ASTM C208-12(2017)e2

Standard Specification for Cellulosic Fiber Insulating Board

ABSTRACT
This specification covers the principal cellulosic fiber insulating board types, grades, and sizes. Insulating board covered by this specification consists of six types: Types I, II (Grades 1 and 2), III (Grades 1 and 2), IV (Grades 1 and 2), V, and VI. Cellulosic fiber insulating board shall be manufactured from refined or partially refined ligno-cellulosic (wood or cane) fibers, by felting or molding process, into homogeneous panels. The insulating board shall conform to the physical properties specified.
SCOPE
1.1 This specification covers the principal cellulosic fiber insulating board types, grades, and sizes. Requirements are specified for composition, construction, physical properties, tolerances, sampling procedures, and test methods.  
1.2 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.  
1.3 When the installation or use of thermal insulation materials, accessories, and systems may pose safety or health problems, the manufacturer shall provide the user appropriate current information regarding any known problems associated with the recommended use of the company's products and shall also recommend protective measures to be employed in their safe utilization. The user shall establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory requirements prior to use.  
1.4 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: Historical
• Publication Date: 31-Aug-2017
• ICS: 91.100.60 - Thermal and sound insulating materials
• Technical Committee: C16 - Thermal Insulation
• Drafting Committee: C16.22 - Organic and Nonhomogeneous Inorganic Thermal Insulations

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NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or withdrawn.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
´2
Designation:C208 −12 (Reapproved 2017)
Standard Specification for
Cellulosic Fiber Insulating Board
This standard is issued under the fixed designation C208; 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.
ε NOTE—Editorially added missing SI conversions in September 2017.
ε NOTE—Editorially corrected Table 1 in November 2019.
1. Scope C168Terminology Relating to Thermal Insulation
C209Test Methods for Cellulosic Fiber Insulating Board
1.1 This specification covers the principal cellulosic fiber
C390Practice for Sampling and Acceptance of Thermal
insulating board types, grades, and sizes. Requirements are
Insulation Lots
specified for composition, construction, physical properties,
C846Practice forApplication of Cellulosic Fiber Insulating
tolerances, sampling procedures, and test methods.
Board for Wall Sheathing
1.2 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded
D1037Test Methods for Evaluating Properties of Wood-
as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical
Base Fiber and Particle Panel Materials
conversions to SI units that are provided for information only
D1554Terminology Relating to Wood-Base Fiber and Par-
and are not considered standard.
ticle Panel Materials
1.3 When the installation or use of thermal insulation
D2164Methods of Testing Structural Insulating Roof Deck
materials, accessories, and systems may pose safety or health (Withdrawn 2005)
problems, the manufacturer shall provide the user appropriate
E72Test Methods of Conducting Strength Tests of Panels
current information regarding any known problems associated for Building Construction
withtherecommendeduseofthecompany’sproductsandshall
2.2 Federal Standard:
also recommend protective measures to be employed in their
4900.1Rev-1 U.S. Dept. of Housing and Urban Develop-
safe utilization. The user shall establish appropriate safety and
ment Minimum Property Standards, One and Two Family
health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory 4
Dwellings
requirements prior to use.
1.4 This international standard was developed in accor-
3. Terminology
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
3.1 For definitions of terms used in this specification, see
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Terminology C168 and Definitions D1554.
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
3.2.1 cellulosic fiber insulating board—a fibrous-felted, ho-
mogeneous panel made from ligno-cellulosic fibers (usually
2. Referenced Documents
3 3
wood) and having a density of less than 31 lb/ft (497 kg/m )
2 3 3
2.1 ASTM Standards:
but more than 10 lb/ft (160 kg/m ).
C165TestMethodforMeasuringCompressivePropertiesof
3.2.1.1 Discussion—Cellulosic fiber insulating board is
Thermal Insulations
characterized by an integral bond which is produced by
interfelting of the fibers, but which has not been consolidated
under heat and pressure as a separate stage in manufacture.
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee C16 on
Other materials may be added during manufacture to improve
Thermal Insulation and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee C16.22 on
certain properties.
Organic and Nonhomogeneous Inorganic Thermal Insulations.
Current edition approved Sept. 1, 2017. Published December 2017. Originally
approved in 1946. Last previous edition approved in 2012 as C208–12. DOI:
10.1520/C0208-12R17E02.
2 3
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or The last approved version of this historical standard is referenced on
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM www.astm.org.
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on Available from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development,
the ASTM website. Construction Standards Division, HUD Building, Washington, DC 20410.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
´2
C208−12 (2017)
TABLE 1 Physical Property Requirements for Cellulosic Fiber Insulating Board
Sound Deadening Roof Insulation Board
Board
Grade 1 Grade 2
Physical
⁄2 in.
