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IS 17290:2020 is the Indian Standard (BIS) for ethylene propylene diene monomer (epdm) sheets for waterproofing - specification. This standard specifies the requirements, sampling methods, and test procedures for Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer (EPDM) sheets used in waterproofing applications. It covers material composition, physical properties like tensile strength and elongation, dimensional tolerances, and marking to ensure quality and performance in preventing water ingress in structures.
Specifies requirements for flexible Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer (EPDM) sheets used as waterproofing membranes.
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
! Ensure compatibility of adhesives and primers with the EPDM sheet as per manufacturer's guidelines, as improper selection can lead to seam failure.
! Seam integrity is critical for performance. Proper surface preparation, cleaning, priming, and application of seam tapes or adhesives are essential for a durable waterproof system.
! Verify the sheet's UV stability for exposed applications like roofs. The standard provides an optional test for resistance to UV ageing (Clause 6.13).
ASTM D4637 / D4637M - 14(2021)ASTM International, USA
HighCurrent
Standard Specification for EPDM Sheet Used in Single-Ply Roof Membrane
Both specify requirements for reinforced and non-reinforced EPDM sheets for waterproofing applications.
EN 13956:2012CEN (European Committee for Standardization), Europe
MediumCurrent
Flexible sheets for waterproofing - Plastic and rubber sheets for roof waterproofing - Definitions and characteristics
Covers a broader range of rubber/plastic sheets for roofing, including EPDM, but is less EPDM-specific than IS 17290.
GB 18173.1-2012Standardization Administration of China (SAC), China
MediumCurrent
Polymer waterproof materials - Part 1: Waterproof sheet
Specifies requirements for various polymer sheets, including a category for rubber sheets (Type R) like EPDM.
Key Differences
≠IS 17290 classifies sheets as Type I (Exposed) and Type II (Non-Exposed), while ASTM D4637 classifies by physical structure: Type I (Non-reinforced), Type II (Internally Reinforced), and Type III (Fleece-backed).
≠The Indian standard specifies a thickness tolerance of ±5% or ±0.1 mm, whereas ASTM D4637 specifies a tolerance of -5% to +10% of the nominal thickness.
≠IS 17290 requires testing for 'Pliability after accelerated weathering' with a specific Xenon-arc exposure cycle, a requirement not framed in the same manner in ASTM D4637, which focuses on separate heat aging and ozone tests.
≠The minimum requirement for tear resistance in IS 17290 (≥25 kN/m) is lower than the requirement in ASTM D4637 for non-reinforced sheets (≥35 kN/m).
Key Similarities
≈Both IS 17290 and ASTM D4637 are based on EPDM terpolymer as the principal polymer and cover both non-reinforced and reinforced sheet types.
≈The minimum requirements for tensile strength (≥9.0 MPa) and elongation at break (≥300%) for non-reinforced sheets are identical in both IS 17290 and ASTM D4637.
≈Both standards mandate critical durability tests, including resistance to heat aging and ozone, with similar test conditions (e.g., no cracking after prolonged exposure).
≈Watertightness of factory and field-fabricated seams is a fundamental performance requirement in all equivalent standards, ensuring the integrity of the waterproofing system.
Parameter Comparison
Parameter
IS Value
International
Source
Tensile Strength (Non-Reinforced)
≥ 9.0 MPa
≥ 9.0 MPa (1305 psi)
ASTM D4637
Elongation at Break (Non-Reinforced)
≥ 300 %
≥ 300 %
ASTM D4637
Tear Resistance (Non-Reinforced)
≥ 25 kN/m
≥ 35 kN/m (200 lbf/in)
ASTM D4637
Low Temperature Brittleness
Pass at -40°C
Pass at -45°C
ASTM D4637
Ozone Resistance (7x magnification)
No cracks after 168 h
No cracks after 168 h
ASTM D4637
Heat Aging (28 days @ 115°C)
Tensile Strength Retention: ≥ 80%
Must still meet minimum tensile strength of 9.0 MPa after 28 days @ 116°C
ASTM D4637
Factory Seam Strength
≥ 4.5 kN/m
Sheet fails before seam adhesion (cohesive failure)
ASTM D4637
⚠ Verify details from original standards before use
Key Values6
Quick Reference Values
Minimum Thickness1.0 mm
Minimum Tensile Strength9.0 MPa
Minimum Elongation at Break300 %
Minimum Tear Resistance20 kN/m
Maximum Water Absorption (7 days at 70°C)5 % by mass
Minimum Hydrostatic Pressure Resistance (at 2.5 mm thickness)70 m of water head
Tables & Referenced Sections
Key Tables
Table 1 - Dimensions and Tolerances of EPDM Sheets