BS EN 17872:2023
Flexible sheets for waterproofing. Underlays for discontinuous roof coverings. Artificial ageing procedure

Standard No.

BS EN 17872:2023

Release Date

2023

Published By

British Standards Institution (BSI)  GB  /  BSI

Latest

BS EN 17872:2023

Introduction

Analysis of the core content of the standard

BS EN 17872:2023 has developed a systematic artificial aging test scheme for waterproof flexible base materials for discontinuous roof coverings. The standard simulates three typical climate stress conditions:

• UV-A radiation + high temperature (336 hours/50℃)
• High temperature and high humidity (12 weeks/70℃±2℃/90%±5%RH)
• High temperature accelerated ventilation (12 weeks/70℃±2℃/0.25-0.75m/s wind speed)

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Test equipment technical specifications

Test phase	Core parameters	Equipment requirements
UV aging	55MJ/m² radiation Black standard temperature 50℃	Complies with EN 1297 UV test chamber Disable water spray function
Wet heat aging	90%±5%RH Minimize air flow rate	Vertically hang sample rack Avoid contact with iron materials
Ventilation aging	10 times/hour air change rate 0.25-0.75m/s wind speed	EN 1296 ventilation oven Anti-curling aluminum sample rack

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Key points of sample preparation

Dimension requirements:The test sample must be ≥5mm larger on each side than the size specified in EN 13859-1, and trimmed to the standard size after aging to eliminate edge effects.

Quantity configuration:Waterproof test requires 2 sets of samples (aged/unaged), tensile test requires 5 samples in longitudinal/transverse directions x 2 sets.

Marking specification:Use weathering mark to indicate sample number and machine direction.

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Test process implementation guide

1. Prioritize UV side (usually printed side) irradiation treatment
2. Maintain sample transfer continuity when entering the wet heat aging stage
3. Regularly calibrate wind speed (0.25-0.75m/s) during ventilation aging stage
4. Before subsequent testing, balance at 23℃±2℃/50%±5%RH for 24 hours

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Technology evolution background analysis

This standard innovatively integrates existing methods such as EN 1296 and EN 1297, and establishes a three-stage composite aging model for the different environmental stresses of roof waterproofing base materials during the construction period (exposure to UV) and the service period (long-term oxidation/hydrolysis). Compared with the traditional single aging method, it can more accurately predict the performance degradation of materials in actual service.

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Implementation Suggestions

• Equipment Verification: It is recommended to perform no-load wind speed calibration before use to ensure that the flow rate in the sample area meets the standard
• Process Monitoring: Record the temperature and humidity fluctuation data at each stage. If the deviation exceeds the limit, retest is required
• Result Comparison: It is recommended to test the non-aged samples simultaneously and calculate the performance retention rate
• Standard Connection: Pay attention to the matching use with the waterproofness and tensile performance test methods in EN 13859-1:2010

BS EN 17872:2023 Referenced Document

• EN 1296:2000 Flexible sheets for waterproofing - Bitumen, plastic and rubber sheets for roofing - Method of artificial ageing by long term exposure to elevated temperature*， 2026-04-15 Update
• EN 1297:2004 Flexible sheets for waterproofing - Bitumen, plastic and rubber sheets for roof waterproofing - Method of artificial ageing by long term exposure to the combination of UV radiation, elevated temperature and water
• EN 13859-1:2010 Flexible sheets for waterproofing - Definitions and characteristics of underlays - Part 1: Underlays for discontinuous roofing

BS EN 17872:2023 history

• 2023 BS EN 17872:2023 Flexible sheets for waterproofing. Underlays for discontinuous roof coverings. Artificial ageing procedure

Standard and Specification