Significance and Use

This practice recognizes that effectiveness, safety, and durability of reflective insulation depends not only on the quality of the insulating materials, but also on proper installation.

There is potential for reduced thermal effectiveness, fire risks and structural deterioration when the insulation is improperly installed. Specific potential hazards from improper installation include fires caused by ( 1 ) heat build-up in recessed lighting fixtures, and ( 2 ) deterioration in wood structures and paint failure due to moisture accumulation.

This practice provides procedures for the installation of reflective insulation in a safe and effective manner. Actual conditions in existing buildings vary greatly and in some cases additional care must be taken to ensure safe and effective installation.

This practice presents requirements that are general in nature and practical. They are not intended as specific installation instructions. The user shall consult the manufacturer for specific applications/installations.

1. Scope

1.1 This practice has been prepared for use by the designer, specifier, and installer of reflective insulation for use in building construction. The scope is limited to recommendations relative to the use and installation of thermal insulation consisting of one or more surfaces, having an emittance of 0.1 or less such as metallic foil or metallic deposits unmounted or mounted on substrates and facing enclosed air spaces. The reflective insulation covered by this practice must meet the requirements of Specification C1224 .

1.2 This practice covers the installation process from pre-installation inspection through post-installation procedure. It does not cover the production of the insulation materials.

1.3 This practice is not intended to replace the manufacturer's installation instructions, but shall be used in conjunction with such instructions. This practice is not intended to supercede local, state, or federal codes.

1.4 This practice assumes that the installer possesses a good working knowledge of the applicable codes and regulations, safety practices, tools, equipment, and methods necessary for the installation of thermal insulation materials. It also assumes that the installer understands the fundamentals of construction that affect the installation of insulation.

1.5 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard.

1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

2. Referenced Documents (purchase separately) The documents listed below are referenced within the subject standard but are not provided as part of the standard.

ASTM Standards

C168 Terminology Relating to Thermal Insulation

C1224 Specification for Reflective Insulation for Building Applications

E96/E96M Test Methods for Water Vapor Transmission of Materials

Keywords

building constructions; enclosed air space; insulation system; low emittance; metallic foil; reflective insulation; thermal insulating materials ; Reflective insulation; Installation--thermal insulating materials; Building materials/applications; Enclosed air space; Low-emittance insulation; Metallic foil insulation

ICS Code

ICS Number Code 91.120.10 (Thermal insulation of buildings)

DOI: 10.1520/C0727-12

ASTM International is a member of CrossRef.

ASTM C727