ASTM C1060-11a(2015)

NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or withdrawn.
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Designation: C1060 − 11a (Reapproved 2015)
Standard Practice for
Thermographic Inspection of Insulation Installations in
Envelope Cavities of Frame Buildings
This standard is issued under the fixed designation C1060; 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 2. Referenced Documents
1.1 This practice is a guide to the proper use of infrared 2.1 ASTM Standards:
imaging systems for conducting qualitative thermal inspections C168 Terminology Relating to Thermal Insulation
of building walls, ceilings, roofs, and floors, framed in wood or E1213 Practice for Minimum Resolvable Temperature Dif-
metal, that contain insulation in the spaces between framing ference for Thermal Imaging Systems
members. This procedure allows the detection of cavities 2.2 ISO Standards:
where insulation is inadequate or missing and allows identifi- ISO 6781 :1983 Thermal Insulation—Qualitative detection
cation of areas with apparently adequate insulation. of Thermal Irregularities in Building Envelopes—Infrared
Method
1.2 This practice offers reliable means for detecting sus-
pected missing insulation. It also offers the possibility of
3. Terminology
detecting partial-thickness insulation, improperly installed
3.1 Definitions—Definitions pertaining to insulation are de-
insulation, or insulation damaged in service. Proof of missing
fined in Terminology C168.
insulation or a malfunctioning envelope requires independent
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
validation. Validation techniques, such as visual inspection or
3.2.1 anomalous thermal image—an observed thermal pat-
in-situ R-value measurement, are beyond the scope of this
tern of a structure that is not in accordance with the expected
practice.
thermal pattern.
1.3 This practice is limited to frame construction even
3.2.2 envelope—the construction, taken as a whole or in
though thermography is used on all building types. (ISO 6781)
part, that separates the indoors of a building from the outdoors.
1.4 Instrumentation and calibration required under a variety
3.2.3 field-of-view (FOV)—the total angular dimensions,
of environmental conditions are described. Instrumentation
expressed in degrees or radians, within which objects can be
requirements and measurement procedures are considered for
imaged, displayed, and recorded by a stationary imaging
inspections from both inside and outside the structure. Each
device.
vantage point offers visual access to areas hidden from the
3.2.4 framing spacing—distance between the centerlines of
other side.
joists, studs, or rafters.
1.5 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded
3.2.5 infrared imaging system—an instrument that converts
as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical
the spatial variations in infrared radiance from a surface into a
conversions to SI units that are provided for information only
two-dimensional image of that surface, in which variations in
and are not considered standard.
radiance are displayed as a range of colors or tones.
1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the
3.2.6 infrared thermography—the process of generating
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
thermal images that represent temperature and emittance varia-
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
tions over the surfaces of objects.
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
3.2.7 masonry veneer—frame construction with a non-load
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use. Specific precau-
bearing exterior masonry surface.
tionary statements are given in Note 1 and Note 3.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee C16 on Thermal contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
Insulation and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee C16.30 on Thermal Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
Measurement. the ASTM website.
Current edition approved Sept. 1, 2015. Published October 2015. Originally Available from International Organization for Standardization, ISO Secretariat,
approved in 1986. Last previous edition approved in 2011 as C1060 – 11a. DOI: BIBC II, Cheminde Blandonnet 8, CP 401, 1214 Vernier, Geneva, Switzerland,
10.1520/C1060-11AR15. http://www.iso.org.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
C1060 − 11a (2015)
3.2.8 measurement spatial resolution (IFOV )—The resolution. Appendix X1 explains how to calculate IFOV and
meas
smallest target spot size on which an infrared imager will how to measure MRTD.
produce a measurement, expresses in terms of angular sub-
6.2.1 Spectral Range—The infrared thermal imaging system
tense.
shall operate within a spectral range between 2 and 14 µm.
