ASTM C1848-17a(2023)

Standard Practice for Installation of High-Pressure Spray Polyurethane Foam Insulation for the Building Enclosure

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 This practice outlines general procedures that are recommended for correct installation of spray polyurethane foam (SPF) as an insulation in the building enclosure including; walls, ceilings, attics, floors, crawl spaces, attics and foundations.
Note 2: SPF roofing installations are not covered by this document. Users may wish to consult Guide D5469 and Specification D7425.  
5.2 This practice is not all-inclusive; this practice is intended only to supplement detailed instructions from manufacturers, SPF industry best practices and safety requirements as may be established by law.
SCOPE
1.1 This practice covers the installation of high-pressure spray polyurethane foam (SPF) as an insulation for building enclosure assemblies including: walls, ceilings, attics, floors, and crawl spaces. This practice does not apply to SPF used strictly as a component for an air barrier system or for SPF used in roofing applications.  
1.2 Building design criteria and selection of SPF are beyond the scope of this practice.  
1.3 The use of SPF insulation covered by this practice is typically regulated by building codes or other agencies that address fire performance. Where required the fire performance of the material shall be addressed through standard fire test methods established by the appropriate governing documents.  
1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The values 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, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.  
1.6 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-2023
• ICS: 91.100.60 - Thermal and sound insulating materials
• Technical Committee: C16 - Thermal Insulation
• Drafting Committee: C16.40 - Insulation Systems

Relations

• Refers: ASTM C168-24 - Standard Terminology Relating to Thermal Insulation
• Effective Date: 15-Apr-2024
• Refers: ASTM D4263-83(2018) - Standard Test Method for Indicating Moisture in Concrete by the Plastic Sheet Method
• Effective Date: 01-Aug-2018
• 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 C168-15 - Standard Terminology Relating to Thermal Insulation
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2015
• Refers: ASTM C168-13 - Standard Terminology Relating to Thermal Insulation
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2013
• Refers: ASTM D4263-83(2012) - Standard Test Method for Indicating Moisture in Concrete by the Plastic Sheet Method
• Effective Date: 01-May-2012
• Refers: ASTM D6226-10 - Standard Test Method for Open Cell Content of Rigid Cellular Plastics
• Effective Date: 01-Aug-2010
• Refers: ASTM C168-10 - Standard Terminology Relating to Thermal Insulation
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2010
• Refers: ASTM D4541-09 - Standard Test Method for Pull-Off Strength of Coatings Using Portable Adhesion Testers
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2009
• Refers: ASTM C168-08b - Standard Terminology Relating to Thermal Insulation
• Effective Date: 15-Dec-2008
• Refers: ASTM D4449-08 - Standard Test Method for Visual Evaluation of Gloss Differences Between Surfaces of Similar Appearance
• Effective Date: 01-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 C1848-17a(2023) - Standard Practice for Installation of High-Pressure Spray Polyurethane Foam (SPF) Insulation for the Building Enclosure provides comprehensive guidelines for the correct installation of high-pressure spray polyurethane foam as an insulation material within building enclosures. Developed by ASTM International, this standard details the essential procedures for applying SPF insulation in walls, ceilings, attics, floors, crawl spaces, and foundations while explicitly excluding roofing applications. Designed to supplement manufacturer instructions and existing safety standards, ASTM C1848 aids in ensuring high-quality, code-compliant SPF installations in residential and commercial structures.

