What is BS EN 12086 - Water vapour transmission properties of thermal insulating products about?
BS EN 12086 is a European Standard on thermal insulating products for building applications.
The main aim of the BS EN 12086 series is to provide manufacturers with best industry practices to demonstrate the performance of thermal insulation products, such that they are fit for its intended use.
BS EN 12086 specifies the equipment and procedures for determining the water vapour transmission rate, water vapour permeance and water vapour permeability of test specimens in the steady-state under different sets of specified test conditions. It is applicable to thermal insulating products.
BS EN 12086 is intended to be used for homogeneous materials and for products that may contain integral skins or facings of different material(s).
Who is BS EN 12086 - Water vapour transmission properties of thermal insulating products for?
BS EN 12086 on thermal insulation products is relevant to:
- Thermal and sound insulating material manufacturers
- Contractors
- Civil engineers
- Quality control and testing personnel
- Specifiers and installers
Why should you use BS EN 12086 - Water vapour transmission properties of thermal insulating products?
Water vapour transmission rate is the steady-state rate at which water vapour permeates through a film at specified conditions of temperature and relative humidity.
The water vapour modifies the behaviour of the insulator, increasing the thermal conductivity value and thus increasing the energy losses and the risk of condensations.
In this regard, BS EN 12086 specifies the apparatus requirements to test thermal insulating specimens along with their number, dimensions and conditioning and test procedure.
Thus, if you are a manufacturer of thermal insulating products, complying with BS EN 12086 can help demonstrate the performance and credibility of your product, ensuring that they are fit for purpose.
Ultimately, assessing the water vapour transmission properties provides indications on whether your products offer adequate insulation and protection for the operational efficiency of the end-application.
