Standardization News

Initially used as an accessory to vinyl siding, foam plastic insulation has gradually evolved into a separate product category with the insulation integrated into the final product.

ASTM Committee D20 on Plastics has enabled manufacturers to recognize the emergence of this new product with the development of D7793, Specification for Insulated Vinyl Siding. D7793 is under the jurisdiction of Subcommittee D20.24 on Plastic Building Products, part of Committee D20 on Plastics.

"D7793 provides a uniform basis for producing the siding according to recognized levels of quality and performance, especially with respect to claims for thermal insulation, known as R-value," says David Johnston, senior technical director, Vinyl Siding Institute, and a D20 member.

"D7793 will also serve as the basis for a product certification program, which will be initiated in April 2013, sponsored by the Vinyl Siding Institute," said JohnstonThe certification program will provide for independent verification of manufacturers' claims of compliance.

All interested parties are invited to join in the ongoing standards developing activities of D20.24.

To purchase ASTM standards, visit www.astm.org and search by the standard designation, or contact ASTM Sales (phone: 877-909-ASTM; sales@astm.org).

CONTACT Technical Information: David Johnston, Vinyl Siding Institute • Washington, D.C. • Phone: 202-587-5102 | ASTM Staff: Alyson Fick • Phone: 610-832-9710 | Upcoming Meeting: April 14-17, 2013 • April Committee Week • Indianapolis, Ind.