NIA / Training & Tools / Mechanical Insulation Design Guide / Resources

Resources

Relevant Standards and Guidelines

American Society of Heating Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers

  • 90.1-2016 — Energy Standard for Buildings except Low-Rise Residential Buildings. ANSI/ASHRAE/IESNA Standard 90.1-2010
  • 90.2-2007 — Energy-Efficient Design of Low-Rise Residential Buildings. ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 90.2-2007

Architectural Computer Services Inc (ARCOM)

  • ARCOM MasterSpec 230700 HVAC Insulation

ASTM International

  • C165 — Standard Test Method for Measuring Compressive Properties of Thermal Insulations
  • C168 — Standard Terminology Relating to Thermal Insulation
  • C177 — Standard Test Method for Steady-State Heat Flux Measurements and Thermal Transmission Properties by Means of the Guarded-Hot-Plate Apparatus
  • C195 — Standard Specification for Mineral Fiber Thermal Insulating Cement
  • C335 — Standard Test Method for Steady-State Heat Transfer Properties of Pipe Insulation
  • C411 — Standard Test Method for Hot-Surface performance of High-Temperature Thermal Insulation
  • C423 — Standard Test Method for Sound Absorption and Sound Absorption Coefficients by the Reverberation Room Method
  • C447 — Standard Practice for Estimating the Maximum Use Temperature of Thermal Insulations
  • C449 — Standard Specification for Mineral Fiber Hydraulic-Setting Thermal Insulating and Finishing Cement
  • C450 — Standard Practice for Fabrication of Thermal Insulating Fitting Covers for NPS Piping and Vessel Lagging
  • C518 — Standard Test Method for Steady-State Thermal Transmission Properties by Means of the Heat Flow Apparatus
  • C533 — Standard Specification for Calcium Silicate Block and Pipe thermal Insulation.
  • C534 — Standard Specification for Preformed Flexible Elastomeric Cellular Thermal Insulation in Sheet and Tubular Form
  • C547 — Standard Specification for Mineral Fiber Pipe Insulation
  • C552 — Standard Specification for Cellular Glass Thermal Insulation
  • C553 — Standard Specification for Mineral Fiber Blanket Thermal Insulation for Commercial and Industrial Applications
  • C578 — Standard Specification for Rigid, Cellular Polystyrene Thermal Insulation
  • C585 — Standard Practice for Inner and Outer Diameters of Rigid Thermal Insulation for Nominal Sizes of Pipe and Tubing
  • C591 — Standard Specification for Unfaced Preformed Rigid Cellular Polyisocyanurate Thermal Insulation
  • C592 — Standard Specification for Mineral Fiber Blanket Insulation and Blanket-Type Pipe Insulation (Metal Mesh Covered)(Industrial Type)
  • C610 — Standard Specification for Molded Expanded Perlite Block and Pipe Thermal Insulation
  • C612 — Standard Specification for Mineral Fiber Block and Board Thermal Insulation.
  • C667 — Standard Specification for Prefabricated Reflective Insulation Systems for Equipment and Pipe Operating at Temperatures above Ambient Air
  • C680 — Standard Practice for Estimate of the Heat Gain or Loss and the Surface Temperature of Insulated Flat, Cylindrical, and Spherical Systems by use of Computer Programs
  • C755 — Standard Practice for Selection of Water Vapor Retarders for Thermal Insulation
  • C892 — Standard Specification for High-Temperature Fiber Blanket Thermal Insulation
  • C921 — Standard Practice for Determining the Properties of Jacketing Materials for Thermal Insulation
  • C945 — Standard Practice for Design Considerations and Spray Application of a Rigid Cellular Polyurethane Insulation System on Outdoor Service Vessels
  • C1029 — Standard Specification for Spray-Applied Rigid Cellular Polyurethane Thermal Insulation
  • C1045 — Standard Practice for Calculating Thermal Transmission Properties under Steady-State Conditions
  • C1055 — Standard Guide for Heated System Surface Conditions that Produce Contact Burn Injuries
  • C1057 — Standard Practice for Determination of Skin Contact Temperature from Heated Surfaces using a Mathematical Model and Thermesthesiometer
  • C1071 — Standard Specification for Fibrous Glass Duct Lining Insulation (Thermal and Sound Absorbing Material)
  • C1086 — Standard Specification for Glass Fiber Felt Thermal Insulation
  • C1126 — Standard Specification for Faced or Unfaced Rigid Cellular Phenolic Thermal Insulation
  • C1136 — Standard Specification for Flexible Low Permeance Vapor Retarders for Thermal Insulation
  • C1290 — Standard Specification for Flexible Fibrous Glass blanket Insulation used to Externally Insulate HVAC Ducts
  • C1303 — Test method for Estimating the Long-Term Change in the Thermal Resistance of Unfaced Rigid Closed-Cell Plastic Foams by Slicing and Scaling Under Controlled Laboratory Conditions
  • C1393 — Standard Specification for Perpendicularly Oriented Mineral Fiber Roll and Sheet Thermal Insulation for Pipes and Tanks
  • C1410 — Standard Specification for Cellular Melamine Thermal and Sound-Absorbing Insulation
  • C1423 — Standard Guide for Selecting Jacketing Materials for Thermal Insulation
  • C1427 — Standard Specification for Extruded Preformed Flexible Cellular Polyolefin Thermal Insulation in Sheet and Tubular Form
  • C1482 — Standard Specification for Polyimide Flexible Cellular Thermal and Sound-Absorbing Insulation
  • C1534 — Standard Specification for Flexible Polymeric Foam Sheet Insulation used as a Thermal and Sound Absorbing Liner for Duct Systems
  • C1594 — Standard Specification for Polyimide Rigid Cellular Thermal Insulation
  • C1639 — Standard Specification for Fabrication of Cellular glass Pipe and Tubing Insulation
  • C1695 — Standard Specification for Flexible Removable and Reusable Blanket Insulation for Hot Service
  • D1621 — Standard Test Method for Compressive Properties of Rigid Cellular Plastics
  • E84 — Standard Test Method for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials
  • E96 — Standard Test Methods for Water Vapor Transmission of Materials
  • E119 — Standard Test Methods for Fire Tests of Building Construction and Materials
  • E136 — Standard Test Method for Behavior of Materials in a Vertical Tube Furnace at 750°C
  • E795 — Standard Practice for Mounting Test Specimens During Sound Absorption Tests
  • E1222 — Standard Test Method for Laboratory Measurement of the Insertion Loss of Pipe Lagging Systems
  • E1529 — Standard Test Methods for Determining Effects of Large Hydrocarbon Pool Fires on Structural Members and Assemblies
  • E2231 — Standard Practice for Specimen Preparation and Mounting of Pipe and Duct Insulation Materials to Assess Surface Burning Characteristics

