Designation: D4726 − 15 An American National Standard

Standard Specification for

Rigid Poly(Vinyl Chloride) (PVC) Exterior-Profile Extrusions
Used for Assembled Windows and Doors1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D4726; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.

1. Scope* of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health

1.1 This specification establishes requirements for the ma- practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limita-
terial properties, including dimensional stability, tions prior to use.
weatherability, and extrusion quality, of rigid poly(vinyl chlo-
2. Referenced Documents
ride) (PVC) exterior profile extrusions used for assembled
windows and doors. Methods for testing and for identifying 2.1 ASTM Standards:2
exterior profile extrusions that comply with this specification D618 Practice for Conditioning Plastics for Testing
are also provided. D883 Terminology Relating to Plastics
D1042 Test Method for Linear Dimensional Changes of
1.2 The use of rigid PVC recycled plastic in this product
Plastics Caused by Exposure to Heat and Moisture
shall be in accordance with the requirements in Section 6.
D1435 Practice for Outdoor Weathering of Plastics
NOTE 1—Information with regard to application, assembly, and instal- D1600 Terminology for Abbreviated Terms Relating to Plas-
lation should be obtained from the manufacturers of the profiles and of the tics
windows and doors. D2244 Practice for Calculation of Color Tolerances and
NOTE 2—Refer to Specification D3678 for interior profile extrusions.
Color Differences from Instrumentally Measured Color
1.3 Color-hold guidelines are provided in an appendix for Coordinates
the manufacturer’s product development and quality perfor- D3678 Specification for Rigid Poly(Vinyl Chloride) (PVC)
mance use. Interior-Profile Extrusions
1.4 Color-hold guidelines are presently limited to white, D3892 Practice for Packaging/Packing of Plastics
grey, beige, light brown, and dark brown (see Figs. X1.1 D4216 Specification for Rigid Poly(Vinyl Chloride) (PVC)
through X1.5). Additional colors will be added as color and Related PVC and Chlorinated Poly(Vinyl Chloride)
guidelines are developed. (CPVC) Building Products Compounds
D4226 Test Methods for Impact Resistance of Rigid Poly-
1.5 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded
(Vinyl Chloride) (PVC) Building Products
as standard. The values given in parentheses are for informa-
D7209 Guide for Waste Reduction, Resource Recovery, and
tion only.
Use of Recycled Polymeric Materials and Products (With-
NOTE 3—There is no known ISO equivalent to this standard. drawn 2015)3
1.6 The text of this standard references notes and footnotes, E631 Terminology of Building Constructions
which provide explanatory material. These notes and footnotes E805 Practice for Identification of Instrumental Methods of
(excluding those in tables and figures) shall not be considered Color or Color-Difference Measurement of Materials
as requirements of this standard. G147 Practice for Conditioning and Handling of Nonmetal-
lic Materials for Natural and Artificial Weathering Tests
1.7 The following safety hazards caveat pertains only to the
test methods portion, Section 11, of this specification: This 3. Terminology
standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns,
if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user 3.1 General—Definitions are in accordance with Terminolo-
gies D883 or E631 and D1600, unless otherwise indicated.

1 2
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D20 on For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
Plastics and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D20.24 on Plastic Building contact ASTM Customer Service at [email protected]. For Annual Book of ASTM
Products. Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
Current edition approved May 1, 2015. Published June 2015. Originally the ASTM website.
3
approved in 1987. Last previous edition approved in 2009 as D4726 – 09. DOI: The last approved version of this historical standard is referenced on
10.1520/D4726-15. www.astm.org.

