ASTM C1743-19(2024)

Standard Practice for Installation and Use of Radiant Barrier Systems (RBS) in Residential Building Construction

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 In this practice it is recognized that effectiveness, safety, and durability of an RBS depends not only on the quality of the materials, but also on proper installation.  
4.2 Improper installation of an RBS will reduce the thermal effectiveness, cause fire risks and other unsafe conditions, and promote deterioration of the structure in which it is installed. Improper installations include fires caused by: (1) heat buildup in recessed lighting fixtures, (2) deterioration or failure of electrical wiring components, and (3) deterioration in wood structures and paint failure as a result of moisture accumulation.  
4.3 This practice provides directions for the installation of RBS products in a safe and effective manner. Actual conditions in existing buildings vary greatly and care shall be taken to ensure safe and effective installation.  
4.4 In this practice requirements are presented that are both general and specific in nature and practical. They are not intended as specific instructions unless so indicated. The user shall consult the manufacturer for recommended application and installation methods. The requirements in this practice shall be the minimum material and installation requirements for RBS.
SCOPE
1.1 This practice has been prepared for use by the designer, specifier, builder, and the installer of radiant barrier systems (RBS) for use in (multi- and single-family) residential building construction, not otherwise restricted from use. The scope is limited to instructions relative to the use and installation of RBS, including a surface(s) normally having an emittance of 0.1 or less, such as metallic foil or metallic foil deposits, mounted on substrates. Some examples that this practice is intended to address include: (1) low-emittance surfaces in vented building envelope cavities intended to retard radiant transfer across the airspace: (2) low-emittance surfaces at interior building surfaces intended to retard radiant transfer to, or from, building inhabitants; and (3) low-emittance surface at interior building surfaces intended to reduce radiant transfer to, or from, radiant heating or cooling systems.  
1.2 This practice covers the installation process from pre-installation inspection through the post-installation procedure. It does not cover the production of the radiant barrier materials. (See Specification C1313.)  
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, federal, or international 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 installation of radiant barrier materials. It also assumes that the installer understands the fundamentals of residential building construction that affect the installation of RBS.  
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, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. For specific precautionary statements see Sections 5 and 7.  
1.7 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.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 29-Feb-2024
• ICS: 91.120.99 - Other standards related to protection of and in buildings
• Technical Committee: C16 - Thermal Insulation
• Drafting Committee: C16.21 - Reflective Insulation

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM C1743-19 - Standard Practice for Installation and Use of Radiant Barrier Systems (RBS) in Residential Building Construction
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2024
• Refers: ASTM C168-24 - Standard Terminology Relating to Thermal Insulation
• Effective Date: 15-Apr-2024
• Refers: ASTM C168-22 - Standard Terminology Relating to Thermal Insulation
• Effective Date: 01-May-2022
• Referred By: ASTM C1313/C1313M-13(2019) - Standard Specification for Sheet Radiant Barriers for Building Construction Applications
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2024

Overview

ASTM C1743-19(2024) is the Standard Practice for Installation and Use of Radiant Barrier Systems (RBS) in Residential Building Construction. Developed by ASTM International, this standard provides essential guidelines for the proper installation, use, and performance of radiant barrier systems in both single-family and multi-family residential buildings. Radiant barrier systems, often comprising metallic foil with a low-emittance (0.1 or less) surface, are mainly utilized to reduce radiant heat transfer in building assemblies, thereby supporting energy efficiency and indoor thermal comfort.

This standard emphasizes that the effectiveness, safety, and durability of RBS installations are highly dependent on following proper installation practices as well as on material quality. It addresses the installation process from pre-installation inspection to post-installation verification, outlining practical minimum requirements for materials and procedures.

Key Topics

• Radiant Barrier Definition and Function
  • RBS consist of at least one low-emittance surface separated by open air space(s), used to reduce heat transfer by radiation.
• Installation Requirements
  • Covers inspection, preparation, handling of materials, minimum clearances around heat-producing devices, and ways to prevent moisture damage.
  • Emphasizes working in conjunction with manufacturer instructions and complying with local codes and safety regulations.
• Safety and Performance Considerations
  • Highlights risks of improper installation: potential fire hazards, electrical issues, moisture accumulation, and loss of system performance.
  • Requires proper personal protective equipment and safety practices during installation.
• Inspection Procedures
  • Involves checking structural materials, assessing for moisture or electrical issues, and verifying post-installation compliance with the standard and manufacturer directions.
• Material and Application Scope
  • Applies to metallic foil or foil deposits on substrates used in attics, walls, ceilings, floors, and crawl spaces where radiant heat transfer is a concern.
• Clearances and Ventilation
  • Mandates specific clearances from lighting fixtures, chimneys, vents, and requires maintaining ventilation paths to prevent overheating and maintain indoor air quality.
• Repair and Maintenance
  • Specifies that damaged or contaminated RBS surfaces should be restored according to manufacturer guidance to preserve performance.

