ASTM C1060-90(2003)

Standard Practice for Thermographic Inspection of Insulation Installations in Envelope Cavities of Frame Buildings

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
Although infrared imaging systems have the potential to determine many factors concerning the thermal performance of a wall, roof, floor, or ceiling, the emphasis in this practice is on determining whether insulation is missing or whether an insulation installation is malfunctioning. Anomalous thermal images from other apparent causes may also be recorded as supplemental information, even though their interpretation may require procedures and techniques not presented in this practice.
SCOPE
1.1 This practice is a guide to the proper use of infrared imaging systems for conducting qualitative thermal inspections of building walls, ceilings, roofs, and floors, framed in wood or metal, that may contain insulation in the spaces between framing members. This procedure allows the detection of cavities where insulation may be inadequate or missing and allows identification of areas with apparently adequate insulation.
1.2 This practice offers reliable means for detecting suspected missing insulation. It also offers the possibility of detecting partial-thickness insulation, improperly installed insulation, or insulation damaged in service. Proof of missing insulation or a malfunctioning envelope requires independent validation. Validation techniques, such as visual inspection or in-situ R-value measurement, are beyond the scope of this practice.
1.3 This practice is limited to frame construction even though thermography can be used on all building types.
1.4 Instrumentation and calibration required under a variety of environmental conditions are described. Instrumentation requirements and measurement procedures are considered for inspections from both inside and outside the structure. Each vantage point offers visual access to areas hidden from the other side.
1.5 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. The inch-pound units given in parentheses are for information only.
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. In particular, caution should be taken in the handling of any cryogenic liquids or pressurized gases required for use in this practice. Specific precautionary statements are given in Note 1 and Note 3.

General Information

• Status: Historical
• Publication Date: 09-Apr-2003
• ICS: 91.080.20 - Timber structures
• ICS: 91.080.99 - Other structures
• Technical Committee: C16 - Thermal Insulation
• Drafting Committee: C16.30 - Thermal Measurement

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM C1060-90(1997)e1 - Standard Practice for Thermographic Inspection of Insulation Installations in Envelope Cavities of Frame Buildings
• Effective Date: 10-Apr-2003
• Replaced By: ASTM C1060-11 - Standard Practice for Thermographic Inspection of Insulation Installations in Envelope Cavities of Frame Buildings
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2011
• Referred By: ASTM C1155-95(2021) - Standard Practice for Determining Thermal Resistance of Building Envelope Components from the In-Situ Data
• Effective Date: 10-Apr-2003
• Referred By: ASTM C1046-95(2021) - Standard Practice for In-Situ Measurement of Heat Flux and Temperature on Building Envelope Components
• Effective Date: 10-Apr-2003
• Referred By: ASTM E2813-18 - Standard Practice for Building Enclosure Commissioning
• Effective Date: 10-Apr-2003