*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard

Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States

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 D4726 − 15
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard: the sections on Terminology (Section 3), Materials and Manu-
3.2.1 color-hold guidelines—target color regions within a facture (Section 6), Physical Requirements (Section 7), and
three-dimensional model which constitute acceptable appear- Performance Requirements (Section 8) are met by the extru-
ance retention levels of color change resulting from weathering sions containing PVC recycled plastic.
of a specific product type and color. 6.3 The PVC compound in the extruded section shall have
3.2.2 temperate northern climate—in weather testing, a uniform color and be free of any visual surface or structural
North American metropolitan area testing site located within changes, such as peeling, chipping, cracking, flaking, or
73 to 100° W longitude and 37 to 45° N latitude. pitting.
4. Classification 6.4 Rework Material—Clean, homogeneous PVC rework
4.1 Color Regions—The color region for a color is deter- material or rework material containing PVC capstock gener-
mined by measuring the Hunter L, a, b color values for a ated from the manufacturer’s own production of the same class
sample. Use the integer value (by truncating any fractional compound is acceptable for use by the same manufacturer
results) to determine the color region for the color using the providing that the extruded profiles meet all the requirements
following region boundaries. of this specification. Clean principally PVC rework material
4.1.1 Region 1—Beige: containing non-PVC capstock is acceptable for use in the
substrate of a capstocked product by the same manufacturer,
L = 60 to 87
a = –2.5 to 4.0 providing that the extruded profiles meet all of the require-
b = 6.5 to 23 ments of this specification.
4.1.2 Region 2—Dark Brown: 6.5 The PVC compound shall have a minimum impact
L = 13 to 33 resistance of 0.6 in.·lb/mil (2670 J/m) after weathering for six
a = –1.0 to 6.0
b = 1.0 to 6.5
months and one year in a hot, dry climate such as Phoenix, AZ;
a hot, humid climate, such as Miami, FL; and a temperate
4.1.3 Region 3—Gray: northern climate.
L = 33 to 74
a = –3 to 4 6.6 The PVC compound in the extruded section shall
b = –5.5 to 5.5 maintain uniform color and be free of any surface or structural
4.1.4 Region 4—Light Brown: changes, such as peeling, chipping, cracking, flaking, or pitting
L = 30 to 60 after weathering for six months, one year, and two years in a
a = –1.5 to 12.5 hot, dry climate, such as Phoenix, AZ; a hot, humid climate,
b = 3.0 to 12.5
such as Miami, FL; and a temperate northern climate when
4.1.5 Region 5—White: tested in accordance with Annex A1.
L = 83 to 100
a = –4 to 0
6.7 The PVC compound shall have successfully met the
b = –5.5 to +5.5 weathering requirements prescribed in 6.4 and 6.5 for six
NOTE 4—L, a, b is determined in accordance with the Hunter L, a, b
months at each climatic testing site prior to use in production
opponent color space system in Test Method D2244. of exterior-profile extrusions for either market development or
sales.
5. Significance and Use
NOTE 6—The six-month-test requirement constitutes a screening pro-
5.1 The purpose of this specification is to establish a cess to eliminate catastrophic failure in the marketplace.
recognized standard of quality for rigid poly(vinyl chloride)
(PVC) exterior weatherable profile extrusions for use in 7. Physical Requirements
assembling windows and doors. The information contained in
this specification is intended to be helpful to producers, 7.1 Dimensions—The size, thickness, and dimensional tol-
distributors, and users, and to promote understanding between erances of the exterior profiles shall be as agreed upon between
buyers and sellers. It is also intended to serve as the basis for the supplier and the purchaser in the purchase order, or by
specification requirements of exterior windows and doors established internal process control standards.
which are made from rigid PVC profile extrusions in their 7.2 Dimensional Stability—The dimensional stability of the
construction. exterior-profile extrusions shall be determined in accordance
6. Materials and Manufacture with 11.3. Extrusions over 0.040 in. (1.02 mm) shall have a
maximum average shrinkage of 2.2 % for all sides measured,
6.1 The profile extrusions used for assembled windows and with no single value exceeding 2.4 %. Extrusions of 0.040 in.
doors shall be made principally of weatherable, rigid poly(vi- (1.02 mm) or less shall have a maximum average shrinkage of
nyl chloride) (PVC) compounds meeting or exceeding the 3 %.
requirements of Class 1-20131-13 as defined in Specification
D4216. 7.3 Impact Resistance—Flat sections of the exterior profile
extrusion shall have a minimum brittle impact failure of 1.0
NOTE 5—Non-PVC materials may be used as a capstock. in.·lb/mil (4450 J/m) when tested in accordance with Test
6.2 Rigid PVC recycled plastic, as defined in Guide D7209, Methods D4226, Procedure B, using impactor C.125. Refer to
is acceptable for use in this product if all the requirements in 11.4.

