ASTM E108
Roof covering materials used for residential and commercial purposes undergo a standard fire resistance testing process to ensure their safety in the event of an emergency.
We conduct ASTM 108 tests for these materials and assign a classification depending on their response to a simulated combustion scenario. This is all done in our ASTM E108 testing lab.
What Is ASTM E108?
These standardized fire testing methods for roof coverings, like vinyl and other materials, determine the safety and reliability of the materials used in the event of a fire.
Materials labeled non-combustible undergo this test procedure that simulates a fire controlled by certain wind conditions.
We then provide an ASTM fire rating and classify the roofing materials into three categories that inform builders of the materials’ response to the severity of the testing conditions. Materials are either:
- Class A: Roof coverings that can withstand extreme fire and wind conditions without failing or collapsing.
- Class B: Roof coverings that can withstand moderate fire and wind conditions.
- Class C: Roof coverings can withstand light fire and wind conditions.
While the ASTM 108 testing procedure is straightforward, it requires certain apparatus and testing conditions to maintain a standard, reproducible environment where materials have a chance to be tested thoroughly.
Each classification has differing test conditions and parameters to determine success or failure based on its own unique criteria.
Fire Test Methods for Roof Coverings
The procedures involved in the ASTM E108 testing method for materials like vinyl are conducted in a controlled environment in accordance with building regulations and codes. The procedure is carried out in our ASTM E108 testing lab as follows:
- First, we set up the apparatus required to begin testing. Each roof is tested on a slope that can be adjusted to respond to a particular situation. The standard dimensions of this slope are five inches by 12 inches.
- Next, the roofing material is placed on this slope and, depending on the classification being tested, is exposed to a particular flame. The fire is produced by a gas burner and an inline blower while a simulated 12-mph wind blows on the flame to spread it over the material.
- In ASTM E108 testing, we let the fire burn for a particular amount of time, based on the classification severity. We'll qualify a pass if the material successfully withstands the blaze after the time has elapsed, or consider it failed if it collapses.
- We also test different kinds of burning, including intermittent, flame spread and flying brand flames.
We Will Test Your Roofing Materials
If your company wants to determine whether your roofing materials are up to code, contact VTEC Laboratories to schedule an ASTM E108 test.
At VTEC Laboratories, we have over 40 years of certification experience and are accredited by various regulatory boards, including the City of Los Angeles Building Department and the US Navy.
Learn More About VTEC Labs' ASTM E108 Services
Roof fire tests are only one part of what we handle. Over the years, our ASTM E108 testing lab has taken on projects for different materials, code requirements, and situations where a client simply needs a clear answer they can use in the field.
If you want to learn more about these tests or confirm what applies to your material, reach out to us online or call (718) 542-8248.