Project Management and Construction Services

 
 
   

Design and Construction Standards

Technical Specification

SECTION 23 07 13

Ductwork Insulation
 
All renovation and new construction activities on The University of Texas at Austin campuses are required
to meet the UT Austin Design and Construction Standards (DCS). This includes the very first planning and
design stages through actual construction and facilities maintenance and management. They reflect the
planning, design, construction, maintenance, and other facilities asset expertise of University personnel.
These documents are to be used as a guideline on all UT Austin projects, and are not to be used for bidding,
permitting, construction or any other purpose. Any deviations must be approved by the respective Division
Champion, and will be submitted in writing by the Project Manager. The Design and Construction
Standards are controlled by Project Management and Construction Services, The University of Texas at
Austin. This document is the property of UT Austin, and use of this document, in part or in whole, for any
purpose other than for a UT Austin project may not be done without written permission of the University.
For any comments or questions related to UT Austin Design and Construction Standards, please contact
the Project Management and Construction Services Planning group at:
campus_standards@austin.utexas.edu or by phone at (512) 471-0665.
The issuance and revision history of this Section is tabulated below. Please destroy any previous copy in
your possession.

Rev Date Pages Remarks Documents

Referenced
7/27/2018 All New technical specification created. 23 07 00 HVAC
Insulation
8/31/2018 All Published section.

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TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION
 

SECTION 23 07 13 – DUCTWORK INSULATION

PART 1 - GENERAL

1.1 RELATED DOCUMENTS

A. Drawings and general provisions of the Contract, including General Conditions and Division 01
Specification Sections, apply to this Section.

B. Refer to section 23 07 00 for requirements applicable to all insulation for Division 23

components or systems on this project.

C. Refer to Specification 23 31 00 Ductwork.

D. Specifications throughout all Divisions of the Project Manual are directly applicable to this
Section, and this Section is directly applicable to them.

1.2 SUMMARY

A. Perform all Work required to provide and install the following items indicated by the Contract
Documents with supplementary items necessary for proper installation:

1. Ductwork insulation

2. Insulation jackets

1.3 REFERENCE STANDARDS

A. The latest published edition of a reference shall be applicable to this Project unless identified by
a specific edition date.

B. All reference amendments adopted prior to the effective date of this Contract shall be applicable
to this Project.

C. All materials, installation and workmanship shall comply with the applicable requirements and
standards addressed within the following references:

1. ASHRAE 90.1 - Energy Standard for Buildings Except Low-Rise Residential Buildings

2. ASTM B209 - Aluminum and Aluminum-Alloy Sheet and Plate.

3. ASTM C168 - Terminology Relating to Thermal Insulation.

4. ASTM C518 - Steady-State Thermal Transmission Properties by Means of the Heat Flow
Meter Apparatus.

5. ASTM C553 - Mineral Fiber Blanket Thermal Insulation for Commercial and Industrial
Applications.

6. ASTM C612 - Mineral Fiber Block and Board Thermal Insulation.

7. ASTM C1104 - Standard Test Method for Determining the Water Vapor Sorption of
Unfaced Mineral Fiber Insulation.

8. ASTM C1290 - Standard Specification for Flexible Fibrous Glass Blanket Insulation Used
to Externally Insulate HVAC Ducts.

9. ASTM C1136 - Standard Specification for Flexible, Low Permeance Vapor Retarders for
Thermal Insulation.

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10. ASTM C1338 - Standard Test Method for Determining Fungi Resistance of Insulation
Materials and Facings.

