Bsi bs en 00539 1 2005

BRITISH STANDARD

Clay roofing tiles for
discontinuous laying —
Determination
of physical
characteristics —
Part 1: Impermeability test

The European Standard EN 539-1:2005 has the status of a
British Standard

ICS 91.100.25

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BS EN
539-1:2005


BS EN 539-1:2005

National foreword
This British Standard is the official English language version of
EN 539-1:2005. It supersedes BS EN 539-1:1994 which is withdrawn.
The UK participation in its preparation was entrusted by Technical Committee
B/542, Roofing and cladding products for discontinuous laying, to
Subcommittee B/542/3, Clay roofing tiles, which has the responsibility to:
—

aid enquirers to understand the text;

—

present to the responsible international/European committee any
enquiries on the interpretation, or proposals for change, and keep
UK interests informed;

—

monitor related international and European developments and
promulgate them in the UK.

A list of organizations represented on this subcommittee can be obtained on
request to its secretary.
Cross-references
The British Standards which implement international or European
publications referred to in this document may be found in the BSI Catalogue
under the section entitled “International Standards Correspondence Index”, or
by using the “Search” facility of the BSI Electronic Catalogue or of British
Standards Online.
This publication does not purport to include all the necessary provisions of a
contract. Users are responsible for its correct application.
Compliance with a British Standard does not of itself confer immunity
from legal obligations.

Summary of pages
This document comprises a front cover, an inside front cover, the EN title page,
pages 2 to 12, an inside back cover and a back cover.
The BSI copyright notice displayed in this document indicates when the
document was last issued.

This British Standard was
published under the authority
of the Standards Policy and
Strategy Committee
on 22 November 2005

© BSI 22 November 2005

ISBN 0 580 46894 1

Amendments issued since publication
Amd. No.

Date

Comments


EN 539-1

EUROPEAN STANDARD
NORME EUROPÉENNE
EUROPÄISCHE NORM

September 2005

ICS 91.100.25

Supersedes EN 539-1:1994

English Version

Clay roofing tiles for discontinuous laying - Determination of
physical characteristics - Part 1: Impermeability test
Tuiles en terre cuite pour pose en discontinu Détermination des caractéristiques physiques - Partie 1:
Essai d'imperméabilité

Tondachziegel für überlappende Verlegung - Bestimmung
der physischen Charaktere - Teil 1: Prüfung der
Wasserundurchlässigkeit

This European Standard was approved by CEN on 1 April 2005.
CEN members are bound to comply with the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations which stipulate the conditions for giving this European
Standard the status of a national standard without any alteration. Up-to-date lists and bibliographical references concerning such national
standards may be obtained on application to the Central Secretariat or to any CEN member.
This European Standard exists in three official versions (English, French, German). A version in any other language made by translation
under the responsibility of a CEN member into its own language and notified to the Central Secretariat has the same status as the official
versions.
CEN members are the national standards bodies of Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France,
Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia,
Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and United Kingdom.

EUROPEAN COMMITTEE FOR STANDARDIZATION
COMITÉ EUROPÉEN DE NORMALISATION
EUROPÄISCHES KOMITEE FÜR NORMUNG

Management Centre: rue de Stassart, 36

© 2005 CEN

All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved
worldwide for CEN national Members.

B-1050 Brussels

Ref. No. EN 539-1:2005: E


EN 539-1:2005 (E)

Contents
Page
Foreword ..........................................................................................................................................................3
1

Scope ...................................................................................................................................................4

2

Normative references .........................................................................................................................4

3

Symbols and abbreviations................................................................................................................4

4

Samples ...............................................................................................................................................4

5
5.1
5.2
5.3
5.4
5.5
5.6
5.7
5.8

Test methods 1....................................................................................................................................4
Principe................................................................................................................................................4
Apparatus (see Figure 1) ....................................................................................................................5
Size of sample .....................................................................................................................................5
Preliminary treatment .........................................................................................................................5
Test pieces ..........................................................................................................................................5
Procedure ............................................................................................................................................6
Calculation of impermeability factor .................................................................................................7
Test report ...........................................................................................................................................7

6
6.1
6.2
6.3
6.4
6.5
6.6
6.7

Test method 2......................................................................................................................................8

Principle...............................................................................................................................................8
Apparatus (see Figures 2 and 3) ........................................................................................................8
Size of sample .....................................................................................................................................8
Preliminary treatment .......................................................................................................................10
Procedure ..........................................................................................................................................11
Calculation of impermeability coefficient IC ...................................................................................11
Test report .........................................................................................................................................11

2


EN 539-1:2005 (E)

Foreword
This European Standard (EN 539-1:2005) has been prepared by Technical Committee CEN/TC 128 “Roof
covering products for discontinuous laying and products for wall cladding”, the secretariat of which is held by
IBN.
This European Standard shall be given the status of a national standard, either by publication of an identical
text or by endorsement, at the latest by March 2006, and conflicting national standards shall be withdrawn at
the latest by March 2006.
This document supersedes EN 539-1:1994.
According to the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations, the national standards organizations of the following
countries are bound to implement this European Standard: Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Czech Republic,
Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania,
Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland
and United Kingdom.

