ASTM C578-15a

Standard Specification for Rigid, Cellular Polystyrene Thermal Insulation

ABSTRACT
This specification covers the standards for the types, physical properties and dimensions of cellular polystyrene boards with or without facings or coatings made by molding (EPS) or extrusion (XPS) of expandable polystyrene proposed for use as thermal insulation. This specification, however, does not cover laminated products manufactured with any type of rigid board facer including fiberboard, perlite board, gypsum board, or oriented strand board. All thermal insulation shall be of uniform density and shall contain sufficient flame retardants to meet the oxygen index of requirements. They shall also meet the physical requirements such as thermal resistance, compressive resistance, flexural strength, water vapor permeance, water absorption, dimensional stability, and oxygen index specified herein.
SCOPE
1.1 This specification2 covers the types, physical properties, and dimensions of cellular polystyrene boards with or without facings or coatings made by molding (EPS) or extrusion (XPS) of expandable polystyrene. Products manufactured to this specification are intended for use as thermal insulation for temperatures from -65 to +165°F (-53.9 to +73.9°C). This specification does not apply to laminated products manufactured with any type of rigid board facer including fiberboard, perlite board, gypsum board, or oriented strand board.  
1.1.1 For Type XIII only, this specification covers the physical properties, and dimensions of cellular polystyrene intended for use as thermal insulation for temperatures from −297 to +165°F (−183 to +73.9°C).  
1.2 Consult the manufacturer for specific recommendations and properties in cryogenic conditions.  
1.2.1 This specification does not cover cryogenic properties except for the k-factors for Type XIII in Appendix X1. For Type XIII in specific cryogenic applications, the manufacturer and purchaser shall agree upon the actual temperature limits and physical property requirements in addition to the k-factors in Appendix X1.  
1.3 The use of thermal insulation materials covered by this specification may be regulated by building codes that address fire performance. For some end uses, specifiers should also address the effect of moisture and wind pressure resistance. Guidelines regarding these end use considerations are included in Appendix X1.  
1.4 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.  
1.5  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.

General Information

• Status: Historical
• Publication Date: 30-Nov-2015
• ICS: 83.100 - Cellular materials
• ICS: 91.100.60 - Thermal and sound insulating materials
• Technical Committee: C16 - Thermal Insulation
• Drafting Committee: C16.22 - Organic and Nonhomogeneous Inorganic Thermal Insulations

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM C578-15 - Standard Specification for Rigid, Cellular Polystyrene Thermal Insulation
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2015
• Replaced By: ASTM C578-15b - Standard Specification for Rigid, Cellular Polystyrene Thermal Insulation
• Effective Date: 15-Dec-2015
• Referred By: ASTM D5113-97(2021) - Standard Test Method for Determining Adhesive Attack on Rigid Cellular Foam
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2015
• Referred By: ASTM D7446-09(2017) - Standard Specification for Structural Insulated Panel (SIP) Adhesives for Laminating Oriented Strand Board (OSB) to Rigid Cellular Polystryene Thermal Insulation Core Materials
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2015
• Referred By: ASTM C1303/C1303M-22 - Standard Test Method for Predicting Long-Term Thermal Resistance of Closed-Cell Foam Insulation
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2015
• Referred By: ASTM C1063-23 - Standard Specification for Installation of Lathing and Furring to Receive Interior and Exterior Portland Cement-Based Plaster
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2015
• Referred By: ASTM C898/C898M-09(2017) - Standard Guide for Use of High Solids Content, Cold Liquid-Applied Elastomeric Waterproofing Membrane with Separate Wearing Course
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2015
• Referred By: ASTM E2925-19a - Standard Specification for Manufactured Polymeric Drainage and Ventilation Materials Used to Provide a Rainscreen Function
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2015
• Referred By: ASTM C1918-21 - Standard Test Method for Water Retention of Rigid Thermal Insulation Materials after Immersion and Exposure to Drying Conditions
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2015
• Referred By: ASTM D6817/D6817M-17(2021) - Standard Specification for Rigid Cellular Polystyrene Geofoam
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2015
• Referred By: ASTM E3127-22 - Standard Guide for Specifying Water Vapor Transmission Material Properties of Water-Resistive Barriers and Air Barriers
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2015
• Referred By: ASTM E2430/E2430M-19 - Standard Specification for Expanded Polystyrene (“EPS”) Thermal Insulation Boards for Use in Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems (“EIFS”)
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2015
• Referred By: ASTM E2568-17a - Standard Specification for PB Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2015
• Referred By: ASTM C1558-19 - Standard Guide for Development of Standard Data Records for Computerization of Thermal Transmission Test Data for Thermal Insulation
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2015
• Referred By: ASTM D5635/D5635M-18(2022) - Standard Test Method for Dynamic Puncture Resistance of Roofing Membrane Specimens
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2015

