In this practice it is recognized that effectiveness, safety, and durability of an RBS depends not only on the quality of the materials, but also on their proper installation.

Improper installation of an RBS will reduce the thermal effectiveness, cause fire risks and other unsafe conditions, and promote deterioration of the structure in which it is installed. Improper installations 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 as a result of moisture accumulation.

This practice provides recommendations for the installation of RBS products in a safe and effective manner. Actual conditions in existing buildings vary greatly and care shall be taken to ensure safe and effective installation.

In this practice requirements are presented that are both general and specific in nature and considered practical. They are not intended as specific recommendations unless so indicated. The user shall consult the manufacturer for recommended application and installation methods. The requirements in this practice shall be considered as the minimum material and installation requirements for RBS.

1.1 This practice has been prepared for use by the designer, specifier, builder, and the installer of radiant barrier systems (RBS) for use in (multi- and single-family) residential building construction, not otherwise restricted from use. The scope is limited to recommendations relative to the use and installation of RBS, including a surface(s) normally having an emittance of 0.1 or less, such as metallic foil or metallic foil deposits, mounted on substrates. Some examples that this practice is intended to address include: (1) low-emittance surfaces in vented 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 surface at interior building surfaces intended to reduce radiant transfer to, or from, radiant heating or cooling systems.

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

1.3 This practice 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, federal, or international codes.

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

1.5 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard.

1.6 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 5 and 7.