BS EN ISO 12571:2021 - Hygrothermal Performance of Building Materials and Products

Standard Number: BS EN ISO 12571:2021

Pages: 26

Released: 2021-12-08

ISBN: 978 0 539 12331 9

Status: Standard

Overview

The BS EN ISO 12571:2021 standard is an essential document for professionals in the construction and building materials industry. This standard provides a comprehensive methodology for determining the hygroscopic sorption properties of building materials and products. Understanding these properties is crucial for ensuring the hygrothermal performance of materials, which directly impacts the durability, energy efficiency, and overall comfort of buildings.

Key Features

• Comprehensive Methodology: The standard outlines detailed procedures for measuring the hygroscopic sorption properties of various building materials, ensuring accurate and reliable results.
• Industry Relevance: Applicable to a wide range of building materials, this standard is relevant for architects, engineers, and construction professionals who are focused on optimizing the performance and sustainability of buildings.
• Enhanced Building Performance: By adhering to this standard, professionals can ensure that materials used in construction contribute to better moisture management, reducing the risk of mold growth and structural damage.
• Energy Efficiency: Proper understanding and application of hygroscopic sorption properties can lead to improved energy efficiency in buildings, as materials that manage moisture effectively can help maintain stable indoor climates.

Why This Standard Matters

Moisture management is a critical aspect of building design and construction. Excess moisture can lead to a host of problems, including mold growth, structural damage, and reduced indoor air quality. The BS EN ISO 12571:2021 standard provides the necessary guidelines to evaluate how building materials interact with moisture, allowing professionals to make informed decisions that enhance the longevity and performance of buildings.

Detailed Content

This 26-page document is meticulously structured to cover all aspects of hygroscopic sorption properties. It includes:

• Introduction: An overview of the importance of hygroscopic sorption properties in building materials.
• Scope: Defines the range of materials and conditions under which the standard is applicable.
• Normative References: Lists other standards and documents referenced within the text.
• Terms and Definitions: Clarifies key terms used throughout the document.
• Test Methods: Detailed procedures for conducting hygroscopic sorption tests, including equipment, sample preparation, and measurement techniques.
• Data Analysis: Guidelines for interpreting test results and applying them to real-world scenarios.
• Annexes: Additional information and examples to support the main content.

Who Should Use This Standard?

The BS EN ISO 12571:2021 standard is designed for a wide range of professionals in the construction and building materials industry, including:

• Architects: To select materials that enhance the hygrothermal performance of buildings.
• Engineers: To design systems that effectively manage moisture and improve energy efficiency.
• Construction Managers: To ensure that materials used on-site meet the required standards for moisture management.
• Building Inspectors: To assess the compliance of materials and construction practices with industry standards.
• Researchers: To study the hygroscopic properties of new and existing materials for innovative building solutions.

Conclusion

The BS EN ISO 12571:2021 standard is an invaluable resource for anyone involved in the construction and building materials industry. By providing a clear and detailed methodology for determining the hygroscopic sorption properties of materials, this standard helps professionals ensure that buildings are durable, energy-efficient, and comfortable. Adhering to this standard not only enhances the performance of individual materials but also contributes to the overall sustainability and resilience of the built environment.

BS EN ISO 12571:2021

This standard BS EN ISO 12571:2021 Hygrothermal performance of building materials and products - Determination of hygroscopic sorption properties is classified in these ICS categories:

• 91.100.01 Construction materials in general

This document specifies two alternative methods for determining hygroscopic sorption properties of porous building materials and products:

1. using desiccators and weighing cups (desiccator method);

2. using a climatic chamber (climatic chamber method).

The desiccator method is the reference method.

This document does not specify the method for sampling.

The methods specified in this document can be used to determine the moisture content of a sample in equilibrium with air at a specific temperature and humidity.