Development of a Non-Destructive Evaluation Practice of Installed Weatherproofing Sealant Joints Using a Rolling Device—An Introduction to ASTM C 1736

This paper provides an overview of the development of standardized methodology to evaluate joint seal continuity, encompassed in the newly published ASTM C 1736-11, “Standard Practice for Non-Destructive Evaluation of Adhesion of Installed Weatherproofing Sealant Joints Using a Rolling Device.” This standard practice was created under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee C 24 on Building Seals and Sealants and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee 30 on Adhesion; it was approved July 1, 2011. Fundamental details contributing to the successful usage of this practice are examined by answering the following questions: Where exactly do the stresses produced by this procedure have an effect upon the sealant-to-substrate bond-line? How does joint geometry impact this bond-line stress? What level of stress on a bond-line provides usable information without damaging the seal?