ASTM C1136-06 - 1.5.2006
 
1. Scope

1.1 This specification covers vapor retarders for thermal insulation, specifically, flexible materials with permeance of 0.10 perm or lower and surface burning characteristics of 25 flame spread/50 smoke or lower. These materials are intended for use at surface temperatures of 20 to 150°F (29 to 66°C). It does not cover mastics or barrier coatings applied in liquid form, nor materials intended for use as weather barriers.

1.2 This specification provides physical requirements for vapor retarders. Practice C 755 provides assistance in solving problems related to moisture vapor transmission through thermal insulation materials.

1.3 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The SI units given in parentheses are for information only.

The following precautionary caveat pertains to the test methods portion only, Section , of this specification: 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.

 
2. Referenced Documents

C168-25

Standard Terminology Relating to Thermal Insulation

D828-22

Standard Test Method for Tensile Properties of Paper and Paperboard Using Constant-Rate-of-Elongation Apparatus

C1338-25

Standard Test Method for Determining Fungi Resistance of Insulation Materials and Facings

D774-D774M-97

Standard Test Method for Bursting Strength of Paper

C755-25

Standard Guide for Selection of Water Vapor Retarders for Thermal Insulation

D882-26a

Standard Test Method for Tensile Properties of Thin Plastic Sheeting (Includes all amendments and changes 10/1/2026).

T461

E84-26a

Standard Test Method for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials (Includes all amendments and changes 4/15/2026).

C1258-21a(2026)

Standard Test Method for Elevated Temperature and Humidity Resistance of Vapor Retarders for Insulation (Includes all amendments and changes 3/24/2026).

C1263-95(2026)

Standard Test Method for Thermal Integrity of Flexible Water Vapor Retarders

D3285-93(1999)

Standard Test Method for Water Absorptiveness of Nonbibulous Paper and Paperboard (Cobb Test)

E96/E96M-24a

Standard Test Methods for Gravimetric Determination of Water Vapor Transmission Rate of Materials (Includes all amendments and changes 11/20/2024).

D1204-25

Standard Test Method for Linear Dimensional Changes of Nonrigid Thermoplastic Sheeting or Film at Elevated Temperature