Overview
ISO 8144-2:2026 is an international standard developed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) that specifies the properties and acceptance tolerances for bonded man-made mineral wool mats, including batts and rolls, intended for use as thermal insulation in horizontal applications with unrestricted ventilation. This standard is critical for ensuring quality and performance consistency when installing mineral wool insulation products in settings where essential ventilation must not be compromised by the insulation mat's recovery thickness. ISO 8144-2:2026 outlines specification limits and property criteria relevant to manufacturers, specifiers, and installers of thermal insulation materials.
Key Topics
- Product Scope: Only applies to mineral wool mats used in horizontal, ventilated spaces where recovered thickness is not a limiting factor on ventilation.
- Properties and Tolerances: Specifies nominal length, width, thickness, and squareness tolerances, as well as requirements for fire behavior, thermal resistance, and handling properties.
- Declared and Design Values: Establishes that limiting values published in this standard are for specification purposes, while design values can be derived through adjustments for installation conditions, environmental factors, and workmanship.
- Mechanical Properties: Focuses exclusively on properties necessary for safe handling, transportation, and installation; these mats are not intended to support loads.
- Labelling and Documentation: Outlines required product markings (including manufacturer, type, size, declared thermal properties, and production codes) and mandates test reporting for conformity assessment.
- Excluded Aspects: The standard does not include requirements for factory-applied facings or mats intended for use under load.
Applications
ISO 8144-2:2026 is specifically designed for:
- Building Construction: Used in the insulation of attic floors, ceilings, and other horizontal surfaces where natural or forced ventilation is present and furniture or heavy equipment is not installed over the insulation.
- Industrial and Commercial Roof Spaces: Applicable where ventilation is necessary to control condensation and maintain indoor air quality. The standard ensures that insulation products do not obstruct airflow or create unintended thermal bridges.
- Retrofit and New Installations: Useful for specifiers and installers in both new building projects and energy-efficiency retrofits where compliance with current insulation standards is required.
Adhering to this standard helps producers and users of mineral wool insulation demonstrate compliance with global best practices while maintaining required performance levels for energy efficiency and fire safety.
Related Standards
ISO 8144-2:2026 is closely linked with several other international standards on thermal insulation, including:
- ISO 8144-1: Focuses on mineral wool mats for ventilated spaces in applications where excess thickness must be limited.
- ISO 10456: Provides guidance on converting declared R-values (thermal resistance) to design values, considering real-world conditions.
- ISO 9774: Offers guidelines for selecting properties of thermal insulation for building applications.
- ISO 7345, ISO 8301, ISO 8302: Define key testing methods and physical quantities related to thermal resistance and conductivity.
- ISO 12576-1, ISO 29465, ISO 29466, ISO 29467: Address conformity control, and determination of product dimensions and squareness.
Following ISO 8144-2:2026 and its related references ensures compatibility, reliability, and adherence to the latest requirements in thermal insulation performance for ventilated spaces.
Keywords: ISO 8144-2, mineral wool mats, thermal insulation, ventilated spaces, horizontal applications, acceptance tolerances, fire behavior, thermal resistance, handling properties, conformity control, insulation standards.