2
 D4726 − 15
8. Performance Requirements appropriate to each manufacturing process. Keeping essential
8.1 Weathering: records are necessary to document with a high degree of
8.1.1 The exposures listed in 6.6 shall be conducted in order assurance the claim that all of the requirements of this
to meet the requirements of this specification. All exposures specification have been met. Additional sampling and testing of
shall be conducted at an angle of 45° S, plywood-backed, in the product, as agreed upon between the supplier and the
accordance with Practice D1435 and Practice G147. purchaser, is not precluded by this section.
8.1.2 After six-month and 1-year exposure times, the mini- 11.2 Conditioning of Specimens—Condition the test speci-
mum mean impact for 20 measurements conducted on the mens in accordance with Procedure A of Practice D618. For the
exposed specimens shall be at least 0.6 in·lb/mil (2670 J/m). purpose of quality control testing, the minimum conditioning
Test impact in accordance with 11.4, A1.4, and A1.5. time shall be four hours.
8.1.3 After each exposure time, the tested specimens shall 11.3 Dimensional Stability:
maintain a uniform color and be free of any visual surface or 11.3.1 Determine the dimensional stability in accordance
structural changes such as peeling, chipping, cracking, flaking, with Test Method D1042, except that one or more specimens
and pitting when tested in accordance with Annex A1. shall be exposed to either of the following test cycles:
NOTE 7—It is recommended that manufacturers use the color-hold 11.3.1.1 30 min immersed in water maintained at 180 6 2°F
guidelines in Appendix X1 to ensure quality performance. (82 6 1 °C), or
8.1.4 Weatherability conformance testing requirements are 11.3.1.2 30 min conditioned in a forced-ventilation oven at
to reflect performance of a “typical” extrusion system profile 180 6 2°F (82 6 1 °C).
representing a specific PVC compound and a specific extrusion 11.3.2 Specimens shall condition for no less than 1 h in
technology. In no case is there an implied requirement for accordance with Procedure A of Practice D618, prior to
testing all the various shaped profiles. The lengthy outdoor measurement. If a specimen were to fail, select and retest two
weatherability testing shall be performed concurrently with additional specimens.
market development of new applications and sales of profiles 11.4 Impact Test—Determine the impact strength in accor-
to existing markets. Completion of weatherability testing prior dance with Test Methods D4226, Procedure B, using the C.125
to marketing of the product is not required. The profile impactor.
extrusion producer shall immediately respond in terms of
12. Packing, Packaging, and Package Marking
compound change or extrusion technology change to unsatis-
factory weatherability behavior of the profiles under test in any 12.1 The exterior profile extrusions shall be packaged in
climatic test site at any stage of the weatherability testing. such a manner as to provide reasonable protection against
damage in ordinary handling, transportation, and storage.
9. Workmanship, Finish, and Appearance 12.2 Provisions of Practice D3892 shall apply to this speci-
9.1 The extrusions shall be acceptable between the buyer fication.
and the seller or meet internal process control standards in 12.3 Marking on each package of extruded profile extru-
section, color, and finish. The extrusions shall be substantially sions shall include the following:
straight and free from defects that might affect appearance or 12.3.1 Manufacturer’s name or trademark;
serviceability. 12.3.2 Identity of code number of extrusion profiles;
12.3.3 Class of compound (Specification D4216) used in
10. Sampling
profiles;
10.1 Select samples using a statistically acceptable proce- 12.3.4 The designation ASTM D4726, affirming that the
dure. The samples shall be representative of the compound product so marked has been qualified to all the provisions of
used. this specification, and
12.3.5 The date and any other relevant information, such as
11. Test Methods
factory, machine, production shift, and so forth, either directly
11.1 General—Use the inspection and test procedures con- or all or partly coded.
tained in this section to determine the conformance of products
to the requirements of this specification. A producer or dis- 13. Keywords
tributor representing products as conforming to this specifica- 13.1 color-hold guidelines; doors; exterior-profile extru-
tion shall use statistically based sampling plans that are sions; poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC); recycled plastic; windows

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 D4726 − 15
ANNEXES

(Mandatory Information)

