ASTM C488-16

Standard Test Method for Conducting Exterior Exposure Tests of Finishes for Thermal Insulation

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 Both physical and chemical changes possibly occur from weather exposure, and these changes affect performance properties, service life, and maintenance schedules. For this reason, tests of properties relating to performance shall be made both before and after specific periods of outdoor exposure.  
5.2 This test method recognizes that differing geographical locations, environmental conditions, differences between surface temperatures and ambient temperatures, and test durations have extremely varied effects upon the test results.  
5.3 This test method is to be used for comparative qualitative testing.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers out-of-doors exposure testing of finishes that are normally field-applied to thermal insulation and possibly include joints or joint sealants, or both. Such exposure is essential prior to the determination of certain physical properties when the finish is to be exposed to exterior weather conditions. This test method also indicates possible compatibility problems between the joint sealant and the finish as well as the ability of the finish to span a dry joint. This test method is not intended to evaluate mildew resistance, efflorescence, or chemical resistance.  
Note 1: For testing free plastic films, see Practice D1435.  
1.2 This test method does not prescribe the method of application, test duration, or inspection intervals.  
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 and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

General Information

• Status: Historical
• Publication Date: 31-Aug-2016
• ICS: 27.220 - Heat recovery. Thermal insulation
• Technical Committee: C16 - Thermal Insulation
• Drafting Committee: C16.33 - Insulation Finishes and Moisture

Standards Content (Sample)

NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or withdrawn.
Contact ASTM International (www.astm.org) for the latest information
Designation: C488 − 16
Standard Test Method for
Conducting Exterior Exposure Tests of Finishes for Thermal
1
Insulation
This standard is issued under the fixed designation C488; 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 4. Summary of Test Method
1.1 This test method covers out-of-doors exposure testing of 4.1 This test method specifies out-of-doors exposure, under
finishes that are normally field-applied to thermal insulation ambient conditions, of field-applied finishes on thermal
and possibly include joints or joint sealants, or both. Such insulations, utilizing a minimum of three test specimens and
exposure is essential prior to the determination of certain one control specimen stored indoors.
physical properties when the finish is to be exposed to exterior
5. Significance and Use
weather conditions. This test method also indicates possible
compatibility problems between the joint sealant and the finish
5.1 Both physical and chemical changes possibly occur
as well as the ability of the finish to span a dry joint. This test
from weather exposure, and these changes affect performance
method is not intended to evaluate mildew resistance,
properties, service life, and maintenance schedules. For this
efflorescence, or chemical resistance.
reason, tests of properties relating to performance shall be
made both before and after specific periods of outdoor expo-
NOTE 1—For testing free plastic films, see Practice D1435.
sure.
1.2 This test method does not prescribe the method of
5.2 This test method recognizes that differing geographical
application, test duration, or inspection intervals.
locations, environmental conditions, differences between sur-
1.3 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded
face temperatures and ambient temperatures, and test durations
as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical
have extremely varied effects upon the test results.
conversions to SI units that are provided for information only
5.3 This test method is to be used for comparative qualita-
and are not considered standard.
tive testing.
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
6. Test Specimens
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
6.1 A minimum of three test specimens and one control
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
specimen, each having been applied to an insulation base of
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
minimum dimensions 1 by 6 by 12 in. (25 by 150 by 300 mm),
shall be prepared. Insulation shall be the same as that which is
2. Referenced Documents
2 proposed for the application. The control specimen shall be
2.1 ASTM Standards:
stored indoors.
C168 Terminology Relating to Thermal Insulation
6.1.1 If the insulation thickness in actual application is less
D1435 Practice for Outdoor Weathering of Plastics
than 1 in. (25 mm), then the thickness of the insulation base
shall be as in practice.
3. Terminlogy
6.2 The following types of specimens are possible for
3.1 Definitions: Terminology C168 applies to the terms used
testing:
in this test method.
6.2.1 Thermal insulation with no joints,
6.2.2 Thermal insulation with dry joints, and
1
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee C16 on Thermal
6.2.3 Thermal insulation with joints filled with joint sealant.
Insulation and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee C16.33 on Insulation
Finishes and Moisture.
6.3 For testing compatibility of sealants with finishes, joints
Current edition approved Sept. 1, 2016. Published September 2016. Originally
1 3
at least 1 in. (25 mm) deep by ⁄16 to ⁄16 in. (2 to 5 mm) wide
approved in 1962. Last previous edition approved in 2010 as C488 – 05 (2010).
DOI: 10.1520/C0488-16.
by 12 in. (300 mm) long shall be cut in the insulation block.
2
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
Joints shall be at least 4 in. (100 mm) apart and at least 4 in.
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
(100 mm) from the edges, parallel to the joint. More than one
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
the ASTM website. sealant is potentially tested with a single finish by varying the
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
1

