Accepted - Industry Practices For Sheet Metal Lagging

ACCEPTED INDUSTRY
PRACTICES FOR
SHEET METAL LAGGING
FIRST EDITION — JULY 2002
SHEET METAL AND AIR CONDITIONING CONTRACTORS’

NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, INC.
4201 Lafayette Center Drive
Chantilly, VA 20151-- 1209
ACCEPTED INDUSTRY
PRACTICES FOR
SHEET METAL LAGGING
COPYRIGHTE2002
All Rights Reserved
by

4201 Lafayette Center Drive

Chantilly, VA 20151--1209
Printed in the U.S.A.
FIRST EDITION -- JULY, 2002
Except as allowed in the Notice to Users and in certain licensing contracts, no part of this book may be
reproduced, stored in a retrievable system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic,
mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the prior written permission of the publisher.
ii
FOREWORD
This first edition of Accepted Industry Practices for Sheet Metal Lagging is intended for use by contractors, fabricators,
and designers of heating equipment and industrial process facilities. Due to high equipment operating temperatures,
such equipment often requires the application of thermal insulation which, in turn, is covered, or lagged, with metallic
or plastic material systems. The main purpose of the metallic or plastic covering is to protect the more fragile insulating
material from both the effects of weather and the destructive action of normal traffic or other forms of damage in an
industrial setting.
The Lagging Task Force was formed to collect, review, organize and publish accepted industrial practices for the ap-
plication of sheet metal lagging materials to industrial duct, pipe, tanks, boilers, furnaces and other appurtenances.
This document is the result of that effort.

Accepted Industry Practices For Sheet Metal Lagging  First Edition iii
LAGGING TASK FORCE
Michael Daugharty, Chairman Robert J. Williams, P.E.
MechOne, Inc Du-Mont Company
Colorado Springs, Colorado Peoria, Illinois
Chris Blaich
G. A. Navas, Staff Liaison
Central Industrial Sheet Metal Works
SMACNA, Inc.
Kansas City, Missouri
Chantilly, Virginia
Mark Hill
Tweet/Garot Mechanical
Green Bay, Wisconsin
CONSULTANTS
Douglas S. Barno Simon J. Scott
DSB Marketing Group, N.A. Scott Consulting Services, Inc.
Granville, Ohio Westerville, Ohio
Gary J. Bases
BRIL, Inc.
Copley, Ohio
iv Accepted Industry Practices For Sheet Metal Lagging  First Edition

NOTICE TO USERS
OF THIS PUBLICATION
1. DISCLAIMER OF WARRANTIES
a) The Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors’ National Association (“SMACNA”) provides its product for informational
purposes.
b) The product contains “Data” which is believed by SMACNA to be accurate and correct but the data, including all information,
ideas and expressions therein, is provided strictly “AS IS”, with all faults. SMACNA makes no warranty either express or implied
regarding the Data and SMACNA EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR
FITNESS FOR PARTICULAR PURPOSE.
c) By using the data contained in the product user accepts the Data “AS IS” and assumes all risk of loss, harm or injury that may result
from its use. User acknowledges that the Data is complex, subject to faults and requires verification by competent professionals, and
that modification of parts of the Data by user may impact the results or other parts of the Data.
d) IN NO EVENT SHALL SMACNA BE LIABLE TO USER, OR ANY OTHER PERSON, FOR ANY INDIRECT, SPECIAL OR
CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES ARISING, DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, OUT OF OR RELATED TO USER’S USE OF
SMACNA’S PRODUCT OR MODIFICATION OF DATA THEREIN. This limitation of liability applies even if SMACNA has been
advised of the possibility of such damages. IN NO EVENT SHALL SMACNA’S LIABILITY EXCEED THE AMOUNT PAID BY
USER FOR ACCESS TO SMACNA’S PRODUCT OR $1,000.00, WHICHEVER IS GREATER, REGARDLESS OF LEGAL
THEORY.
e) User by its use of SMACNA’s product acknowledges and accepts the foregoing limitation of liability and disclaimer of warranty
and agrees to indemnify and hold harmless SMACNA from and against all injuries, claims, loss or damage arising, directly or indi-
rectly, out of user’s access to or use of SMACNA’s product or the Data contained therein.
2. ACCEPTANCE
This document or publication is prepared for voluntary acceptance and use within the limitations of application defined herein, and
otherwise as those adopting it or applying it deem appropriate. It is not a safety standard. Its application for a specific project is contin-
gent on a designer or other authority defining a specific use. SMACNA has no power or authority to police or enforce compliance with
the contents of this document or publication and it has no role in any representations by other parties that specific components are, in
fact, in compliance with it.
3. AMENDMENTS
The Association may, from time to time, issue formal interpretations or interim amendments, which can be of significance between
successive editions.
4. PROPRIETARY PRODUCTS
SMACNA encourages technological development in the interest of improving the industry for the public benefit. SMACNA does not,
however, endorse individual manufacturers or products.
5. FORMAL INTERPRETATION
a) A formal interpretation of the literal text herein or the intent of the technical committee or task force associated with the document
or publication is obtainable only on the basis of written petition, addressed to the Technical Resources Department and sent to the
Association’s national office in Chantilly, Virginia. In the event that the petitioner has a substantive disagreement with the interpreta-
tion, an appeal may be filed with the Technical Resources Committee, which has technical oversight responsibility. The request must
pertain to a specifically identified portion of the document that does not involve published text which provides the requested informa-
tion. In considering such requests, the Association will not review or judge products or components as being in compliance with the
document or publication. Oral and written interpretations otherwise obtained from anyone affiliated with the Association are unoffi-
cial. This procedure does not prevent any committee or task force chairman, member of the committee or task force, or staff liaison
from expressing an opinion on a provision within the document, provided that such person clearly states that the opinion is personal
and does not represent an official act of the Association in any way, and it should not be relied on as such. The Board of Directors of
SMACNA shall have final authority for interpretation of this standard with such rules or procedures as they may adopt for processing
same.
b) SMACNA disclaims any liability for any personal injury, property damage, or other damage of any nature whatsoever, whether
special, indirect, consequential or compensatory, direct or indirectly resulting from the publication, use of, or reliance upon this docu-
ment. SMACNA makes no guaranty or warranty as to the accuracy or completeness of any information published herein.
6. APPLICATION
a) Any standards contained in this publication were developed using reliable engineering principles and research plus consultation
with, and information obtained from, manufacturers, users, testing laboratories, and others having specialized experience. They are
v
Accepted Industry Practices For Sheet Metal Lagging  First Edition
subject to revision as further experience and investigation may show is necessary or desirable. Construction and products which com-
ply with these Standards will not necessarily be acceptable if, when examined and tested, they are found to have other features which
impair the result contemplated by these requirements. The Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors’ National Association and
other contributors assume no responsibility and accept no liability for the application of the principles or techniques contained in this
publication. Authorities considering adoption of any standards contained herein should review all federal, state, local, and contract
regulations applicable to specific installations.
b) In issuing and making this document available, SMACNA is not undertaking to render professional or other services for or on
behalf of any person or entity. SMACNA is not undertaking to perform any duty owed to any person or entity to someone else. Any
person or organization using this document should rely on his, her or its own judgement or, as appropriate, seek the advice of a compe-
tent professional in determining the exercise of reasonable care in any given circumstance.
7. REPRINT PERMISSION
Non--exclusive, royalty--free permission is granted to government and private sector specifying authorities to reproduce only any
construction details found herein in their specifications and contract drawings prepared for receipt of bids on new construction and
renovation work within the United States and its territories, provided that the material copied is unaltered in substance and that the
reproducer assumes all liability for the specific application, including errors in reproduction.
8. THE SMACNA LOGO
The SMACNA logo is registered as a membership identification mark. The Association prescribes acceptable use of the logo and
expressly forbids the use of it to represent anything other than possession of membership. Possession of membership and use of the
logo in no way constitutes or reflects SMACNA approval of any product, method, or component. Furthermore, compliance of any
such item with standards published or recognized by SMACNA is not indicated by presence of the logo.
vi
Accepted Industry Practices For Sheet Metal Lagging  First Edition
TABLE OF CONTENTS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
FOREWORD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . iii
LAGGING TASK FORCE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . iv
NOTICE TO USERS OF THIS PUBLICATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . v
TABLE OF CONTENTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . vii
CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION
1.1 INTRODUCTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.1

1.2 SCOPE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.1
1.3 USES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.1
1.4 TERMS AND DEFINITIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.1
1.5 PURPOSE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.1
1.6 OVERVIEW . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.2
1.7 COMMON LAGGING MATERIALS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.2
CHAPTER 2 MATERIALS
2.1 ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.1

2.2 LAGGING SUPPORT SYSTEMS (STRUCTURAL) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.2
2.3 EXPANSION AND CONTRACTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.15
2.4 JOINT & EDGE SEALING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.15
2.5 NOISE AND SOUND CONTROL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.15
2.6 FLAT SHEET VS. BOX RIB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.18
2.7 WEIGHT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.20
CHAPTER 3 ACCEPTED INDUSTRY PRACTICES FOR SHEET METAL LAGGING
3.1 INTRODUCTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.1

3.2 GENERAL APPLICATION TECHNIQUES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.1
3.3 LEGEND . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.2
3.4 LOCKS AND SEAMS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.4
3.5 TANKS (SHELLS AND HEADS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.7
3.6 ROUND AND RECTANGULAR FLUE AND DUCT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.11
3.7 PENETRATIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.20
3.8 JOINTS AND SEALS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.23
3.9 FLASHING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.28
3.10 DOORS AND OPENINGS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.41
3.11 PRE--INSULATED LAGGING PANELS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.49
3.12 BUCKSTAYS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.52
3.13 SPECIALTIES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.57
Accepted Industry Practices For Sheet Metal Lagging  First Edition vii
CHAPTER 4 GUIDE SPECIFICATION
4.1 INTRODUCTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.1

4.2 DRAWINGS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.1
4.3 SEISMIC RESTRAINT PROVISIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.1
4.4 GUIDE SPECIFICATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.1
GLOSSARY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . G.1
INDEX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . I.1
viii Accepted Industry Practices For Sheet Metal Lagging  First Edition
TABLES
1--1 Galvanized Steel Gages, Thickness and Weights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.3

1--2 Stainless Steel Gages, Thickness and Weights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.4
1--3 Aluminum Thickness and Weights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.6
2--1 Typical Wind Loading vs. Support Spacing for Sheet Metal Lagging . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.12
2--2 Area Weight of Lagging . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.20
Accepted Industry Practices For Sheet Metal Lagging  First Edition ix

FIGURES
2--1 Example of an H--Bar System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.3

2--2 Example of a Z--Bar System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.4
2--3 Example of a Stud and Drive Plate System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.5
2--4 Example of a Pin and Sub--Girt System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.7
2--5 Single Span Lagging Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.9
2--6 Double Span Lagging Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.11
2--7 “Hat Bar” or “Hat Channel” Sub--Girt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.13
2--8 Typical Sheet Metal Screw . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.14
2--9 Acoustical Insulation and Lagging System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.17
2--10 Types of Ribbed Lagging . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.19
3--1 Legend . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.3
3--2 Locks and Seams . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.5
3--3 Tank (Shell & Head) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.8
3--4 Tank Head . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.9
3--5 Round Duct . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.12
3--6 Rectangular Duct . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.13
3--7 Round Tee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.14
3--8 Round Tee (continued) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.15
3--9 Round Elbow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.16
3--10 Round Elbow (continued) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.17
3--11 Square to Round Transition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.18
3--12 Square to Round Transition (continued) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.19
3--13 Penetration with Horizontal Movement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.21
3--14 Boxed Opening . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.22
3--15 Lap and Butt Joints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.24
3--16 Expansion Joint, Non--Metallic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.25
3--17 Fabric Expansion Joint . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.26
3--18 Weatherproof Metal Expansion Joint . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.27
3--19 Corner Closure on Rectangular Surface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.29
3--20 Corner Closure on Curved Surface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.30
3--21 Corner Construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.31
3--22 Vertical Inside Corner Construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.32
3--23 Corner Construction at Horizontal Overlap . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.33
3--24 Corner Construction at Vertical Outside . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.34
3--25 Corner Construction at Vertical Inside . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.35
3--26 Horizontal to Vertical Inside Corner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.36
3--27 Vertical Outside Corner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.37
3--28 Drip Detail . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.38
3--29 Flashing at Slope . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.39
x Accepted Industry Practices For Sheet Metal Lagging  First Edition

FIGURES (continued)
3--30 Flashing at Stiffener . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.40

3--31 Sootblower and Small Pipe Protrusions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.42
3--32 Test Port . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.43
3--33 Access Door . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.44
3--34 Covered Access Door . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.45
3--35 Header Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.46
3--36 Louver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.47
3--37 Access Door In Lagging . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.48
3--38 Pre--Insulated Panel System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.50
3--39 Sloped Top Surface and Vertical Pre--Insulated Lagging Panels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.51
3--40 Lagging Construction Over Buckstays . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.53
3--41 Plan View at Corners of Buckstays . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.54
3--42 Vertical Buckstay with Lagging Cover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.55
3--43 Horizontal Buckstay with Lagging Cover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.56
3--44 Lagging at Hopper . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.58
3--45 Hopper Outlet Flange Detail . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.59
Accepted Industry Practices For Sheet Metal Lagging  First Edition xi