A1. WEATHERABILITY PROCEDURE

A1.1 Summary of Procedure of Determining specimen support anvil. The specimens shall be free of obvious
Weatherability imperfections, grooves, ribs, and so forth. Material prepared in
A1.1.1 Flat section specimens cut from finished product the laboratory by a similar process is an alternate to a
lineals or laboratory extruded samples are exposed in accor- commercial part. If the commercial product is extruded, the
dance with Practice D1435 and Practice G147 at 45° S, laboratory specimen must be extruded; if the commercial
plywood-backed, in a hot, dry (desert) climate, such as product is a laminate of two materials, the laboratory specimen
Phoenix, AZ; a hot, humid climate such as Miami, FL; and in must be laminated with the two materials, and so forth.
a northern temperate climate for periods of six months, one A1.3.3 The number of specimens or the size of the specimen
year and two years. must be sufficient to obtain at least 20 impact locations of the
dropped dart for each weathering interval.
A1.1.2 Color change as a result of weather exposure at each
climatic exposure site is measured after six months, one year A1.3.4 The thickness of any test specimen must differ from
and two years. the average test specimen by no more than 10 %.
A1.1.3 Degree of retention of the original impact strength A1.4 Conditioning
due to weather exposure in each exposure site is measured after
A1.4.1 Condition the test specimens, including specimens
six-months and one-year exposure.
removed from the weather exposure, at 73.4 6 3.6°F (23.0 6
A1.1.4 The acceptability of color uniformity, and surface or 2.0 °C) and 50 6 10 % relative humidity for not less than 24 h
structural changes resulting from weathering at each test site before testing. In no case shall weathered specimens be
and each exposure frequency is determined by visual observa- oven-dried before testing.
tion in comparison to the unweathered specimens.
A1.5 Procedure
A1.2 Significance A1.5.1 Obtain test specimens in accordance with A1.3.
A1.2.1 The processing of poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) com- A1.5.2 Measure the original tristimulus X, Y, and Z values in
pounds has greater influence on impact retention and some replicate for each specimen using 2° observer and Illuminant
influence on color retention. For this reason samples prepared C, specular components included, in accordance with Practice
for weathering must be processed in a manner similar to the E805. Calculate the Hunter L, a, b units in accordance with the
commercial product while still permitting the use of laboratory equations in the Section on Hunter L, a, b Color Space and
scale equipment. Color hold guidelines are represented by Color-Difference Equation in Test Method D2244. Average the
ellipsoids or as an alternative, mathematical equations, both of calculated units from the replicate measurements and record
which allow determination whether the product meets the them in a permanent record.
performance criteria. The ellipsoids also allow determination
of the direction of color change and, therefore, are useful in A1.5.3 Measure the impact resistance on an unweathered
analyzing the weathering data. specimen in accordance with Test Methods D4226, Procedure
B, with a C.125 impactor and record permanently.
A1.2.2 Poly(vinyl chloride) compounds undergo complex
changes when exposed to the weather. Color changes are A1.5.4 Mark the specimens permanently so as to not lose
caused by chemical changes in the PVC, additives, or pig- their identity during weathering. Weather specimens at 45°S,
ments. Color changes are caused by selective erosion of some plywood-backed, in accordance with Practice D1435 in both a
pigments faster than others. Changes in impact strength are due dry, hot (desert) climate such as Phoenix, AZ; a hot, humid
to chemical changes in the PVC or additives, or due to physical climate such as Miami, FL; and a temperate northern climate.
changes on the surface as a result of erosion and crazing. Remove specimens for testing after six-months, one-year, and
two-year exposure. Further testing is optional. More frequent
A1.3 Sampling and Specimen Preparation exposure increments are preferred to some applications.
A1.3.1 Select samples using a statistically acceptable pro- A1.5.5 After exposure, measure the color and evaluate the
cedure. The samples shall be representative of the product to be appearance of the exposed specimens. Color measurement
qualified. shall take place within seven days of specimen removal from
the exposure test rack.
A1.3.2 If commercial parts are used, cut them into sections
so that flat test specimens at least 1.5 in. (38 mm) wide can be NOTE A1.1—Additional color development is known to occur for PVC
obtained. The back surface of the specimen must lay as flat as products after removal from exposure to solar radiation. This color change
is referred to as Dark Time Yellowing. For a hot, humid climate such as
possible on the specimen support anvil. Cut the flat sections Miami, FL and in a northern temperate climate, color measurement within
such that there are no ridges or raised areas remaining on the 48 h of removal is strongly recommended for PVC products. For a hot and
back surface of the specimen that would make contact with the dry (desert) climate, such as Arizona, it is strongly recommended the color

