Overview
EN ISO 7390:2003 is an internationally recognized standard that defines a precise method for determining the resistance to flow of sealants used in building construction joints, specifically focusing on sealants applied to vertical surfaces. Developed and maintained by CEN (European Committee for Standardization) and ISO (International Organization for Standardization), this standard ensures consistent quality control and performance evaluation of jointing products by assessing their ability to resist flow or sagging under their own weight when subjected to different temperatures.
The method described in EN ISO 7390:2003 evaluates sealants' cohesion loss and measures their vertical flow displacement over a defined test period. This test is crucial in construction applications where sealants must maintain shape and adhesion within joints to ensure structural integrity, weatherproofing, and durability.
Key Topics
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Scope and Purpose
Specifies a testing procedure to determine the resistance to flow of sealants used in vertical joints of building structures.
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Test Principle
Sealants are applied within specially designed U-profile molds and subjected to controlled temperatures for 24 hours, after which the amount the sealant has flowed downward or projected beyond the mold is measured.
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Apparatus Specifications
- Non-porous, smooth U-profiles (e.g., anodized aluminium) with defined internal dimensions
- Polyethylene (PE) strips to line the U-profile to prevent adhesion during testing
- Temperature-controlled ovens (at 70°C, 50°C) and refrigerated containers (at 5°C)
- Precision measuring devices calibrated in 0.5 mm increments
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Testing Procedures
- Procedure A: Vertical positioning of the test specimen with possible U-profile extension to measure downward sealant movement.
- Procedure B: Horizontal positioning with the open sealant surface vertical, measuring sealant projection beyond the U-profile edge.
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Test Specimen Preparation
Guidelines to avoid air bubbles, ensure uniform application, and maintain test conditions at 23°C prior to testing.
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Reporting Requirements
Comprehensive documentation including laboratory details, sealant specifics (type, color, batch), profile type, applied test procedure, temperature conditions, measured flow values, and any deviations from the standard.
Applications
The EN ISO 7390:2003 test method is widely applied in the building and construction industry for:
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Sealant Quality Control
Manufacturers and testing laboratories use this standard to verify sealant formulations meet performance criteria for flow resistance, essential before product release.
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Material Specification and Selection
Architects, engineers, and contractors rely on consistent test data to select appropriate sealants that can withstand environmental temperature variations without sagging or losing adhesion in vertical joints.
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Regulatory Compliance and Certification
Compliance with this standard supports certification processes and regulatory requirements within the European Union and other regions recognizing EN and ISO standards.
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Research and Development
Facilitates R&D efforts for developing advanced sealants with enhanced resistance to flow, improving long-term joint durability in façades, curtain walls, and expansion joints.
Related Standards
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ISO 6927: Building construction - Jointing products - Sealants - Vocabulary
Provides terminology essential for understanding and applying EN ISO 7390:2003 correctly.
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EN 27390:1990: The superseded European Standard for sealant flow resistance testing, replaced by EN ISO 7390:2003.
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Other Jointing Product Standards under ISO/TC 59 and CEN relate to joint sealant performance, adhesion, durability, and application methods.
By adhering to EN ISO 7390:2003, stakeholders ensure reliable assessment of sealant properties critical for maintaining the integrity and performance of vertical building joints. This enhances construction quality, safety, and long-term sealing effectiveness in diverse climatic conditions.