Firestop Contractors International Association (FCIA)

Midwest Insulation Contractors Association

National Insulation Association

  • Guide to Insulation Product Specifications was developed, and is periodically updated, by the NIA Technical Information Committee (TIC). This guide lists ASTM, federal and military specifications that pertain to the thermal insulation industry. It encompasses both industrial and commercial mechanical insulations as well as building envelope and fire resistance insulations. Related application and finishing accessory materials also are included. Some government construction agencies (General Services Administration, Department of Housing and Urban Development, Department of Defense, Corps of Engineers, etc.) issue specifications or standards that designated insulation materials. This guide is intended to serve the limited purpose of describing, in a general way, the specifications and standards so designated. It should be kept in mind that the materials listed in this guide are subject to change, as are the specifications and standards themselves. This guide organizes each specification by type (ASTM, federal, or military), number and title, and description of its scope. NIA Associate Members that manufacture products that conform to the referenced specification are listed below each specification.

Do not rely upon the guide to determine whether a product meets contract specifications or to obtain approvals under purchase orders or contracts. Those types of determinations must be made by careful examination of the contract specifications, the manufacturer's literature and the provision of the government specification or standard referred to in the contract documents. For specific product information and specifications compliance, consult the particular manufacturer.

NACE International

  • NACE SP0198, "Standard Recommended Practice, Control of Corrosion Under Thermal Insulation and Fireproofing Materials—A Systems Approach".

National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)

  • NFPA, 2002. Standard for the Installation of Air-Conditioning and Ventilating Systems. NFPA Standard 90A. National Fire Protection Association, Quincy, MA.
  • NFPA, 2003. Standard for the Installation of Warm Air Heating and Air-Conditioning Systems. NFPA Standard 90B National Fire Protection Association, Quincy, MA.
  • NFPA, 2000. Standard Method of Test of Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials. NFPA Standard 255, National Fire Protection Association, Quincy, MA.
  • NFPA, 2003. Standard Test Method for Potential Heat of Building Materials. NFPA Standard 259. National Fire Protection Association, Quincy, MA.

Process Industry Practices

Underwriters Laboratory

  • Underwriters Laboratories 1996. Standard for Factory-Made Air Ducts and Air Connectors. Standard UL 181. Underwriters Laboratories Inc. Northbrook, IL.
  • Underwriters Laboratories of Canada, 1989. Standard Methods of Fire Endurance Tests of Building Construction and Materials Standard CAN/ULC-S101. Toronto, ON.
  • Underwriters Laboratories of Canada 2003. Standard Method of Test for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials and Assemblies. Standard CAN/ULC- S102. Toronto, ON.
  • Underwriters Laboratories of Canada 1997. Standard Method of Test for Determination of Non-combustibility in Building Materials. Standard CAN4-S114-1980 (Rev 1997). Toronto, ON.