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 D4726 − 15
measurement be made within 8 h of removal from the exposure rack. units and record the average change in color as compared to the
A1.5.6 Wash the exposed specimens in accordance with the unweathered specimen in L, a, b units.
procedure in Annex A2. A1.5.9 Note and record any nonuniform change in color.
A1.5.7 Condition in accordance with A1.4.
A1.5.10 Measure average impact resistance of the weath-
A1.5.8 After removal from the exposure rack and within the ered specimens, weathered side up, using the same method
time period specified in A1.5.5, measure color on the exposed used for the unweathered specimen (A1.5.3).
specimen(s) in accordance with A1.5.2. Record color in L, a, b

A2. WASHING WEATHERED SPECIMENS

A2.1 Scope A2.3.2 Wash the specimen lightly with mild detergent using
A2.1.1 This procedure provides a consistent and reproduc- a sponge or soft cloth.
ible practice for washing weathered specimens prior to instru- A2.3.2.1 The scrubbing action shall not be excessive and
mental color measurement. The procedure is designed to shall be limited to back and forth scrubbing along the grain or
minimize any effects of altering the surface of the specimen in pattern, if one exists.
other than a predictable manner. A2.3.2.2 Avoid circular scrubbing.

A2.2 Equipment A2.3.3 Evaluate specimen visually to determine if the

specimen is “soil free.”
A2.2.1 Mild Detergent, such as Joy, Liquid Tide, or equiva-
lent. A2.3.4 If not “soil free,” lightly wipe the specimen once
over the surface with a “sopping wet” sponge in the direction
A2.2.2 Sponge or Soft Cloth.
of the grain or pattern, if one exists.
A2.3 Procedure A2.3.5 Reflush the specimen with distilled or deionized
A2.3.1 Flush the exposed specimen with distilled or deion- water and dry in a vertical position, placed so that water will
ized water. run off with the grain or pattern, if one exists.

APPENDIX

(Nonmandatory Information)

X1. COLOR-HOLD GUIDELINES WEATHERING TEST

X1.1 Scope acceptable appearance retention levels of color change result-

X1.1.1 Color-hold guideline weatherability testing provides ing from weathering of a specific window or door profile
a method for estimating the acceptability of color change in a product type, formulation, and color.
window and door profile product over an extended period of X1.2.2 Each color region is defined by the manufacturers of
service. vinyl window and door profiles as specific color-hold guide-
X1.1.2 It has been shown that commercial window and door lines (see Note X1.1). Regardless of where a specific color falls
profile products which demonstrate weathering behavior that within the region, it becomes the control on each of the three
approximates these target guidelines during a two-year test graphs plotting color difference of each manufacturer’s formu-
program exhibit acceptability for the marketplace in terms of lation and color.
color change. NOTE X1.1—Five color regions are presently defined as specific
X1.1.3 These tests are designed for the window and door color-hold guidelines.
manufacturer’s product development and quality performance X1.2.3 Color-hold guidelines are unique and specific to a
use only and are not for regulatory use. product application, such as window and door profiles and may
not be transposable for use on other product applications.
X1.2 Significance and Use
NOTE X1.2—In any product application, color-hold guidelines are
X1.2.1 Color-hold guidelines provide boundary target color related to a perceived acceptable level of color change. Therefore, window
regions within a three-dimensional model, which constitutes and door color-hold guidelines may be acceptable for transposition for

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 D4726 − 15
building railings or fence profile applications, but not for siding applica- Step 1—All commercial unweathered window and door
tions. profile colors are divided into rational similar color regions
X1.3 Establishing Window and Door Color Regions representing a visibly definable hue (white, beige, dark brown,
gray, and light brown). See Figs. X1.1-X1.5. Each color is then
X1.3.1 The window and door manufacturer’s color panel
measured in Hunter L, a, b units and plotted in color space.
uses the following steps to establish the window and door color
regions.

