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Research report on the performance of asphalt saturated underlayment felts

Abstract
This multifaceted field & lab research project evaluated 7 different types of asphalt saturated underlayment felts that are typically used with steep slope watershedding roof coverings, such as asphalt shingles. The underlayment felts were exposed to the efrects of outdoor conditions on actual full scale roofing projects in 5 different climatic areas of the US. Lab analysis was done initally to characterize the 7 types of underlayment felts. The field research was conducted toinvestigate each product's performance during exposure to weathering conditions. After installation, the underlayment felts were exposed at each site fora few days with one site exposing the underlayment felts for 28 days. During exposure, data on the underlayment's susceptibility to wrinkling and buckling were recorded. The underlayment's watershedding capabilities were also examined. The field exposures resulted in varying degrees of wrinkling of most underlayments under differential exposures (i.e., various weather condtions and orientations). A rating system was used to report the degree of wrinkling observed. This report documents the materials included in the evaluation, the field exposure conditions, the materials' response to the exposure, and the lab evaluations. Conclusions are drawn as to the factors that contribute to the wrinkling or buckling, and recommendations are presented as to how to improve the underlayments' performance.
Date
0/1996
Author(s)
ARMA; NRCA
Page(s)
84
Keyword(s)
asphalt saturated underlayment felt performance; ARMA; NRCA; buckling; field exposure; moisture; saturation; wrinkling



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