ASTM C1104/C1104M-19

Standard Test Method for Determining the Water Vapor Sorption of Unfaced Mineral Fiber Insulation

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 The sorption of water can result in an increase in weight and a resultant potential degradation of the properties of the insulation.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers the determination of the amount of water vapor sorbed by mineral fiber insulation exposed to a high-humidity atmosphere. This test method is applicable only to fibrous base material and binder. The results obtained by this test method cannot be used in describing faced products, since the facing is not tested by using this test method.  
1.2 The water vapor sorption characteristics of materials may be affected by conditions such as elevated temperatures or chemical exposures. Values obtained as a result of this test method may not adequately describe the water vapor sorption characteristics of materials subjected to these conditions.  
1.3 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in each system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each system shall be used independently of the other. Combining values from the two systems may result in non-conformance with the standard.  
1.4 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.  
1.5 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: 31-Aug-2019
• ICS: 91.100.60 - Thermal and sound insulating materials
• Technical Committee: C16 - Thermal Insulation
• Drafting Committee: C16.33 - Insulation Finishes and Moisture

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM C1104/C1104M-13a - Standard Test Method for Determining the Water Vapor Sorption of Unfaced Mineral Fiber Insulation
• Effective Date: 01-Sep-2019
• Refers: ASTM C390-08(2024) - Standard Practice for Sampling and Acceptance of Thermal Insulation Lots
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2024
• Refers: ASTM C390-08(2019) - Standard Practice for Sampling and Acceptance of Thermal Insulation Lots
• Effective Date: 01-Sep-2019
• Refers: ASTM C303-10(2016) - Standard Test Method for Dimensions and Density of Preformed Block and Board–Type Thermal Insulation
• Effective Date: 15-Oct-2016
• Refers: ASTM C167-15 - Standard Test Methods for Thickness and Density of Blanket or Batt Thermal Insulations
• Effective Date: 01-Sep-2015
• Refers: ASTM E177-14 - Standard Practice for Use of the Terms Precision and Bias in ASTM Test Methods
• Effective Date: 01-May-2014
• Refers: ASTM C390-08(2013) - Standard Practice for Sampling and Acceptance of Thermal Insulation Lots
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2013
• Refers: ASTM C302-13 - Standard Test Method for Density and Dimensions of Preformed Pipe-Covering-Type Thermal Insulation
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2013
• Refers: ASTM E177-13 - Standard Practice for Use of the Terms Precision and Bias in ASTM Test Methods
• Effective Date: 01-May-2013
• Refers: ASTM E691-13 - Standard Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to Determine the Precision of a Test Method
• Effective Date: 01-May-2013
• Refers: ASTM E691-11 - Standard Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to Determine the Precision of a Test Method
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2011
• Refers: ASTM E177-10 - Standard Practice for Use of the Terms Precision and Bias in ASTM Test Methods
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2010
• Refers: ASTM C303-10 - Standard Test Method for Dimensions and Density of Preformed Block and Board-Type Thermal Insulation
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2010
• Refers: ASTM C167-09 - Standard Test Methods for Thickness and Density of Blanket or Batt Thermal Insulations
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2009
• Refers: ASTM E691-08 - Standard Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to Determine the Precision of a Test Method
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2008

Overview

ASTM C1104/C1104M-19: Standard Test Method for Determining the Water Vapor Sorption of Unfaced Mineral Fiber Insulation provides a widely recognized procedure for evaluating the amount of water vapor absorbed by unfaced mineral fiber insulation materials under controlled, high-humidity conditions. This standard, published by ASTM International, supports manufacturers, specifiers, and quality control personnel in understanding the moisture resistance and long-term performance of fibrous insulation products. The test delivers critical data to assess durability, reliability, and compliance for thermal insulation products used in buildings and industrial settings.

Key Topics

• Water Vapor Sorption Testing: Establishes methods to measure how much water vapor is taken up by mineral fiber insulation exposed to high-humidity atmospheres.
• Applicability: Focused exclusively on unfaced mineral fiber materials and their binders. The method does not apply to faced or jacketed products.
• Procedure Outline:
  • Samples are dried to constant weight.
  • Exposed to a specified, high-humidity and elevated temperature environment for a set period.
  • Weight changes are measured to determine water vapor sorption by weight or by volume.
• Testing Conditions: Utilizes precise temperature and humidity controls for repeatable, reliable results, ensuring consistency across laboratories and applications.
• Definitions: Clarifies terms such as sorption, absorption, and adsorption as they relate to fibrous insulation materials.

