ASTM C1744-19(2024)

Standard Practice for Installation and Use of Radiant Barrier Systems (RBS) in Commercial/Industrial 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 direction 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 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 commercial/industrial building construction not otherwise restricted from use. The scope is limited to instruction 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 commercial/industrial 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 When the installation or use of radiant barrier materials, accessories, and systems has the potential to pose safety or health problems, the manufacturer shall provide the user appropriate current information regarding any known problems associated with the use of the product of the company and shall also specify protective measures.  
1.8 This international standard was developed in accordance with inte...

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 C1744-19 - Standard Practice for Installation and Use of Radiant Barrier Systems (RBS) in Commercial/Industrial 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 C1744-19(2024), Standard Practice for Installation and Use of Radiant Barrier Systems (RBS) in Commercial/Industrial Building Construction, provides comprehensive guidelines for the proper installation and use of radiant barrier systems in non-residential structures. This standard, developed by ASTM International, addresses crucial safety, effectiveness, and durability concerns associated with RBS, emphasizing that proper installation is as important as the quality of materials used. Adhering to this standard helps prevent reduced thermal effectiveness, fire hazards, moisture accumulation, electrical issues, and building deterioration.

Radiant Barrier Systems (RBS) are designed to limit heat transfer by radiation within building assemblies, utilizing low-emittance surfaces such as metallic foils. These systems are particularly valuable in commercial and industrial building envelopes, contributing to improved energy efficiency and occupant comfort.

Key Topics

• Scope of Application:

  • For designers, specifiers, builders, and installers of RBS in commercial and industrial buildings.
  • Applies to building assemblies featuring surfaces with an emittance of 0.1 or less, like metallic foils and foil deposits on substrates.

• Installation Guidelines:

  • Covers steps from pre-installation inspection to post-installation procedures.
  • Outlines minimum material and installation requirements for RBS application.

• Significance of Proper Installation:

  • Stresses the importance of following manufacturer’s instructions and local building codes.
  • Highlights hazards of improper installation, such as compromised fire safety, structural damage, or reduced system efficiency.

• Safety and Inspection:

  • Pre-installation inspections to identify moisture or electrical issues that must be addressed prior to RBS installation.
  • Specifies minimum clearances for RBS around heat-producing devices, electrical wiring, and ventilation openings.

• Performance Considerations:

  • Emphasizes the need for an open airspace adjacent to at least one low-emittance surface.
  • Addresses factors like moisture, dust accumulation, and corrosive environments that can degrade RBS effectiveness.

Applications

Radiant Barrier Systems are used in a variety of commercial and industrial construction scenarios, including:

• Vented building envelope cavities: RBS retards radiant heat transfer across attic or roof airspaces, reducing unwanted heat gain or loss.
• Interior surfaces: Installed on interior walls or ceilings to reduce radiant transfer to and from occupants or HVAC systems.
• Roof assemblies: RBS can be factory-applied to roof decking or installed beneath rafters, trusses, or roof decks in wood or steel-framed buildings.
• Crawl spaces and walls: Applied to crawl space floors or basement and sidewalls to limit heat transfer in these critical areas.
• HVAC integration: RBS aids radiant heating and cooling system efficiency by minimizing radiant energy exchange.

Proper implementation of ASTM C1744-19(2024) ensures these applications improve thermal performance, support energy conservation, and enhance building durability and safety.

Related Standards

When implementing RBS per ASTM C1744-19(2024), the following standards and codes are commonly referenced:

• ASTM C1313 - Specification for Sheet Radiant Barriers for Building Construction Applications
• ASTM C168 - Terminology Relating to Thermal Insulation
• NFPA 54 - National Fuel Gas Code (concerns about clearances around heating equipment)
• NFPA 211 - Standard for Chimneys, Fireplaces, Vents
• CPSC Product Safety Fact Sheet No. 18 - Electrical safety in buildings

Installers and designers should always consult the latest manufacturer instructions, local building codes, and relevant standards to ensure compliance and optimal performance.

Keywords: radiant barrier system, commercial building insulation, ASTM C1744-19, installation of RBS, reflective insulation, energy efficiency, thermal barrier, fire safety, construction standards.