Standards Content (Sample)

NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or withdrawn.
Contact ASTM International (www.astm.org) for the latest information
Designation:C578 −15a
StandardSpecification for
1
Rigid, Cellular Polystyrene Thermal Insulation
This standard is issued under the fixed designation C578; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision.Anumber in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval.A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense.
1. Scope conversions to SI units that are provided for information only
and are not considered standard.
2
1.1 Thisspecification coversthetypes,physicalproperties,
1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the
and dimensions of cellular polystyrene boards with or without
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
facingsorcoatingsmadebymolding(EPS)orextrusion(XPS)
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
of expandable polystyrene. Products manufactured to this
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
specification are intended for use as thermal insulation for
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
temperatures from -65 to +165°F (-53.9 to +73.9°C). This
specification does not apply to laminated products manufac-
2. Referenced Documents
tured with any type of rigid board facer including fiberboard,
3
2.1 ASTM Standards:
perlite board, gypsum board, or oriented strand board.
C165TestMethodforMeasuringCompressivePropertiesof
1.1.1 For Type XIII only, this specification covers the
Thermal Insulations
physical properties, and dimensions of cellular polystyrene
C168Terminology Relating to Thermal Insulation
intended for use as thermal insulation for temperatures from
C177Test Method for Steady-State Heat Flux Measure-
−297 to +165°F (−183 to +73.9°C).
ments and Thermal Transmission Properties by Means of
1.2 Consult the manufacturer for specific recommendations
the Guarded-Hot-Plate Apparatus
and properties in cryogenic conditions.
C203Test Methods for Breaking Load and Flexural Proper-
1.2.1 This specification does not cover cryogenic properties
ties of Block-Type Thermal Insulation
except for the k-factors for Type XIII in Appendix X1. For
C272Test Method for Water Absorption of Core Materials
Type XIII in specific cryogenic applications, the manufacturer
for Structural Sandwich Constructions
and purchaser shall agree upon the actual temperature limits
C303Test Method for Dimensions and Density of Pre-
and physical property requirements in addition to the k-factors
formed Block and Board–Type Thermal Insulation
in Appendix X1.
C335Test Method for Steady-State HeatTransfer Properties
of Pipe Insulation
1.3 The use of thermal insulation materials covered by this
C390Practice for Sampling and Acceptance of Thermal
specification may be regulated by building codes that address
Insulation Lots
fire performance. For some end uses, specifiers should also
C518Test Method for Steady-State Thermal Transmission
address the effect of moisture and wind pressure resistance.
Properties by Means of the Heat Flow Meter Apparatus
Guidelinesregardingtheseenduseconsiderationsareincluded
C550Test Method for Measuring Trueness and Squareness
in Appendix X1.
of Rigid Block and Board Thermal Insulation
1.4 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded
C870Practice for Conditioning of Thermal Insulating Ma-
as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical
terials
C1045Practice for Calculating Thermal Transmission Prop-
erties Under Steady-State Conditions
1
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee C16 on
C1058Practice for Selecting Temperatures for Evaluating
Thermal Insulation and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee C16.22 on
and Reporting Thermal Properties of Thermal Insulation
Organic and Nonhomogeneous Inorganic Thermal Insulations.
C1114Test Method for Steady-State Thermal Transmission
Current edition approved Dec. 1, 2015. Published December 2015. Originally
approved in 1965. Last previous edition approved in 2015 as C578–15. DOI: Properties by Means of the Thin-Heater Apparatus
10.1520/C0578-15A.
2
ThisspecificationissimilartoISO4898-1984,“CellularPlastics–Specification
3
for Rigid Cellular Materials Used in the Thermal Insulation of Buildings,” in title For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
only. The scope and technical content are significantly different. contactASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. ForAnnual Book ofASTM
ISO standards are available fromAmerican National Standards Institute (ANSI), Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
25 W. 43rd St., 4th Floor, New York, NY 10036, http://www.ansi.org. the ASTM website.
Copyright © ASTM Inte
...