3

EN 539-1:2005 (E)

1

Scope

This European Standard describes two test methods for testing the impermeability to water of clay roof tiles
and fittings which can be considered as equivalent.
NOTE

2

The methods are not applicable to all fittings, because of their different shapes.

Normative references

The following referenced documents are indispensable for the application of this document. For dated
references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references, the latest edition of the referenced
document (including any amendments) applies.
EN 1304, Clay roofing tiles and fittings - Product definitions and specifications.

3

Symbols and abbreviations

Xi

length of time in hours, before the first drop of water falls

X i average length of time, in hours before the first drop of water falls

V1 volume of water passing through in 48 h
V2 volume of water evaporated in 48 h
A

projected area of test piece in cm2

d

day

h

hour

IF

impermeability factor (method 1)

IC

impermeability coefficient (method 2)

HR relative humidity

4

Samples

If the tiles or fittings are supplied with a surface coating or treatment then the test shall be carried out on

samples which include the surface coating or treatment.
When the tiles or fittings are taken from a site or building, they shall be tested in the state in which they are
found, but the interpretation of the test results shall take into account the stresses to which these installed
products have been subjected.

5
5.1

Test methods 1
Principe

The amount of water passing in 48 h through the ceramic body of the tile or fitting per cm2 of surface area,
under a load of 10 cm of water kept constant throughout the test is determined.

4


EN 539-1:2005 (E)

5.2

Apparatus (see Figure 1)

5.2.1 A glass tube (or other rigid transparent material) with an inside diameter of (38 ± 1) mm, and a height
of (150 ± 2) mm for each test piece and one for the measurement of the evaporation level.
5.2.2

A container to hold the test pieces after preparation.

5.2.3 A device at a constant level consisting of a graduated test tube or measuring cylinder with a capacity

of at least 100 cm3 graduated in steps not greater than 2 cm3.

5.3

Size of sample1)

Ten tiles or fittings shall be tested. For routine testing, the size of the sample can be different.

5.4

Preliminary treatment

Preliminary treatment consists of the following operations.
The tiles shall be immersed in tap water at room temperature for (48 ± 4) h.
The tiles shall then be dried at a temperature of (110 ± 5) °C until the difference between two successive
weighings at 24 h intervals is less than 0,5 % of the reading before last.
The tiles shall then be cooled at room temperature for at least 4 h.
If the test is carried out on kiln fresh tiles they shall be held at room temperature for a period of time after their
immersion in water for 48 h2).

5.5

Test pieces

Cut from the thinnest part of each tile or fitting, a square test piece (45 ± 2) mm × (45 ± 2) mm or a round test
piece with a diameter of (50 ± 2) mm.

1) The rules for sampling are described in the standard EN 1304.
2) There is nothing to be gained from holding tiles at room temperature for longer than 14 days.

5


EN 539-1:2005 (E)

Dimensions in millimetres

Key
1

Graduated test tube/measuring cylinder

2

Bevelled tube inside diameter 6 mm

3
4

Reference tube for evaporation
Glass plate

5

Water container

Figure 1 — Equipment for test method 1

5.6

Procedure

Measure the dimensions (length and width) of the test pieces and calculate their projected area. Place the
tube on the surface of the test pieces normally exposed to the weather.

6


EN 539-1:2005 (E)

Smear the cut surfaces of the test piece and the joint, between the tube and the test piece with paraffin wax or
a watertight sealant.
Leave the tube and test piece for 48 h in a vessel containing sufficient water for the exposed surface to be
1 cm below the water level. The surface opposite the exposed surface rests on two thin non-porous supports
placed at the bottom of the container. When this period has been completed, pour water into the glass tube so
that the water is 10 cm higher than that in the container.
The water level in the tube is kept constant using a glass gauge with a bevelled tube (see Figure 1).
At the beginning of the test, record the level of the water in the graduated test tube. After 48 h, place 4 to 5
drops of ether or any other surface active product on the tube surface to bring the water level back as near as
possible to point B as shown in Figure 1 and measure the water level in the graduated test tube. Calculate
from this the volume of water having passed through the test piece in 48 h (V1).
In order to determine the volume of water evaporated in 48 h, place in the test container a glass tube fixed on
to a glass plate with a watertight joint. Pour a volume of water into the tube to achieve a height of 10 cm.
Weigh the filled tube. Place this device next to the graduated test tubes and weigh again after 48 h. The
difference in weight between the first and second readings is the volume of water evaporated in 48 h (V2).

5.7

Calculation of impermeability factor

The impermeability factor (IF) expressed in cm3/cm2.per day is calculated from the following formula:
V −V
IF = 1 2
A×2
where
V1 is the volume of water passing in 2 d (48 h), in cubic centimetres;
V2 is the volume of water passing in 2 d (48 h), in cubic centimetres;

5.8

A

is the projected area of test piece, in square centimetres;

d

day (24 h).

