Specification

What is ASTM D3498-19?
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ASTM D3498-19 is the most recent version of the D3498 specification that covers minimum performance standards and
test requirements for gap-filling construction adhesives for bonding wood structural panels consisting of plywood or OSB
to wood based floor system framing, particularly dimension lumber or wood I-joists. It is created by the American Society
for Testing and Materials, or ASTM, an organization designed to create technical standards and testing for a variety of
building constructions.
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What does this specification test for?
This specification covers the minimum standard
your adhesive should meet to ensure a solid
subfloor construction. It is a test of the overall
quality and performance of the adhesive in
various conditions.
I’ve heard of D3498, but why was it
updated?
The ASTM D3498 standard was originally
created in 1976 and tested the ability of an
adhesive to bond plywood to dimension lumber
and wood I-joists. With the development and
increase of OSB being used as subfloor panels,
the testing needed to be adjusted to reflect
the current building conditions.
What are the requirements to achieve
this specification?
In order to achieve this specification, an adhesive
must meet or exceed testing in four areas:
1. The adhesive must meet minimum strength
requirements on dry, wet and frozen lumber
2. The adhesive must be able to fill a gap
of 1/8in and meet a minimum strength
requirement on dry lumber
3. The adhesive must pass a moisture
resistance test by being submerged in
water before being tested for a minimum
strength requirement
4. The adhesive must pass a durability test
by examining its flexibility and brittleness
How can I tell if an adhesive meets
D3498-19?
An adhesive meeting D3498-19 will have this
listed under the specification section of their
label along with the panel type and gap class
that it is classified under. An adhesive meeting
the highest specification will be classified as:
Class 1/8in, Type P/O subfloor adhesive in
accordance with ASTM D3498-19.
Bottom Line?
Adhesives that pass D3498-19 are tested and
proven to lead to structurally sound subfloor
constructions, creating peace of mind and
limiting callbacks. Choose Titebond subfloor
adhesives to guarantee a quality subfloor
construction for years to come.
Are there different classifications for
D3498-19?
Yes, adhesives are classified by both panel type
and gap class. There are three classifications
for panel types:
Type P - The adhesive is qualified to be used
with plywood subfloor panels
Type O - The adhesive is qualified to be used
with OSB subfloor panels
Type P/O - The adhesive is qualified to be used
with both OSB and plywood panels
The adhesive will also be classified as one of
two gap classes:
Class 1/8in - The adhesive is qualified to fill
a 1/8in gap in the subfloor
Class 1/16in - The adhesive is qualified to
fill a 1/16in gap in the subfloor
Titebond is one of the first adhesive manufacturers to offer
three adhesives that not only exceed the requirements
of ASTM D3498-19, but are covered by the industry’s
best warranty against subfloor pops and squeaks.
* Information available from ASTM International designation ASTM D3498-19a, Standard Specification for
Adhesives for Field-Gluing Wood Structural Panels (Plywood or Oriented Strand Board) to Wood Based Floor System
Framing, approved by ASTM Committee D14 on June 1, 2019.