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IS 3093 : 1987Bitumen based felts for thermal insulation

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ASTM D226 / D226M · BS EN 13707 · ASTM D2178 / D2178M-15a
CurrentSpecializedSpecificationMaterials Science · Insulation Materials
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OverviewValues2InternationalTablesFAQ3Related

IS 3093:1987 is the Indian Standard (BIS) for bitumen based felts for thermal insulation. This standard specifies the requirements, manufacturing process, and test methods for bitumen-based felts used for thermal insulation in buildings and structures. It ensures the material provides adequate thermal resistance, durability, and protection against moisture.

Specifies requirements for bitumen-based felts used for thermal insulation.

Overview

Status
Current
Usage level
Specialized
Domain
Materials Science — Insulation Materials
Type
Specification
International equivalents
ASTM D226 / D226M-17 · ASTM International, USABS EN 13707:2013 · BSI / CEN, UK / EuropeASTM D2178 / D2178M-15a · ASTM International, USA
Typically used with
IS 73IS 702IS 1322
Also on InfraLens for IS 3093
2Key values1Tables3FAQs
Practical Notes
! Rolls must be stored vertically to prevent distortion.
! Ensure the application surface is clean, dry, and properly primed before laying the felt.
! Overlaps should be properly sealed with hot bitumen to prevent thermal bridging and moisture ingress.
Frequently referenced clauses
Cl. 3MaterialsCl. 4ManufactureCl. 5Dimensions and TolerancesCl. 6Physical Requirements
Pulled from IS 3093:1987. Browse the full clause & table index below in Tables & Referenced Sections.
bitumenfeltthermal insulationjutehessian

International Equivalents

Similar International Standards
ASTM D226 / D226M-17ASTM International, USA
HighCurrent
Standard Specification for Asphalt-Saturated Organic Felt Used in Roofing and Waterproofing
Covers asphalt-saturated organic felt for waterproofing, a material compositionally very similar to IS 3093's product.
BS EN 13707:2013BSI / CEN, UK / Europe
MediumCurrent
Flexible sheets for waterproofing - Reinforced bitumen sheets for roof waterproofing - Definitions and characteristics
Modern European standard for reinforced bitumen sheets for waterproofing, the technological successor to older felt standards.
ASTM D2178 / D2178M-15aASTM International, USA
MediumCurrent
Standard Specification for Asphalt Glass Felt Used in Roofing and Waterproofing
Similar application but specifies a glass felt base, whereas IS 3093 allows for various bases including jute and hair.
BS 747:2000BSI, UK
HighWithdrawn
Reinforced bitumen sheets for roofing. Specification
The direct predecessor to the current EN standard and a close historical equivalent to the IS code's scope and technology.
Key Differences
≠Primary Application Focus: IS 3093 is explicitly for 'thermal insulation', including a thermal conductivity requirement. Most international equivalents (e.g., ASTM D226, BS EN 13707) are for 'waterproofing', with thermal performance handled by other layers in a modern assembly.
≠Base Material (Carrier): IS 3093 permits traditional base materials like jute hessian and hair felt. Modern international standards typically specify more engineered carriers like glass fibre, polyester (BS EN 13707), or wood-cellulose 'organic felt' (ASTM D226).
≠Prescriptive vs. Performance-Based: IS 3093 is highly prescriptive, defining the exact composition (e.g., mass of bitumen per area). Modern standards like BS EN 13707 are performance-based, defining classes for properties like tensile strength and flexibility, allowing for manufacturing innovation.
≠Surface Finish: IS 3093 specifies mica or a similar powder as a dusting agent. International standards cover a wider range of finishes, including mineral granules, sand, and polymer films, suited for different applications (e.g., UV protection on cap sheets).
Key Similarities
≈Fundamental Composition: All standards describe a composite material based on the same principle: a carrier/felt saturated and coated with bitumen (asphalt) to make it water-resistant and durable.
≈Key Physical Tests: Core mechanical tests are conceptually similar across the standards, including tensile/breaking strength to assess durability during application and pliability/flexibility to ensure the material does not crack when bent.
≈Mass per Unit Area: The weight or mass per unit area of the finished felt is a critical quality control parameter in both the Indian standard and its international counterparts, as it directly relates to the amount of bitumen applied.
≈Water Impermeability: Although the test methods may differ (e.g., water absorption % vs. watertightness under pressure), the fundamental requirement for the material to be impervious to water is a shared and primary objective.
Parameter Comparison
ParameterIS ValueInternationalSource
Thermal ConductivityMax 0.07 W/(m·K)Not specified; the product's primary function is waterproofing, not insulation.ASTM D226 / BS EN 13707
Pliability (Flexibility)No cracking when bent 180° over a 10 mm mandrel at 27 °C.No cracking when bent 180° over a 19 mm mandrel at 10 °C.ASTM D226 / D226M-17 (Type I)
Breaking Strength (50 mm strip, Longitudinal)Min 175 NMin 265 N (equivalent from 5.3 kN/m)ASTM D226 / D226M-17 (Type I)
Breaking Strength (50 mm strip, Transverse)Min 100 NMin 130 N (equivalent from 2.6 kN/m)ASTM D226 / D226M-17 (Type I)
Bitumen Saturation LevelMin 120% of the weight of the desaturated felt.Min 140% of the weight of the desaturated felt.ASTM D226 / D226M-17 (Type I)
Water Absorption (24 hr immersion)Max 2.0% by weight.No direct equivalent; modern standards use performance tests like 'watertightness' under a specified water head (e.g., 10 kPa).BS EN 13707:2013
⚠ Verify details from original standards before use

Key Values2

Quick Reference Values
Nominal width of rolls1 m
Storage orientationVertical

Tables & Referenced Sections

Key Tables
Table 1 - Physical Requirements
Key Clauses
Clause 3 - Materials
Clause 4 - Manufacture
Clause 5 - Dimensions and Tolerances
Clause 6 - Physical Requirements

Related Resources on InfraLens

Cross-Referenced Codes
IS 73:2013Paving Bitumen - Specification
→
IS 702:2017Industrial Bitumen - Specification
→
IS 1322:1982Bitumen felts for waterproofing and damp-proo...
→

Frequently Asked Questions3

What is the primary use of IS 3093 bitumen felts?+
They are primarily used for thermal insulation in roofs, cold storages, and industrial structures.
How should the bitumen felt rolls be stored on site?+
They must be stored vertically in a cool, dry place and protected from direct sunlight.
Is this felt suitable for waterproofing?+
While it has moisture resistance, it is specifically designed for thermal insulation; IS 1322 is typically used for waterproofing felts.

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