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xii Accepted Industry Practices For Sheet Metal Lagging  First Edition
CHAPTER 1
INTRODUCTION
CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION
1.1 INTRODUCTION generally does not include a vapor barrier. Both ribbed
and flat sheets are used. Thinner or thicker materials
1.2 SCOPE may be selected at the discretion of the specifier. All
sheet metal lagging shall be sufficiently strong and du-
This document contains accepted practices for the fab- rable to protect the underlying materials for the design
rication and installation of sheet metal lagging. This life of the lagging.
document serves to establish standard methods to fab-
ricate and install sheet metal lagging systems. This 1.4.2.2 Cladding
document does not provide designs nor does it address
safety issues. An ambiguous and arcane term also sometimes used to
describe sheet materials that cover insulation. In the
While it is not practical to include every conceivable sheet metal industry, “cladding” has traditionally re-
lagging detail, most common situations are addressed. ferred to a protective metallic coating installed over,
As in the case of all design, construction and installa- or bonded directly to, thermal insulation. This is pri-
tion procedures, proper engineering judgment must be marily with applications involving round industrial
exercised in conjunction with the specific engineering duct.
and detail information being furnished by the designer.
A 1999 SMACNA survey of members revealed multi-
1.3 USES ple and potentially confusing uses of terms that varied
by region. For the purposes of this document, the term
Lagging is used to cover and protect insulated areas of “cladding” will not be employed, and in the interests
equipment. Fabrication practices are provided herein of unifying the industry’s terminology, “lagging” will
to illustrate the requirements of the configurations be used exclusively in this and future SMACNA publi-
most commonly encountered such as boiler walls, cations.
flues, ducts, precipitators, bag houses, selective cata-
lytic reduction systems, air heaters, economizers, 1.4.2.3 Jacketing
scrubbers, wind boxes, fans, etc. and to provide suffi-
cient examples that reflect industry practices for lag- A light gage covering material (usually over pipe in-
ging design and application. Although standardized sulation). Jacketing refers to a steel or aluminum sheet
components of any given lagging design may be repre- and ranges in thickness from 0.010 inch (0.26 mm) to
sentative of industry practices, the lagging system it- 0.024 inch (0.61 mm) thick. A factory-applied mois-
self shall be individually designed for the particular ture barrier is usually included on the back or under-
installation, its configurations and its operating re- side of the jacketing material.
quirements.
1.4.2.4 Casing
1.4 TERMS AND DEFINITIONS
If the thickness of the steel covering material is greater
1.4.1 Glossary than 16 gage (1.61 mm), it is not considered lagging
but is referred to as “casing”.
See the Glossary for a complete list of terms and defi-
nitions related to sheet metal lagging. 1.5 PURPOSE
1.4.2 Selected Terms and Definitions The purpose of this document is to establish accepted
industry practices for sheet metal lagging construction
1.4.2.1 Lagging and installation. Lagging, as previously defined, is the
material, typically steel or aluminum, ribbed or flat,
A sheet material, typically steel or aluminum, used to used to cover insulation especially on large flat sur-
cover a variety of types of insulation. Sheet metal lag- faces such as boiler walls, flues, ducts, precipitators,
ging ranges in thickness from 20 gage (1.01 mm) to 16 bag houses, selective catalytic reduction systems, air
gage (1.61 mm) for galvanized steel and 0.032 in. heaters, economizers, scrubbers, wind boxes, fans,
(0.81 mm) to 0.063 in. (1.60 mm) for aluminum, and etc.
Accepted Industry Practices For Sheet Metal Lagging  First Edition 1.1
1.6 OVERVIEW Attachments shall be spaced in set patterns both verti-
cally and horizontally to present a uniform appear-
Lagging is applied over insulated areas so as to present ance. They shall be located so as to prevent rattling or
a true plane, stiffened and fastened on adequate centers “oil canning” due to expansion or vibration. Attach-
to prevent excessive deflection or “oil canning” when ments shall be spaced per the manufacturer’s wind
heated or cooled. Expansion and contraction require- loading specifications.
ments represent a major consideration in lagging de-
sign. Necessary provisions for expansion and contrac- All installation details shall be in accordance with ap-
tion must be provided to maintain a neat and proper plicable manufacturer’s specifications.
appearance when in service.
Lagging installations on outdoor equipment shall be 1.7 COMMON LAGGING MATERIALS

constructed to provide weatherproof construction,
complete with proper flashing, slopes, gutters and Included are notes regarding material characteristics
seals to provide water run-off without leakage, pond- and other related information that should be consid-
ing or accumulation. Overlaps and other flashing de- ered in selecting sheet metal for lagging installations.
tails shall take into account the direction of water flow,
for example, see Figures 3-5 and 3-6. Gutters, if re-
quired, shall be in accordance with SMACNA Archi- For galvanized steel sheet data, see Table 1-1; for
tectural Sheet Metal Manual, 5th Edition, 1993, which stainless steel, see Table 1-2 and for aluminum, see
was the current edition at the time this document was Table 1-3.
published. Subsequent editions of the SMACNA Ar-
chitectural Sheet Metal Manual shall take precedence While there is a wide range of materials that can be
as they are published. Alternative methods of sealing, used for sheet metal lagging, the materials most com-
including welding, soldering or caulking may be spe- monly used are: galvanized steel, stainless steel and
cified by the designer after considering the effects of aluminum. This section contains tables listing stan-
temperature, including expansion and contraction of dard gages, thickness and weights of the materials cov-
the system, and the presence of moisture and humidity. ered by this document.
1.2 Accepted Industry Practices For Sheet Metal Lagging  First Edition
Thickness, inches Nominal Weight Thickness, millimeters
Gage Nom Max Min lb/ft2 kg/m2 Nom Max Min
30 0.016 0.019 0.013 0.66 3.21 0.40 0.48 0.32
29 0.017 0.020 0.014 0.72 3.51 0.44 0.52 0.36
28 0.019 0.022 0.016 0.78 3.82 0.48 0.56 0.40
27 0.020 0.023 0.017 0.85 4.12 0.51 0.59 0.43
26 0.022 0.025 0.019 0.91 4.43 0.55 0.63 0.47
25 0.025 0.029 0.022 1.03 5.04 0.63 0.73 0.53
24 0.028 0.032 0.024 1.15 5.63 0.70 0.80 0.60
23 0.031 0.035 0.027 1.28 6.25 0.78 0.88 0.68
22 0.034 0.038 0.030 1.41 6.86 0.85 0.95 0.75
21 0.037 0.041 0.033 1.53 7.47 0.93 1.03 0.83
20 0.040 0.044 0.036 1.66 8.08 1.01 1.11 0.91
19 0.046 0.051 0.041 1.91 9.31 1.16 1.29 1.03
18 0.052 0.057 0.047 2.16 10.53 1.31 1.44 1.18
17 0.058 0.063 0.053 2.41 11.74 1.46 1.59 1.33
16 0.064 0.070 0.058 2.66 12.96 1.61 1.76 1.46
15 0.071 0.077 0.065 2.97 14.49 1.80 1.95 1.65
14 0.079 0.087 0.071 3.28 16.02 1.99 2.20 1.78
13 0.093 0.101 0.085 3.91 19.06 2.37 2.58 2.16
12 0.108 0.117 0.099 4.53 22.13 2.75 2.98 2.52
11 0.123 0.132 0.114 5.16 25.17 3.13 3.36 2.90
10 0.138 0.147 0.129 5.78 28.21 3.51 3.74 3.28
9 0.153 0.162 0.144 6.41 31.27 3.89 4.12 3.66
8 0.168 0.177 0.159 7.03 34.31 4.27 4.50 4.04
Table 1-- 1 Galvanized Steel Gages, Thickness and Weights
NOTES:
a. Nominal weights listed in this table are based on 41.82 lb/ft2 per in. of thickness, or 502 lb/ft3 (8041 kg/m3). It
conforms to that information which is published by steel suppliers and is sufficiently accurate for estimating gravi-
ty loads.
b. This table is based on the thickness tolerances specified by ASTM for 48 in. (1.2 m) and 60 in. (1.5 m) wide coil
and sheet stock. Different tolerances may apply to other sheet widths and strip.
c. The steel producing industry recommends that steel be ordered by decimal thickness. Thickness and zinc coating
class can be stenciled on the sheet. The gage designation is retained for residual familiarity reference only.
d. Per ASTM A90/A90M Standard Test Method for Weight (Mass) of Coating on Iron and Steel Articles with Zinc
or Zinc Alloy Coatings, G60 coating has 0.60 oz/ft2 (183 g/m2) of zinc (triple spot test), total for two sides.0.60
oz/ft2 (183 g/m2) of zinc equals a total thickness of 0.001 in. (0.025 mm). G90 coating is 0.90 oz/ft2 (275 g/m2)
(triple spot test), or 0.0015 in. (0.039 mm). Magnetic gage measurement of zinc coating may have 15% error.
e. For additional information on the general requirements for metallic-coated steel sheet of commercial quality (CQ)
or lock-forming quality (LFQ), see the following standards: ASTM A924/A924M General Requirements for Steel
Sheet, Metallic-Coated by the Hot-Dip Process, and ASTM A653/A653M Specification for Steel Sheet, Zinc-
Coated (Galvanized) or Zinc-Iron-Alloy-Coated (Galvannealed) by the Hot-Dip Process.
Gage Nom Max Min lb/ft2 kg/m2 Nom Max Min
30 0.013 0.015 0.011 0.53 2.56 0.32 0.37 0.27
29 0.014 0.016 0.012 0.59 2.88 0.36 0.41 0.31
28 0.016 0.018 0.014 0.66 3.20 0.40 0.45 0.35
27 0.017 0.020 0.014 0.72 3.52 0.44 0.52 0.36
26 0.019 0.022 0.016 0.79 3.84 0.48 0.56 0.40
25 0.022 0.025 0.019 0.92 4.48 0.56 0.64 0.48
24 0.025 0.028 0.022 1.05 5.12 0.64 0.72 0.56
23 0.028 0.032 0.024 1.18 5.76 0.71 0.81 0.61
22 0.031 0.035 0.027 1.31 6.41 0.80 0.90 0.70
21 0.034 0.038 0.030 1.44 7.04 0.87 0.97 0.77
20 0.038 0.042 0.034 1.58 7.68 0.95 1.05 0.85
19 0.044 0.049 0.039 1.84 8.97 1.11 1.24 0.98
18 0.050 0.055 0.045 2.10 10.25 1.27 1.40 1.14
17 0.056 0.061 0.051 2.36 11.53 1.43 1.56 1.30
16 0.063 0.069 0.057 2.63 12.81 1.59 1.74 1.44
15 0.070 0.076 0.064 2.95 14.41 1.29 1.94 1.64
14 0.078 0.085 0.071 3.28 16.01 1.98 2.16 1.80
13 0.094 0.102 0.086 3.94 19.21 2.38 2.58 2.18
12 0.109 0.118 0.100 4.59 22.41 2.78 2.98 2.55
11 0.125 0.135 0.115 5.25 25.61 3.18 3.43 2.93
10 0.141 0.153 0.129 5.91 28.81 3.57 3.87 3.27
9 0.156 0.170 0.142 6.56 32.02 3.97 4.33 3.61
8 0.172 0.186 0.158 7.22 35.22 4.37 4.73 4.01
Table 1-- 2 Stainless Steel Gages, Thickness and Weights
NOTES:
a. The nominal weight listed above is based on the 300 series weight of 41.99 lb/ft2 per in. of thickness, or 504 lb/ft3
(8074 kg/m3). In comparison to the weight of other stainless steel alloys, this is conservative and may be used
to estimate gravity loads for all stainless steel types covered by this document.
b. This table is based on the thickness tolerances specified by ASTM for 48 in. (1.2 m) wide coil and sheet stock.
The same tolerances are applicable for widths up to and including 72 in. (1.82 m).
c. For general application information and corrosion data, consult the AISI Design Guidelines for the Selection and
Use of Stainless Steels.
d. Finishes may be specified for one or more sides:
No. 1 Finish: Hot-- rolled, annealed and de-- scaled

No. 2D Finish: Annealed, de-- scaled and dull cold-- rolled
No. 2B Finish: Annealed, de-- scaled and bright cold-- rolled
No. 3 Finish: Intermediate polish (100 grit)
No. 4 Finish: General purpose polish (150 grit)
No. 6 Finish: Dull satin finish, Tampico brushed
No. 7 Finish: High luster polish (320 grit)
No. 8 Finish: Mirror polish (electro-- polish)
e. For additional information on the general requirements of flat-rolled stainless steel sheet and plate, see ASTM
A480/A480M Standard Specification for General Requirements for Flat-Rolled Stainless and Heat Resisting
Steel Plate, Sheet and Strip.
Nom Max Min lb/ft2 kg/m2 Nom Max Min
0.016 0.018 0.015 0.23 1.11 0.41 0.44 0.37
0.020 0.022 0.018 0.29 1.39 0.51 0.56 0.46
0.024 0.026 0.022 0.34 1.67 0.61 0.66 0.56
0.025 0.027 0.023 0.36 1.74 0.64 0.69 0.58
0.032 0.035 0.030 0.46 2.23 0.81 0.88 0.75
0.040 0.044 0.037 0.57 2.79 1.02 1.10 0.93
0.050 0.054 0.047 0.71 3.48 1.27 1.36 1.18
0.063 0.067 0.060 0.90 4.39 1.60 1.69 1.51
0.080 0.085 0.076 1.14 5.57 2.03 2.15 1.91
0.090 0.095 0.086 1.28 6.27 2.29 2.40 2.17
0.100 0.106 0.095 1.43 6.97 2.54 2.68 2.40
0.125 0.131 0.120 1.78 8.71 3.18 3.31 3.04
Table 1--3 Aluminum Thickness and Weights

