EN 13420:2011
(Main)Windows - Behaviour between different climates - Test method
General Information
- Abstract
This European Standard specifies the test methods for evaluating:
- the risks of decay of openable and fixed windows manufactured of different materials through increased moisture accumulation as a result of condensation or water vapour diffusion;
- the influence of deformation on basic performances of openable and fixed windows manufactured of different materials exposed to different climates between their external and internal faces.
Three test methods are to be differentiated. They take into account different cases of loadings.
- Test method 1: For designs with low resistance to water vapour diffusion (normally designs with water vapour equalization holes); the test procedure is to be used for cross-sections where the danger is given by the moisture accumulation as a result of the condensation of moisture between the planking and the timber (see Annex A (informative), Figure A.1).
- Test method 2.1 and 2.2: For designs with high resistance to water vapour diffusion (normally designs without water vapour equalization holes); the test procedure is to be used for cross-sections where the danger is given by the condensation of the moisture between the surface of the inner profile and the inner surface of the outer profile by having a different water vapour diffusion (see Annex A (informative), Figures A.2 and A.3).
- Test method 3: For designs being sensitive to deformation; the test procedure is to be used for cross-sections where they are sensitive to the function through deformation as a result of climatic loading.
This European Standard defines the test procedures which are to be used in dependence of the potential risk of the design.
This European Standard is relevant to initial type testing, i. e. to developments or changes in designs. It is not relevant to routine quality control or to proven designs.
NOTE Designs are included in Annex A (informative). Annex B (normative) is the survey of general design criteria where tests are not necessary.
- Status
- Published
- Publication Date
- 26-Apr-2011
- Withdrawal Date
- 30-Oct-2011
- Technical Committee
- CEN/TC 33 - Doors, windows, shutters and building hardware
- Drafting Committee
- CEN/TC 33/WG 1/2 - Windows and doors
- Current Stage
- 9093 - Decision to confirm - Review Enquiry
- Start Date
- 14-Jun-2022
- Completion Date
- 23-Sep-2026
Overview
EN 13420:2011 - Windows: Behaviour between different climates - Test method (CEN) defines laboratory test procedures to assess how windows manufactured from different materials behave when exposed to contrasting internal and external climates. The standard evaluates:
- the risk of decay from moisture accumulation due to condensation or water‑vapour diffusion; and
- the influence of deformation on essential window functions (serviceability, air permeability, operating forces).
EN 13420:2011 is intended for initial type testing (new designs or design changes), not routine production quality control.
Key topics and requirements
- Three test methods matched to design risk:
- Test method 1 - for designs with low resistance to water vapour diffusion (e.g., designs with vapour equalisation holes). Cyclic temperature loading is applied until moisture equilibrium or 100 cycles.
- Test methods 2.1 / 2.2 - for designs with high resistance to vapour diffusion (e.g., sealed profiles). Constant climatic exposure is applied (30–60 days) until moisture equilibrium or visible condensation.
- Test method 3 - for designs sensitive to deformation. Thermal loading cycles assess dimensional changes and functional impairment (24 h per climate).
- Climatic conditions include cold (
‑10 °C), temperate (23 °C) and hot (surface up to ~60–75 °C) exposures and specified relative humidity levels; the standard defines cycle durations and acceptance criteria for moisture and deformation. - Measurement and accuracy: moisture meters (electric hygrometer ±1 %), deformation measurement (accuracy 0.1 mm), and test rig requirements referenced to EN 1121/EN 1026.
- Specimen preparation: mounted per manufacturer instructions, operable, opened/closed five times before testing, then secured closed and locked during exposure.
- Documentation: test report must include specimen identification, drawings (1:1), test climates, moisture and deformation results, and performance before/after tests.
Practical applications and users
EN 13420:2011 is used by:
- Window and façade manufacturers developing composite windows (timber/aluminium, aluminium/clad timber, PVC with metal cladding).
- R&D and product development teams performing initial type testing for new profiles and material combinations.
- Independent test laboratories and certification bodies validating durability against vapour diffusion, condensation and climate‑induced deformation.
- Architects, specifiers and façade engineers referencing durability criteria for building envelopes in varying climates.
Practical benefits include improved durability design, reduced risk of hidden decay (wet spots at interfaces), and ensuring long‑term operability and air‑tightness under real climate differentials.
Related standards
Normative and referenced documents include EN 1026, EN 1121, EN 12046‑1, EN 12207, EN 12519, and EN 13115 - used together with EN 13420 for full performance assessment and reporting.
Relations
- Effective Date
- 23-Apr-2011
- Effective Date
- 28-Jan-2026
- Effective Date
- 28-Jan-2026
- Effective Date
- 28-Jan-2026
- Effective Date
- 28-Jan-2026
- Effective Date
- 28-Jan-2026
- Effective Date
- 28-Jan-2026
- Effective Date
- 28-Jan-2026
- Effective Date
- 28-Jan-2026
Get Certified
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DIBt (Deutsches Institut für Bautechnik)
German Institute for Building Technology.
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Aboma Certification B.V.