Applications

This water vapor sorption test method is vital for several practical reasons:

• Quality Control: Manufacturers use this standard to verify the moisture resistance of their unfaced mineral fiber insulation products before market release.
• Product Development: Research and development teams rely on water vapor sorption data to design insulation materials with improved moisture performance, reducing risks of physical degradation, loss of insulation value, or microbial growth.
• Specification Compliance: Architects, engineers, and contractors require water vapor sorption test results to ensure products meet project specifications, building code requirements, and industry standards for thermal insulation performance.
• Performance Assessment: Assists building owners and facility managers in identifying suitable insulation materials for environments with challenging humidity conditions, such as industrial facilities, HVAC systems, and building envelopes.
• Comparative Testing: Provides a common basis for benchmarking insulation materials from different suppliers, promoting informed selection based on objective, standardized measures.

Related Standards

Several ASTM test methods and practices are referenced within ASTM C1104/C1104M-19 to support consistent sampling and testing, including:

• ASTM C167: Test methods for thickness and density of blanket or batt thermal insulations.
• ASTM C302: Test method for density and dimensions of preformed pipe-covering-type thermal insulation.
• ASTM C303: Test method for dimensions and density of block and board–type thermal insulation.
• ASTM C390: Practice for sampling and acceptance of thermal insulation lots.
• ASTM E177: Practice for use of the terms precision and bias in ASTM test methods.
• ASTM E691: Practice for conducting interlaboratory studies to determine the precision of test methods.

Summary

ASTM C1104/C1104M-19 plays a crucial role in the insulation industry by providing a standardized approach to evaluating water vapor sorption in mineral fiber insulation. By adhering to this standard, manufacturers and users ensure product quality, optimize material selection, and enhance the longevity and thermal efficiency of building and industrial systems. With a strong focus on test reproducibility and industry best practices, this standard remains essential for safeguarding insulation performance in high-humidity environments.

