### A 5 1A

### 135.5-2004 Approved March 11 , 2004



# Prefini hed Hardboard PanelingANSI A135.5-2004, Prefinished Hardboard Paneling



### American National Standard

Published by Approval of an American Standard requires verification by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) that the requirements for due process, consensus, and other criteria for approval have been met by the standard's developer.
Consensus is established when, in the judgement of the ANSI Board of Standards Review, substantia l agreement has been reached by d irectly and materially affected interests. Substantial agreement means much more than a simple majority, but not necessarily unanimity. Consensus requires that all v iews and objections be cons idered, and that a concerted effort be made toward their resolution.
The use of American National Standards is completely voluntary; the ir ex istence does not in any respect preclude anyone, whether they have approved the standards or not, from manufacturing, marketing, purchasing, or using products, processes, or procedures not conforming to the standards.
ANSI does not develop standards and will in no circumstance give an interpretation of any American National Standard

. Moreover, no person shall have the right or authority to issue an interpretation of an American National Standard in the name of the American National Standards Institute. Requests for interpretations should be addressed to the secretariat or sponsor whose name appears on the title page of this standard.
CAUTION I\lOTICE: This American National Standard may be revised or withdrawn at any time. The procedures of the American National Standards Institute require that action be taken period ically to reaffirm, revise, or withdraw this standard. Purchasers of American National Standards may receive current information on all standards by call ing or writing the American National Standards Institute.

Composite Panel Association 18922 Premiere Court, Gaithersburg, MD 20879-1574 Copyright© 2004 by Composite Panel Association All rights reserved.
No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form, in an electronic retrieval system or otherwise, without prior permission of the Composite Pane l Association.
Printed in the United States of AmericaANSI A135.5-2004, Prefinished Hardboard Paneling

Abstract This Standard covers requirements and methods of testi ng for the dimensions, sq ua reness, ed ge straightness, and moisture content of prefinished hardboard paneling and for the finish of the paneling. Methods of identifying products which conform to the Standard are included.

This Foreword is not a part of American National Foreword Standard for Prefinished Hardboard Paneling.

This Standard was originally promulgated under the procedures of the U.S. Department of Commerce National Bureau of Standards and designated as Voluntary Product Standard PS 59-73. This American National Standard was updated in 1982 and 1988. The 1995 revision made editorial corrections and adds metric equivalents. This 2004 revision makes only editorial changes. The development of this American National Standard for Prefinished Hardboard Paneling offers manufacturer, consumer, and the general public concerned with the product an effective guide developed under the consensus procedures of the American National Standards Institute.

Consensus for this standard was achieved by use of a canvass body and ANSI's Essential Requirements for due process. The following organizations, recognized as having an interest in hardboard standards, were contacted prior to the approval of this standard. Inclusion in this list does not necessarily imply that the organization concurred with the submittal of the proposed standard to ANSI. AFCO Industries Inc. Masonite International Corporation AKZO Nobel Coatings, Inc. Institute for Building Technology and Georgia-Pacific Corporation Safety ICC Evaluation Services, Inc. Stimson Lumber Jeld-Wen R&D Stork - Tw in City Testing Corp. Kitchen Cabinet Manufacturere Assn. USDA Forest Products Laboratory Louisiana-Pacific Corporation University of Illinois Manufactured Housing InstituteANSI A135.5-2004, Prefinished Hardboard Paneling

1. SCOPE This Standard covers requirements and methods of testi ng for the dimensions, squareness, edge straightness, and moisture content of prefinished hardboard paneling and for the finish of the panelrnq.'



### 2. REQUIREMENTS 2.1. General. Products represented as complying with this Standard shall meet all of the requirements specified herein. The qualification and test procedures contained in Section 3 are to be used to determine the conformance of products to the requirements of this Standard.

Note: Embossed products, because of their varying surfaces and patterns, require the recognition that certain adjustments and allowances are to be made in the evaluation of various physica l property requirements found in this Standard. Specific adjustments for em bossed products have been designated wherever possible

. With certain proprietary finished surface configurations, the manufacturer sha II be co nsu Ited fo r specifi c adjustments in the test procedures.

