ASTM C167-22

Standard Test Methods for Thickness and Density of Blanket or Batt Thermal Insulations

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 Proper measurements of thickness and density of blanket or batt insulations are essential for determining thermal insulation properties. For a particular batt or blanket product, thickness and density are usually directly related to thermal insulating value.  
4.2 These test methods are of significant value in manufacturing quality control, to ensure that claimed insulation values of products are maintained.
SCOPE
1.1 These test methods cover the determination of thickness and density of flexible, felted, or woven thermal insulating blankets, rolls, or batts composed of fibrous materials, with or without surface covering or reinforcement.  
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 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.  
1.4 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: Published
• Publication Date: 31-Oct-2022
• ICS: 91.100.60 - Thermal and sound insulating materials
• Technical Committee: C16 - Thermal Insulation
• Drafting Committee: C16.32 - Mechanical Properties

Relations

• Refers: ASTM C168-24 - Standard Terminology Relating to Thermal Insulation
• Effective Date: 15-Apr-2024
• Refers: ASTM C168-18 - Standard Terminology Relating to Thermal Insulation
• Effective Date: 15-Apr-2018
• Refers: ASTM E2935-17 - Standard Practice for Conducting Equivalence Testing in Laboratory Applications
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2017
• Refers: ASTM C168-17 - Standard Terminology Relating to Thermal Insulation
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2017
• Refers: ASTM E2935-16 - Standard Practice for Conducting Equivalence Testing in Laboratory Applications
• Effective Date: 15-Nov-2016
• Refers: ASTM C168-15a - Standard Terminology Relating to Thermal Insulation
• Effective Date: 15-Oct-2015
• Refers: ASTM E2935-15 - Standard Practice for Conducting Equivalence Testing in Laboratory Applications
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2015
• Refers: ASTM C168-15 - Standard Terminology Relating to Thermal Insulation
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2015
• Refers: ASTM E2935-14 - Standard Practice for Conducting Equivalence Testing in Laboratory Applications
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2014
• Refers: ASTM E2935-13 - Standard Practice for Conducting Equivalence Testing in Laboratory Applications
• Effective Date: 01-Aug-2013
• Refers: ASTM C168-13 - Standard Terminology Relating to Thermal Insulation
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2013
• Refers: ASTM C168-10 - Standard Terminology Relating to Thermal Insulation
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2010
• Refers: ASTM C168-08b - Standard Terminology Relating to Thermal Insulation
• Effective Date: 15-Dec-2008
• Refers: ASTM C168-08a - Standard Terminology Relating to Thermal Insulation
• Effective Date: 01-Sep-2008
• Refers: ASTM C168-08 - Standard Terminology Relating to Thermal Insulation
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2008

Overview

ASTM C167-22: Standard Test Methods for Thickness and Density of Blanket or Batt Thermal Insulations establishes the accepted procedures for measuring the thickness and density of fibrous thermal insulation materials supplied as flexible blankets, rolls, or batts, with or without surface facing or reinforcement. Accurate thickness and density measurements of these insulation products are critical for reliably determining their thermal performance and for verifying that manufactured materials meet specified requirements. These test methods support quality control, offering a systematic approach to ensure that product claims concerning R-values and thermal efficiency are upheld throughout production.

Key Topics

• Measurement of Thickness and Density:
  The standard details practical methods for measuring the thickness and density of flexible, felted, or woven insulating blankets or batts. It emphasizes using calibrated depth gauges, steel rules, and proper sample preparation to achieve accurate and repeatable results.

• Sampling Procedures:
  Guidelines for representative sampling from insulation packages and rolls are provided, ensuring that test results accurately reflect the properties of the full production lot. Sampling techniques vary depending on the packaging and quantity of batts or the sizing of cut rolls.

• Test Equipment and Procedures:
  Recommended apparatus includes a specific depth gauge and precision weighing scales. The test methods outline how to prepare samples, measure their dimensions and weigh them to achieve reliable, reproducible data.

• Data Calculation and Reporting:
  The standard specifies formulas for calculating area weight and density based on the measured and weighed samples. It also outlines reporting requirements, including details such as exerted pressure during thickness measurements, statistical averages, and potential variance.

• Significance for Quality Control:
  The procedures enable manufacturers to demonstrate compliance with product specifications and maintain quality assurance within their production processes.