6.2.2 Field of View (FOV)—The critical minimum dimen-
3.2.9 spatial resolution—the spot size in terms of working
sions for discriminating missing insulation in frame construc-
distance.
tion is two framing spacings wide and one framing spacing
3.2.10 thermal pattern—a representation of colors or tones
high. Outdoors, it is typically convenient to view at least one
that indicate surface temperature and emittance variation.
floor-to-ceiling height across and one-half that distance high.
3.2.11 thermogram—a recorded image that maps the appar-
The FOV of the chosen imaging system should encompass
ent temperature pattern of an object or scene into a correspond-
these minimum dimensions from the chosen indoor viewing
ing contrast or color pattern.
distance, d , and outdoor viewing distance, d . For planning
i o
3.2.12 zone—a volume of building served by a single
purposes, the angular value of FOV shall be calculated for
ventilation system. For buildings with natural ventilation only,
either d (m) by the following equations:
the whole building shall be considered a zone with all interior
FOV $ 2 tan ~h/2d! (1)
vertical
doors open.
FOV $ 2 tan ~w/2d! (2)
horizontal
4. Summary of Practice
where:
4.1 This practice is a guide to the proper use of infrared
h = vertical distance viewed, m, and
imaging systems for conducting qualitative thermal inspections
w = horizontal distance viewed, m.
of building walls, ceilings, roofs, and floors, framed in wood or
metal, that contain insulation in the spaces between framing
7. Knowledge Requirement
members. Imaging system performance is defined in terms of
7.1 This practice requires operation of the imaging system
spatial and measurement resolution as well as thermal sensi-
and interpretation of the data obtained. When qualified, the
tivity. Conditions under which information is to be collected
same person has the option of performing both functions. The
and compiled in a report are specified. Adherence to this
operator of the infrared imaging system shall have thorough
standard practice requires a final report of the investigation.
knowledge of its use through training, the manufacturer’s
This practice defines the contents of the report.
manuals, or both. The interpreter of the thermographic data
shall be knowledgeable about heat transfer through building
5. Significance and Use
envelopes and about thermography, including the effects of
5.1 Although infrared imaging systems have the potential to
stored heat, wind, and surface moisture.
determine many factors concerning the thermal performance of
7.2 The instrument shall be operated in accordance with the
a wall, roof, floor, or ceiling, the emphasis in this practice is on
published instructions of the manufacturer.
determining whether insulation is missing or whether an
insulation installation is malfunctioning. Anomalous thermal
images from other apparent causes are not required to be 8. Preferred Conditions
recorded; however, if recorded as supplemental information,
8.1 The criterion for satisfactory thermal conditions is the
their interpretation is capable of requiring procedures and
ability to distinguish framing members from cavities. Appen-
techniques not presented in this practice.
dix X2 gives some guidelines for determining whether the
weather conditions are likely to be suitable.
6. Instrumentation Requirements
6.1 Environmental Factors—The environment has a signifi-
9. Procedure
cant impact on the heat flow through the envelope. As a result,
9.1 Preliminary Inspection—A preliminary thermographic
the requirements on thermal imaging instrumentation vary with
inspection may be performed to determine whether a thorough
the interior to exterior air temperature gradient for both interior
inspection, and report, is warranted.
and exterior inspections and also vary with wind speed for
exterior inspections.
9.2 Background Information—Prepare for the report by
collecting information on the building. In order to evaluate the
6.2 Infrared Imaging System Performance—The ability of
structure, collect the following preliminary data where practi-
an observer to detect thermal anomalies depends on the
cal and necessary:
imager’s powers of thermal and spatial resolution. The practi-
9.2.1 Note each type of building cross section, using visual
cal test for these qualities is whether the operator is able to
inspection, construction drawings, or both, to determine what
distinguish the framing from the envelope cavities under the
thermal patterns to expect.
prevailing thermal conditions with the infrared imaging system
9.2.2 Additions or modifications to the structure.
at a distance that permits recognition of thermal anomalies. For
9.2.3 Thermal problems reported by the building owner/
planning an equipment purchase or a site visit, the following
occupant.
qualities shall be considered: The minimum resolvable tem-
perature difference (MRTD) defines temperature resolution. 9.2.4 Note differences in surface materials or conditions that
Instantaneous field of view (IFOV) is an indicator of spatial will affect emittance, for example, metallic finishes, polished
C1060 − 11a (2015)
surfaces, stains, or moisture. Such differences in emittance 10.1.4 Estimated total area of surfaces that cannot be
cause thermal patterns that are independent of temperature inspected.
differences.