Oth er Stand ard s cover : a

. Basic Hardboard: b

. Ha rd boa rd Siding. Phy sica l p ropert ie s of th e hardboa rd used to m an ufacture prefinished paneling are set out in Am eri can National Stan dard A135.4­ 2004 Basic Hardboard Produ cts wh ich conform to the req uirements of thi s Standar d are includ ed

. 2.2.Dimensions and Tolerances. The paneling shall have a nominal width of 406 mm (16 in.), 1220 mm (4 ft.) or 1524 mm (5 ft.). The nominal length shall be from 1220 mm (4 ft.) through 3660 mm (12 ft.) in 405 mm (1 ft.) increments. The nominal thicknesses shall be 3.2 (1/8 in.), 4.8 

### (3/16 in.), and 6.4 mm 

### (1/4 in.).
The tolerance on the nominal length and width shall be plus or minus 1.6 mm 

### (1/16 inch). The thickness range for each nominal thickness shall be as specified below.

Nominal Thickness Min.-Max.

mm inch mm inch 3 .2 1/8 2.9-3.9 0.115-0.155 4 .8 3/16 4.2-5.2 0.165 -0.205 6.4 1/4 5.3-6.7 0.210-0.265

Thickness measurements shall be made in accordance with the applicable method in Part B of ASTM D 1037-99, Test Methods for Evaluating the Properties of WoodBas e Fib era nd Part icIePa ne , Materials. 2.3 Squareness. The lengths of the diagonals of the paneling shall not differ by more than 1.6 

### rnrn/rn 

### (1164 i n ./ ft .) of length of the paneling. Opposite sides of the paneling shall not differ in length more than 3.2 mm (118 in.).

2 I

### ANSI A135.5-2004, Prefinished Hardboard Paneling

2.4. Edge Straightness. The edges of the paneling shal l be straight within 1.6 mrn/rn (1/64 

### i n ./ ft .) of le ngth or w idth, and edges and corners sha ll be square cut. Edge straightness shall be determined by stretching a string or wire from one corner to the adjacent corner and measuring the widest distance between the string or wire and the panel edge being tested.

2.5. Moisture Content. The moisture content of the paneling shall be not less than 2 percent nor more than 9 percent and, within anyone shipment, shall not vary by more than 3 percentage po ints as measured by the mo isture content of the modulus of rupture specimens. Moisture content sha ll be determ ined i n accordance with the applicable test method in Part B of ASTM D 1037-99. Since hardboard is a wood-base material 

## , its mo isture content will vary with environmental hum idity conditions. When the environmental humidity conditions in the area of intended use are a critical factor, the purchaser shall specify a moisture content more restrictive than 2 to 9 percent so that fluctuation in the moisture content of the pane l will be kept to a minimum.
2.6. Hardboard Substrate. The hardboard substrate of the paneling shall be manufactured primari ly of i nt erfe lt ed l ignocellulosic fibers which are consolidated under heat and pressure in a hot-press to a density of 500kg/m 3

3 

### (31 pounds per cub ic foot) or greater. The finished product when tested shall have the properties of one of the classes list ed i n the American Nationa l Standard A135.4-2004 and shall have the physica l properties specified therein when tested in accordance with the applicab le test methods in Part 

### B of ASTM D1037­ 99.
2.7. Fin ish. The finish of the paneling shall be either Class I or Class II as specified in Table I, and the properties of each class shall be determ ined in accordance with the sect io ns of th is Sta nda rd indicated therein.
2.8. Workmanship. All surfaces shall be un iform i n appearance throughout, and sha ll be as free from visible defects in the surface plane as commercially practicable when v isually inspected by an individual competent in the field.
2.9. Flame Spread Index. A 

### flame spread index for the paneling shall be determined by the Tunnel Test specified in ASTM E 84-03, Test Method for Surface Burning Characteristics 

### of B u i / din g Materia/s, 

### with the paneling mounted with cement backer boards

. The pane ls sha ll then be class ified as fo llows:ANSI A135.5-2004, Prefinished Hardboard Paneling