NOTES:
a. The nominal weight listed in this table is based on 14.258 lb/ft2 per in. of thickness or 171.1 lb/ft3 (2741 kg/m3).
It conforms to that published by suppliers and is sufficiently accurate for estimating gravity loads.
b. This table is based on the thickness tolerances specified in ANSI Standard H35.2 Dimensional Tolerances for Alu-
minum Mill Products.
c. For additional information on the general requirements of flat-rolled aluminum and aluminum alloy sheet and
plate, see ASTM B209/B209M Standard Specification for Aluminum and Aluminum Alloy Sheet and
Plate.
CHAPTER 2
MATERIALS
CHAPTER 2 MATERIALS
2.1 ENVIRONMENTAL Precautions to be taken shall include:

CONSIDERATIONS
a. Storing the material inside.
The designer shall consider the effects of the total op-
erating environment, including the atmospheric con- b. Elevating the material above the floor to
ditions to which the lagging system is exposed (either allow air circulation and to isolate from water
indoors or outdoors), and the operating environment or other sources of corrosion on the ground.
inside the system. Such considerations may include
temperature, humidity, rain, wind, sunlight (UV), c. Placing bundled ribbed and flat sheets on end
snow loads, hail, traffic, accidental damage, mainte- or edge and coil material on end.
nance practices, fugitive emissions, utilities (electrical
service, etc.) and other design issues. d. Material shall not be tightly sealed with cov-
ers such as plastic. This tends to create a
Long term “emissivity” performance is very important “sweating” condition, which can produce ox-
ide damage. While some ventilation is al-
when calculating the design of thermal insulation sys-
ways necessary, conditioned storage (both
tems. Sheet metal lagging will dull or fade over time,
temperature and humidity control) is recom-
generally causing the emissivity value to increase, re-
mended when an uncontrolled storage envi-
sulting in increased heat loss. Applying the correct
ronment is likely to result in damage to the
emissivity factors can greatly affect the outcome of the
stored materials.
thermal calculation as well as the thickness of insula-
tion that is required. Using the wrong emissivity value 2.1.2 Corrosion Resistant Lagging
can result in an insulation system that is too costly or, Materials
conversely, inadequate for the installation. It can also
have an adverse effect upon the lagging itself by creat-
There are three types of corrosion resistant metallic
ing hot spots. Emissivity may affect the temperature-
sheet commonly used for lagging. They are galvanized
dependent performance of the operating equipment.
steel, stainless steel and aluminum. Other specialized
materials may be used, particularly plastic materials,
This document does not address the design issues re- when the operating temperatures allow it.
lated to emissivity. Designers and specifiers are
strongly urged to recognize the effect of this important 2.1.2.1 Steel (Galvanized)
property on lagging thermal performance. They
should consult authoritative sources such as ASTM C Galvanized steel is available in plain form or pre-
680-89 (Re-approved 1995), Standard Practice for treated for painting. Galvanized is a term used to de-
Determination of Heat Gain or Loss and the Surface scribe steel sheets coated with a sacrificial layer of
Temperatures of Insulated Pipe and Equipment Sys- zinc. Galvanized lagging sheet has a shiny-flaked
tems by the Use of a Computer Program for assistance “spangle” appearance when it has been hot dipped, or
in analyzing emissivity performance. has either a dull or bright but uniform appearance
when manufactured by electrode deposition. Lagging
2.1.1 Storage that is treated for painting will have a weathered ap-
pearance or be actually painted with a primer coat.
The finish on both aluminum and steel is susceptible
to atmospheric contamination and attack. Particular All galvanized lagging sheet, whether ribbed or flat,
precautions must be taken during the handling and shall be commercial quality galvanized steel and shall
storage of aluminum and steel lagging materials. In conform to specification ASTM A924 for a commer-
coastal applications it has been found that even with cial zinc coating of 0.90 oz/ft2 (275 g/m2).
inside storage, contamination and discoloration can
occur between sheets when laid flat. The sheets shall 2.1.2.2 Steel (Stainless)
be routinely inspected, and, if condensation is found,
the lagging sheets shall be separated and ventilated. In Stainless steel roof or siding materials shall be stain-
extreme cases conditioned storage may be necessary. less steel Type 304. All exposed surfaces shall have a
Always follow the manufacturer’s recommendations 2B finish. The temper shall be such that the stainless
regarding storage and handling. steel material shall bend flat on itself without cracking.
2.1.2.3 Aluminum examine the area to be insulated and note the size and
pattern of any existing stiffeners.
Unless otherwise specified, the exposed surface of alu-
minum lagging sheet shall have a stucco-embossed The designer is responsible for ensuring that the lag-
finish. ging and support system design considers critical is-
sues such as consistent pattern (rib direction), water
drainage (for outdoor applications), foot traffic, and
Ribbed type roof or siding material shall be 3004 alloy other external loads such as snow. Additionally, the de-
clad with 7072 alloy. The temper for ribbed stucco em- sirability of an aesthetically pleasing installation
bossed lagging is H-174. The core material shall con- should always be a major design consideration.
form to ASTM B209. Flat sheet shall be aluminum,
stucco embossed, clad with 3003 alloy. The temper for Paragraphs 2.2.1 through 2.2.4 represent the most
embossed flat shall be H-154. The core material shall commonly used support systems for flat or large diam-
conform to ASTM B209. eter surface areas:
Where aluminum lagging comes in direct contact with 2.2.1 H--Bar System
dissimilar metals, it is necessary to paint or otherwise
physically separate the aluminum from all non-alumi- This system is a pre-fabricated support mechanism.
num surfaces. An insulating material suitable for ser- The shaped steel channel is manufactured much like
vice in accordance with applicable design consider- the continuous gutters used in the housing industry.
ations shall be used to prevent electrolytic corrosion The shaped steel channels are formed out of flat mate-
caused by galvanic action. rials into the shape of a channel. Two channels are
combined to form an “H”-shaped steel channel that is
then attached to the external surface of the stiffeners
2.2 LAGGING SUPPORT SYSTEMS and forms a “picture frame” that the insulation “sits”
(STRUCTURAL) into. The lagging is then attached to this framework
with screws, see Figure 2-1. To better understand the
Lagging is attached to a support or structural system by descriptions, symbols and other graphic conventions
means of fasteners. In order to choose which lagging used in all following drawings, users of this document
support or structural system to use, designers must first should refer to the “Legend” in Chapter 3.
EXISTING
STIFFENER
H--BAR
H--BAR
PLAN VIEW WITHOUT LAGGING
RIBBED LAGGING
EXISTING
STIFFENER
SIDE VIEW WITH LAGGING
NOTE: ALTERNATELY, WHEN FASTENING BOX RIB LAGGING ON

EXPOSED TOPS, FASTENERS MAY BE DRIVEN THROUGH
HIGH RIB TO AVOID WATER INFILTRATION AT LOW POINTS.
FIGURE 2--1 EXAMPLE OF AN H-- BAR SYSTEM
2.2.2 Z--Bar System 2.2.3 Knurled Stud and Drive Plates with
Sub--Girt System
The Z-Bar, also known in the industry as a “Z-Clip”,
This system supports the lagging independently from
or “Z-Girt” is a prefabricated Z-shaped channel that is
the insulation supports. The studs are knurled at one
attached to the underlying plate of the primary struc-
end and are attached to the insulated plate at the other
ture. The lagging is then screwed to the Z-Bar, see Fig-
end. Drive plates are driven onto the knurled end of the
ure 2-2.
stud by use of a mallet or hammer. A steel sub-girt, typ-
ically a 3 inch (75 mm) wide 18-gage (1.31 mm) chan-
nel or hat channel, is screwed onto the drive plate. Lag-
ging is then attached to the sub-girt, see Figure 2-3.
PLATE Z--CLIP
NOTE: ALTERNATELY, WHEN FASTENING BOX RIB LAGGING ON

EXPOSED TOPS, FASTENERS MAY BE DRIVEN THROUGH
HIGH RIB TO AVOID WATER INFILTRATION AT LOW POINTS.
FIGURE 2-- 2 EXAMPLE OF A Z-- BAR SYSTEM
DRIVE PLATE
PLATE
KNURLED
STUD
WELD
FIGURE 2-- 3 EXAMPLE OF A STUD AND DRIVE PLATE SYSTEM
2.2.4 Insulation Pins and Sub--Girt System sufficient support with the design being based on the
lagging manufacturer’s wind-loading span recom-
This system generally utilizes #10 insulation pins and mendations. After the insulation has been installed
a perforated sub-girt or hat channel to which the lag- (impaled) over the insulation pins, a sub-girt channel
ging is attached. Insulation pins are laid out on 6-inch is installed by using an insulation speed clip. The lag-
(150 mm) horizontal spacing so the lagging will have ging is then screwed onto the sub-girt, see Figure 2-4.
SUBGIRT
LAGGING
WASHER
PIN
PLATE
EXPANDED METAL LATH
FIGURE 2--4 EXAMPLE OF A PIN AND SUB-- GIRT SYSTEM
2.2.5 Panel Support Spans 2.2.5.1 Single Span
The terms “single span” and “double span” commonly A single span lagging support requirement is defined
appear in manuals and catalogs published by lagging as the maximum spacing allowed between the top and
manufacturers. These documents contain lagging bottom horizontal support or attachment of a lagging
charts, as well as manufacturer’s product specifica- sheet, see Figure 2-5. This distance may not exceed the
tions based on single and double span requirements. manufacturer’s maximum recommended support
While manufacturer’s publications assume that their spacing for a single span, as published in their wind
readers understand what is meant by a single span and loading charts. See typical wind loading vs. support
a double span lagging support, in the interest of clarity spacing data in Table 2-1.
the following discussion in Paragraphs 2.2.5.1 and
2.2.5.2 is provided.
A: DISTANCE MAY VARY BASED
ON LAGGING LENGTH. DISTANCE
MUST BE LESS THAN HALF THE
MAXIMUM WIND LOAD SPAN
B: MAXIMUM WIND LOAD SPAN
FIGURE 2-- 5 SINGLE SPAN LAGGING SUPPORT
2.2.5.2 Double Span Figure 2-6. This distance may not exceed the manufac-
turer’s maximum recommended support spacing for a
A double span lagging support requirement is defined double span, as published in their wind loading charts.
as the maximum spacing allowed between the hori- See typical wind loading vs. support spacing data in
zontal supports when three supports are required, see Table 2-1.
A: DISTANCE MAY VARY BASED
ON LAGGING LENGTH. DISTANCE
MUST BE LESS THAN HALF THE
MAXIMUM WIND LOAD SPAN
B: MAXIMUM WIND LOAD SPAN
FIGURE 2-- 6 DOUBLE SPAN LAGGING SUPPORT
2.2.5.3 Sub--Girts When laying out sub-girts, do not exceed the maxi-
mum allowable spacing recommended by lagging
Sub-girts are placed at intermediate locations to sup- manufacturers. See typical support and wind loading
port lagging dead loads and the wind loading require- data listed in Table 2-1.
ments of the installation, see Figure 2-7.
Steel, ribbed
+30 lb/ft2 +40 lb/ft2 +50 lb/ft2 +60 lb/ft2
Wind Loading (146 kg/m2) (195 kg/m2) (244 kg/m2) (292 kg/m2)
Span Single Single Single Single
20 gage 7 ft–6 in. 6 ft–8 in. 6 ft–0 in. 5 ft–6 in.
(1.01 mm) (2.3 m) (2.0 m) (1.8 m) (1.7 m)
18 gage 8 ft–6 in. 7 ft–6 in. 6 ft–8 in. 6 ft–0 in.
(1.31 mm) (2.6 m) (2.3 m) (2.0 m) (1.8 m)
Aluminum, 4 in. (100 mm) wide ribs

Wind +30 lb/ft2 +40 lb/ft2 +50 lb/ft2 +60 lb/ft2
Loading (146 kg/m2) (195 kg/m2) (244 kg/m2) (292 kg/m2)
Span Single Double Single Double Single Double Single Double
0.032 in. 6 ft–5 in. 7 ft–11 in. 5 ft–10 in. 7 ft–2 in. 5 ft–5 in. 6 ft–8 in. 5 ft–in. 6 ft–1 in.
(0.81 mm) (1.9 m) (2.4m) (1.8 m) (2.2 m) (1.6 m) (2.0 m) (1.5 m) (1.8 m)
0.040 in. 6 ft–10 in. 8 ft–6 in. 6 ft–3 in. 7 ft–8 in. 5 ft–9 in. 7 ft–2 in. 5 ft–5 in. 6 ft–9 in.
(1.02 mm) (2.1 m) (2.6 m) (1.9 m) (2.3 m) (1.7 m) (2.2 m) (1.6 m) (2.0 m)
0.050 in. 7 ft–4 in. 9 ft–1 in. 6 ft–8 in. 8 ft–3in. 6 ft–2 in. 7 ft–8 in. 5 ft–10 in. 7 ft–8 in.
(1.27 mm) (2.2 m) (2.8 m) (2.0 m) (2.5 m) (1.9 m) (2.3 m) (1.8 m) (2.3 m)
Table 2--1 Typical Wind Loading vs. Support Spacing For