11. ASTM E84 - Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials.

12. ASTM E96 - Water Vapor Transmission of Materials.

13. ASTM E119 - Standard Test Methods for Fire Tests of Building Construction and Materials.

14. ASTM G21 - Standard Practice for Determining Resistance of Synthetic Polymeric
Materials to Fungi.

15. NFPA 255 - Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials.

16. SMACNA - HVAC Duct Construction Standards - Metal and Flexible.

17. UL 181 - Standard for Factory-Made Air Ducts and Air Connectors.

18. UL 723 - Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials.

19. ASTM E2336 - Standard for Grease Ducts.

20. ASTM D5590 - Standard Test Method for Determining the Resistance of Paint Films and
Related Coatings to Fungal Defacement by Accelerated Four-Week Agar Plate Assay

1.4 QUALITY ASSURANCE

A. All ductwork requiring insulation shall be insulated as specified herein and as required for a
complete system. In each case, the insulation shall be equivalent to that specified and materials
applied and finished as described in these Specifications.

B. All insulation, jacket, adhesives, mastics, sealers, etc., used in the fabrication of these systems
shall meet NFPA for fire resistant ratings (maximum of 25 flame spread and 50 smoke
developed ratings) and shall be approved by the insulation manufacturer for guaranteed
performances when incorporated into their insulation system, unless a specific product is
specified for a specific application and is stated as an exception to this requirement. Certificates
to this effect shall be submitted along with Contractor’s submittal data for this Section of the
Specifications. No material may be used that, when tested by the ASTM E8489 test method, is
found to melt, drip or delaminate to such a degree that the continuity of the flame front is
destroyed, thereby resulting in an artificially low flame spread rating.

C. Application Company Qualifications: Company performing the Work of this Section must have
minimum three (3) years experience specializing in the trade.

D. All insulation shall be applied by mechanics skilled in this particular work and regularly engaged
in such occupation.

E. All insulation shall be applied in strict accordance with these Specifications and with factory
printed recommendations on items not herein mentioned. Unsightly, inadequate, or sloppy Work
will not be acceptable.

F. Insulation materials must contain less than 1% asbestos.

G. Use low level VOC products where ever possible.

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1.5 SUBMITTALS

A. Product Data:

1. Provide product description, list of materials, “k” value, “R” value, mean temperature range,
and thickness for each service and location.

2. Provide product data for all mastics, sealants, adhesives, fasteners, and jacketing.

B. Record Documents:

1. Submit under provisions of Division 01.

C. Operation and Maintenance Data:

1. Samples: When requested, submit three (3) samples of any representative size illustrating
each insulation type.

2. Manufacturer’s Installation Instructions: Indicate procedures that ensure acceptable

standards will be achieved.

1.6 DELIVERY, STORAGE AND HANDLING

A. Deliver, store, protect, and handle products to the Project Site under provisions of Division 01
and specification section 23 00 00.

B. Deliver materials to Site in original factory packaging, labeled with manufacturer’s identification
including product density, thermal ratings, and thickness.

C. Store insulation in original wrapping and protect from weather and construction traffic. Protect
insulation against dirt, water, chemical, and mechanical damage. In no instance shall ductwork
insulation be stored outdoors or where subject to moisture damage.

D. Maintain ambient temperatures and conditions required by manufacturers of adhesives, mastics

and insulation cements.

PART 2 - PRODUCTS

2.1 INSULATION TYPE D1: BLANKET INSULATION (DUCT WRAP)

A. Acceptable Products:

1. Owens-Corning SOFTR Duct Wrap

2. Johns Manville Microlite FSK

3. Knauf Friendly Feel Duct Wrap

4. Or approved equal

B. Thermal Conductivity: k-value of 0.27 or less at 75 deg F

C. Density: 1.0 lb/cubic foot minimum density

D. Jacket/Facing: Foil/scrim/kraft (FSK) or Foil reinforced craft (FRK)

2.2 INSULATION TYPE D2: SEMIRIGID FIBERGLASS DUCT INSULATION

A. Acceptable Products:

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1. Owens-Corning Fiberglas Pipe & Tank Insulation

2. Johns Manville Micro-Flex

3. Knauf Earthwool Pipe & Tank Insulation

4. Or approved equal

B. Thermal Conductivity: k-value of 0.29 or less at 100 deg F

C. Density: 2.5 lb/cubic foot minimum density

D. Jacket/Facing: Foil/scrim/kraft (FSK) / Foil reinforced craft (FRK) or all service jacket (ASJ) as
indicated in insulation schedule at the end of this specification section.

