Every CE marking depicts that a product is safe for use as required by the European Union Certification. British Standards state that tile adhesives have to meet safety specifications as set out before they will declare them fit for purpose.

To be used in Europe all construction materials including adhesives need to pass the safety test. Timber, plastic water pipes, gypsum blocks, metallic components and adhesives for tiles can be included in this. The minimum requirement for a tile adhesive to pass the test is to conform by the BS EN 12004. The properties are more descriptive in the new British Standard in comparison to those in the British Standard BS 5980. Dispersion, performance and reactions are all included in the series of tests which adhesives have pass in order to be classified into separate catergories.

The newly introduced tests are far more detailed as to what were carried out earlier for meeting safety standards. The newly formed safety tests also now have to take into consideration the following factors:- the ability to stretch, slipperiness, water resistance and the ability to withstand deformation. The fundamental characteristics have to be declared by the manufacturer in order to prove the adhesive conforms to the British Standard. The product will be marked by the manufacturer under a certain catergory that will instantly confirm that it is safe for use.

The BS EN 12004 dk. Having a CE marking only implies that it has passed the general standard that allows it to be sold in the European Union markets but it does not ensure full safety of the product as per the new British Standard. Heat ageing, freezing and thawing tests all have to be passed before an adhesive can be considered fit for BS EN 12004 standards. These tests however, are not included in order to pass the CE certification. The durability of the product however needs to pass the Construction Products Directive.

It is therefore advisable that you check the marking on the product before you buy it. Scrutinise the label thoroughly to see that it holds both the CE and the BS EN 12004 certification. The adhesives content label should still be checked to see if it meets the heat ageing, thaw and freeze requirements despite having both markings. The adhesive will show signs if it contains this property, such as a no performance determined NPD sign. It may also have a N/mm2 value which is lower than 0.Durability is measured with 5N/mm2.

The CE and the BS EN 12004 marks are classification ratings that are set by the manufacturer to show the product you are buying passes all safety norms.

With these kind of checks in place the public can rest assured whether decorating the bathroom, with those gorgeous ceramic bathroom tiles or choosing a tile design for your kitchen, each product has had to pass the safety checks in place.

Comments are closed.