USACE / NAVFAC / AFCESA / NASA UFGS-07 21 23 (April 2006)
------------------------------
Preparing Activity: NAVFAC Replacing without change
UFGS-07216 (August 2004)
UNIFIED FACILITIES GUIDE SPECIFICATIONS
References are in agreement with UMRL dated January 2009
SECTION 07 21 23
LOOSE FILL THERMAL INSULATION
04/06
NOTE: This guide specification covers the requirements for loose fill cellulosic
and mineral fiber insulation materials in attics, ceilings, and framed walls
and mineral granular in masonry walls.
Edit this guide specification for project specific requirements by adding, deleting,
or revising text. For bracketed items, choose applicable items(s) or insert
appropriate information.
Remove information and requirements not required in respective project, whether
or not brackets are present.
Comments and suggestions on this guide specification are welcome and should
be directed to the technical proponent of the specification. A listing of technical
proponents, including their organization designation and telephone number, is
on the Internet.
Recommended changes to a UFGS should be submitted as a Criteria Change Request
(CCR).
NOTE: This guide specification is intended for both retrofit of existing buildings
and new construction.
NOTE: On the drawings, show:
1. Locations where insulation will be used.
2. Thermal resistance value (R-Value) for each location.
3. Location of vapor retarder, if required.
4. Location and size of attic ventilation openings where required.
NOTE: Attic Ventilation
Provide net, unobstructed ventilation areas to attics over insulated ceilings:
1. For attics with vapor retarder, provide 0.1 square meter one square foot
of net ventilation area for each30 square meters 300 square feet of attic floor
area.
2. For attics without vapor retarder, provide 0.1 square meter one square foot
of net ventilation area for each15 square meters 150 square feet of attic floor
area.
PART 1 GENERAL
1.1 REFERENCES
NOTE: This paragraph is used to list the publications cited in the text of
the guide specification. The publications are referred to in the text by basic
designation only and listed in this paragraph by organization, designation,
date, and title.
Use the Reference Wizard's Check Reference feature when you add a RID outside
of the Section's Reference Article to automatically place the reference in the
Reference Article. Also use the Reference Wizard's Check Reference feature
to update the issue dates.
References not used in the text will automatically be deleted from this section
of the project specification when you choose to reconcile references in the
publish print process.
The publications listed below form a part of this specification to the extent referenced. The publications are
referred to within the text by the basic designation only.
[ASTM INTERNATIONAL (ASTM)ASTM C 1015(2006) Standard Practice for Installation of Cellulosic and Mineral Fiber Loose-Fill Thermal InsulationASTM C 516(2008) Vermiculite Loose Fill Thermal InsulationASTM C 549(2006) Perlite Loose Fill InsulationASTM C 665(2006) Mineral-Fiber Blanket Thermal Insulation for Light Frame Construction and Manufactured HousingASTM C 739(2008) Cellulosic Fiber Loose-Fill Thermal InsulationASTM C 764(2007) Mineral Fiber Loose-Fill Thermal InsulationASTM C 930(2005) Potential Health and Safety Concerns Associated with Thermal Insulation Materials and AccessoriesASTM D 3833/D 3833M(1996; R 2006) Water Vapor Transmission of Pressure-Sensitive TapesASTM D 4397(2008) Standard Specification for Polyethylene Sheeting for Construction, Industrial, and Agricultural ApplicationsASTM D 828(1997; R 2002) Tensile Properties of Paper and Paperboard Using Constant-Rate-of-Elongation ApparatusASTM E 136(2004) Behavior of Materials in a Vertical Tube Furnace at 750 Degrees CASTM E 84(2008a) Standard Test Method for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building MaterialsASTM E 96/E 96M(2005) Standard Test Methods for Water Vapor Transmission of Materials][NATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION ASSOCIATION (NFPA)NFPA 211(2006) Chimneys, Fireplaces, Vents, and Solid Fuel-Burning AppliancesNFPA 31(2006; Errata 2006; Errata 2007) Installation of Oil Burning EquipmentNFPA 54(2008) National Fuel Gas CodeNFPA 70(2007; AMD 1 2008) National Electrical Code - 2008 Edition][TECHNICAL ASSOCIATION OF THE PULP AND PAPER INDUSTRY (TAPPI)TAPPI T803 OM(2006) Puncture Test of Container Board][U.S. NATIONAL ARCHIVES AND RECORDS ADMINISTRATION (NARA)16 CFR 1209Interim Safety Standard for Cellulose Insulation16 CFR 1404.4Requirements to Provide Performance and Technical Data by Labeling - Notice to Purchasers29 CFR 1910.134Respiratory Protection]1.2 SUBMITTALS
NOTE: Review submittal description (SD) definitions in Section 01 33 00 SUBMITTAL
PROCEDURES and edit the following list to reflect only the submittals required
for the project. Submittals should be kept to the minimum required for adequate
quality control.