Class Flame Spread Index

I 

# o
- 25 

### II 26

- 75 

### III 76

- 200 

### IV over 200

2.10. Identification. All panel ing represented as conforming to this Standa rd sha II be identified with the reference ANSI A135.5.
3.QUALIFICATION AND TEST PROCEDURES
3.1. Abrasion Resistance. Abrasion resistance shall be determined i n accordance with ASTM D 968-93(2001), Test Method for Abrasion Resistance of Organic Coatings by Falling Abrasive.
3.2. Adhesion. Clean the surface of the panel with mineral spirits and allow it to dry. Make a cut at least 25 mm (1 in.) long through the finish with a sharp razor blade or equivalent. Apply a piece of 20 mm (3/4 in.) wide flat-back masking 

### tape? perpendicular to the cut and press firmly i n place by using a wallpaper seam roller. Allow the cut to extend beyond the edges of the tape and the tape to contact the finish for a d istance of at least 25 mm (2 in.) on each side of the cut. Allow sufficient excess

2 The masking tape shall be less than one year old, has been properly store d, and shall have an adhesi ve strength of 50 + g/mm (45 + 5 ounces per inch) when tested in accordance with ASTM Test Method D

3330

. tape on one side to hold the tape between the thumb and forefinger. Immediately pull the tape free in a slow and even manner at right angles to the cut. Measure the distance from the cut to the point that the finish ceases to be "picked up" by the tape.
Note: This test is applicable only to flat surfaces. If a textured product is to be tested, a flat area of the pattern shall be selected. Trial cuts shall be made until either the substrate becomes visible in the bottom of the cut or, in case of inter-coat adhesion, the underlying paint film becomes visible in the bottom of the cut. Disregard any cuts of improper depth, curling at the edge or the cut, or excessive chipping adjacent to the cut.
3.3 Fade Resistance. Fad e resistance shall be tested using Method 1 ASTM G 23-01, Practice for Operating Light-and WaterExposure Apparatus (Carbon-Arc Type) for Exposure of Nonmetallic Materials. Gloss shall be determined in accordance with 3.4.
3.4. Gloss. Gloss shall be determined in accordance with ASTIVl D 523-99 Test Method for Specular Gloss, using a glossmeter geometry of 60°.
3.5. Heat Resistance. Place a 100 mm by 100 mm (4 in. by 4 in.) specimen in an oven at 65° C (150° F) for 24 hours.

4

### ANSI A135.5-2004, Prefinished Hardboard Paneling

3.6. Humidity Resistance. Place alSO mm by 300 mm (6 in. by 12 in.) specimen in at atmosphere of 90 percent relative humidity and temperature of 32°C (90°F) plus or rninus 1°C (2 °F) for 240 hours.
3.7. Scrape Adhesion. Scrape adhesion shall be determ ined in accordance with Method A of ASTM D 2197-02, Test Methods for adhesion 

### of Organic Coatings by Scrape Adhesion.

See "Note " relat ive to textured product s under 3.2 Adhesion. 

### 3.8. Stain Resistance. Sta i 

### n resistance shall be tested in accordance with ASTM D 1308-02, Test Method for Effect 

### of Household Chemicals on Clear and Pigmented Organic Finishes, 

### using the Spot Test, covered method, and the following staining agents: (a)mineral oil (U.S.P.) (b) fresh -brewed strong coffee (c)china-type marking pencil (d)non-smearing lipstick (e) resonstituted lemon juice (10% citric acid by weight) (f) carbonated cola drink (g) household ammonia solution (10% ammonia by weight) (h)homogenized milk (i) alcohol (denatured) 190 proof (j) aqueous household bleach (5.5% sodium hypochlorite by weight) (k)nail polish remover* (I) 

### 1% trisodiu m phosphate solution (by weight) * Nail polish remover formula: Volume Butyl acetate 24% Ethyl acetate 28% Acetone 20% Isopropyl alcohol 24% Diglycol laurate 4%
The staining agent shall be allowed to stand on the test specimen for 4 hours, after which time it shall be wiped away using a damp cloth. Any stain remaining shall be gently removed by rubbing with alcohol or lacquer thinner only to the extent required to dissolve water insoluble surface stains. If 

### 24 hours after wiping away the staining agents: (1) the specimen is free of marks and stains, then the staining agent shall be considered as having no effect; (2) any residual mark and/or stain is easily and completely removed by the light application of a mild abrasive cleaner, then the staining agent shall be considered as having only a superficial effect. Test specimens shall be examined by holding the specimen at arm's length i n a vertica 

