ASTM C1497-16

Standard Specification for Cellulosic Fiber Stabilized Thermal Insulation

ABSTRACT
This specification covers the composition and physical properties of spray-applied cellulosic fiber stabilized thermal insulation applied to open or closed ceiling spaces, regardless of slope. The basic material shall be recycled cellulosic fiber made from selected paper or paperboard stock. Stabilized cellulosic fiber thermal insulation is produced by the addition of adhesive(s) to loose-fill cellulosic fiber insulation. Additives are introduced to provide properties such as flame resistance, processing and handling characteristics. An adhesive is added to the insulation product to resist long-term settling of the insulation after installation and curing. Different test methods shall be performed in order to determine the following properties of thermal insulation: density, corrosiveness, critical radiant flux, fungi resistance, water vapor sorption, odor emission, smoldering combustion, thermal resistance, flame resistance permanency, shrinkage, and settling.
SCOPE
1.1 This specification covers the composition and physical properties of spray-applied cellulosic fiber stabilized thermal insulation applied to open or closed ceiling spaces, regardless of slope, where temperatures range from –49 to 194°F (–45 to 90°C).  
1.2 Stabilized cellulosic fiber thermal insulation is produced by the addition of adhesive(s) to loose-fill cellulosic fiber insulation. The adhesive(s) are either added to the insulation at time of manufacture and, if necessary, activated by the addition of water when installed or the adhesive(s) are otherwise added to the insulation at the time of installation.  
1.3 This is a material specification that is not intended to deal with methods of application that are supplied by the manufacturer.  
1.4 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The SI units given in parentheses are for information only.  
1.5 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 and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 30-Sep-2016
• ICS: 91.120.10 - Thermal insulation of buildings
• Technical Committee: C16 - Thermal Insulation
• Drafting Committee: C16.23 - Blanket and Loose Fill Insulation

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM C1497-12 - Standard Specification for Cellulosic Fiber Stabilized Thermal Insulation
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2016
• Refers: ASTM C168-24 - Standard Terminology Relating to Thermal Insulation
• Effective Date: 15-Apr-2024
• Refers: ASTM C739-24 - Standard Specification for Cellulosic Fiber Loose-Fill Thermal Insulation
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2024
• Refers: ASTM E970-23 - Standard Test Method for Critical Radiant Flux of Exposed Attic Floor Insulation Using a Radiant Heat Energy Source
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2023
• Refers: ASTM C168-18 - Standard Terminology Relating to Thermal Insulation
• Effective Date: 15-Apr-2018
• Refers: ASTM C168-17 - Standard Terminology Relating to Thermal Insulation
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2017
• Refers: ASTM C168-15a - Standard Terminology Relating to Thermal Insulation
• Effective Date: 15-Oct-2015
• Refers: ASTM C167-15 - Standard Test Methods for Thickness and Density of Blanket or Batt Thermal Insulations
• Effective Date: 01-Sep-2015
• Refers: ASTM C168-15 - Standard Terminology Relating to Thermal Insulation
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2015
• Refers: ASTM E970-14 - Standard Test Method for Critical Radiant Flux of Exposed Attic Floor Insulation Using a Radiant Heat Energy Source
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2014
• Refers: ASTM C1338-14 - Standard Test Method for Determining Fungi Resistance of Insulation Materials and Facings
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2014
• Refers: ASTM C1304-08(2013) - Standard Test Method for Assessing the Odor Emission of Thermal Insulation Materials
• Effective Date: 01-Sep-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 C168-13 - Standard Terminology Relating to Thermal Insulation
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-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

Overview

ASTM C1497-16 is the standard specification developed by ASTM International for cellulosic fiber stabilized thermal insulation. This standard addresses the composition, physical properties, and performance requirements for spray-applied cellulosic fiber stabilized insulation used in open or closed ceiling spaces, regardless of slope. The insulation material is primarily composed of recycled cellulosic fibers derived from paper or paperboard stock, enhanced with additives like adhesives and flame retardants to optimize handling, fire resistance, and minimize settling.

This document is crucial for ensuring the consistent quality and safety of stabilized cellulosic fiber thermal insulation in various building and construction applications.