---------------------- Page: 1 ----------------------
C488 − 16
sealant in each successive joint. These individual insulation 7.5.5 Chalking,
pie
...

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: C488 − 05 (Reapproved 2010) C488 − 16
Standard Test Method for
Conducting Exterior Exposure Tests of Finishes for Thermal
1
Insulation
This standard is issued under the fixed designation C488; 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 test method covers out-of-doors exposure testing of finishes that are normally field-applied to thermal insulation which
mayand possibly include joints or joint sealants, or both. Such exposure may be is essential prior to the determination of certain
physical properties. properties when the finish is to be exposed to exterior weather conditions. This test method may also indicate
indicates possible compatibility problems between the joint sealant and the finish as well as the ability of the finish to span a dry
joint. This test method is not intended to evaluate mildew resistance, efflorescence, or chemical resistance.
NOTE 1—For testing free plastic films, see Practice D1435.
1.2 This test method does not prescribe the method of application, test duration, or inspection intervals.
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 and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory
limitations prior to use.
2. Referenced Documents
2
2.1 ASTM Standards:
C168 Terminology Relating to Thermal Insulation
D1435 Practice for Outdoor Weathering of Plastics
3. Terminlogy
3.1 Definitions: Terminology C168 applies to the terms used in this test method.
4. Summary of Test Method
4.1 This test method specifies out-of-doors exposure, under ambient conditions, of field-applied finishes on thermal insulations,
utilizing a minimum of three test specimens and one control specimen stored indoors.
5. Significance and Use
5.1 Both physical and chemical changes maypossibly occur from weather exposure, and these changes affect performance
properties, service life, and maintenance schedules. For this reason, tests of properties relating to performance shouldshall be made
both before and after specific periods of outdoor exposure.
5.2 This test method recognizes that differing geographical locations, environmental conditions, differences between surface
temperatures and ambient temperatures, and test durations may have extremely varied effects upon the test results.
5.3 This test method is to be used for comparative qualitative testing.
1
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee C16 on Thermal Insulation and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee C16.33 on Insulation Finishes
and Moisture.
Current edition approved Nov. 1, 2010Sept. 1, 2016. Published January 2011September 2016. Originally approved in 1962. Last previous edition approved in 20052010
as C488 – 5.C488 – 05 (2010). DOI: 10.1520/C0488-05R1010.1520/C0488-16.
2
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
1

---------------------- Page: 1 ----------------------
C488 − 16
6. Test Specimens
6.1 A minimum of three test specimens and one control specimen, each having been applied to an insulation base of minimum
dimensions 1 by 6 by 12 in. (25 by 150 by 300 mm), shall be prepared. Insulation shall be the same as that which is proposed for
the application. The control specimen shall be stored indoors.
6.1.1 If the insulation thickness in actual application is less than 1 in. (25 mm), then the thickness of the insulation base shall
be as in practice.
6.2 The following types of specimens may be prepared:are possible for testing:
6.2.1 Thermal insulation with no joints,
6.2.2 Thermal insulation with dry joints, and
6.2.3 Thermal insulation with joints filled with joint sealant.
1 3
6.3 For testing compatibility of sealants with finishes
...