Link points to Internet Archive / others. Not hosted by InfraLens. Details
IS 14769:2000 is the Indian Standard (BIS) for reflective insulation materials. This standard specifies the requirements, test methods, and classification for reflective insulation materials, such as aluminum foils and metalized plastic films, used for thermal insulation. It focuses on ensuring key properties like high reflectivity and low emissivity to effectively reduce radiant heat transfer in building applications.
Specifies requirements for reflective thermal insulation materials.
BIM-relevant code. See the BIM Hub for ISO 19650, IFC, and LOD/LOIN frameworks used alongside it.
Practical Notes
! For effective performance, an air gap (typically 20-25mm) must be maintained adjacent to the reflective surface. Without an air gap, the material primarily functions as a vapor barrier with negligible thermal resistance.
! The thermal performance (R-value) is a property of the 'system' (insulation + air gap) and depends on the direction of heat flow, not an intrinsic property of the material sheet itself.
! During installation, keep the reflective surface clean from dust, oil, and moisture, as contamination can significantly increase emissivity and reduce thermal performance.
reflective insulationradiant barrieraluminum foilthermal insulationmetalized film
International Equivalents
Similar International Standards
ASTM C1224 - 21ASTM International, USA
HighCurrent
Standard Specification for Reflective Insulation for Building Applications
Specifies material properties and system requirements for reflective insulation used in building envelopes.
ASTM C1313 - 22ASTM International, USA
HighCurrent
Standard Specification for Sheet Radiant Barriers for Building Construction Applications
Covers materials primarily used to reduce radiant heat transfer, a key function of IS 14769 materials.
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 broader standard for all building insulation that includes specific provisions for reflective foil laminates.
ASTM E2599 - 18ASTM International, USA
LowCurrent
Standard Practice for Specifying Data for Evaluation of Energy Savings of Radiant Barriers
Focuses on the practice of evaluating energy savings rather than material specifications, but is relevant to the application.
Key Differences
≠IS 14769 is primarily a material specification, while ASTM C1224 provides requirements for both the material and the insulation system, emphasizing the role of enclosed air spaces to achieve a specific R-value.
≠Fire performance testing and classification methods are different. IS 14769 references Indian standard IS 15061, whereas ASTM standards mandate testing via ASTM E84, leading to different flame spread and smoke development indices.
≠IS 14769 is more prescriptive about the composition and types (e.g., foil on kraft paper, woven fabric), while ASTM standards are more performance-based, allowing any material composition that meets the specified performance criteria.
≠The pliability test in IS 14769 is more stringent, requiring the material to be bent around a smaller 3.2 mm mandrel without cracking, compared to the 12.7 mm (0.5 inch) mandrel specified in ASTM C1224.
Key Similarities
≈All standards fundamentally define the product as a material with at least one low-emissivity surface intended to reduce radiant heat transfer.
≈A core requirement across all standards is a low surface emissivity (typically ≤ 0.05) or high reflectivity (≥ 0.95).
≈All standards include requirements for physical integrity, such as tensile strength and tear resistance, to ensure the material can withstand handling and installation stresses.
≈The standards recognize the material's potential function as a vapor retarder and include requirements or classifications for water vapor transmission.
≈All referenced standards include a requirement that the material must be non-corrosive to common building metals like steel, copper, and aluminum.
Parameter Comparison
Parameter
IS Value
International
Source
Surface Emissivity
Not more than 0.05 (tested per IS 15180)
0.05 or less (tested per ASTM C1371)
ASTM C1224 - 21
Water Vapour Transmission Rate (WVTR)
Max 0.02 g/m² in 24h (Class A Vapour Barrier)
Classified by permeance; e.g., ≤ 1.0 perm (57 ng/Pa·s·m²) for a Class I vapor retarder
ASTM C1313 - 22
Fire Performance Test Method
IS 15061 (Method of test for surface spread of flame)
ASTM E84 (Standard Test Method for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials)
ASTM C1224 - 21
Pliability
No cracking or delamination when bent over a 3.2 mm mandrel
No cracking or delamination when bent over a 12.7 mm (0.5 in.) mandrel
ASTM C1224 - 21
Tensile Strength (MD, Kraft Paper Type)
Min 70 N per 25 mm width (for Type 1)
Min 30 lbf/in (approx. 133 N per 25 mm width)
ASTM C1224 - 21
Corrosivity
No evidence of corrosion on steel, copper or aluminium
Shall not cause visible corrosion of steel, copper, or aluminum
ASTM C1313 - 22
Adhesion of Lamination
No delamination after 24h at 65°C
No delamination after 24h at 150°F (65.6°C)
ASTM C1313 - 22
⚠ Verify details from original standards before use
Key Values5
Quick Reference Values
Minimum Reflectivity0.95
Maximum Emissivity0.05
Minimum Purity of Aluminum Foil99.0%
Maximum Water Vapour Transmission Rate1.5 g/m² in 24 h
Surface Temperature for Emissivity TestBetween 20°C and 150°C
Tables & Referenced Sections
Key Tables
Table 1 - Physical Requirements for Reflective Insulation Materials
What are the primary properties specified in IS 14769?+
The standard specifies a minimum reflectivity of 0.95 and a maximum emissivity of 0.05, along with requirements for water vapor transmission and physical strength (Clause 5).
What is the main purpose of this type of insulation?+
Its main purpose is to reduce radiant heat transfer across air spaces. It is highly effective in hot climates to block solar heat gain through roofs.
Does this standard define the R-value for reflective insulation?+
No, this standard specifies the material properties. The effective R-value is a function of the entire assembly (including the air gap) and must be calculated or tested for the specific application.