Key Topics

• Material Composition: Specifies use of recycled cellulosic fibers treated with adhesives for stabilization and optional flame retardant additives for enhanced fire performance.
• Stabilization: Adhesives are added during manufacturing or installation to control settling, ensuring long-term insulation performance.
• Physical and Chemical Properties: Criteria include density, shrinkage, settling, corrosiveness, fungi resistance, water vapor absorption, odor emission, smoldering combustion, thermal resistance (R-value), and flame resistance permanency.
• Testing Methods: Details specific ASTM test methods to assess the insulation’s properties, such as:
  • Density (ASTM C167)
  • Critical radiant flux (ASTM E970)
  • Fungi resistance (ASTM C1338)
  • Odor emissions (ASTM C1304)
  • Water vapor sorption and thermal resistance (ASTM C739)
• Workmanship & Appearance: Product must be free of foreign materials that could impair insulation performance.
• Packaging & Labeling: Requirements for clear labeling, including manufacturer details, date, net weight, and installation instructions, to ensure compliance and traceability.

Applications

• Ceiling Insulation: Optimized for both open and closed ceiling spaces in residential, commercial, and industrial buildings.
• Thermal Regulation: Effective in environments with temperature ranges from –49 to 194°F (–45 to 90°C), serving as an efficient barrier against heat loss or gain.
• Sustainable Construction: Supports green building initiatives with the use of recycled material and low environmental impact.
• Fire Safety: Enhanced flame resistance through carefully selected additives, contributing to safer indoor environments.
• Moisture Management: Limits water vapor absorption, helping maintain insulation integrity and performance over time.

Related Standards

For comprehensive solutions and compliance, ASTM C1497-16 references several related standards, including:

• ASTM C167 - Test Methods for Thickness and Density of Blanket or Batt Thermal Insulations
• ASTM C168 - Terminology Relating to Thermal Insulation
• ASTM C177 - Test Method for Steady-State Heat Flux Measurements
• ASTM C739 - Specification for Cellulosic Fiber Loose-Fill Thermal Insulation
• ASTM C1149 - Specification for Self-Supported Spray-Applied Cellulosic Thermal Insulation
• ASTM C1304 - Test Method for Assessing the Odor Emission of Thermal Insulation Materials
• ASTM C1338 - Test Method for Determining Fungi Resistance
• ASTM E970 - Test Method for Critical Radiant Flux of Exposed Attic Floor Insulation

Practical Value

Implementing ASTM C1497-16 ensures that spray-applied cellulosic fiber stabilized thermal insulation provides reliable thermal resistance, fire safety, and durability, all crucial for energy-efficient and sustainable construction. By adhering to standardized test methods and labeling requirements, manufacturers, installers, and building professionals ensure product consistency and regulatory compliance, delivering greater value to end users and stakeholders in the building industry.

Keywords: cellulosic fiber insulation, thermal insulation, ASTM C1497-16, stabilized cellulose, spray-applied insulation, building standards, R-value, fire resistance, green building, insulation settling, moisture control.

