing roofing materials.
shields the upper edges of the base flashing. impregnate, v— in roofing materials manufacture, to com-
flashing cement—a trowelable mixture of cutback bitumen pletely surround the fibers in a felt or mat with bitumen, with
and mineral stabilizers including asbestos or other inorganic the spaces between the fibers partially or completely filled
fibers. without a continuous coating of bitumen on the surface.
flat asphalt—a roofing asphalt conforming to the requirements incline—the slope of a roof expressed in percent or in the
of Specification D 312, Type II. number of vertical units of rise per horizontal unit of run.
flood coat—the top layer of bitumen used to hold the aggregate inorganic, adj— being or composed of matter other than
on an aggregate-surfaced, built-up roofing membrane. hydrocarbons and their derivatives, or matter that is not of
fluid-applied elastomer—an elastomeric material, fluid at plant or animal origin.
ambient temperature, that dries or cures after application to iso— in roofing, see polyisocyanurate foam board.
form a continuous membrane. Such systems normally do not isoboard— See polyisocyanurate foam board.
incorporate reinforcement. insulation— See thermal insulation.
flux—a bituminous material used as a feed stock for further kerosine number—the millilitres of kerosine held per 100 g of
processing and as a material to soften other bituminous felt as determined by Test Method D 727. To obtain the
materials. percentage saturating capacity of the felt for any bituminous
“free carbon” in tars—the hydrocarbon fraction that is saturant, obtain the specific gravity of the saturant and
precipitated from a tar by dilution with carbon disulfide. multiply that figure by the kerosine number of the felt.
glass felt—glass fibers bonded into a sheet with resin and knot—an imperfection or nonhomogeneity in materials used in
suitable for impregnation in the manufacture of bituminous fabric construction, the presence of which causes surface
waterproofing, roofing membranes, and shingles. irregularities.
glass mat—a thin mat of glass fibers with or without a binder. liquid bituminous material—one having a definite volume
glaze coat—(1) the top layer of asphalt in a smooth-surfaced but no definite form, except as provided by its container. It
built-up roof assembly; has a viscosity of 0.1 to 1 3 105 cSt (mm 2/s) at 40°C. This
(2) a thin protective coating of bitumen applied to the does not include powders or granular materials.
lower plies or top ply of a built-up membrane, when loose-laid membrane—a ballasted roofing membrane that is
application of additional felts, or the flood coat and aggre- attached to the substrate only at the edges and penetrations
gate surfacing are delayed. through the roof.
granule—See mineral granules. lot—in roofing, (1) production lot—all material produced in
gravel—coarse, granular aggregate, with pieces larger than one eight-hour shift of the same type (and color when
sand grains, resulting from the natural erosion of rock. applicable);
gravel in—to spread aggregate into hot bitumen on the surface (2) delivery lot—all material of the same type delivered
of the roofing membrane. at one time by one truck or railroad car.
gravel stop—a flanged device, frequently metallic, designed to mastic—See flashing cement and asphalt mastic.
prevent loose aggregate from washing off the roof and to membrane—a flexible or semiflexible roof covering or water-
provide a continuous finished edge for the roofing. proofing, whose primary function is the exclusion of water.
headlap—the minimum distance, measured at 90 deg to the mesh—the square opening of a sieve.
eave along the face of a shingle or felt as applied to a roof, metal flashing—See flashing; frequently used as through-
from the upper edge of the shingle or felt, to the nearest wall, cap-, or counter-flashing.
exposed surface.

4
 D 1079
mineral fiber felt—a felt with rock wool as the principal organic, adj— being or composed of hydrocarbons or their
component. derivatives, or matter of plant or animal origin.
mineral granules—opaque, natural, or synthetically colored parting agent—a material applied to one or both surfaces of a
aggregate commonly used to surface cap sheets, granule- sheet to prevent blocking.
surfaced sheets, and roofing shingles. pea gravel, n— in roofing, small, natural aggregate, 6 to 10
mineral stabilizer—a fine, water-insoluble inorganic material, mm (¼ to " in.) in diameter, screened to comply with
used in admixture with solid or semisolid bituminous mate- Specification C 33, size 8.
rials. peak, n—in constant rate of elongation load-strain testing, the
mineral-surfaced roofing—built-up roofing whose top ply point of maximum load.