Sheet Metal Lagging
NOTE: For more information consult lagging manufacturers’ technical literature and product publications.
CHANNEL SUBGIRT
HAT SUBGIRT
FIGURE 2-- 7 “HAT BAR” OR “HAT CHANNEL” SUB-- GIRT
2.2.6 Pre--Insulated Lagging Panel System NOTE: When fastening box rib lagging on exposed
tops, fasteners may alternately be driven through the
high rib to avoid water infiltration at low points.
This system consists of a shop fabricated, field fabri-
cated or otherwise pre-manufactured lagging panel
On flat sheets, sheet metal screws shall be applied at
lined on the backside with insulation. This insulated
no greater than 2 ft (610 mm) horizontal by 3 ft (915
lagging panel or sheet will then attach directly to the
mm) vertical centers. Good engineering practice shall
outside of the stiffeners or to a sub-system made from
prevail in the use of screws. Excessive numbers of fas-
angle iron or hat sections.
teners are costly and detract from appearance. Lagging
screws are installed properly when they are turned
The lagging panels have their own built in attachment down (screwed) tight against the lagging. A lagging
system so that they can easily be attached by use of fas- screw is considered “loose” when the fingers can move
teners to the support system. Built-in attachment sys- either the head of the screw or the washer.
tems may vary by panel manufacturer but the concept
will always remain the same. For additional details, The choice of fasteners is an integral part of the design
reference Figure 3-38. process. Fastener performance can affect lagging sys-
tem performance. The method of securing or fastening
lagging to any component is dependent on the design
2.2.7 Fasteners
of the surface area to be covered. For appearance and
system performance purposes, it is preferable to use
Lagging is attached to a support or structural system by only one type of fastening system in any given area.
the use of fasteners. Fasteners that are used to attach Special attention must be paid to the minimum support
lagging shall be stainless steel screws, either self-tap- span and whether it has single or double support spac-
ping or self-drilling, with a metal washer that protects ing. In any event, haphazard substitution of alternative
a neoprene gasket, see Figure 2-8. Sheet metal screws types of fasteners shall be avoided. Fasteners also play
shall be applied at least on every other rib, irrespective an important role in the ability of the system to expand
of the lagging material involved. and contract (See section 2.3).
METAL WASHER
NEOPRENE GASKET
FIGURE 2-- 8 TYPICAL SHEET METAL SCREW
2.3 EXPANSION AND CONTRACTION Expansion joints are typically located in the flues and
ducts to take up the expansion and contraction of the
equipment being lagged. The lagging over the expan-
Lagging shall be applied over insulated areas so as to
sion joints shall be designed so as to provide move-
present a true plane. Lagging is stiffened and fastened
ment equal to the expansion of the joint covered.
at short spacings to prevent excessive deflection or
“oil canning” when hot or cold. Expansion and con-
2.4 JOINT & EDGE SEALING
traction requirements represent a major issue in lag-
ging design. Necessary provisions for the expansion
Sealing the lagging system by welding, soldering, or
and contraction of the lagging system must be pro-
caulking must not restrict or hinder the expansion or
vided to maintain a neat and proper design when in ser-
contraction of the lagging. The materials used for
vice. Expansion and contraction are a function of tem-
welding, soldering, or caulking must be consistent
perature. As the temperature of both the surface to be
with the temperatures to be encountered as well as the
insulated and the lagging increases, so does the
expected expansion and contraction of the system.
amount of expansion and subsequent contraction upon
cool down. The higher the temperatures encountered,
Open fluted ends such as found on the lower end of all
the more attention must be given to the design of the
ribbed lagging installed on sloped top surfaces of out-
lagging attachment system.
door areas or areas exposed to weather conditions must
be closed with neoprene closure strips to establish a
Experience has shown that, for hot surfaces approach- weather seal.
ing 350F (177C), the lagging expansion and contrac-
tion is not always absorbed by expansion joints, and is, Lagging overlaps shall be approximately 3 to 4 in. (75
therefore, distributed through the lagging support sys- to 100 mm), and in the direction of drainage. The over-
tem comprising the box rib, the standing seam between lap of ribbed lagging may in some cases exceed 4 in.
flat lagging sheets and the flashing. Each component (100 mm) based on the rib size and repeat. The pitch
of the system reacts to some portion of the expansion for drainage shall be at least 1 r in/ft (21 mm/m), except
and contraction. The expansion and contraction is dis- where clearances or other design or installation con-
tributed through the support system (angle iron, stud, siderations require a lesser pitch.
pin, or H, L or Z-type sub-girt). Thermal expansion
and contraction is an important operating issue, and All hanger rods, pipes and other items penetrating the
shall always be understood and considered when the roof or other exposed areas shall be provided with cov-
lagging system is designed. er plates, boots, hoods or flashing (made from the same
type of metal as the lagging). They will be of substan-
tial construction to prevent water from penetrating
When using an H, L or Z-type lagging support system,
into the insulation and to ensure that none of the insula-
it is important to use short spans with a maximum
tion is visible. Provisions shall be made to allow for
length of 10 ft (3 m) wherever possible. This allows the
any relative movement between the lagging and
expansion and contraction to be adsorbed within each
hanger rods, pipes or other items penetrating the lag-
short support assembly. A gap shall be left between the
ging.
sub-girt or other assemblies equal to the amount of ex-
pansion expected in that direction. In no case shall the
Sealing by welding, soldering, or caulking is permissi-
short sections of the sub-girt or assembly be welded to-
ble consistent with temperature limitations and ex-
gether, as this will inhibit the expansion and contrac-
pected expansion and contraction of the materials.
tion of the lagging. When studs, angle iron, or pins are
used to hold the lagging support system, it is the ability
2.5 NOISE AND SOUND CONTROL
of these components to deform that will contribute to
absorbing and distributing the expansion and contrac-
There are various types of noise control systems and
tion of the lagging system.
a number of accepted ways to reduce sound levels.
Lagging is an integral part of one such method for re-
Flashing will always take up some of the expansion ducing noise called the Acoustical Insulation and Lag-
and contraction. Care shall be taken to incorporate suf- ging System (AI&L).
ficient clearance at the corners, edges and between
long vertical sections where two or more sheets are Lagging plays a very important part in the reduction of
butted together. Refer to the drawings in Chapter 3 for sound. Steel lagging can reduce the sound 3 dB more
specific section details and examples of proper flash- than aluminum lagging because steel has greater mass
ing methods and applications. than aluminum.
The particular type of noise problem may also dictate Fans can have a very high blade speed and may pro-
what type of lagging will be used. For example: if the duce high frequency noise levels that can be as loud as
noise is a low frequency (a rumble type noise) than a 105 decibels (dB). In order to reduce sound levels, a
lagging with heavy mass like galvanized steel may silencer can be added and special acoustic sound in-
best be used. If the noise is a high frequency problem sulation and lagging system can be specified. AI&L
(example: a “hissing” or higher pitched “whining” systems are employed by acoustical engineers to re-
noise) then a lighter mass and thinner material such as duce sound transmission. AI&L systems are individu-
aluminum lagging may be used. Special care shall be ally designed for the specific situation associated with
taken to render acoustic lagging installations as air- each installation, see Figure 2-9.
tight as possible since even minute openings are capa-
ble of transmitting great amounts of sound energy.
1 1
2
3 2
4 4
6
6
5
1. STEEL OR ALUMINUM OUTER COVER

2. WELD PINS
3. ACOUSTICALLY ABSORPTIVE (INSULATION) MATERIAL
4. FLEXIBLE BARRIERS, IF REQUIRED
5. RETAINER MESH
6. WASHERS
FIGURE 2--9 ACOUSTICAL INSULATION AND LAGGING SYSTEM
The AI&L system utilizes an air space between the There are other important reasons for using rib versus
acoustic insulation and the fan housing. A sub-girt sys- flat lagging such as:
tem and a wire mesh are applied over the existing stiff-
eners to provide an air space. Then, either a pre-insu- a. The ribs or boxes of box rib lagging aid in the
lated panel system, or a conventionally built up system absorption of expansion and contraction.
combining an impervious flexible membrane with in-
sulation and flat lagging (steel or aluminum) is at- b. Use of flat sheets requires a manufactured
tached over the air space. Alternately, acoustic sound standing seam and is therefore more labor in-
panels are pre-fabricated in the shop or field and at- tensive. Ribbed lagging is less labor intensive
tached to a structure that is built around the noise pro- when compared to flat lagging.
ducing equipment such as fans. When properly de-
signed and installed this type of system can reduce the c. Rib lagging is much easier to work with when
noise to a generally acceptable and safe level of 85 dB, covering large flat areas. The ribs help to give
see Figure 3-38. the material strength and rigidity, which is es-
pecially helpful where foot traffic may occur.
2.6 FLAT SHEET VS. BOX RIB
d. On top surfaces that are exposed to the weath-
Generally speaking box rib lagging shall be used wher- er, the profile of rib lagging will help prevent
ever possible in lieu of flat sheet because it absorbs the water from ponding or sitting. Ponding water
expansion and contraction of the sub-girts to which it on any lagging surface (rib or flat) will even-
is attached, as well as the expansion of the lagging it- tually corrode the lagging system and dam-
self. Flat sheet is useful for flashing, round surfaces, el- age the insulation underneath.
liptical or irregular surfaces such as drumheads and for
areas where space prohibits the use of ribbed lagging. e. Rib lagging is more aesthetically pleasing on
Rib lagging can be manufactured and cut to almost any large flat areas or round sections than flat
desirable length. Flat lagging comes in long coils or in sheet. Ribs help break up the surface areas
flat sheets up to ten feet in length. The metals used for and the installation presents a more orderly
rib and flat lagging differ greatly. Therefore, flat lag- appearance from a distance.
ging can be bent more easily than rib lagging.
f. “Foiling” occurs when flat lagging is used
Flat lagging requires more handling, cutting and prep- which is too thin or of insufficient rigidity for
ping than ribbed lagging. However, it is not just the the installation. Distortion of the lagging sur-
material handling difficulties or differences that face produces the unsightly appearance of
makes rib lagging preferred over flat lagging. crinkled aluminum foil, hence the term.
TYPE “A” ROOF DECK -- GALVANIZED STEEL
TYPE “B” ROOF DECK -- GALVANIZED STEEL
TYPE “F” ROOF DECK -- GALVANIZED STEEL
V--BEAM ROOFING AND SIDING -- ALUMINUM
4" PITCH ROOFING AND SIDING -- ALUMINUM
FIGURE 2--10 TYPES OF RIBBED LAGGING
2.7 WEIGHT ging is needed to both correctly calculate the structural
steel design and for crane sizing when lifting pre-
It is very important to take into consideration the lagged equipment into place, see Figure 2-10 and
weight of lagging systems. The installed weight of lag- Table 2-2.
Galvanized Steel Aluminum

Lagging 20 Gage 18 Gage 0.032 in 0.040 in 0.050 in 0.063 in
Type (1.01 mm) (1.31 mm) (0.81 mm) (1.02 mm) (1.27 mm) (1.60 mm)
Type “A” 2.33 lb/ft2 3.08 lb/ft2
Roof Deck (11.4 kg/m2) (15.0 kg/m2)
Type “B” 2.41 lb/ft2 3.18 lb/ft2
Type “F” 2.16 lb/ft2 2.85 lb/ft2
Flat Sheet 1.66 lb/ft2 2.16 lb/ft2
(8.1 kg/m2) (10.5 kg/m2)
V-- Beam 0.584 lb/ft2 0.722 lb/ft2 0.903 lb/ft2 –
(2.8 kg/m2) (3.5 kg/m2) (4.4 kg/m2)
4 inch 0.575 lb/ft2 0.718 lb/ft2 – –
Ribbed (2.8 kg/m2) (3.5 kg/m2)
Flat Sheet 0.463 lb/ft2 0.564 lb/ft2 0.717 lb/ft2 0.904 lb/ft2
(2.3 kg/m2) (2.7 kg/m2) (3.5 kg/m2) (4.4 kg/m2)
Table 2--2 Area Weight of Lagging
CHAPTER 3
ACCEPTED INDUSTRY
PRACTICES FOR
SHEET METAL LAGGING
CHAPTER 3 ACCEPTED INDUSTRY PRACTICES FOR SHEET METAL LAGGING
3.1 INTRODUCTION it is imperative that the insulation shall be covered at