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: C1497 −16
Standard Specification for
Cellulosic Fiber Stabilized Thermal Insulation
This standard is issued under the fixed designation C1497; 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.
1. Scope C739Specification for Cellulosic Fiber Loose-Fill Thermal
Insulation
1.1 This specification covers the composition and physical
C1149Specification for Self-Supported Spray Applied Cel-
properties of spray-applied cellulosic fiber stabilized thermal
lulosic Thermal Insulation
insulation applied to open or closed ceiling spaces, regardless
C1304Test Method for Assessing the Odor Emission of
of slope, where temperatures range from –49 to 194°F (–45 to
Thermal Insulation Materials
90°C).
C1338Test Method for Determining Fungi Resistance of
1.2 Stabilizedcellulosicfiberthermalinsulationisproduced
Insulation Materials and Facings
by the addition of adhesive(s) to loose-fill cellulosic fiber
E691Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to
insulation.The adhesive(s) are either added to the insulation at
Determine the Precision of a Test Method
timeofmanufactureand,ifnecessary,activatedbytheaddition
E970TestMethodforCriticalRadiantFluxofExposedAttic
of water when installed or the adhesive(s) are otherwise added
Floor Insulation Using a Radiant Heat Energy Source
to the insulation at the time of installation.
3. Terminology
1.3 This is a material specification that is not intended to
3.1 Definitions—For definitions of terms used in this
deal with methods of application that are supplied by the
specification, see Terminology C168.
manufacturer.
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
1.4 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded
3.2.1 shrinkage—decrease in thickness that occurs from the
as standard. The SI units given in parentheses are for informa-
time of installation until the insulation is dry (see 7.2.5).
tion only.
3.2.2 stabilized cellulose—a cellulosic insulation product
1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the
treated to resist, after drying, further settling of no more than
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
5%.
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
4. Materials and Manufacture
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
4.1 The basic material shall be recycled cellulosic fiber
made from selected paper or paperboard stock. Additives are
2. Referenced Documents
introduced to affect different performance characteristics, in-
2.1 ASTM Standards:
cluding those related to fire performance, processing, and
C167Test Methods forThickness and Density of Blanket or
handling. An adhesive is added to the insulation product to
Batt Thermal Insulations
resist long-term settling of the insulation after installation and
C168Terminology Relating to Thermal Insulation
curing.
C177Test Method for Steady-State Heat Flux Measure-
4.2 The materials are processed into a form suitable for
ments and Thermal Transmission Properties by Means of
installation by a pneumatic method.
the Guarded-Hot-Plate Apparatus
4.3 Theadhesiveisaddedtotheproducteitheratthetimeof
manufacture or at the time of installation by means of a liquid
1 spray.
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee C16 on
Thermal Insulation and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee C16.23 on
5. Physical and Chemical Properties
Blanket and Loose Fill Insulation.
Current edition approved Oct. 1, 2016. Published October 2016. Originally
5.1 Density—The density of conditioned stabilized insula-
approved in 2001. Last previous edition approved in 2012 as C1497–12. DOI:
3 3
tion in lb/ft (kg/m ) shall be determined in accordance with
10.1520/C1497-16.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or Section 7.
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
5.2 Corrosiveness—The loose-fill insulation material shall
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
the ASTM website. be tested for corrosiveness in accordance with Section 8. The
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
C1497 − 16
composition of the insulation material shall be such that after 5.11 Settling—The settling (S ) determined in accordance
testing, no perforation of the 0.003 in. (0.076 mm) metal with Section 7 shall be no greater than 5%.
specimens shall be evident when the specimens are observed
6. Workmanship, Finish, and Appearance
over a 40-W appliance light bulb. Notches extending into the
coupon 0.1 in. (3 mm) or less from any edge shall be ignored.
6.1 Theproductshallbefreeofextraneousforeignmaterials
such as metals and glass that will adversely affect the perfor-
5.3 Critical Radiant Flux—When tested in accordance with
mance in service.
Section 9, the critical radiant flux shall be equal to or greater
2 2
than0.11Btu/ft ·s(0.12W/cm ).Allvaluesshallbereportedto
7. Shrinkage, Settling, and Density
two significant digits.
7.1 Density:
5.4 Fungi Resistance—The loose-fill insulation material
7.1.1 Scope—This test method provides a basis for calcu-
shall be tested and pass fungi resistance as specified in Section
lating the product coverage values and for conducting physical
10. All three test specimens shall exhibit growth less than or
property tests requiring the use of density for specimen
equal to the comparative material in order to pass.
preparation. The shrinkage and settling results provide infor-
5.5 Water Vapor Sorption—Moisture gain in the insulation
mation for installation.
shall be no more than 15% by weight when tested in
7.1.2 Significance and Use—The density is the weight per
accordance with Section 11.
unit volume expected after long-term attic use. All testing of
this product shall be done using specimens having the density
5.6 Odor Emission—Any sample producing a detectable
determined by the drop box method described in this section.
odor that is classified as objectionable and strong or strong by
7.1.3 Apparatus:
more than two panel members shall be considered to have
7.1.3.1 Insulation Specimen Container—The drop box ap-
failed the test when tested in accordance with Section 12.
paratus shall consist of an open-top box with sides and bottom