U.S. Government Agency Guide Specifications

Manufacturer by Product Type

Click to view 2021's Insulation Products Listings.

Mechanical Insulation Manufacturer by Product Type

The following is an exclusive listing of Manufacturers (Associate Members) of the National Insulation Association (NIA) and is categorized in the same format of Thermal Insulation Materials contained with the Materials and System Section of the Mechanical Insulation Design Guide. The same manufacturer may appear under multiple categories.

A manufacturer is defined to be involved in the production and sale of materials, products, equipment, or services for the commercial and industrial insulation industries. They provide innovative solutions to meet insulation and users' specific needs. To be included in this listing the manufacturer must be a member of the National Insulation Association (NIA) and publish a Safety Data Sheet (SDS) and product literature, as well as have its company name appear on the product packaging.

Cellular Insulation

Fibrous Insulations

Granular Insulation

Other

Mechanical Insulation Weather Barrier, Vapor Retarders, and Finish Manufacturers by Product Type

The following listing is exclusive of Manufacturers (Associate Members) of the National Insulation Association (NIA) and is categorized in the same format as Thermal Insulation Materials contained within the Materials and System Section of the Design Guide. The same manufacturer may appear under multiple categories.

A manufacturer is defined to be involved in the production and sale of materials, products, equipment, or services for the commercial and industrial insulation industries. They provide innovative solutions to meet insulation and users' specific needs. To be included in this listing the manufacturer must be a member of the National Insulation Association (NIA) and publish a Safety Data Sheet (SDS) and product literature, as well as have its company name appear on the product packaging.

Metal Rolls & Sheets

Polymeric (plastic) rolls or sheets

Laminates (All Types)

Fabrics

Fitting Covers (All types)

Mastics & Coatings (All Types)

Insulation & Finishing Cements

Mechanical Insulation Accessory Product Manufacturer by Product Type

The following listing is exclusive of Manufacturers (Associate Members) of the National Insulation Association (NIA) and is categorized in the same format as Thermal Insulation Materials contained within the Materials and System Section of the Design Guide. The same manufacturer may appear under multiple categories.

A manufacturer is defined to be involved in the production and sale of materials, products, equipment, or services for the commercial and industrial insulation industries. They provide innovative solutions to meet insulation and users' specific needs. To be included in this listing the manufacturer must be a member of the National Insulation Association (NIA) and publish a Safety Data Sheet (SDS) and product literature, as well as have its company name appear on the product packaging.

Adhesives & Sealants (All types)

Other Accessory Products & Equipment

References

  • Brower, G., 2000. A new solution for controlling water vapor problems in low temperature insulation systems. Insulation Outlook, National Insulation Association, September, 2000.
  • Crall, G.C.P., 2002., "The use of wicking technology to manage moisture in below ambient insulation systems", Insulation Materials, Testing and Applications: 4th Volume, ASTM STP 1426:326-334, ASTM International, West Conshohocken, PA.
  • Gordon, J., 1996. An investigation into freezing and bursting water pipes in residential construction. Research Report 90-1. University of Illinois Building Research Council.
  • Economic Thickness of Thermal Insulation. 1976 GPO No. 041-018-0015-8, Federal Energy Administration, Washington, D.C.
  • Incropera, F and DeWitt, D, Fundamentals of Heat and Mass Transfer, John Wiley & Sons, New York.
  • Korsgaard, V., 1993. Innovative concept to prevent moisture formation and icing of cold pipe insulation. ASHRAE Transactions 99(1): 270:273
  • Kuntz, H.L. and Hoover, R.M., 1987. "The interrelationship between the physical properties of fibrous duct lining materials and lined duct sound attenuation", ASHRAE Transaction 93(2), 3082 (RP-478).
  • Marion, W. and Urban, K., 1995. User's manual for TMY2's typical meteorological years. National Renewable Energy Laboratory, Golden Colorado.
  • Miller, W.S., Acoustical lagging systems, Insulation Outlook, National Insulation Association, April 2001, pp. 41-46.
  • Mumaw, J. R., 2001. Below ambient piping insulation systems, Insulation Outlook, National Insulation Association, September, 2001.
  • Mumaw, J. R., 2002. "A test protocol for comparison of the moisture absorption behavior of below-ambient piping insulation systems operating in hot-humid environments", Insulation Materials: Testing and Applications: 4th Volume, ASTM STP 1426:176-186, ASTM International, West Conshohocken, PA,.
  • Russell, A., 2007, The Basics of Life Cycle Assessment and Insulation, ASTM C 16 Forum, April 2007.
  • Turner, W.C. and Malloy, J.F., 1981. Thermal Insulation Handbook. Robert E. Kreiger Publishing Company, McGraw Hill Book Company, New York.