the earliest possible time before materials become wet
This chapter contains those features of lagging system or damaged.
fabrication for which there exist common established
practices that, based on field experience, have been ac-
cepted as having a proven track record of satisfactory Generally, the success or failure of a lagging installa-
service. tion depends on the effective setup of the job, the
soundness of the preparatory work and the ability of
Users should assume that in the fabrication and instal- the shop crew to keep material flowing to the erecting
lation of lagging systems covered by this document, crews. Under normal job conditions, a shop crew of
construction techniques not listed or described herein, two men can keep material flowing for two to three ap-
should be approved by Owner or his representative plication crews.
prior to actual fabrication. Conversely, any techniques
herein described can be considered satisfactory under
this document and used directly. Adequate consideration must be given to materials
handling when setting up any lagging job, including:
The drawings in Chapter 3 are provided to illustrate
standard methods and configurations that may be use- 1. Ground pre-assembly of attachments or complete
ful to designers, specifiers and installers. It should be lagging of components where practical.
pointed out that not every conceivable situation is, or
can be, shown by these drawings. When these practic-
es are followed, they help finished installations to pro- 2. Staging of the scaffolding so as to utilize one set-
vide durable and robust performance with an attractive ting for the completion of attachments and materi-
appearance. al application for insulation and lagging on the
component.
3.2 GENERAL APPLICATION
TECHNIQUES
3. The best shop location is where materials may be
In most cases, erection of lagging immediately follows fabricated and applied with the least transporta-
the installation of insulation. On exterior installations, tion and handling.
3.3 LEGEND
For the purposes of this document, the Legend de-
scribes the visual depictions and graphic conventions
used throughout the document, see Figure 3-1.
DESCRIPTION SYMBOL
INSULATION
FLAT LAGGING
RIB LAGGING end view
side view
closure strip
THERMAL MOVEMENT * TM
FASTENER OR
LAGGING SUPPORTS
Z--CLIP ANGLE IRON
C--CHANNEL HAT SECTION
( * ) INDICATES THE PLANE OF RELATIVE MOVEMENT BETWEEN COMPONENTS.
FIGURE 3-- 1 LEGEND
3.4 LOCKS AND SEAMS thickness of sheet metal lagging, only five standard
seams are used including: Lap Seam, Flat Lock Seam,
Locks and seams that are commonly used in sheet met- “S” Cleat or Lock, Single Lock Standing Seam, and
al lagging are illustrated in this section. Because of the Button Punched, see Figure 3-2.
LAP SEAM
FLAT LOCK SEAM ”S” CLEAT OR LOCK
SINGLE LOCK SINGLE LOCK

STANDING SEAM STANDING SEAM,
BUTTON PUNCHED
FIGURE 3-- 2 LOCKS AND SEAMS
3.5 TANKS (SHELLS AND HEADS) freely, without rubbing or other interference, which af-
fects accurate weighing. There may be frequent pur-
There are generally two types of tanks: process tanks poseful or inadvertent contact by operating personnel,
and storage tanks. Storage tanks tend to be heated or which must be taken into account.
cooled slowly as they are filled and emptied. Storage
tanks can more easily be isolated and kept from opera- This tank section refers to any round or elliptical
tor contact. Process tanks, on the other hand, tend to be shaped equipment including boiler steam and mud
cycled more frequently and on a regular basis. Process drums. The installation of lagging over these insulated
tanks have other operating considerations. Openings surfaces requires exceptional skill and craftsmanship
or other penetrations that are used to load or unload the because of the obvious difficulty presented by the
tank tend to have spillage. Liquids, molten solids and shapes of the heads and shell. Lagging must be cut and
solids can build up. The installation must be capable shaped to fit these curved surfaces snugly and be made
of sampling the process and must accommodate the re- watertight, if necessary. Additional cutting and fitting
quired sampling equipment. Sampling ports must be craftwork must be done around the frequent and irreg-
accessible by operators and quality control personnel. ularly spaced tubes, pipes and other protrusions com-
Tanks that are mounted on load cells (scales or other monly found on tanks and drums, see Figures 3-3 and
weighing devices) must be able to move up and down 3-4.
A
A
FLAT
LAGGING
SLIP JOINT
FASTENER LAGGING
SECTION A--A
TYPICAL “ORANGE PEEL” JOINT
FIGURE 3-- 3 TANK (SHELL & HEAD)
A
RIB LAGGING
FLAT LAGGING
FLASHING
SECTION A--A
FIGURE 3--4 TANK HEAD
3.6 ROUND AND RECTANGULAR tem thermally efficient. This round and rectangular
FLUE AND DUCT flue and duct section is intended to identify standard
industry practices for installing lagging on these types
Hot or cold flue and duct systems are common in the
of surfaces. This section also applies to those pieces of
industrial and utility industries. Most of these systems
equipment normally associated with industrial duct
involve the use of insulation either to manage heat
systems including air heaters, fans, bag houses, precip-
transfer or to protect personnel. Lagging is required
itators, scrubbers, economizers, etc., see Figures 3-5
over all insulated surfaces to protect the insulation
through 3-12.
from the weather and to help keep the flue or duct sys-
HORIZONTAL RUN WITH SCREWED OVERLAP
3" min. (75 mm)

“A”
“A”
3" min. (75 mm)
LAP--SEAM
FASTENERS
Z -- CLIPS
LAGGING
SECTION A--A
NOTE: STANDING AND HAMMERLOCK SEAMS

CAN ALSO BE USED TO FASTEN LAGGING.
FIGURE 3-- 5 ROUND DUCT
FLAT LAGGING VIEW RIB LAGGING VIEW
FLASHING
PLATE PLATE
FLASHING
LAGGING SUPPORT
FIGURE 3-- 6 RECTANGULAR DUCT
ROUND TEE
SEE
NOTE 2
SEE INSULATION
NOTE 3
NOTES:
1. Z--CLIP SYSTEM SHALL, AT MINIMUM, BE UNDER EVERY SEAM
AND OUTSIDE ENDS OF LAGGING.
2. STRETCH OUT OF LAGGING = OUTSIDE DIAMETER OF DUCTWORK
PLUS 2 TIMES THE THICKNESS OF THE INSULATION PLUS ANY LAPS.
3. ALLOW ENOUGH SPACE BETWEEN LAGGING AND COMPANION
FLANGE TO INSTALL BOLTS.
FIGURE 3--7 ROUND TEE
SEE
NOTE 2
INSULATION
Z--CLIP
DUCT
LAGGING FLAT BAR

SEE NOTE 4
NOTES:
4. OPTIONAL FLAT BAR ATTACHED TO Z--CLIPS MAY BE USED
FOR ADDITIONAL STIFFENING.
FIGURE 3-- 8 ROUND TEE (CONTINUED)
ROUND ELBOW
INSULATION
SEE
NOTE 3
NOTES:
FIGURE 3--9 ROUND ELBOW
INSULATION
Z--CLIP
DUCT
FLAT BAR
SEE NOTE 4
LAGGING
SEE
NOTE 2
NOTES:
FIGURE 3--10 ROUND ELBOW (CONTINUED)
LAP
LAP
SEE
NOTE 1
SEE NOTE 2
SEE NOTE 2
NOTES:
FIGURE 3--11 SQUARE TO ROUND TRANSITION
INSULATION
Z--CLIP
DUCT
FLAT BAR
SEE NOTE 2
LAGGING
Z--CLIP
INSULATION
DUCT
FLAT BAR
SEE NOTE 2
NOTES:
FIGURE 3-- 12 SQUARE TO ROUND TRANSITION (CONTINUED)
3.7 PENETRATIONS tural supports, platform support legs, tubes, pipes, or
headers. This section is intended to show standard in-
All flue or duct systems and equipment have various
dustry practices for installing “flashing” around such
forms of penetrations. Penetrations are any detail that
penetrations, see Figures 3-13 and 3-14.
goes through the outer lagging surface, such as struc-
TUBE PENETRATION
COVER CAP
TM
LAGGING
TM
MOVEMENT
PLATE
FLASHING
FASTENER
FIGURE 3-- 13 PENETRATION WITH HORIZONTAL MOVEMENT
“A” WALL BOX
FLASHING
LAGGING
SECTION A--A
“A”
FASTEN FROM RIB TO

RIB OUTSIDE OF BOX
INSTALL NEOPRENE
CLOSURE STRIPS
HEM AND BEND 15

90 +
FOR FRICTION FIT
FLASHING DETAIL
FIGURE 3--14 BOXED OPENING
3.8 JOINTS AND SEALS metal lagging that is installed on the outside of these
systems must be allowed to expand or contract within
All flue or duct systems and equipment expand and
the restraints of the system. Special design skill and in-
contract due to external or internal heating and cool-
staller craftsmanship is needed to take up movement
ing. The forces developed by such heating and cooling
within the lagging system. This section is intended to
are extremely strong and cannot be restrained by fas-
show standard industry practices regarding how to
teners alone. The equipment being heated or cooled
flash and lag properly around an identified expansion
must be allowed to move without damaging itself or
or seal area, see Figures 3-15 through 3-18.
any adjacent equipment. The insulation and the sheet
LAGGING
LAP 4" (100 mm)
LAGGING
SUPPORT
TYPICAL LAP JOINT
LAGGING
FLASHING
LAGGING
SUPPORT
TYPICAL BUTT JOINT
FIGURE 3-- 15 LAP AND BUTT JOINTS
TM
ANGLE BRACING MUST BE A

SLIP--JOINT AT THIS POINT TO
ALLOW FOR EXPANSION
FLASHING
LAGGING
NEUTRAL
DIMENSION PLATE
OVERALL DIMENSION PRIOR

TO PRESET IN TENSION
OR COMPRESSION
FIGURE 3-- 16 EXPANSION JOINT, NON--METALLIC
ANGLE
STANDOFF &
LAGGING SUBGIRT
SUPPORT
FLASHING
FABRIC EXPANSION JOINT
PLATE
FLASHING
LAGGING
LAGGING
SUPPORT
STIFFENER
FIGURE 3-- 17 FABRIC EXPANSION JOINT
LAGGING
FLASHING
RUB FIT
PLATE
LAGGING
LAGGING
SUPPORT
TM FLASHING
LAGGING
SUPPORT
FIGURE 3--18 WEATHERPROOF METAL EXPANSION JOINT
3.9 FLASHING requirements. The lagging that used to cover these ex-
posed areas is referred to as flashing. This section is in-
Generally, all installed lagging must be made water- tended to show standard industry practices for the
tight. Exposed or open areas at the corners, penetra- installation of lagging as a flashing material, see Fig-
tions or ends of lagged surfaces have special closure ures 3-19 through 3-30.
LAGGING
CLOSURE STRIP
(OUTDOOR AREAS)
FLASHING
CLOSURE STRIP
(OUTDOOR AREAS)
LAGGING
INSULATION
FIGURE 3--19 CORNER CLOSURE ON RECTANGULAR SURFACE
FLASHING
LAGGING ADD CLOSURE STRIP

(NOT SHOWN) FOR
OUTDOOR INSTALLATION
FIGURE 3-- 20 CORNER CLOSURE ON CURVED SURFACE
FLASHING
LAGGING
LAGGING
LAGGING
SUPPORTS
PLATE
FIGURE 3-- 21 CORNER CONSTRUCTION
PLATE
LAGGING
FLASHING
LAGGING
SUPPORT
FIGURE 3-- 22 VERTICAL INSIDE CORNER CONSTRUCTION
LAGGING
FLASHING
LAGGING
PLATE LAGGING
SUPPORT
FIGURE 3-- 23 CORNER CONSTRUCTION AT HORIZONTAL OVERLAP
LAGGING
SUPPORT
PLATE
FLASHING
LAGGING
FIGURE 3--24 CORNER CONSTRUCTION AT VERTICAL OUTSIDE
PLATE
LAGGING
FLASHING
LAGGING SUPPORT
FIGURE 3-- 25 CORNER CONSTRUCTION AT VERTICAL INSIDE
LAGGING
LAGGING
SUPPORT
LAGGING FLASHING
PLATE
FIGURE 3--26 HORIZONTAL TO VERTICAL INSIDE CORNER
LAGGING
PLATE
FLASHING
LAGGING SUPPORT
FIGURE 3--27 VERTICAL OUTSIDE CORNER
LAGGING
PLATE
LAGGING SUPPORT
LAGGING FLASHING
ALTERNATE FLASHING LOCATION
FIGURE 3-- 28 DRIP DETAIL
LAGGING
FLASHING
PLATE
LAGGING
FLASHING
PLATE
FIGURE 3-- 29 FLASHING AT SLOPE
PLATE
FLASHING
EXISTING
STIFFENER
LAGGING
FIGURE 3--30 FLASHING AT STIFFENER
3.10 DOORS AND OPENINGS practices for installing lagging around doors or similar
openings, see Figures 3-31 through 3-37.
All flues, ducts and equipment have doors or openings.
This section is intended to detail standard industry
A & A1
NOTES:
1. SPACE MUST BE
MAINTAINED AT THE
JUNCTION OF OUTER
LAGGING AND FLASHING
FOR NECESSARY EXPANSION.
DO NOT FASTEN OUTER
LAGGING TO FLASHING.
2. SECURE WITH
STAINLESS STEEL
STRAPPING. SEAL
WITH CAULKING
ON OUTDOOR UNITS
ONLY.
NOTE 1
A & A1
BOILER TUBES BOILER TUBES
NOTE 1
REFRACTORY
NOTE 2
ALTERNATE SECTION A1--A1

