Windows and doors: Watertightness
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The performance characteristics listed below are relevant to products covered by EN 14351-1 Windows and doors - Product standard, performance characteristics - Part 1: Windows and external pedestrian doorsets without resistance to fire and/or smoke leakage characteristics
This requirement applies to:
| Windows | Yes |
| Doors | Yes |
| Roof windows | Yes |
Doorsets and openable windows with fire resisting and/or smoke control characteristics are covered by EN 14600
Pedestrian doorsets, industrial, commercial, garage doors and windows are covered by prEN 16034
Principles
The window, door or roof window shall prevent the passage of water.
A screen comprising a number of windows and/or doors may be tested as a whole or may be classified according to the lowest performing individual component within the screen. EN 14351 is not clear as to what comprises a component. In principle it should include coupling bars and the seals between coupling bars and window/doors.
It is recommended that when classifying and CE marking screens a test of at least two windows/doors and a coupling bar should have been tested. This would be in line with the NHBC requirement for testing of glazed screens.
Standards
| EN 1027 | Windows and doors. Watertightness. Test method |
| EN 12208 | Windows and doors. Watertightness. Classification |
Method of test
The test method is described in EN 1027. The window is mounted on a test box and sprayed with water while a variable pressure difference is maintained across the window, door or roof window. There are two test methods (methods A and B) which differ only in the way that water is sprayed on to the specimen.
Test method A is applicable to components that are fully exposed (Windows and doors in curtain walling or similar constructions and roof windows).
Test method B is applicable to components that are shielded when installed (Windows and doors recessed in brick or block walls).
Classification
The class of performance is given as a number indicating the peak test pressure and the letter A or B signifying the test method and conditions of use.
| Peak test pressure | Test method A | Test method B |
| 0 | 1A | 1B |
| 50 Pa | 2A | 2B |
| 100 Pa | 3A | 3B |
| 150 Pa | 4A | 4B |
| 200 Pa | 5A | 5B |
| 250 Pa | 6A | 6B |
| 300 Pa | 7A | 7B |
| 450 Pa | 8A | - |
| 600 Pa | 9A | - |
| > 600 Pa | Exxxx | - |
CE Marking
UK Regulations make no specific requirements for watertightness:
| Location | npd allowed |
| England and Wales | Yes |
| Scotland | Yes |
| Northern Ireland | Yes |