### I position under overhead white fluorescent lamps which produce illumination in the range of 810-1080 lux (75- 100 footca nd les).
3.9. Steam Resistance. A 500 mL narrow-mouth Erlenmeyer flask shall be half-filled with water which shall be maintained at a mild boil at 125 mL/hour evaporation rate. A 100 mm (4 in.) square sample panel shall be suspended 25 mm (1 in.) above the mouth of the

5ANSI A135.5-2004, Prefinished Hardboard Paneling

flask, with the finished face down, for 8 hours (replenish water as necessary). The back and edges of the specimen shall be protected by an acrylic lacquer at least**25~m** (1 mil) dry film thickness which will not soften or lose adhesion at 104°C (220°F). The specimen shall then be allowed to recover for 16 hours before grading. There shall be no mo re than a su perficia 

### I change in appearance after testing. 

### 3.10. Washability. The washability of the finish with ASTM D 2486-00, Test Method for Scrub Resistance 

### of Interior Latex Flat Wall Paints, i nco rpo rati ng the following test equipment and procedures: Use Gardner Washability Machine, Model lOS-a, or equivalent, and a Gardner long, hog bristle brush" or equivalent. Cut a specimen 150 mm by 432 mm (6 in. by 17 in.). Determine the gloss of the coating as described in 3.4. and clamp the panel firmly in the pan of the apparatus. Soak the hog bristle brush in a 3.0 percent solution by weight of trisodium phosphate for 10 minutes and place it on the panel. Pour 10 milliliters of the same solution on the panel, adding more solution from time to time to keep the specimen moist but not

3 Available from Pacific ScientificInstruments Div., 2341 Linden Lane, Silver Spring, MD 20910. This trade name is used solely for the purpose of description and does not i m pl y recommendation or endorsement

. Other such apparatus equal in performance shall be acceptable. soaking wet. Remove the specimen after 3,000 cycles (6,000 separate strokes), rinse with running water, wipe off with clean sponge, and allow the specimen to dry at a temperature of 22°C plus or minus 3°C (72°F plus or minus 5°F) for 2 hours. Redetermine the gloss within the central 200 mm (8 in.) of the brush path in accordance with 3.4, and report the increase or decrease in gloss units.

6

### ANSI A135 .5-2004, Prefinished Hardboard Paneling



### Table 1 Properties of Hardboard Paneling Finishes Requirements Property Class I Class II Reference to paragraph in this Standard

Ab rasion resistance 5 liters of sand witho ut marring print or u ndercoat 3 lite rs of sand witho ut ma rri ng print or u ndercoat 3 .1

Adhesion Less than 3 .2 mm (1/8 in .) of coat ing "picked up" Same as Class I 3.2

Fade resistance 100 hours of light exposure with no loss of g loss and only a slight co lo r change whe n vi sua lly inspected by an individual competent i n the fi eld 60 hours of ligh t ex posure with no loss of gloss and on ly a slig ht co lor chang e w hen visually in spected by an i ndividual competent in the field 3

.3

Gloss

- High Medium Low 50 units and ove r 25 to 50 units Under 25 un its Same as Class I 3 .4

Heat resistan ce Slig ht co lor change wh en vis ua lly i nspected by an i ndividual com petent th e field See footnote 4 3.5

Humidity resistance No blistering , peeling, cracking, cra zing, or mo re than a sl ight col or change when vi sually inspected by an individual competent in the fie ld See footnote 4 3.6

Scrape ad hesion 6 kilog rams 4 ki log rams 3 .7
Stain resistance No eff ect us ing staining agents (a) through (i) No effe ct using sta in ing agents (a ) through (f)

. Not greate r t han superficial effect using staini ng age nts ( g) t hrough (I)

. 3 .8

Steam res istance No blistering, loos ening, or se paration of coating See foo t note 4 3 .9

Washability No loss of print o r undercoat Same as Class 1 3 .10

4 Class II fi nish has lim ited heat, humi dity, or steam resista nce requ irem ents as it is not meant to be used where these con diti ons are excessive such as aro und stoves, fu rn aces, showers and bath t ubs.
Note: Physical properties of the hardboard substrate can be found in the American l\Jational Standard 

### ANSI A135.4-2004, 

### Basic Hardboard.

7

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