ASTM C1104/C1104M-19 PDF

Full title and description

ASTM C1104/C1104M-19 — Standard Test Method for Determining the Water Vapor Sorption of Unfaced Mineral Fiber Insulation. This standard specifies a laboratory procedure for measuring the amount of water vapor sorbed by unfaced mineral (man‑made) fiber insulation when exposed to a high‑humidity atmosphere; results are reported as weight or volume percent change.

Abstract

This test method describes drying specimens to constant weight, exposing them to a controlled high‑humidity environment (commonly a 96‑hour exposure), then measuring the mass gain to determine water vapor sorption. The method applies only to the fibrous base material and binder of unfaced mineral fiber insulation; faced products are not evaluated by this test. Results are reported in either SI or inch‑pound units (each system to be used independently).

General information

• Status: Active (current ASTM designation C1104/C1104M-19; active in the ASTM catalog and listed with the -19 edition).
• Publication date: Approved and published September 1, 2019 (C1104/C1104M‑19).
• Publisher: ASTM International (formerly American Society for Testing and Materials).
• ICS / categories: 91.100.60 — Thermal and sound insulating materials.
• Edition / version: C1104/C1104M-19 (current edition, replaces earlier C1104/C1104M-13a and prior editions).
• Number of pages: 4 pages (short test method document).

Scope

This standard covers determination of the amount of water vapor sorbed by mineral‑fiber thermal insulation exposed to a high‑humidity atmosphere. It is intended for unfaced fibrous insulation (base fibers and binder only) and does not evaluate facings or coatings. The standard notes that results may be affected by elevated temperatures or chemical exposures and that SI and inch‑pound results are not exact equivalents and must be used independently.

Key topics and requirements

• Specimen preparation: specimens are dried to constant mass before exposure.
• Humidity exposure: specimens are exposed to a controlled, high‑humidity environment (commonly a 96‑hour exposure) to allow vapor sorption to occur.
• Measurement and calculation: sorbed water is determined from the mass gain and reported as weight or volume percent.
• Applicability: applies only to unfaced mineral‑fiber insulation (faced products are excluded).
• Units: provides both SI and inch‑pound units; each system is treated independently.
• Significance: water sorption may increase weight and degrade insulation properties; users should apply appropriate safety and environmental practices.

Typical use and users

Used by materials and test laboratories, insulation manufacturers, quality control departments, product development teams, specifiers, and building envelope consultants to quantify moisture uptake of unfaced mineral fiber insulation and to inform product selection, specification, and performance assessments.

Related standards

Related and referenced ASTM documents include earlier editions of this method (C1104/C1104M‑13a), and other standards in the C16 committee series (terminology and related test methods such as C167, C302 and other C‑series test/practice documents addressing insulation sampling, properties, and moisture/finish issues). Users often consult complementary specifications and test methods within the C16 technical committee suite when characterizing insulation materials.

Keywords

water vapor sorption, mineral fiber insulation, man‑made mineral fiber, moisture uptake, thermal insulation test, C1104, sorption test, unfaced insulation.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ASTM C1104/C1104M-19 is a standard test method that specifies how to determine the amount of water vapor sorbed by unfaced mineral‑fiber insulation under high‑humidity exposure.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers specimen drying, controlled humidity exposure (commonly 96 hours), measurement of mass gain, and reporting of sorption as weight or volume percent. It applies only to the fibrous base material and binder of unfaced products.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Test laboratories, insulation manufacturers (for QC and R&D), product specifiers, building materials evaluators, and consultants concerned with moisture performance of mineral‑fiber insulation.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The C1104/C1104M‑19 edition (approved September 1, 2019) is the current ASTM designation for this test method; it replaced prior editions (for example C1104/C1104M‑13a) and is listed as the active -19 version in the ASTM catalog. Users should confirm the current status with ASTM for any later reaffirmations or revisions.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes — it is part of the ASTM C16 committee portfolio covering thermal insulation test methods, specifications, and practices; it cross‑references other C‑series standards relevant to insulation properties, sampling, and moisture/finish issues.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: water vapor sorption; mineral fiber; insulation; moisture uptake; sorption test; unfaced insulation; thermal insulation; ASTM C1104/C1104M‑19.