EN 13050:2011
(Main)Curtain Walling - Watertightness - Laboratory test under dynamic condition of air pressure and water spray
General Information
- Abstract
This European Standard defines an additional test method which may be used when assessing the watertightness of curtain walling, both its fixed and openable parts. It is a supplementary test, not required for classification purposes, and it should be used only when the project specifier has determined its necessity.
This European Standard describes how the outside face of a curtain walling specimen should be subjected to a continuous spray of water and a turbulent airflow, with continuous pulses of positive air pressure on the outside of the test specimen generated from within the chamber.
This European Standard applies to any curtain walling product as defined in EN 13830.
- Status
- Published
- Publication Date
- 12-Jul-2011
- Withdrawal Date
- 30-Jan-2012
- Technical Committee
- CEN/TC 33 - Doors, windows, shutters and building hardware
- Drafting Committee
- CEN/TC 33/WG 6 - Curtain walling
- Current Stage
- 9093 - Decision to confirm - Review Enquiry
- Start Date
- 08-Mar-2023
- Completion Date
- 16-Sep-2026
Overview
EN 13050:2011 - published by CEN - specifies a supplementary laboratory test for the watertightness of curtain walling under dynamic conditions. The standard describes how to expose curtain wall specimens (fixed and openable parts) to a continuous water spray combined with turbulent airflow and repeated positive air-pressure pulses. EN 13050:2011 is not a mandatory classification test; it is used when the project specifier determines additional verification of performance is necessary. It applies to curtain walling products as defined in EN 13830.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Test principle: continuous spray of water while applying turbulent airflow and regular positive pressure pulses on the outside face; inspect inside for water leakage.
- Spray system: adjustable nozzle grid producing a continuous film at a minimum of 2 l/m²·min; circular full-cone nozzles (90–120°), working pressure ~2–3 bar.
- Airflow (wind generator): axial fan in a 600 mm duct with 90° bend; velocities measured 20 mm from duct end - central axis ≥ 30 m/s (min), 75% area ≥ 20 m/s, any point ≥ 8 m/s; duct axis horizontal and normal to specimen.
- Pressure pulses: calculate maximum test pressure (Pmax) from design wind pressure (Pdesign). Apply pulses between Pmax and ~0.33·Pmax; example pulses include three positive pulses of 500 Pa (or 10% greater than Pmax) and pulse durations (e.g., increase time 1–3 s, hold ≥3 s; continuous pulses 5 s ±1 s).
- Specimen requirements: full-size, operable condition, at least two typical units wide, representative framing and fixings; height at least the full distance to building connection.
- Test procedure details: pre-spray, pulse sequencing, wind-generator traverse patterns, leak recording and mapping.
- Reporting: full identification of specimen, test parameters, leak locations, test duration, calibration dates, and signatures.
Applications and users
EN 13050:2011 is primarily used for:
- Façade engineers and specifiers who require enhanced verification of curtain wall watertightness under simulated wind-driven rain and dynamic pressure.
- Curtain wall manufacturers seeking supplemental laboratory evidence for complex or bespoke systems.
- Independent testing laboratories performing façade performance assessments.
- Architects, building envelope consultants, and contractors addressing high-risk exposure conditions (e.g., tall buildings, exposed sites) where dynamic loading and spray may reveal vulnerabilities.
Related standards
- EN 13830 - Curtain walling product standard (scope link)
- EN 12155 - Watertightness laboratory test under static pressure
- EN 12154 - Curtain walling watertightness performance requirements and classification
- EN 13119 - Terminology for curtain walling
- EN 1027 - Windows/doors watertightness test method
Keywords: EN 13050:2011, curtain walling, watertightness, laboratory test, dynamic air pressure, water spray, CEN, EN 13830.
