Insulation Test Reports

Log Out | Topics | Search Moderators | Register | Edit Profile

Thread Last Poster Posts Pages Last Post   Closed: New threads not accepted on this page

Author Message Ellis Whitby, PE, RA, CSI New member Username: Ecwhitby Post Number: 1 Registered: 03-2003 Posted on Tuesday, April 01, 2003 - 04:10 pm:    Does a specification requirement for the submittal of "product test reports" (as opposed to Product Data) for fiberglass batt insulation serve any purpose? I see no need, but have been asked why I didn't ask for test data. William C. Pegues, FCSI, CCS New member Username: Wpegues Post Number: 126 Registered: 10-2002 Posted on Tuesday, April 01, 2003 - 10:05 pm:    It would need to include a comment about what tests you want to see. Like shop drawings, just asking form them you get what the shop thinks they need - you have to ask for specific details you want drawn. Then again, just asking for some test does not mean you get anything more than their basic lab test of it. You can go so far as to describe the tests and the required results. But then maybe its not necessary at all. I don't ask for insulation tests. But I know the specific product I have specified, not just by standard or description, but the product and manufacturer. If you know how a product performs, you have your professional confidence in it. William John Bunzick, CCS, CCCA New member Username: Bunzick Post Number: 88 Registered: 03-2002 Posted on Wednesday, April 02, 2003 - 09:22 am:    A properly submitted test report should substantiate that the product meets the particular techincal requirements that are specified. For insulation, I would guess that this would be its insulating value. I regularly remind our specification writers and project managers to request only submittals (of any kind) for those items that are needed to properly control the project. Usually, a test report on fiberglass insulation would not be one of those. However, if the installation was a sensitive one, for example, based on careful U-value and vapor drive calculations with a high downside if there was a failure - then, I would certainly ask for a test report. I have also recently made clear in our Section 01330 - Submittals Procedures (or soon-to-be Section 113030) that test reports are "informational" submittals to be processed slightly differently. We have made special submittal stamps to use with informational submittals and non-required submissions. Returning non-required submittals is the corollary to not asking for things you don't need - don't review them either.