ASTM C1014-17

Standard Specification for Spray-Applied Mineral Fiber Thermal and Sound Absorbing Insulation

ABSTRACT
This specification covers the composition and the physical properties of spray-applied mineral fiber thermal and sound absorbing insulation. These mineral fibers shall be pneumatically conveyed to a spray nozzle where they are mixed with water. These mineral fibers shall have a binder either pre-mixed with the fibers or added at the spray nozzle with the water. The basic material shall be fibers made form mineral substances such as rock, slag or glass processed from the molten state into a fibrous form. All self-supporting applications of the insulation shall have a minimum adhesive/cohesive strength of five times the weight of the material under the testing plate when tested. The insulation shall not spall, crack, or delaminate when the substrate is deflected. The insulation shall have a maximum flame spread index of 25 and a maximum smoke developed of 50 when tested. The insulation shall have a weight loss not greater than 5 %, nor shall there be a flaming ignition when tested. When tested, the insulation shall have growth no greater than that observed on the white birch tongue depressor comparative material. The spray-applied mineral fiber shall show no greater corrosion than the comparative plate in contact with the sterile cotton for the particular metal substrate to which classification is desired. A detectable odor of a strong objectionable nature recorded by more than two of the five panel members shall constitute rejection of the material when tested. Density and thickness of each sample tested shall be determined in accordance with test methods E 605. The adhesive/cohesive strength, thermal resistance, effects of substrate deflection, water vapor sorption, surface burning characteristics, smoldering combustion, fungi resistance, particular metal substrate corrosion, sound absorption, odor emission, and air errosion characteristics shall be tested to meet the requirements prescribed.
SCOPE
1.1 This specification covers the composition and the physical properties of spray-applied mineral fiber thermal and sound absorbing insulation.  
1.2 These mineral fibers shall be pneumatically conveyed to a spray nozzle where they are mixed with water. These mineral fibers shall have a binder either pre-mixed with the fibers or added at the spray nozzle with the water.  
1.3 The spray-applied mineral fiber insulation is intended for use in building constructions at ambient conditions.  
1.4 This is a material specification only and is not intended to cover methods of application that are supplied by the manufacturer.  
1.5 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard.  
1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 28-Feb-2017
• ICS: 91.120.10 - Thermal insulation of buildings
• ICS: 91.120.20 - Acoustics in building. Sound insulation
• Technical Committee: C16 - Thermal Insulation
• Drafting Committee: C16.23 - Blanket and Loose Fill Insulation

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM C1014-08(2013) - Standard Specification for Spray-Applied Mineral Fiber Thermal and Sound Absorbing Insulation
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2017
• Refers: ASTM C168-24 - Standard Terminology Relating to Thermal Insulation
• Effective Date: 15-Apr-2024
• Refers: ASTM C390-08(2024) - Standard Practice for Sampling and Acceptance of Thermal Insulation Lots
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2024
• Refers: ASTM E84-23d - Standard Test Method for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2023
• Refers: ASTM E84-23c - Standard Test Method for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials
• Effective Date: 01-Sep-2023
• Refers: ASTM C1104/C1104M-19 - Standard Test Method for Determining the Water Vapor Sorption of Unfaced Mineral Fiber Insulation
• Effective Date: 01-Sep-2019
• Refers: ASTM C390-08(2019) - Standard Practice for Sampling and Acceptance of Thermal Insulation Lots
• Effective Date: 01-Sep-2019
• Refers: ASTM E84-19b - Standard Test Method for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2019
• Refers: ASTM E84-19a - Standard Test Method for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials
• Effective Date: 15-Apr-2019
• Refers: ASTM E84-19 - Standard Test Method for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2019
• Refers: ASTM C1114-06(2019) - Standard Test Method for Steady-State Thermal Transmission Properties by Means of the Thin-Heater Apparatus
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2019
• Refers: ASTM E84-18b - Standard Test Method for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2018
• Refers: ASTM E84-18a - Standard Test Method for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2018
• Refers: ASTM C168-18 - Standard Terminology Relating to Thermal Insulation
• Effective Date: 15-Apr-2018
• Refers: ASTM E84-18 - Standard Test Method for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2018

Overview

ASTM C1014-17: Standard Specification for Spray-Applied Mineral Fiber Thermal and Sound Absorbing Insulation provides requirements for the composition and physical properties of spray-applied mineral fiber insulation materials. This specification is developed by ASTM International and applies to insulation produced from mineral fibers such as rock, slag, or glass, which are processed and pneumatically conveyed to a spray nozzle, mixed with water, and applied to building substrates.

