ASTM C728-17a(2022)
(Specification)Standard Specification for Perlite Thermal Insulation Board
Standard Specification for Perlite Thermal Insulation Board
ABSTRACT
This specification covers the composition and physical properties for perlite thermal insulation board used principally above structural roof decks and as a base for built-up, modified, and elastomeric membrane roofing in building construction. Perlite thermal insulation board is classified as follows: type 1 - roof insulation board, and type 2 - roof cover/recover board. The basic material of the insulation board shall be perlite expanded by the application of heat to form glassy, cellular aggregates. The finished board may be either single-ply or multiple-ply. Perlite thermal insulation boards shall conform to the thermal resistance prescribed. The thermal resistance, compressive strength, tensile strength, flame speed classification, and water absorption shall be tested to meet the requirements prescribed.
SCOPE
1.1 This specification covers the composition and physical properties for perlite thermal insulation board used principally above structural roof decks and as a base for built-up, modified, and elastomeric membrane roofing in building construction.
1.2 When adopted by an authority having jurisdiction, codes that address fire properties in many applications regulate the use of the thermal insulation materials covered by this specification. Fire properties are controlled by job, project, or other specifications where codes or government regulations do not apply.
1.3 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.
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.5 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
General Information
- Status
- Published
- Publication Date
- 28-Feb-2022
- Technical Committee
- C16 - Thermal Insulation
- Drafting Committee
- C16.22 - Organic and Nonhomogeneous Inorganic Thermal Insulations
Relations
- Effective Date
- 15-Apr-2024
- Effective Date
- 01-Mar-2024
- Effective Date
- 01-Dec-2023
- Effective Date
- 01-Sep-2023
- Effective Date
- 01-Sep-2023
- Effective Date
- 01-May-2020
- Effective Date
- 15-Mar-2020
- Effective Date
- 15-Oct-2019
- Effective Date
- 15-Oct-2019
- Effective Date
- 01-Sep-2019
- Effective Date
- 01-Jul-2019
- Effective Date
- 15-Apr-2019
- Effective Date
- 01-Mar-2019
- Effective Date
- 15-Nov-2018
- Effective Date
- 01-Oct-2018
Overview
ASTM C728-17a(2022): Standard Specification for Perlite Thermal Insulation Board defines the requirements for perlite thermal insulation boards primarily used above structural roof decks and as a base for built-up, modified, and elastomeric membrane roofing in building construction. The specification addresses composition, material properties, dimensional tolerances, and the physical performance necessary for effective roof insulation. Developed by ASTM International, this standard ensures product consistency, quality, and safety for both new construction and reroofing applications.
Key Topics
Classification and Material Composition
- Perlite insulation boards are expanded using heat to create glassy, cellular aggregates.
- Available as single-ply or multiple-ply boards.
- May include facings or coatings to prevent excessive adhesive absorption during installation.
Types of Perlite Insulation Board:
- Type 1: Roof insulation board for direct installation above structural roof decks.
- Type 2/3: Roof cover/recover boards for use over existing insulation in new or reroofing projects, and as field-applied cover boards or in laminated rigid foam products.
Physical Properties and Performance:
- Thermal resistance: Boards must meet prescribed insulating values depending on thickness and type.
- Compressive strength: Must conform to minimum stress tolerances to withstand expected roof loads.
- Tensile and flexural strength: Ensure durability and resistance to structural deformation.
- Water absorption: Controlled to maintain thermal properties and prevent degradation.
- Flame spread: Applicable for fire rating requirements in accordance with local codes.
Dimensions and Tolerances
- Standard lengths include 36, 48, 72, and 96 inches; widths are 24 or 48 inches.
- Thicknesses typically range from 0.5 to 3 inches.
- Strict tolerances on size and squareness ensure compatibility with roofing systems.
Safety and Compliance
- Users must address safety, health, and environmental practices as this standard does not enumerate all possible risks.
- Complies with internationally recognized standardization principles to facilitate widespread adoption.
Applications
Perlite thermal insulation boards covered by ASTM C728 are used in:
- Commercial and industrial roofing systems as a primary or secondary insulation layer
- Residential flat roofing where thermal performance and fire resistance are important
- Base layers for built-up, modified bitumen, and elastomeric membrane roofing systems
- Reroofing and roof rehabilitation projects as cover/recover boards over existing insulation
- Manufacture of laminated rigid foam boards where dimensional stability and thermal performance are specified
Practical benefits:
- Energy efficiency: Enhanced thermal resistance helps reduce heat transfer, contributing to building energy savings.
