Every CE marking depicts that a product is safe for use as required by the European Union Certification. To be fit for purpose, tile adhesives have to reach the safety standards at stated by the British Standards.
Like all construction material such as tiles, bricks etc adhesives need to pass the safety test in order to be used in Europe. This can include adhesives for tiles, plastic water pipes, gypsum blocks, metallic components and timber. Tile adhesives need to pass the test to conform by the BS EN 12004 as a minimum requirement. The properties are more descriptive in the new British Standard in comparison to those in the British Standard BS 5980. The classification separates the different kinds of adhesives according to their dispersion, performance and reactions to a series of tests.
The newly introduced tests are far more detailed as to what were carried out earlier for meeting safety standards. There are many factors to be considered on whether a product is safe to use or not; the following have been included in the newly formed safety tests – the ability to withstand warpness, water resistance, the ability to stretch and slipperiness. It is a requirement of manufacturers to declare that the proudct meets the basics of these outlined characteristics in order to prove the adhesive meets British Standards. A manufacturer will confirm that it is safe for use by marking the product under a certain catergory.
The BS EN 12004 dk. To be sold in the European Union markets, products that have the CE marking are classed has being fit to use according to the general stardards. They are however, not classed as having full safety to use according to 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. However they could pass the CE certification that does not include these tests to pass the Construction Products Directive for the durability of the product.
Before you buy any product it is advisable to check the markings. Products should hold both the CE and the BS EN 12004 certification. Ensure you check thoroughly before purchasing to ensure this. Even if you find both the markings on the label go through the contents to ensure that the adhesive meets the heat ageing and freeze/thaw requirements. 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.
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