5.7 Smoldering Combustion—When tested in accordance
made from ⁄4-in. (19 mm) thick plywood. The interior of the
with the smoldering combustion test method in Section 13, the
box shall be treated with a water sealer. The interior dimen-
insulation shall show no evidence of flaming and a weight loss
sions of the box shall be 22 by 36 by 5-in. (deep) (559 by 914
of no greater than 15% of the specimen weight.
by 127 mm) for insulation withR<22ft ·h·°F/Btu (3.87
5.8 Thermal Resistance—The standard thermal resistance K·m /W), 22 by 36 by 7 ⁄2-in. (deep) (559 by 914 by 191 mm)
values recommended for application shall be expressed in for insulation with 22 2 2
°F·h·ft /Btu (K·m /W). The R-value shall be measured in 10-in. (deep) (550 by 914 by 254 mm) for insulation with R >
2 2
accordance with Section 14. During random sampling, an 32 ft ·h·°F/Btu (5.64 K·m /W). A 1.0-in. (25 mm) steel “eye”
average measured R for four specimens that is 95% of the shallbeattachedtoeachcornertofacilitateliftingtheboxwith
labeled value shall be acceptable provided no measurement is a cable or rope harness and pulley system.All box dimensions
less than 90% of the labeled value. shall be within 63% of the values specified above.
7.1.3.2 Spacer—A 6.0-in. (150 mm) thick spacer shall be
5.9 Permanency of Flame Retardant Treatment—It is im-
fabricated for positioning the box above a concrete floor. The
portanttoensurethatthefiretestresponsecharacteristicsofthe
spacer shall be fitted with a handle or heavy cord to assist
cellulosic fiber insulation, expressed as the critical radiant flux
moving it from below the suspended box. Use a quick release
in accordance with 5.3 or as the smoldering performance in
device to drop the suspended box.
accordance with 5.7, not be degraded over time. The rationale
7.1.3.3 Balance—A balance having sufficient capacity to
for the concern is that the additives used for improving the fire
weigh a specimen container with freshly installed insulation to
test response characteristics of cellulosic fiber insulation are
within 0.01 lb (5g).
physicallyaddedtothecelluloseandarenotchemicallybound
7.1.3.4 Probe and Ruler—A 0.125 6 0.008 in. (3.2 6 0.2
to the cellulose. Studies have been made in the past indicating
4 mm) diameter metal rod that is pointed on one end shall be
that cellulose insulation treated with boric acid (1), borates
usedasapingauge.Asteelrulewith0.05in.(1.0mm)orfiner
(2), and ammonium sulfate (3) retains its fire test response
readability shall be used to determine insulation thicknesses.
characteristics for years, based on cellulose insulation that had
The device pictured in Figure 1 of Test Methods C167 is
been installed for periods of up to 14 years (4,5). No data has
suitable for use.
been presented to the committee to update or revise this
7.2 Procedure:
information and no permanency test method has been devel-
7.2.1 A partially enclosed area is required for specimen
oped to date.
preparation. The enclosure must protect the blowing operation
5.10 Shrinkage—The shrinkage (S ) determined in accor-
from wind or strong air currents. Ensure that the geometry of
dance with Section 7.
the room does not influence the stream of insulation from the
hose. It is recommended that the area of the enclosure be at
least 2.5 times the area of the test specimen container.
Therangesofthermalresistance,R,listedinthissectionareallowedbyFederal
7.2.2 Theweightoftheemptybox,M ,shallbedetermined
Trade Commission 16 CFR Part 460 Trade Regulation Rule: Labeling and
to within 0.06 lb (25 g).
Advertising of Home Insulation.
7.2.3 The product to be tested shall be installed in the box
The boldface numbers in parentheses refer to a list of references at the end of
this standard. using equipment and installation instructions recommended by
C1497 − 16
TABLE 1 Density (lbs per f )
A
Flame Retardant Additives Average Repeatability Standard Deviation Repeatability Limit
x¯Srr
5 inch box
Boric acid 1.966 0.088 0.246
Boric acid and ammonium sulfate 1.678 0.054 0.152
7.5 inch box
Boric acid 2.022 0.063 0.175
Boric acid and ammonium sulfate 1.792 0.038 0.107
10 inch box
Boric acid 2.031 0.155 0.434
Boric acid and ammonium sulfate 1.848 0.012 0.034
A
The average of the laboratories’ calculated averages.
the manufacturer. Excess insulation shall be screed from the Weight of water added during installation=M –M lbs (g)
2 3
top of the test specimen to provide a level surface that percent water added during installation (dry basis)=(M –
coincides with the top edges of the box.The weight of the box M )×100/M
3 4
and newly installed insulation, M , shall be determined to V=volume of insulation before dropping=L×W×T /1728
2 2
3 9 3
within 0.06 lb (25 g) and recorded. ft or (L×W×T /1×10 (m ))
7.2.4 The average depth of the insulation shall be deter- D=density of dry “stabilized” product=M /V lb/ft or
mined to within 0.05-in. (1 mm) using a metal probe. Five (M /1000V (kg/m ))
individual depth measurements shall be averaged to obtain the S =% shrinkage=(T –T )×100/T
1 1 2 1
depth that is representative of the newly installed insulation. S =% settling=(T –T )×100/T
2 2 3 2
Individualmeasurementsshallbetakenatthecenterofthebox
7.4 Report:
and in each quadrant of the box.
7.4.1 Test material identification,
7.2.5 Theinsulationshallbeallowedtodryinaconditioned
7.4.2 The dimensions of the drop box,
spacemaintainedat75 65°Fand50 65%RHuntilachange
7.4.3 The thickness tested,
in net weight of the specimen is less than 0.06 lb (25 g) in two
7.4.4 The percentage water added (dry basis),
consecutive weight determinations with 24 h between determi-
7.4.5 The density of the dry-stabilized product,
nations. The weight of the box with the conditioned (dry)
7.4.6 The percent shrinkage,
insulation, M , shall be recorded. Since it is possible that
7.4.7 The percent settling.
moving of boxes containing insulation will disturb the
7.5 Precision and Bias:
insulation, a suitable solution involves preparing an additional
7.5.1 The precision of this test method is based on an
10-in. deep box of insulation installed in the same manner as
interlaboratory study (ILS) of Specifica
...