7 1 1
⁄16 in. ⁄2 in. 1in. 2in. ⁄2 in. 1in. 2in.
Requirements
(13 mm)
(11 mm) (13 mm) (25 mm) (51 mm) (13 mm) (25 mm) (51 mm)
thick
thick thick thick thick thick thick thick
Thermal conductivity (k), max, 0.38 0.38 0.38 0.38 0.38 0.50 0.40 0.40
Btu· in./h· ft ·°F (W/m·K) at mean (0.055) (0.055) (0.055) (0.055) (0.055) (0.072) (0.058) (0.058)
temperature of 75± 5°F (24 ± 3°C)
Transverse strength either direction, 12 7 7 14 28 12 24 36
min, lbf (N) (53.4) (31.1) (31.1) (62.3) (124.6) (53.4) (107) (160)
Tensile strength parallel to surface, min, 150 50 50 50 . 150 150 .
B
lbf/in. (kPa) (1034) (345) (345) (345) (1034) (1034)
Tensile strength perpendicular to 600 500 500 500 500 600 600 600
surface, min, lbf/ft (kPa) (28.7) (23.9) (23.9) (23.9) (23.9) (28.7) (28.7) (28.7)
Water absorption by volume, max,% 7 10 10 10 10 7 7 7
Linear expansion, 50–90 % RH, max,% 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5
Flame Spread Index, finish surface, . . . . . . . .
max
Vapor permeance, grains/h·ft ·in. Hg 5 . . . . . . .
pressure differential, (mg/s·m ·kPa) min (0.287)
Modulus of rupture, min, lbf/in. (kPa) 240 140 140 80 40 275 140 70
(1655) (965) (965) (552) (276) (1896) (965) (483)
Deflection at specified min load, max, 0.85 1.25 1.25 0.62 0.31 0.75 0.42 0.21
in. (mm) (22) (32) (32) (16) (8) (19) (11) (5)
2 3
Modulus of Elasticity, min, lbf/in. ×10 . . . . . . . .
F
(mPa)
F
Deflection Span Ratio, max . . . . . . . .
Moisture content by weight, max,% 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10
G
Racking Load , min plf (N/m) . . . . . . . .
H 2
Compressive Strength , min, lbf/in. . 14.5 14.5 14.5 14.5 15 15 15
(kPa) (100) (100) (100) (100) (105) (105) (105)
4. Classification 5. Materials and Manufacture
4.1 Insulatingboardcoveredbythisspecificationconsistsof
5.1 Cellulosic fiber insulating board shall be manufactured
six types:
fromrefinedorpartiallyrefinedligno-cellulosic(usuallywood)
4.1.1 Type I—Sound deadening board, for use in wall
fibers, by a felting or molding process, into homogeneous
assemblies to control sound transmissions.
panels. Other ingredients may be added to provide or improve
4.1.2 Type II—Roof insulation board, for use in various
certain properties such as strength and water resistance, in
roofing systems.
addition to surface finishes for decorative products and special
4.1.2.1 Grade 1—Primarily for use under built-up, and
coatings which impart resistance to flame spread. The material
modified bitumen roof systems.
is subjected to such drying temperatures as to effect complete
4.1.2.2 Grade 2—Primarily for use under single-ply, built-
destruction of rot producing fungi.
up, and modified bitumen roofing systems.
5.2 The finished board may be either single or multiple ply.
4.1.3 Type III—Ceiling tiles and panels.
When multiple-ply boards are supplied, a suitable moisture-
4.1.3.1 Grade 1—Nonacoustical, for use as decorative wall
resistant adhesive shall be used to join the plies.
and ceiling coverings.
4.1.3.2 Grade 2—Acoustical, for use as decorative, sound
6. Physical Properties
absorbing wall and ceiling coverings.
4.1.4 Type IV—Wall Sheathing. 6.1 The insulating board shall conform to the physical
4.1.4.1 Grade 1—Regular, for use as wall sheathing in properties in Table 1.
frame construction.
1 1
6.2 Roof products with a thickness of 1 in., 1 ⁄2 in., 2 ⁄2 in.
4.1.4.2 Grade 2—Structural, for use as wall sheathing in
(25 mm, 38 mm, 64 mm), or greater, are post-laminated using
frameconstruction.WheninstalledinaccordancewithPractice
thinner board stock whose properties are covered in Table 1.
C846, structural wall sheathing provides adequate racking
When laminated, tests shall be performed on the thin board
resistance for use as exterior wall bracing.
stock.