Applications

The test methods described in ASTM C167-22 are essential across a range of sectors where thermal insulation materials are used:

• Manufacturing Quality Control:
  Manufacturers of batt and blanket insulations regularly use this standard to verify that their products consistently meet declared thickness, density, and thermal performance specifications. This is critical for upholding product certifications and compliance with building codes.

• Product Development and Certification:
  Engineers and materials researchers utilize these standardized methods during product design, development, and third-party testing to ensure new or improved insulation materials meet required performance metrics.

• Building and Construction Audits:
  Construction professionals, building inspectors, and quality auditors use these test methods for onsite verification of insulation products, supporting energy efficiency claims and compliance with regulated standards.

• Regulatory Compliance:
  The standard helps align with national and international requirements, providing a recognized basis for claims verification and dispute resolution concerning insulation product attributes.

Related Standards

• ASTM C168: Terminology Relating to Thermal Insulation - Provides definitions and clarifies language used in the context of thermal insulation materials.
• ASTM E2935: Practice for Evaluating Equivalence of Two Testing Processes - Describes protocols for confirming the equivalency of alternative test methods or equipment.
• Building Code References: ASTM C167-22 methods are frequently cited within various building codes and energy efficiency standards, underlining their importance in compliance and quality assurance.

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Keywords: ASTM C167-22, thermal insulation, blanket batt insulation, insulation thickness measurement, insulation density, quality control, building materials testing, fibrous insulation, insulation standards, insulation product compliance