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: C1497 − 12 C1497 − 16
Standard Specification for
Cellulosic Fiber Stabilized Thermal Insulation
This standard is issued under the fixed designation C1497; 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 specification covers the composition and physical properties of spray-applied cellulosic fiber stabilized thermal
insulation applied to open or closed ceiling spaces, regardless of slope, where temperatures range from -49–49 to 194°F (-45(–45
to 90°C).
1.2 Stabilized cellulosic fiber thermal insulation is produced by the addition of adhesive(s) to loose-fill cellulosic fiber
insulation. The adhesive(s) may beare either added to the insulation at time of manufacture and, if necessary, activated by the
addition of water when installed or the adhesive may beadhesive(s) are otherwise added to the insulation at the time of installation.
1.3 This is a material specification that is not intended to deal with methods of application that are supplied by the manufacturer.
1.4 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The SI units given in parentheses are for information
only.
1.5 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 and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory
limitations prior to use.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
C167 Test Methods for Thickness and Density of Blanket or Batt Thermal Insulations
C168 Terminology Relating to Thermal Insulation
C177 Test Method for Steady-State Heat Flux Measurements and Thermal Transmission Properties by Means of the
Guarded-Hot-Plate Apparatus
C739 Specification for Cellulosic Fiber Loose-Fill Thermal Insulation
C1149 Specification for Self-Supported Spray Applied Cellulosic Thermal Insulation
C1304 Test Method for Assessing the Odor Emission of Thermal Insulation Materials
C1338 Test Method for Determining Fungi Resistance of Insulation Materials and Facings
E691 Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to Determine the Precision of a Test Method
E970 Test Method for Critical Radiant Flux of Exposed Attic Floor Insulation Using a Radiant Heat Energy Source
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions—For definitions of terms used in this specification, see Terminology C168.
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
3.2.1 shrinkage—decrease in thickness that occurs from the time of installation until the insulation achieves a stableis dry (see
7.2.5moisture content.).
3.2.2 stabilized cellulose—a cellulosic insulation product treated to resist, after drying, further settling of no more than 5 %.
4. Materials and Manufacture
4.1 The basic material shall be recycled cellulosic fiber made from selected paper or paperboard stock. Additives are introduced
to provide properties such as flame resistance, processing and handling characteristics. affect different performance characteristics,
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee C16 on Thermal Insulation and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee C16.23 on Blanket and Loose
Fill Insulation.
Current edition approved Sept. 1, 2012Oct. 1, 2016. Published November 2012October 2016. Originally approved in 2001. Last previous edition approved in 20042012
as C1497C1497 – 12.04. DOI: 10.1520/C1497-12.10.1520/C1497-16.
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
C1497 − 16
including those related to fire performance, processing, and handling. An adhesive is added to the insulation product to resist
long-term settling of the insulation after installation and curing.
4.2 The materials are processed into a form suitable for installation by a pneumatic method.
4.3 The adhesive may be is added to the product either at the time of manufacture or at the time of installation by means of
a liquid spray.
5. Physical and Chemical Properties
3 3
5.1 Density—The density of conditioned stabilized insulation in lb/ft (kg/m ) shall be determined in accordance with Section
7.
5.2 Corrosiveness—The loose-fill insulation material shall be tested for corrosiveness in accordance with Section 8. The
composition of the insulation material shall be such that after testing, no perforation of the 0.003 in. (0.076 mm) metal specimens
shall be evident when the specimens are observed over a 40-W appliance light bulb. Notches extending into the coupon 0.1 in.
(3 mm) or less from any edge shall be ignored.