consists of a granule-surfaced sheet. penetration—the consistency of a bituminous material ex-
mineral-surfaced sheet—a felt that is coated on one or both pressed as the distance in tenths of a millimetre (0.1 mm)
sides with asphalt and surfaced with mineral granules. that a standard needle penetrates vertically a sample of
mole run—a meandering ridge in a membrane not associated material under specified conditions of loading, time, and
with insulation or deck joints. temperature. A cone is sometimes used for special purposes
mop-and-flop—a procedure in which roofing elements (insu- instead of a needle.
lation boards, felt plies, cap sheets, etc.) are initially placed perlite—an aggregate used in lightweight insulating concrete
upside down adjacent to their ultimate locations, are coated and in preformed perlite insulating board; formed by heating
with adhesive, and are then turned over and adhered to the and expanding siliceous volcanic glass.
substrate. permeance—the rate of water vapor transmission per unit area
mopping—the application of hot bitumen with a mop or at a steady state through a membrane or assembly, expressed
mechanical applicator to the substrate or to the plies of a in ng/Pa·s·m2(grain/ft2·h·in. Hg).
built-up roof. There are four types of mopping: (1) solid—a phased application—the installation of a roofing or water-
continuous coating; (2) spot—bitumen is applied in roughly proofing system during two or more separate time intervals;
circular areas, generally about 460 mm (18 in.) in diameter, a roofing system not installed in a continuous operation.
leaving a grid of unmopped, perpendicular areas; (3) strip— petroleum pitch—a dark brown to black, predominantly
bitumen is applied in parallel bands, generally 200 mm (8 aromatic, solid cementitious material obtained by the pro-
in.) wide and 300 mm (12 in.) apart; (4) sprinkle—bitumen cessing of petroleum, petroleum fractions, or petroleum
is shaken onto the substrate from a broom or mop in a residuals.
random pattern. picture framing—a rectangular pattern of ridges in a mem-
mud cracking—surface cracking resembling a dried mud flat. brane over insulation or deck joints.
mud mat, n—in construction design: (1) a surfacing layer pinhole—a tiny hole in a film, foil, or laminate comparable in
suitable for the application of membrane waterproofing, size to one made by a pin.
installed on a prepared subgrade; (2) an area of fill com- pitch—See incline; coal-tar pitch; or petroleum pitch.
pacted to no less than 95 % of the maximum dry density of pitch pocket—a flanged, open-bottomed metal container
the fill based upon the appropriate laboratory compaction placed around a column or other roof-penetration, and filled
test, such as defined in Test Methods D 698 or D 1557. with hot bitumen or flashing cement to seal the joint.
mud slab, n—a 2 in. (50 mm) minimum thickness non- plastic cement—See flashing cement.
reinforced concrete slab suitable as the substrate for mem- ply—a layer of felt in a built-up roofing membrane; a four-ply
brane waterproofing. membrane has at least four plies of felt at any vertical cross
nailing—(1) exposed-nailing of roofing wherein nail heads are section cut through the membrane.
bare to the weather; plying cement—any bituminous material used for adhering
(2) concealed-nailing of roofing wherein nail heads are layers of felts, fabrics, or mats to structural surfaces and to
concealed from the weather. (See also blind nailing). each other.
negative side waterproofing, n—an application wherein the point weight—See felt mill ream.
waterproofing system and the source of hydrostatic pressure polyisocyanurate foam, n—a cellular thermal insulation pro-
are on opposite sides of the structural element. duced by the polymerization of polyisocyanates in the
neoprene—a synthetic rubber (polychloroprene) used in presence of polyhydroxyl compounds, catalysts, cell stabi-
liquid- or sheet-applied elastomeric roofing membranes or lizers, and blowing agents. See Specification C 591.
flashing. polyisocyanurate foam board, n—a thermal insulation com-
nineteen-inch selvage—a prepared roofing sheet with a posed of polyisocyanurate foam with adhered facers. Com-
432-mm (17-in.) granule-surfaced exposure and a 483-mm monly called iso or isoboard. See Specification C 1289.