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: C1744 − 19 (Reapproved 2024)
Standard Practice for
Installation and Use of Radiant Barrier Systems (RBS) in
Commercial/Industrial Building Construction
This standard is issued under the fixed designation C1744; 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 commercial/industrial building construction
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
not otherwise restricted from use. The scope is limited to
For specific precautionary statements see Sections 5 and 7.
instruction relative to the use and installation of RBS, includ-
1.7 When the installation or use of radiant barrier
ing a surface(s) normally having an emittance of 0.1 or less,
materials, accessories, and systems has the potential to pose
such as metallic foil or metallic foil deposits, mounted on
safety or health problems, the manufacturer shall provide the
substrates. Some examples that this practice is intended to
user appropriate current information regarding any known
address include: (1) low-emittance surfaces in vented building
problems associated with the use of the product of the company
envelope cavities intended to retard radiant transfer across the
and shall also specify protective measures.
airspace: (2) low-emittance surfaces at interior building sur-
1.8 This international standard was developed in accor-
faces intended to retard radiant transfer to, or from, building
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
inhabitants; and (3) low-emittance surface at interior building
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
surfaces intended to reduce radiant transfer to, or from, radiant
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
heating or cooling systems.
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
1.2 This practice covers the installation process from pre-
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
installation inspection through the post-installation procedure.
It does not cover the production of the radiant barrier materials.
2. Referenced Documents
(See Specification C1313.)
2.1 ASTM Standards:
1.3 This practice is not intended to replace the manufactur-
C168 Terminology Relating to Thermal Insulation
er’s installation instructions but shall be used in conjunction
C1313 Specification for Sheet Radiant Barriers for Building
with such instructions. This practice is not intended to super-
Construction Applications
cede local, state, federal, or international codes.
2.2 NFPA Standards:
1.4 This practice assumes that the installer possesses a good
NFPA 54 National Fuel Gas Code
working knowledge of the applicable codes and regulations,
NFPA 211 Standard for Chimneys, Fireplaces and Vents
safety practices, tools, equipment, and methods necessary for
2.3 Other Document:
installation of radiant barrier materials. It also assumes that the
CPSC Product Safety Fact Sheet No. 18 “The Home Elec-
installer understands the fundamentals of commercial/
trical System”
industrial building construction that affect the installation of
RBS.
3. Terminology
1.5 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded 3.1 Definitions—For definitions of terms used in this
as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical
practice, refer to Terminology C168.
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 C1744 – 19. DOI: Available from U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), 4330 East
10.1520/C1744-19R24. 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
C1744 − 19 (2024)
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard: methods. The requirements in this practice shall be the mini-
3.2.1 applicator, n—person or persons who apply radiant mum material and installation requirements for RBS.
barrier materials in buildings.
5. Pre-Installation Inspection and Preparation
3.2.2 conditioned space, n—any space in a building that is
5.1 The applicator shall wear proper clothing and equipment
served by a heating or cooling system.
as specified by the manufacturer and shall follow all local,
3.2.3 girts, n—typically, 1 or 2× nominal lumber, installed
state, and federal codes and safety regulations for building
over rafters or trusses, to be used for securing both the RBS
construction sites, for example, hard hats, safety goggles
and metal decking, which is used on wall assemblies for
respiratory protection, and other safety items.
securing metal siding.
6. Safety Precautions
3.2.4 open air space, n—vented building cavity (for
example, an open-ended wall or ceiling assembly) or a large
6.1 Pre-Installation Inspections: New and Retrofit Build-
conditioned or unconditioned building space.
ings:
3.2.4.1 Discussion—A large building space is defined as one
6.1.1 Inspect the roof, wall, ceiling, and floor building
whose minimum dimension exceeds 2 ft (0.6 m).
materials, in both steel and wood structures, to identify areas in
which previous or existing moisture problems have caused
3.2.5 purlins, n—steel or wood structural members that are
paint peeling, lumber warpage, staining, rusting, corrosion,
used to support the buildings primary structural load above the
visible fungal growth, rotting, or other structural damage. Do
floor.
not install the RBS in such areas until the owner/builder has
3.2.6 radiant barrier system, RBS, n—building construction
been informed and has certified that these conditions have been
assembly consisting of a lowemittance (0.1 or less) surface
