Knowledge Centre

Simply Compliant: an Overview EN 13859-2

EN 13859-2 is the European Harmonised Standard that details the characteristics, requirements, and test methods of Breather Membranes in faҫades.

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Is a Breather Membrane Required Over Sheathing Boards?

When designing or installing façade through-wall systems, the question sometimes arises: is a breather membrane always necessary, given the different specifications and performance levels of the various sheathing boards available?

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What are Fire Classifications?

Fire classification is a system used to categorize the level of fire resistance of materials or products. The most common classifications include Class A, B, C, D, E, and F. In addition to the Class rating, suffixes or codes are used to indicate additional properties of the material, such as smoke production or burning droplets during a fire.

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What Are EI60 & EI120 Fire Ratings?

EI60 and EI120 indicate the time period a building component can resist fire. OBEX has conducted the world’s first fire tests on SFS through-wall constructions with breather and VCL membranes, obtaining fire ratings for the entire system.

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What is EPDM?

EPDM is a synthetic rubber material used in roofing, waterproofing, and sealing applications. It is not recommended for facades of buildings above 18m as it has a Class E fire classification, which is not considered low combustibility. Regulation 7 requires a minimum fire classification of Class B-s3, d2 and recommends Class A2-s1, d0 for facades materials.

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The Difference Between EN 13859-2 W1 & W2

Breather membranes are vital in building envelopes, allowing vapor to escape whilst preventing water entry. W1 is used for open applications, W2 for protected ones. W1 is more stringent, requiring testing under driving rain, whilst W2 does not test under dynamic wind loads.

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