Relations
- Effective Date
- 16-Jul-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
- Effective Date
- 28-Jan-2026
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Frequently Asked Questions
EN 13050:2011 is a standard published by the European Committee for Standardization (CEN). Its full title is "Curtain Walling - Watertightness - Laboratory test under dynamic condition of air pressure and water spray". This standard covers: This European Standard defines an additional test method which may be used when assessing the watertightness of curtain walling, both its fixed and openable parts. It is a supplementary test, not required for classification purposes, and it should be used only when the project specifier has determined its necessity. This European Standard describes how the outside face of a curtain walling specimen should be subjected to a continuous spray of water and a turbulent airflow, with continuous pulses of positive air pressure on the outside of the test specimen generated from within the chamber. This European Standard applies to any curtain walling product as defined in EN 13830.
This European Standard defines an additional test method which may be used when assessing the watertightness of curtain walling, both its fixed and openable parts. It is a supplementary test, not required for classification purposes, and it should be used only when the project specifier has determined its necessity. This European Standard describes how the outside face of a curtain walling specimen should be subjected to a continuous spray of water and a turbulent airflow, with continuous pulses of positive air pressure on the outside of the test specimen generated from within the chamber. This European Standard applies to any curtain walling product as defined in EN 13830.
EN 13050:2011 is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 91.060 - Elements of buildings; 91.060.10 - Walls. Partitions. Facades. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.
EN 13050:2011 has the following relationships with other standards: It is inter standard links to ENV 13050:2000, EN 13119:2007, EN 13830:2015+A1:2020, EN ISO 128-2:2020, EN 13830:2015, CEN ISO/TS 8062-2:2013, EN ISO 128-1:2020, EN ISO 8062-3:2023, EN ISO 8062-3:2007, EN ISO 1302:2002. Understanding these relationships helps ensure you are using the most current and applicable version of the standard.
EN 13050:2011 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.WODNXVorhangfassaden - Schlagregendichtheit - Laborprüfung mit wechselndem Luftdruck und Besprühen mit WasserFaçades rideaux - Etanchéité à l'eau - Essai en laboratoire sous pression d'air dynamique et projection d'eauCurtain Walling - Watertightness - Laboratory test under dynamic condition of air pressure and water spray91.060.10Stene. Predelne stene. FasadeWalls. Partitions. FacadesICS:Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z:EN 13050:2011SIST EN 13050:2011en,de01-oktober-2011SIST EN 13050:2011SLOVENSKI
STANDARDSIST ENV 13050:20011DGRPHãþD
EUROPEAN STANDARD NORME EUROPÉENNE EUROPÄISCHE NORM
EN 13050
July 2011 ICS 91.060.10 Supersedes ENV 13050:2000English Version
Curtain Walling - Watertightness - Laboratory test under dynamic condition of air pressure and water spray
Façades rideaux - Etanchéité à l'eau - Essai en laboratoire sous pression d'air dynamique et projection d'eau
Vorhangfassaden - Schlagregendichtheit - Laborprüfung mit wechselndem Luftdruck und Besprühen mit Wasser This European Standard was approved by CEN on 10 June 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 13050:2011: ESIST EN 13050:2011
This chamber shall be of sufficient strength and rigidity to withstand the test pressures likely to be imposed during the tests. It shall not deflect under test pressure to any extent which would affect the performance of the test specimen (Figure 2). Adequately representative structural supports shall be provided to which the specimen shall be attached in accordance with the conditions of use in the works (see also Clause 6). 5.2 A means for applying controlled positive test pressures to the specimen arranged such that the air does not impinge directly on the specimen with any significant velocity. 5.3 A means by which rapidly controlled changes of test pressure may be produced within defined limits. 5.4 A means of measuring the applied test pressures, steady or fluctuation, calibrated within an accuracy of ± 5 %. 5.5 An adjustable device for spraying water at a minimum of 2 l/m²·min so that a constant and continuous film is applied to the outside surface of the specimen. The water spraying device shall have nozzles spaced on a regular grid and at a uniform distance from the outside surface of the specimen (see Figures 3 and 4). The local mains water supply will be an acceptable source providing it is clean enough to allow the spray nozzles to function properly throughout the test. The nozzles shall include the following features: Circular full cone spray; Spray angle minimum 90° to maximum 120°; Working pressure range two to three bars according to the manufacturer’s specification. 5.6 A means of measuring the total amount of water supplied within an
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