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Frequently Asked Questions
EN 13420:2011 is a standard published by the European Committee for Standardization (CEN). Its full title is "Windows - Behaviour between different climates - Test method". This standard covers: This European Standard specifies the test methods for evaluating: - the risks of decay of openable and fixed windows manufactured of different materials through increased moisture accumulation as a result of condensation or water vapour diffusion; - the influence of deformation on basic performances of openable and fixed windows manufactured of different materials exposed to different climates between their external and internal faces. Three test methods are to be differentiated. They take into account different cases of loadings. - Test method 1: For designs with low resistance to water vapour diffusion (normally designs with water vapour equalization holes); the test procedure is to be used for cross-sections where the danger is given by the moisture accumulation as a result of the condensation of moisture between the planking and the timber (see Annex A (informative), Figure A.1). - Test method 2.1 and 2.2: For designs with high resistance to water vapour diffusion (normally designs without water vapour equalization holes); the test procedure is to be used for cross-sections where the danger is given by the condensation of the moisture between the surface of the inner profile and the inner surface of the outer profile by having a different water vapour diffusion (see Annex A (informative), Figures A.2 and A.3). - Test method 3: For designs being sensitive to deformation; the test procedure is to be used for cross-sections where they are sensitive to the function through deformation as a result of climatic loading. This European Standard defines the test procedures which are to be used in dependence of the potential risk of the design. This European Standard is relevant to initial type testing, i. e. to developments or changes in designs. It is not relevant to routine quality control or to proven designs. NOTE Designs are included in Annex A (informative). Annex B (normative) is the survey of general design criteria where tests are not necessary.
This European Standard specifies the test methods for evaluating: - the risks of decay of openable and fixed windows manufactured of different materials through increased moisture accumulation as a result of condensation or water vapour diffusion; - the influence of deformation on basic performances of openable and fixed windows manufactured of different materials exposed to different climates between their external and internal faces. Three test methods are to be differentiated. They take into account different cases of loadings. - Test method 1: For designs with low resistance to water vapour diffusion (normally designs with water vapour equalization holes); the test procedure is to be used for cross-sections where the danger is given by the moisture accumulation as a result of the condensation of moisture between the planking and the timber (see Annex A (informative), Figure A.1). - Test method 2.1 and 2.2: For designs with high resistance to water vapour diffusion (normally designs without water vapour equalization holes); the test procedure is to be used for cross-sections where the danger is given by the condensation of the moisture between the surface of the inner profile and the inner surface of the outer profile by having a different water vapour diffusion (see Annex A (informative), Figures A.2 and A.3). - Test method 3: For designs being sensitive to deformation; the test procedure is to be used for cross-sections where they are sensitive to the function through deformation as a result of climatic loading. This European Standard defines the test procedures which are to be used in dependence of the potential risk of the design. This European Standard is relevant to initial type testing, i. e. to developments or changes in designs. It is not relevant to routine quality control or to proven designs. NOTE Designs are included in Annex A (informative). Annex B (normative) is the survey of general design criteria where tests are not necessary.
EN 13420:2011 is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 91.060.50 - Doors and windows. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.
EN 13420:2011 has the following relationships with other standards: It is inter standard links to ENV 13420:2000, EN 1026:2016, EN 12046-1:2020, EN 12207:2016, EN 13115:2020, EN 1121:2000, EN 12519:2004, EN 14351-1:2006+A1:2010, EN 14351-1:2006+A2:2016. Understanding these relationships helps ensure you are using the most current and applicable version of the standard.
EN 13420:2011 is available in PDF format for immediate download after purchase. The document can be added to your cart and obtained through the secure checkout process. Digital delivery ensures instant access to the complete standard document.
Standards Content (Sample)
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.Fenster - Differenzklima - PrüfverfahrenFenêtres - Comportement entre climats différents - Méthode d'essaiWindows - Behaviour between different climates - Test method91.060.50Vrata in oknaDoors and windowsICS:Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z:EN 13420:2011SIST EN 13420:2011en,fr,de01-oktober-2011SIST EN 13420:2011SLOVENSKI
STANDARDSIST ENV 13420:20011DGRPHãþD
EUROPEAN STANDARD NORME EUROPÉENNE EUROPÄISCHE NORM
EN 13420
April 2011 ICS 91.060.50 Supersedes ENV 13420:2000English Version
Windows - Behaviour between different climates - Test method Fenêtres - Comportement entre climats différents - Méthode d'essai
Fenster - Differenzklima - Prüfverfahren This European Standard was approved by CEN on 10 March 2011.
CEN members are bound to comply with the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations which stipulate the conditions for giving this European Standard the status of a national standard without any alteration. Up-to-date lists and bibliographical references concerning such national standards may be obtained on application to the CEN-CENELEC Management Centre or to any CEN member.
This European Standard exists in three official versions (English, French, German). A version in any other language made by translation under the responsibility of a CEN member into its own language and notified to the CEN-CENELEC Management Centre has the same status as the official versions.
CEN members are the national standards bodies of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and United Kingdom.
EUROPEAN COMMITTEE FOR STANDARDIZATION
COMITÉ EUROPÉEN DE NORMALISATION EUROPÄISCHES KOMITEE FÜR NORMUNG
Management Centre:
Avenue Marnix 17,
B-1000 Brussels © 2011 CEN All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved worldwide for CEN national Members. Ref. No. EN 13420:2011: ESIST EN 13420:2011
Design principles . 12Annex B (normative)
Survey of general design criteria where tests are not necessary . 13 SIST EN 13420:2011
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