10.2 Interpretation of thermographic images requires aware-
9.2.5 Orientation of the building with respect to the points
ness of the following types of patterns:
of the compass.
10.2.1 Intact Insulation—As seen from the warm side of the
9.2.6 Heat sources, such as light fixtures, mounted in or
construction: dark parallel lines, representing the framing;
close to the exterior or interior of the envelope.
uniformly lighter areas between the framing lines, representing
the insulation. As seen from the cool side of the construction:
9.3 Performing On-Site Equipment Check and Settings:
the framing lines are light. The areas containing insulation are
9.3.1 Set the instrument gain or contrast to allow the
uniformly dark.
observer to distinguish a framing member from the envelope
area around it. In addition, set the imager’s thermal level or
NOTE 1—Metal framing with no insulation may fit this description. See
brightness so that any anomalies or areas to which they are
Note 2.
referenced are not in saturation (maximum brightness or white) NOTE 2—Metal framing conducts heat better than both air and insula-
tion. If insulation is present, the thermal contrast between metal framing
or in suppression (minimum brightness or black) on the
and the spaces between may be very strong. Independent verification may
display.
be needed for metal-framed buildings to establish typical patterns for
9.3.2 Verify proper operation of the recording system, if
insulated and uninsulated areas.
any.
10.2.2 Insulation Missing Completely—As seen from the
9.3.3 Make a sketch or photograph of each envelope area
warm side of the construction: light parallel lines, representing
with references for locating framing members.
the framing; darker areas between the framing lines, represent-
9.4 Performing the Inspection:
ing the empty space between framing members. Convection
9.4.1 A complete thermographic inspection of a building will be visible in vertical framing, as evidenced by a gradient
will consist of an exterior or interior inspection of the complete
from dark (cooler) at the bottom of the space to light (warmer)
envelope, or both. Both types of inspection are recommended at the top. As seen from the cool side of the construction: the
because each offers access to areas that are difficult for the
framing lines are dark, the areas between framing are light and
other. convection is still lighter at the top of vertical spaces.
9.4.2 Inspect all surfaces of interest from an angle as close
NOTE 3—Metal framing with no insulation may not fit this description.
to normal to the surface as possible, but at least at an angle that
See Note 2.
permits distinguishing framing members. Make inspections
10.2.3 Insulation Partially Missing—The dominant effect is
from several angles, perpendicular, if possible, and at two
as described in 10.2.1, except that missing insulation shows as
opposite oblique angles in order to detect the presence of
a well-defined dark region, as seen from the warm side and as
reflected radiation.
a light region as seen from the cool side.
9.4.3 Inspect from a position that allows a field of view that
10.2.4 Other Thermal Patterns—Irregular variation of the
encompasses at least two framing spacings wide and one
thermal pattern in the spaces between framing members
framing spacing high for an interior inspection and a floor-to-
indicate a combination of possible causes, including varying
ceiling height wide and one-half that distance high for an
density of insulation, convection or air leakage, moisture, or
exterior inspection.
thermal bridges. A partial list of examples follows:
9.4.4 Effective corrective action requires a precise definition
10.2.4.1 Variable density insulation often allows air leakage
of the areas with apparent defects. Record each anomaly with
and convection and thereby creates intruding areas of surface
annotation regarding the location of all recognizable building
temperature variation.
characteristics such as windows, doors, and vents. The record
10.2.4.2 Areas where insulation contains significant mois-
may accommodate any requirement for calculations of enve-
ture conduct heat much more readily than dry insulation or no
lope areas with
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