(19-in.) selvage. pond—a surface which is incompletely drained.
ninety-pound—a prepared roll roofing with a granule-surfaced positive side waterproofing, n—an application wherein the
exposure that has a mass of approximately 4400 g/m 2(90 waterproofing system and the source of hydrostatic pressure
lb/108 ft2). are on the same side of the structural element.
one-on-one—the application of a single ply of roofing over the primer—a thin liquid bitumen applied to a surface to improve
substrate, followed by the application of a second single ply the adhesion of heavier applications of bitumen and to
over the first (phased application). absorb dust.

5
 D 1079
rake—the sloped edge of a roof at the first or last rafter. unlike caulking, it cures to a resilient solid.
raspberry—See strawberry. selvage—an edge or edging which differs from the main part
recovering—the process of covering an existing roofing sys- of: (1) a fabric; or ( 2) granule-surfaced roll roofing.
tem with a new roofing system. shark fin—an upward-curled felt sidelap or endlap.
reentrant corner—an inside corner of a surface, producing shingle—(1) a small unit of prepared roofing designed for
stress concentrations in the roofing or waterproofing mem- installation with similar units in overlapping rows on in-
brane. clines normally exceeding 25 %;
reglet—a groove in a wall or other surface adjoining a roof (2) to cover with shingles; and
surface for the attachment of counterflashing. (3) to apply any sheet material in overlapping rows like
reinforced membrane—a roofing or waterproofing membrane shingles.
reinforced with felts, mats, fabrics, or chopped fibers. shingling—(1) the procedure of laying parallel felts so that one
relative humidity—the ratio of the mass per unit volume (or longitudinal edge of each felt overlaps, and the other
partial pressure) of water vapor in an air-vapor mixture to the longitudinal edge underlaps, an adjacent felt. (See also ply).
saturated mass per unit volume (or partial pressure) of the Normally, felts are shingled on a slope so that the water
water vapor at the same temperature, expressed as a percent- flows over rather than against each lap;
age. (2) the application of shingles to a sloped roof.
release agent—See parting agent. sieve—an apparatus with square apertures for separating sizes
reroofing—the process of recovering or replacing an existing of material.
roofing system. See recovering. skater’s cracks—curvilinear cracks in a roofing membrane
resistance, thermal—the average temperature difference be- that appear to relate neither to the direction of application of
tween two defined surfaces of a particular body or assembly the membrane components nor the substrate components.
when unit thermal transmission in unit time through unit area slag—the fused agglomerate which separates in metal smelting
is established between the surfaces. R = K·m 2 /W and floats on the surface of the molten metal. (See also
(R = °F·h·ft2/Btu). blast-furnace slag.)
ridging—an upward, tenting displacement of a membrane, slippage—relative lateral movement of adjacent components
frequently over an insulation joint. of a built-up membrane. It occurs mainly in roofing mem-
roll roofing—coated felts, either smooth or mineral-surfaced. branes on a slope, sometimes exposing the lower plies or
roof cement—See flashing cement. even the base sheet to the weather.
roofing system—an assembly of interacting components de- slope—the tangent of the angle between the roof surface and
signed to weatherproof, and normally to insulate, a build- the horizontal plane, expressed as a percentage, or in inches
ing’s top surface. of rise per foot of horizontal distance. (See also incline).
rubber—a material that is capable of recovering from large smooth-surfaced roof—a built-up roof without mineral aggre-
deformations quickly and forcibly, and can be, or already is, gate surfacing.
modified to a state in which it is essentially insoluble (but softening point—the temperature at which a bitumen becomes
can swell) in boiling solvent such as benzene, methyl ethyl soft enough to flow as determined by an arbitrary, closely
ketone, and ethanol-toluene azeotrope. defined method.
softening point drift—a change in the softening point during
DISCUSSION—A rubber in its modified state, free of diluents, retracts
within 1 min to less than 1.5 times its original length after being storage or application. (See also fallback).
stretched at room temperature (18 to 29°C) to twice its length and held solid bituminous
5
material—one having a viscosity of over
for 1 min before release. 1 3 10 cSt (mm2/s) at 40°C or an equivalent viscosity at an
agreed-upon temperature. This includes powders and granu-
saddle, n—a construction to channel or direct surface water to
lar materials.
drains or off the roof. A saddle may be located between
solid mopping—See mopping.
drains or in a valley, and is often like a small hip roof or a
split—a membrane tear resulting from tensile stress.