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:C1060–90 (Reapproved 2003)
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.Anumber in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval.A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope bility of regulatory limitations prior to use. In particular,
caution should be taken in the handling of any cryogenic
1.1 This practice is a guide to the proper use of infrared
liquids or pressurized gases required for use in this practice.
imagingsystemsforconductingqualitativethermalinspections
SpecificprecautionarystatementsaregiveninNote1andNote
ofbuildingwalls,ceilings,roofs,andfloors,framedinwoodor
3.
metal, that may contain insulation in the spaces between
framing members. This procedure allows the detection of
2. Referenced Documents
cavities where insulation may be inadequate or missing and
2.1 ASTM Standards:
allows identification of areas with apparently adequate insula-
C168 Terminology Relating to Thermal Insulation
tion.
E1213 Test Method for Minimum Resolvable Temperature
1.2 This practice offers reliable means for detecting sus-
Difference for Thermal Imaging Systems
pected missing insulation. It also offers the possibility of
detecting partial-thickness insulation, improperly installed in-
3. Terminology
sulation, or insulation damaged in service. Proof of missing
3.1 Definitions—Definitions pertaining to insulation are de-
insulation or a malfunctioning envelope requires independent
fined in Terminology C168.
validation. Validation techniques, such as visual inspection or
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
in-situ R-value measurement, are beyond the scope of this
3.2.1 anomalous thermal image—an observed thermal pat-
practice.
tern of a structure that is not in accordance with the expected
1.3 This practice is limited to frame construction even
,
23 thermal pattern.
though thermography can be used on all building types.
3.2.2 envelope—the construction, taken as a whole or in
1.4 Instrumentation and calibration required under a variety
part,thatseparatestheindoorsofabuildingfromtheoutdoors.
of environmental conditions are described. Instrumentation
3.2.3 field-of-view (FOV)—the total angular dimensions,
requirements and measurement procedures are considered for
expressed in degrees or radians, within which objects can be
inspections from both inside and outside the structure. Each
imaged, displayed, and recorded by a stationary imaging
vantage point offers visual access to areas hidden from the
device.
other side.
3.2.4 framing spacing—distance between the centerlines of
1.5 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as
joists, studs, or rafters.
standard. The inch-pound units given in parentheses are for
3.2.5 infrared imaging system—an instrument that converts
information only.
the spatial variations in infrared radiance from a surface into a
1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the
two-dimensional image of that surface, in which variations in
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
radiance are displayed as a range of colors or tones.
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
3.2.6 infrared thermography—the process of generating
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
thermalimagesthatrepresenttemperatureandemittancevaria-
tions over the surfaces of objects.
3.2.7 instantaneous field of view (IFOV)—the smallest
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee C16 on Thermal
Insulation and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee C16.30 on Thermal
angle, in milliradians, that can be instantaneously resolved by
Measurement.
a particular infrared imaging system.
Current edition approved April 10, 2003. Published August 2003. Originally
´1
3.2.8 masonry veneer—frame construction with a non-load
approved in 1986. Last previous edition approved in 1997 as C1060–90 (1997) .
DOI: 10.1520/C1060-90R03. bearing exterior masonry surface.
ISO/TC 163/SC 1/WG N31E Thermal Insulation—Qualitative Detection of
Thermal Irregularities in Building Envelopes—Infrared Method, available from
American National Standards Institute, 25 W. 43rd St., 4th Floor, New York, NY For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
10036. contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
Guidelines for Specifying and Performing Infrared Inspections, Infraspection Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
Institute, Shelburne, VT, 1988. the ASTM website.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.
C1060–90 (2003)
3.2.9 minimum resolvable temperature difference perature difference (MRTD) defines temperature resolution.
(MRTD)—a measure of the ability of the operators of an Instantaneous field of view (IFOV) is an indicator of spatial
infrared imaging system to discern temperature differences resolution. Appendix X1 explains how to calculate IFOV and
with that system. The MRTD is the minimum temperature how to measure MRTD.
difference between a four-slot test pattern of defined shape and
6.2.1 Spectral Range—The infrared thermal imaging sys-
size and its blackbody background at which an average temshalloperatewithinaspectralrangebetween2and14µm.
observer can discriminate the pattern with that infrared imag-
6.2.2 Field of View (FOV)—The critical minimum dimen-
ing system at a defined distance.
sions for discriminating missing insulation in frame construc-
3.2.10 thermal pattern—a representation of colors or tones
tion is two framing spacings wide and one framing spacing
that indicate surface temperature and emittance variation.
high. Outdoors, it is typically convenient to view at least one
3.2.11 thermogram—a recorded image that maps the appar-
floor-to-ceiling height across and one-half that distance high.
enttemperaturepatternofanobjectorsceneintoacorrespond-
The FOV of the chosen imaging system should encompass
ing contrast or color pattern.
these minimum dimensions from the chosen indoor viewing
3.2.12 zone—a volume of building served by a single
distance, d, and outdoor viewing distance, d . For planning
i o
ventilation system. For buildings with natural ventilation only,
purposes, the angular value of FOV may be calculated for
the whole building shall be considered a zone with all interior
either d (m) by the following equations:
doors open.
FOV $2tan ~h/2d! (1)
vertical
FOV $2tan ~w/2d! (2)
4. Summary of Practice
horizontal
4.1 This practice is a guide to the proper use of infrared
where:
imagingsystemsforconductingqualitativethermalinspections
h = vertical distance viewed, m, and
ofbuildingwalls,ceilings,roofs,andfloors,framedinwoodor
w = horizontal distance viewed, m.
metal, that may contain insulation in the spaces between
framing members. Imaging system performance is defined in
7. Knowledge Requirement
terms of instantaneous field of view (IFOV) and minimum
