BS EN 13420:2011 pdf download – Windows — Behaviour between different climates — Test method

BS EN 13420:2011 pdf download – Windows — Behaviour between different climates — Test method
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.
2 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 1026, Windows and doors — Air permeability — Test method
EN 1121:2000, Doors — Behaviour between two different climates — Test method
EN 12046-1, Operating forces — Test method — Part 1: Windows
EN 12207, Windows and doors — Air permeability — Classification
EN 12519:2004, Windows and pedestrian doors — Terminology
EN 13115, Windows — Classification of mechanical properties — Racking, torsion and operating forces
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the terms and definitions given in EN 12519:2004 and the following apply.
3.1
design with low resistance to water vapour diffusion
design which is regarded as being a design with low water vapour diffusion when moisture conditioned by water vapour diffusion can be drained in the cross-section in a controlled way under specified service conditions, e.g.through sufficient ventilation
NOTE See Annex A (informative) and B (normative).
3.2
design with high resistance to water vapour diffusion
design which is regarded as being a design with high resistance to water vapour diffusion when as a result of profile coverings a sufficient draining of the moisture conditioned by water vapour diffusion is impaired in the combined profile
3.3
design being sensitive to deformation
design which is regarded as being sensitive to deformation when under specified service conditions the relative expansion (thermal or hygrometrical) of the profile may impair the basic functions of the window (e.g.operating forces, air permeability)
4 Principle of tests
4.1 Vapour diffusion
In order to have a temperature below dew point in composite profiles, a gradient of water vapour diffusion and a gradient of temperature are created; the window is exposed to this double gradient for a specified time during which the water content of hygroscopic elements is checked.