Division 07 Thermal and Moisture Protection

Performance Specification Gap in Division 07 Thermal and Moisture Protection submittals

By Deviation Check Editorial Team. Last reviewed June 1, 2026.

Short answer

A measurable performance property in the submittal (rating, capacity, tolerance, efficiency) does not meet what the spec requires. Default grade in Division 07 Thermal and Moisture Protection: Blocker.

A measurable performance property in the submittal (rating, capacity, tolerance, efficiency) does not meet what the spec requires. This guide covers how it shows up specifically in Division 07 Thermal and Moisture Protection submittals.

What to look for in Division 07 Thermal and Moisture Protection

Key performance parameters in Div 07 submittals:

  • R-value per inch and total assembly thermal resistance (per ASHRAE 90.1 / IECC)
  • Wind uplift rating (FM 1-60, 1-90, 1-120, 1-150, 1-180 or UL 580 classification)
  • Fire rating (ASTM E119 hours for fireproofing, UL fire resistance assembly listing)
  • Flame spread / smoke development (ASTM E84 Class A/B/C, NFPA 285 for wall assemblies)
  • Water vapor permeance (perms per ASTM E96, vapor barrier vs vapor retarder classification)
  • Air leakage rate (cfm/sf at 1.57 psf per ASTM E2357 for air barriers)
  • Membrane thickness (mils for single-ply, plies for built-up/modified bitumen)
  • Peel adhesion (pli for self-adhered membranes)
  • Elongation percentage (ASTM D412 for elastomeric membranes)
  • Tensile strength (psi for membranes)
  • Shore A hardness (for sealants)
  • Joint movement capability (+/- % for sealants)
  • STC (Sound Transmission Class) for assembly (where specified)
  • Fireproofing density (pcf for sprayed fireproofing)
  • Fireproofing thickness per UL assembly listing and structural member size

How severe is it?

Default grade: Blocker. Always a Blocker when the gap touches life-safety or structural performance.

Deviation Check assigns a default per category and escalates or de-escalates based on the spec, always showing its reasoning. See the Division 07 severity rules.

What the PM should do

Treat this as a hold. Do not approve the submittal until the sub resolves it, either by providing the specified product and documentation or by routing an approved substitution or or-equal request. Return the relevant spec passage to the sub as a redline.

Back to the Division 07 Thermal and Moisture Protection hub, browse all divisions, or start a review.

Frequently asked questions

What wind uplift ratings should a project manager check for in Division 07 Thermal and Moisture Protection submittals?

Check the submitted FM Approval classification against the spec: FM 1-60, 1-90, 1-120, 1-150, and 1-180 are the standard uplift levels, with UL 580 as the alternative classification. A submittal that lists a lower FM rating than required is always a Blocker because wind uplift touches structural performance. Confirm the rating covers the building's specific wind zone and roof edge conditions.

How do R-value and fire rating gaps get evaluated in Division 07 Thermal and Moisture Protection submittals?

R-value per inch and total assembly thermal resistance must meet ASHRAE 90.1 or IECC requirements - any shortfall is a Blocker. Fire ratings are measured in hours under ASTM E119 for fireproofing assemblies, with UL fire resistance listings as the compliance document. Fireproofing density in pcf and thickness per the UL assembly listing must also match the spec for the applicable structural member size.

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