Applications

Radiant barrier systems (RBS) are increasingly adopted in energy-efficient residential construction to combat heat gain or loss through building envelopes. Some practical applications include:

• Attics: Installing RBS on the underside of roof decks or draped over rafters to reflect heat away from interior spaces.
• Walls and Ceilings: Reducing radiant heat transfer into conditioned spaces by using RBS with appropriate airspace.
• Basements and Crawl Spaces: Applying RBS on floor joists helps regulate temperature and humidity, particularly when combined with proper ventilation and vapor management.
• Retrofit Projects: Enhancing the energy performance of existing residential structures by installing RBS in accessible cavities or surfaces.

Proper use of ASTM C1743-19(2024) ensures installations optimize thermal performance, minimize fire hazards, and maintain the durability of both the radiant barrier system and the structure. Builders, installers, and designers benefit from a consistent standard that supports compliance with modern energy codes and best building practices.

Related Standards

• ASTM C1313: Specification for Sheet Radiant Barriers for Building Construction Applications
• ASTM C168: Terminology Relating to Thermal Insulation
• NFPA 54: National Fuel Gas Code
• NFPA 211: Standard for Chimneys, Fireplaces, Vents
• CPSC Product Safety Fact Sheet No. 18: The Home Electrical System

These standards provide supporting definitions, product specifications, and additional requirements for safety and performance in residential construction settings.

Keywords: radiant barrier system, RBS, ASTM C1743, installation practice, energy efficiency, residential buildings, metallic foil, thermal insulation, building codes, safety, attic insulation, moisture protection, home energy savings.

Standards Content (Sample)