5.3 Critical Radiant Flux—When tested in accordance with Section 9, the critical radiant flux shall be equal to or greater than
2 2
0.11 Btu/ft ·s (0.12 W/cm ). All values shall be reported to two significant digits.
5.4 Fungi Resistance—The loose-fill insulation material shall be tested and pass fungi resistance as specified in Section 10. All
three test specimens shall exhibit growth less than or equal to the comparative material in order to pass.
5.5 Water Vapor Sorption—Moisture gain in the insulation shall be no more than 15 % by weight when tested in accordance
with Section 11.
5.6 Odor Emission—Any sample producing a detectable odor that is classified as objectionable and strong or strong by more
than two panel members shall be considered to have failed the test when tested in accordance with Section 12.
5.7 Smoldering Combustion—When tested in accordance with the smoldering combustion test method in Section 13, the
insulation shall show no evidence of flaming and a weight loss of no greater than 15 % of the specimen weight.
5.8 Thermal Resistance—The standard thermal resistance values recommended for application shall be expressed in °F·h·ft /Btu
(K·m /W). The R-value shall be measured in accordance with Section 14. During random sampling, an average measured R for
four specimens that is 95 % of the labeled value shall be acceptable provided no measurement is less than 90 % of the labeled
value.
5.9 Flame Resistance Permanency—Permanency of Flame Retardant Treatment—It is important to ensure that the fire test
response characteristics of the cellulosic fiber insulation, expressed as the critical radiant flux in accordance with 5.3 or as the
smoldering performance in accordance with 5.7The importance of an insulation product to maintain , not be degraded over time.
The rationale for the concern is that the additives used for improving the fire test response characteristics of cellulosic fiber
insulation are physically added to the cellulose and are not chemically bound to the cellulose. Studies have been made in the past
indicating that cellulose insulation treated with boric acid (1), borates (2), and ammonium sulfate (3) retains its fire retardant
characteristics is recognized. A task group is currently studying methods to ascertain if theretest response characteristics for years,
based on cellulose insulation that had been installed for periods of up to 14 years (4,5 is long-term deterioration of fire performance
characteristics of cellulose insulation. Should the need for a ). No data has been presented to the committee to update or revise
this information and no permanency test method be determined by this task group and a test method developed and finalized, it
will become a part of this specification.has been developed to date.
5.10 Shrinkage—The shrinkage (S ) determined in accordance with Section 7.
5.11 Settling—The settling (S ) determined in accordance with Section 7 shall be no greater than 5 %.
6. Workmanship, Finish, and Appearance
6.1 The product shall be free of extraneous foreign materials such as metals and glass that will adversely affect the performance
in service.
7. Shrinkage, Settling, and Density
7.1 Density:
7.1.1 Scope—This test method provides a basis for calculating the product coverage values and for conducting physical property
tests requiring the use of density for specimen preparation. The shrinkage and settling results provide information for installation.
The ranges of thermal resistance, R, listed in this section are allowed by Federal Trade Commission 16 CFR Part 460 Trade Regulation Rule: Labeling and Advertising
of Home Insulation.
The boldface numbers in parentheses refer to a list of references at the end of this standard.
C1497 − 16
7.1.2 Significance and Use—The density is the weight per unit volume expected after long-term attic use. All testing of this
product shall be done using specimens having the density determined by the drop box method described in this section.
7.1.3 Apparatus:
7.1.3.1 Insulation Specimen Container—The drop box apparatus shall consist of an open-top box with sides and bottom made
from ⁄4-inch-in. (19 mm) thick plywood. The interior of the box shouldshall be treated with a water sealer. The interior dimensions
of the box shall be 22×36×5-inch (deep) (559×914×127 22 by 36 by 5-in. (deep) (559 by 914 by 127 mm) for insulation with R
2 2