The standard ensures the quality and performance of mineral fiber insulation in terms of thermal resistance and sound absorption. While it specifies the material's properties, it does not cover installation methods, which are the responsibility of the manufacturer.

Key Topics

• Material Composition: The insulation consists of fibers derived from mineral substances (rock, slag, or glass), processed from the molten state into a fibrous form, with binders introduced either before or during the spray application.
• Thermal and Acoustic Performance: Insulation must meet criteria for thermal resistance (R-value) and sound absorption, supporting efficient energy use and noise reduction in building environments.
• Physical Properties: Includes requirements for density, thickness, adhesive/cohesive strength, and ability to withstand substrate deflection without cracking or delamination.
• Fire Safety and Durability:
  • Flame spread index of 25 (max) and smoke development index of 50 (max) ensure fire resistance.
  • Insulation must resist smoldering combustion, fungi growth, corrosion, and air erosion, especially when applied to various metal substrates or exposed areas.
• Water and Odor Resistance: Material must limit water vapor sorption (≤5% weight gain) and should not emit strong objectionable odors.
• Quality Assurance: Specifies testing methods for all relevant properties, referencing multiple ASTM test procedures to ensure rigorous evaluation.

Applications

Spray-applied mineral fiber insulation, as defined in ASTM C1014-17, is primarily intended for use in buildings under ambient conditions. Key practical applications include:

• Thermal Insulation: For walls, ceilings, and floors to support energy efficiency in commercial, industrial, and residential buildings.
• Sound Absorption: In spaces where noise control is crucial, such as schools, offices, auditoriums, and manufacturing facilities.
• Fire Protection: Used in assemblies requiring surface burning and smoke development compliance.
• Renovation and Retrofit: Ideal for projects where efficient, uniform coverage and minimal disruption are desired, especially in spaces with irregular surfaces or hard-to-reach areas.

The product is delivered in sealed, clearly labeled packaging and should be stored in a clean, dry location to maintain quality until application. All application and installation must comply with manufacturer instructions and relevant building codes.

Related Standards

ASTM C1014-17 references and aligns with several other important ASTM standards, including:

• ASTM C423: Test Method for Sound Absorption and Sound Absorption Coefficients by the Reverberation Room Method
• ASTM C168: Terminology Relating to Thermal Insulation
• ASTM C177, C518, C1114: Methods for measuring thermal resistance properties
• ASTM C665: Specification for Mineral-Fiber Blanket Thermal Insulation
• ASTM C1104/C1104M: Water Vapor Sorption of Unfaced Mineral Fiber Insulation
• ASTM C1338: Determining Fungi Resistance of Insulation Materials
• ASTM E84: Test Method for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials
• ASTM E605: Methods for Thickness and Density of Sprayed Fire-Resistive Material

By complying with ASTM C1014-17 and associated referenced standards, manufacturers, designers, and contractors can ensure that spray-applied mineral fiber insulation products provide consistent performance, safety, and durability across a broad range of building applications.

Keywords: spray-applied mineral fiber, thermal insulation, sound absorbing insulation, ASTM C1014-17, building insulation standards, fire resistant insulation, energy efficiency, acoustic insulation

