SpecTopics: Polyisocyanurate Insulation and Quality Mark Certification
Polyisocyanurate Insulation Manufacturers Association (PIMA) publishes LTTR values through a program called Quality Mark. The QualityMarkCM certification program is a voluntary program for Canadian and U.S. manufacturers of polyisocyanurate roof insulation (ASTM C1289, Type II, Class I, Grade 2). The program enables participants to obtain third-party certification of long-term thermal resistance (LTTR) values for insulation products independently selected from manufacturing locations. Additionally, the program provides third-party verification of thermal resistance values (R-values) obtained in accordance with the ASTM C518 standard for full thickness products independently selected from distribution locations.
Polyiso is the only insulation product to publish certified LTTR values. Additional information about the QualityMark Program, including a list of participating manufacturers, is available here.
Samples for LTTR-value certification are selected from manufacturing locations by independent third parties. The testing is performed by approved laboratories to obtain LTTR-values for 2.0”, 3.0”, and 4.0” product. Participating manufacturers are required to obtain an initial certification for each manufacturing location, which are then recertified every 3 years. The certification is used to validate the LTTR-values published by participating manufacturers.
Samples for R-value verification (ASTM C518) are selected on a quarterly basis from distribution locations by an independent third party. A sample is selected for each participating manufacturing location. After selection, the samples are held at laboratory conditions and tested at full thickness 180 days after the date of manufacture. A manufacturing location is deemed to conform to the program requirements when the measured R-value at 180 days is equal to or greater than the published LTTR-value for the product at the same labeled thickness. Manufacturing locations that receive non-conforming R-value verification results in consecutive quarters (inclusive of the current reporting period) are not in compliance with the program requirements.
The QualityMark certification program publishes a quarterly report of the polyiso manufacturing locations that conform to the LTTR-value certification and R-value verification requirements. The conformance report is updated on a quarterly basis.
Third-party, accredited laboratories that have been approved for LTTR testing under the QualityMark certification program include:
For more information on the QualityMark Certification Program, click here.
If you have any questions regarding Polyiso Insulation, please contact Tom Swope at [email protected].
Polyiso is the only insulation product to publish certified LTTR values. Additional information about the QualityMark Program, including a list of participating manufacturers, is available here.
Samples for LTTR-value certification are selected from manufacturing locations by independent third parties. The testing is performed by approved laboratories to obtain LTTR-values for 2.0”, 3.0”, and 4.0” product. Participating manufacturers are required to obtain an initial certification for each manufacturing location, which are then recertified every 3 years. The certification is used to validate the LTTR-values published by participating manufacturers.
Samples for R-value verification (ASTM C518) are selected on a quarterly basis from distribution locations by an independent third party. A sample is selected for each participating manufacturing location. After selection, the samples are held at laboratory conditions and tested at full thickness 180 days after the date of manufacture. A manufacturing location is deemed to conform to the program requirements when the measured R-value at 180 days is equal to or greater than the published LTTR-value for the product at the same labeled thickness. Manufacturing locations that receive non-conforming R-value verification results in consecutive quarters (inclusive of the current reporting period) are not in compliance with the program requirements.
The QualityMark certification program publishes a quarterly report of the polyiso manufacturing locations that conform to the LTTR-value certification and R-value verification requirements. The conformance report is updated on a quarterly basis.
Third-party, accredited laboratories that have been approved for LTTR testing under the QualityMark certification program include:
- Element
- Intertek
- PRI
- QAI Laboratories
- R&D Services
For more information on the QualityMark Certification Program, click here.
If you have any questions regarding Polyiso Insulation, please contact Tom Swope at [email protected].