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: C167 − 22
Standard Test Methods for
Thickness and Density of Blanket or Batt Thermal
Insulations
This standard is issued under the fixed designation C167; 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.
1. Scope 3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
3.2.1 package—an individually wrapped group or bag of
1.1 These test methods cover the determination of thickness
batts or a single roll of thermal insulation material.
and density of flexible, felted, or woven thermal insulating
blankets, rolls, or batts composed of fibrous materials, with or
4. Significance and Use
without surface covering or reinforcement.
4.1 Proper measurements of thickness and density of blan-
1.2 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded
ket or batt insulations are essential for determining thermal
as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical
insulation properties. For a particular batt or blanket product,
conversions to SI units that are provided for information only
thickness and density are usually directly related to thermal
and are not considered standard.
insulating value.
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the
4.2 These test methods are of significant value in manufac-
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
turing quality control, to ensure that claimed insulation values
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
of products are maintained.
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
5. Apparatus
1.4 This international standard was developed in accor-
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
5.1 Depth Gauge,ofthetypeshowninFig.1.Thediskshall
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
be fabricated of a suitable plastic material. The disk shall have
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
a mass of 9.3 6 0.3 grams and shall exert a pressure of 0.4
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
lbf/ft (20 Pa). The disk shall be 3-in. 6 0.08-in. (76 mm 6
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
2mm) in diameter. The disk shall be perpendicular to the pin at
all times and shall have a friction device or thumb grip to
2. Referenced Documents
secure the pin unless purposely moved. The pin shall be made
at a maximum ⁄8-in. (3 mm) diameter. The pin shall be of
2.1 ASTM Standards:
sufficient length for the material to be measured.
C168 Terminology Relating to Thermal Insulation
E2935 Practice for Evaluating Equivalence of Two Testing
5.2 Steel rule, graduated in 0.05-in. or 1-mm intervals.
Processes
5.3 Scales, of sufficient capacity and sensitivity to weigh the
test specimen to an accuracy of 60.5 %.
3. Terminology
5.4 An alternative thickness measurement technique is con-
3.1 Definitions—Terminology C168 shall be considered as
sidered acceptable if the alternative method and depth gauge
applicable to the terms used in these test methods.
presented in 5.1 meet the means equivalency analysis as
directed in Section 7 of Practice E2935. The equivalence limit
of 0.2 in., a confidence level of 95 %, and minimum sample
These test methods are under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee C16 on
size of 50 shall be used in the equivalency analysis. The
Thermal Insulation and are the direct responsibility of Subcommittee C16.32 on
Mechanical Properties.
equivalence analysis must cover the range of thickness for
Current edition approved Nov. 1, 2022. Published December 2022. Originally
which it will be used.
approved in 1941. Last previous edition approved in 2018 as C167 – 18. DOI:
10.1520/C0167-22.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or 6. Sampling
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
6.1 A test sample shall consist of one representative roll or
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
the ASTM website. package of insulation.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
C167 − 22
FIG. 1 Depth Gauge for Thickness Measurements
6.2 Sampling of Packages—For packages which contain 20 6.3.2 For blankets wider than 24 in., cut each of the five
or more batts, five batts shall be selected. For packages which batts 24 6 0.25 in. (61 6 0.63 cm) wide by 48 6 0.25 in. (122
contain less than 20 batts, either the three-batt or five-batt 6 0.63 cm) long.
selection technique may be used. Batts which are folded in half
6.4 Sampling for Full Roll Method—Subsection 7.6 is
