Overview
EN ISO 29767:2019 - Thermal insulating products for building applications - Determination of short‑term water absorption by partial immersion is a CEN-endorsed ISO test method for measuring how much water insulating materials absorb during a short, partial immersion period. The procedure is intended to simulate water uptake from a 24 h raining period during construction. It replaces EN 1609:2013 and applies to a wide range of thermal insulating products used in building construction.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Scope: Specifies equipment, specimen preparation and test procedures to determine short‑term water absorption by partial immersion.
- Test principle: Lower part of a specimen is held (10 ± 2) mm below the water surface for 24 h ± 30 min; mass change is measured.
- Specimen size: Prisms of square cross section, side length (200 ± 1) mm; thickness equals original product thickness.
- Number of specimens: As specified in the relevant product standard; if unspecified, at least four specimens.
- Apparatus:
- Balance accurate to 0.1 g.
- Water tank with level control ±2 mm and specimen holder that covers ≤ 15% of exposed cross-sectional area.
- Tap water at (23 ± 5) °C (or 27 ± 5 °C for tropical conditions); deionised water if disputed.
- Conditioning & test conditions: Specimens conditioned for at least 6 h at (23 ± 5) °C; in disputes use (23 ± 2) °C, 50 ± 5% RH. Tropical alternatives (e.g., 27 °C / 65% RH) must be reported.
- Two test methods:
- Method A (drainage): After 24 h drain the specimen on a mesh inclined at 45° for (10 ± 0.5) min and weigh.
- Method B (deduction): Account for initial surface water uptake mathematically rather than draining.
- Reference for dimensions: ISO 29768 is cited for measuring linear dimensions of test specimens.
Applications and users
This standard is essential for:
- Manufacturers of thermal insulating materials (to characterize product water uptake).
- Test laboratories performing product certification and quality control.
- Specifiers, architects and contractors assessing suitability of insulation for wet conditions during construction.
- Building regulators and compliance bodies verifying declared performance.
Practical uses include evaluating moisture-related performance for cavity insulation, external wall systems, and roofing insulation where short-term exposure to rain during installation is a concern.
Related standards
- ISO 29768 - Determination of linear dimensions of test specimens (referenced).
- EN 1609:2013 - superseded by EN ISO 29767:2019.
Keywords: EN ISO 29767:2019, short-term water absorption, partial immersion, thermal insulating products, water uptake, test method, building applications.