4.1.5 Type V—Backer board, for use behind exterior finish
in wall assemblies where there are no structural requirements.
7. Dimensions, Mass, and Permissible Variations
4.1.6 Type VI—Roof deck, for use as roof decking for flat,
7.1 The materials covered by this specification are available
pitched, or shed-type, open-beamed, ceiling-roof construction.
in the sizes shown in Table 2.
4.2 On occasion these products are used for other applica-
tions.Themanufacturerandthepurchasershallagreeuponany 7.2 Length and Width Tolerances—Unless otherwise
special requirements for such end uses. specified, the tolerance for length and width of any size panel
´2
C208−12 (2017)
TABLE 1 Physical Property Requirements for Cellulosic Fiber Insulating Board (continued)
Ceiling Tiles and Panels (Both Roof Deck
Wall Sheathing
A 1
Grades) Backer Board 1 ⁄2 i
...

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.
´2 ´2
Designation: C208 − 12 (Reapproved 2017) C208 − 12 (Reapproved 2017)
Standard Specification for
Cellulosic Fiber Insulating Board
This standard is issued under the fixed designation C208; 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.
ε NOTE—Editorially added missing SI conversions in September 2017.
ε NOTE—Editorially corrected Table 1 in November 2019.
1. Scope
1.1 This specification covers the principal cellulosic fiber insulating board types, grades, and sizes. Requirements are specified
for composition, construction, physical properties, tolerances, sampling procedures, and test methods.
1.2 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.
1.3 When the installation or use of thermal insulation materials, accessories, and systems may pose safety or health problems,
the manufacturer shall provide the user appropriate current information regarding any known problems associated with the
recommended use of the company’s products and shall also recommend protective measures to be employed in their safe
utilization. The user shall establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory
requirements prior to use.
1.4 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:
C165 Test Method for Measuring Compressive Properties of Thermal Insulations
C168 Terminology Relating to Thermal Insulation
C209 Test Methods for Cellulosic Fiber Insulating Board
C390 Practice for Sampling and Acceptance of Thermal Insulation Lots
C846 Practice for Application of Cellulosic Fiber Insulating Board for Wall Sheathing
D1037 Test Methods for Evaluating Properties of Wood-Base Fiber and Particle Panel Materials
D1554 Terminology Relating to Wood-Base Fiber and Particle Panel Materials
D2164 Methods of Testing Structural Insulating Roof Deck (Withdrawn 2005)
E72 Test Methods of Conducting Strength Tests of Panels for Building Construction
2.2 Federal Standard:
4900.1 Rev-1 U.S. Dept. of Housing and Urban Development Minimum Property Standards, One and Two Family Dwellings
3. Terminology
3.1 For definitions of terms used in this specification, see Terminology C168 and Definitions D1554.
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
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 Sept. 1, 2017. Published December 2017. Originally approved in 1946 . Last previous edition approved in 2012 as C208 – 12. DOI:
10.1520/C0208-12R17E01.10.1520/C0208-12R17E02.
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.
The last approved version of this historical standard is referenced on www.astm.org.
Available from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Construction Standards Division, HUD Building, Washington, DC 20410.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
´2
C208 − 12 (2017)
TABLE 1 Physical Property Requirements for Cellulosic Fiber Insulating Board
Sound Deadening Roof Insulation Board
Board
Grade 1 Grade 2
Physical
⁄2 in.
7 1 1
⁄16 in. ⁄2 in. 1 in. 2 in. ⁄2 in. 1 in. 2 in.
Requirements
(13 mm)
(11 mm) (13 mm) (25 mm) (51 mm) (13 mm) (25 mm) (51 mm)
thick
thick thick thick thick thick thick thick
Thermal conductivity (k), max, 0.38 0.38 0.38 0.38 0.38 0.50 0.40 0.40
Btu· in./h· ft ·°F (W/m·K) at mean (0.055) (0.055) (0.055) (0.055) (0.055) (0.072) (0.058) (0.058)
temperature of 75± 5°F (24 ± 3°C)
Transverse strength either direction, 12 7 7 14 28 12 24 36
min, lbf (N) (53.4) (31.1) (31.1) (62.3) (124.6) (53.4) (107) (160)
Tensile strength parallel to surface, min, 150 50 50 50 . 150 150 .