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: C1104/C1104M − 19
Standard Test Method for
Determining the Water Vapor Sorption of Unfaced Mineral
Fiber Insulation
ThisstandardisissuedunderthefixeddesignationC1104/C1104M;thenumberimmediatelyfollowingthedesignationindicatestheyear
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 C167 Test Methods for Thickness and Density of Blanket or
Batt Thermal Insulations
1.1 This test method covers the determination of the amount
C302 Test Method for Density and Dimensions of Pre-
of water vapor sorbed by mineral fiber insulation exposed to a
formed Pipe-Covering-Type Thermal Insulation
high-humidity atmosphere. This test method is applicable only
C303 Test Method for Dimensions and Density of Pre-
to fibrous base material and binder.The results obtained by this
formed Block and Board–Type Thermal Insulation
test method cannot be used in describing faced products, since
C390 Practice for Sampling and Acceptance of Thermal
the facing is not tested by using this test method.
Insulation Lots
1.2 The water vapor sorption characteristics of materials
E177 Practice for Use of the Terms Precision and Bias in
may be affected by conditions such as elevated temperatures or
ASTM Test Methods
chemical exposures. Values obtained as a result of this test
E691 Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to
method may not adequately describe the water vapor sorption
Determine the Precision of a Test Method
characteristics of materials subjected to these conditions.
3. Terminology
1.3 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units
are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in 3.1 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
3.1.1 The term sorption has been adopted for this test
each system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each
system shall be used independently of the other. Combining method,sincemineralfiberinsulationmay absorbwaterwithin
its bulk when viewed macroscopically, while it adsorbs water
values from the two systems may result in non-conformance
onto individual fibers on a microscopic scale.
with the standard.
(1) sorption—refers to the taking up and holding of matter
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the
by other matter by various processes such as absorption and
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
adsorption.
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
(2) absorption—referstothetakingupofmatterin-bulkby
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
other matter; for example, the penetration of substances into
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
the bulk of another solid or liquid.
1.5 This international standard was developed in accor-
(3) adsorption—refers to surface retention or adhesion of
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
anextremelythinlayerofmoleculestothesurfacesofsolidsor
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
liquids with which they are in contact.
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
4. Summary of Test Method
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
4.1 The insulation is dried to a constant weight and exposed
to a high-humidity atmosphere for 96 h. The amount of water
2. Referenced Documents
2 sorbed from the vapor phase is the difference in specimen
2.1 ASTM Standards:
weights, and is expressed in either weight or volume percent.
5. Significance and Use
This test method is under the jurisdiction of Committee C16 on Thermal
Insulation and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee C16.33 on Insulation
5.1 The sorption of water can result in an increase in weight
Finishes and Moisture.
and a resultant potential degradation of the properties of the
Current edition approved Sept. 1, 2019. Published September 2019. Originally
approved in 1988. Last previous edition approved in 2013 as C1104/C1104M – 13a. insulation.
DOI: 10.1520/C1104_C1104M-19.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or 6. Apparatus
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
6.1 Air-circulating oven, capable of maintaining a tempera-
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
the ASTM website. ture between 102° and 121°C [215° and 250°F].
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
C1104/C1104M − 19
6.2 Desiccator, with calcium chloride as a desiccant. minimumof10minthenweighthespecimenagain.Repeatthe
process until successive weighings agree to within 0.2 % of the
6.3 Scale, accurate to 60.1 % of specimen weight.
specimen weight obtained in the latest weighing. Record this