2.3 INSULATION TYPE D3: RIGID BOARD FIBERGLASS DUCT INSULATION

A. Acceptable Products:

1. Owens-Corning Fiberglas 703 Series

2. Johns Manville 800 Series Spin-Glas

3. Knauf Earthwool Insulation Board

4. Or approved equal

B. Thermal Conductivity: k-value of 0.24 or less at 75 deg F

C. Density: 3.0 lb/cubic foot minimum density

D. Jacket/Facing: Foil/scrim/kraft (FSK) / Foil reinforced craft (FRK) or all service jacket (ASJ) as
indicated in insulation schedule at the end of this specification section.

2.4 INSULATION TYPE D4: CLOSED CELL ELASTOMERIC INSULATION

A. Acceptable Products:

1. Armacell AP Armaflex FS

2. Or approved equal

B. Thermal Conductivity: k-value of 0.28 at 75 deg F

C. Insulation shall meet or exceed the requirements of ASTM C534.

D. Insulation shall have a 10 year warranty against damage from UV light.

2.5 INSULATION TYPE D5: FIRE RATED INSULATION

A. Acceptable Products:

1. 3M 15A Fire Barrier Duct Wrap

2. FireMaster FastWrap XL

3. Unifrax FyreWrap Elite 1.5 Duct Insulation

4. Or approved equal

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B. Description:

1. Provide ceramic fiber blanket fire rated insulation suitable for continuous temperatures of
1900 deg F.

2. Insulation shall provide 2-hour fire rating and be suitable for zero clearances to
combustibles at any location.

3. Provide hanger support requirements and installation requirements to maintain UL rated

assembly in submittal.

C. Density: 6.0 lb/cubic foot

2.6 LINED DUCTWORK

A. Refer to Division 23 Ductwork specification.

2.7 COATINGS AND ADHESIVES

A. Insulation Types D1, D2, D3:

1. Coating: Foster 30-80 or Childers CP-35 or CP-38 vapor barrier coating. Permeance shall
be 0.05 perms or less as tested by ASTM E96, Procedure A at 47 mils dft or 0.08 perms
or less as tested by ASTM F1249. Coating must comply with MIL-PRF-19565C, Type II
and be QPL listed.

2. Adhesive: Fosters 85-60 or Childers CP-127 adhesive. Product must comply with ASTM
C916 and ASTM E84 25/50 requirements.

3. Reinforcing Mesh: Fiberglass or polyester, 10 strands by 10 strands per square inch.

Similar to Foster Mast A Fab or Childers Chil Glas #10.

B. Insulation Type D4:

1. Adhesive: Armaflex 520 BLV Low VOC Adhesive, Foster 85-75 or Childers CP-82.

2. Finish: Armaflex WB or approved equal.

2.8 ALUMINUM JACKETING:

A. Aluminum Jacketing: 0.016 aluminum jacketing as manufactured by Gasco, Papco RPR Metals,
Childers, or equal. The jacket shall be pre-cut, pre-rolled, and lapped a minimum of two inches
(2”) In all directions to shed water. The metal shall be secured at each joint with a minimum of
one each (1 ea.) ¾” wide 0.020 aluminum or stainless steel band and seal. The metal jacketing
and fitting covers shall be fabricated of 0.016” aluminum or stainless steel with a smooth finish.

PART 3 - EXECUTION

3.1 EXAMINATION

A. Verify that ductwork has been tested before applying insulation materials.

B. Verify that surfaces are clean and dry.

3.2 INSTALLATION

A. General Duct Insulation Installation Requirements:

1. All surfaces to be insulated shall be clean and dry before applying the insulation.

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2. No insulation shall be applied until the duct has been successfully leak tested.