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.
Designation: C1743 − 19 (Reapproved 2024)
Standard Practice for
Installation and Use of Radiant Barrier Systems (RBS) in
Residential Building Construction
This standard is issued under the fixed designation C1743; 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 1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
1.1 This practice has been prepared for use by the designer,
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
specifier, builder, and the installer of radiant barrier systems
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
(RBS) for use in (multi- and single-family) residential building
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
construction, not otherwise restricted from use. The scope is
For specific precautionary statements see Sections 5 and 7.
limited to instructions relative to the use and installation of
1.7 This international standard was developed in accor-
RBS, including a surface(s) normally having an emittance of
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
0.1 or less, such as metallic foil or metallic foil deposits,
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
mounted on substrates. Some examples that this practice is
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
intended to address include: (1) low-emittance surfaces in
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
vented building envelope cavities intended to retard radiant
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
transfer across the airspace: (2) low-emittance surfaces at
interior building surfaces intended to retard radiant transfer to,
2. Referenced Documents
or from, building inhabitants; and (3) low-emittance surface at
2.1 ASTM Standards:
interior building surfaces intended to reduce radiant transfer to,
C168 Terminology Relating to Thermal Insulation
or from, radiant heating or cooling systems.
C1313 Specification for Sheet Radiant Barriers for Building
1.2 This practice covers the installation process from pre-
Construction Applications
installation inspection through the post-installation procedure.
2.2 NFPA Standards
It does not cover the production of the radiant barrier materials.
NFPA 54 National Fuel Gas Code
(See Specification C1313.)
NFPA 211 Standard for Chimneys, Fireplaces and Vents
1.3 This practice is not intended to replace the manufactur-
2.3 Other Document:
er’s installation instructions but shall be used in conjunction
CPSC Product Safety Fact Sheet No. 18 “The Home Elec-
with such instructions. This practice is not intended to super-
trical System”
cede local, state, federal, or international codes.
1.4 This practice assumes that the installer possesses a good
3. Terminology
working knowledge of the applicable codes and regulations,
3.1 Definitions—For definitions of terms used in this
safety practices, tools, equipment, and methods necessary for
practice, refer to Terminology C168.
installation of radiant barrier materials. It also assumes that the
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
installer understands the fundamentals of residential building
3.2.1 applicator, n—person or persons who apply radiant
construction that affect the installation of RBS.
barrier materials in buildings.
1.5 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded
3.2.2 conditioned space, n—any space in a building that is
as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical
served by a heating or cooling system.
conversions to SI units that are provided for information only
and are not considered standard.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee C16 on Thermal Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
Insulation and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee C16.21 on Reflective the ASTM website.
Insulation. Available from National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), 1 Batterymarch
Current edition approved March 1, 2024. Published March 2024. Originally Park, Quincy, MA 02169-7471, http://www.nfpa.org.
approved in 2010. Last previous edition approved in 2019 as C1743 – 19. DOI: Available from U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), 4330 East
10.1520/C1743-19R24. West Hwy., Bethesda, MD 20814, http://www.cpsc.gov.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
C1743 − 19 (2024)
3.2.3 open air space, n—vented building cavity (for is reason to believe the electrical system is faulty, do not install
example, a vented attic) or a large conditioned or uncondi- RBS in such areas until the owner/builder has been informed
tioned building space. and qualified inspection and repair has been accomplished.
3.2.3.1 Discussion—A large building space is defined as one
NOTE 1—The CPSC Product Safety Fact Sheet No. 18 has identified the
whose minimum dimension exceeds 2 ft (0.6 m).
following signs of potential electrical deficiencies: lights dimming, fuses
blowing, circuit breakers tripping frequently, electrical sparks and glowing
3.2.4 radiant barrier system, RBS, n—building construction
from receptacle, light flickering, and cover plates on switches and outlets
assembly consisting of at least one low-emittance (0.1 or less)
that are warm or hot to the touch.
surface bounded by an open air space on one or both sides.
6.1.3 In areas where an RBS is to be installed, the applicator
3.2.4.1 Discussion—A RBS is used for the sole purpose of
shall locate and plan for installation around ventilation open-
limiting heat transfer by radiation, into or out of a building
ings. The applicator shall not install RBS that will obstruct or
assembly. An RBS is not specifically intended to reduce heat
block existing ventilation openings, such as gable ends,
transfer by convection or conduction.
dormers, ridge, off ridge, soffit vents, or any others.
4. Significance and Use
6.2 Preparations:
6.2.1 All electrical wiring at, or near, radiant barrier mate-
4.1 In this practice it is recognized that effectiveness, safety,
rial attachment surfaces shall be either moved, or protected, to
and durability of an RBS depends not only on the quality of the
ensure that fasteners used to install the radiant barrier material
materials, but also on proper installation.
cannot contact the electrical wiring system.
4.2 Improper installation of an RBS will reduce the thermal
6.2.2 When attic ventilation and new, or existing, ceiling
effectiveness, cause fire risks and other unsafe conditions, and
insulation will be compromised by the installation of an RBS,
promote deterioration of the structure in which it is installed.
vent baffles shall be installed at the soffits of the attic such that
Improper installations include fires caused by: (1) heat buildup
attic ventilation air flows are maintained in accordance with
in recessed lighting fixtures, (2) deterioration or failure of
applicable building codes.
electrical wiring components, and (3) deterioration in wood
structures and paint failure as a result of moisture accumula-
7. Installation Guidelines-New and Retrofit Buildings
tion.
7.1 Material Handling:
4.3 This practice provides directions for the installation of
7.1.1 The radiant barrier material shall be handled in
RBS products in a safe and effective manner. Actual conditions
accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions, shall be kept
in existing buildings vary greatly and care shall be taken to
dry, and shall not be in contact with the ground or sources of
ensure safe and effective installation.
water.
4.4 In this practice requirements are presented that are both 7.1.2 The radiant barrier material shall not be placed in
general and specific in nature and practical. They are not contact with corrosive building materials.
intended as specific instructions unless so indicated. The user
7.2 Performance Considerations:
shall consult the manufacturer for recommended application
7.2.1 The performance of the RBS depends on adherence to
and installation methods. The requirements in this practice
manufacturer’s specifications. Manufacturer’s installation in-
shall be the minimum material and installation requirements
structions and all applicable building codes shall be followed.
for RBS.
The manufacturer shall provide the product information
sheet(s) that specify the product’s intended use(s), application
5. Safety Precautions
method(s), health and safety considerations, and material
5.1 The applicator shall wear proper clothing and equipment
properties per Specification C1313.
as specified by the manufacturer and shall follow all local,
7.2.2 The performance of the RBS is dependent on the
state, and federal codes and safety regulations for building
presence of an open airspace adjacent to at least one low-
construction sites, for example hard hats, safety goggles
emittance surface.
respiratory protection, and other safety items.
7.2.3 The performance of the RBS will be adversely af-
fected by foreign materials on the low-emittance surface.
6. Pre-Installation Inspection and Preparation
Before installation, foreign materials shall be removed using
6.1 Pre-Installation Inspections: New and Retrofit Build- manufacturer’s instructions, taking care not to damage the
ings: radiant barrier material.
6.1.1 Inspect the roof, wall, ceiling, and floor building 7.2.4 The performance of a radiant barrier will be reduced
materials to identify areas in which previous or existing by a corrosive environment. In some instances, severe pollut-
moisture problems have caused paint peeling, lumber warpage, ants react with the low-emittance surface causing an increase in
staining, visible fungal growth, rotting, or other structural the emittance of the material. When such conditions exist, the
damage. Do not install the RBS in such areas until the owner/builder shall be informed that these conditions have the
owner/builder has been informed and has certified that these potential to result in material degradation and a decrease in
conditions have been corrected and the cause of the condition RBS performance.
repaired. 7.2.5 In
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