ASTM C1224-22

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it may not be technically possible to adequately depict all changes accurately, ASTM recommends that users consult prior editions as appropriate. In all cases only the current version
of the standard as published by ASTM is to be considered the official document.
Designation: C1224 − 15 (Reapproved 2020) C1224 − 22
Standard Specification for
Reflective Insulation for Building Applications
This standard is issued under the fixed designation C1224; 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
1.1 This specification covers the general requirements and physical properties of reflective insulations for use in building
applications. These insulation materials consist of one or more low emittance surfaces, such as metallic foil or metallic deposits,
unmounted or mounted on substrates. Reflective insulations derive thermal performance from surfaces with an emittance of 0.1
or less, facing enclosed air spaces.
1.2 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.
1.3 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, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of
regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.4 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization
established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued
by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
C168 Terminology Relating to Thermal Insulation
C177 Test Method for Steady-State Heat Flux Measurements and Thermal Transmission Properties by Means of the
Guarded-Hot-Plate Apparatus
C390 Practice for Sampling and Acceptance of Thermal Insulation Lots
C518 Test Method for Steady-State Thermal Transmission Properties by Means of the Heat Flow Meter Apparatus
C727 Practice for Installation and Use of Reflective Insulation in Building Constructions
C1258 Test Method for Elevated Temperature and Humidity Resistance of Vapor Retarders for Insulation
C1338 Test Method for Determining Fungi Resistance of Insulation Materials and Facings
C1363 Test Method for Thermal Performance of Building Materials and Envelope Assemblies by Means of a Hot Box Apparatus
C1371 Test Method for Determination of Emittance of Materials Near Room Temperature Using Portable Emissometers
E84 Test Method for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials
E96/E96M Test Methods for Gravimetric Determination of Water Vapor Transmission Rate of Materials
E2599 Practice for Specimen Preparation and Mounting of Reflective Insulation, Radiant Barrier and Vinyl Stretch Ceiling
Materials for Building Applications to Assess Surface Burning Characteristics
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee C16 on Thermal Insulation and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee C16.21 on Reflective
Insulation.
Current edition approved March 1, 2020Nov. 1, 2022. Published March 2020November 2022. Originally approved in 1993. Last previous edition approved in 20152020
as C1224 – 15.C1224 – 15 (2020). DOI: 10.1520/C1224-15R20.10.1520/C1224-22.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM Standards
volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
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2.2 TAPPI Standard:
T512 Creasing of Flexible Packaging Material Paper Specimens for Testing
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions—Terminology C168 shall apply to the terms in this specification.
4. Ordering Information
4.1 Prior to purchase, for sampling and acceptance procedures, Practice C390 is an option when agreed upon by the purchaser and
the manufacturer.
4.2 Specify the required thermal resistance by the direction of the heat flow.
4.3 Specify the width, depth, and total area to be insulated.
4.4 Specify special markings, when required.
5. Materials and Manufacture
5.1 Reflective insulation materials shall consist of low emittance surface(s) with, or without, substrates and adhesives required to
meet the specified thermal performance and physical properties.
5.2 Multiple layer reflective insulations shall be designed to attain the intended separation of layers in normal application. Such
multiple layer insulation shall form an attachment flange suitable for stapling, or other means of attachment.
5.3 Dimensions—Insulation shall be furnished in dimensions to fit framing members, at spacings standard in the construction
industry, or as specifically agreed upon between the producer and the buyer.
6. Physical Properties Requirements
6.1 Low emittance materials shall have a surface with an emittance of 0.1 or less, as determined in accordance with 9.1.
6.2 Permeance—When the reflective insulation is to serve as a vapor retarder, the permeance of the material shall not exceed one
perm, as determined in accordance with 9.2.
6.2.1 When the reflective insulation is to be vapor transmitting the permeance of the material shall be equal to or greater than five
perms, as determined in accordance with 9.2.
