ASTM C1158-97

NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or discontinued.
Contact ASTM International (www.astm.org) for the latest information.
Designation: C 1158 – 97
Standard Practice for
Installation and Use of Radiant Barrier Systems (RBS) in
Building Construction
This standard is issued under the fixed designation C 1158; 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 (e) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope the manufacturer shall provide the user appropriate current
information regarding any known problems associated with the
1.1 This standard has been prepared for use by the designer,
recommended use of the company’s products and shall also
specifier, and installer of RBS (radiant barrier systems) for use
recommend protective measures to be employed in their safe
in building construction. The scope is limited to recommenda-
utilization. The user shall establish appropriate safety and
tions relative to the use and installation of RBS including a
health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory
surface(s) normally having a far-infrared emittance of 0.1 or
requirements prior to use.
less, such as metallic foil or metallic deposits unmounted or
mounted on substrates. Some examples that this standard is
2. Referenced Documents
intended to address include: (1) low emittance surfaces in
2.1 ASTM Standards:
vented building envelope cavities intended to retard radiant
C 168 Terminology Relating to Thermal Insulating Materi-
transfer across the vented airspace; (2) low emittance surfaces
als
at interior building surfaces intended to retard radiant transfer
E 84 Test Method for Surface Burning Characteristics of
to or from building inhabitants; and (3) low emittance surfaces
Building Materials
at interior building surfaces intended to reduce radiant transfer
E 96 Test Methods for Water Vapor Transmission of Mate-
to or from radiant heating or cooling systems. See Figs. 1-4 for
rials
typical examples of use.
2.2 NFPA Standards:
1.2 This standard covers the installation process from pre-
NFPA 54 National Fuel Gas Code
installation inspection through post-installation procedure. It
NFPA 211 Standard for Chimneys, Fireplaces and Vents
does not cover the production of the radiant barrier materials.
2.3 Other Documents:
1.3 This standard is not intended to replace the manufactur-
CPSC Product Safety Fact Sheet No. 18 “The Home Elec-
er’s installation instructions, but shall be used in conjunction
trical System”
with such instructions. This practice is not intended to super-
cede local, state, or federal codes.
3. Terminology
1.4 This standard assumes that the installer possesses a good
3.1 Definitions:
working knowledge of the application codes and regulations,
3.1.1 For definitions of terms used in this standard practice
safety practices, tools, equipment, and methods necessary for
refer to Terminology C 168.
the installation of radiant barrier materials. It also assumes that
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
the installer understands the fundamentals of building con-
3.2.1 applicator—the person or persons who apply radiant
struction that affect the installation of RBS.
barrier materials in buildings.
1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the
3.2.2 conditioned space—any space in a building that is
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
served by a heating or cooling system.
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
3.2.3 open air space—a vented building cavity (for ex-
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
ample, a vented attic) or a large conditioned or unconditioned
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use. For specific
building space.
precautionary statements, see Sections 5 and 7.
1.6 When the installation or use of radiant barrier materials,
NOTE 1—A large building space is defined as a one whose minimum
accessories and systems, may pose safety or health problems, dimension exceeds two feet.
3.2.4 owner—the person, partnership, corporation, agency,
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee C-16 on Thermal
Insulation and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee C16.21 on Reflective
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 04.06.
Insulation.
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 04.07.
Current edition approved March 10, 1997. Published June 1997. Originally Available from National Fire Protection Association, Batterymarch Park,
published as C 1158 – 90. Last previous edition C 1158 – 90. Quincy, MA 02269.
2 6
The as manufactured emittance of a radiant barrier product should be stated on Available from U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Washington, DC
the label. 20207.
Copyright © ASTM, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.
C 1158
consisting of a low emittance (normally 0.1 or less) surface
(usually aluminum foil) bounded by an open air space. A RBS
is used for the sole purpose of limiting heat transfer by
radiation and is not specifically intended to reduce heat transfer
by convection or conduction.
4. Significance and Use
4.1 A standard recognizes that effectiveness, safety, and
durability of a RBS depends not only on the quality of the
materials, but also on their proper installation.
4.2 Improper installation of a RBS can reduce their thermal
effectiveness, cause fire risks and other unsafe conditions, and
promote deterioration of the structure in which they are
installed. Specific hazards that can result from improper
installation include fires caused by (1) heat buildup in recessed
lighting fixtures, (2) deterioration or failure of electrical wiring
components, and (3) deterioration in wood structures and paint
failure due to moisture accumulation.
FIG. 1 Typical Residential Use—Southern Climates
4.3 This standard provides recommendations for the instal-
lation of radiant barrier materials in a safe and effective
manner. Actual conditions in existing buildings may vary
greatly and in some cases additional care should be taken to
ensure safe and effective installation.
4.4 This standard presents requirements that are general in
nature and considered practical. They are not intended as
specific recommendations. The user should consult the manu-
facturer for recommended application methods.
FIG. 2 Typical Residential Use—Northern Climates
5. Safety Precautions
5.1 The applicator shall wear proper clothing and equipment
as recommended by the manufacturer and shall follow local
codes and safety regulations for building construction sites.
(For example, hard hats, safety goggles, respiratory protection,
may be required, depending on site conditions.)
6. Pre-Installation Inspection and Preparation
NOTE 1—Intended to protect inhabitants, materials and radiant heating
or cooling sources from interior building surface temperature extremes. 6.1 Inspections:
NOTE 2—For this typical application, the radiant barrier will be
6.1.1 Inspect the roof, walls, ceilings, and floors to identify
installed so as to substantially cover the entire building surface. A
areas where previous or existing moisture problems have
low-emittance surface of the radiant barrier will face the interior.
caused paint peeling, warpage, stain, visible fungus growth,
FIG. 3 Typical Industrial/Commercial Use
rotting, or other structural damage. Do not install RBS in such
areas until the owner has been informed and has certified that
these condition
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