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IS 13919:2018 is the Indian Standard (BIS) for rigid cellular polyurethane (pu) and polyisocyanurate (pir) foam for thermal insulation - specification. This standard specifies the requirements and test methods for rigid cellular polyurethane (PU) and polyisocyanurate (PIR) foam boards used for thermal insulation. It classifies the foam based on physical properties like density and strength and sets limits for thermal conductivity, water absorption, dimensional stability, and fire performance.
Specifies requirements for rigid cellular polyurethane (PU) and polyisocyanurate (PIR) foam for thermal insulation.
BIM-relevant code. See the BIM Hub for ISO 19650, IFC, and LOD/LOIN frameworks used alongside it.
Practical Notes
! PIR foam generally offers better fire resistance and dimensional stability compared to PU foam, making it preferable for high-performance applications.
! Always check the facing material (e.g., aluminum foil, glass fiber tissue) as it critically impacts the board's mechanical properties, water vapor resistance, and surface fire characteristics.
! Verify that the supplied material has a manufacturer's test certificate confirming compliance with all requirements in Table 1 for the specified class.
A broader standard specifying requirements for various rigid cellular plastics, including PU/PIR, for building insulation.
AS/NZS 4859.1:2018Standards Australia / Standards New Zealand, Australia & New Zealand
MediumCurrent
Thermal insulation materials for buildings, Part 1: General criteria and technical provisions
A general performance standard for all building insulation materials, which PU/PIR products must comply with in this region.
Key Differences
≠Fire performance testing and classification methods are region-specific. IS 13919 refers to Indian standards like IS 15061, while EN 13165 uses the European 'Euroclass' system (e.g., A1-F), and ASTM C591 uses US methods like ASTM E84 for flame spread and smoke development.
≠IS 13919 classifies products primarily by density classes and facing types. In contrast, EN 13165 uses a detailed designation code system, allowing manufacturers to declare performance levels for multiple properties (e.g., compressive strength, dimensional stability) independently.
≠The reference mean temperature for thermal conductivity testing differs. IS 13919 specifies testing at 25°C, whereas EN 13165 bases its declared thermal conductivity (λD) on values measured at 10°C.
≠Aging procedures for thermal conductivity testing, which are crucial for cellular plastics containing blowing agents, are specified differently. The EN standard has more detailed long-term aging protocols to establish a declared value that better represents in-service performance over time.
Key Similarities
≈All standards cover factory-made rigid cellular PU and/or PIR foam boards intended for thermal insulation in building applications.
≈Key physical and mechanical properties such as compressive strength, dimensional stability, thermal resistance, and water absorption are specified as mandatory requirements in all the standards.
≈All standards mandate requirements for product marking and labeling, ensuring traceability and clear identification of the product's characteristics and compliance.
≈They all rely on a system of factory production control (FPC) to ensure consistent product quality and conformity to the specified requirements.
Parameter Comparison
Parameter
IS Value
International
Source
Compressive Strength (at 10% deformation)
≥ 150 kPa (for Density Class 1: 35-44.9 kg/m³)
≥ 150 kPa (Level CS(10\Y)150)
EN 13165:2012+A2:2016
Thermal Conductivity (max value, aged)
≤ 0.027 W/(m·K) (at 25°C mean temp, for Density Class 1)
Typically declared ≤ 0.025 W/(m·K) (at 10°C mean temp)
EN 13165:2012+A2:2016
Dimensional Stability (change in length/width)
≤ 1.5% (at 70°C, 48 hours)
≤ 1.5% (Level DS(70,-)1, at 70°C, 48 hours)
EN 13165:2012+A2:2016
Apparent Core Density
35 - 44.9 kg/m³ (Density Class 1)
Nominal 32 kg/m³ (2.0 lb/ft³) (Type II, Grade 2)
ASTM C591/C591M-18
Water Absorption (by volume)
≤ 1.0% (for unfaced, after 24h partial immersion)
≤ 4.0% (after 28 days total immersion)
ASTM C591/C591M-18
Closed Cell Content
≥ 90%
≥ 90% (for Type II)
ASTM C591/C591M-18
⚠ Verify details from original standards before use
Key Values6
Quick Reference Values
Minimum Apparent Core Density (Class 1)35 kg/m³
Minimum Compressive Strength (Class 1)150 kPa
Maximum Thermal Conductivity (Typical)0.023 W/(m·K)
Maximum Water Absorption by Volume (7 days)2.0 %
Minimum Closed Cell Content90 %
Maximum Dimensional Change (at 70°C, 48h)1.5 %
Tables & Referenced Sections
Key Tables
Table 1 - Physical Requirements for Rigid PU/PIR Foam
To ensure the quality and performance of PU and PIR foam boards used for thermal insulation by setting minimum physical, thermal, and fire safety requirements.
How is the insulation performance measured?+
Primarily by the 'Thermal Conductivity' (λ-value), which must be as low as possible. The manufacturer must declare the value, and the tested value must not exceed the declared value by more than a specified tolerance (Clause 6.1 and Table 1).
What does 'Class 1' signify?+
It refers to a classification in Table 1 that requires a minimum apparent core density of 35 kg/m³ and a minimum compressive strength of 150 kPa, among other properties.
Is PIR foam better than PU foam according to this standard?+
The standard covers both without explicitly stating one is better, but PIR's chemical structure inherently provides better thermal stability and fire performance, which are desirable properties listed in the standard's requirements.