ASTM C1158-05

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.

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.

This standard provides recommendations for the installation 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.

This standard presents requirements that are general in nature and considered practical. They are not intended as specific recommendations. The user should consult the manufacturer for recommended application methods.

1.1 This standard has been prepared for use by the designer, specifier, and installer of RBS (radiant barrier systems) for use in building construction. The scope is limited to recommendations relative to the use and installation of RBS including a surface(s) normally having a far-infrared emittance of 0.1 or less, such as metallic foil or metallic deposits unmounted or mounted on substrates. Some examples that this standard is intended to address include: (1) low emittance surfaces in vented or unvented building envelope cavities intended to retard radiant transfer across the airspace; (2) low emittance surfaces at interior building surfaces intended to retard radiant transfer to or from building inhabitants; and (3) low emittance surfaces at interior building surfaces intended to reduce radiant transfer to or from radiant heating or cooling systems. See for typical examples of use.

1.2 This standard covers the installation process from pre-installation inspection through post-installation procedure. It does not cover the production of the radiant barrier materials. (See Specification C1313.)

1.3 This standard is not intended to replace the manufacturer's installation instructions, but shall be used in conjunction with such instructions. This practice is not intended to supercede local, state, or federal codes.

1.4 This standard assumes that the installer possesses a good working knowledge of the application codes and regulations, safety practices, tools, equipment, and methods necessary for the installation of radiant barrier materials. It also assumes that the installer understands the fundamentals of building construction that affect the installation of RBS.

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. For specific precautionary statements, see Sections and .

1.5 When the installation or use of radiant barrier materials, accessories and systems, may pose safety or health problems, the manufacturer shall provide the user appropriate current information regarding any known problems associated with the recommended use of the company's products and shall also recommend protective measures to be employed in their safe utilization. The user shall establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory requirements prior to use.