This document is not an ASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of an ASTM standard an indication of what changes have been made to the previous version. Because
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: C578 − 15 C578 − 15a
Standard Specification for
1
Rigid, Cellular Polystyrene Thermal Insulation
This standard is issued under the fixed designation C578; 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.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense.
1. Scope
2
1.1 This specification covers the types, physical properties, and dimensions of cellular polystyrene boards with or without
facings or coatings made by molding (EPS) or extrusion (XPS) of expandable polystyrene. Products manufactured to this
specification are intended for use as thermal insulation for temperatures from -65 to +165°F (-53.9 to +73.9°C). This specification
does not apply to laminated products manufactured with any type of rigid board facer including fiberboard, perlite board, gypsum
board, or oriented strand board.
1.1.1 For Type XIII only, this specification covers the physical properties, and dimensions of cellular polystyrene intended for
use as thermal insulation for temperatures from −297 to +165°F (−183 to +73.9°C).
1.2 Consult the manufacturer for specific recommendations and properties in cryogenic conditions.
1.2.1 This specification does not cover cryogenic properties except for the k-factors for Type XIII in Appendix X1. For Type
XIII in specific cryogenic applications, the manufacturer and purchaser shall agree upon the actual temperature limits and physical
property requirements in addition to the k-factors in Appendix X1.
1.3 The use of thermal insulation materials covered by this specification may be regulated by building codes that address fire
performance. For some end uses, specifiers should also address the effect of moisture and wind pressure resistance. Guidelines
regarding these end use considerations are included in Appendix X1.
1.4 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.
1.5 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
3
2.1 ASTM Standards:
C165 Test Method for Measuring Compressive Properties of Thermal Insulations
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
C203 Test Methods for Breaking Load and Flexural Properties of Block-Type Thermal Insulation
C272 Test Method for Water Absorption of Core Materials for Structural Sandwich Constructions
C303 Test Method for Dimensions and Density of Preformed Block and Board–Type Thermal Insulation
C335 Test Method for Steady-State Heat Transfer Properties of Pipe Insulation
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
1
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee C16 on Thermal Insulation and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee C16.22 on Organic and
Nonhomogeneous Inorganic Thermal Insulations.
Current edition approved May 1, 2015Dec. 1, 2015. Published June 2015December 2015. Originally approved in 1965. Last previous edition approved in 20142015 as
C578 – 14a.C578 – 15. DOI: 10.1520/C0578-15.10.1520/C0578-15A.
2
This specification is similar to ISO 4898-1984, “Cellular Plastics–Specification for Rigid Cellular Materials Used in the Thermal Insulation of Buildings,” in title only.
The scope and technical content are significantly different.
ISO standards are available from American National Standards Institute (ANSI), 25 W. 43rd St., 4th Floor, New York, NY 10036, http://www.ansi.org.
3
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. 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. Unit
...