6.3 Surface Burning Characteristics—Building code requirements specify flame spread and smoke development values
determined in accordance with 9.3, except as follows:
(1) Maximum surface burning characteristics shall not exceed 25 flame spread index and 50 smoke development index for
inside plenum applications.
(2) Maximum surface burning characteristics shall not exceed 25 flame spread index and 450 smoke development index in
exposed building applications.
6.4 Humidity Resistance—The laminates of the reflective insulation shall be tested in accordance with 9.4. Three specimens shall
be exposed. Shield the test specimens from condensate that drips from the ceiling of the humidity chamber.
6.4.1 The specimens shall be evaluated for visible corrosion and delamination. For purposes of corrosion evaluation disregard the
outer 0.25 in. (6.4 mm) perimeter. No tested specimen shall exhibit visible crystalline deposits exceeding 2 % of the test area nor
exhibit unaided delamination of layers.
6.5 Adhesive Performance:
Available from Technical Association of the Pulp and Paper Industry (TAPPI), 15 Technology Parkway South, Norcross, GA 30092, http://www.tappi.org.
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6.5.1 Bleeding—Adhesives, when used, shall show no sign of bleeding when tested in accordance with the test procedure in 9.5.1.
Disregard bleeding at cut edges. Bleeding or delamination, covering over 2 % of the specimen area, shall be cause for rejection.
6.5.2 Pliability—Specimens tested in accordance with the test procedure in 9.5.2 shall not show cracking or delamination.
6.6 Fungi Resistance—Specimens shall not have growth greater than comparative item when tested in accordance with 9.6. Use
Interpretation of Results (Paragraph 7.2) of Test Method C1338.
6.7 Thermal Resistance—Determine the thermal resistance in accordance with procedures in 9.7. The results of the procedures
shall indicate the R-value of the product and the enclosed air space, in the assembly tested.
7. Workmanship, Finish, and Appearance
7.1 The insulation shall be manufactured, packaged, and shipped in such a manner that, when received by the customer, it shall
be suitable for installation in accordance with Practice C727.
8. Sampling
8.1 Sampling shall be performed in accordance with Practice C390.
9. Test Methods
9.1 Emittance—The emittance of the product shall be tested in accordance with Test Method C1371.
9.2 Permeance—The permeance of the product shall be tested in accordance with Test Method E96/E96M, Desiccant Method.
9.3 Surface Burning—Surface burning characteristics shall be tested in accordance with Test Method E84 and shall be mounted
according to Practice E2599.
9.4 Humidity Resistance—The humidity resistance of the product shall be tested in accordance with Test Method C1258.
9.5 Adhesive Performance:
9.5.1 Bleeding and Delamination:
9.5.1.1 Scope—This test method covers the determination of bleeding and delamination of the reflective insulation.
9.5.1.2 Significance and Use—It is necessary that reflective insulation not show adhesive bleeding or delamination since this
contributes to loss of structural integrity and a change in water permeability.
9.5.1.3 Sampling—A minimum of three specimens of the reflective insulation, with dimensions of approximately 3 by 6 in. (7.62
cm by 15.24 cm), shall be tested. The test specimens shall be cut from separate locations on a roll or panel of the insulation.
9.5.1.4 Procedure—Suspend the specimens vertically in an oven and heat to a temperature of 180°F (65°F) for at least 5 h.
Determine, under 5× magnification the following: has the adhesive bled or extruded through the surface, or has any separation of
foil from substrate (delamination) occurred.
9.5.1.5 Precision and Bias—No information is presented about either precision or bias of this test method for determining
Bleeding and Delamination, since the test results are nonquantitative.
9.5.2 Pliability:
9.5.2.1 Scope—This test method covers the determination of cracking or delamination of the reflective insulation due to folding
and bending. Any reflective insulation product that does not require bending during installation shall be exempt from the
requirements of this section.
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9.5.2.2 Significance and Use—Reflective insulation must not crack or delaminate, these characteristics contribute to loss of
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