FIG. X1.1 White Color-Hold Guidelines

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 D4726 − 15

FIG. X1.2 Gray Color-Hold Guidelines

Step 2—The color region itself is then defined by the Step 4—Simulated two-year weathered samples for each
extreme Hunter L, a, b units within the population of colors. color region encompassing areas within that region are pre-
Step 3—Any specific color being evaluated within the color pared.
region becomes the control for color-difference studies. Refer Step 5—A visual examination and rating of each simulated
to X1.3. weathered sample is conducted by a panel of window and door

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 D4726 − 15

FIG. X1.3 Beige Color-Hold Guidelines

manufacturers and color specialists to establish a visual aver- Step 7—The final reference ellipses of color-hold guidelines
age rating of limits of acceptability of color change for the for each region are then established by adjustment of the
window and door application. After visual examination, the preliminary data by use of the real world data. Refer to X1.3.
acceptable delta (∆) limits are plotted three dimensionally and The ellipses are then normalized and the mathematical equa-
considered preliminary limits. tions for each set of ellipses are developed.
Step 6—Real world data from two-year weathering studies Step 8—Concurrent with development of the color-hold
in Florida, Arizona, and temperate northern climate test sites guidelines for each color region, outdoor weathering of all
are then plotted in terms of change of Hunter L, a, b from the commercial window and door profile samples will be contin-
control for each of the colors within that region. ued in Florida, Arizona, and northern temperate climate sites in

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 D4726 − 15

FIG. X1.4 Light Brown Color-Hold Guidelines

a five-year program followed each five years by a new study, X1.4.3 The acceptability in the change in color resulting
including new colors and formulations representing current from weathering at each test site and exposure frequency is
commercial products. determined by reference to the appropriate color-hold guideline
ellipses for that specific color or, as an alternative, by reference
X1.4 Summary of Procedure for Determining Weather- to the appropriate color-hold guideline equation for that spe-
ing cific color.
X1.4.1 Flat section specimens cut from finished product
window and door profiles are exposed in a dry, hot climate X1.5 Sampling and Specimen Preparation
such as Phoenix, AZ; a hot, humid climate such as Miami, FL; X1.5.1 Select samples using a statistically acceptable pro-
and a temperate Northern climate. cedure. The samples shall be representative of the window and
X1.4.2 Color change caused by weather exposure at each door profile product to be qualified.
exposure site is measured after six months, one year, and two X1.5.2 If commercial parts are to be used, they shall be cut
years of exposure. into specimens that are flat and are free of any imperfections.

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 D4726 − 15

FIG. X1.5 Dark Brown Color-Hold Guideline

Cut a sufficient number of specimens to allow removal of a X1.5.4 The thickness of any test specimen shall be the same
specimen at each weathering time interval specified at each thickness as the window and door profile commercial product,
testing site, plus retained unweathered specimens. differing from the average test specimen by no more than 10 %.
Alternatively, samples may be washed, measured, and returned
to the test site. X1.6 Weathering Practice
X1.6.1 Prepare test specimens in accordance with X1.5.
X1.5.3 Samples prepared in the laboratory by the same
process (extrusion) and melt temperature may be used as an X1.6.2 Mark each specimen permanently so as to ensure
alternative to a commercial sample. The laboratory sample retention of identity during and after weathering.
must be extruded under similar conditions to those used to X1.6.3 Measure in replicate the original tristimulus X, Y,
prepare the commercial product. and Z values for each specimen using 2° observer and