3. Flexible connections on duct shall not be covered.

4. Vapor barrier shall be on the outside.

5. Extreme care shall be taken that the vapor barrier is unbroken.

6. Joints, etc., shall all be sealed. Where insulation with a vapor barrier terminates, it shall be
sealed off with the vapor barrier being continuous to the surface being insulated. Ends shall
not be left raw.

7. Continue insulation through walls, sleeves, hangers, and other duct penetrations. Insulate
entire system including fittings, joints, flanges, fire dampers, flexible connections, and
expansion joints. Where service access is required, bevel and seal ends of insulation.

B. Insulation Type D1:

1. Insulation shall be wrapped tightly on the ductwork. All circumferential joints shall be butted
and all longitudinal joints shall be overlapped a minimum of 2".

2. The insulation shall be secured to the ducts with adhesive applied mechanical fasteners
(stick pins). Fasteners shall be spaced approximately 12" on center on bottom of duct and
where required elsewhere to hold insulation securely against the duct as noted in the
published recommendations of the Insulation Manufacturer.

3. On circumferential and longitudinal joints, the 2" flange of the facing shall be secured using
9/16" staples applied 6" on center and taped with 4" wide fiberglass tape embedded in
specified sealant, and coated with sealant until the tape is completely covered. All pin
penetrations, punctures, or other damage to the insulation facing shall also be sealed.

C. Insulation Types D2 and D3:

1. The insulation shall be secured to the ducts with adhesive applied mechanical fasteners
(stick pins). Fasteners shall be spaced approximately 12" on center on bottom of duct and
where required elsewhere to hold insulation securely against the duct as noted in the
published recommendations of the Insulation Manufacturer.

2. Insulation on the bottom of duct and on vertical sections shall be coated with an adhesive
and pushed firmly against the ductwork as well as being secured with mechanical
fasteners.

3. After insulation is in place, all joints and seams shall be sealed with specified vapor barrier
mastic applied over a 3" wide strip of reinforcing mesh. All pin penetrations, punctures, or
other damage to the insulation facing shall also be sealed.

4. On ducts that are reinforced with standing seams or angle iron stiffeners 1" and over in
height, the contractor shall apply a strip of fiberglass board 1" thick by 6" wide, sealing
same to the other insulation with mastic.

D. Insulation Type D4:

1. Install materials in accordance with manufacturer's instructions.

2. Provide minimum of two coats of finish coating on all closed cell elastomeric insulation
(including where installed indoors or under jacketing).

E. Insulation Type D5:

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1. Install materials in accordance with manufacturer's instructions.

F. Aluminum Jacketing:

1. Locate seams on the bottom side of the horizontal duct section.

2. Where aluminum jacketing is installed on exterior ductwork, seal jacketing to be water tight.

3. Where aluminum jacketing is installed on exterior ductwork, slope the insulation on top of
the ductwork to promote drainage.

3.3 DUCT INSULATION SCHEDULE:

Insulation
Ductwork System  Application Insulation Type Thickness  Facing and Jacket 

Supply & Outside Air –

Concealed
Rectangular/Round D1  2”  FSK/FRK 
Ductwork 
(Hot, Cold, Combination) 

Supply & Outside Air –

Exposed
Rectangular D1  2”  FSK/FRK 
Ductwork 
(Hot, Cold, Combination) 

Supply & Outside Air –

Exposed
Round D1  2”  FSK/FRK 
Ductwork 
(Hot, Cold, Combination) 

Return Air, Relief Air, and

Where indicated on 
Exhaust Air – D1  1"  FSK/FRK 
Rectangular/Round  plans 

Aluminum 
Supply & Return Air  Exterior/Crawlspace  D4  2” 
Jacketing 
Grease Exhaust  All  D5  3”   
Fire rated ductwork  All  D5  3”   
         

END OF SECTION 23 07 13

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