Key Topics

• Scope of Application: Directs the installation of high-pressure SPF for thermal insulation in building envelope assemblies, excluding use as an air barrier or roofing.
• Substrate Preparation: Outlines requirements for metal, concrete, masonry, wood, and cladding substrates, emphasizing the importance of cleanliness, dryness, and physical stability to achieve proper foam adhesion.
• Equipment Use: Specifies metering and mixing standards, temperature control for chemical components, and the necessity for matched chemical systems from a single supplier.
• Installation Process: Recommends stepwise application techniques (“lifts” and “passes”), appropriate environmental conditions, and cooling times to prevent product defects and ensure safety.
• Inspection & Quality Assurance: Encourages regular field testing of adhesion and thickness, documentation of product sources, and post-installation inspections for cohesion, density, and conformance.
• Safety Practices: Emphasizes mandatory use of personal protective equipment (PPE), proper ventilation, and adherence to relevant health and safety regulations during and after SPF application.
• Training & Certification: Stipulates that only trained personnel install high-pressure SPF, recommending certifications or formal training, as well as ongoing safety reviews with all stakeholders.
• Compliance: Notes that fire performance and other regulatory criteria are governed by local building codes and referenced fire test methods.

Applications

The practical applications of ASTM C1848 span the installation of high-pressure spray polyurethane foam insulation in:

• Walls, ceilings, and attics: For improved thermal performance and building energy efficiency.
• Floors and crawl spaces: To reduce thermal bridging, prevent moisture infiltration, and protect conditioned spaces from temperature fluctuation.
• Building retrofits and new construction: Ensuring compliance with modern building codes and industry best practices.

The standard is essential for insulation contractors, architects, building envelope consultants, and facility managers aiming to ensure high-quality, safe, and durable SPF insulation installations. By following ASTM C1848, stakeholders can minimize installation errors, ensure code compliance, and optimize building energy performance.

Related Standards

For complete guidance on spray polyurethane foam and related applications, the following standards are frequently referenced alongside ASTM C1848:

• ASTM D5469: Guide for Application of New Spray Applied Polyurethane Foam and Coated Roofing Systems
• ASTM D7425: Specification for Spray Polyurethane Foam Used for Roofing Applications
• ASTM D4263: Test Method for Indicating Moisture in Concrete by the Plastic Sheet Method
• ASTM D4541: Test Method for Pull-Off Strength of Coatings Using Portable Adhesion Testers
• ASTM D4449: Test Method for Visual Evaluation of Gloss Differences Between Surfaces of Similar Appearance
• ASTM D6226: Test Method for Open Cell Content of Rigid Cellular Plastics
• EN 14315-2:2013: Specification for the installed insulation products for in-situ formed sprayed rigid polyurethane (PUR) and polyisocyanurate (PIR) foams
• SSPC SP 1 and SP 6: Standards for cleaning and preparing ferrous and non-ferrous metal substrates