corrected and the cause of the condition repaired.
bounded by an open air space on one or both sides.
6.1.2 In areas where an RBS is to be installed, components
3.2.6.1 Discussion—Discussion—An RBS is used for the
of the electrical system shall be in good condition. When there
sole purpose of limiting heat transfer by radiation into or out of
is reason to believe the electrical system is faulty, do not install
a building assembly. An RBS is not specifically intended to
RBS in such areas until the owner/builder has been informed
reduce heat transfer by convection or conduction.
and qualified inspection and repair has been accomplished.
3.2.7 subpurlins, n—secondary steel or wood structural
NOTE 1—The CPSC Product Safety Fact Sheet No. 18 has identified the
members that are used primarily to support the roofing and
following signs of potential electrical deficiencies: lights dimming, fuses
siding of a building are often identified as “Z purlins,” “C
blowing, circuit breakers tripping frequently, electrical sparks and glowing
channel,” “I beams,” or other structural configurations based
from receptacles, lights flickering, and cover plates on switches and
outlets that are warm or hot to the touch.
on cross-sectional appearance.
6.1.3 In areas where an RBS is to be installed, the applicator
3.2.8 thermal break, n—low thermal conductivity product
shall locate and plan for installation around ventilation open-
such as wood or polystyrene used to separate two higher
ings. The applicator shall not install RBS that will obstruct or
conductivity products that are most often metal in an effort to
block existing ventilation openings, such as gable ends,
reduce heat gain or loss and prevent the potential for conden-
dormers, ridge, off ridge, soffit vents, or any others.
sation problems.
6.2 Preparations:
4. Significance and Use
6.2.1 All electrical wiring at, or near, radiant barrier mate-
rial attachment surfaces shall be either moved, or protected, to
4.1 In this practice it is recognized that effectiveness, safety,
ensure that fasteners used to install the radiant barrier material
and durability of an RBS depends not only on the quality of the
will not contact the electrical wiring system.
materials, but also on proper installation.
6.2.2 When soffit ventilation exists in wood frame
4.2 Improper installation of an RBS will reduce the thermal
construction, and new or existing ceiling insulation will be
effectiveness, cause fire risks and other unsafe conditions, and
compromised by the installation of an RBS, vent baffles shall
promote deterioration of the structure in which it is installed.
be installed at the soffits.
Improper installations include fires caused by: (1) heat buildup
in recessed lighting fixtures, (2) deterioration or failure of
7. Installation Guidelines
electrical wiring components, and (3) deterioration in wood
7.1 Material Handling:
structures and paint failure as a result of moisture accumula-
7.1.1 The radiant barrier material shall be handled in accor-
tion.
dance with the manufacturer’s instructions, shall be kept dry,
4.3 This practice provides direction for the installation of
and shall not be in contact with the ground or sources of water.
RBS products in a safe and effective manner. Actual conditions 7.1.2 The radiant barrier material shall not be placed in
in existing buildings vary greatly and care shall be taken to
contact with corrosive building materials.
ensure safe and effective installation.
7.2 Performance Considerations:
4.4 In this practice, requirements are presented that are both 7.2.1 The performance of the RBS depends on adherence to
general and specific in nature and practical. They are not manufacturer’s specifications. Manufacturer’s installation in-
intended as specific instructions unless so indicated. The user structions and all applicable building codes shall be followed.
shall consult the manufacturer for application and installation The manufacturer shall provide the product information
C1744 − 19 (2024)
sheet(s) that specify the product’s intended use(s), application transmission. High vapor permeable house wraps and perfo-
method(s), health and safety requirements, and material prop- rated products are examples.
erties per Specification C1313.
7.3.1.4 In wood or steel framed buildings (new or retreofit),
a perforated radiant barrier shall always be used when insula-
7.2.2 The performance of the RBS is dependent on the
tion is installed (warm-winter side), such as in the roof or
presence of an open airspace adjacent to at least one low-
sidewall installations (Fig. 9), in direct contact with the radiant
emittance surface.
barrier (cold-winter side). When the radiant barrier is below, or
7.2.3 The performance of the RBS will be adversely af-
next to, an unfaced insulation, in the wall or roof (warm-winter
fected by foreign materials on the low-emittance surface.
side), a nonperforated radiant barrier shall be used.
Before installation, foreign materials shall be removed using
7.3.1.5 Regardless of construction type, all radiant barrier
manufacturer’s instructions, taking care not to damage the
materials that are installed with the low-emittance material(s)
radiant barrier material.
in direct contact with other metals shall be separated by an
7.2.4 The performance of a radiant barrier will be reduced
acceptable thermal break.
by a corrosive environment.
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