Applicable Testing Standards
The Harmonised Standard for interface sealing membranes in construction is EN13984. This standard establishes the membrane’s performance requirements, such as water tightness, reaction to fire, water vapour resistance, elongation at break, and tensile strength. The use of membranes that are compliant with EN13984 and whose primary function is to provide a water and airtight seal, has become a requirement in the construction industry for sealing around windows, doors, and façade interfaces. EN 13984 refers to the EN1928 test for resistance to water penetration, which requires the membranes to be subjected to a water pressure of 2 kPa for 24 hours. Passing this test ensures that the membranes are highly effective at preventing water ingress under high water pressure for a prolonged period. This is particularly important for weather conditions such as persistent rain in colder months, and driving rain during storms, which can quickly lead to a build-up of water pressure. Water will then exploit the weakest point every time it rains. Breather membranes, on the other hand, have a different primary function - that is, to provide a vapour- permeable protective wrap around a building to allow vapour to escape and protect against interstitial and surface condensation. The harmonised standard for breather membranes is EN13859 which requires 2 kPa pressure, but only for a duration of 2 hours. These membranes are breathable due to the material being microporous, therefore not fully watertight. This makes them unsuitable for forming a watertight interface seal around windows and board edges. As mentioned previously, although traditional EPDM is not fire classified, it does comply with EN13984, so it is essential that as we move to fire-classified alternatives for sealing around windows and facades, we don’t neglect the need for the higher water resistance standard that EN13984 requires. In other words, if we prioritise fire classification without considering the performance requirements, we fail to recognise the fundamental reason for using the membrane in the first place. So by selecting window sealing membranes that are not only fire classified but also meet the EN13984 performance standard, architects, contractors and installers can have the confidence that the membranes will be fit for purpose, high-performing and compliant.
Version: 06.U.06.10.01.01
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