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IS 15808:2008 is the Indian Standard (BIS) for polymer modified bituminous sheets for waterproofing - specification. This standard specifies the requirements for polymer-modified bituminous sheets used for waterproofing applications. It covers the material composition, dimensions, physical and mechanical properties for different types of sheets, such as those reinforced with polyester or glass fibre, intended for applications like roofing and tanking.
Specifies requirements for polymer modified bituminous sheets, such as APP or SBS modified membranes, used for waterproofing.
Overview
Status
Current
Usage level
Frequently Used
Domain
Materials Science — Waterproofing and Damp Proofing
BIM-relevant code. See the BIM Hub for ISO 19650, IFC, and LOD/LOIN frameworks used alongside it.
Practical Notes
! The choice between APP (Atactic Polypropylene) and SBS (Styrene Butadiene Styrene) modified membranes is critical; APP offers better UV/heat resistance, while SBS provides superior low-temperature flexibility.
! Reinforcement type significantly impacts performance. Polyester reinforcement offers high elongation and puncture resistance, ideal for roofs with movement. Glass fibre provides excellent dimensional stability but lower elongation.
! Proper application technique (e.g., torching, surface preparation, overlaps) is as crucial as the material quality for achieving a leak-proof waterproofing system.
EN 13707:2004+A2:2009CEN (European Committee for Standardization), Europe
HighCurrent
Flexible sheets for waterproofing - Reinforced bituminous sheets for roof waterproofing - Definitions and characteristics
Covers both APP and SBS polymer modified reinforced bituminous sheets for roof waterproofing.
ASTM D6222 / D6222M - 21ASTM International, USA
HighCurrent
Standard Specification for Atactic Polypropylene (APP) Modified Bituminous Sheet Materials Using Polyester Reinforcements
Directly equivalent to the polyester-reinforced APP membrane type specified in IS 15808.
ASTM D6164 / D6164M - 19ASTM International, USA
HighCurrent
Standard Specification for Styrene Butadiene Styrene (SBS) Modified Bituminous Sheet Materials Using Polyester Reinforcements
Directly equivalent to the polyester-reinforced SBS membrane type specified in IS 15808.
BS EN 13707:2004+A2:2009BSI (British Standards Institution), UK
HighCurrent
Flexible sheets for waterproofing. Reinforced bituminous sheets for roof waterproofing. Definitions and characteristics
The British national adoption of the European standard EN 13707, with identical technical content.
Key Differences
≠IS 15808 is a single standard covering both APP and SBS modifiers, classified by reinforcement and thickness. ASTM standards are separate documents for each modifier (APP/SBS) and each reinforcement type (Polyester/Glass).
≠EN 13707 is a harmonized standard that allows manufacturers to declare performance for many properties (or state 'No Performance Determined'), while IS 15808 specifies mandatory minimum performance levels for its defined types and grades.
≠Low temperature flexibility requirements are fixed in IS 15808 (-2°C for APP, -15°C for SBS polyester). In EN 13707, this is a declared value from a range (e.g., 0°C to -25°C), allowing for different climate-specific products.
≠The classification system in IS 15808 (Type 1/2 for reinforcement, Grade A/B/C for thickness) is unique to the Indian standard and does not directly map to the Type/Grade systems in ASTM standards.
Key Similarities
≈All standards cover the same fundamental products: factory-made bituminous sheets modified with either Atactic Polypropylene (APP) or Styrene-Butadiene-Styrene (SBS) polymers.
≈The primary types of reinforcement materials specified, namely non-woven polyester mat and glass fibre mat, are common across all compared standards.
≈Core performance characteristics like tensile strength, elongation, tear resistance, water impermeability, low-temperature flexibility, and high-temperature stability are evaluated in all standards.
≈The fundamental principles of the test methods used to determine key properties (e.g., tensile testing, cold bend test over a mandrel) are conceptually similar, even if specific apparatus or conditions vary.
Parameter Comparison
Parameter
IS Value
International
Source
Thickness (Polyester Reinforced)
3.0 mm min (Type 1, Grade A)
3.5 mm nominal (Type I)
ASTM D6222-21 (APP)
Tensile Strength, Longitudinal (APP, Polyester)
650 N/50 mm min (Type 1, Grade A)
700 N/50 mm min (Type I)
ASTM D6222-21
Elongation at Max Load, Long. (APP, Polyester)
40 % min (Type 1, Grade A)
35 % min (Type I)
ASTM D6222-21
Low Temperature Flexibility (APP)
-2 °C, no cracks
0 °C, no cracks
ASTM D6222-21
Low Temperature Flexibility (SBS, Polyester)
-15 °C, no cracks (Type 1)
-20 °C, no cracks (Grade S)
ASTM D6164-19
Heat Resistance / Flow (APP)
120 °C, no flow
130 °C, no flow
ASTM D6222-21
Tear Strength, Longitudinal (APP, Polyester)
300 N min (Type 1, Grade A)
350 N min (Type I)
ASTM D6222-21
Water Absorption
1.0 % by mass, max
1.5 % by mass, max
ASTM D6164-19
⚠ Verify details from original standards before use
Key Values6
Quick Reference Values
Minimum Thickness (Type 2, Class B)3.0 mm
Tensile Strength Longitudinal (Polyester Reinforced)≥ 650 N/50 mm
Elongation at Break (Polyester Reinforced)≥ 40 %
Cold Flexibility (Type 2)No crack at -5 °C
Water Absorption (Max)1 % by mass
Softening Point of the compound≥ 150 °C
Tables & Referenced Sections
Key Tables
Table 1 - Physical Requirements of Polymer Modified Bituminous Sheets
Table 2 - Tolerances on Length, Width and Straightness
What are the common thicknesses for APP membranes?+
Commonly available in 2mm, 3mm, and 4mm. The minimum thickness required depends on the type and class as specified in Table 1.
What is the minimum required tensile strength for a polyester reinforced membrane?+
For Type 2 (polyester reinforced), the minimum longitudinal tensile strength is 650 N/50mm as per Table 1.
What does the cold flexibility test signify?+
It indicates the lowest temperature at which the membrane can be bent without cracking. For Type 2 sheets, it is -5 °C (Table 1), making it crucial for regions with cold winters.
Is this standard still active?+
No, IS 15808:2008 has been superseded by the revised version, IS 15808:2019.