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: C1014 −17
Standard Specification for
Spray-Applied Mineral Fiber Thermal and Sound Absorbing
Insulation
This standard is issued under the fixed designation C1014; 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 C423 Test Method for SoundAbsorption and SoundAbsorp-
tion Coefficients by the Reverberation Room Method
1.1 This specification covers the composition and the physi-
C518 Test Method for Steady-State Thermal Transmission
cal properties of spray-applied mineral fiber thermal and sound
Properties by Means of the Heat Flow Meter Apparatus
absorbing insulation.
C665 Specification for Mineral-Fiber Blanket Thermal Insu-
1.2 These mineral fibers shall be pneumatically conveyed to
lation for Light Frame Construction and Manufactured
a spray nozzle where they are mixed with water.These mineral
Housing
fibers shall have a binder either pre-mixed with the fibers or
C1104/C1104M Test Method for Determining the Water
added at the spray nozzle with the water.
Vapor Sorption of Unfaced Mineral Fiber Insulation
1.3 The spray-applied mineral fiber insulation is intended C1114 Test Method for Steady-State Thermal Transmission
for use in building constructions at ambient conditions.
Properties by Means of the Thin-Heater Apparatus
C1149 Specification for Self-Supported Spray Applied Cel-
1.4 This is a material specification only and is not intended
lulosic Thermal Insulation
to cover methods of application that are supplied by the
C1304 Test Method for Assessing the Odor Emission of
manufacturer.
Thermal Insulation Materials
1.5 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded
C1338 Test Method for Determining Fungi Resistance of
as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical
Insulation Materials and Facings
conversions to SI units that are provided for information only
C1368 Test Method for Determination of Slow Crack
and are not considered standard.
Growth Parameters of Advanced Ceramics by Constant
1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the
Stress-Rate Strength Testing at Ambient Temperature
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
E84 Test Method for Surface Burning Characteristics of
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
Building Materials
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
E605 Test Methods for Thickness and Density of Sprayed
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
Fire-Resistive Material (SFRM) Applied to Structural
Members
2. Referenced Documents
E736 Test Method for Cohesion/Adhesion of Sprayed Fire-
2.1 ASTM Standards:
Resistive Materials Applied to Structural Members
C168 Terminology Relating to Thermal Insulation
E759 Test Method for Effect of Deflection on Sprayed
C177 Test Method for Steady-State Heat Flux Measure-
Fire-Resistive Material Applied to Structural Members
ments and Thermal Transmission Properties by Means of
E795 Practices for Mounting Test Specimens During Sound
the Guarded-Hot-Plate Apparatus
Absorption Tests
C390 Practice for Sampling and Acceptance of Thermal
E859 Test Method forAir Erosion of Sprayed Fire-Resistive
Insulation Lots
Materials (SFRMs) Applied to Structural Members
3. Terminology
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee C16 on
Thermal Insulation and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee C16.23 on
3.1 Definitions—For definitions of terms used in this
Blanket and Loose Fill Insulation.
specification, see Terminology C168.
Current edition approved March 1, 2017. Published March 2017. Originally
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
approved in 1984. Last previous edition approved in 2013 as C1014 – 08 (2013).
DOI: 10.1520/C1014-17.
3.2.1 constant mass—the mass of a sample at equilibrium
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
conditions of 75 6 5°F (23 6 5°C) and 50 6 5 % relative
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
humidity that shall not deviate more than 0.5 % over a 24-h
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
the ASTM website. period.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
C1014 − 17
3.2.2 cured—the state or condition of the finished product 6.2 The thickness and the appearance of the insulation shall
after the liquid vehicle has been evaporated to a constant mass. be as agreed upon between the purchaser and the supplier.
Surface alterations shall be done only in accordance with the
4. Materials and Manufacture
manufacturer’s instructions.
4.1 Composition—The basic material shall be fibers made
form mineral substances such as rock, slag or glass processed
7. Sampling
from the molten state into a fibrous form. If necessary, add
7.1 Sampling of the insulation shall be in accordance with
organic or inorganic substances to the fibers or to the binder, or
Practice C390. Specific provision for sampling shall be agreed
to both, to enhance properties such as flame retardancy,
upon between the purchaser and the supplier.
processing, and adhesive/cohesive properties.
8. Specimen Preparation
5. Physical Properties
8.1 All specimens of spray-applied mineral fiber insulation
5.1 Forspray-appliedmineralfiberinsulation,theproperties
shallbepreparedusingthemanufacturer’srecommendedspray
of density, thermal resistance, and sound absorption will vary
apparatusandspraytechniques.Allspecimensshallbecuredto
with the manufacturer. These values shall be as stated by the
constant mass before testing. All specimens shall be tested at
manufacturerbeforesaleandshallbetestedinaccordancewith
the maximum design thickness or the applied thickness unless
9.1, 9.3, and 9.10, respectively.
otherwise specified by the specific test method in Section 9.
5.1.1 Test Specimens—Three specimens shall be tested,
unless otherwise agreed upon between purchaser and supplier.
9. Test Methods
These are to be obtained from one representative package of
insulation.
9.1 Density and Thickness—Density and thickness of each
sample tested in accordance with this specification shall
...

