ISO 13007-6:2020

Overview

ISO 13007-6:2020 specifies requirements, test methods, evaluation of conformity, classification and designation for bonded sheet waterproofing membranes used beneath ceramic tiles. The standard applies to internal and external tile installations on walls and floors and provides terminology, performance values and labelling requirements for waterproof membranes associated with tile adhesives. It does not cover crack isolation, decoupling, sound control or thermal properties.

Key topics and technical requirements

• Scope: Applied to bonded, preformed sheet waterproofing membranes bonded to both substrate and tile.
• Fundamental performance (examples from the standard):
  • Tensile adhesion strength (initial and after conditioning such as water contact, heat ageing, freeze–thaw, lime water): minimum ≥ 0,2 N/mm.
  • Water permeability: no visual penetration beneath the membrane and ≤ 3,0 g weight gain at seams under test conditions.
• Optional/Enhanced characteristics:
  • BM2 (enhanced adhesion): tensile strengths ≥ 0,5 N/mm.
  • W (low water vapour permeance): < 1,0 Perm.
  • P (resistant to chlorinated water): specified tensile requirement (for pool applications).
• Classification & designation: Products are designated as BM1 (normal) or BM2 (enhanced) and may include suffixes P, W, or PW to indicate special properties (e.g., BM2PW).
• Test methods & sampling (Annex A):
  • Tile adhesive sampling: at least 2 kg.
  • Membrane sampling: at least 1 m of sheet.
  • Standard conditioning: 23 ± 2 °C, 50 ± 5% RH. Includes tensile pull tests, water pressure permeability tests, ageing and immersion protocols.
• Marking & labelling: must include product name, manufacturer, production code, ISO 13007-6 reference, type designation, and detailed instructions for use (primer, adhesive compatibility, thickness, waiting times, field of application).

Applications and users

Who uses ISO 13007-6:2020:

• Manufacturers of bonded sheet waterproofing membranes (product development, factory marking, conformity claims).
• Testing laboratories and certification bodies (type testing and conformity evaluation).
• Architects, specifiers and consultants (product selection and performance verification for projects).
• Tile installers and contractors (ensuring correct membrane selection, primers and compatible adhesives).
• Building owners and facility managers, especially for wet areas and swimming pools.

Practical applications:

• Waterproofing beneath ceramic (and compatible stone) tiles on floors and walls, including external façades and swimming pools (with P-classified membranes).
• Specification in construction contracts to ensure reliable membrane adhesion and watertightness.

Related standards

• ISO 13007 series (ISO 13007-1, ISO 13007-2)
• ISO 13006 (ceramic tile definitions)
• ISO 15605 (adhesives - sampling)
• Referenced regional standards (EN and ASTM methods) for specific test procedures.

Keywords: ISO 13007-6:2020, bonded sheet waterproofing membrane, ceramic tiles, waterproof membranes, tile installation, test methods, BM1, BM2, water permeability, membrane classification.