< 22 ft ·h·°F/Btu (3.87 K·m /W), 22×36×722 by 36 by 7 ⁄2-inch (deep) (559×914×191 -in. (deep) (559 by 914 by 191 mm) for
insulation with 22 < R < 32 ft ·h·°F/Btu and 22×36×10-inch (deep) (550×914×254 22 by 36 by 10-in. (deep) (550 by 914 by 254
2 2
mm) for insulation with R > 32 ft ·h·°F/Btu (5.64 K·m /W). A 1.0-inch1.0-in. (25 mm) steel “eye” shall be attached to each corner
to facilitate lifting the box with a cable or rope harness and pulley system. All box dimensions shall be within 63 % of the values
specified above.
7.1.3.2 Spacer—A 6.0-inch6.0-in. (150 mm) thick spacer shall be fabricated for positioning the box above a concrete floor. The
spacer shouldshall be fitted with a handle or heavy cord to assist moving it from below the suspended box. A Use a quick release
device can be used to drop the suspended box.
7.1.3.3 Balance—A balance having sufficient capacity to weigh a specimen container with freshly installed insulation to within
0.01 lb (5g).
7.1.3.4 Probe and Ruler—A 0.125 6 0.008 inchin. (3.2 6 0.2 mm) diameter metal rod that is pointed on one end shall be used
as a pin gauge. A steel rule with 0.05 inchin. (1.0 mm) or finer readability shall be used to determine insulation thicknesses. The
device pictured in Figure 1 of Test MethodMethods C167 may be used.is suitable for use.
7.2 Procedure:
7.2.1 A partially enclosed area is required for specimen preparation. The enclosure must protect the blowing operation from
wind or strong air currents. The Ensure that the geometry of the room shoulddoes not influence the stream of insulation from the
hose. It is recommended that the area of the enclosure be at least 2.5 times the area of the test specimen container.
7.2.2 The weight of the empty box, M , shall be determined to within 0.06 lb (25 g).
7.2.3 The product to be tested shall be installed in the box using equipment and installation instructions recommended by the
manufacturer. Excess insulation shall be screed from the top of the test specimen to provide a level surface that coincides with the
top edges of the box. The weight of the box and newly installed insulation, M , shall be determined to within 0.06 lb (25g) (25
g) and recorded.
7.2.4 The average depth of the insulation shall be determined to within 0.05-inch0.05-in. (1 mm) using a metal probe. Five
individual depth measurements shall be averaged to obtain the depth that is representative of the newly installed insulation.
Individual measurements shall be taken at the center of the box and in each quadrant of the box.
7.2.5 The insulation shall be allowed to dry in a conditioned space maintained at 75 6 5°F and 50 6 5 % RH until a change
in net weight of the specimen is less than 0.06 lbslb (25 g) in two consecutive weighings weight determinations with 24 h between
weighings.determinations. The weight of the box with the conditioned (dry) insulation, M , shall be recorded. Since it is possible
that moving of boxes containing insulation maywill disturb the insulation, a suitable solution involves preparing an additional
10-in. deep box of insulation installed in the same manner as the test specimens may be prepared and used and using it to track
the drying of the test specimens.
7.2.6 The thickness of the conditioned insulation shall be measured by the same method used to measure the initial thickness.
7.2.7 The box containing the conditioned insulation shall be dropped five times onto a solid concrete floor from a height of 6
-0/+1/2 inches–0/+1/2 in. (150 -0/+13–0/+13 mm). The average thickness of the insulation shall be measured after five drops using
the method used to measure the initial thickness.
7.2.8 The insulation shall be removed from the box and weighed to within 0.01 lb (5g). (5 g). This is weight M .
TABLE 1 Density (lbs per f )
A
Material Average Repeatability Standard Deviation Repeatability Limit
A
Flame Retardant Additives Average Repeatability Standard Deviation Repeatability Limit
x¯ Sr r
5 inch box
Borate formulation 1.966 0.088 0.246
Boric acid 1.966 0.088 0.246
Boric acid and ammonium sulfate 1.678 0.054 0.152
7.5 inch box
Borate formulation 2.022 0.063 0.175
Boric acid 2.022 0.063 0.175
Boric acid and ammonium sulfate 1.792 0.038 0.107
10 inch box
Borate formulation 2.031 0.155 0.434
Boric acid 2.031 0.155 0.434
Boric acid and ammonium sulfate 1.848 0.012 0.034
A
The average of the laboratories’ c
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