C1258 PDF

Designation: C 1258 – 94 (Reapproved 2000)
Standard Test Method for

Elevated Temperature and Humidity Resistance of Vapor
Retarders for Insulation1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation C 1258; 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 4. Significance and Use

1.1 This test method covers the determination of the aging 4.1 On sub-ambient temperature systems, humid ambient
resistance of flexible low permeance vapor retarders for conditions cause a vapor driving force toward the insulation
thermal insulation as classified in Specification C 1136. Water which, if not retarded, is detrimental to the insulation’s thermal
vapor permeance measurement and visual inspection after resistance. Therefore a vapor retarder should resist degrada-
exposure at elevated temperature and humidity are used to tion. Degradation in this test method is induced by elevated
assess vapor retarder response. temperature and humidity conditions.
1.2 Typical vapor retarders applicable to this test method
that are intended for indoor use include foil-scrim-kraft lami- 5. Apparatus
nates, metallized polyester-scrim-kraft laminates, treated fab- 5.1 Environmental Chamber, capable of maintaining 120 6
rics, treated papers, films, foils, or combinations of these 2°F (49 6 1°C) and 95 6 2 % relative humidity, using distilled
materials that may comprise a vapor retarder material. This test or deionized water as the humidity source. The chamber shall
method is not intended for assessment of the liquid-applied be of the air-circulating variety.
coatings, sealants, or mastics commonly used with insulation 5.2 Lighted Box in a Darkened Room—A lighted box is an
products. enclosure having five opaque sides with one transparent glass
1.3 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded or plastic viewing side. The box is illuminated using an
as standard. The SI units given in parentheses are for informa- incandescent lightbulb. The viewing area shall be slightly
tion purposes only. smaller than the vapor retarder specimen so that holes or
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the degradation caused by aging are readily visible.
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the 5.3 Cotton Gloves.
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro- 5.4 Cardboard Overhead Transparency Frames or Equiva-
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica- lent.
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use. 5.5 Stainless Steel Staples.
5.6 Glass or Stainless Steel Rods.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards: 6. Test Specimens
C 1136 Specification for Flexible, Low Permeance Vapor 6.1 From each sample cut four specimens that are large
Retarders for Thermal Insulation2 enough to acquire water vapor permeance test specimens after
E 96 Test Methods for Water Vapor Transmission of Mate- exposure. The specimens shall be cut in a manner which best
rials2 characterizes the roll width. Material exhibiting extraneous
damage from mishandling in shipment or during sample
3. Summary of Test Method preparation shall be avoided. A fifth specimen shall be cut and
3.1 The vapor retarders are subjected to accelerated aging retained as a control. An 113⁄4 in. (298 mm) by 103⁄4 in. (273
via elevated temperature and humidity at 120°F (49°C) and mm) specimen size is recommended since this is the size of a
95 % relative humidity for a period of 28 days, then visually typical overhead transparency frame, which is useful to support
inspected for corrosion (if applicable), delamination, or other specimens in the humidity chamber. In any case, the specimen
degradation. Water vapor permeance in accordance with Test size shall be at least 6 in. by 6 in. (152 mm by 152 mm).
Methods E 96 is measured after humid aging.
7. Aging Procedure
7.1 Use clean cotton gloves during handling to avoid
1
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee C16 on Thermal surface contamination that may be confused with corrosion on
Insulation and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee C16.33 on Insulation
Finishes and Moisture.
foil or metallized laminates.
Current edition approved March 15, 1994. Published May 1994. 7.2 Once cut to the desired size, individually sandwich and
2
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 04.06.
Copyright © ASTM, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.
1
C 1258
staple the retarder specimens between two transparency frames specimen using a flashlight held at an angle. Corrosion deposits
or equivalent. The frames help to minimize curl and facilitate have an iridescent appearance when viewed in this manner.
handling without disturbing the specimen surface area. Num- 8.1.3 For all products, cut one water vapor permeance
ber the specimens 1 through 4, and retain the extra framed specimen from each aged piece. Specimens shall be cut from
specimen for later comparisons. any noteworthy areas identified during the light box inspection.
7.3 Mount the four frames on a glass rod. This is easily Determine the water vapor permeance in accordance with the
accomplished by using a paper punch on one corner of the desiccant method of Test Methods E 96. The water vapor
frames and sliding the frames onto the rod. Space the frames at permeance test temperature shall be 73 6 2°F (23 6 1°C);
least 1 in. (25 mm) apart. relative humidity shall be 50 6 2 %.
7.4 Suspend the rod with frames in the humidity chamber. 8.1.4 After the permeance specimen is cut, carefully remove
The specimens shall be oriented to allow air-flow parallel to the the remaining portion of sample from the test frames and
surface. inspect for evidence of delamination.
7.4.1 Carefully follow operation instructions of the test 9. Report
chamber to avoid surface condensation of the test specimens.
Expose the specimens for 28 days at 120 6 2°F (49 6 1°C) 9.1 The report shall include the following:
and 95 % 6 2 relative humidity. 9.1.1 A description of the material tested including supplies,
7.4.2 Alternate methods of suspending specimens may be type, lot number, and production date where possible, and
used, provided specimen to specimen contact, or contact with 9.1.2 Any evidence of delamination if applicable, and
potentially reactive materials, is avoided. Specimens must have 9.1.3 Any evidence of corrosion if applicable, and
adequate airspace and should never be oriented horizontally in 9.1.4 Any evidence of metallization loss if applicable, and
the cabinet. 9.1.5 Water vapor permeance after aging.
10. Precision and Bias
8. Evaluation
10.1 No statement is made concerning the precision and
8.1 At the end of 28 days, evaluate the specimens for the bias of the visual inspection portion of the accelerated aging of
following: vapor retarders for insulation, since results merely compare
8.1.1 For all products, place the specimens on the lighted performance to an unexposed control.
box and inspect for pinholes, large holes, or increased trans- 10.2 Refer to Test Methods E 96 for precision and bias of
lucency from the retained control specimen. Lightly mark the water vapor permeance determination.
noteworthy areas with a felt-tip pen.
8.1.2 For foil laminates also inspect the foil surface for 11. Keywords
evidence of corrosion in the form of crystalline deposits. This 11.1 corrosion; humid aging; insulation; vapor retarder;
inspection is easily accomplished in a darkroom by viewing the water vapor permeance
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with any item mentioned in this standard. Users of this standard are expressly advised that determination of the validity of any such
patent rights, and the risk of infringement of such rights, are entirely their own responsibility.
This standard is subject to revision at any time by the responsible technical committee and must be reviewed every five years and
if not revised, either reapproved or withdrawn. Your comments are invited either for revision of this standard or for additional standards
and should be addressed to ASTM Headquarters. Your comments will receive careful consideration at a meeting of the responsible
technical committee, which you may attend. If you feel that your comments have not received a fair hearing you should make your
views known to the ASTM Committee on Standards, at the address shown below.
This standard is copyrighted by ASTM, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.
Individual reprints (single or multiple copies) of this standard may be obtained by contacting ASTM at the above address or at
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Designation: C 1258 – 94 (Reapproved 2000)

Standard Test Method for

1. Scope 4. Significance and Use

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