6.4 Environmental test chamber, capable of maintaining a
weight as the moisture-free weight.
temperature of 49 6 2°C [120 6 3°F] and a relative humidity
NOTE 1—When drying at the specified temperature has been shown to
of 95 63%.
adverselyaffecttheinsulation,thespecimenmaybedriedtomoisture-free
6.5 Steel rule, graduated in 1 mm or 0.05 in. intervals with weight in a desiccator at room temperature. However, the drying time
between successive weighings should then be extended to at least 24 h.
depth gauge as described in Test Methods C167.
8.3 Bring the specimens to a uniform temperature in an
6.6 Sealable polyethylene sample bags of a size large
oven of not less than 60°C [140°F] and then transfer to the
enough to accommodate the test specimens (for blanket, board,
environmental chamber. Either suspend the specimens or place
or pipe thermal insulations).
on a grid within the chamber in order to ensure air circulation
6.7 Non-water-sorbing, non-corrosive tray with tight-fitting
around the specimens. Protect the specimens from condensate
lid measuring at least 15 by 15 cm [6 by 6 in.] (for loose-fill
dripping from the chamber ceiling by using a slanting false
insulations).
roof immediately above the specimens.
7. Sampling and Test Specimens
8.4 Allow the specimens to remain in the environmental
chamber for 966 4 h at a temperature of 49° 6 2°C [120°6
7.1 Three specimens shall be tested, unless otherwise stated
3°F] and at a relative humidity of 95 6 3 %. Then place each
in the appropriate material specification. These are to be
specimen in its own pre-weighed sample bag, seal the bag, and
obtained from one representative package of insulation. Sam-
remove from the chamber. Allow the bag containing the
pling techniques should be in accordance with Practice C390.
specimens to cool to room temperature and weigh. Wait a
7.2 For blanket and board products, the test specimen shall
minimumof10minthenweighthespecimenagain.Repeatthe
be of a size that can be conveniently tested in the environmen-
process until successive weighings agree to within 0.2 % of the
tal chamber, but not smaller than 15 by 15 cm [6 by 6 in.] by
specimen weight obtained in the latest weighing. Subtract the
thefullsamplethickness.Forpipeinsulationproducts,usea15
bag weight from the obtained weight. Record this as the
cm [6 in.] length and as much of the circumference as can be
specimen weight after testing.
conveniently tested. For loose-fill products, the test specimen
shall consist of sufficient quantity of the material to fill a
9. Procedure B, for Loose-Fill Insulation Products
preweighed container measuring at least 15 by 15 cm [6 by 6
9.1 If it is necessary to determine volume percent, measure
in.], to a nominal depth at its nominal density.
the length and width of the pre-weighed sample trays, using a
7.3 The insulation shall be tested without facing or
steel rule. Apply the insulation at its nominal or requested
jacketing, unless otherwise agreed upon by the purchaser and
thickness and density by pouring or blowing it into the sample
supplier, or unless otherwise specified by the appropriate
tray. Measure the thickness of the specimens by means of a
material specification.
depth gauge. Calculate the volume of the specimens.
8. Procedure A, for Blanket, Board, and Pipe Insulation 9.2 Determine the moisture-free weight of each specimen in
Products the manner described in 9.2.1.
9.2.1 Weigh the sample tray containing the specimen. Place
8.1 If it is necessary to determine volume percent, measure
the specimen in an air-circulating oven at a temperature of 102
the dimensions and calculate the density of the specimens
to 121°C [215 to 250°F] for a minimum of 2 h. (See Note 1.)
using 8.1.1, 8.1.2,or 8.1.3.
Placethepre-weighedlidonthesampletray,coolthespecimen
8.1.1 For blanket products, measure the length and width of
to room temperature, and reweigh. Wait a minimum of 10 min
the specimens using a steel rule. Measure the weight of the
then weigh the specimen again. Repeat the process until
specimens. Measure the thickness of the specimens by means
successive weighings agree to within 0.2 % of the specimen
of the depth gage as stated in Test Method C167. Calculate the
weight obtained in the latest weighing. Subtract the tray weight
density of the specimens.
from the total obtained weight of the tray with lid and
8.1.2 For board products, measure the dimensions of the
specimen. Record this weight as the moisture-free weight of
specimens using the test methods stated in Test Method C303.
the specimen.
8.1.3 For pipe products, mea
...