A “G” following a submittal item indicates that the submittal requires Government
approval. Some submittals are already marked with a “G”. Only delete an existing
“G” if the submittal item is not complex and can be reviewed through the Contractor’s
Quality Control system. Only add a “G” if the submittal is sufficiently important
or complex in context of the project.
For submittals requiring Government approval on Army projects, a code of up
to three characters within the submittal tags may be used following the "G"
designation to indicate the approving authority. Codes for Army projects using
the Resident Management System (RMS) are: "AE" for Architect-Engineer; "DO"
for District Office (Engineering Division or other organization in the District
Office); "AO" for Area Office; "RO" for Resident Office; and "PO" for Project
Office. Codes following the "G" typically are not used for Navy, Air Force,
and NASA projects.
Choose the first bracketed item for Navy, Air Force and NASA projects, or choose
the second bracketed item for Army projects.
Government approval is required for submittals with a "G" designation; submittals not having a "G" designation
are [for Contractor Quality Control approval.][for information only. When used, a designation following the
"G" designation identifies the office that will review the submittal for the Government.] The following shall
be submitted in accordance with Section 01 33 00 SUBMITTAL PROCEDURES:
SD-03 Product Data
Loose fill insulation
Sill sealer insulation
Vapor retarder
Pressure sensitive tape
SD-08 Manufacturer's Instructions
Loose Fill Insulation
1.3 DELIVERY, STORAGE, AND HANDLING
1.3.1 Delivery
Deliver materials to the site in original sealed containers or packages, each bearing manufacturer's name and
brand designation, referenced specification number, type, and class, as applicable; recommended method of installation
(pneumatic or pouring); minimum net weight of insulation; coverage charts; R-values; and, for cellulose insulation,
a label certifying that the product meets Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) Interim Safety Standard for
Cellulose Insulation, 16 CFR 1209, and cautionary label regarding potential fire hazard as required in 16 CFR 1404.4
.
1.3.2 Storage
Inspect materials delivered to the site for damage; unload and store out of weather in manufacturer's original
packaging. Store only in dry locations, not subject to open flames or sparks, and easily accessible for inspection
and handling.
1.4 SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
1.4.1 Respirators
Provide installers with dust/mist respirators, training in their use, and protective clothing, all approved by
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)/Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) in
accordance with 29 CFR 1910.134.
1.4.2 Smoking
Do not smoke during installation of loose fill thermal insulation.
1.4.3 Other Safety Concerns
Consider other safety concerns and measures as outlined in ASTM C 930
PART 2 PRODUCTS
2.1 LOOSE FILL INSULATION
NOTE: Cellulose insulation can absorb more moisture than mineral fiber. Include
both insulation types in locations where moisture is not a problem. Specify
mineral fiber for damp locations. Specify vermiculite or perlite only for masonry
cavities or concrete block cores.
Provide loose fill insulation conforming to [one of] the following:
NOTE: The flame spread and smoke development rating will depend on the building
occupancy in the areas where the insulation is located.
See MIL-HDBK-1008 and local building code for fire retardant classifications
required, flame spread and smoke developed ratings and distance of insulation
and vapor retarder from heat producing devices and other fire protection requirements,
such as finish materials required in various occupancies.
Most vapor retarder materials and some thermal insulations are combustible.
Do not leave such material exposed to accessible spaces, but cover with a fire
retardant finish.
[a. Mineral Fiber Loose Fill: ASTM C 764, Type I, for pneumatic application, or II, for poured
application, category [1] [2].]
[b. Cellulosic or Wood Fiber Loose Fill: ASTM C 739 or 16 CFR 1209.]
[c. Granular Mineral Loose Fill: ASTM C 516 type II vermiculite or ASTM C 549 types II or
IV perlite.]
2.1.1 Thermal Resistance Value(s) (R-Values)
NOTE: Select R-Value required to meet energy target/budget as indicated in
MIL-HDBK-1190, "Facility Planning and Design Guide."
The R-Value shall be as indicated. The R-value shall be the value the product achieves after settlement.
2.1.2 Recycled Material
Provide thermal insulation containing recycled materials to the extent practicable, provided that the material
meets all the other requirements of this section. At the minimum, the recycled material content shall be:
Rockwool: 75 percent slag
Fiberglass: 20 to 25 percent glass cullet
Cellulose: 75 percent post-consumer paper
2.1.3 Prohibited Materials
a. Asbestos-containing materials.
b. Urea Formaldehyde containing materials
c. Ammonium Sulfate containg material
2.2 SILL SEALER INSULATION
ASTM C 665, Type I.