Educational Resources

Insulation Estimator's Handbook

The National Insulation Association (NIA) has published the Insulation Estimator's Handbook. This handbook is a collection of information from manufacturers, trade associations, technical organizations, and other sources. It contains technical information for estimating insulation, as well as formulas and conversions, information on insulation accessories, and technical variables of an insulation project. It is available from the NIA Bookstore.

NIA's Mechanical Insulation Basics

Formerly known as NIA's Mechanical Insulation Education & Awareness Course, the Mechanical Insulation Basics online training course was created in conjunction with the Department of Energy. Mechanical insulation can play a significant role in reducing facility energy loss and saving money in the process. Insulation also provides an excellent return on investment, workplace safety, environmental protection, condensation control, and noise control.

Duration:    2 Hours
Level:    Intermediate
Prerequisites:    None
AIA Learning Units:    2.0 LU | HSW
USGBC GBCI:    2.0 CE
LEED Category:    Energy & Atmosphere
NIA PD Hours:    2.0 PDH

Course Learning Objectives

By completing this course you will learn to:

  • Understand the role of mechanical insulation in commercial and industrial applications;
  • Understand the benefits of mechanical insulation for reducing energy consumption, reducing emissions, reducing operating costs, controlling condensation, controlling processes, providing personnel protection, slowing the spread of fires, and reducing noise;
  • Understand how insulation works and learn mechanical insulation terminology;
  • Understand the various design objectives and design considerations for mechanical insulation;
  • Gain an appreciation for the importance of timely and proper maintenance of mechanical insulation systems; and
  • Gain knowledge about additional mechanical insulation learning resources.

After viewing the modules, you have the option of taking an online quiz and if you successfully pass the quiz you can receive AIA Learning Units. USGBC credits or PDH's from NIA.

Mechanical Insulation Installation Video Series

Created by industry, for industry these installation videos provide a general overview and basic how-to-guide for mechanical insulation applications. Each video is generic in nature, incorporates consensus recommendations of the sponsoring manufacturers and the applications demonstrated were completed by experienced field mechanics on piping and equipment mockups representing project applications. The videos are a great industry resource for supplementing existing craft training programs, educational programs for new or existing sales, service, and administrative employees, and for indirect users to obtain an overview of application practices for the respective insulation materials. They can be used by contractors, distributors, fabricators, laminators, manufacturers, and their respective customers or other parties interested in mechanical insulation best practices.

Each video is generic in nature and incorporates consensus recommendations of the sponsoring manufacturers. A summary overview of the video content includes:

  • Overview—introduction and objective of video series
  • General service definitions
  • Finish material overview
  • General Safety Precautions
  • General application practices
  • Inspection and maintenance
  • Resource and sponsor listing
  • Specific product information for the respective video
    • Product introduction
    • Insulation application demonstrations
    • Piping, fittings, equipment, ducts, etc.
    • Finish (protective jacketing) application demonstrations

The videos are organized by content so you can easily access the specific areas. You may purchase specific videos or the entire series in a compilation format.

Individual Insulation Installation Video Topics are:

  1. Calcium Silicate and Perlite Pipe and Equipment Insulation
  2. Cellular Foam Pipe and Equipment Insulation
  3. Cellular Glass Pipe and Equipment Insulation
  4. Elastomeric and Polyolefin Pipe, Equipment and Duct Insulation
  5. Fiber Glass Pipe, Equipment and Duct Insulation
  6. Mineral Wool Pipe and Equipment Insulation
  7. Removable/Reusable Flexible Insulation Covers
  8. Fasteners

NIA has launched a training portal to expand its educational offerings. Available are 29 videos, including NIA's webinars, the Mechanical Insulation Installation Video Series, and others covering topics like manufacturer's recommendations, leadership, installation, health & safety, and more. Visit www.vimeo.com/niainfo to see the complete listing.

American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning Engineers, Inc (ASHRAE) Learning Institute

The ASHRAE Learning Institute has developed an 8 hour seminar and 3 hour short course entitled Mechanical Insulation Training Program on How to Design & Specify Insulation Systems for HVAC Piping, Ductwork & Equipment. The program was developed via an alliance with the National Insulation Association and is modeled from the NIA's National Insulation Training Program. This hands-on program however focuses specifically on the HVAC market.

Other Resoures

Much of the information in this design guide was developed from material published in the ASHRAE Handbook. This four volume series is available as printed volumes or in CD form from ASHRAE. The Midwest Insulation Contractors Association's MICA Manual, the Process Industry Practices PIP and ARCOM MasterSpec® are also valuable sources of information.