SECTION A--A VIEWS WITHOUT WALLBOX
WITH WALLBOX
FIGURE 3-- 31 SOOTBLOWER AND SMALL PIPE PROTRUSIONS
C
L FLANGED PENETRATION
INSULATION LAGGING
SUPPORT
FLASHING
FLASHING
LAGGING
LAGGING
PLATE SUPPORT
FIGURE 3--32 TEST PORT
LAGGING
LAGGING
SUPPORT
PLATE
FASTENER
FLASHING
ACCESS
DOOR
FLASHING
LAGGING
FIGURE 3-- 33 ACCESS DOOR
ACCESS
DOOR ACCESS
COVER DOOR
FLASHING
LAGGING
SUPPORT
PLATE
LAGGING
FIGURE 3--34 COVERED ACCESS DOOR
EXTEND FLANGE AT TOP &
BOTTOM TO FILL IN CORNERS
IN WATER TIGHT CONSTRUCTION
LAGGING
SUPPORT
FRONT COVER PLATE MUST SLIDE

UNDER TOP FLANGE & OVER
SIDE & BOTTOM FLANGES
LAGGING
MAKE ENCLOSURE IN FOUR PIECES,

LAP TOP PIECE OVER SIDES & LAP
SIDE OVER THE FLANGE AT BOTTOM
FIGURE 3-- 35 HEADER BOX
SEE ENLARGED
VIEW A--A
LAGGING
FLASHING
VIEW A--A VIEW B--B

LENGTH OF FLASHING
SHOULD BE LONG ENOUGH
TO EXTEND PAST OPENING
TO FIT CLOSELY AGAINST
ADJACENT RIB
FIGURE 3-- 36 LOUVER
REINFORCING
ANGLES
SEE
DETAIL
A
SECTION C
SEE
DETAIL BOILER
SECTION D B LAGGING TUBES
NOTE
SECTION C THROUGH
PIANO HINGE
DETAIL A DETAIL B
NOTE:
CHANNEL
SECTION D THROUGH JAMB FOR TREAD
AND STIFFENING
FIGURE 3--37 ACCESS DOOR IN LAGGING
3.11 PRE--INSULATED LAGGING PANELS be attached to the outside of the stiffeners either direct-
ly or to a sub-structure made from angle iron. This sec-
A pre-insulated lagging panel is both a lagging and in-
tion highlights some common industry practices for
sulation system that is comprised of a shop or field fab-
installing pre-insulated lagging panels, see Figures
ricated lagging sheet lined on the backside with insula-
3-38 and 3-39.
tion. Such an insulated lagging sheet or panel will then
FIGURE 3-- 38 PRE--INSULATED PANEL SYSTEM
BONDED FOAM
METAL INSULATION
SKINS
FLASHING
SLOPE
EXISTING
STRUCTURE
PANEL
SUPPORT
FIGURE 3-- 39 SLOPED TOP SURFACE AND VERTICAL PRE-- INSULATED

LAGGING PANELS
3.12 BUCKSTAYS nace walls. This section illustrates common industry
practices for installing lagging at and around buckstay
Buckstays are structural members used with steam-
structural members, see Figures 3-40 through 3-43.
generating units to help reinforce the boiler and fur-
FASTENERS
3" (75 mm) MIN.

OVERLAP
FASTENER
LAGGING
SUPPORT
FABRICATED
CHANNEL TACK
WELDED OR
DRILLED &
SCREWED TO
BUCKSTAY
LAGGING
BUCKSTAY
BOILER TUBES
FIGURE 3-- 40 LAGGING CONSTRUCTION OVER BUCKSTAYS
LAGGING SUPPORTS
WELDED TO BUCKSTAY
CORNER FLASHING
BUCKSTAY
TM
BOILER TUBES
AT BUCKSTAY
ELEVATIONS
CORNER FLASHING
LAGGING SUPPORT
TM
BOILER TUBES
LAGGING SUPPORT
BETWEEN BUCKSTAY
ELEVATIONS
FIGURE 3-- 41 PLAN VIEW AT CORNERS OF BUCKSTAYS
LAGGING SUPPORT
LAGGING
SUPPORT
CL BOILER
TUBES
LAGGING FLASHING
FLASHING
CL BUCKSTAY
RUB FIT
FIGURE 3--42 VERTICAL BUCKSTAY WITH LAGGING COVER
CLBOILER
TUBES
LAGGING
SUPPORT
FLASHING
RUB FIT
CL BUCKSTAY
FLASHING
LAGGING
FIGURE 3--43 HORIZONTAL BUCKSTAY WITH LAGGING COVER
3.13 SPECIALTIES of what has been shown in this document is intended
as a guide with the widest possible application. This
As in most cases it is impractical to cover every aspect
section will illustrate some of the more diverse usage
and every shape or component that could be a candi-
of sheet metal lagging, see Figures 3-44 and 3-45.
date for the installation of sheet metal lagging. Much
PLATE
LAGGING SUPPORT
EXISTING STIFFENER
FLASHING
LAGGING
FLASHING
FLASHING
FIGURE 3--44 LAGGING AT HOPPER
PLATE
EXISTING
STIFFENER
LAGGING
LAGGING SUPPORT
FLASHING
EXISTING OUTLET
FLANGE
FIGURE 3-- 45 HOPPER OUTLET FLANGE DETAIL
CHAPTER 4
GUIDE SPECIFICATION
CHAPTER 4 GUIDE SPECIFICATION
4.1 INTRODUCTION specification. At minimum, the drawings should pres-

ent a system layout plus the supplementary informa-
This chapter provides a guide for specifying sheet met- tion required per the guide specification. The drawings
al lagging systems. The guide specification is not a ref- or scope of work shall include sufficient details so as
erence document, but rather is a guide for the develop- to permit contractors to reduce the design to practice.
ment of specifications for the specifier’s sheet metal They should also indicate any other details pertinent to
lagging project. The guide specification must be the Contractor’s work and not indicated elsewhere in
edited to fit the conditions of use and required work as- the job specification.
signments. Particular attention should be given to the
deletion of inapplicable provisions and inclusion of 4.3 SEISMIC RESTRAINT PROVISIONS
necessary items related to a specific project. Appropri-
ate requirements should be included where blank This manual does not include the special support pro-
spaces have been provided. visions that may be required for seismic restraint. The
system designer shall prescribe them as necessary.
4.2 DRAWINGS 4.4 GUIDE SPECIFICATION
The design of the sheet metal lagging system shall be Beginning on page 4.2, a guide specification is pre-
adequately described by either drawings or by a “scope sented for use in developing specifications for the in-
of work” developed in association with the system tended project.
GUIDE SPECIFICATIONS FOR SHEET METAL LAGGING
1.0 GENERAL PROVISIONS NOTES TO SPECIFIERS

The general and supplementary conditions of the Where the term General Contractor is used, the
specification are hereby made a part of this branch of subject work may be done by the Owner or other
work. The sheet metal lagging contractor will be contractor at the Owner’s discretion.
governed by all of the requirements thereof, insofar
as they apply to the contractor’s scope of work.
1.1 WORK INCLUDED

This division includes all labor, materials, equip- Specifiers should select only those items actually
ment and accessories necessary to complete the required on the particular project. This list may be
sheet metal lagging systems for the installation used as a checklist to ascertain that all component
specified herein including: parts of the system are actually covered.
Access doors
Air-handling units
Air heaters
Air pollution control equipment
Boilers
Breeching and flues
Buckstays
Casings, housings and plenums
Dampers
Drums
Ductwork
Dust Collectors
Fans
Flexible connections and expansion joints
Hangers and supports
Hoods, fume
Hoppers
Penthouses
Pulverizers
Selective Catalytic Reduction Systems (SCRs)
Sound Enclosures
Spray booths
Tanks
Windboxes
1.2 WORK EXCLUDED
Building structural steel Specifiers should verify that allied construction
Concrete foundations work is covered under appropriate divisions or sec-
tions of the specification.
Cutting and patching
If the contract for a sheet metal lagging system is
Electrical work in the nature of a prime contract, these items may
Insulation be incorporated as applicable.
Openings in floors, walls and roofs
Painting (except as specified)
Pipe and pipe work
Temporary heat
Utilities
Weatherproofing of floor under equipment
1.3 COORDINATION OF WORK

a. Coordination with Other Contractors: The lag- The Owner may designate a representative such as
ging Contractor shall work with other trades to avoid a designer, general contractor or other for this pur-
interference with the installation of work covered by pose.
the contract. Should differences of opinion develop,
the Owner’s Representative’s decision shall be final.
Work shall be installed so as not to delay progress of
construction and will be correlated with other trades.
b. Electrical Work: All control wiring (unless Starters and disconnects would normally be in-
otherwise specified), power wiring, and setting of cluded in the electrical portion of the work. Fan
loose motors will be by others. Starters and discon- and equipment schedules should be cross-refer-
nects will be furnished and installed by others. enced in the electrical section for proper take-off.
c. Equipment Foundations: Concrete foundations If a concrete inertia base with vibration isolators
for all equipment will be furnished by others under under the base is to be used, the isolators should
the supervision of the industrial ventilation contrac- be specified with the equipment to be mounted
tor. thereon, so that they are matched to the particular
equipment.
d. Piping: Any piping that protrudes into the insulation re-
1. Plumbing quiring access or a housing must be identified in
2. Sprinkler work the drawings.
3. Steam fitting
e. Cutting and Patching: The General Contractor Specifier shall verify that this section is referenced
will do all cutting and patching in floors, walls, and in the proper division of the specification to cover
roofs for the installation of equipment and air ducts. the cutting and patching required.
The sheet metal lagging Contractor will cooperate in
the location of openings in new construction. Con-
tractor will be responsible for the cutting of all open-
ings in the lagging.
f. Openings in Floors, Walls, and Roofs: The Gen-
eral Contractor will be responsible for providing
openings of specified dimensions in floors, walls,
and roofs complete with curbs and bucks as required
for all equipment and air ducts.
g. Scaffolding: The Contractor will provide all The economy of multiple usage of scaffolding may
scaffolding for the installation of this branch of the not always be possible. When using this specifica-
work in areas where the General Contractor has no tion, verify that it is also covered under the Gener-
requirements for this equipment. Where scaffolding al Contractor’s portion of the work.
is provided by the General Contractor for the erection
of his work, this equipment will be left in place for
the use of the Contractor at no charge. The Contractor
will have free use of hoist and elevators for the trans-
portation of his workers, materials, and equipment.
All scaffolding will meet the requirements of local
and state codes.
h. Permits and Licenses: The Contractor or Owner This paragraph should be in agreement with the
shall secure all permits and licenses required for the general conditions for the entire project and could
installation of this branch of the work and shall pay make reference to them as well as indicate any
all fees incident thereto. The Owner must secure all deviations or additions.
required state operating permits.
i. Taxes: The Owner shall pay all federal, state, Many states will require pollution control operat-
and local taxes applicable to this branch of the work. ing permits for the installed system. The owner will
be required to make this application. Some states
maintain tax exempt status on pollution control
installations.
j. Utilities: All temporary sanitary and storm Verify coverage of these facilities’ services and
drainage facilities and all utilities, including water their usage under other portions of the specifica-
and electrical services shall be provided by others. tion.
Electrical services by others shall include adequate
temporary lighting.
k. Access: The General Contractor shall provide
and maintain vehicular and pedestrian access routes
to all work areas for the purposes of material delivery
and workmen entrance and exit.
1.4 SUBMITTALS
a. Equipment Drawings: The Contractor shall sub- Sufficient copies should be included to enable
mit for approval _____ copies of outline drawings drawings to be supplied to other contractors under
and pertinent details for major equipment as speci- this section of the specification.
fied for this branch of the work.
b. Operating and Maintenance (O&M) Instruc-
tions: The Contractor shall furnish _______ copies
of written operating and maintenance instructions for
all equipment furnished by him under this section.
1.5 REFERENCED DOCUMENTS
The following documents of the particular edition
listed form part of this specification to the extent
specified herein.
a. ASTM. E90-99, Standard Test Method for Labo-
ratory Measurement of Airborne Sound Transmission
Loss of Building Partitions and Elements. American
Society for Testing and Materials, West Consho-
hocken, PA. 1999.
b. ASTM. E1780-96, Standard Guide for Measur-
ing Outdoor Sound Received from a Nearby Fixed
Source. Ibid., 1996.
c. ASTM. E1779-96a, Standard Guide for Prepar-
ing a Measurement Plan for Conducting Outdoor
Sound Measurements. Ibid., 1996.
d. ASTM. E1704-95, Standard Guide for Specify-
ing Acoustical Performance of Sound-Isolating En-
closures. Ibid., 1995.
e. ASTM. C680-89, (Reapproved 1995), Standard
Practice for Determination of Heat Gain or Loss and
the Surface Temperatures of Insulated Pipe and
Equipment Systems by the Use of a Computer Pro-
gram. Ibid., 1995.
f. ASTM. A924/A924M-94, Standard Specifica-
tion for General Requirements for Steel Sheet, Metal-
lic-Coated by the Hot-Dip Process. Ibid., 1994.
g. ASTM. B209-96, Standard Specification for
Aluminum and Aluminum-Alloy Sheet and Plate.
Ibid., 1996.
h. MICA. National Commercial & Industrial
Insulation Standards, 5th Edition, as published by the
Midwest Insulation Contractors Association
(MICA), 2017 South 139th Circle, Omaha, NE
68144-2149. 1999.
i. SMACNA. Accepted Industry Practice for In-
dustrial Duct Construction, 1st Edition, published by
the Sheet Metal & Air Conditioning Contractors’ Na-
tional Association, Inc., Chantilly, VA. 1975.
j. SMACNA. Architectural Sheet Metal Manual,
5th Edition. Ibid., 1993.
k. SMACNA. Round Industrial Duct Construction
Standards, 2nd Edition. Ibid., 1999.
l. SMACNA. Rectangular Industrial Duct
Construction Standards, 1st Edition. Ibid., 1983.
m. SMACNA. Thermoset FRP Duct Construction
Manual, 1st Edition. Ibid., 1997.
n. SMACNA. Accepted Industry Practices for
Sheet Metal Lagging, 1st Edition. Ibid., 2002.
o. Other documents as required.
2.0 SHEET METAL LAGGING SYSTEM
a. All metal lagging, flashing, closures, fasten-
ers, and other sheet metal installation details shall
be in accordance with the Sheet Metal and Air Con-
ditioning Contractors’ National Association publi-
cation, Accepted Industry Practices for Sheet Met-
al Lagging, 1st Edition. 2002. When completed, the
work shall be uniformly neat and all finished sur-
faces shall present a workmanlike appearance.
b. The lagging on the top surfaces of ductwork Specify design load here.
shall be capable of withstanding a design live load
of ____lb/ft2 (____N/m2) without suffering perma-
nent deformation.
c. Where dissimilar metals come in contact with
each other, Contractor shall provide a means for
isolating such surfaces to preclude galvanic reac-
tions.
d. All of the necessary supporting steel members
and falsework that may be required for slopes or to
complete the metal lagging work shall be furnished
and installed by Contractor.
e. All outdoor lagging systems shall be designed For guidance in choosing basic wind speeds includ-
in accordance with the applicable building code re- ing the “exposure category rating (typically A, B,
quirements using a basic wind speed of ______mph C, etc.) as well as the “importance factor,” (exam-
(_______km/hr), exposure category _______ and ple: 1.00, etc.) refer to local building codes and
an importance factor of _______. ASCE 7-98, Minimum Design Loads for Buildings
and Other Structures. American Society of Civil
Engineers, Reston, VA. 1998.
f. All insulated and metal lagged surfaces shall
be completely water and weather tight, and shall be
completely drainable with sloped horizontal sur-
faces. No stiffeners, casing, or other parts shall act
to contain or restrain the free flow of water.
2.1 MATERIALS SELECTION