2.3 BLOCKING
Wood, metal, unfaced mineral fiber blanket material in accordance with ASTM C 665, Type I, or other approved
materials. Provide only non-combustible materials (based on determination by ASTM E 136 for blocking around
chimneys and heat producing devices.
[2.4 VAPOR RETARDER
NOTE:
1. Determine the need for a water vapor retarder and its required permeance
value based on a project and climate specific moisture analysis. For guidance
see ASHRAE Handbook of Fundamentals, Chapter 20, "Thermal Insulations and Vapor
Retarders;" ASTM C 755, "Selection of Vapor Retarders for Thermal Insulations;"
and MIL-HDBK-1011/1, "Tropical Engineering" (for humid climates). The computer
Program "MOIST" which is on CCB, is a user friendly tool based on hourly weather
data that provides information on moisture content of materials and on the duration
of high moisture content excursions. Traditionally, vapor retarders were considered
materials having a permeance of 5.72 x 10-8 g/Pa.s.m2 1 perm (grain/h*ft2*in.Hg)
or less. However, that value may not be adequate for the particular construction
or climate and in some instances a much lower value should be specified
2. Vapor retarders, where required, can be provided as membranes or, alternatively,
vapor retardant finishes labeled by manufacturer as having a water vapor permeance
of no more than the required value can be used. Alternate materials include:
Paints, vinyl wall coverings, or foil-faced gypsum board. Specify these in Sections
09 90 00, PAINTS AND COATINGS, Section 09 72 00, WALLCOVERINGS, or Section 09
29 00, GYPSUM BOARD, respectively and delete all paragraphs and references relating
to vapor retarders from this section.
3. A vapor retarder is only effective if it prevents diffusion of water vapor
as well as the passage of moisture laden air through openings and around material.
Accordingly, proper installation to assure air tightness by sealing of joints,
tears, and around utility penetrations is as important as proper selection of
water vapor retarder materials.
4. Vapor retarders not only retard movement of water vapor into building envelope
cavities, but also retard drying out of moisture that may have infiltrated the
cavity. Accordingly, use vapor retarders only where their need is indicated
by the moisture analysis.
NOTE: Do not specify polyethelene membrane and other combustible membranes
where they will be exposed to occupied or accessible spaces. Such vapor retarders
must be covered to provide fire safety as required by applicable building codes.
[a. 0.15 mm thick polyethylene sheeting conforming to ASTM D 4397 and having a water vapor permeance
of 57.5 ng/(Pa.s.sqm) or less when tested in accordance with ASTM E 96/E 96M.]
[b. Membrane with following properties:
Permeance: ASTM E 96/E 96M, [57.5] [_____] ng/Pa*s*sqm
[Maximum Flame Spread: ASTM E 84, [25] [50] [_____]]
[Combustion Characteristic: Meet ASTM E 136]
[Puncture Resistance: TAPPI T803 OM
- [15] [25] [50] Beach Units (1 Beach Unit is 0.0299 joules)]
[Tensile Strength: ASTM D 828, [26] [35] [61] kN/m]]
[a. 6 mil thick polyethylene sheeting conforming to ASTM D 4397 and having a water vapor permeance
of one perm (grains/(h*ft2*in.Hg) or less when tested in accordance with ASTM E 96/E 96M.]
[b. Membrane with following properties:
Permeance: ASTM E 96/E 96M, [1] [_____] perm (grains/h*ft2*in.Hg
[Maximum Flame Spread: ASTM E 84, [25] [50] [_____]]
[Combustion Characteristic: Meet ASTM E 136]
[Puncture Resistance: TAPPI T803 OM
- [15] [25] [50] Beach Units (1 Beach Unit is 2.205*10-10 foot/pounds)]
[Tensile Strength: ASTM D 828, [15] [20] [35] lbs/in]]
]2.5 PRESSURE SENSITIVE TAPE
As recommended by the vapor retarder manufacturer and having a water vapor permeance rating of ng/(Pa*s*.m2 one
perm (grains/h*ft2*in.hg) or less when tested in accordance with ASTM D 3833/D 3833M.
PART 3 EXECUTION
3.1 EXISTING CONDITIONS
NOTE: For retrofit projects, inspect facility to determine conditions which
may adversely affect execution of work or create safety hazard. Identify relevant
conditions on the drawings and, if required, develop additional specification
sections for corrective actions. Conditions that warrant investigation:
1. Discolorations or mold growth indicating previous water leaks.
2. Heat producing devices, such as recessed lighting fixtures, chimneys, and
flues.
3. Faulty electrical systems:
(a) Lights dimming or flickering
(b) Fuses blowing
(c) Circuit breakers tripping frequently
(d) Electrical sparks and "glowing" from receptacles
(e) Cover plates on switches and outlets warm to the touch.
