And What it Means for the Polymeric Exteriors Industry
Kate Offringa, President & CEO of the Polymeric Exterior Products Association (PEPA), loves to boast about her team that “punches above its weight.” One of the best examples of this is the association’s long history of working to shape ASTM standards that highlight the performance advantages of vinyl siding products.
Over the last five years, this effort has been led by Sara Krompholz, PEPA’s Senior Director – Technical and Certification, who is well-aware of PEPA’s “ASTM heritage.”
“We’ve been involved with ASTM for decades.”
"Kudos to David Johnston (former Technical Vice President for VSI) for his significant contributions to our ASTM work. Thanks to Dave and so many other people involved in the evolution of these standards for vinyl siding [D3679 – published in 1999], polypropylene [D7254 – published in 2007], insulated vinyl siding [D7793 – published in 2012] and backed vinyl siding [D7445 – published in 2009] that were all built on the success of D3679.”
For many of us who aren’t familiar with the ASTM (the American Society for Testing and Materials), including those in the building trades, Sara’s statement speaks volumes about the leaps and bounds the vinyl siding industry has achieved thanks to the association’s focus on standards that impact code development. These “pioneers,” like Dave Johnston whom Sara celebrates, have played an integral role in the comprehensive nature of ASTM D3679 – the standard specification for rigid polyvinyl chloride (PVC) siding. They were part of PEPA’s original Technical Committee and Certification Oversight Committee — today, the Standards Development Work Group (under the Technical Committee) carries the ASTM torch.
To emphasize why this is significant, consider PEPA’s newest member category - polymeric roofing. To date, polymeric roofing material manufacturers do not have an ASTM product standard that encompasses their product.
“Currently, the polymeric roofing manufacturers look to different sections from the existing building code and referenced standards for relevant compliance methods.” Sara noted. “PEPA will be working to create an ASTM product standard that will recognize polymeric roofing components and their physical characteristics, which will one day be built into the building code(s) as a prescriptive requirement. This translates into greater product acceptance from the building community and hence, more sales and new business development.”
How PEPA Works ASTM
ASTM ballots come out several times throughout the year in different committees, following a ballot cycle that’s published annually. Sara holds the voting rights in ASTM on behalf of PEPA and monitors activity in the relevant committees to learn and follow projects that could impact association members. PEPA’s active Standards Development Work Group (under the Technical Committee) works on renewal and revision projects as needed and advises members and Certification Bodies when relevant standards are published.
Sara, along with PEPA members, actively participates in ASTM committees like E05 (Fire), D08 (Roofing and Waterproofing) and D20 (Plastics) to remain involved in different aspects of ASTM that are relevant to members and have a voice when voting on ballot items that could affect manufactured products now or in the future. Matt Dobson, PEPA’s Senior Vice President, participates in E60 (Sustainability) committee meetings because of his expertise and involvement with the organization’s Sustainability Committee, as well as with the Revinylize Recycling Collaborative.
A Plastics Focus
It’s the ASTM D20 committee that receives the most attention from PEPA because it’s the committee responsible for developing and maintaining standards related to plastics. They support research aimed at advancing the understanding and use of plastics and maintain authority over 471 standards covering a wide range of topics, including test methods, material specifications and product specifications.
“The product standards recognized in the VSI Product Certification Program live here (D3679, D7793, D7254, D7445) under the D20.24 Plastic Building Products Subcommittee,” Sara said. Certified products are tested for compliance to these standards; therefore, we strive to keep these standards current and reflective of manufacturing processes and product performance.”
“We conduct five-year reviews as the technical lead for renewal products,” she explained.
Here are some additional notes on the other committees:
- E05 (Fire). PEPA closely monitors several test methods and practices that are directly tied to product standards for certified products (i.e., ASTM E84 for flame spread). It’s a highly active committee with decades of work coming to fruition in real-time, with standards that will cascade into the building codes of the future.
- D08 (Roofing and Waterproofing). PEPA engages in this committee to learn about their standards, the rhythm of the committee, key players and awareness of ballot activity. The new polymeric roofing standard could live here under D08 or D20, and the initiation of this new standard will kick off this fall. The process could take two years and multiple revisions to achieve a new standard for products like polymeric roofing (the ASTM average is 16 months).
- E60 (Sustainability). PEPA engages in this committee to remain involved in topics such as circular economy, life cycle analysis, walkability, and terminology, among others. ASTM involvement helps with PEPA-driven projects such as Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) and Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) for our industry.
“The standard work starts with the Standards Development Work Group that now includes PEPA roofing members,” Sara said. They will educate our cladding committee members on how the roofing components work together as a roof system. The ASTM effort will then transfer to PEPA’s Code Development Work Group for future code proposals and adoption in the building codes.”
Looking Ahead – Creating a Greater Awareness
Educating members about ASTM and its role in product certification is vital to Sara and her team, particularly following the association’s recent transformation to PEPA.
“The work is never done,” Sara emphasized. “Our member manufacturers are dedicated to continuous product improvements, so we owe it to them to make sure that the standards are evolving to reflect these improvements. It’s the same reason our VSI Product Certification Program is evergreen.”
For more information on PEPA’s work with ASTM, contact Sara at skrompholz@polymericexteriors.org.
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Don Browne is a writer, entrepreneur and local legislator who believes that the power of words can change the world. He provides unique writing services for clients in the construction, health care, IT and hospitality sectors. He has a passion for small business and start-ups, as well as writing about Irish history, family and corporate biographies. As a homeowner and father of four who is passionate about community development, Don looks forward to writing more about the exciting possibilities of creating traditional neighborhoods and more sustainable communities using modern materials.