2.1.1 SUPPORT SYSTEM
a. Structural steel shapes such as angles or Z-sec- The insulation and metal lagging shall be sup-
tions shall be constructed of _______________ ported as determined best by Contractor and with
material. written approval of the Owner’s Representative.
Methods of fastening insulation, metal lagging,
flashing, etc. shall prevent rattling and shall be
b. Hat sections shall be a minimum of structurally adequate so that forces due to expan-
sion and contraction, vibration, wind, weight of
__________ gage, ________ material.
insulation and lagging or other normal loads shall
not loosen or break fasteners.
2.1.2 SHEET METAL LAGGING
a. Except as otherwise specified herein, metal Refer to SMACNA Accepted Industry Practices for
lagging for all surfaces shall be a minimum of Sheet Metal Lagging, 1 st Edition. 2002.
______ in. (____ mm) thick, with box-ribbed A separate lagging material specification may be
______ in. (______ mm) center-to-center, ______ required for each application in the system (walls,
in. (_______ mm) in depth, ribbed _______ mate- floors, roofs, horizontal duct, etc.)
rial, per ASTM______.
b. Flashing and flat lagging, where required in

panel work, shall be a minimum of ____ in. (____
mm) thick and made of _________ material, per
ASTM ______.
c. The finish of all _________________ material

per ASTM ______ lagging and flashing shall be
stucco embossed.
d. Sheet metal lagging for ____________ shall

be a ______________ material of ____________
thickness or ________ gage (_______ mm), with
_________ profile, ______ pattern and _________
finish.
e. Except as otherwise specified herein, sheet

metal lagging for all roofs and horizontal duct sur-
faces shall be a minimum of __________ thick,
with ___________ pattern of ___________ materi-
al type.
2.1.3 FLASHING
All sheet metal flashing, closure strips and caps
shall be installed in accordance with the Sheet Met-
al and Air Conditioning Contractors’ National As-
sociation publication, Accepted Industry Practices
for Sheet Metal Lagging, 1st Edition. 2002.
2.1.4 FASTENERS
a. All concealed fasteners shall be of corrosion- The designer may choose between the option of
resistant materials, in accordance with applicable Contractor recommending fasteners, or specifying
panel manufacturer’s recommendations. fasteners based upon fastener and lagging
manufacturer’s recommendations. In the event that
differing metals are selected for lagging and fasten-
ers, designers should consider the possible effects
of electrolytic corrosion caused by galvanic action.
b. All exposed fasteners shall have heads finished
to match adjacent surfaces, and shall be installed
with weatherproof seals under the heads.
c. Spacing of fasteners shall be in a set pattern,
both horizontally and vertically, forming straight
lines, and shall be placed in order to prevent rattling
of the panels or flashing vibration. Care shall be
taken not to over-tighten fasteners, thereby creat-
ing a “foiling” appearance. A washer is considered
“loose” if it can be wiggled between the fingers.
d. Fasteners shall be ____________ of
______________ material with a minimum length
of __________ in. (_______ mm) and
______________ washers.
e. The washer material shall not stain the lagging

material due to environmental or operating condi-
tions and shall not deteriorate due to heat or vibra-
tion transferred from the ductwork or other lagged
equipment.
f. Fasteners shall be selected and installed in ac-

cordance with the manufacturer’s recommenda-
tions.
2.1.5 SEALANTS
a. Neoprene rubber closure strips shall be Specify here all the required characteristics for
installed on all open-end ribs to seal the insulation both fasteners and washers, including sizes, fasten-
from wind and driven rain. Where closure strips er lengths and the material or materials, if differ-
cannot be used, openings shall be caulked. All con- ent.
tact surfaces between aluminum lagging and steel
sub-girts shall be separated by neoprene rubber clo-
sure strips. Closure strips must be in addition to the
flashing normally provided.
b. Unless otherwise specified, material for all

siding closure strips shall be weatherproof and suf-
ficiently durable for the design life of the installa-
tion.
c. Contractor shall propose the material selection

of all caulking, mastic and closure strips for weath-
erproofing outdoor penetrations, laps, etc. for ac-
ceptance by the Owner’s Representative.
2.2 INSTALLATION
a. Contractor shall furnish the proper amounts Specify here all equipment accessories or compo-
and types of components for the sheet metal lag- nents that, due to operating or maintenance acces-
ging system and accessories including, but not lim- sibility requirements, should not be covered with
ited to, panels, sub-girts, flashing, corner pieces, insulation and lagging.
closures, wall and cap flashing and fasteners as spe- All sources of vibration and thermal movement of
cified herein to fully complete the work. Exposed piping systems should be identified and considered
louvers, and translucent wall panels, if part of Con- in the design.
tractor’s scope, are also included herein.
b. Oil or lubrication piping, valves or fittings
thereof, damper linkages or drive components, and
__________________ shall not be embedded in in-
sulation or covered over with removable panels,
flashing, etc.
c. Thermal barriers (flue stops) shall be installed
between all vertically oriented stiffeners at a maxi-
mum spacing of every five (5) feet and at the top of
all vertical runs.
d. All hanger rods, pipes, or other similar items
penetrating any of the insulation and metal lagging
systems shall be provided with cover plates, boots,
hoods or flashing to prevent water from penetrating
into the installed insulation and so none of the in-
sulation is visible.
e. All exterior instrument taps, test connections
and other lagging penetrations shall be sealed using
a flexible rubber boot seal to prevent the ingress of
water.
f. Ribbed lagging on all side surfaces of struc-
tures and equipment shall have ribs vertically ori-
ented, and on all top surfaces of structures and
equipment ribbing shall be parallel to drainage.
g. Metal lagging installed on roofs or horizontal
duct surfaces shall be sloped and flashed to prevent
water or wind ingress. All edges shall be lapped in
a weatherproof manner to prevent water and wind
ingress.
h. Drip edges shall be provided for all outdoor
penetrations on metal lagged side surfaces. All pen-
etrations shall be boxed out with channel stiffeners
before insulation components are installed to pre-
vent deflection of the insulation and lagging near
the penetrations.
i. Metal flashing between lagging at corners,
bends, etc., shall overlap adjacent lagging surface
by not less than ______ in. (_____ mm).
j. Lagging of all expansion joints shall be in ac-
cordance with the expansion joint manufacturer’s
recommendations.
k. The installation of lagging, and flashing shall
be finished neatly throughout, up to and including
the expansion joint frame.
l. It shall be Contractor’s responsibility to ensure
that lagging is properly applied and secured, so that
it will not become loose or unduly deteriorate under
the operating conditions specified in the design.
2.3 INSPECTION OF LAGGING

Contractor and Owner’s Representative shall per-
form a pre-operational walk-through of the instal-
lation to visually inspect lagged surfaces. Any lag-
ging problems that are noted during the inspection
shall be repaired by Contractor.
3.0 OTHER CONSIDERATIONS

The insulation, lagging, and sub-girt system shall The design and installation should take into ac-
be arranged to accommodate thermal expansion of count the expansion and contraction effects of the
insulated surfaces so all surfaces are effectively in- temperature difference between the ambient condi-
sulated whether in the hot or cold position. The sys- tions present during construction and the operating
tem shall be designed so as to prevent crushing and temperature of the system.
distortion of the insulation and lagging due to ther-
mal expansion and contraction.
4.0 WARRANTY
The products furnished hereunder are warranted by
the Contractor against any defect in material or
workmanship for a period of one (1) year from the
date of shipment, when owned by original Purchas-
er or first User, and when maintained and operated
under normal conditions, provided, however, any
products furnished hereunder not manufactured by
the contractor are warranted only to the extent of
the original manufacturer’s warranty. Parts found
to be defective in material or workmanship shall be
repaired or replaced without charge, F.O.B. origi-
nal point of shipment, provided prompt notice of
defect is given to the Contractor and compliance
with the terms of the warranty is established. This
warranty shall be void if repairs or alterations are
made without the Contractor’s prior written con-
sent.
GLOSSARY
GLOSSARY
–A– and in contact with thermal insulation, primarily on

applications involving round industrial duct. (See Lag-
Allowable stress – The maximum design force per ging).
unit of area to which a member may be subjected in
service. Coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) – The
change in length per unit length—or the change in vol-
Alloy – A homogenous solid mixture, usually com- ume per unit volume, per degree change in tempera-
prising two or more metals. ture. (See Thermal Expansion).
ANSI – American National Standards Institute Collar – As it relates to industrial duct, a collar is a
straight segment of material attached to the ends of re-
ASTM – American Society for Testing and Materials ducers or tapers.
Concentrated loads –Generally, a gravity load

–B–
(weight) acting at a specific point, not distributed over
an area.
Bend – A change in direction of a metal surface or duct
system. Connection – The means of joining two fabricated
sections together (See Joint).
Blast gate – A sliding plate installed in a supply or ex-
haust duct at right angles to the duct for the purpose of Corrosion – Metallic deterioration, including loss of
regulating air flow. metal, due to chemical or electrolytic action.
Bracing – A structural reinforcement member at- Critical spacing – The maximum distance between
tached to a duct wall to provide additional strength and supports, beyond which the structure or lagging is at
rigidity to the installation. (See Stiffener). risk of permanent deformation; or, if applied to stiffen-
ers, it is the maximum distance, beyond which predic-
Brazing – Brazing joins materials by heating them in tion of the structural performance becomes governed
the presence of a filler metal having a liquidus above by a different mathematical model than applied up to
840F (450C), but below the solidus of the base met- that point.
als. Heating may be provided by a variety of processes.
The filler distributes itself between the closely fitted –D–
surfaces of the joint by capillary action. Brazing dif-
fers from soldering in that soldering filler metals have Dead load – All gravity loads.
a liquidus below 840F (450C).
Deformation – A forced change in the shape of a metal
Buckstay – Structural members in power boilers used surface.
to hold pressure-parts in alignment while allowing
thermal expansion. Density – A materials mass per unit of volume.
Design – A noun or verb denoting responsibilities re-