Understanding and applying ASTM C1848 in conjunction with these related standards supports the safe, effective, and quality-driven installation of spray polyurethane foam insulation in building envelopes, reinforcing commitment to industry best practices and regulatory 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: C1848 − 17a (Reapproved 2023)
Standard Practice for
Installation of High-Pressure Spray Polyurethane Foam
Insulation for the Building Enclosure
This standard is issued under the fixed designation C1848; 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 D4263 Test Method for Indicating Moisture in Concrete by
the Plastic Sheet Method
1.1 This practice covers the installation of high-pressure
D4449 Test Method for Visual Evaluation of Gloss Differ-
spray polyurethane foam (SPF) as an insulation for building
ences Between Surfaces of Similar Appearance
enclosure assemblies including: walls, ceilings, attics, floors,
D4541 Test Method for Pull-Off Strength of Coatings Using
and crawl spaces. This practice does not apply to SPF used
Portable Adhesion Testers
strictly as a component for an air barrier system or for SPF
D5469 Guide for Application of New Spray Applied Poly-
used in roofing applications.
urethane Foam and Coated Roofing Systems
1.2 Building design criteria and selection of SPF are beyond
D6226 Test Method for Open Cell Content of Rigid Cellular
the scope of this practice.
Plastics
1.3 The use of SPF insulation covered by this practice is D7425 Specification for Spray Polyurethane Foam Used for
Roofing Applications
typically regulated by building codes or other agencies that
address fire performance. Where required the fire performance 2.2 European Standard:
of the material shall be addressed through standard fire test EN 14315-2:2013 Thermal insulating products for buildings
methods established by the appropriate governing documents. - In-situ formed sprayed rigid polyurethane (PUR) and
polyisocyanurate (PIR) foam products - Part 2: Specifica-
1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the
tion for the installed insulation products
standard. The values given in parentheses are for information
2.3 Society for Protective Coatings (SSPC):
only.
SSPC SP 1 Society for Protective Coatings: Solvent Clean-
1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the
ing
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
SSPC SP 6 Society for Protective Coatings: Commercial
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
Blast Cleaning
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
2.4 Spray Polyurethane Foam Alliance (SPFA):
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
SPFA-119 Glossary of Terms
1.6 This international standard was developed in accor-
SPFA-137 Spray Polyurethane Equipment Guidelines
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
SPFA-143 Primers: Why, When and How to Use Them
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
SPFA-148 Spray Polyurethane Foam Insulation Installation
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
Certificate
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions are in accordance with Terminology C168.
2. Referenced Documents
3.2 Definitions:
2.1 ASTM Standards:
3.2.1 Specific Definitions per SPFA-119:
C168 Terminology Relating to Thermal Insulation
3.2.2 lift, n—the sprayed polyurethane foam resulting from
passes of foam in a specific area, as defined by its thickness and
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee C16 on Thermal
the area.
Insulation and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee C16.40 on Insulation
Systems.
Current edition approved March 1, 2023. Published April 2023. Originally
approved in 2017. Last previous edition approved in 2017 as C1848 – 17a. DOI: Available from European Committee for Standardization (CEN), Avenue
10.1520/C1848-17AR23. Marnix 17, B-1000, Brussels, Belgium, http://www.cen.eu.
2 4
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or Available from Society for Protective Coatings (SSPC), 800 Trumbull Dr.,
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM Pittsburgh, PA 15205, http://www.sspc.org.
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on Available from Spray Polyurethane Foam Alliance (SPFA), 3927 Old Lee Hwy.
the ASTM website. #101B, Fairfax, VA 22030, http://www.sprayfoam.org/.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
C1848 − 17a (2023)
3.2.3 pass, n—the amount of coating or polyurethane foam 6.2.2 Grease, oil or other contaminants should be removed
applied by moving the gun from side to side and moving away with suitable cleaning solutions. An example of a specification
from fresh material, delineated by its width, length, and for solvent cleaning of metal surfaces is provided by SSPC SP
thickness. 1.
6.2.3 Fine condensation on some metal substrates may be
4. Classifications
difficult to visually detect. Consider using moisture-detection
paper (cobalt-chloride strips) to check for condensation when
4.1 Low-Pressure Spray Polyurethane Foam—Spray poly-
metal substrate temperatures are close to the atmospheric dew
urethane foam where the plural components (A- and B- side)
point temperature.
are delivered a pressure of less than 1.72 MPa (250 psi), at a
rate up to 6.4 kg/min (10 lb/min) wherein the liquid compo- 6.2.4 Thick metal substrates, such as structural steel and
walls of pressure vessels can act as a heat sink. In these cases,