Before installing insulation, verify that all areas that will be in contact with the insulation are dry and free
of projections which could cause voids, compressed insulation, or punctured vapor retarders. If moisture or
other conditions are found that do not allow the workmanlike installation of the insulation, do not proceed but
notify the Contracting Officer of such conditions.
3.2 PREPARATION
3.2.1 Blocking at Attic Vents and Access Doors
Prior to installation of insulation, install permanent blocking to prevent insulation from covering, clogging,
or restricting air flow through soffit vents at eaves. [Install permanent blocking around attic trap doors.]
[Install permanent blocking to maintain accessibility to equipment or controls that require maintenance or adjustment.]
3.2.2 Blocking Around Heat Producing Devices
Install non-combustible blocking around heat producing devices to provide the following clearances:
a. Recessed lighting fixtures, including wiring compartments, ballasts, and other heat producing
devices, unless certified for installation surrounded by insulation: 75 mm 3 inches from outside
face of fixtures and devices or as required by NFPA 70 and, if insulation is to be placed above
fixture or device, 600 mm 24 inches above fixture.
b. Masonry chimneys or masonry enclosing a flue: 50 mm 2 inches from outside face of masonry.
Masonry chimneys for medium and high heat operating appliances: Minimum clearances required
by NFPA 211.
c. Vents and vent connectors used for venting the products of combustion, flues, and chimneys
other than masonry chimneys: minimum clearances as required by NFPA 211.
f. Gas fired appliances: Clearances as required in NFPA 54.
g. Oil fired appliances: Clearances as required in NFPA 31.
Blocking around flues and chimneys is not required if the insulation and vapor retarder, when provided, passed
ASTM E 136, in addition to meeting all other requirements stipulated in Part 2. The blocking is also not required
when chimneys are certified by the manufacturer for use in contact with insulating materials.
3.2.3 Protection of Ventilation System
Prior to installation of insulation, inspect existing HVAC equipment and ductwork to ensure that insulation will
not infiltrate the air distribution/ventilation system. Where potential infiltration sources have been identified
do not install insulation until repairs/modifications have been made to rectify the problem.
3.3 INSTALLATION
3.3.1 Insulation
NOTE: Include last sentence only in installations of mineral fiber or cellulose
insulation.
Install and handle insulation in accordance with applicable provisions of ASTM C 1015, and manufacturer's instructions.
Keep material dry and free of extraneous materials. Ensure personal protective clothing and respiratory equipment
is used as required. Observe safe work practices. Use only pneumatic equipment compatible with insulation material.
Operate equipment in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. Do not tamp or rod insulation. [Install
insulation using the amount (by weight) of material per square meter foot required to achieve the specified thermal
resistance value.]
[3.3.2 [Attics] [and] [Ceilings]
Fill space between [and above] [ceiling joists] [and] [rafters] to provide the specified R-Value. For pneumatic
installations, use lowest air pressure allowed by manufacturer's instructions. Do not blow insulation into electrical
devices, [soffit vents,] [and] [mechanical vents] which open into attic or other spaces to receive insulation.
][3.3.2.1 Frame Walls
Completely fill wall cavities [except those which serve as air ducts for heating, ventilating, and air conditioning
systems]. Locate entry holes in walls where required to permit the complete filling of wall cavities. After
opening entry holes, check wall cavity for fire stops and other obstructions. When fire stops or other obstructions
prevent complete filling of wall cavity, cut additional entry holes to fill the cavity. Close entry holes using
materials compatible with original materials. [Seal entry holes in locations where they penetrate a vapor retarder.]
][3.3.2.2 Masonry Walls
Bring up granular insulation in not more than 600 mm 2 foot lifts as the wall is constructed. Allow the insulation
to assume its natural density as it is placed.
]3.3.2.3 Electrical Wiring
Do not install insulation in a manner that would sandwich electrical wiring between two layers of insulation.
[3.3.2.4 Cold Climate Requirement
Place insulation to the outside of all pipes.
][3.3.2.5 Special Requirements for Ceilings
Place insulation under electrical wiring occurring across joists. Pack insulation into narrowly spaced framing.
Do not block flow of air through soffit vents.
][3.3.2.6 Installation of Sill Sealer
Size sill sealer insulation and place insulation over top of masonry or concrete perimeter walls or concrete
perimeter floor slab on grade. Fasten sill plate over insulation.
][3.3.2.7 Access Panels and Doors
Affix blanket insulation to all access panels and doors greater than 0.1 square meter one square foot in insulated
floors and ceilings. Use insulation with same R-Value as that for floor or ceiling.
][3.3.3 Installation of Vapor Retarder
Apply continuous vapor retarder as indicated. Overlap joints at least 150 mm 6 inches and seal with pressure
sensitive tape. Seal at sill, header, windows, doors and utility penetrations. Repair punctures or tears with
pressure sensitive tape. Do not install vapor retarders on both sides of insulation.]