shall count as two batts for purposes of choosing and employ-
acceptable to use in place of 6.3 when the roll is wider than 24
ing the selection method.
in. (61 cm) or longer than 50 ft (16.4 m).
6.2.1 Three-Batt Method—Select the center batt and the
second batt in from each end of the package.
7. Procedure
6.2.2 Five-Batt Method—Divide the package sequentially
7.1 Expansion of Packages and Cut Roll—Hold the first batt
into five groups of batts as equal in number as possible. Select
vertically off the floor by grasping it with both hands on its
the first batt from each group. Be careful to select one and only
long dimension so that the lower edge is 18 6 1 in. (460 6 25
one batt from the two end batts within the package.
mm) above a solid horizontal surface. Release the batt,
6.2.3 Cut batts which are longer than 48 in. to 48 6 0.25 in.
allowing it to strike the surface. Repeat the above for a second
(122 6 0.63 cm) in length.
time. Next, holding the batt by the other long edge, drop twice
6.3 Sampling of Cut Rolls—Five batts shall be cut of as above. Place the specimen on the flat, hard surface. Repeat
roll-width by 48 6 0.25 in. (122 6 0.63 cm) in length. the above for the remaining four specimens. Allow specimens
6.3.1 Cut one batt from the center of the roll, two batts from to reach equilibrium by waiting at least 5 min before making
the ends of the roll, and the fourth and fifth from the quarter thickness measurements within 1 in. (25 mm) in any direction
points along the length. See Fig. 2. of five points as indicated in Fig. 3.
FIG. 2 Sampling of Cut Rolls
C167 − 22
FIG. 3 Thickness Measurement Locations
NOTE 1—If 23-in. (580-mm) wide samples are tested, use a quarter or
reading at the pointed end of the pin to the nearest 0.05 in. (1
half of that dimension to establish the test points.
mm). Repeat the above for each of the remaining measuring
NOTE 2—Some materials may require4hor more to reach equilibrium.
points as shown in Fig. 3.
7.2 Expansion of Full Roll—Unroll the insulation. Flip the
7.4 Measurement of Full Roll—Record the roll length to the
test roll over its entire length so the bottom surface is now on
nearest 1 in. (2.54) cm. Take measurements on each side of the
top. Next grasp one end and pull the material over itself until
roll. If the roll has been cut in half, take a third roll length
the original surface is again facing up. If there is insufficient
measurement along the midpoint of the roll width. Record roll
room to pull the material over itself (less than twice the
width at three locations to the nearest 0.125 in. (0.32 cm).
unrolled length), the material may be repositioned by sliding
Width measurements will be taken 10 ft (3.05 m) from each
the partially pulled roll to the end of the testing space, and
end, and in the middle of the roll length. Using a pin gauge,
continue to pull the material over itself.
recordthicknesstothenearest0.05in.(1mm)asshowninFig.
NOTE 3—Use 7.1 if sampling procedure in 6.3 is used.
4. Refer to Section 7.3 for use of pin gauge.Two 15 ft (4.57 m)
7.3 Measurement of Packages and Cut Roll—Insert the pin
long sections shall be measured. These sections shall be 10
of the thickness gauge vertically into the material at the first
(3.05 m) in from each end. A total of twenty thickness
measuring point with a twisting motion until it contacts the
measurements will be taken for each roll.
hard surface beneath. Lower the disk until it lightly and
NOTE 4—Use 7.4 if sampling procedure in 6.4 is used.
uniformlycontactsthespecimen.Analternativeprocedureisto
use a disk whose mass exerts a specified pressure of at least 0.4 7.5 Determination of Batt Weight—Determine the weight of
lbf/ft (20 Pa) on the specimen. With the gauge disk locked each batt including the facer, if applicable, to a minimum
against the pin, lift the gauge unit from the test specimen. precision of 0.5 g.
While holding the gauge in locked position, place the disk 7.5.1 For batts received with a facer, determine the weight
against the zero end of the rule with the pin projecting along of the facer from a minimum of one additional batt not used in
the calibrated surface of the rule. Observe and record the the sample selection. Determine the weight of the facer by
C167 − 22
FIG. 4 Thickness Measurement Locations – Full Roll
carefully removing the facer with a sharp knife or similar tool. Density of insulation ~without facings! at specified thickness, lb/ft
Ensure that all fibrous material is removed from the facer
or kg/m 5 w / L 3W 3specified
...