nents are mechanically mixed using a static mixing nozzle.
Components are typically delivered in pressurized tanks. consult manufacturer installation instructions (MII) or contact
the SPF manufacturer.
4.2 High-Pressure Spray Polyurethane Foam—Spray poly-
6.2.5 If the cleaned metal substrate does not allow for
urethane foam where the where the plural components (A- and
adequate adhesion of the SPF, primers may be needed and
B-side) are delivered at a pressure between 3.45 and 8.96 MPa
installed in accordance with the primer and the SPFMII.
(500 and 1300 psi), at a rate up to 13.6 kg/min (30 lb/min)
Guidance for primer selection can be found in SPFA-143.
wherein the liquid components are aerosolized and impinge-
6.2.5.1 Ferrous Metal—Sandblasting is recommended for
ment mixed outside of the spray gun.
iron and steel surfaces that are not shop primed, painted, or
NOTE 1—Both classes of plural components spray polyurethane foam
otherwise protected. Remove loose rust and unsound primer
are defined in this standard to identify their differences. This standard only
from shop-primed iron and steel surfaces. The sandblasted area
applies to installation of high-pressure spray polyurethane foam.
should be primed the same day using an SPF-compatible
primer. An example of a specification for abrasive blast
5. Significance and Use
cleaning procedures and condition of steel surfaces is provided
5.1 This practice outlines general procedures that are rec-
by SSPC SP 6.
ommended for correct installation of spray polyurethane foam
6.2.5.2 Non-Ferrous Metal—SPF Installer should clean and
(SPF) as an insulation in the building enclosure including;
prime all surfaces (if required) as recommended by primer or
walls, ceilings, attics, floors, crawl spaces, attics and founda-
SPF manufacturer, or both.
tions.
6.3 Concrete or Masonry:
NOTE 2—SPF roofing installations are not covered by this document.
Users may wish to consult Guide D5469 and Specification D7425. 6.3.1 SPF installer should verify the concrete or masonry
surfaces are clean, and free of contaminants that can affect
5.2 This practice is not all-inclusive; this practice is in-
adhesion. Existing concrete should be free of spalling, scaling,
tended only to supplement detailed instructions from
loose coatings, efflorescence and other conditions that affect
manufacturers, SPF industry best practices and safety require-
adhesion.
ments as may be established by law.
6.3.2 SPF Installer should verify the concrete is dry to
obtain good adhesion of the primer or SPF, or both. Consider
6. Substrate Requirements
using Test Method D4263 or other reliable method approved
6.1 General Requirements:
by the SPF and primer manufacturer to check concrete mois-
6.1.1 Installation of SPF in buildings or structures shall
ture.
conform to the requirements of the applicable construction
6.3.3 SPF installer should verify that any newly poured
codes, regulations and standards as adopted and enforced by
concrete has cured before application of SPF or primer.
the relevant authority having jurisdiction or local code official.
6.1.2 Substrate materials to receive SPF should be physi-
NOTE 5—Most new poured concrete requires a 28-day cure time unless
cally stable and resistant to movement or excessive flexure
the concrete is specifically designed for a shorter cure time.
relative to the building structure.
6.3.4 Thick concrete substrates can act as a heat sink. In
6.1.3 All substrates to receive SPF should be clean, dry and
these cases, consult MII or contact the SPF manufacturer.
free of contaminants that may cause poor adhesion of the SPF.
6.3.5 Primer (as may be required) should be applied as
NOTE 3—If in doubt of the potential adhesion, spray a section of the
recommended by the primer and SPF manufacturer.
substrate with SPF and test the adhesion in accordance with SPF industry
6.4 Wood:
guidelines. An example of a typical SPF field adhesion test procedure is
provided in Test Method D4541. To assure proper bonding of SPF to the
6.4.1 The SPF installer should verify the wood surface is
substrate, the failure surface should indicate a cohesive failure of the SPF.
clean, dry and free of contaminants that can affect adhesion.
6.2 Metal:
6.4.2 Wood substrates should typically have a surface mois-
6.2.1 Primed or coated metal substrates should be free of
ture content no greater than 18 % as measured in accordance
dirt, loose scale, rust, weathered or chalked coatings. Such
with Test Method D4449. Field measurements may be obtained
substrates should be cleaned using suitable means.
with hand held moisture meters.
6.4.3 Treated wood (for insects or water resistance) may
NOTE 4—Suitable means may include, but are not limited to, clean and
dry compressed air, vacuum equipment, and hand or power tools. provide poor adhesion and should be evaluated for adhesion. If
C1848 − 17a (2023)
a primer is required, it should be applied as recommended by 8. Installation Personnel
the primer and SPF manufacturer.
8.1 Installation of high-pressure SPF requires training and
6.5 Interior Cladding Board (gypsum board, fiberboard, experience. All SPF installers should be trained on the proper
fiber-reinforced gypsum board, etc.): operation of the equipment and installation of the SPF mate-
6.5.1 SPF installer to verify surfaces are clean, dry and free rials. Training may be provided by manufacturers, distrib
...