Test report

The test report shall contain the following information:
a)

designation of tested sample:


European Standard EN 539-1;



the name of the test laboratory;



the date on which the laboratory received the sample;



test date;



a description and identification of the tiles or fittings including the type, dimensions, manufacturer's
name and, where possible, the production date;

b)

the volume of water that passed through each test piece in 48 h;

c)

the volume of water evaporated in 48 h;

7


EN 539-1:2005 (E)

d)

the impermeability factor of each test piece;

e)

the maximum individual impermeability factor;

f)

the average impermeability factor;

g)

impermeability classification (see EN 1304);

h)

comments (if necessary);

i)

signature of the person responsible for the test.

6

Test method 2

6.1

Principle

The impermeability to water of a clay roof tile or fitting tested by determining the length of time until drops of
water start to fall, following the application of water to the surface of the tile normally exposed to the weather.

6.2

Apparatus (see Figures 2 and 3)

6.2.1 A sealing frame put on the surface of the tile or around the tile, with internal dimensions which allow
testing at least 50 % of the surface of the tile.
6.2.2 Blocks or an adjustable support for the transverse adjustment of the level between the high and low
points on the surface of the test pieces.

6.3

Size of sample3)

Ten tiles shall be tested. For routine testing, the size of the sample can be different.

3) The rules for sampling are described in the standard EN 1304.

8


EN 539-1:2005 (E)

Dimensions in millimetres

Key
1

Frame

2

Mastic

3

Mirror

4

Adjust level (see 6.5)

Figure 2 — Equipment for test method 2

9


EN 539-1:2005 (E)

Dimensions in millimetres

Key
1
2

Frame
Silicone

3

Mirror or measuring device

Figure 3 — Frame around the tile

6.4

Preliminary treatment

Preliminary treatment consists of the following operations.
The tiles shall be immersed in tap water at room temperature for (48 ± 4) h.
The tiles shall then be dried at a temperature of (110 ± 5) °C until the difference between the two successive
weighings at 24 h intervals is less than 0,5 % of the reading before last.
The tiles are cooled at room temperature for at least 4 h.
If the test is carried out on kiln fresh tiles, they shall, after their immersion in water for 48 h, be held for a
period of time at room temperature4).

4) There is nothing to be gained from holding tiles at room temperature for longer than 14 days.

10


EN 539-1:2005 (E)

6.5

Procedure

The tile to be tested is fitted with a frame (see Figure 2) on the surface of the tile or around the tiles (see

Figure 3).
The testing area on the exposed face of the tile does not include interlock, which is covered when in use. The
frame shall be cleaned (e.g. with compressed air) before sealing with mastic or by other suitable method. The
mastic inside the frame shall have a maximum width of 15 mm.
The tiles shall be supported in such a manner that they are horizontal (± 5°).
In cases where the difference between the lowest and highest point on the surface tiles is more than 50 mm
tilt the tile in a transverse direction by adjusting the supports to ensure that the water level shall be, at the
lowest point of the tile's exposed surface, (60 ± 5) mm and, at the highest point of the tile's exposed surface,
(10 ± 5) mm.
Some types of tile will not have a point to correspond to this minimum water height, e.g. under and over tiles;
in these circumstances, only the maximum depth applies.
Into the receptacle thus formed, pour tap water at (20 ± 5) °C continuously until the water level is (60 ± 5) mm
above the lowest point of the tile. Once this level has been reached do not add any further water.
The tiles thus prepared are stored above a mirror or measuring device according to Figures 2 and 3. The time
×1 to the first drop is noted with an accuracy of ± 15 min. The test lasts for a maximum of 20 h. The testing
room shall be protected from draughts in such a way that any dripping is not disturbed. The room temperature
shall be (20 ± 2) °C and the relative humidity shall be (60 ± 5) %.

6.6

Calculation of impermeability coefficient IC

The impermeability coefficient (IC) is calculated with an accuracy of 0,005 from the following formula:
ICX i

20− X i
20− X i
and ICX i =
20
20

where
Xi

is the length of time in hours to the nearest 0,25 h until the first drop of water falls from a sample;

Xi is the average length of time in hours to the nearest 0,25 h until the first drop of water falls from the
whole batch of samples.

6.7

Test report

The test report shall contain the following information:
a)

designation of the sample tested:


European Standard EN 539-1;



the name of the test laboratory;



the date on which the laboratory received the sample;



test date;



a description and identification of the tile or fitting including the type, dimensions, manufacturer's
name and where possible, the production date;

11


EN 539-1:2005 (E)

b)

period of time until the first drop falls (individual values); individual values of the impermeability
coefficient;

c)

average of the period of time until the first drop falls from all the tiles in the sample batch: impermeability
coefficient of the average time;

d)

the maximum individual value of the impermeability coefficient;

e)

the impermeability classification (see EN 1304);

f)

comments (if necessary);

g)

signature of the person responsible for the test.

12


blank


BS EN
539-1:2005

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