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: C167 − 18 C167 − 22
Standard Test Methods for
Thickness and Density of Blanket or Batt Thermal
Insulations
This standard is issued under the fixed designation C167; 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.
1. Scope
1.1 These test methods cover the determination of thickness and density of flexible, felted, or woven thermal insulating blankets,
rolls, or batts composed of fibrous materials, with or without surface covering or reinforcement.
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 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.
1.4 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:
C168 Terminology Relating to Thermal Insulation
E2935 Practice for Evaluating Equivalence of Two Testing Processes
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions—Terminology C168 shall be considered as applicable to the terms used in these test methods.
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
3.2.1 package—an individually wrapped group or bag of batts or a single roll of thermal insulation material.
4. Significance and Use
4.1 Proper measurements of thickness and density of blanket or batt insulations are essential for determining thermal insulation
properties. For a particular batt or blanket product, thickness and density are usually directly related to thermal insulating value.
These test methods are under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee C16 on Thermal Insulation and are the direct responsibility of Subcommittee C16.32 on Mechanical
Properties.
Current edition approved Nov. 1, 2018Nov. 1, 2022. Published November 2018December 2022. Originally approved in 1941. Last previous edition approved in 20152018
as C167 – 15.C167 – 18. DOI: 10.1520/C0167-18.10.1520/C0167-22.
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
C167 − 22
4.2 These test methods are of significant value in manufacturing quality control, to ensure that claimed insulation values of
products are maintained.
5. Apparatus
5.1 Depth Gauge, of the type shown in Fig. 1. The disk shall be fabricated of a suitable plastic material. The disk shall have a
mass of 9.3 6 0.3 grams and shall exert a pressure of 0.4 lbf/ft (20 Pa). The disk shall be 3-in. 6 0.08-in. (76 mm 6 2mm) in
diameter. The disk shall be perpendicular to the pin at all times and shall have a friction device or thumb grip to secure the pin
unless purposely moved. The pin shall be made at a maximum ⁄8-in. (3 mm) diameter. The pin shall be of sufficient length for
the material to be measured.
5.2 Steel rule, graduated in 0.05-in. or 1-mm intervals.
5.3 Scales, of sufficient capacity and sensitivity to weigh the test specimen to an accuracy of 60.5 %.
5.4 An alternative thickness measurement technique is considered acceptable if the alternative method and depth gauge presented
in 5.1 meet the means equivalency analysis as directed in Section 7 of Practice E2935. The equivalence limit of 0.2 in., a
confidence level of 95 %, and minimum sample size of 50 shall be used in the equivalency analysis. The equivalence analysis must
cover the range of thickness for which it will be used.
6. Sampling
6.1 A test sample shall consist of one representative roll or package of insulation.
6.2 Sampling of Packages—For packages which contain 20 or more batts, five batts shall be selected. For packages which contain
less than 20 batts, either the three-batt or five-batt selection technique may be used. Batts which are folded in half shall count as
two batts for purposes of choosing and employing the selection method.
6.2.1 Three-Batt Method—Select the center batt and the second batt in from each end of the package.
FIG. 1 Depth Gauge for Thickness Measurements
C167 − 22
6.2.2 Five-Batt Method—Divide the package sequentially into five groups of batts as equal in number as possible. Select the first
batt from each group. Be careful to select one and only one batt from the two end batts within the package.
6.2.3 Cut batts which are longer than 48 in. to 48 6 0.25 in. (122 6 0.63 cm) in length.
6.3 Sampling of Cut Rolls—Five batts shall be cut of roll-width by 48 6 0.25 in. (122 6 0.63 cm) in length.
6.3.1 Cut one batt from the center of the roll, two batts from the ends of the roll, and the fourth and fifth from the quarter points
along the length. See Fig. 2.
6.3.2 For blankets wider than 24 in., cut each of the five batts 24 6 0.25 in. (61 6 0.63 cm) wide by 48 6 0.25 in. (122 6 0.63
cm) long.
6.4 Sampling for Full Roll Method—This methodSubsection 7.6 can be used is acceptable to use in place of 6.3 when the roll is
wider than 24 in. (61 cm) or longer than 50 ft (16.4 m). Prior to unrolling the material, weigh the entire roll to the nearest 0.25
pound (0.11 kg). Two methods may be used to obtain the full roll weight. The first method removes the insulation product from
the packaging prior to weighing. The material will expand and may unroll slightly, care must be taken to ensure that the full roll
is weighed accurately. The second method weighs the packaged insulation product, then weighs the packaging material only. The
packaging material weight is subtracted from packaged product weight to obtain net material weight.
7. Procedure
7.1 Expansion of Packages and Cut Roll—Hold the first batt vertically off the floor by grasping it with both hands on its long
dimension so that the lower edge is 18 6 1 in. (460 6 25 mm) above a solid horizontal surface. Release the batt, allowing it to
strike the surface. Repeat the above for a second time. Next, holding the batt by the other long edge, drop twice as above. Place
the specimen on the flat, hard surface. Repeat the above for the remaining four specimens. Allow specimens to reach equilibrium
by waiting at least 5 min before making thickness measurements within 1 in. (25 mm) in any direction of five points as indicated
in Fig. 3.
NOTE 1—If 23-in. (580-mm) wide samples are tested, use a quarter or half of that dimension to establish the test points.
NOTE 2—Some materials may require 4 h or more to reach equilibrium.
7.2 Expansion of Full Roll—Unroll the insulation. Flip the test roll over its entire length so the bottom surface is now on top. Next
grasp one end and pull the material over itself until the original surface is again facing up. If there is insufficient room to pull the
material over itself (less than twice the unrolled length), the material may be repositioned by sliding the partially pulled roll to the
end of the testing space, and continue to pull the material over itself.
NOTE 3—Use 7.1 if sampling procedure in 6.3 is used.
7.3 Measurement of Packages and Cut Roll—Insert the pin of the thickness gauge vertically into the material at the first measuring
point with a twisting motion until it contacts the hard surface beneath. Lower the disk until it lightly and uniformly contacts the
specimen. An alternative procedure is to use a disk whose mass exerts a specified pressure of at least 0.4 lbf/ft (20 Pa) on the
specimen. With the gauge disk locked against the pin, lift the gauge unit from the test specimen. While holding the gauge in locked
FIG. 2 Sampling of Cut Rolls
C167 − 22
FIG. 3 Thickness Measurement Locations
position, place the disk against the zero end of the rule with the pin projecting along the calibrated surface of the rule. Observe
and record the reading at the pointed end of the pin to the nearest 0.05 in. (1 mm). Repeat the above for each of the remaining
measuring points as shown in Fig. 3.
7.4 Measurement of Full Roll—Record the roll length to the nearest 1 in. (2.54) cm. Take measurements on each side of the roll.
If the roll has been cut in half, take a third roll length measurement along the midpoint of the roll width. Record roll width at three
locations to the nearest 0.125 in. (0.32 cm). Width measurements will be taken 10 ft (3.05 m) from each end, and in the middle
of the roll length. Using a pin gauge, record thickness to the nearest 0.05 in. (1 mm) as shown in Fig. 4. Refer to Section 7.3 for
FIG. 4 Thickness Measurement Locations – Full Roll
C167 − 22
use of pin gauge. Two 15 ft (4.57 m) long sections shall be measured. These sections shall be 10 (3.05 m) in from each end. A
total of twenty thickness measurements will be taken for each roll.
NOTE 4—Use 7.4 if sampling procedure in 6.4 is used.
NOTE 4—Use 7.4 if sampling procedure in 6.4 is used.
7.5 Determination of Batt Weight—Determine the weight of each batt including the facer, if applicable, to a minimum precision
...