- Fire safety: Boards can be specified to meet fire and smoke development codes for roofing installations.
- Durability: Physical strength properties contribute to long-term performance and roof system integrity.
Related Standards
ASTM C728 references several standards to ensure comprehensive material testing and conformity, including:
- ASTM C165 - Compressive Properties of Thermal Insulations
- ASTM C168 - Terminology Relating to Thermal Insulation
- ASTM C177 and C518 - Thermal Transmission Properties
- ASTM C203 - Flexural Properties of Block-Type Thermal Insulation
- ASTM C209 and C1763 - Cellulosic Fiber Insulating Board Testing; Water Absorption
- ASTM E84 - Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials
- ASTM C390 - Sampling and Acceptance of Thermal Insulation Lots
- ASTM C1289 - Specification for Faced Rigid Cellular Polyisocyanurate Thermal Insulation Board
These referenced standards ensure comprehensive evaluation of thermal, mechanical, and fire performance.
Keywords: Perlite roof insulation, thermal insulation board, ASTM C728, cover board, recover board, roofing insulation, building energy efficiency, flame spread, water absorption, compressive strength, elastomeric membrane roofing.
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Frequently Asked Questions
ASTM C728-17a(2022) is a technical specification published by ASTM International. Its full title is "Standard Specification for Perlite Thermal Insulation Board". This standard covers: ABSTRACT This specification covers the composition and physical properties for perlite thermal insulation board used principally above structural roof decks and as a base for built-up, modified, and elastomeric membrane roofing in building construction. Perlite thermal insulation board is classified as follows: type 1 - roof insulation board, and type 2 - roof cover/recover board. The basic material of the insulation board shall be perlite expanded by the application of heat to form glassy, cellular aggregates. The finished board may be either single-ply or multiple-ply. Perlite thermal insulation boards shall conform to the thermal resistance prescribed. The thermal resistance, compressive strength, tensile strength, flame speed classification, and water absorption shall be tested to meet the requirements prescribed. SCOPE 1.1 This specification covers the composition and physical properties for perlite thermal insulation board used principally above structural roof decks and as a base for built-up, modified, and elastomeric membrane roofing in building construction. 1.2 When adopted by an authority having jurisdiction, codes that address fire properties in many applications regulate the use of the thermal insulation materials covered by this specification. Fire properties are controlled by job, project, or other specifications where codes or government regulations do not apply. 1.3 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. 1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. 1.5 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
ABSTRACT This specification covers the composition and physical properties for perlite thermal insulation board used principally above structural roof decks and as a base for built-up, modified, and elastomeric membrane roofing in building construction. Perlite thermal insulation board is classified as follows: type 1 - roof insulation board, and type 2 - roof cover/recover board. The basic material of the insulation board shall be perlite expanded by the application of heat to form glassy, cellular aggregates. The finished board may be either single-ply or multiple-ply. Perlite thermal insulation boards shall conform to the thermal resistance prescribed. The thermal resistance, compressive strength, tensile strength, flame speed classification, and water absorption shall be tested to meet the requirements prescribed. SCOPE 1.1 This specification covers the composition and physical properties for perlite thermal insulation board used principally above structural roof decks and as a base for built-up, modified, and elastomeric membrane roofing in building construction. 1.2 When adopted by an authority having jurisdiction, codes that address fire properties in many applications regulate the use of the thermal insulation materials covered by this specification. Fire properties are controlled by job, project, or other specifications where codes or government regulations do not apply. 1.3 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. 1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. 1.5 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
ASTM C728-17a(2022) is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 91.100.60 - Thermal and sound insulating materials. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.
ASTM C728-17a(2022) has the following relationships with other standards: It is inter standard links to ASTM C168-24, ASTM C390-08(2024), ASTM E84-23d, ASTM C1289-23a, ASTM E84-23c, ASTM C1763-20, ASTM C209-20, ASTM C1763-19, ASTM C1763-19e1, ASTM C390-08(2019), ASTM E84-19b, ASTM E84-19a, ASTM E84-19, ASTM C1289-18a, ASTM E84-18b. Understanding these relationships helps ensure you are using the most current and applicable version of the standard.
ASTM C728-17a(2022) is available in PDF format for immediate download after purchase. The document can be added to your cart and obtained through the secure checkout process. Digital delivery ensures instant access to the complete standard document.