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 D4726 − 15
Illuminant C, specular components included, in accordance The calculations are performed by inserting the delta L, delta a
with Practice E805. Calculate the Hunter L, a, b units in and delta b values into the equation and solving for the value
accordance with the equations in the section on Hunter L, a, b on the left side of the equation. If the left side of the equation
Color Space and Color-Difference Equation in Test Method is less than or equal to 1, the product meets the color-hold
D2244, using the average of the replicate measurements and guidelines.
record them in a permanent record.
X1.6.14 An Example of an Ellipsoid Calculation:
X1.6.4 Weather specimens at an angle of 45° S, plywood- X1.6.14.1 Take an initial color reading of the specimen.
backed, in accordance with Practice D1435 in a hot, dry Example: L = 75.25, a = 0.50, b = 2.85
climate, such as Phoenix, AZ; a hot, humid climate, such as By definition, this specimen is in the Gray Color Region.
Miami, FL; and in a temperate northern climate. X1.6.14.2 Take a color reading after an outdoor exposure.
X1.6.5 Remove specimens for testing after six months, one Example: L = 79.45, a = 0.25, b = 1.95
year, and two years of exposure. The color difference (exposed - initial) is: ∆L = 4.20, ∆a =
X1.6.6 It is recommended that exposed specimens be evalu- –0.25, ∆b = –0.90
ated for color characterization at the test site. If this is not X1.6.14.3 Insert the ∆L, ∆a, and ∆b values into the Gray
possible, use an expedient shipping procedure to minimize Colorhold Ellipsoid Equation to calculate the ellipsoid value.
time between exposure and testing. Color measurement shall Gray Colorhold Ellipsoid:
be completed within seven days after removal from the ~ ∆L 2 1.20! 2 ~ ∆a10.15! 2 ~ ∆b 2 0.10! 2
exposure rack. 1 1 51 (X1.1)
~ 7.30! 2 ~ 1.85! 2 ~ 3.00! 2
NOTE X1.3—Additional color development is known to occur for PVC
products after removal from exposure to solar radiation. This color change ~ 4.20 2 1.20! 2 ~ 20.2510.15! 2 ~ 20.90 2 0.10! 2
1 1
is referred to as Dark Time Yellowing. For a hot, humid climate such as ~ 7.30! 2 ~ 1.85! 2 ~ 3.00! 2
Miami, FL and in a northern temperate climate, color measurement within
48 h of removal is strongly recommended for PVC products. For a hot and 50.16910.0310.111
dry (desert) climate, such as Arizona, it is strongly recommended the color
measurement be made within 8 h of removal from the exposure rack. 50.283
X1.6.7 Wash the exposed specimens in accordance with the The ellipsoid value is less than 1.00, so the outdoor exposure
procedure in Annex A2. specimen is within the gray colorhold guideline.
X1.6.8 Measure and record the color of the exposed speci-
mens in accordance with X1.4.3 after each exposure frequency. X1.7 Color Hold Guideline Equations
X1.6.9 Calculate and record the change in L, a, b color X1.7.1 White:
coordinates for each specimen exposure frequency by refer-
~ ∆L 2 0.00! 2 ~ ∆a 2 0.00! 2 ~ ∆b 2 3.00! 2
ence to the original color (X1.6.3) and the exposed color 1 1 51 (X1.2)
~ 6.00! 2 ~ 2.30! 2 ~ 5.50! 2
(X1.6.8).
X1.7.2 Gray:
X1.6.10 Note and record any nonuniform change in color
on any specimen. ~ ∆L 2 1.20! 2 ~ ∆a10.15! 2 ~ ∆b 2 0.10! 2
1 1 51 (X1.3)
~ 7.30! 2 ~ 1.85! 2 ~ 3.00! 2
X1.6.11 Determine the acceptability of the change in color
resulting from weathering at each test site and exposure X1.7.3 Beige:
frequency by reference to the appropriate series of color-hold ~ ∆L'20.85! 2 ~ ∆a"10.15! 2 ~ ∆b'20.60! 2
guideline ellipses for that specific color. The target three- 1 1 51 (X1.4)
~ 5.65! 2 ~ 2.65! 2 ~ 5.20! 2
dimension color space is plotted as guideline ellipses for each
color (∆a versus ∆b), (∆a versus ∆L), and (∆b versus ∆L) in X1.7.3.1 In order to duplicate the original hand-drawn
Fig. X1.1(a) to 5(c). For example, in the case of white window ellipses for Beige, two axes rotations were made to the
and door profiles, use Fig. X1.1(a), 1(b), and 1(c). ellipsoid equation. The ∆b – ∆a plane was rotated –0.50
radians, and the ∆L– ∆a plane was rotated –0.30 radians.
X1.6.12 Plot the specific change in the color coordinates
when compared to the unweathered specimen color coordinates X1.7.3.2 To calculate the ellipsoid value for Beige, counter-
(X1.6.3) by plotting on each of the guideline ellipses for that rotations of the ∆L, ∆a, and ∆b data must be made. Note that
color. To meet the color-hold guidelines, the plotted change in ∆a is rotated twice, and ∆a" is used to calculate the ellipsoid
color for ∆a, ∆b, and ∆L will fall essentially within the value.
∆a'5 ~ ∆b 2 1∆a 2 ! 0.5 ~ sin~ arctan~ ∆a/∆b ! 10.5!!
acceptance regions in all three color ellipses.
X1.6.13 Report any deviation and extent of deviation from X1.7.3.3 Calculations for ∆L', ∆a", and ∆b' used in the
the target guideline ellipses by ∆a, ∆b, and ∆L for any test site ellipsoid equation for Beige:
and exposure frequency. Report any deviation from uniform ∆L' 5 ~ ∆L 2 1∆a' 2 ! 0.5 ~ cos ~ arctan~ ∆a'/∆L ! 10.3!! (X1.5)
color change in any specimen. Report any other appearance ∆a" 5 ~ ∆L 2 1∆a' 2 ! 0.5 ~ sin ~ arctan~ ∆a'/∆L ! 10.3!! (X1.6)
change in any specimen. As an alternative to plotting the color
∆b' 5 ~ ∆b 2 1∆a 2 ! 0.5 ~ cos ~ arctan~ ∆a/∆b ! 10.5!! (X1.7)
change data on the color hold guideline ellipses, the equations
for the corresponding guidelines set of ellipses may be used. X1.7.4 Lt. Brown:

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 D4726 − 15
~ ∆L 2 1.45! 2 ~ ∆a10.45! 2 ~ ∆b 2 0.05! 2 ~ ∆L 2 2.05! 2 ~ ∆a 2 0.20! 2 ~ ∆b10.30! 2
1 1 51 (X1.8) 1 1 51 (X1.9)
~ 5.45! 2 ~ 3.65! 2 ~ 3.95! 2 ~ 5.05! 2 ~ 1.90! 2 ~ 2.50! 2
X1.7.5 Dk. Brown:

SUMMARY OF CHANGES

Committee D20 has identified the location of selected changes to this standard since the last issue (D4726–09)
that may impact the use of this standard. (May 1, 2015)

(1) Reworded 1.2 to remove non-mandatory language. (21) Reworded A1.1.1 and A1.1.2 to add a two-year weather-
(2) Reworded Note 3, ISO equivalency in accordance with D ing period for white and all colors.
4969-08. (22) Reworded A1.2.1 and A1.2.2 to remove passive language.
(3) Removed D 1898, D 4099, D5033 references and added D (23) Reworded A1.2.3 and moved to A1.5.5.
7209 reference to Referenced Documents. (24) Added Note 10, recommendation for color measurement
(4) Removed color regions from Section 3. within 48 hours and eight hours for a hot and dry climate, such
(5) Reworded 3.2.1. as Arizona and reworded.
(6) Deleted old Note 4. (25) Reworded A1.3.1 to delete D 1898 reference.
(7) Removed sub “H’s” in Note 5. (26) Reworded A1.3.2, added wording about flatness of test
(8) Added Section 4, “Classification,” for color regions, re- specimen.
numbered all sections. (27) Adjusted temperature and humidity values in A1.4.1 in
accordance with D618.
(9) Section 4.1.1: Region 1 – Beige: Set L = 60 – 87 from L =
(28) Changed A1.5 to “Procedure” from “Practice.”
61 – 87. Closed gap with light brown, L = 30 - 60.
(29) Reworded A1.5.4 to add a two-year weathering period for
(10) Delete old Note 6, D4099 reference.
white and all colors.
(11) Replaced D5033 reference with D 7209 in 5.3. (30) Reworded A1.5.8 to clarify time period specified in A1.2.3
(12) Reworded 5.6 to add a two-year weathering period for for color measurement.
white and all colors (31) Reworded A2 and A2.1.1.
(13) Section 5.7 – Renumbered 5.4 to 5.5 and 5.5 to 5.6 (32) Reworded X1.1.1.
(14) Reworded 6.2, 6.3, and 6.4 to remove non-mandatory (33) Reworded X1.1.2.
language. (34) Reworded X1.1.3.
(15) Deleted Table 1. (35) Reworded X1.5.1 to delete D1898 reference.
(16) Replaced Table 1 reference in 7.1.1 with 5.6. (36) Adjusted unit spacing in accordance with ASTM SI-10
(17) Reworded 8.1.3. (American National Standard for Metric Practice) in various
(18) Reworded 9.1 to delete D 1898 reference. sections.
(19) Reworded 10.1 and 10.3.2 to remove passive language. (37) Corrected Equation X1.6 in X1.7.3.3, replaced A with ∆.
(20) Reworded A1.1 and A1.1.4. (38) Updated “Summary of Changes” at end of document.

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