Sonobatts^® Insulation

Description
Sonobatts^® are flexible, fiber glass insulation made in R-values from 11 to 38. Sonobatts are available plain, or faced with a kraft vapor retarder. The product is manufactured in thicknesses from 3-1/2" to 12".

Uses
Sonobatts are designed for use over suspended ceiling panels to economically improve both the noise control and thermal performance of new or existing ceiling systems. The product is sized to fit over standard ceiling tiles.

Features & Benefits

Excellent Thermal Performance
The excellent thermal resistance of Sonobatts insulation may help reduce both the size requirements and operating costs of HVAC equipment. An optional kraft vapor retarder facing is available where needed.

Acoustically Effective
Sonobatts Insulation is not only a good thermal insulator, but it has excellent noise control properties as well. Sonobatts insulation significantly improves the ceiling STC rating by 4–10 points. When Sonobatts insulation is used in a return air plenum for acoustical benefit, the unfaced insulation
has been tested according to UL 181 air erosion test and can be used for air velocities up to 1000 fpm.

Easy Installation
Installation of Sonobatts insulation is easy. It can be installed in suspended ceiling systems by simply laying the product on top of the ceiling panels. Easy installation makes Sonobatts insulation the ideal product for upgrading thermal values in renovation and remodeling projects.

Design Considerations

Kraft facings on this insulation will burn and must not be left exposed. Install facings in substantial contact with the finish material. Protect facings from open flame or other heat source.

Sonobatts insulation is designed for use with suspended ceiling systems to improve building energy efficiency. This application requires that the building envelope block the movement of air from the outdoor environment to the conditioned space. Neither the insulation nor its facing should be relied upon to provide an air barrier. Failure to provide an adequate air barrier could lead to loss of thermal control, discomfort of the building occupants and frozen pipes.

Maximum thermal performance is obtained by minimizing the number of pene-trations in the ceiling. Surface mounted lighting and large ceiling panels, 48" x 48", can be used to reduce penetrations and improve thermal performance.

When insulation is added to the inside perimeter of a structure, the area outside the insulation becomes exposed to greater temperature extremes. Building structures should be inspected to ensure they can withstand the additional expansion and contraction forces. Check for piping which should be protected against freezing.

In thermal applications, the area above the insulation should not act as a return air plenum. This would render the insulation thermally ineffective as the air space above the ceiling would be at the same temper-ature as the room below. Thermal insulation in return plenum areas would best be added at the roof and side walls.

Sonobatts insulation can also provide acoustical control at the ceiling. Insulation placed on top of a suspended ceiling at a floor-to-ceiling partition helps reduce the transfer of sound over the partition between offices. In acoustical applications, the area above the insulation may serve as a return air plenum.

Insulation installed too close to light fixtures may affect the luminaire’s performance. Do not install insulation on top of or within 3" of recessed light fixtures unless the fixtures are approved for such use. This is a requirement of the National Electric Code.

Consult the ceiling panel manufacturer for information on time-design assemblies and maximum backloading recommendations.

Installation

Sonobatts are easily installed in suspended ceiling systems by simply laying them on top of the ceiling panel and suspension system. Sonobatts should fit tightly together to reduce the amount of heat loss.

Product should be kept dry during shipping, storage and installation.

Applicable Standards

Unfaced Sonobatts insulation complies with ASTM C 665, Type I and ASTM E 136. Kraft-faced Sonobatts insulation complies with ASTM C 665, Type II, Class C.

The thermal resistance values for Sonobatts insulation were tested in accordance with ASTM C 518; R-value listed is for insulation only.

The surface burning characteristics of Sonobatts insulation were derived from products tested in accordance with ASTM E 84. This standard is used solely to measure and describe properties of products in response to heat and flame under controlled laboratory conditions. These numerical ratings are not intended to reflect hazards presented by this or any other material under actual fire conditions. Values are reported to the nearest five rating.

The vapor retarder permeance of the kraft facing on Sonobatts insulation was developed from tests conducted in accordance with ASTM E 96, desiccant method.