ASTM_C_488_-_16.pdf

Designation:C48816Standard Test Method forConducting Exterior Exposure Tests of Finishes for ThermalInsulation1This standard is issued under the fixed designation C488;the number immediately following the designation indicates the year oforiginal adoption or,in the case of revision,the year of last revision.A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval.Asuperscript epsilon()indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.1.Scope1.1 This test method covers out-of-doors exposure testing offinishes that are normally field-applied to thermal insulationand possibly include joints or joint sealants,or both.Suchexposure is essential prior to the determination of certainphysical properties when the finish is to be exposed to exteriorweather conditions.This test method also indicates possiblecompatibility problems between the joint sealant and the finishas well as the ability of the finish to span a dry joint.This testmethod is not intended to evaluate mildew resistance,efflorescence,or chemical resistance.NOTE1For testing free plastic films,see Practice D1435.1.2 This test method does not prescribe the method ofapplication,test duration,or inspection intervals.1.3 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regardedas standard.The values given in parentheses are mathematicalconversions to SI units that are provided for information onlyand are not considered standard.1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of thesafety concerns,if any,associated with its use.It is theresponsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.2.Referenced Documents2.1 ASTM Standards:2C168 Terminology Relating to Thermal InsulationD1435 Practice for Outdoor Weathering of Plastics3.Terminlogy3.1 Definitions:Terminology C168 applies to the terms usedin this test method.4.Summary of Test Method4.1 This test method specifies out-of-doors exposure,underambient conditions,of field-applied finishes on thermalinsulations,utilizing a minimum of three test specimens andone control specimen stored indoors.5.Significance and Use5.1 Both physical and chemical changes possibly occurfrom weather exposure,and these changes affect performanceproperties,service life,and maintenance schedules.For thisreason,tests of properties relating to performance shall bemade both before and after specific periods of outdoor expo-sure.5.2 This test method recognizes that differing geographicallocations,environmental conditions,differences between sur-face temperatures and ambient temperatures,and test durationshave extremely varied effects upon the test results.5.3 This test method is to be used for comparative qualita-tive testing.6.Test Specimens6.1 A minimum of three test specimens and one controlspecimen,each having been applied to an insulation base ofminimum dimensions 1 by 6 by 12 in.(25 by 150 by 300 mm),shall be prepared.Insulation shall be the same as that which isproposed for the application.The control specimen shall bestored indoors.6.1.1 If the insulation thickness in actual application is lessthan 1 in.(25 mm),then the thickness of the insulation baseshall be as in practice.6.2 The following types of specimens are possible fortesting:6.2.1 Thermal insulation with no joints,6.2.2 Thermal insulation with dry joints,and6.2.3 Thermal insulation with joints filled with joint sealant.6.3 For testing compatibility of sealants with finishes,jointsat least 1 in.(25 mm)deep by116to316in.(2 to 5 mm)wideby 12 in.(300 mm)long shall be cut in the insulation block.Joints shall be at least 4 in.(100 mm)apart and at least 4 in.(100 mm)from the edges,parallel to the joint.More than onesealant is potentially tested with a single finish by varying the1This test method is under the jurisdiction ofASTM Committee C16 on ThermalInsulation and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee C16.33 on InsulationFinishes and Moisture.Current edition approved Sept.1,2016.Published September 2016.Originallyapproved in 1962.Last previous edition approved in 2010 as C488 05(2010).DOI:10.1520/C0488-16.2For referenced ASTM standards,visit the ASTM website,www.astm.org,orcontact ASTM Customer Service at serviceastm.org.For Annual Book of ASTMStandards volume information,refer to the standards Document Summary page onthe ASTM website.Copyright ASTM International,100 Barr Harbor Drive,PO Box C700,West Conshohocken,PA 19428-2959.United States1 sealant in each successive joint.These individual insulationpieces shall be adhered with a suitable adhesive to a larger slabof the same insulation of dimensions of the desired completedspecimen size in order to form a stable base for the specimen.6.3.1 For test specimens resulting in less than 1 in.(25 mm)thickness,the joint shall be practiced on the fully cut specimen.6.4 The joints filled with the joint sealant are to have thefinish applied immediately or allowed to cure or set for a week.T