7.1 This practice requires operation of the imaging system
resolvable temperature difference (MRTD). Conditions under
and interpretation of the data obtained. The same person may
which information is to be collected and compiled in a report
perform both functions. The operator of the infrared imaging
are specified. Adherence to this standard practice requires a
system shall have thorough knowledge of its use through
final report of the investigation. This practice defines the
training, the manufacturer’s manuals, or both. The interpretor
contents of the report.
of the thermographic data shall be knowledgeable about heat
transfer through building envelopes and about thermography,
5. Significance and Use
includingtheeffectsofstoredheat,wind,andsurfacemoisture.
5.1 Althoughinfraredimagingsystemshavethepotentialto
7.2 The instrument shall be operated in accordance with the
determinemanyfactorsconcerningthethermalperformanceof
published instructions of the manufacturer.
awall,roof,floor,orceiling,theemphasisinthispracticeison
determining whether insulation is missing or whether an
8. Preferred Conditions
insulation installation is malfunctioning. Anomalous thermal
8.1 The criterion for satisfactory thermal conditions is the
images from other apparent causes may also be recorded as
ability to distinguish framing members from cavities. Appen-
supplemental information, even though their interpretation
dix X2 gives some guidelines for determining whether the
may require procedures and techniques not presented in this
weather conditions are likely to be suitable.
practice.
9. Procedure
6. Instrumentation Requirements
9.1 Preliminary Inspection—A preliminary thermographic
6.1 Environmental Factors—Theenvironmenthasasignifi-
inspection may be performed to determine whether a thorough
cant impact on the heat flow through the envelope.As a result,
inspection, and report, is warranted.
therequirementsonthermalimaginginstrumentationvarywith
9.2 Background Information—Prepare for the report by
theinteriortoexteriorairtemperaturegradientforbothinterior
collecting information on the building. In order to evaluate the
and exterior inspections and also vary with wind speed for
structure, collect the following preliminary data where practi-
exterior inspections.
cal and necessary:
6.2 Infrared Imaging System Performance—The ability of
9.2.1 Note each type of building cross section, using visual
an observer to detect thermal anomalies depends on the
inspection, construction drawings, or both, to determine what
imager’s powers of thermal and spatial resolution. The practi-
thermal patterns to expect.
cal test for these qualities is whether the operator can distin-
9.2.2 Additions or modifications to the structure.
guish the framing from the envelope cavities under the
9.2.3 Thermal problems reported by the building owner/
prevailingthermalconditionswiththeinfraredimagingsystem
occupant.
atadistancethatpermitsrecognitionofthermalanomalies.For
planning an equipment purchase or a site visit, the following 9.2.4 Notedifferencesinsurfacematerialsorconditionsthat
qualities may be considered: The minimum resolvable tem- may affect emittance, for example, metallic finishes, polished
C1060–90 (2003)
surfaces, stains, or moisture. Such differences in emittance 10.2 Interpretationofthermographicimagesrequiresaware-
cause thermal patterns that are independent of temperature ness of the following types of patterns:
differences.
10.2.1 Intact Insulation—Asseenfromthewarmsideofthe
9.2.5 Orientation of the building with respect to the points
construction: dark parallel lines, representing the framing;
of the compass. uniformlylighterareasbetweentheframinglines,representing
9.2.6 Heat sources, such as light fixtures, mounted in or
the insulation. As seen from the cool side of the construction:
close to the exterior construction. the framing lines are light. The areas containing insulation are
9.3 Performing On-Site Equipment Check and Settings: uniformly dark.
9.3.1 Set the instrument gain or contrast to allow the
NOTE 1—Metalframingwithnoinsulationmayfitthisdescription.See
observer to distinguish a framing member from the envelope
Note 2.
area around it. In addition, set the imager’s sensitivity so that
NOTE 2—Metal framing conducts heat better than both air and insula-
any anomalies or areas to which they are referenced are not in
tion. If insulation is present, the thermal contrast between metal framing
saturation (maximum brightness or white) or in suppression
and the spaces between may be very strong. Independent verification may
(minimum brightness or black) on the display. be needed for metal-framed buildings to establish typical patterns for
insulated and uninsulated areas.
9.3.2 Verify proper operation of the recording system, if
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.
theframing;darkerareasbetweentheframinglines,represent-
9.4 Performing the Inspection:
ing the empty space between framing members. Convection
9.4.1 A complete thermographic inspection of a building
may be visible in vertical framing, as evidenced by a gradient
mayconsistofanexteriororinteriorinspectionofthecomplete
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 may be 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.
tonormaltothesurfaceaspossible,butatleastatananglethat
See Note 2.
permits distinguishing framing members. Make inspections
from several angles, perpendicular, if possible, and at two 10.2.3 Insulation Partially Missing—Thedominanteffectis
opposite oblique angles in order to detect the presence of as described in 10.2.1, except that missing insulation shows as
reflected radiation. a well-defined dark region, as seen from the warm side and as
9.4.3 Makescansfromapositionthatallowsafieldofview a light region as seen from the cool side.
that encompasses at least two framing spacings wide and one
10.2.4 Other Thermal Patterns—Irregular variation of the
framing spacing high for an interior inspection and a floor-to-
thermal pattern in the spaces between framing members may
ceiling height wide and one-half that distance high for an
indicate a combination of possible causes, including varying
exterior inspection.
density of insulation, convection or air leakage, moisture, or
9.4.4 Effectivecorrectiveactionrequiresaprecisedefinition
thermal bridges. A partial list of examples follows:
of the areas with apparent defects. Record each anomaly with
10.2.4.1 Variabledensityinsulationoftenallowsairleakage
annotation regarding the location of all recognizable building
and convection and thereby creates intruding areas of surface
characteristics such as windows, doors, and vents. The record
temperature variation.
may accommodate any requirement for calculations of enve-
10.2.4.2 Areas where insulation contains significant mois-
lope areas with anomalies.
ture conduct heat much more readily than dry insulation
...