B
lbf/in. (kPa) (1034) (345) (345) (345) (1034) (1034)
Tensile strength perpendicular to 600 500 500 500 500 600 600 600
surface, min, lbf/ft (kPa) (28.7) (23.9) (23.9) (23.9) (23.9) (28.7) (28.7) (28.7)
Water absorption by volume, max,% 7 10 10 10 10 7 7 7
Linear expansion, 50–90 % RH, max,% 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5
Flame Spread Index, finish surface, . . . . . . . .
max
Vapor permeance, grains/h·ft ·in. Hg 5 . . . . . . .
pressure differential, (mg/s·m ·kPa) min (0.287)
Modulus of rupture, min, lbf/in. (kPa) 240 140 140 80 40 275 140 70
(1655) (965) (965) (552) (276) (1896) (965) (483)
Deflection at specified min load, max, 0.85 1.25 1.25 0.62 0.31 0.75 0.42 0.21
in. (mm) (22) (32) (32) (16) (8) (19) (11) (5)
2 3
Modulus of Elasticity, min, lbf/in. × 10 . . . . . . . .
F
(mPa)
F
Deflection Span Ratio, max . . . . . . . .
Moisture content by weight, max,% 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10
G
Racking Load , min plf (N/m) . . . . . . . .
H 2
Compressive Strength , min, lbf/in. . 14.5 14.5 14.5 14.5 15 15 15
(kPa) (100) (100) (100) (100) (105) (105) (105)
3.2.1 cellulosic fiber insulating board—a fibrous-felted, homogeneous panel made from ligno-cellulosic fibers (usually wood)
3 3 3 3
and having a density of less than 31 lb/ft (497 kg/m ) but more than 10 lb/ft (160 kg/m ).
3.2.1.1 Discussion—
Cellulosic fiber insulating board is characterized by an integral bond which is produced by interfelting of the fibers, but which has
not been consolidated under heat and pressure as a separate stage in manufacture. Other materials may be added during
manufacture to improve certain properties.
4. Classification
4.1 Insulating board covered by this specification consists of six types:
4.1.1 Type I—Sound deadening board, for use in wall assemblies to control sound transmissions.
4.1.2 Type II—Roof insulation board, for use in various roofing systems.
4.1.2.1 Grade 1—Primarily for use under built-up, and modified bitumen roof systems.
4.1.2.2 Grade 2—Primarily for use under single-ply, built-up, and modified bitumen roofing systems.
4.1.3 Type III—Ceiling tiles and panels.
4.1.3.1 Grade 1—Nonacoustical, for use as decorative wall and ceiling coverings.
4.1.3.2 Grade 2—Acoustical, for use as decorative, sound absorbing wall and ceiling coverings.
4.1.4 Type IV—Wall Sheathing.
4.1.4.1 Grade 1—Regular, for use as wall sheathing in frame construction.
4.1.4.2 Grade 2—Structural, for use as wall sheathing in frame construction. When installed in accordance with Practice C846,
structural wall sheathing provides adequate racking resistance for use as exterior wall bracing.
4.1.5 Type V—Backer board, for use behind exterior finish in wall assemblies where there are no structural requirements.
4.1.6 Type VI—Roof deck, for use as roof decking for flat, pitched, or shed-type, open-beamed, ceiling-roof construction.
4.2 On occasion these products are used for other applications. The manufacturer and the purchaser shall agree upon any special
requirements for such end uses.
5. Materials and Manufacture
5.1 Cellulosic fiber insulating board shall be manufactured from refined or partially refined ligno-cellulosic (usually wood)
fibers, by a felting or molding process, into homogeneous panels. Other ingredients may be added to provide or improve certain
´2
C208 − 12 (2017)
properties such as strength and water resistance, in addition to surface finishes for decorative products and special coatings which
impart resistance to flame spread. The material is subjected to such drying temperatures as to effect complete destruction of rot
producing fungi.
5.2 The finished board may be either single or multiple ply. When multiple-ply boards are supplied, a suitable moisture-resistant
adhesive shall be used to join the plies.
6. Physical Properties
6.1 The insulating board shall conform to the physical properties in Table 1.
1 1
6.2 Roof products with a thickness of 1 in., 1 ⁄2 in., 2 ⁄2 in. (25 mm, 38 mm, 64 mm), or greater, are post-laminated using thinner
board stock whose properties are covered in Table 1. When laminated, tests shall be performed on the thin board stock.
7. Dimensions, Mass, and Permissible Variations
7.1 The materials covered by this specification are available in the sizes shown in Table 2.
TABLE 1 Physical Property Requirements for Cellulosic Fiber Insulating Board (continued)
Ceiling Tiles and Panels (Both Roof Deck
Wall Sheathing
A
Grades) Backer Board 1 ⁄2 in.
⁄2 in. 7
⁄16 in. (38 mm)
Regular Structural
(13 mm)
Physical (11 mm) 2 in.
⁄16 in.
...