pyramid with a diamond-shaped base. (See cricket).
split sheet—See nineteen-inch selvage.
sales square—the quantity of prepared roofing required to
spot mopping—See mopping.
cover 9.3 m2 (100 ft2) of deck.
sprinkle mopping—See mopping.
saturated felt—a felt that has been immersed in hot bitumen;
spud—to remove the roofing aggregate and most of the
the felt adsorbs and absorbs as much bitumen as it can retain
bituminous top coating by scraping and chipping.
under the processing conditions, but remains porous and
square—a roof area of 9.29 m2 (100 ft2), or enough material to
contains voids.
cover 9.29 m2 of deck.
screen—an apparatus with circular apertures for separating
stack vent—a vertical outlet in a built-up roofing system to
sizes of material.
relieve the pressure exerted by water vapor between the
scrim, n—lightweight woven or non-woven fabrics that are
roofing membrane and the vapor retarder or deck.
manufactured from yarns.
steep asphalt—a roofing asphalt conforming to the require-
scuttle—a hatch that provides access to the roof from the
ments of Specification D 312, Type III.
interior of the building.
strawberry—a small bubble or blister in the flood coating of
sealant—a mixture of polymers, fillers, and pigments used to
a gravel-surfaced membrane.
fill and seal joints where moderate movement is expected;

6
 D 1079
strip mopping—See mopping. flashing or by forming a watertight seal with the substrate,
stripping—strip flashing: membrane, or waterproofing system(s).
(1) the technique of sealing a joint between metal and t-joint, n—the condition created by the overlapping intersec-
built-up membrane with one or two plies of felt or fabric and tion of three or four sheets in the membrane. See Fig. 1.
hot- or cold-applied bitumen; vapor barrier—See vapor retarder.
(2) the technique of taping joints between insulation vapor migration—the movement of water vapor from a region
boards or deck panels. of high vapor pressure to a region of lower vapor pressure.
substrate—the surface upon which the roofing or waterproof- vapor retarder—a layer of material or a laminate used to
ing membrane is placed (structural deck or insulation). appreciably reduce the flow of water vapor into the roofing
sump—a depression around a drain. system.
super-steep asphalt—a roofing asphalt conforming to the vent—an opening designed to convey water vapor or other gas
requirements of Specification D 312, Type IV. from inside a building or a building component to the
susceptibility—when not otherwise qualified, the degree of atmosphere.
change in viscosity with temperature. vermiculite—an aggregate used in lightweight insulating con-
system—See roofing system. crete, formed by heating and expanding a micaceous min-
tapered edge strip—a tapered insulation strip used to elevate eral.
the roofing at the perimeter and at penetrations of the roof. viscoelasticity—a combination of viscous and elastic proper-
tar—a brown or black bituminous material, liquid or semisolid ties in a material, with the relative contribution of each
in consistency, in which the predominating constituents are dependent upon time, temperature, stress, and strain rate.
bitumens obtained as condensates in the processing of coal, walk in—to embed insulation panels in hot bitumen or
petroleum, oil-shale, wood, or other organic materials. adhesive by walking on them immediately after application.
tear off—to remove an existing roofing system down to the water repellant system, n—an exterior coating system for
structural deck. above grade concrete or masonry which temporarily repels
thermal insulation—a material applied to reduce the flow of water but which is not intended to prevent the passage of
heat. moisture under hydrostatic pressure.
thermal shock—the stress-producing phenomenon resulting (1) film forming type—latex or oil based paints or similar
from sudden temperature drops in a roof membrane when, materials that may require repair or renewal because of
for example, a rain shower follows brilliant sunshine. climatic action;
through-wall flashing—a water-resistant membrane or mate- (2) pore penetrating type—types that fill or coat the interior
rial assembly extending totally through a wall and its of the surface pores of concrete or masonry and are
cavities, positioned to direct any water within the wall to the temporarily retained in these surface pores thus providing
exterior. water repelling action; periodic repair or renewal may be
tie-off, n—in waterproofing, the transitional seal used to required because of climatic action.
terminate a waterproofing application at the top or bottom of waterproofing—treatment of a surface or structure to prevent
the passage of water under hydrostatic pressure.

FIG. 1 T-Joint

7
 D 1079

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