BS EN 13420:2011

Windows. Behaviour between different climates. Test method. | Status: Current, Under review

1 Scope This European Standard specifies the test methods for evaluating:

• ― the risks of decay of openable and fixed windows manufactured of different materials through increased moisture accumulation as a result of condensation or water vapour diffusion;
• ― the influence of deformation on basic performances of openable and fixed windows manufactured of different materials exposed to different climates between their external and internal faces.

Three test methods are to be differentiated. They take into account different cases of loadings.

• ― Test method 1: For designs with low resistance to water vapour diffusion (normally designs with water vapour equalization holes); the test procedure is to be used for cross-sections where the danger is given by the moisture accumulation as a result of the condensation of moisture between the planking and the timber (see Annex A (informative), Figure A.1).
• ― Test method 2.1 and 2.2: For designs with high resistance to water vapour diffusion (normally designs without water vapour equalization holes); the test procedure is to be used for cross-sections where the danger is given by the condensation of the moisture between the surface of the inner profile and the inner surface of the outer profile by having a different water vapour diffusion (see Annex A (informative), Figures A.2 and A.3).
• ― Test method 3: For designs being sensitive to deformation; the test procedure is to be used for cross-sections where they are sensitive to the function through deformation as a result of climatic loading.

This European Standard defines the test procedures which are to be used in dependence of the potential risk of the design. This European Standard is relevant to initial type testing, i. e. to developments or changes in designs. It is not relevant to routine quality control or to proven designs.

NOTE Designs are included in Annex A (informative). Annex B (normative) is the survey of general design criteria where tests are not necessary.