Butt joint – An end-to-end joint between two mem-
lating to creations of persons other than a fabricator or
bers lying in the same plane.
installer, except in the case of a design-and-build con-
tractor.
–C–
Design criteria – The principles and parameters on
Casing – A steel covering material with a thickness which the calculations are based.
greater than 16 gauge (nominal 1.61 mm).
Diameter, nominal – For purposes of this document
Circumferential stiffener – A reinforcement member a duct’s nominal diameter is taken as its outside diam-
that surrounds a round duct and maintains the duct’s eter.
circular shape.
Duct – Fabricated pipe, tube, or channel that conveys
Cladding – An ambiguous and arcane term for a fin- air or other gasses between two points.
ishing material used to cover insulation. In the sheet
metal industry, “cladding” has traditionally referred to Duct saddles – A duct support fabricated to the config-
a protective metallic covering installed directly over uration of the duct.
Accepted Industry Practices For Sheet Metal Lagging  First Edition G.1
Duct span – The length of a duct segment between ad- –G–
jacent supports.
Gage – A graduated numerical series representing the
Duct thickness – The decimal or gage thickness of a thickness of sheet metal. Each number in the series has
duct wall (See Gage). a defined range of decimal equivalents with minimum,
nominal and maximum values.
Dust – Small Particles of matter formed from solid in-
organic materials by crushing, grinding, high tempera- Galvanize – To coat iron or steel with a continuous
ture, etc. Particulate size ranges from microscopic to layer of rust-resistant zinc.
submicroscopic. Particles thus formed are usually not
called dust unless they are smaller and about 100 mi- Gasket – A preformed ring or strip of material having
crometers. elastic and compressive properties that contribute to
the formation of an effective seal or closure.
–E–
Girt – A structural component that supports sheet met-
al lagging. (See Sub-Girt).
Emissivity – The ratio of radiation intensity from a
given surface to the radiation intensity at the same –H–
wavelength from a blackbody at the same temperature.
NOTE: Applying the correct emissivity factors can Hanger – A device used to suspend a duct segment
greatly affect thermal performance calculations as from an overhead structure.
well as the thickness of insulation that is required for
any given installation.
–I–
Expansion joints – A means of absorbing the linear Ice load – The equivalent weight of ice accumulated
growth of sheet metal lagging and substructure caused on the surfaces of an exterior installation. The accu-
by elevated temperatures. mulation thickness is based on historical data, col-
lected and published as regional and national maps by
–F– the United States Weather Service.
Fabrication – To construct by combining or assem- Insulation (thermal) – A blanket or covering, typical-

bling materials and components. ly glass or mineral fibers or plastic foam, applied to a
duct surface to regulate the transmission of thermal or
acoustical energy.
Fastener – A mechanical means of attaching or join-
ing two pieces together.
–J–
Flange – A second surface perpendicular to the ends Jacketing – A light gage steel or aluminum covering,
of sheet materials used for the purpose of joining seg- typically installed over pipe insulation. A factory-ap-
ments together. Flanges may also have a reinforcing plied moisture barrier is usually included on the back
function, when so designed. or underside of the jacketing material.
Flashing – Sheet metal used to reinforce and make Joint, duct – Location and means by which duct com-
weatherproof, the joints and angles of a lagging sys- ponents are held together to form a section of duct.
tem.
Joint, weld – The junction where two or more mem-
Flow chart – A top-to-bottom diagram of the steps re- bers are to be joined or have been joined.
quired to complete an operation or task.
Joint design – The proper selection of a method to join
Foiling – A crinkling of lagging sheet metal around the two or more members together.
area of a fastener caused by lagging that is too thin or
of insufficient rigidity for the installation or resulting Joint efficiency – Ratio of joint strength to base metal
from excessive tightening of the fastener. strength.
G.2 Accepted Industry Practices For Sheet Metal Lagging  First Edition
–K– –P–
Kip – One thousand pounds. Pressure – The normal force exerted by a solid, liquid
or gas, per unit of area, on the wall of its container.
Ksi – One kip per square inch (1,000 psi.)
–R–
–L– Radius, long – The throat radius of an elbow; normal-

ly 1 to 2 times the elbow diameter.
Lagging – A sheet metal material, typically steel or
aluminum, used to cover insulation. (See Cladding). Reactions – Forces exerted by supports to offset load
being supported.
Lap joint – Joint between two overlapping members.
Rub fit – Partially unsecured or unfastened flashing
that uses shape and friction to achieve joint tightness,
Lateral load – A force applied perpendicular to the
while allowing the joint components to move relative
wall of the duct (such as a wind load).
to each other.
Live load – A superimposed load to be carried by a –S–

structure.
Saddle – (See Duct Saddle)
Longitudinal bracing – Bracing that prevents a duct
or pipe from moving in the direction of its run. Safety factor – The ratio of ultimate (rupture) load to
the design (allowable) load.
–M–
Sealant – A material with the necessary cohesive and
Maintenance load – External forces applied to the ex- adhesive properties to form a weather-tight barrier.
terior of a duct during maintenance activity, such as the
weight of a workman, tools, etc. Seam – The joining of two metal surfaces in a longitu-
dinal direction.
Misalignment – The offset frequently encountered
Shear – Straining action wherein applied forces pro-
when joining two metal surfaces.
duce a sliding or skewing type of deformation. A
shearing force acts parallel to a plane, as distinguished
–N– from tensile or compressive forces, which act normal
to a plane.
Nominal diameter – The outside diameter of a round
duct before applying any fabrication tolerances. Slide plate – A minimum friction duct support device
used in lieu of rollers to accommodate thermal move-
Nominal thickness – A decimal thickness that repre- ment.
sents the midrange of upper and lower tolerances for
metal thickness. The midpoint usually represents a SMACNA – Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Con-
gage equivalent. (See Gage). tractors’ National Association.
Snow load – The accumulation or buildup of snowfall

–O–
on the top of a duct surface, which adds to its bending
load. Historical data of snow accumulations is col-
Oil canning – The out-of-plane deflection of sheet lected and published by the U.S. Weather Bureau in re-
metal lagging that is usually accompanied by a “pop- gional and national maps.
ping” sound.
Span – (See Duct span).
OSHA – Occupational Safety and Health Administra-
tion. A government agency established for the purpose Span(s) – The distance between supports or the num-
of enforcing the Occupational Health and Safety Act ber of duct sections in a given system or portion there-
which promotes safety in the work place. of.
Accepted Industry Practices For Sheet Metal Lagging  First Edition G.3
Staggered welds – Alternating weld beads applied at Temperature, ambient – Generally, the air tempera-
regular intervals on opposite sides of a reinforcement. ture surrounding an object.
Stiffener – (See Bracing).

Temperature, elevated – An increase in the tempera-
ture of an air stream, above ambient, resulting from the
Stiffener spacing – The intervals between reinforce-
process being exhausted.
ments attached to a duct.
Sub-Girt – Secondary structural elements placed at Thermal expansion – A relationship of growth or

intermediate locations to support sheet metal lagging elongation in metal surfaces from an ambient (cold)
against wind loading and other external loads. (See position to an elevated operating temperature (hot).
Girt). (See Coefficient of Expansion)
Support – A device or means of holding a duct system Thermal movement (TM) – The plane of movement
in place. in equipment where thermal expansion or contraction
is expected to occur.
Sweating – A condition in which condensation of
moisture forms on the surface of lagging materials,
leading to oxidation and surface corrosion. Most com- –W–
monly encountered when lagging materials are stored
inside tightly sealed plastic packaging films an not Washer – A perforated disk, normally metal, rubber
stored in temperature and humidity controlled envi- or plastic placed beneath a fastener to relieve friction,
ronments. distribute pressure or prevent leakage.
–T–
Wind load – The external forces applied to a duct wall
by the wind blowing against it. Historical data of wind
Tackweld – A short weld made to hold parts of a weld-
speed is collected and published by the United States
ment in proper alignment until the final welds are
made. Weather Bureau in regional and national maps.
Temperature – Measure of the relative activity of Working pressure – The normal pressure acting on a
atoms, and observed as hot or cold. system during operation.
G.4 Accepted Industry Practices For Sheet Metal Lagging  First Edition
INDEX
INDEX
A G
Access Door, 3.44 Galvanized Steel, 1.2, 1.3
Acoustical Insulation and Lagging System (AI&L),
2.15
Aluminum, 1.2, 1.5 H
H-Bar, 2.2
Hat Bar, 2.13
B Hat Channel, 2.13
Header Box, 3.46
Hopper, 3.58
Box Rib, 2.18
Boxed Opening, 3.22
Buckstays, 3.52
Butt Joint, 3.24
Button Punched, 3.4
I
Insulation Pins, 2.6
C
J
Casing, 1.1
Cladding, 1.1 Jacketing, 1.1
Closure Strip, 3.29 Joint and Edge Sealing, 2.15
Corner Closure, 3.29 Joints and Seals, 3.23
Corner Construction, 3.31
K
D Knurled Stud and Drive Plates, 2.4
Doors and Openings, 3.41

Double Span, 2.10
L
Lagging, 1.1
E Lap Joint, 3.24
Lap Seam, 3.4
Locks and Seams, 3.5
Emissivity, 2.1 Louver, 3.47
Expansion and Contraction, 2.15
Expansion Joints, 3.25, 3.26, 3.27
M
F Maximum Wind Load Span, 2.11
Fasteners, 2.14
Flashing, 3.9, 3.40
N
Flat Lock, 3.4
Flat Sheet, 2.18 Noise and Sound Control, 2.15
Accepted Industry Practices For Sheet Metal Lagging  First Edition I.1
Square to Round Transition, 3.18
O Stainless Steel, 1.2, 1.4
Storage, 2.1
Orange Peel Joint, 3.8
T
P
Tanks (Shells and Heads), 3.7
Penetrations, 3.20 Test Port, 3.43
Pre-Insulated Lagging Panel, 2.14
Purpose, 1.1
U
R Uses, 1.1
Round and Rectangular Flue, 3.11

Round Elbow, 3.16
Round Tee, 3.14 W
Weight, 2.20
Wind Loading, 2.12
S
S Cleat, 3.4
Scope, 1.1 Z
Single Lock Standing Seam, 3.4
Single Span, 2.8 Z-Bar, 2.4
Slip Joint, 3.8 Z-Clip, 2.4
Sootblower, 3.42 Z-Girt, 2.4
I.2 Accepted Industry Practices For Sheet Metal Lagging  First Edition

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ACCEPTED INDUSTRY

FIRST EDITION — JULY 2002

SHEET METAL AND AIR CONDITIONING CONTRACTORS’

SHEET METAL AND AIR CONDITIONING CONTRACTORS’

4201 Lafayette Center Drive

Printed in the U.S.A.

FIRST EDITION -- JULY, 2002

SHEET METAL AND AIR CONDITIONING CONTRACTORS’

iv Accepted Industry Practices For Sheet Metal Lagging  First Edition

LAGGING TASK FORCE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . iv

NOTICE TO USERS OF THIS PUBLICATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . v

TABLE OF CONTENTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . vii

1.1 INTRODUCTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.1

2.1 ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.1

CHAPTER 3 ACCEPTED INDUSTRY PRACTICES FOR SHEET METAL LAGGING

3.1 INTRODUCTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.1

4.1 INTRODUCTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.1

1--1 Galvanized Steel Gages, Thickness and Weights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.3

Accepted Industry Practices For Sheet Metal Lagging  First Edition ix

2--1 Example of an H--Bar System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.3

x Accepted Industry Practices For Sheet Metal Lagging  First Edition

3--30 Flashing at Stiffener . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.40

Accepted Industry Practices For Sheet Metal Lagging  First Edition xi

Lagging installations on outdoor equipment shall be 1.7 COMMON LAGGING MATERIALS

d. Finishes may be specified for one or more sides:

No. 1 Finish: Hot-- rolled, annealed and de-- scaled

Table 1--3 Aluminum Thickness and Weights

2.1 ENVIRONMENTAL Precautions to be taken shall include:

PLAN VIEW WITHOUT LAGGING

SIDE VIEW WITH LAGGING

NOTE: ALTERNATELY, WHEN FASTENING BOX RIB LAGGING ON

FIGURE 2--1 EXAMPLE OF AN H-- BAR SYSTEM

NOTE: ALTERNATELY, WHEN FASTENING BOX RIB LAGGING ON

FIGURE 2-- 2 EXAMPLE OF A Z-- BAR SYSTEM

FIGURE 2-- 3 EXAMPLE OF A STUD AND DRIVE PLATE SYSTEM

EXPANDED METAL LATH

FIGURE 2--4 EXAMPLE OF A PIN AND SUB-- GIRT SYSTEM

B: MAXIMUM WIND LOAD SPAN

FIGURE 2-- 5 SINGLE SPAN LAGGING SUPPORT

B: MAXIMUM WIND LOAD SPAN

FIGURE 2-- 6 DOUBLE SPAN LAGGING SUPPORT

Aluminum, 4 in. (100 mm) wide ribs

Table 2--1 Typical Wind Loading vs. Support Spacing For

FIGURE 2-- 7 “HAT BAR” OR “HAT CHANNEL” SUB-- GIRT

FIGURE 2-- 8 TYPICAL SHEET METAL SCREW

1. STEEL OR ALUMINUM OUTER COVER

FIGURE 2--9 ACOUSTICAL INSULATION AND LAGGING SYSTEM

TYPE “B” ROOF DECK -- GALVANIZED STEEL

TYPE “F” ROOF DECK -- GALVANIZED STEEL

V--BEAM ROOFING AND SIDING -- ALUMINUM

4" PITCH ROOFING AND SIDING -- ALUMINUM

FIGURE 2--10 TYPES OF RIBBED LAGGING

Galvanized Steel Aluminum

Table 2--2 Area Weight of Lagging

3.1 INTRODUCTION it is imperative that the insulation shall be covered at

RIB LAGGING end view

C--CHANNEL HAT SECTION

( * ) INDICATES THE PLANE OF RELATIVE MOVEMENT BETWEEN COMPONENTS.

FIGURE 3-- 1 LEGEND

FLAT LOCK SEAM ”S” CLEAT OR LOCK

SINGLE LOCK SINGLE LOCK

FIGURE 3-- 2 LOCKS AND SEAMS

FIGURE 3-- 3 TANK (SHELL & HEAD)