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: C1014 − 08 (Reapproved 2013) C1014 − 17
Standard Specification for
Spray-Applied Mineral Fiber Thermal and Sound Absorbing
Insulation
This standard is issued under the fixed designation C1014; 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 the physical properties of spray-applied mineral fiber thermal and sound
absorbing insulation.
1.2 These mineral fibers shall be pneumatically conveyed to a spray nozzle where they are mixed with water. These mineral
fibers shall have a binder either pre-mixed with the fibers or added at the spray nozzle with the water.
1.3 The spray-applied mineral fiber insulation is intended for use in building constructions at ambient conditions.
1.4 This is a material specification only and is not intended to cover methods of application that are supplied by the
manufacturer.
1.5 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical
conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard.
1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility
of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory
limitations prior to use.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
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
C390 Practice for Sampling and Acceptance of Thermal Insulation Lots
C423 Test Method for Sound Absorption and Sound Absorption Coefficients by the Reverberation Room Method
C518 Test Method for Steady-State Thermal Transmission Properties by Means of the Heat Flow Meter Apparatus
C665 Specification for Mineral-Fiber Blanket Thermal Insulation for Light Frame Construction and Manufactured Housing
C1104/C1104M Test Method for Determining the Water Vapor Sorption of Unfaced Mineral Fiber Insulation
C1114 Test Method for Steady-State Thermal Transmission Properties by Means of the Thin-Heater Apparatus
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
C1368 Test Method for Determination of Slow Crack Growth Parameters of Advanced Ceramics by Constant Stress-Rate
Strength Testing at Ambient Temperature
E84 Test Method for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials
E605 Test Methods for Thickness and Density of Sprayed Fire-Resistive Material (SFRM) Applied to Structural Members
E756E736 Test Method for Measuring Vibration-Damping Properties of MaterialsCohesion/Adhesion of Sprayed Fire-Resistive
Materials Applied to Structural Members
E759 Test Method for Effect of Deflection on Sprayed Fire-Resistive Material Applied to Structural Members
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 March 1, 2013March 1, 2017. Published March 2013March 2017. Originally approved in 1984. Last previous edition approved in 20082013 as
C1014C1014 – 08 (2013).–08. DOI: 10.1520/C1014-08R13.10.1520/C1014-17.
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
C1014 − 17
E795 Practices for Mounting Test Specimens During Sound Absorption Tests
E859 Test Method for Air Erosion of Sprayed Fire-Resistive Materials (SFRMs) Applied to Structural Members
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 constant mass—the mass of a sample at equilibrium conditions of 75 6 5°F (23 6 5°C) and 50 6 5 % relative humidity
that shall not deviate more than 0.5 % over a 24-h period.
3.2.2 cured—the state or condition of the finished product after the liquid vehicle has been evaporated to a constant mass.
4. Materials and Manufacture
4.1 Composition—The basic material shall be fibers made form mineral substances such as rock, slag or glass processed from
the molten state into a fibrous form. If necessary, add organic or inorganic substances to the fibers or to the binder, or to both, to
enhance properties such as flame retardancy, processing, and adhesive/cohesive properties.
5. Physical Properties
5.1 For spray-applied mineral fiber insulation, the properties of density, thermal resistance, and sound absorption will vary with
the manufacturer. These values shall be as stated by the manufacturer before sale and shall be tested in accordance with 9.1, 9.3,
and 9.10, respectively.
5.1.1 Test Specimens—Three specimens shall be tested, unless otherwise agreed upon between purchaser and supplier. These
are to be obtained from one representative package of insulation.
5.2 Adhesive/Cohesive (Bond Strength)—All self-supporting applications of the insulation shall have a minimum adhesive/
cohesive strength of five times the weight of the material under the testing plate when tested in accordance with 9.2.
5.3 Substrate Deflection—The insulation shall not spall, crack, or delaminate when the substrate is deflected an equivalent of
⁄120 th the span when tested in accordance with 9.4.
5.4 Water Vapor Sorption—The insulation shall gain not more than 5 % moisture by weight when tested in accordance with 9.5.
5.5 Surface Burning Characteristics—The insulation shall have a maximum flame spread index of 25 and a maximum smoke
developed of 50 when tested in accordance with 9.6.
5.6 Smoldering Combustion—The insulation shall have a weight loss not
...