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: C1104/C1104M − 13a C1104/C1104M − 19
Standard Test Method for
Determining the Water Vapor Sorption of Unfaced Mineral
Fiber Insulation
This standard is issued under the fixed designation C1104/C1104M; 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 test method covers the determination of the amount of water vapor sorbed by mineral fiber insulation exposed to a
high-humidity atmosphere. This test method is applicable only to fibrous base material and binder. The results obtained by this test
method cannot be used in describing faced products, since the facing is not tested by using this test method.
1.2 The water vapor sorption characteristics of materials may be affected by conditions such as elevated temperatures or
chemical exposures. Values obtained as a result of this test method may not adequately describe the water vapor sorption
characteristics of materials subjected to these conditions.
1.3 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in each
system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each system shall be used independently of the other. Combining values from the
two systems may result in non-conformance with the standard.
1.4 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 safety, health, and healthenvironmental practices and determine the
applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.5 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:
C167 Test Methods for Thickness and Density of Blanket or Batt Thermal Insulations
C302 Test Method for Density and Dimensions of Preformed Pipe-Covering-Type Thermal Insulation
C303 Test Method for Dimensions and Density of Preformed Block and Board–Type Thermal Insulation
C390 Practice for Sampling and Acceptance of Thermal Insulation Lots
E177 Practice for Use of the Terms Precision and Bias in ASTM Test Methods
E691 Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to Determine the Precision of a Test Method
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
3.1.1 The term sorption has been adopted for this test method, since mineral fiber insulation may absorb water within its bulk
when viewed macroscopically, while it adsorbs water onto individual fibers on a microscopic scale.
(1) sorption—refers to the taking up and holding of matter by other matter by various processes such as absorption and
adsorption.
(2) absorption—refers to the taking up of matter in-bulk by other matter; for example, the penetration of substances into the
bulk of another solid or liquid.
(3) adsorption—refers to surface retention or adhesion of an extremely thin layer of molecules to the surfaces of solids or
liquids with which they are in contact.
This test method is under the jurisdiction of Committee C16 on Thermal Insulation and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee C16.33 on Insulation Finishes and
Moisture.
Current edition approved Nov. 1, 2013Sept. 1, 2019. Published December 2013September 2019. Originally approved in 1988. Last previous edition approved in 2013 as
C1104/C1104M – 13.C1104/C1104M – 13a. DOI: 10.1520/C1104_C1104M-13A. 10.1520/C1104_C1104M-19.
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. United States
C1104/C1104M − 19
4. Summary of Test Method
4.1 The insulation is dried to a constant weight and exposed to a high-humidity atmosphere for 96 h. The amount of water
sorbed from the vapor phase is the difference in specimen weights, and is expressed in either weight or volume percent.
5. Significance and Use
5.1 The sorption of water can result in an increase in weight and a resultant potential degradation of the properties of the
insulation.
6. Apparatus
6.1 Air-circulating oven, capable of maintaining a temperature between 102° and 121°C [215° and 250°F].
6.2 Desiccator, with calcium chloride as a desiccant.
6.3 Scale, accurate to 60.1 % of specimen weight.
6.4 Environmental test chamber, capable of maintaining a temperature of 49 6 2°C [120 6 3°F] and a relative humidity of 95
6 3 %.
6.5 Steel rule, graduated in 1 mm or 0.05 in. intervals with depth gauge as described in Test Methods C167.
6.6 Sealable polyethylene sample bags of a size large enough to accommodate the test specimens (for blanket, board, or pipe
thermal insulations).
6.7 Non-water-sorbing, non-corrosive tray with tight-fitting lid measuring at least 15 by 15 cm [6 by 6 in.] (for loose-fill
insulations).
7. Sampling and Test Specimens
7.1 Three specimens shall be tested, unless otherwise stated in the appropriate material specification. These are to be obtained
from one representative package of insulation. Sampling techniques should be in accordance with Practice C390.
7.2 For blanket and board products, the test specimen shall be of a size that can be conveniently tested in the environmental
chamber, but not smaller than 15 by 15 cm [6 by 6 in.] by the full sample thickness. For pipe insulation products, use a 15 cm
[6 in.] length and as much of the circumference as can be conveniently tested. For loose-fill products, the test specimen shall consist
of sufficient quantity of the material to fill a preweighed container measuring at least 15 by 15 cm [6 by 6 in.], to a nominal depth
at its nominal density.
7.3 The insulation shall be tested without facing or jacketing, unless otherwise agreed upon by the purchaser and supplier, or
unless otherwise specified by the appropriate material specification.
8. Procedure A, for Blanket, Board, and Pipe Insulation Products
8.1 If it is necessary to determine volume percent, measure the dimensions and calculate the density of the specimens using
8.1.1, 8.1.2, or 8.1.3.
8.1.1 For blanket products, measure the length and width of the specimens using a steel rule. Measure the weight of the
specimens. Measure the thickness of the specimens by means of the depth gage as stated in Test Method C167. Calculate the
density of the specimens.
8.1.2 For board products, measure the dimensions of the specimens using the test methods stated in Test Method C303.
8.1.3 For pipe products, measure the dimensions of the specimens using the test methods stated in Test Method C302.
8.1.4 Calculate the volume of the specimens. If requested, the volume may be based on the nominal thickness rather than the
measured thickness, but this must be included in the report.
8.2 Determine the moisture-free weight of each specimen in the manner described in 8.2.1.
8.2.1 Weigh the specimen. Place the specimen in an air-circulating oven at a temperature of 102°102 to 121°C [215°[215 to
250°F] for a minimum of 2 h. (See Note 1.) Cool the specimen to room temperature in a desiccator and reweigh. Wait a minimum
of 10 min then weigh the specimen again. Repeat the process until successive weighings agree to within 0.2 % of the specimen
weight obtained in the latest weighing. Record this weight as the moisture-free weight.
NOTE 1—When drying at the specified temperature has been shown to adversely affect the insulation, the specimen may be dried to moisture-free
weight in a desiccator at room temperature. However, the drying time between successive weighings should then be extended to at least 24 h.
8.3 Bring the specimens to a uniform temperature in an oven of not less than 60°C [140°F] and then transfer to the
environmental chamber. Either suspend the specimens or place on a grid within the chamber in order to ensure air circulation
around the specimens. Protect the specimens from condensate dripping from the chamber ceiling by using a slanting false roof
immediately above the specimens.
8.4 Allow the specimens to remain in the environmental chamber for 966 4 h at a temperature of 49° 6 2°C [120°6 3°F] and
at a relative humidity of 95 6 3 %. Then place each specimen in its own pre-weighed sample bag, seal the bag, and remove from
C1104/C1104M − 19
the chamber. Allow the bag containing the specimens to cool to room temperature and weigh. Wait a minimum of 10 min then
weigh the specimen again. Repeat the process until successive weighings agree to within 0.2 % of the specimen weight obtained
in the latest weighing. Subtract the bag weight from the obtained weight. Record this as the specimen weight after testing.
9. Procedure B, for Loose-Fill Insulation Products
9.1 If it is necessary to determine volume percent, measure the length and width of the pre-weighed sample trays, using a steel
rule. Apply the insulation at its nominal or requested thickness and density by pouring or blowing it into the sample tray. Measure
the thickness of the specimens by means of a depth gauge.
...