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: C728 −17a (Reapproved 2022)
Standard Specification for
Perlite Thermal Insulation Board
This standard is issued under the fixed designation C728; 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 2.2 ASTM Standards:
C165 Test Method for Measuring Compressive Properties of
1.1 This specification covers the composition and physical
Thermal Insulations
properties for perlite thermal insulation board used principally
C168 Terminology Relating to Thermal Insulation
abovestructuralroofdecksandasabaseforbuilt-up,modified,
C177 Test Method for Steady-State Heat Flux Measure-
and elastomeric membrane roofing in building construction.
ments and Thermal Transmission Properties by Means of
1.2 Whenadoptedbyanauthorityhavingjurisdiction,codes
the Guarded-Hot-Plate Apparatus
that address fire properties in many applications regulate the
C203 Test Methods for Breaking Load and Flexural Proper-
use of the thermal insulation materials covered by this speci-
ties of Block-Type Thermal Insulation
fication. Fire properties are controlled by job, project, or other
C209 Test Methods for Cellulosic Fiber Insulating Board
specifications where codes or government regulations do not
C390 Practice for Sampling and Acceptance of Thermal
apply.
Insulation Lots
1.3 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded C518 Test Method for Steady-State Thermal Transmission
Properties by Means of the Heat Flow Meter Apparatus
as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical
conversions to SI units that are provided for information only C1289 Specification for Faced Rigid Cellular Polyisocyanu-
rate Thermal Insulation Board
and are not considered standard.
E84 Test Method for Surface Burning Characteristics of
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the
Building Materials
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
C1763 Test Method for Water Absorption by Immersion of
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
Thermal Insulation Materials
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
3. Terminology
1.5 This international standard was developed in accor-
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard- 3.1 For complete descriptions of terms used in this
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the specification, refer to Terminology C168.
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
4. Classification
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
4.1 Perlite thermal insulation board is classified as follows:
4.1.1 Type 1, Roof Insulation Board—A perlite based roof
2. Referenced Documents
insulation cover board.
4.1.2 Type 2, Roof Cover or Recover Board—This is used
2.1 The following standards, of the issue in effect on the
primarily as a field-applied cover board over other roof
date of material purchase, form a part of this specification to
insulations or in reroofing applications. The product is also
the extent specified herein:
available to manufacturers of laminated rigid foam products as
specified in Specification C1289, Type III.
4.1.3 Type 3, Roof Cover or Recover Board—Aperlitebased
cover board that is field applied over other roof insulations or
in re-roofing and recover applications. The product is also
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. For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
Current edition approved March 1, 2022. Published April 2022. Originally contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
approved in 1972. Last previous edition approved in 2017 as C728 – 17a. DOI: Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
10.1520/C0728-17AR22. the ASTM website.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
C728 − 17a (2022)
available to manufacturers of laminated rigid foam products as 7.2 The insulation and cover board shall further conform to
specified in Specification C1289, Type III. the physical requirements shown in Table 1.
8. Standard Dimensions and Tolerances
5. Ordering Information
8.1 The dimensions and tolerances shall conform to those
5.1 Orders shall at least include the following information:
listed below. it is acceptable for other dimensions to be
5.1.1 Title and designation Specification C728.
supplied as agreed upon by purchaser and seller.
5.1.2 Product name, nominal thickness and dimensions.
5.1.3 Quantity of material ordered.
Dimensions, in. (mm) Tolerance, in. (mm)
Length, 36 (915), 48 (1220) 72 (1830), 96 (2440) + ⁄4 (6)
5.1.4 Manufacturer’s name, address, and telephone number.
− ⁄8 (3)
Width, 24 (610), 48 (1220) + ⁄4 (6)
6. Materials and Manufacture
− ⁄8 (3)
1 1
Thickness, ⁄2 to 3, (13 to 76), incl ± ⁄16 (1.6)
6.1 Composition—Thebasicmaterialoftheinsulationboard
8.1.1 Board squareness shall be within required tolerance if
shall be perlite expanded by the application of heat to form
the two diagonal measurements of the board differ by no more
glassy, cellular aggregates. The insulation and cover board
than ⁄4 in. (6 mm).
shall be composed of expanded perlite and fibers formed into
rigid, flat, rectangular units with a suitable sizing material
8.2 The fabrication of tapered perlite roof insulation board
incorporated in the product. A facing
...
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