What is BS EN 12808-5 - tile grouts water absorption about?

When it comes to tile installations, choosing the right grouting can make all the difference to the look, performance, and durability of the installation.

BS EN 12808 is a European Standard on grouts for tiles. BS EN 12808 series provides best industry practices that ensure the grout for tiles is fit for purpose and plays a positive role in the durability of tile installations.

BS EN 12808-5 is the fifth part of the BS EN 12808 series, and applies to all ceramic tile grouts for internal and external tile installations on walls and floors.

BS EN 12808-5 specifies the test method to be used to determine the water absorption coefficient due to capillary action when the grout surface contacts the water without any additional pressure. The coefficient is measured by means of prisms.

Note: BS EN 12808-5 does not contain performance requirements or recommendations for the design and installation of ceramic tiles.

Note: Ceramic tile grouts may also be used for other types of tiles (natural and agglomerated stones, etc.), where these do not adversely affect the stones.

Who is BS EN 12808-5 - tile grouts water absorption for?

BS EN 12808-5 on tile grouts water absorption is useful for:

Grout manufacturers
Product development / innovation teams
Quality control and testing personnel
The construction industry
Builders / real estate developers / architects
Contractors
Civil / building / construction engineers
Interior designers

Why should you use BS EN 12808-5 - tile grouts water absorption?

Grout is used as a filler for the joints between tiles.

BS EN 12808-5 covers details such as test equipment, test sampling, and conditioning, test materials, test procedure, mixing of grouts, and calculations to determine the water absorption qualities of ceramic tile grouts.

Studying the water absorption of grouting contributes towards the health and safety of inhabitants of the structure. Grouting that retains moisture can lead to mould and fungus, which pose health risks.

As a manufacturer of tile grout, testing in compliance with BS EN 12808-5 can demonstrate the performance and quality of your products.

BS EN 12808-5:2008

Grouts for tiles - Determination of water absorption

Published:

30 Nov 2008

Withdrawn:

29 Sep 2022